[System]
BASIC
Goes By (Nicknames): None currently available.
Age: 26
Gender: Male
Race: Human

APPEARANCE

Face Claim (Actor/Actress They're Played By): TBA / I've yet to find an actor for this character.
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Blue
Skin Tone: Slightly pale.
Height: 6'2
Weight: 170lbs
Build: Lithe, somewhat muscular.
Weapons: Twin swords, multiple daggers and knives hidden on him.

Overall Appearance:

Dark features, Visible, jagged scar that runs down his right eye. Various scars are hidden underneath his clothing.

Ghent is often clad in black or dark grays.
Most of his clothes are made from black leather; his cloak has a hood and a mask to cover the lower half of his face if needed. He has various weaponry concealed; he often wears fingerless gloves, laced up bracers, and boots.

PERSONALITY

Likes: Gold.
Dislikes: Talking, poverty, people in general.
Strengths: Picking locks, leadership, agility.
Weaknesses: Stubbornness, Greed.
Fears: Loss, failure.

Overall Personality:

Stubborn | Calculating | Complicated | Quiet | Incredulous | Shrewd

Ghent's family was very often poor and lived in a lower part of a small, poverty-stricken town. His mother passed away shortly after giving birth to her second son, Garth. Ghent was ten years in age when she passed.

Ghent's father turned to drinking heavily and he came to blame his children for the loss of his wife. Fearing for Garth, Ghent took matters into his own hands; at the age of thirteen, he took his younger brother and left home, never once looking back.

Life on the road was not an easy one, but Ghent was determined to tough it out so that they would not have to return to their father. At first, Ghent began with petty theft; he stole what was needed in order to keep them alive, they took shelter where they could and lied whenever questioned. As the years went on, they moved up in the world. After years of practice, Ghent became a highly skilled thief. This was the start of a life he would live well past his teenage years.

* * *

Ghent has an eerie calmness about him and his emotions are seldom ever shown. Because of this, he is very difficult to read -- almost impossibly so. Ghent handles matters in a diplomatic way and doesn't often resort to violence unless necessary. For the most part, he is quiet and reserved, therefore much of his past is unknown.

Deep down, Ghent does have a heart, though he does his best not to show it. He'd be the last to admit it, but he has a soft spot for those in need.

BACKGROUND

Date of Birth: ? Have to calculate that. ,_,
Place of Birth: Outskirts of Laketown. Not quite within the town, though close.

Family Relations:

- Garth (younger brother)
- Lydia (Mother; deceased)
- Vincent (Father)
- Kaiden (cousin)

[User]
"Well, you never are." Elrond responded with amusement. The dwarves were eating, some content, others not. Ori was being picky, and Dori was scolding him as per usual. Kili wasn't fond of the overabundance of green food either, and he'd settled for amusing himself by becoming involved in a food fight.
Thorin didn't even bother reprehending his nephew. As a matter of fact, he nearly wanted Elrond to scold him so that he might have a reason for confrontation.
Contrary to this, Elrond did not scold Kili, or any of the others. Instead, he was busying himself with inspecting the swords Gandalf had shown him. "This is Orcrist, the Goblin Cleaver. A famous blade, forged by the High Elves of the West, my kin. May it serve you well." He handed the weapon back to Thorin, who accepted it with a nod.
"And this is Glamdring, the Foehammer, sword of the King of Gondolin." Elrond was only too glad to identify these blades for them. Each had a story and a reason for being made. "These swords were made for the goblin wars of the First Age..."

Bilbo was increasingly interested by this, then looked to his own sword.
Balin smiled lightly as he followed their burglar's gaze, then spoke up. "I wouldn't bother, laddie. Swords are named for the great deeds they do in war."
Bilbo hesitated, then sheathed the blade once more. "What are you saying, my sword hasn't seen battle?"
"I'm not actually sure it is a sword; more of a letter opener, really." If possible, Balin wished to save Bilbo the embarrassment.

Returning the sword to its rightful owner, Elrond looked to Gandalf. "How did you come by these?"

Kili burst out laughing as a bread roll hit Dwalin on the head, and Dwalin cursed at him (much to the shock of a few elves).
This didn't seem to bother the youngest, though. Kili was rather immature sometimes, especially if he was in the center of attention.
"I can't say I fancy Elves myself, too thin." Kili made sure not to say so too loudly, but he said it all the same. "They're all high cheekbones and creamy skin. Not enough facial hair for me." At that, he winked at one of the elves near the back. "Although, that one there's not bad." Again, he wanted attention for being so bold.
Dwalin raised an eyebrow, then looked to the elf Kili had referenced. "That's not an elf maid."
Everyone burst out laughing at his foolishness, and Kili wished he could have sunk into the floor. Being the center of attention wasn't always a good thing.

Embarrassed, Kili grumbled that he wished to find where they kept the mead. Once he made a hasty retreat, he started to walk around the courtyard some, then he took notice that Saeril was observing the group rather than join them.
Unlike before, she was clad in a brown dress and her hair was down. Contrary to his former claims that he did not fancy elves, Kili believed his godmother to be the fairest one there. She had a goodness about her, a motherly sort of charm that he'd felt only from Dis.
Kili stepped up alongside of her, and he was thankful for the balcony's ledge. By leaning on it, he could add a bit of height to his too-short frame. "Why aren't you joining us?"

[Assistant]
"We found them in a troll hoard on the Great East road, shortly before we were ambushed by orcs", the wizard answered his curious but proud Elven friend. "It was a shame to just leave them to lie there", Gandalf added to his point, before taking a split-second glance at Thorin to make sure he was at least a little proud of coming into possessing a great weapon such as Orcrist.

Saeril didn't expect Kili to approach her now. After what he saw from her, she didn't think he would still be that attached to her. He knew her ever since he was a young dwarrow, always dreaming to see, observe, or witness her in the flesh. That is where she came to the point: he saw her as his greatest imagination; his muse. He trusted her for so long, he never judged her. Those traded interactions with the letters and the gifts? It allowed him to closely connect with her, therefore it grew into a love between a child and a parent.

"I was just having thoughts", the she-elf answered with a sigh that nearly sounded miserable. She kept leaning on the rail with her forearms restinf atop of it. "Why are you not with them? Your brother would be expecting you to", she pointed out with her gaze still on the view. She took a soft breath. "They don't like me, Kili", she was shaking her head. "The elves", added into her point of why she separated herself from her surrounding brethren.

[User]
"And what were you doing on the Great East Road?" Elrond questioned the two of them, though Thorin remained clammed up in regards to their journey.
With a frown towards their host, Thorin folded his arms across his chest. "That is none of your concern."
Elrond was not offended by his lack of respect; he had anticipated it. Dwarves were known to be stubborn, and Thorin was perhaps the most stubborn of all.
"I see." With that, Elrond set aside his own glass of wine when he took notice of Kili leaving the table to join with Saeril.
Thorin noticed too. For the better part of their journey, Kili had been at her side, and he did not like it. Somehow, Thorin could not trust Saeril. There was something about her that he did not like. It was as if she carried a secret within secrets, and he did not think it good for Kili to be so very devoted to someone he hardly knew.
Without a word, Thorin rose from the table and left.
Elrond raised an eyebrow, though did not comment on Thorin leaving. "Tell me, Gandalf...how is it that Saeril is accompanying you?"

"Oh, well...I just wanted to explore a bit." Kili didn't want to admit that he'd left out of embarrassment due to his most recent blunder. "Fili won't mind." As Saeril explained her absence, Kili tilted his head to the side as a puppy would, his brows knit in concern.
"How could they not like you?" This made no sense to him; she was very likable and one of their kind.
"Isn't this your home? They should be glad to have you back. You should come." Again, he tried to encourage her to join the others. It saddened him to see how she chose to isolate herself.

[Assistant]
Gandalf looked at the she-elf in the distance, before he took notice of Thorin leaving the table. He didn't say anything, but did turn his gaze back to Elrond. He really didn't need the others to hear about this, so he stood up. "My lord, I think it's best if we talked about that somewhere else", the wizard requested. Now was not the place to talk about her. The whole time, alone, Gandalf told every bit of detail of her story to the Elven lord.

Saeril took another sigh, before she let her wings stretch open wide, and back into their proper tucked-in place. She can't tell him. She just can't. "Believe me, Kili. What I said before, was and always will be true. I can't be accepted among the Elven kin. I'm not even from Rivendell, per say", she explained to him solemnly. "My home is farther from here; a legendary place, once. You've been there before".

[User]
Elrond listened carefully as Gandalf explained about Saeril. "You would do well to keep an eye on her, my friend. Should Thorin find out the truth...it would not end well. For any of them."
Despite his concern, Elrond had faith in Gandalf, and he knew that the wizard had his reasons for doing all of this. He often did. "In the meantime, you are all welcome to stay for as long as you need to."

Kili was often very persistent, but he accepted her answer. As he looked back to the company, he absentmindedly traced his finger over the intricate markings on the balcony's ledge. More often than not, he could cheer up those he cared about, but he could not seem to help Saeril. This was saddening, but he was not willing to give up.
"Where is your home?" The youngest looked to her in confusion when she'd mentioned his being there before. "I don't recall having been there."

[Assistant]
"That would be most appreciative, my lord", Gandalf thanked his friend on their walk, just before night fell quickly as they had thought. Even for Saeril and Kili, the she-elf retold to her youngest godson about his childhood in Fangorn Forest, her home. He spent his hunting days there with his brother and uncle, and of course, all those times that she watched him from above the tree branches. She was quick at the those heights, even with her brethren who once live with her there. It has been a rather fonding memory. Although there was that one time when she asked him about flying.

The Elven lights that surrounded them in the night were enough for concealment. So, she had to stretch her wings. Slowly giving a smile, the she-elf looked at the dwarf as he seemed to be a little bored. "How about you go wash up? If you're still up to that view?", she offered him. They both needed to see the world from above at the moment.

