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Wendy Gilligan

"What's worse than nine babies in a bucket? One baby in nine buckets."

0 · 230 views · located in Otanis

a character in “The Skylands of Novahlis: The Heart of Otanis”, as played by AdmireAtStuff

Description

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Full Name: Wendy Anne Gilligan
Age: 22
Gender: Female
Occupation: Thief (more like a pickpocket)
Birth year: 678 A. E. M.
Height: 152 cm/ 5'0''
Weight: 42 kg/ 93 lbs
Eye color: Brown
Hair color: Brown




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Appearance:

Wendy is often mistaken as someone in her early teens due to her short and skinny stature, round face and big dark brown curious eyes. Her dark brown hair reaches just below her shoulders, her skin is on the pale side. Her usual clothing is a white button up shirt and long brown baggy pants. She has some other spare clothes, but are so few, they barely take any space in her backpack. All of them are ordinary, simple and comfortable, so she can blend with the crowds and not have difficulty with movement.

Personality:

Often smiling, Wendy shows a relaxed, quiet and laid back attitude. Even in deadly situations she appears calm, while her heart is pounding. She is prone to letting out sarcastic, randomn, innocent, or dark jokes even at the most innapropriate times and places. She also likes humming songs while staring into the space. Wendy is generally friendly, but often inconsiderate to the others. She can be selfish and even mean-spirited for small things, like lack of sharing. She would rather laugh than rush to help you when you fall and hit yourself hard. Wendy often makes jokes on the expence of other people and is painfully blunt to them. Despite everything, she is capable of selflessness when it comes to mortal danger. She's not only against murdering, she even encourages saving people's lives, because anyone could have a family waiting for them.

People often wonder if Wendy ever takes anything seriously. If she didn't, she would be dead long ago. She's intelligent enough to think of a plan that lets her steal something without being noticed. Often she pretends to be stupid or airheaded. However, due to her common sense slipping from time to time, this isn't always an act.

History:

Wendy was born in a humble, yet loving environment. She grew up with her father, mother and younger sister. Their wealth was just enough to keep Wendy and her mother alive, as the other two fell ill and lost their battle against their disease. Because of that, Wendy and her mother were pushed to thievery. The mother was experienced in this area before she got married, so she gave all her knowledge to the daughter. They were not only a family, but also a team. Their partnership lasted for years, until they were outwitted by an assasin that put an end of the mother's life. Since then, 15-year-old Wendy had to continue on her own.

Despite everything, Wendy didn't restrict herself from befriending people. She cared for them even when she pretended to be confused when they said they were missing jewlery, coins or other items. However, she has never built a strong deep bond with anyone so far, besides her family and several animals.
Wendy couldn't save anyone from her family, so she would recklessly sacrifice a lot just so people could keep living. Still, she wasn't above stealing possessions without wondering how important they would be to other people.
Despite her situation, Wendy still finished her education, but didn't expand it with a university degree.
Wendy isn't professionally trained as a thief. Her mother was the only person who taught her. She keeps on with it only because she doesn't know how else she would support herself. Wendy has the basic skills as a thief, nothing more. She doesn't even have a reputation as such.

Equipment:

A cudgel - Wendy's weapon of choise. It's a rather short yet thick wooden stick with rounded head. It's not very useful for killing, but it's great for causing the opponents pain, so she can defend herself better.
A backpack - this is where Wendy keeps her money, some spare clothes and the items she picked.

Skills:

Wendy is one of the lesser skilled people in Novahlis when it comes to what she does and fighting in general. She's not weak per se, but compared to the real thieves and most of the main characters, she isn't really a great competition. She relies on her stealth and quiet actions at most, so she doesn't bring any attention to her. She isn't the first to start a fight, why would she? When she's dragged into one, Wendy uses her speed in order to evade and run away. She would use her cudgel only when neccessary.

Compared to most of Novahlis, she isn't big news. However, Wendy is skilled on her own - just enough to survive. She is quite acrobatic. Wendy is strong enough to lift herself and climb easily, she's agile, has good balance, is very fast and her jumping can be quite impressive and useful. Still, one would not see her flying and doing flips at the height of high buildings any time soon.


So begins...

Wendy Gilligan's Story

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Character Portrait: Jackson Harvelle Character Portrait: Wendy Gilligan
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The setting changes from Novahlis to Otanis

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Character Portrait: Jackson Harvelle Character Portrait: Wendy Gilligan
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"Where is my bread loaf?" A man muttered to himself, searching in his bag. "I remember very well that I've put it here."

A young and short brunette was walking slowly, enjoying the taste of a soft fresh loaf of bread.
"Darn, I love those!" she whispered to herself in bliss before taking another big bite. The young woman was eating so fast, she was on the verge of choking at least twice. She was reminded of the surroundings when her big dark brown eyes spotted a man, seemingly devestated, loopy and lacking balance, or desire to live. He was holding a broken bottle and pointed the sharp broken part of it against his neck. Oh, how he wished for them to meet, he tried hard to make that happen, but a small hand with thin fingers was holding his wrist tightly.
"Not in the mood?" The short brown haired girl asked, tightening her grip on his arm.
"Why did you stop me? Why would you care?" the man muttered, as the alcohol scent coming from him started torturing the girl's nosdrils. "I have no friends. I have no family. All I love in life is drinking! Not water, mind you! So leave me alone!"

The man used bigger force to free his grip from the girl and succeeded. Then, his body collided with the floor, as his consciousness was no longer with him. The brown haired woman took his broken bottle from his lifeless arm.
"Well, once he wakes up will he still want to commit suicide?" she thought. Then she noticed the increasing blood puddle below his head and the sight of a rather sharp rock that most likely caused it.
"Never mind." she thought and went away. "However, his money case is heavy enough to probably win friends over with food."

"I am Wendy and I'm walking aimlessly... hmmhmm hmh mmm hmmm..." the girl was singing to herself before taking another bite from the bread. Unwittingly while walking, she was looking at a tall blonde man, as her view was sliding from his lips to his clothes and vice versa. It took her time to realize that she actually stopped in front of him, still examing him.
"Oh! Sorry!" Wendy snapped out of it. "You just seemed familliar. Nice clothes by the way." she said and kept walking.

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Character Portrait: Wendy Gilligan
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Wendy was finished with her lunch, but not with her job. She needed to be more secure for now. She kept walking more, until she reached and took a peek at an inn. It was crowded with cheerful, carefree people, eating tasty dishes and drinking quality alcohol. The latter was more present, much to Wendy's delight. The young woman entered and took off her backpack.

"My money case! It's gone!" she exclaimed. Then her eyes started immediately examing the people who all checked for their belongings, memorizing where their hands went. It spared her some time from looking for the goods. She started from the easiest targets and the easiest places of their money, yet she was still quiet and careful not to be spotted.

"Hey! Hey, you!" a loud female voice pierced Wendy's ears, who stood still with her irises slightly shrunk, glancing at a tall and seemingly strong and aggressive middle-aged woman. The young girl quickly returned her usual relaxed face expression, as she started walking towards the exit. The tall woman grabbed her wrist tightly and pulled her closer to her, glaring into her eyes. Wendy's expression didn't change, but her mind was racing, desperately trying to find a way out of this. How could she let it happen? Wasn't she careful enough?

"I like them young..." the older woman roared and slowly caressed Wendy's cheek.
"Oh, thank goodness!" Wendy thought in relief. "Well, I still need to find a way out of this. Now. Immediately."

"What is that over there?" Wendy quickly pointed her finget at the other end of the inn, as her expression portrayed a mix of shock and disgust.
"Where?" The cougar turned back for a moment. "Oh, that man puking everywhere? Sweetheart, if this disgusts you, you'll seriously need to steel your nerv... Huh? Where did she go? And where is my bracelet?"