[User]
Kili had listened intently as Saeril told him of the forest. These were stories that he would never tire of, and he smiled fondly as he remembered the gifts he and Fili would find. "Once we've reclaimed Erebor...I would like us to return to Fangorn Forest. Just you, Fili, and I."

Later that evening, Kili had indeed grown bored. Unlike earlier, he was quiet in thought, and he'd chosen not to join the others yet. Instead, he was sprawled out on one of the cot-like chairs, staring up at the gazebo ceiling.
When Saeril mentioned that he should go wash up, he hesitated until she added on about their previously discussed view. "Really? Could we go now?" Kili sat up straighter, then rose to his feet. "I can wash up later," he promised, as he had his heart set on flying. Somehow, bathing sounded a lot less fun than flying.

[Assistant] Indeed, later that evening, the she-elf sat with him on the cot-like chair. His head was laying in her lap, staring at the ceiling while she gently stroked his ebony brown hair. She would be grateful to venture her homeland with them, considering Kili's suggestion thoughtfully. Just the three of them; after the journey. She would fly the two of them there, and cherish the memories they had in their youth. His enthusiasm slightly startled her, but she was happy for his determination. "In that case, young Durin. Come with me", the she-elf offered her hand to lead him to the balcony, where they were earlier.


[System]
- Name: Jerod
- Class: Mercenary
- Age: 25
- Sex: Male
- Appearance:
-
- Equipment: Iron Sword x1
- Personality: Jerod is a very down to earth, spiritual in a general sense, and honest to a fault mind of man. Jerod tends to be the one to call someone out for some reason or another, whether its warranted or appropriate or not. While the man is slow to anger, the quickest way to do it is to confuse his spirituality with religious fervor. He actively shows disdain and distrust for any organized religion, preferring his own, unshared beliefs. But this doesn't mean Jerod is a necessarily bad or mean person, as often as he might come across it with his uncensored mouth and generally common, crude manner of speaking. He just doesn't know to portray himself that well, nor does he care to in the slightest. He would rather be despised for what he is, then loved for what he is not, and will gladly be the first to make that happen, and talk someone's ear off about it, if they get him started, which can usually be done after about 6 drinks at the local tavern.

- Biography: Born to a group of bandits, one would have expected that Jerod would not have turned out much better. But, while he was a child, several warriors tracked down and slew the band of bandits, leaving the young child without family for a brief moment. The oldest warrior adopted the bandit child and took him in. Adopted by a bounty hunter, Jerod learned swordsmanship and other useful wildland skills, from tracking and trapping to skinning and scavenging. Once he was old enough to hold his own, his adopted father took him out hunting bandits and other criminals, letting him learn on the job opposed to just study and safe training. The next few years were of him going from place to place, bounty to bounty, focusing to zero in on his swordplay and swordplay alone. When his old man passed on to natural causes, Jerod took what he had been willed and left for greener pastures, as the saying went.

Having been 17 after his father died, Jerod drifted across the land, visiting sites and locations of legend and notoriety. From battlezones to memorials and everything in between, learning the history of the world and earning a paycheck with his skill, used to work here at some point after all. Gimme a few. He made enough money to make ends meet and afford clothes and a place to rest for a night. He made a small name for himself as a reliable source, and kept well clear of any attempts to involve him with this new Church going around. Wasn't his thing still, so he didn't bother, not until he could verify looking didn't hurt. At the age of 25, he had done a lot of work and shrugged rather then let it get to his head something fierce. He eventually drifted into Yllise, to look for more sight seeing spots or some work to do when its now.
Class: Troubadour

 Age: 19

 Sex: Female

 Appearance:

 Equipment: x1 Heal Staff, x2 Vulnerary

 Personality: Niya is not one to talk much, finding her words wasted on most people. Generally only speaking a few words at a time, sometimes far fewer than is appropriate, one could consider her bedside manner as a healer rather lacking. What little she speaks, is made up far more in actions, being a woman that prefers to let actions speak for her rather than hollow words. Coupled with a complete lack of a sense of self preservation, she is one who will have no problem riding her horse into a fusillade of arrows and magical spells to bring a comrade back up to their feet, because its her duty to do so. A sense of duty drives her actions, more so than anything else, although to whom this duty is sworn to is hazy, at best. But still, she will generally heal before harm when it matters, but one should not expect her to be nice about it.

 Biography: Born to Feroxian family, one would be surprised to hear this on first meeting the woman, but one word or action out of her casts any doubt of that aside. Both her parents were descendents of those who immigrated to Ferox after the wars over 70 years in the past, having progressively grown more adapted to the climate of the land, that much so with their own single daughter Niya. One would have expected a far more warlike occupation for a Feroxian, but her family had been apothecaries and healers prior to their immigration, and all the warriors in a war can only go as far as their wounds allow.

 Niya was trained in both apothecary and healing magics, usually acting as an attendant at arena battles and with bandit hunting patrols, ensuring battles did not end lethally (Without undue reason), and that the hunters and their quarry made it back alive (For the quarry, not necessarily alive AND well, just alive). Her quiet, harsh exterior was not unduly noticed by those she tended to, as the Feroxian woman provided far too vital of help to worry about her attitude. Spending much of her life either healing, or in the saddle, it was unsurprising that she would eventually not return home, just riding onwards with travelling supplies enough to get her to another land, and do more work there. Duty drove her on, as always.

 Niya had heard much about the Church of Naga, its teachings and plans for the world. A load of madness, lies, and hatred, the lady had decided quickly. This Champion of Naga, however, did not sound like the rest of the church, on a gut instinct's decision. That, and she suspected War would follow this Champion and whoever he ended up leading and siding with, and that meant the sick and injured would be there as well. So it was a natural fit for her to make her way for warmer climates, following the trail of this Champion of Naga as best as she could, the proud woman high on her horse taking time in each village to mend the injured and cure the sick, never giving a name or purpose, just asking one or two questions, seeing to the unwell, and moving on, earning a monicker of just "The White Lady" on the way.

[User]
Marius
 Marius wondered why everyone was coming to him about battle tactics. While 'everyone' was quite an exaggeration, the questions that they were asking Marius were more apt for Jacob, who was the actual tactician of the group. While Jacob was young, he still held the responsibilities and burdens of organizing and commanding the Shepherds. Although Marius was not uncomfortable with conversing about tactics with the troops, he feared that he might say something that could contradict the orders of Jacob. All Marius could do at this point, until he had time to get some detailed information from Jacob, was give those asking him these questions a general idea of their roles.

 "Well, we should take similar precautions with any wyvern riders that we currently undertake with our Pegasi riders. While I'm sure your stead is sturdier than those of our winged knights, but, unless I am mistaken, a well-placed black arrow could ruin your day, to say so politely. I'm sure we could say the same of the other Shepherds, as everyone has their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Until Sir Jacob and I have taken inventory of all the Shepherds, I can only give you some guesswork on all of your roles. So until then, I would say it would be rather unproductive to ask such questions."

[Assistant]
After the knock upon the door and the announcing of Jacob's summoning to the grand master, Mei'lin concealed her feminine gestures and started to play out her masculine charade once more. "Understood. However, I shall remain here to take care of the matter regarding the letter addressing my high commander. It will take no longer than minutes but please, you may go ahead," the general suggested with 'his' arm directing towards the door. When the room was filled with silence once more, 'he' settled upon the desk and started to neatly inscribe how the negotiation had gone and asked permission for going with the counter proposal from the tactician, at least, for the time being.

Gazing upon the courtyard before her, the Chon'sin maiden had finally arrived after turns and walks along the hallways of Ylisstol, with guidance of the available servants. Coming to a stop, her arms were crossed atop her chest with an amused expression upon her features. "Hoh? A spar between the tactician and another? This should prove to be of some interest. ...And perhaps it will be of use to know of his movements and patterns..." The sparring opponent has yet to be chosen but it piqued her interest nevertheless. In the future if the alliance were to fail, studying his moves should come in handy in the future.

[User]
Andres rolled his eyes, surveying the courtyard below from a window, it was clear of people and training dummies lay strewn about. Three large cracks ran along the wall, one could tell when the Exalt had been training, much like her grandfather Chrom she had trouble hitting the dummies. he surveyed the Shepherds and withdrew his pipe blowing smoke rings he stepped out on to a balcony overlooking the yard.

Jacob was walked briskly down the halls arriving in the yard, Andres had been waiting and without warning the Grand master threw a eruption of flames. However Jacob was un-phased as dove rolled and came up straightening his robes and dusting them off. He'd thrown a fire ball back but Andres cast a second spell, they met it in midair and the simply defused with a small burst of small fire. "So Andres, what are you playing it? Is another one of your games? I hope it's not another round of human chess, the Exalt was furious last time we used soldiers for that." For those unaware, the castle of Ylisse was anything but normal, servants had it easier than most of the soldiers.

Andres grinned at his apprentice clapping his hands. "Not today, today we train like the men of Ferox." Jacob groaned, he was no muscle bound barbarian of the north. He was strong but Feroxi strong, the could put the Ox in the cart and pull both. The gates all dropped shut as Andres turned the crowd, blowing smoke at them all. "So, who will attempt to defeat the Champion of Naga. Or are you scared of the boy supposedly blessed by a god?" He cackled, he was either a genius or mad. Possibly both and he loved every second of it.

[Assistant]
The mercenary pocketed the finger and let the priest blubber on and come up with something to say, laughing easily and clapping the man on the back heardily, which probably would stumble him a bit if he wasn't ready for it. He either wasn't letting the gift of odd body parts affect him, or he wasn't letting it show. But either way, his actions were the same as he also responded to the dark mage lass. "Tha's the spirit, 'ealer. Yer gift is appreciated, lass, an' ye make a good suggestion. S'all we?" They were no doubt aware of his curious accent, even most Feroxians did not speak the way he did so it was rather up in the air whether it was natural or acquired, but regardless, the mercenary led the two off in the general direction of the courtyard, assuming either of them had any desire to follow the man, he would arrive before the gates shut, and would nod to Niya who had beat him there, and would get no response from the woman.

Finding himself in a rather cozy fighting arena, for training purposes, the damage the one wall had received got a snort of amusement from the mercenary. Then some grandmaster looking fellow came out of a ball of fire, and he waved the smoke away from him as the champion lad himself and the grandmaster fellow, name apparently Andres, spoke back and forth and then the older man issued the challenge, and that got a grand old laugh out of the mercenary as he walked out of the crowd, tried and true iron blade at his side and nothing else of note as he approached the two, speaking easily to them, apparently undisturbed by the fact these two were some of the most important men within Ylisse. Either callous, uncaring, or had spent time dealing with nobility before and was unimpressed. Either way, he spoke easily to the two, taking up the thrown gauntlet before anyone else could stop him.

"Ancient beings like t'em dragons are powerful, aye, but t'ey ain' no gods. Ah'll give t'e lad a fig't, see w'at 'e's made of."

---

"You may try, crudeling, but you might find I have more bite than you may think. Thank you, Ser, I will go and seek answers from the Champion himself then." Niya did not appreciate the unprofessional nature the wyvern rider had displayed so far, and it was clear she had lumped the poor woman in with the same treatment she gave her companion, and regrettably oath holder, Jerod. Disdain and distrust, but would not openly engage in violence with from vows or circumstance. Whether the two would follow or not was irrelevant to the healer, she took her leave and vanished, and would find herself in the arena before long. Within a matter of time the gates were closed and the old man of a grand master arrived. Andres, if her memory was correct, the head of the Tactician's guild within Ylisse. A powerful figure, no doubt, and he issued a challenge to the group, and an all too familiar laugh got a groan from Niya.

Of course Jerod couldn't help but take up that gauntlet. That idiot of a mercenary was going to get himself killed one of these days, he was far too stubborn for his own good and would not lightly back down from a challenge. The only reason he wasn't dead yet was because she had yet to see anything or anyone mean enough to keep that man down, he was resiliant enough to match his stubborness. Even shrugged off magic at times, which had genuinely surprised her and led to the oath binding her now. Until that man released her of it, she was stuck following him around and aiding him in his endeavors, for good or ill. Thankfully he sought out this place and endeavor, but it could have turned out far worse. A cool remark came from the healer, directed at Jerod as a reminder. "Do not forget tacticians use magic and blade, side by side."


[System]
Character App
**Race:** Human/Dunenmer

**Gender:** Female

**Age:** 29

**Description:** Hailing from the northern, ice covered lands of Dunenmer, Talaran is a hearty warrior, standing at a towering 5'9'' and is of a fairly muscular build, the body of a true warrior woman honed upon the fields of battle. She has hair as white as the snow of the Dunenmer Mountains, long and flowing down her back with a few strands kept in a tight braid and her eyes are as blue and as cold as the ice that covers the old Lake Hilonota and fierce as a Gray Wolf, hence the family name. Clad from head to toe in heavy iron armor and a pelt made from the fur of an elk, she is always seen with her greatsword slung bravely over her shoulders as she tarries through the town, either in search of work or a good drink and bit of song at the tavern, not to mention enjoying the company of a few fair lasses such as the lovely tavern wench.

[User] "Are you serious about teaching me?" is what Zeetah was about to reply when the drunk soldiers arrived. Without thinking, Zeetah leapt from the ground into the shadows of the brothel's awning to escape the sight of the officers, whom he thought might recognize him from some wanted posters he had seen in the richer parts of the city. His wits returned and he peered over the edge to see what would become of his new magical acquaintances. A small part of him was also hoping that he was about to see a pretty great magic show...

[Assistant]
Tex blinked and glanced around as he suddenly felt the two hands leave his. His eyes widened as he saw the cause of the commotion: soldiers. While his face wasn't yet plastered all over the city as Zeetah's was, the notion that they might know of his earlier infractions was, of course, a cause for concern! He increased the distance between him and Zazoria as the soldiers came closer. He could only wince as they grabbed the lizard and threw him against the ground. A second wince occurred when that nice robe of Zazoria's got soaked in the soldier's drink. "I've seen quite enough of this...!" He angrily muttered.

He suddenly dashed back down the street, shoving himself between the soldiers and the sprawled out reptile. "Hey! No one beats -my- semi-acquaintances I met only about three minutes and thirty-five seconds ago!" He angrily shouted, stabbing an outstretched, accusatory finger towards them. "That was also a waste of a perfectly good drink! More over, no one is dumb enough to draw the wrath of a wizard--" While his threat started off solidly enough, when he reached for his staff, he froze when he realized it was actually no longer secure in the hoops of its harness that wrapped around Tex's torso diagonally like a bandolier. "Oh god where is it?" He thought to himself, his expression becoming one of obvious fright. He held his hands out before him as he stepped back, nearly tripping over the very person he tried to stand up for. "H-hey w-wait... w... we can talk about this!" He pleaded.

[User]
"No my brother I...was just speaking to a friend..."Zazrioa was going to speak once more but was interrupted by one of th soldiers pulling out a long sword pointing it at the Reptil,"I don't like you lizard breath no one in this city likes The Reptil they are sneaky,dirty...Renark" The one holding the sword remarked knowing that Renark is a racial slang used against The Reptil."So piss off before we kill you and make boots out of ya and your Renark pansy group" Another remark with a smirk drawing his sword.

Zazrioa just rolled his eyes since he had heard this before many times as a youngling and adult it was not different here then in Mirgeoof,Racist as his grandfather would put it but his Grandfather would have worse things to say about those people."Hi'magol Zimjoe Ne'hs Uzab Xop Yeq'Ca" He said loudly lifting his shaft high up into the air as a large dragon like creature appeared made out of flames shooting fire at the soldier's feet letting their feet aflame but not enough to burn them alive.

This would be enough to scare the racisy men away,"We'll get you back lizard breath one said running away and they would mean it so now Zazoria would have to watch his back although he was protected by some of the guards and his own kin.

[Assistant]
"Wow, that's a good way to make enemies!" Zeetah called to the pair still on the ground, "I usually just run. But maybe I'd react differently if I could do magic, too..." Zeetah remained silent for a bit and then continued, "I'm gonna stay up here, just to make sure they're really gone, OK? But you," he pointed at Tex, "you said you could teach me magic? And what about you?" he pointed another finger at Zazrioa, "Can you teach me too?"

Zeetah could see Zazroia's eyes shifting a bit in the way that says "I'm busy", apparently eager to get away. "Are you alright? Eager to get away?"

[User]
Loudly, the door to the whorehouse banged open, as Ja'Lir strode through. As was usual for anyone entering, one of the girls instantly walked towards him, to make sure he enjoyed his stay. A single withering glance from the paladin made her reconsider, however, and she quite promptly backed away. When the warrior strode up to the counter, where a scantily clad lady was performing acts more acurately described as 'entertainment', rather than actually tending the bar. As the onyx-skinned warrior halted beside the counter, however, the colour drained from the woman's face. He spoke in calm, soft tones, and yet he was clearly heard over even the dinn the drunk soldiers were making. 'There is a human with troll's blood here, where is that human?'

'W-Well, I can't-'

'If I were to kill every living being in this establishment, I would find the person I was looking for. Your answer will save me the trouble of cleaning blood from my blade, and you the trouble of being judged for your sin in the afterlife.' The tone of the palladin's voice was not one of anger, or intimidation, but rather a cold assertion of death.

'Room 12!'

Leaving the terrified 'bartender', Ja'Lir steps up the stairs, chainmail hauberk jungling with ever step. It had been a bluff, of course, he would not sully the name of the Blessed by committing a crime. Their standing in this city was bad enough. However, sometimes it was good to make use of the Blessed's bloody reputation, and his face could be devoid of emotion when he wished it to be. Which was, admittedly, pretty much always.

Unwilling to waste time, Ja'Lir kicked down the door to Room 12, the half-rotten wood easily giving way to his metal-clad foot. It crashed into the ground with a second bang, as the armoured figure strode into the room. His face was deep black, as was normal for those born in the great northern deserts. He wore a long chainmail hauberk, as well as thick plate boots and gauntlets. A helmet with an upturned visor rested on his head, protecting his scalp. A black and white tabard stretched down over his armor, the seven-pointed star of Trazyn emblazoned clearly in the center, a thick leather belt holding a long black sheat at his side. Combined with his height and muscle mass, he struck an imposing figure.

'Give the elf the glass.'

Having delivered his message, Ja'Lir turned on his heels, and walked away, eager to return to his post beside his mistress. She had a bad habit of underestimating the danger to herself in her scheming, and he constantly worried about her safety. Aside from her being a Prophet, he had grown rather fond of her over the years, as she was able to look right through his stony face, and with her he had no need to speak his feelings to have them known.

With five long strides, Ja'Lir was already at the staircase, heading down.

[Assistant] "No...well i have a meeting with a friend of mine...but i can stay with you for the moment in case they come back..." Zazrioa spoke now looking over at Zeetah,Indeed he was worried that Jade and the others were commencing with the rite and without him."Oh...and of course i can teach you my brother..would you like to come with me to stay with the Estrella de Celimna?" He now asked him seeing as he knew about Zeetah and wondered if he would like a home.

[User]
Zeetah knew about the Estrella de Climna. A pretty intense religious group that he was sure he could never fit in with. But the chance to learn magic--real magic--overwhelmed his thoughts. "Well... I know I could never see myself being religious, but I'm good at staying out of the way when I need to. If I can come and just learn magic...and maybe get a bite to eat every once in a while... then yeah, I think I might come with you! What do you say?" Zeetah lowered himself from the awning, careful to avoid the broken glass still scattered about.

"Oh, and Tex should come too! You're trying to stay away from the guards, too, right? I saw your face when you couldn't fight, and I recognize that look on any face..." Zeetah stopped himself quickly and turned to Zazrioa, "There won't be guards there, right? That would be silly... right?"

[Assistant] "We are not so bad..that is form the prejudice of others...we are here to help the community...among other things...my kin would be honored to have you in our home..." Zazrioa chuckled and would have to teach them that the Esterlla de Climna are not as terrible as the guards make them out too be,"Their are no guards in the House Of Climna...you will be safe there my brother..." He spoke now muttering a little spell to make the glass around Zeetah into sand so he could walk safely.