What Wendy stole was enough for renting a cheap temporary shelter and buy several meals. This was probably good enough.
"Otanis is a good place. Maybe I should settle down here for a while." Wendy thought. "But only by renting places with bad conditions wouldn't be very pleasant. A huge sourse of money nearby would be great." she crossed her arms, as the enormous glory of the Otanis castle was raising on the horizon right behind her.

The setting changes from Otanis to Novahlis

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Character Portrait: Peter McGuffey Character Portrait: Wendy Gilligan
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#, as written by Dae Mec
AGH

The setting changes from Novahlis to Otanis

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Character Portrait: Peter McGuffey Character Portrait: Wendy Gilligan
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#, as written by Dae Mec
She was taking an awful long time to retrieve the information, thought Peter with a frown. Normally, she was much faster. Oh well. Peter sighed and turned his thoughts to happier subjects, like that of his family. As speaking of his family, he'd better send them a message. He'd promised to notify them the second he landed in Otanis. Thoughts of treasure forgotten, he hurried to the nearest post office. Hastily, he slapped a few coins on the table for stationary and began to pen a letter.

To my girls,

I have arrived safely in Otanis, just as I said I would. Looks like the old ship lasted a little longer, eh? Hopefully, this trip won't take me too long. I miss you all so much!


He paused. Was that too gushy? Peter shrugged and went back to writing.

Otanis is quite nice, even if it is a bit... different. How are you all doing?

Ana, how have your exams been? Are you doing well in college? And did you break up with that pathetic excuse of a man you call a boyfriend? You should. You really should. Now, I'm not one to make decisions for you, and you know that I will respect your judgement. However, I intensely dislike him. Anyone who thinks that the study of history is "a job for musty geezers" doesn't deserve you. Or the chance to live.

Natali, I hope you received the bracelet I sent you. I heard that all the teenagers consider it to be very rad. Do kids your age use the word "rad?" And I know that you think you're all grown up, but you aren't yet. Remember to listen to your mother. Don't give her a hard time, alright?

Irina, is the shop doing well? I know this is the busiest time for you. And before you ask, yes, the stabilizers of the ship held steady. I told you that it would work! Is there anything you need from Otanis? While they aren't the most advanced of countries, due their neutrality and the unwillingness of the major powers to engage in trade agreements after the fiasco of... I'm rambling, aren't I?

Anyway, I miss and love you all very much. If you need anything, send me a message.

All my love,
Peter


Quickly, Peter folded the paper, tucked it in the envelope, and handed it to the bored clerk. “Express, please. The address is written on the envelope.”

“Thank you, sir.” The clerk put it in the back pile. Satisfied, Peter walked out of the office. He stopped briefly he realized that he hadn’t found a place to stay yet. (Sure, that should have been to first thing to do when he arrived here, but… oh well.) Peter immediately set out on a hunt for lodgings.

He walked around for a bit, looking for a decent sized inn, but he soon became distracted when he noticed an antique bookstore. He walked in, smiling when he saw the rows upon of books. Perhaps I’ll have better luck here. This store’s library actually seems bigger than I’ll just look around for a few minutes.


Peter did have better luck in the bookstore. He also ended up reading several old tomes. And spending several hours there.

"Pray us to all that is pure... search in the coldest of beds... all that is good shall endure... all that you need will be dead."

Peter blinked. "Whoever translated this should be strung from a pole," he growled. "Pray us to all? How incompetent can you be?" He placed aside the dusty book and picked another one. "Although," he mumbled to himself, “that seems to be a common theme. Coldest of beds and what you need will be dead… I’ve seen those two phrases in almost all the books I’ve read here. Hm.”

Peter abruptly realized that he really should look for a place to stay; he had no more time to waste if he wanted a warm bed. After purchasing the most useful book, he hurried out the store.


After about thirty minutes of wandering around, Peter realized that he was lost. Well, technically lost. He knew where he was, but he just didn’t know where he was going.

He looked around. Peter was currently on a street with a good view of the palace. It seemed like one of those tourist traps: an area where metaphorical robbery (ridiculously expensive prices) and literal robbery (shakedowns of helpless visitors) took place. And standing near the corner of the street was a girl who appeared rather out of place.