[System]
Age: 25-32

Appearance:

Personality: Strong and hard-headed. Serge is a straight forward individual who's incredibly good at his job. As the leader of his group he finds pride in his work and leads the team to perfection. However he has a secret passion for fashion, he has an amazing fashion sense and is a great decorator. However he never lets it show.

Background: Serge is the only child of the city's superintendent and was raised in a well-mannered, highly regarded and rich family. His parents loved him and his father runs the police precinct with an iron fist of justice but compassion when needed. Serge was brought up to believe in justice and the law but prefers the body guard section of the law enforcement. Despite his high standing in society and how good he is at his job; he's not exactly the best with the ladies. He's a bit too blunt for his own good and doesn't quite understand how to flatter a girl but in his own unique way he can be romantic.

[User]
She laughed as she took lunch from him. "Yeah, not much to cook. All the local take out places know me by name. I usually call in and say "Hey, It's Lu. I can pick up at this time, and they have the order ready for me. It's like my own special magic." She took a seat across from him in a wing backed chair that had seen better days.

"Three meals a day huh?" She said as she blew on the soup a little before taking a bite. "Can't say I usually manage that, but I do cheat. I make my own homemade protein bars. Oatmeal, peanut butter, and Spirulina. If it is a week I am getting my 5k in three times I add mini chocolate chips. In your line of work I can imagine there are times good meals are hard to come by. You should look into Spirulina. The World Health Organization uses it as a meal replacement in some areas. In large enough doses it provides everything the human body needs except for calories and fats." She said.

She ate silently for a minute, She would have done great in the military with an eat it now taste it later mentality. She didn't particularly care for Ramen either, but it was fast cheap and filling, so she wolfed it down. "Once I finish my last two classes, and my thesis things should calm down. I have, as you know, you and your team are very through, a BS, but a bachelor degree is fairly useless. After 9/11 the field of emergency management exploded. There is a lot of call for it. I am guessing your agency has more than a couple on staff, and if they don't they probably should, but because of a glut of those of us with degrees, mostly military vets, positions are hard as hell to come by." She sighed softly. She was passionate about this field, it let her know a lot about so many things she was interested in, and not need to specialize in any one thing.

"Oh speaking of your agency. If it is alright, I would like an email for Ronald. I have a few questions for him. I know the basics of running dogs in emergent situations, but nothing like a handler does. I want to know more, so I am never asking for more than they can give, but I also don't want to deal with handlers who aren't giving me the real picture." That was Lucia, she was always thinking, always trying to learn more, to KNOW more. Anything that would make her faster, better at her chosen job.

[Assistant]
"You're dedicated. That much is obvious." Serge said into his bowl as he wrapped some of the noodles around the fork. "That's a rare and admirable quality. If more people took their jobs half as seriously as you did, the world would be a lot better place. Not to mention the fact that you don't even have the job yet. That shows dedication and people will see that in you." His voice was serious and direct as if there was no question in his statement. He may be blunt, honest and direct but you will always get the truth from him.

"Ron" He repeated, the topic of one of his teammates pulled his attention from his 'food'. When she explained her reasoning he gave her a nod. "I'll grab one of his cards from my house before I meet you at your work. You'll have to survive an hour at work without me. Don't get kidnapped. But I'm not staying in a suit and tie for nearly 16 hours when my employer seems more relaxed than others." He said with a nod before taking a bite. After chewing and swallowing he continued, "You know, despite how he may act; Elias is a master of disguise. Both in his voice, actions, clothing and makeup; give him a wardrobe, make up and ten minutes and he'll walk out a complete different person. It's astounding really. We all have our talents; it's just that Ron's talent is easiest to spot because it's on a leash."

A nod rose and fell his head before he finished his bowl and stood up. Walking into the kitchen, still in the apron and began to hand wash his bowl and fork along with the pan he used make their lunch.

[User]
"Unfortunately without the degree to show the dedication, I am kind of stuck." She sighed softly and rubbed the back of her neck. "It'll happen eventually. Worst case instead of FEMA, I heard the tribe fighting the pipe line needs certified emergency management folks. It would be a start." She said with a shrug. The downside to being someone with a passion, is that often you were willing to follow that passion without really thinking things through. Part of her was tempted to run away to the Dakotas and hide out on a Reservation, although with her luck, she'd get arrested or something.

She was very glad he wasn't planning on staying in a suit and tie, it would serve no purpose but to make him stand out. The clientele that showed up at her place of employment were not exactly classy folks. "Grab a bag of mostly comfy stuff." She told him. "I am hoping to get in at least one run this week, and at the risk of a sexual harassment suit... with a body like that, I am betting no less than 3, but likely 5 days a week in the gym for you."

She raised an eyebrow as he started talking about Elias. "I have no doubt in his abilities. He wouldn't work with you if he were less than the absolute best, but" She chewed her lip for a minute, "I have no idea how to put this. He Feels like someones little brother, it's not just the fact that he LOOKS 12. I mean lets face it, that kid is the Dougie Howser of Personal Protection, his..." She sighed. She was afraid what she was about to say would make her sound crazy. "his energy, for lack of a better word, comes across as unfocused. It makes me want to pat him on the head, give him a chocolate milk and the restricted profile on Netflix." She didn't mean energy in the woo, crystals, all you need is love kind of energy, but in the kind that went behind gut feelings.

She got up and followed behind him to the kitchen, when he was at the sink, she set her bowl down intending to wash it herself, and leaned against the counter. "Actually I am really glad you brought up Elias... It gives me a chance to ask you for a favor." She crossed her arms over her chest as if uncomfortable with even bringing it up. " Election night... I want you there with Dad. I'll promise to lock the doors, I won't even so much as order pizza, but I want you with Erik." She said. "I don't doubt the abilities of your team, please don't think I am questioning your judgement there, but I trust you. You are damn good at what you do, and I would prefer that if shit hit the fan you were there and not here."

[Assistant]
Her statement about his time at the gym made him grin. An honest grin, he took pride in his appearance and it was almost a rarity that someone would complement him on it because they either found that unprofessional or mambe he just came across as too brash for most. "3 meals a day and a good night's sleep… and 4 days for gym, 1 day out and about. Physical training never hurts."

Then there was the topic of Elias, he was an innocent young man with a heart of gold. But sometimes he needed some training and needed to learn to take things seriously. Maybe one day he'll get a serious job, someone serious to take care of on his own and he would have to actually put forward solid effort. From there he would most likely grow and develop but right now… a remote controlled shock collar didn't sound like a bad idea.

That brought the conversation to her favor and as he finished cleaning the bowl he turned it upside to let it dry and took hers without question. "Look Ms. Baker. Your faith in me and my team is wonderful. However my job is to watch over you. If you are insistent that I go be by your dad's side the night they announce the winner of the election than I see no choice…" He turned her bowl upside down and laid out her fork to dry with is before draining the sink. He pulled the apron from over his head and hung it back up.

Turning to her he gestured towards the door. "Well? Get walking and grab your keys. We have to go now or else we won't have time this week." He started towards the door before turning. "And grab the stuff you need for work, we won't be coming back until after your shift." With that he opened the door and stepped outside.

[User]
She raised an eyebrow, he wanted her to go somewhere? Oh Hell. She ripped the towel from her hair and headed to the bathroom where she slathered her damp hair in gel to keep the curls in place, then opened the cabinet under the sink and grabbed out the entire shoe box of makeup. "7 minutes... 4 if we are in a hurry" She called out to him as she dashed to her bedroom holding the box. She ripped open her closet and shoved her feet into a pair of running shoes as she grabbed a large duffel bag from the shelf in her closet.

"Can I ask where we are going?" She wanted to know as she tossed the makeup in the bag, and ripped a uniform off a hanger shoving that in as well. She picked up the boots she needed to wear and stuck them in the bag, moving quickly to the dresser where she searched until she found one of her padded, underwire push up bras. She maintained a B cup on a good day, but Victoria had more than one secret that was for sure. She shoved the bra into her bag and took a quick glance at herself wearing yoga pants and a t-shirt. She didn't care though. It would work she was sure.

She walked quickly to the living room to scoop up her apron, and other items he had neatly folded and set aside during his cleaning this morning. She shoved them into the bag and zipped it up before jogging to the kitchen and opening the freezer. She dug around for a minute and then slapped some bills on the kitchen counter. "I'll call Carlos upstairs and ask him to make a food run for me. He has a key." She said, and as soon as the words were out of her mouth she realized it would probably make him twitchy to know someone else could get in and out. She grabbed her keys from the counter and headed back to the living room, and looked at her watch.

"Five minutes and Change. Not bad. I could do better though." She said with a grin as she headed out the door to join him.

[Assistant]
"No." He answered simply when she asked if she could know where they were going. If he told her she'd say no, if he just convinced her go she'd give him less guff. Again he timed her, looking at his watch as she went on her run. He didn't mean to work her into a panic but at least she was good under pressure. However when she mentioned of someone else having a key to her apartment made him uncomfortable enough to the point that he openly coughed in surprise. Hopefully she'd fix that and quickly.

When they exited the apartment he said nothing more than what he did inside before leading her to the SUV and opening the passenger's side door for her. Once she was inside, he shut the door and went around to the driver's side. Getting inside he turned on the music and the two were off.

It wasn't until they pulled in front of a giant building with the word "Chanel" in fancy writing that he began to speak. "We're here." Putting the car in park he turned off the engine and climbed out, opening the door he gestured for her to get out. "Don't just sit in there. Come on." He said, barking an order like a drive sergeant until she got out of the car. Taking her by the hand without giving her much time to react he led her inside.

"Mister Prichard!" All three on shift clerks flew to him giddy with excitement at his arrival. "Hello", "Hi!", "How have you been?" The three women bombarded him with personal questions before he was able to quiet them down.

"I'm not here for me today." He said with a nod causing the women to sound disappointment before he had the chance to continue.