Short, brunette, and plain-clothed—unlike the obvious tourists or colorful locals. To a less practiced eye, she would have blended in, but Peter was adept at picking out things (or people) that didn’t belong. There was also her age. She appeared to be a bit older than Peter’s daughter Natali, and several years younger than his sister Ana. She was also alone.

Peter glanced around. This street would quickly turn ugly when the sun set. Anyone foolish enough to stay out late here would be in for a world of trouble. He sighed. Well, he wasn’t about to let her fend for herself…

“Excuse me,” he called out to her, “excuse me, I was wondering if you could help me.” He smiled, scratching his head absentmindedly. “Er, I’m a bit lost.” Which was true, unfortunately. “Do you know where I could find an inn or a place to stay?”

Peter wasn’t too worried about misjudging her. If he was wildly mistaken about her character, and she happened to be an evil mass-murderer, then Peter was more than capable of defending himself. He had his trusty pistols with him, and he was pretty sure he could handle most assailants coming his way. Hopefully.

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Character Portrait: Peter McGuffey Character Portrait: Wendy Gilligan
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Wendy's atention was taken away by a person, as she was walking around people and working at the same time.

“Excuse me, excuse me, I was wondering if you could help me.” he said with a polite smile on his face.
"Sure thing." Wendy replied with the same facial expression as him.
“Er, I’m a bit lost. Do you know where I could find an inn or a place to stay?” the man asked.

He seemed intelligent, yet at that moment his attention might have been weaker, which was what she often seeked in people. However, Wendy could understand him when it come to being in an unknown location and having to stay there for the night. Might as well reccomend him some places. The girl came next to him and pointed down the street.

"Over there there's an inn. You walk straight for around fifty metres and then you look on your right. It's a bit expensive over there, well at least by my standarts. People are also friendly there. Some of them - a bit too friendly." she referred to the last inn she went to, which was a golden pickpocketing mine. She didn't feel like going there any time soon, but there were no problems with reccomendations. While talking to him, her non-pointing hand was slowly sliding to his closest pocket, but then it stopped and went back to her.

"There's also another inn that is closer. Around thirty metres from here! I don't really know how are the prices over there, but I'm curious, as I'm looking for a place too." she said.
"I'm soon-to be broke, and finding jobs with quick payment isn't easy or trustworthy. Silly me! Should have saved more! Worst case scenario, sleeping on the streets. I should check the prices. Feel free to come too!"

At first glance the man seemed kind and helpful and also with reasonable amount of financial support. Wendy could be right or wrong. Whatever he was, she thought she should slow down with pickpocketing for once, at least with him. She knew very well that he might be dangerous below the friendly surface. In case he was an assassin, she would quickly run away. However, in case he was as genorous and kind as he seemed, she might receive some knowledge that would help her, or at the very least - a free room in an inn.

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Character Portrait: Erik Adalia Character Portrait: Peter McGuffey Character Portrait: Wendy Gilligan
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The sky was blue, water was wet, and Erik was never going to break into the palace. This much was clear to him. He gazed into the horizon, eyes glazed over, as his fingers tapped rhythmically against the rough tile of the rooftop he was currently crouched upon. He mouthed words, shaking his head every so often, scrapping plans just as quickly as he came up with them.

He half figured he should just accept his loss. He was never going to be able to sneak into the most well guarded building in the country, the place was a fucking fortress. Let alone quickly and without being seen. Not without help, anyways, and seeking aid for a job was expressly against the rules of Jericho; Alana would have his head for it.

Erik briefly considered the life he was trying so desperately to stay away from, and he wondered why. Why was he running from the luxurious house that had, in time, come to be his home? From the people that loved him? That he loved? Because he did love Daniel and Alana. Strangely enough, he loved them more than he cared for his own hide. And it had been months. No memory or her would linger, no old garment of hers, no left behind daggers of hers. Daniel would have made sure of that. But for some reason, he simply couldn't envision himself returning to that house. Not yet, at any rate. Daniel must have realized this, or he would have sent people to find him already. Ask him to come home. He certainly wouldn't have sent Alana, no matter how guards she might've come with, so he knew her pesky request wasn't Daniel's work. That, at least, was something of a comfort to him. His best friend was not pressuring him into something he wasn't ready to do. His best friend still understood. Now, Alana... Alana was a different matter entirely.