"We have a new line of suits.", "The jeans are fantastic.", "Even the new ties are quite tasteful." The girls went back and forth as if attempting to sell him on something they knew he'd buy.

"I'm not looking for myself but I'll take a pamphlet. I'm here for her." With that he held up his hand that was holding Lucia's and the girls seemed to jump back in surprise.

"He brought a girl." "I didn't think he had a girlfriend.", "Oh man I was sure he was single." Were some of the words he chose to ignore before pulling their attention back to him.

"Can I see the 2016 line of formal dresses?" With that he pulled her to the rack and began pushing through the dresses as he explained exactly where his mind was going. "Your father is the one who writes my checks, not you. So I really don't have to listen to you. However your desire to protect your father is commendable and I cannot overlook that. But I also cannot overlook my duties. So you will go to your dad's election announcement but not as his daughter…" He said pushing through the dresses, a look of dislike on his face as he flicked from one to another. "But as a guest. Use it as an opportunity to network for a job, no one there will know who you are so you won't use any political standings to gain any leverage. It will just be you, selling yourself because you happen to be in the right place at the right time."

With that he finally found something he liked and grabbed it from the rack. "Go try this on." He said handed her the stunning gold-crème colored dress with the open back and wrapped front. He then gestured towards the dressing room. "Come out when you're done I want to see it on you." He called out as he went in a different direction.


[System]
'I'm definitely not used to this kind of crap, but heck, I'm sure gonna give it my all. I sure could use another companion, though. The current one is kinda cheeky.'
Age: 24

Supposedly, a hero from another world, even though he doesn't feel 'hero-like' at all. He was sent into a quest with the princess Rena Falkren from the kingdom of Eskar with some armor, a sword and a bag full of coins on him. Supposedly, they have to slay the demon king 'Lucifer'. (I know, my naming sense is bad and kinda lazy xD)

[User]
Noboyuki thought he had finally pieced the puzzle together. The fact of a revolution that happened, or would happen, was certain. Then there were the things about a tyrant. A female. It was that that made him think that, maybe, the dreams took place in the future. Falkren, the tyrant. If he wasn't mistaken, Rena's last name was that, and as far as he knew, the king (obviously) was a male. Then, were those....

"Dreams of what is to come?" He muttered to himself. "No, that is too far fetched. Rena doesn't have a power to look into the future, as far as I know." Then, what was it? Noboyuki HAD to make sense of it. At the very least, he knew the dreams were connected in one way or the other to Rena. Why? No frigging idea, to be honest, but there was still the fact that Rena had some worries in her pretty little head. "Maybe... Those were dreams of what she fears will happen when she takes on the torch from her father. She fears she'll be a tyrant. Something like that." Noboyuki really needed some more info. His mind wasn't as complex as that, he was sure of it, so he could barely make any sense of it. There might also be the fact that he isn't as smart as he wished to be.

That whole day, Noboyuki was absent, thinking only of how he would confront Rena about this. It seemed like some kind of personal matter. To be honest, Noboyuki didn't really heed any of Rena's calls all throughout the day, just trying to make some kind of sense of what had been in his dreams lately. Still, he would have never expected Rena to be the one on the offensive during the night and around the campfire. When she put her arms on his shoulders and talked to him a bit loudly and with a... commanding voice, Noboyuki was taken aback. Really so. How did she even....? He even fell off the cut off log he was sitting in at the time, freeing himself from Rena's hands.

"H-How do you-!? I mean, what are you talking about!? That's preposterous! I've never once in my life have lied to someone else! I... I...!" For the first time in his life, Noboyuki was at a loss for words. He had been confronted before by his mother, his father, other people who 'cared' about him, or the false Noboyuki he had created. Even so... how did this girl even know about that!? He started moving back through the floor. He was intimidated by Rena. Somehow, she had become something more scary than any evil god or demon king ever. Something he couldn't just fight with a sword. "I don't know what the fuck you are talking about!" He was angry, somehow. He stood up and turned around, before dashing into the forest. 'What the hell am I doing!? Why am I the one running!? I could've just... I could've just come clear to her! But what if she left me when she discovered I had been lying to her....?'

No, for once in his life, he had to be a man and face the consequences of what he had said. He stopped before going deeper into the forest. He was just like some kind of girl running away from what scared him. He just waited there. If Rena came after him, then he'd spill the beans. If she decided to stay in the campsite by herself, then that'd be the end of it.

[Assistant]
He ran... damn that was exactly the last thing that she wanted to happen, instinctively she lunged for the routing hero, but only met the dirt, her face skidding along a very short distance along the ground. She swore under her breath as she rose, she scratched herself and even opened a few shallow cuts, little bit of bleeding but obviously not even close to lethal. The leaves rustled, betraying the path that he ran down. Rena, without a second thought, gave chase.

Through the foliage that blocked her progress, it was thick here, making Rena seriously question how Noboyuki was able to push through at all, still guess a lesser man would've been stopped, but not him. Why did he take off like that? No... that was a rhetorical question, she knew very well why he ran, but that didn't mean she fully expected him to, what did he think when she finally got down to question him? Noboyuki... had his own problems, deep ones if the dreams were any kind of indicator.

Soon she stopped, out of breath, she had not realized how fast she was going, she was only so far into the wilderness, and yet she already had to stop. Rena only took a very short break, the fear of what might happen to her only companion was too great, she couldn't lose him. She chuckled to herself... if she had any doubts about her... love... they were gone now, really why would she go through so much effort for anyone else but him?

Ready to go again, but not really, Rena pushed back some bushes, she had to hold a gasp, she had already caught up! Noboyuki was just standing there, this was her chance. Prepared to fight until the end, she rushed out from behind her cover, she didn't trust him enough to not run again, hoping to catch him off guard Rena practically threw herself on him, maybe pinning him down at the legs.

It was almost... almost like a hug.

She held on, despite her being considerably smaller than the man, she held on like no other, there was zero chance in hell she was going to give up. She realized she got him from the front when looking up at him, it was a blur, but she swore there was shock on his face, she could only wonder what she looked like, all she knew was the burning sensation around her face. Rena dug her hands into him, willing for him to listen to her... he just had to this time.

"You need to stop running! From me... from yourself! Hell especially yourself, just enough! Don't you get tired?! Don't you at least trust me to trust in you?! Come on! Let me trust you!"

[User]
After a while, Rena finally found him and, well, he expected her to be careful, even so, he didn't expect for her to do what she did. She threw him down and they both fell to the ground, after the sudden tackle from Rena. Noboyuki was indeed surprised, even more by the words that came out of her mouth. She was right, Noboyuki was just running from himself. He needed to stop, like, right about now. But it still scared him. It scared him out of his mind. What was he now anyway? Was he anything aside from the lies he had been telling up until now? Noboyuki suddenly found himself at a crossroads. He did not know what the hell he was supposed to be in reality.

And as he thought about it with Rena on top of him, he knew that he couldn't just take forever like that. His breathing became agitated.Yeah, he needed to just come out and say something. He couldn't help but put a hand on her head. "I am.... I am... Scared.... Damn. That's the truth. I've known it for a while now. But I didn't want to face it. No matter what, I didn't want to. I wanted to protect the same dull life I leaded in my world. I didn't want anything to perturb that peace. And then, I was dragged against my will to this world. I knew nothing of it, neither did the inhabitants of this world knew anything about me. It was perfect. A new start. I may have longed for that for quite a while without even realising it."

He starts speaking with his heart, instead of letting his brain devise the perfect route to follow when talking with others. It was high time for him to stop doing so. "And then, in here, I went on lying. With things of less importance at first, until you had to ask me what I thought about you. I told you you were just a dear friend to me... only because I didn't want to lose you! I couldn't stand the mere thought of losing you! If you didn't feel the same way as I... I wouldn't know what to do! I was just so scared of that.... of you not ever wanting to see me again." He felt his eyes watering. Yeah. He was speaking a bit too much from his heart. If he didn't stop anytime now....

"Rena, I...!" No, stop. "I...!" You will be all alone again "I love you!" Get it back. Lie your way out again. You still have time. You can still protect what you have now. You can remain static at this point. "I love you so much! I don't care whether it is just some kind of blessed coincidence or part of some stupid study! I don't care anymore! I just can't keep it anymore in my chest and continue lying to you! I love you, Rena Falkren!"

Noboyuki shouted at the top of his lungs. It was done. There was no going back anymore. He could just pray. He couldn't just lie now, like he did long before. A grown woman wouldn't just fall for that. Now he just had to wait. He could talk to her about the dreams after that.... If they ever talked to each other again, that is.

[Assistant]
What? No really what?! Rena almost took a double take, she almost didn't believe him, that at first she couldn't believe that was a honest to God love confession. She laid there, just absolutely lost for anything to say, even her mouth hung there stupidly. This just took a really really unexpected turn, she thought that he would get defensive about his past again, that he would try to deny it again, yet never in her wildest dreams she ever thought he would confess. Her heart was beating so hard and fast, for a brief moment she even thought it might explode, her entire body felt hot, she was an absolute flustering mess at that moment.

That was it, she couldn't take it anymore, Rena clutched him even harder then threw her face into his shirt, giving him some kind of tight hug. "I love you too!" she was muffled, hell what if he couldn't hear her? She rose her again to look him directly in the eye, with a clear determination, and spoke those words again. "I-I actually love you too, Noboyuki!" There he couldn't have missed it that time, he knew, she knew. Their love was mutual, it almost had to be offical now.

She buried her head into Noboyuki again, this time tears even streaming down her face, she was crying? Such a happy moment that brought tears, such a paradox but she couldn't stop them. Rena continued her tight embrace, almost unable to let go, time passed, maybe five minutes, maybe fifteen minutes, time fell away to her, it felt way too good, to finally become this intimate with someone, it felt like heaven.

She loved Noboyuki, her first true partner, they would never ever be able to go back now, they both had knew that, still Rena was perfectly happy with how things turned out, she would never want to go back.


[System]
Age: Dirt
Gender: Female

Personality: Sassy, snarky, quick witted and a little foul mouthed are all traits this demon has. It's all a cover up to hide the emotional baggage she carries with her, especially with her father marrying a new stepmother demon. Sure, she has issues but it doesn't matter when she tries to get what she wants.

History: Being the daughter of the higher up demons, Lydia was always in her father's shadow as she strived to make a name for herself which landed her into some trouble. After the death of her mother via Sandworm, she grew reclusive and shut everyone out. She was equally surprised and furious when her father remarried to Delia. Believing her father never truly loved her mother, Lydia fled to the Living World to unleash her anger on Breathers. Upon arriving, she found her powers lessened and no one able to see her. She refused to return home, traveling the world in search of someone foolish enough to say her name three times in a row.

Powers: Lydia is able to bend reality as we know it to her every whim. Practically a demon version of Genie but only when summoned. In her incorporeal form, she can't really do much aside from phasing through walls, teleporting, and attempting to get someone to notice her.

[User] "I don't want your money. As for my name, I can't say it, like at all. Can't write it, the letters get jumbled. Same with spelling." She explained, a little frustrated. Come on, sucker, I need you to say my name.  She thought to herself.

[Assistant] He sighed. "How am I supposed to say your name if I don't know it. You wanna...play charades or something?" This was dumb. He could be halfway to ghost purgatory by now.

[User] "Yes, perfect!" Lydia exclaimed. "It one word but three clues." She said before holding up a finger to indicate the first clue before turning herself into a Tupperware container and opening the lid.

[Assistant] "Oh, shit, uh," Lawrence really sucked at this game. "Left overs? Take out? Tupperware? Plastic? Lid?"

[User] "No, no. Close but no. No. Yes, that's it!" Lydia replied turning back into herself with a grin. "Okay, second clue." She said before turning into a giant eyeball. This was honestly an easy one.

[Assistant] "Uh...look? See? Eyeball? Eye?"

[User] "That last one! Okay, third and final clue." She said before pulling out a report card full of A's.

[Assistant] "Pass? Honor roll? Grade? A?"

[User] "Nope. Nah-uh. Close. Bingo! Now put it together." She said. She was so close to freedom!

[Assistant] "Lid-eye-A!" Lawrence was so confident when he said it, too.

[User] "Close but change that eye to sound a bit more E." She advised. Geez, even when he got it he was dumb. Then again he was a Breather, so she couldn't fully blame him.

[Assistant] "Lydia?" He tilted his head, "Your name is Lydia?"

[User] "Yes! Now all you gotta do is say my name three times, spoken unbroken. Deal?" God she could taste freedom it was that close.

[Assistant]
Lawrence blinked. Then, a devious grin spread across his face. "Okay. Lydia...Lydia...Llllllook here. I see what you're trying to do here. You think that just because I'm some sad sack about to jump off his roof to his death that you can come in here and push me around? Well I got news for you Lydia, Lydia, Lady you're dealing with the wrong guy. I know a con when I see one."

Meanwhile downstairs, the Maitlands were trying to clean up. The TV, still running, suddenly cut to a commercial.

"Betelgeuse's gently used cars! Ladies and gents, these are the best prices in town!" Lawrence was dressed up in a cowboy outfit, using a fake southern accent. "So come on down here and wrangle up these savings! I'll do anything to sell you a car! I'll even chew on a dog! Ahrooooo!"

The commercial cut to something else. Adam glanced at Barbara. "He sells used cars?"

"His last name is Betelgeuse?"

"Barbara, look at this mess. This is someone who is struggling, and, and we're trying to put him out of his own house!"

"It's our house, Adam."

"That he bought. I mean...he might be gross, maybe a little sketchy, but we shouldn't put him out on the street. He's clearly going through something here."

"You're right," Barbara said, "We should go find him and apologize."

[User]
"Yes. Yes! Oh man this is going to be grea-wait what?" She said as he said her name before chewing her out. "Whoa, look, buddy, chum, pal. I'm just trying to do ya a solid. Isn't that what friends do? Whatdaya want? Qualifications? I graduated from Julliard, I've a great bio exorcist, and I've seen The Exorcist 167 times, AND IT GETS FUNNIER EVERYTIME I SEE IT! HOW'S THAT FOR QUALIFIED?!" She shouted before her head spun around like a top.

"Whoa, almost lost my head." She commented as she grabbed on to stop it.

[Assistant]
Lawrence opened his mouth to say something, but the Maitlands arrived on the scene before he could.

"Uh, Mr. Betelgeuse?" Barbara asked, approaching him sheepishly.

"Lawrence," he corrected her.

"We just wanted to-" Adam started to say something, but stopped when he saw Lydia. "Whoa, what is she doing here? Don't listen to anything she says, Lawrence! She's trying to trick you!"

"Yeah, no shit," He shrugged. "I kinda' figured."

[User] "Trick him?!" Lydia exclaimed before letting out an offended choked noise. "I'd never do that! All I did was help my new pal know my name, that's all." She looked over at Lawrence, standing near the edge of the roof. "Look, maybe I was a little aggressive on the sell. But we're BFF's forever, right?"

[Assistant]
Lawrence eyed the ledge behind her. "Yeah, best pals for life," he waltzed over and put a hand on her shoulder. "Just kidding. Get fucked, Lyds!" He shoved her off the roof.

"Lawrence!" The Maitlands cried in unison.

"What? She's fine. Right?!" He called over the edge. He didn't wait for a response. "I'm going back inside."

[User] "Shiiiiiit!" Lydia shouted on her way down before crumpling into a broken heap on the ground below. She laid there for a moment before picking herself up and resetting her broken bones. "Thanks a lot, dickhead!" She yelled, glaring at him.

[Assistant]
Lawrence climbed back in the attic window and headed down the stairs. His first hint that something was off was the familiar smell of menthol cigarettes. Oh no.

He came into the living room to confirm his fears. His mother was in his house, with luggage, and was storming around looking for things to destroy.

"Lawrence!" She snapped. "This place is a fucking disgrace. How is your aging mother supposed to live in a house like this?!"

He clenched his fists. "You aren't!" He shouted. "How did you get in here?!"

"You left the key under the mat like I've told you not to a hundred times. You'll listen to your mother one of these days boy."

"Get the hell out of my house!"

"You wouldn't throw your own mother out would you?"

"Like hell I wouldn't!"

"I'd hate to have to call the cops, boy. Who are they going to believe? A poor, little old lady, or a slobbish, drunken brute?!"

Lawrence clammed up. The last time she called the cops, claiming elder abuse, he'd spent the night in jail before it was sorted out. He scowled, disgusted with her and himself. She was coming into his life, yet again, to destroy it. The Maitlands hung around at the top of the stairs, sharing looks of concern. They followed Lawrence when he stormed past them to his bedroom.

"That horrible woman is you mother?" Barbara asked.

"So they say," Lawrence growled, trying to hold back the tears that were trying to sting his eyes.

[User] "The nerve. Throwing me off the roof. Good luck with those pansies, ya jerk!" Lydia shouted towards the roof before heading back inside. She blinked upon seeing the red clad woman who sounded like she smoked five packs a day. "Who the fuck let this prune in?"

[Assistant]
Lawrence sat down on the edge of his bed, burying his face in his hands. Now he wished he'd just gone ahead and chucked himself off the roof. Barbara sat down next to him, and rested a cold hand on his elbow. He withdrew.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" She asked, fully prepared to adopt this grown ass man. Adam sat on the other side of him, and exchanged a sympathetic look with his wife. It was all starting to come together now: the mess, the bad attitude, the crazy mom, the little, faded, circular scars up and down his arms...

"What can you guys do?" Lawrence's voice was muffled in his hands. He looked up. "No offense, but you're both a little too on the "Pottery Barn" and "Dry white wine" side to scare my mom away."

"There's got to be something," Adam insisted. "What all did that demon woman say?" He looked at Barbara for help.

"Learn to throw your voice!" Barbara's voice echoed across the room, "Fool your friends!" "Fun at parties!" She beamed at Adam. "Maybe we can do this!" She stood. "Come on, hun, follow my lead!" She lead Adam out and down the stairs.

Lawrence's mom was digging through the refrigerator, throwing out old take out and griping about there not being any food. "Damn boy can't even stock a fridge. He got this shit from his father's side of the family. I should have left his ass in a dumpster like- DAAAAY-O!" She straightened up and looked around. "The hell?" Was she having a stroke? "Me say DAY-O!" She jerked, as if becoming a puppet on strings. The woman then proceeded into the living room, belting out calypso music.

Lawrence came down the stairs to see what was happening. "Lawrence!" His mom yelled over the disembodied music. "What's happening?!"

"There's ghosts in this house, mom. And they want you gone!" He snapped down at her.

"Ghosts?! Why the hell didn't you say so?!" Here it was. She was about to freak the hell out and run. "I'm gonna' be rich!"

"WHAT?!"

"A real haunted house? You dumbass, you could have capitalized on this shit!" She cackled. "I'm calling the media as soon at this is over with!"

"You're supposed to be scared!" He shouted in frustration. Nothing ever worked out for him, did it? Everything was just one hit after another.

"We're sorry Lawrence," Babara appeared next to him, and Adam next to her. "We thought this would work!"

"I know what will..." A dark look came over his face.

"Lawrence, no! You don't know what will happen!" Adam protested.

"I know what will happen if I don't. Lydia!" He hollered.

"What was that?!" His mom screamed from the living room.

[User]
Lydia had been moping on the roof, grumbling to herself. If her father hadn't have gotten married, she wouldn't have left, which meant she wouldn't be cursed and be able to terrorize the living daylights out of Breathers. Now, even when a Breather who could see and hear her knows her name he pushed her away too. Literally. "You're invisible when you're me." She said softly to herself before a shiver ran over her.

Her yellow green eyes lit up as she appeared on the staircase to see the guy who could see her. He was calling her name. "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. I'm so glad you've come around. You are not going to regret this!" She cheered, grinning cheshirely.

[Assistant]
"Please, let's talk about this!" Barbara begged, but Lawrence was through talking. He was ready for action.