He didn't know how long he had been up there, watching the clouds pass overhead as he tried to come up with a plan that wasn't entirely utterly ridiculous. It must have been at least half an hour; his legs were beginning to grow sore. With a frustrated grunt and an agitated hand through his hair, Erik stood, stretching his limbs out.

"Having trouble coming up with a plan of attack, I see," a voice spoke from just under the rooftop.

Erik jumped slightly, turning his head to see Alana's head peeking up from just beneath the rafters. Hastily, and with surprisingly agility for someone in her clothing, she pulled herself up entirely, taking a seat beside him.

Though he knew it was due in part to his lack of awareness in that moment, Alana had managed to successfully sneak up on him. She was awfully good at being quiet, silent footsteps and nimble movements. If she were anyone else, she'd have a promising career in thievery. But Daniel would personally send him to the gallows if he were to even consider the possibility. She already had a future in healing, a respectable profession for a young lady of her rank. Following her lead, he sat down, legs crossed with a soft sigh. "Come to rub it in my face, have ya?"

"Maybe just a little," she giggled. No shame. But, that was the Alana he had grown with. A bemused smile tweaked the corners of his lips up, and he couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at her confession.

"Well don't hold your breath. I'm gonna find a way into that castle."

"We'll see. Not to prematurely congratulate myself or anything, but I think I picked wisely."

A rush of air left his mouth in something of a sardonic laugh. "Yeah, you did. But I'll find kink in that impenetrable armor eventually. I always do."

"You know, Erik, if you just gave up, it would be okay. No penalties or any--"

Alana never finished her sentence. For just then, an incredibly loud explosion rang through Erik's ears, and he saw Alana turn her head towards the palace, her mouth agape. He followed her gaze, where he saw, curiously enough, fireworks. And then smoke. Good god, he couldn't believe his luck.

He rose to his feet quickly, eyes wide and bright at the sight of opportunity before him. "The kink in the armor," he stated proudly, choosing to ignore the obvious fact that this wasn't a kink, so much as a recent gaping hole. Alana turned back to him, quickly rising to her feet as well.

"You're not thinking about doing this now, are you? That's insane! Going now is the farthest thing from safe!" she raged at him, frightened now at the thought that he might really put his life on the line.

"It's gonna be the safest time, Alana, c'mon, think. Any security is going to be focused on whoever did that," he punctuated his sentence with a point in the direction of the rising smoke. "I find somewhere far away from there and get in. It'll be a cakewalk from there." He started to swing down from the side of the building, holding his arm out for Alana to grasp every time he reached a terrace. She spoke the entire way down, taking periodic pauses when she would carefully slide down the wall.

"No, it won't be safe. If you go now....you're going to die, alright? And, I don't know about you....but I would prefer you didn't. If you're going....to come home with me, I'd really....like you to be in one piece. This is....reckless and you're going to endanger you life....for no reason. Why do you....want to stay away from us so badly?"

Finally, a merciful seven stories later, they had feet planted firmly on the ground. Erik only raised a brow at Alana's comments. "So little faith in this humble thief. I'm wounded." He ducked into the building he had only recently been on top of, actually an inn by the name of Green Ivy Inn. It wasn't the most luxurious location, but he had been staying there the past few days he had been in Otanis, and it served him well enough. Most of the people fighting their way to see the commotion had already left, some already returned. Alana followed on his heels, ready to reprimand him once more.

He turned though, suddenly, catching her with her mouth half open. She shut it quickly, cocking her head slightly in question to his sudden movement. He began shedding the vibrant red cloak, unlatching the buckles at his shoulder. When it was off, he held it out, waiting for Alana to grab it. "Take good care of it. I'm gonna need it when I get back."