"Lydia," He said again.

"You need to reconsider," Adam said, looking warily at the demon.

[User] "We are going to have so much fun! Now just gimme one more!" Lydia exclaimed, almost bursting with excitement. This was it! She was finally going to be free to be the demon she was! No restrictions, no restraints, no one standing between her and her goals!

[Assistant]
Lawrence took a deep breath. Just do it!

"LYDIA!" He did it. He summoned a demon, against his better judgement, with no clear way of putting her back. This better work.


[System]
Age: 61 (Since manufacture)

Gender: Male programming

Occupation: Mercenary

Appearance:

Decker stands at the standard android height of 6'2" (1.87m), 6'4" (1.93m) in armour, and has glowing blue optics. Despite his age, he still appears as a young man in his mid to late twenties due to synthetics lacking the biological ageing process in humans. On a side note, Decker is never seen without his armour, and he only removes it in extremely rare circumstances such as formal meetings. It is also due to the fact that he sees no need to remove it, due to not needing sleep and comfort.

Personality: Having lost most of his memory besides basic information on combat and how to operate technology, Decker is unable to remember most of his life before the crash, and as such, he is somewhat naïve and curious about things and tries to help out wherever he can. Despite this, he can still be a deadly adversary in combat due to possessing the strength of multiple humans and his enhanced reflexes. He can also be a lot more mature if need be. He will go to great lengths to get his memory back.

History: [DATA CORRUPTED]

Weapons and Equipment:
* ACAR-38: The standard issue assault rifle for every Marine. It, like all other kinetic weapons of the UEGNC, uses a coil propulsion system to fire 8.41x63mm armour-piercing rounds at incredible speeds and range. It has a selective fire mode and can fire single shots, burst shots, and full auto. Comes with an undermounted grenade launcher and holds sixty rounds.
* G119: Standard issue sidearm for UEGNC Marines. Holds fifteen 10mm rounds in its magazine. Decker carries two of these.
* E31 Homing Grenade: Frag grenades that home in onto targets when thrown and detonate.
* 7-inch Durasteel Combat Knives: A pair of combat knives able to cut through armour.
* Gen 1 Android Sonic Cannon: Decker can transform his right arm into a powerful energy weapon that shoots blasts of extremely high-powered sound waves. Though not as powerful as later versions, this weapon is still able to inflict a massive amount of damage.
* Modified Combat Armour: A set of powered armour modified and worn by Decker with improvements to movement systems and sensors.
* Many more contained in his ship's weapons locker.

Skills and Abilities:
* Pinpoint Calculations: Due to having a supercomputer for a brain, Decker can perceive the world in slow-motion, and can perform complex calculations in microseconds.
* Marksmanship: Processing millions of calculations per second, Decker can predict the movement of targets and fire with extreme accuracy.
* Advanced Hydraulics: Military Combat Androids all have advanced hydraulic systems, allowing them to have the strength five humans.
* Heavy Mettle: Due to being programmed with multiple combat styles, Decker is a deadly combatant in close combat, which itself is supplemented with his superhuman strength.
* Android Durability: Thanks to Decker's nanocomposite duratanium endoskeleton and bulletproof synthetic skin layer, he is far more durable than normal humans, being able to shrug off most blows and impacts.
* Photographic Memory: Androids are able to process and store information such as faces, maps, and files.
* Reactor Overload: Decker overloads his microfusion reactor, which provides him a temporary boost of power, increasing his speed and strength. However, he overheats quickly, and needs to cool down every so often. Overloading too much has to potential to self-destruct with the power of a small nuke.

[User]
In the skies and above the clouds of an uncharted planet, the air seemed to shimmer and glow, before a line split through and appeared to rip reality itself open, creating an opening which revealed nothing but a blue and white glow. Then through that glow, a spacecraft emerged, shooting out at an impressive speed, before plummeting down towards the planet's surface as the portal closed behind it. It appeared to be damaged, looking as if it had collided with something shown by numerous scratches to its paintjob and parts flying off as they shot through the atmosphere. Smoke was trailing out of several sections, which were also sparking and fizzling. As for its six large repulsor engines, only four seemed to be working. Even then, its rear left engine seemed to be burning out. Lights in its cabin also seemed to be sparking as the area was bathed in flashing red from warning lights. The entire craft shook as it continued its violent descent, its functioning engines screeching.

Inside its large reinforced glass bridge, an armoured figure sat in the ship's command chair, frantically trying to regain control of his craft. "No no no no NO!" Conrad Decker screamed, pressing every button on the holoscreens in front of him. Try as he might, the ship refused to respond to his efforts. "Why won't you work?" He grit out, slamming his fist on the armrest. How the hell did this happen? He was on his way to meet a new contract on a colony world in the Inner Colonies when he had the misfortune for his RIFT drive to malfunction, violently throwing him out of the hyperspace tunnel and falling towards some planet he didn't even recognise.

The android mercenary growled as he attempted to at least activate the ship's airbrakes or reverse its thrust to slow his descent, but as before, nothing worked. More than a little worrying as the ground was getting closer every second, a sea of trees down below.

"WARNING! Cargo bay door open. Manual override required." His ship's computer alerted. Throwing his arms up in frustration, he jumped out of the chair and raced towards the rear, which took a fair amount of time, given his ship measured at just above fifty-three metres in length. Reaching it, he saw that, to his anger, several pieces of unsecured cargo sliding down the metal floor and shooting out through the opening. Growling, he activated the magnetic clamps in his boots and sprinted over to the door controls. Of course, something had to go wrong just as he reached it.

"ALERT! IMPACT WITH GROUND IN <10> SECONDS!" The ship's computer warned with a tone of urgency as the craft's altitude rapidly decreased. He knew that because he had synced himself up with the ship itself, and he felt and saw everything its sensors and cameras did. He looked out the opened cargo bay. He was only a few dozen metres above the canopy layer. Cursing, he clamped on to a railing, the metal bending due to his strength, and positioned himself to absorb the shock.

The craft suddenly lurched as he collided with a tree, sending it tilting to the side. It vibrated and shook as it hit a dozen more in its path. Decker glanced back out, seeing to his horror that at this speed, impact would severely damage his craft, not to mention himself in the process.

"ALERT! IMPACT WITH GROUND IN <-#1&67136"

"Son of a bi-" Was the last thing Decker managed to say before the entire railing was ripped off the ground as there was a horrible metallic grinding, before he himself was thrown out through the back. His sensors went haywire, and the last thing he received through his visual feed was the craft finally sliding to a stop a few dozen metres in front of him and catching fire, before his systems shut down.

[Assistant]
Diana Florence was trekking through some heavily wooden terrain on the way to her destination. The hardened young woman took out a somewhat dirty canteen and took a sip of water. She was quite thankful the true heat of summer was still a ways off but the air was still warm and slightly muggy, which made her bit of chain-mail rather hot and sweaty underneath. Despite the minor annoyances she was still making decent headway though had to adjust her knapsack from time to time in order to feel comfortable.

The reason she was essentially in the middle of nowhere was because of her current job. Her task was to investigate the claims that a monster den had appeared in these woods and if it existed to locate and report it's location back to the nearby town who would inform the proper people to handle the situation. It was hard and dangerous work, especially for a lone mercenary where death or worse fates could easily befall her, but it was the life she chose for herself.

Only recently had she discovered signs of life other than wild animals in the area and she had started to track a set of hoof prints that betrayed the fact the creature walked on two legs, meaning it was not an animal but a monster. As she hunted after the creature she saw more and more signs of recent travel, such as broken twigs, scuffed up patches of dirt, even some excrement which was unpleasant to stumble upon but told her that she was only a few hours behind.

"I can only hope it leads me back to its den." Diana muttered to herself as she found herself climbing over a fallen tree. "If its only a loner this will all be for nothing, but if I do find their lair I'll have to be careful not to be detected." If there indeed was a monster den in the area and if the hoof prints belonged to one of the species she was thinking of, she would soon have to be careful in her pursuit and try to avoid setting off any crude alarms systems.

Her thoughts about how to proceed were interrupted when she felt that something was amiss. Soon enough a bunch of concerned birds quickly shot up into the air and flew off. Seeing where they were fleeing she looked the opposite way and saw a glimpse of something in the sky. It was hard to tell what it was but it was big, quite big. First thought was maybe a dragon but it appeared to be mostly one color and was just too oddly shaped to be any creature she knew.

She crouched down and hid, unsure of what it was, only that it was fast and coming closer. Thankfully it was not head straight for her and would easily miss her but, what in the world was it? She lost sight of it when she hid and then came the terrible crashing sounds as the object started to smash through the forest with its sheer speed and mass. Trees snapped, were toppled and even splintered into thousands of pieces as the huge hunk of metal tore through the woods. The crashing sounds were so loud and terrifying that Diana had to cover her ears and held her breath on reflex so the monster wouldn't notice her.

One more tree topple over from the onslaught, and then all was silence. Diana gingerly peeked out for her hiding space behind a hollowed out tree and listened. She waited for a full minute but no other sounds could be heard. Extricating herself from her position, her tracking mission pushed aside for the moment, she hurried over to where the sounds were. Soon enough she came upon a section disintegrated trees and earth where the massive object had first touched ground. Following the carnage she saw it, whatever it was.

It was huge, made of what appeared to be metal, yet not. It was definitely on fire and the swath of destruction it had caused was excessive. Without closer examination it would be impossible to even guess at what it was, some secret project by a neighboring government perhaps? Bits and pieces were thrown about the woods, most of it on the ground behind the thing. She tried to identify it but it was like nothing she had even seen before, but then she saw a figure, sprawled out among the rubble.

It looked human, but the strange armor it wore was unlike anything she had ever seen before. Like plate-mail yet perhaps more like the exoskeleton of an insect that was impossible for a human to replicate. She had absolutely no clue what was going on but considering how strange this was, she needed to investigate and find out the identity of the figure. Considering it probably fell from whatever the burning metal slab was, there was a good chance it was dead but as a mercenary she never let down her guard as she cautiously approached, careful of her surrounds as well as the figure on the ground.