Slowly, she reached out to grab ahold of the red fabric. "You never take this off," she whispered, looking down at the cloak she now held in her arms.

Erik shrugged. "I can't risk it drawing any attention this time around."

She looked up, eyebrows creased, a stinging look of betrayal in her eyes. "You're willing to go this far just to pull this off? Just to stay away from us?"

He pressed his lips together, tongue darting out to pull his bottom lip in between his teeth. He didn't know what to say. Eventually, he sighed, softly, quietly. "You know it's not that. If I get found, I might die. Those guards are no joke. Even just as an attempt, I can't risk it. Because I do want to come back to you and Daniel some day, alright? But I can't yet."

Alana was quiet, but he could see her bottom lip trembling ever so slightly.

"I'm going to get into the palace, and I'm not going to die. So wait for me in my room, okay? I'll be back, I promise." He spoke quietly, in a hushed tone, but not paying much attention to any company around him. But as far as inns went, The Green Ivy wasn't known for its upstanding clientele, so he couldn't imagine that, even if anyone had heard of his intentions, they would make any attempt to report him. Now, he just needed to get some equipment from his room for the job...

The setting changes from Otanis to Novahlis

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Character Portrait: Peter McGuffey Character Portrait: Wendy Gilligan
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#, as written by Dae Mec
(I need to stop posting here. AH.)

The setting changes from Novahlis to The Skylands

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Character Portrait: Peter McGuffey Character Portrait: Wendy Gilligan
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#, as written by Dae Mec
(I can't do anything right today. Note to self: Three hours of sleep is not enough.)

The setting changes from The Skylands to Otanis

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Character Portrait: Peter McGuffey Character Portrait: Wendy Gilligan
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#, as written by Dae Mec
"Over there there's an inn. You walk straight for around fifty meters and then you look on your right. It's a bit expensive over there, well at least by my standards. People are also friendly there. Some of them—a bit too friendly," said the girl courteously. She continued, "There's also another inn that is closer. Around thirty meters from here! I don't really know how are the prices over there, but I'm curious, as I'm looking for a place too."

Peter watched as the girl hesitated slightly, as if debating her next words. Finally, she spoke. "I'm soon-to be broke, and finding jobs with quick payment isn't easy or trustworthy. Silly me! Should have saved more! Worst case scenario, sleeping on the streets. I should check the prices. Feel free to come too!"

"Oh, I see." Peter frowned. The girl was young, much too young to worry about things like rent or jobs. At least, in his opinion. "I don't mind accompanying you to the inn," he replied sincerely. "I don't feel like breaking the bank for a room, either. By the way, I'm Peter McGuffey. And you are?"

"Wendy Gilligan, nice to meet you," Wendy replied and raised her arm for a handshake.

"A pleasure," he said, smiling. He grasped her hand briefly and shook it. "So, where's that inn you were talking about?"

"We're going straight," the girl replied casually and started walking. She wondered however... Are we going to end up using the same room? Apparently this is where my plan is heading, as he probably wouldn't pay for two separate rooms" she thought.

After a few-minute walk, they arrived at a dingy looking place named the Green Ivy Inn. A few windows were boarded up and it desperately needed a paint job, but it was otherwise serviceable.

"Is this the one?" asked Peter.

"Yes," Wendy replied. "Let's see the prices!" she said cheerfully and walked inside, turning to the man. "Come on!"

"Su—" a sudden explosion interrupted his words. He paused, then turned.

"What was that?" Wendy raised her brow in calm curiosity. What in the WORLD was that!? her mind was screaming.

Peter craned his neck, noticing smoke rising from the distance. "Oh. My goodness!" He blinked in startled realization. "I think it's coming from the castle!" The sound of shouting filled the air.

"I wonder if another war is about to begin..." Wendy said. Because it worked so well the last times! she thought.

"I certainly hope not," Peter said, voice low and tense. I do not want to live through another war, he thought darkly. He glanced at the girl. "What do you want to do? Do you want to head back to the Inn?" He looked back at the rising smoke.

"Like hell we're going! We have no business there and we will only endanger our lives! Yet again, everyone will be distracted by the explosion and I'll have the chance to take something from the castle. No! I won't let greed make me take risky decisions! Besides, I'm also draggin someone else with me. However, he is willing to go inside, so apparently he's capable enough to be safe. Then again... Oooh, who am I kidding, I'll be rich enough to settle down here!" she thought.

"Oh, sorry.There's a fly over there, which made me space out. So, if you're not afraid, we can go and check in the castle!" Wendy told Peter after snapping out of her deep debate.

He hid a smile at her excuse, and his expression quickly turned grave. "What? Are you sure? It could be dangerous. You can stay here at the inn, and I could go find out." She's just a kid, after all. I don't want to put her in danger. But it's better I accompany her, if she plans on seeing what happened to the castle.

"Ah, no need, no need, I'll come along," Wendy replied. "I once escaped from a group of seven feet tall robbers with fists, daggers and brains for weapons... by simply walking away and finding a hiding place. They scratched their heads and gave up on me in five seconds."

Peter chuckled slightly. "If you insist," he said, smiling. "But I suggest you stay close. Who knows what's happening there?" [Though...[/i] Peter looked curiously at her. At times, she appeared to be an innocent, helpless girl, but at other times... I have a feeling that Wendy is much more than she seems. "Shall we go find out?"

"Sure!" Wendy replied. "And don't worry about me. I've been travelling around for some time, so learning some self reliance wouldn't be bad."

"If you insist." Peter started walking through the crowd, pushing against the flow of people. In just a few minutes, they were able to get a clear view of the castle. Peter stopped in his tracks when he saw the spectacle. "What in the world..." The palace had a giant, gaping hole in the side, as if someone had flown a ship right into it.

"Must have been one extremely drunk captain of an airship," Wendy remarked.

Peter couldn't help but laugh under his breathe at her comment. "I don't think Otanis is under attack, thankfully. I guess we should head back to the inn."




Peter pushed open the door to the Green Ivy Inn. For the most part, it seemed empty. A bored-looking woman manned the front desk, sharpening her nails with a knife.

"Hello," said Peter, smiling. "Could I have two rooms please?"

Two rooms, thought Wendy. Apparently my impression of him wasn't wrong.

"Sure," drawled the woman. "It'll be seventy-six dollars."

Peter reached into his bag and pulled out the needed amount. The lady grabbed the money and pushed two keys towards him. "Rooms 34 and 35, second floor."

"Thank you very much!" Wendy smiled at him. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Peter pushed back his glasses sheepishly. "It's no trouble." He glanced around. "I think the stairs are that way."

With that, the two headed up to their rooms.

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Character Portrait: Erik Adalia Character Portrait: Peter McGuffey Character Portrait: Wendy Gilligan
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#, as written by Dae Mec
As they approached the room, Peter could hear voices discussing something with great emotions.

"You're willing to go this far just to pull this off? Just to stay away from us?" said a feminine voice. Pull what off? wondered Peter.

A pause.

"You know it's not that. If I get found, I might die. Those guards are no joke. Even just as an attempt, I can't risk it. Because I do want to come back to you and Daniel some day, alright? But I can't yet," the deeper voices responded.

Few more seconds of silence. Guards? Where does he...

"I'm going to get into the palace, and I'm not going to die. So wait for me in my room, okay? I'll be back, I promise."

A pair of footsteps alerted Peter that one of the people had left. Peter motioned to Wendy, silently asking her to stay quiet and stay back. Then, Peter stepped into the hallway.

"You're planning to break into the palace?" Peter took his glasses off slowly, cleaning it with a simple cloth. Though he looked composed, his mind was whirling at breakneck speed. It seems like providence is on my side. A thief, and a supposedly skilled one, if he's thinking about breaking into the palace. Peter examined the other man. Lithe, young, and very armed. And more importantly, he exuded confidence and competence. Peter thought quickly. I need someone to help me find the artifact, and quid pro quo... "I could help."