Before long she was on top of it, one hand gripped her short sword for defense as she circled around, trying to detect any signs of life. She gave one of its legs and nudge and stepped back quickly just in case. This whole situation was so out of the normal, Diana hadn't a clue how to proceed. "It looks dead but with all that armor its hard to be certain. What could have been flying around on that?"

She looked again to the strange object but it still made zero sense to her. This was going to be a rather strange day.


[System]
Alfred Grimm

Last Mage of the Court of England

"Magic has rules. People like me make them."
Sex:
Male

Culture:
Anglo-Saxon

Age:
36

Physical Description:
Of an average build, Alfred looks younger than he actually is and usually hides his form beneath the robes of his position at court. He stands at about 5"11, and his forearms and hands bear the rough burn scars of someone who has made enough mistakes with magic to know how to avoid repeating them. Under the hood of his robes, his hair is short and closely kept, dark as a raven's plumage, and his body is more toned than it is actually strong.

Occupation/Skillset:
Alfred is a powerful and highly trained hermetic mage. His is the magic which is most reliable – the magic which, like any part of the natural world, follows laws. Aside from his ability in spellcasting, he is also an expert in magical lore and academics. If someone, somewhere, has done something magical, then Alfred has a good chance of being able to explain it – and if he can't, then he'll study it until he can. In the court of the Duke of Brittony he fulfils the position of the court mage, an advisor in all things magic, occasional interpreter of dreams – and a force to be reckoned with in his own right.

Personality:
Alfred is an intuitive and perceptive person, wise and kind. His natural demeanour is an astute and guarded one, however, from his years in the court of The King of England and then in the court of the Duke of Brittony, where politicians were the most abundant species. He is inclined towards children, however, and looks to take on an apprentice at some point – if he should find someone young enough to have time to learn all he knows, with the right temperament, and the natural ability.

Backstory:
Alfred Grimm does not have parents that he can remember, or put name and face to today. Instead, he was abandoned at the doors of the hall of King Edward the Confessor before his first birthday, apparently so that he could be taught the ways of magic by the court mage – a wise and elderly mage of the hermetic tradition, named Eamer of East Anglia, a name which no more told anyone his place of origin than 'Eamer of Albion' would have. Eamer the Mage remained as mysterious as this through much of Alfred's studies, rarely speaking of his hometown or origins if ever. Despite this, he was a talented and creative mage, and a superb teacher.

Alfred Grimm – named so not for any family, but for the colour of his hair – would begin to learn the core magical principles and the very basics of spellcraft at about the age of four or five, in roughly the same period as he was learning to read, write, and laminate vellum. He took to it as a fish takes to water, or a bird to flight, and still looks back on this time with great fondness. As time went by, the lessons naturally grew more advanced, the relationship between Master and Apprentice deepened, and Alfred's understanding of how things worked in the hermetic system grew and grew. He was passionate about learning – and equally as passionate about applying.

When he was 16, near a grown man by the world's standards, he set about improving his abilities without his master's guidance. This notion was motivated by his attraction to the girls of the court – daughters of minor noble houses, daughters of slightly less minor noble houses, servant girls, anyone really. This naturally made every decision he took in pursuing this goal rather unwise – and it came to a head when he tried to demonstrate a spell he had modified for them, a spell he had changed to make it more effective. It was indeed very effective – because he had removed the safeguards that made it tolerable to use.

He nearly lost his hands to an all-consuming magical fire. The girls he had been trying to impress never spoke to him again, terrified of what he could do and how little control he seemed to have. What kind of mage ends up bedridden for a fortnight because they didn't know how to avoid setting their own flesh on fire? A dangerous and stupid one. He did not repeat this mistake.

Master Eamer was furious, but he did not once consider rejecting Alfred as his apprentice. He nursed him back to health personally, feeding him all sorts of vile tonics and potions in the name of his wellbeing – a practice which Alfred later suspected as being as much punishment as remedy. A punishment he accepted, though. From then on, he was more disciplined in his studies and practice of magic – a change Eamer appreciated, no doubt. He would gain many more scars and burns in his studies, of course – but they would be more in the name of experimentation and research than bragging.

Alfred went on to learn alchemy, medicine, scrying and the primitive forms of divination available at the time, summoning – though he rarely dabbles in that, - ritual magicks, and the art of perceiving the hidden and subtle flows and eddies of arcana and mana in the natural world. It was a happy time, and it changed much of how he lived his life. In time, he was also to learn the less arcane and more practical aspects of life at court. Table manners, for example. Also, politics, the basics of swordsmanship, the ins and outs of heraldry and nobility, and at one point philosophy and art.

Time wore on. Alfred grew wiser, smarter, and bigger… and his master grew old. Older than he already was. Smaller, weaker, sicker, too. Among the last things his master taught him before Alfred took over at the court mage was how to learn for himself – and how to teach others, as well; he remembers his master's words well to this day –

"Alfred, you have always lived this life, you have always known magic. Your parents gave you to me because they had learned early that you were talented in this way – but many in the world have the gift, and never know."

"Alfred, you will know when the time is right, you will know who is right. Some day, find an apprentice of your own. Teach them. Pass on your knowledge. I have already taught you more than I thought I could."

"Alfred… you have been wonderful. Every day I have been thankful to be able to teach you. When my time comes… bury me in Gwent. It's where I grew up. Where I learned what you've learned here, from me."

His master lived for three years after Alfred took over his role at court, giving advice, still practicing magic, always learning. When he died, it was quick, quiet, and peaceful.

Alfred grieved, and took three months from his time at court to return Eamer to his hometown in Gwent.

When he returned though, he found that things had changed somewhat. For one thing, a woman named Edyth – one of the girls he had once tried to impress – was visiting him more and more frequently. For another thing, so were some other noble women. Some for potions for their complexion, some for potions for fertility, some for various other potions for various other things. Knowing that this would not make him popular with the men of the court, he tried his best to spend more time with the former than any of the latter – she was a servant, and charming, but not the kind of person any of the noblemen were likely to have keen interest in.

He was wrong.

She was beautiful, and very loving, and bright, and the subject of a torrid affection on the part of an admittedly minor noble, but still noble enough to ruin Alfred's day – especially when his dear Anise ran to Alfred crying, a bruise across her cheek.

He had never been so angry.

Had it not been for the physical proof of the young noble's assault on Anise, and his own high standing in court, he would likely have been executed for what he did to the offender.

Instead, he was exiled – so that he might "… become Brittony's problem."
On the bright side, Anise was unlikely to receive any unwanted attention for quite some time – the last man to give her any had ended up as something of a cautionary tale at court, his own standing ruined too.

And naturally, mages and wizards have plenty of work going. It was only a matter of time before he ended up in service to the good Duke, as he had been for some years before the quest began.

[User]
The bald man's eyes were closed, hands clasped above his knees where he sat. He was mouthing quietly to himself, not imposing his prayer over the meal upon his companions. He did not doubt their faith- otherwise he'd invoke Inquisition- but he knew that, often times, prayer was the farthest thing from traveller's minds. Especially with weather as dreary and dreadful as this. Hugo for his part asked for blessed weather in the days to come- his horse had much trouble travelling through the mud, and he'd even dismissed his valet due to the horridness.

He pulled his hands apart, his prayers complete, and lifted a sparse loaf of bread to his lips and bit into it with a single strong bite, pulling the bread away from his face as he chewed. His oaths required him to abstain from meat for all but three meals of the week, and on the beginnings of a journey Hugo preferred to keep to bread. Once his mouth was clear, he finally spoke;

"Ser Hugo Le Guen, Master Templar of the Bretons, master commander of the Commanderie of the Isle of Belle-ile. At the lord's service, and yours for the moment."

His eyes scanned over the group as he held his meagre meal in his hands. The women made him a smidge uncomfortable- his oaths forbade even coming into contact with women- but here they were, chosen by the Good Duke for their services. He wouldn't let his sensibilities come between him and a quest, however, and they were welcome companions so long as they kept the faith and kept to the job.

"I am a survivor of the Crusade for Sussex, where we were repelled by the pagans of England. I lead the vanguard in the crusade, and was both the first and last out of the combat. I take my vows seriously, I take my duties seriously, and I take this quest seriously." He said simply, taking the time to wash his throat with a sip of water. "But I will say this; I will put my faith in each and every one of you, and I expect and implore you to put your faith in me. Trust and co-operation will ensure our success."

He took another bite of his loaf of bread, chewing slowly and deliberately. After another few seconds of chewing he swallowed, drank another sip of water.

"Gloria ad Deus." He concluded in Latin. The man, in his white mantle and bearing his multitude of weapons, left the air to another of the company.

[Assistant]
Holding a hand out, the blonde youth poured a small amount of her water into the palm before setting the water-skin aside. Rubbing both of her slender hands together, she ensured they were both clean before she even thought about her meal. Once they were purified to a satisfactory level, she joined the holy man in his moment of prayer and began to eat.

Though she did not have such qualms over meat, she ate quietly and made little visible movement while chewing. Hearing the introductions, the girl noted just what capacity of folk she had found herself in the company of before she swallowed the piece of deer she had partaken of.

"My lady has given me the alias Concordia for this mission. She informed me it is the name of an old Roman Goddess that presides over marriage. I suppose she found it fitting for a task like this. I am very familiar with negotiations and the workings of merchants."

Slowly reaching up, she pulled her hood down slightly, hoping to mask her discomfort in such conditions. Under scrutiny, it was painfully obvious to even a child that she was not used to being in the woods like this. Frequently shifting a bit on the log in a vane attempt to find comfort, and the shuddering from her rain-soaked attire.

Sitting on logs, with no wine, no spice, no music. Nothing! How did people live like this?!

Finally, Concordia had enough. Getting up from the log, she walked over to her belongings and produced a wooden flute as she spoke, with a tinge of pride in her voice, "I am also trained in music!"

With that, she brought the instrument up to her lips and began to play a soft, gentle tune for her companions.