Hunters of Terra Dolor (Role Playing Section)

MarineAvenger & ZombieSplitter53
Spirit of the Dragon
Part One

Havenbrook Manor
The Roof
June 6th, 3349

Darkness had descended several hours ago, the pale glow of the moonlight illuminating the landscape around the Havenbrook Manor after the overcast of the day had broken and now only a few clouds held in the sky above. Despite the warmth of the air, Drayce still bundled himself up in his tattered, drab cloak. It gave him a sense of comfort, and the moon in some way was therapeutic in much the same way. The luminescent color was much the same as his mother, Liandriana's scaleless body always glowing when the light shone just right. His head hurt now. His memories hadn't come back in any slight way and that was infuriating. He twisted the obsidian ring with gold dragon script engraved on the outside all around in a melancholy way.

"What are you up to?" His current guardian asked as she approached him from behind.

"I want to remember home. So I like looking at the moon." the Thrope responded. "How did you know I was on the roof?"

Mina carefully moved next to him and sat down. High places seem to be your favorite places to relax." She gave him a sad smile. "Remember anything?"

The dragon shook his head. "Nothing brings back anything." Looking at the forest treeline, Drayce let out a sigh, "There is something I recollect though and it scares me."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Mina asked. "The least I could do is lend you an ear."

"It is very hazy. Barely a full memory. But I remember hearing waves and seeing a smile before I feel like I fall. And then I am surrounded by cold and darkness. I think from what the old man told me... that woman was my real mother. Why would she smile before tossing me into the ocean?" The young man asked sadly.

"I... I can not say," Mina admitted. "Perhaps she was a mad woman. One would have to be to do that to a baby like that, especially their own."

"I won't let it bother me much. It won't do much to dwell." Putting his chin on his knees, he asked, "What happened to that blind little girl while I was gone?"

"Aemilia? She is still here." Mina smiled. "She has missed you. I hid your abduction from her, but she quickly found out. She was inconsolable at first. Then angry at me. Then just... sad. Even now, she wants to see you, but wants to give you your space."

"Why would she act like that? She barely knows me." Drayce asked in confusion.

"I don't know." Mina smiled at him. "Maybe your more charming then you think. Or maybe it is because, no matter how much they try, people end up treating her different. With a gentleness that comes off as hand holding and patronizing. But you just treat her like any other kid. Any other person. And she appreciates that kind of thing."

"Would you mind telling her she can come see me? It isn't right she is purposely keeping herself away." Drayce pulled his hood over his head more and stared up at the starry sky.

"I will." Mina's head turned the opposite way, staring at the ground below. "I... I-I haven't had a chance to... to fully tell you how... terribly sorry I am, Drayce.

"It's fine Mina. They're all dead now anyways." The dragon mumbled.

"It isn't okay," Mina mumbled. "I should have done something. Tried to stop them. But I didn't. You must have felt so... betrayed."

"Mmm... No. You are my friend. My first friend." Drayce responded back softly.

She gave him a worried look, but smiled, nudging him with her shoulder. "You're a good kid, Dryace. You have an innocence that is enviable."

"I think some southlanders would call it being cavalier." Drayce gave her a childish smile.

Mina shrugged. "I just think it is being mature." She ran a hand through her hair. "Tell me, though... is there anything to make it up to you, even if you won't hold a grudge?"

Drayce shook his head, "If I ever need something I will tell you."

Mina leaned close. "Promise? Because your independent nature tells me you might not."

"If you are so insistent I will make you regret it." He threatened playfully.

Mina giggled, and stood up. "It is good to have you home. There is plenty of raw meat for you to eat your fill, and plenty of friends to reunite with."

He nodded slowly. "Like Aemilia."

"Like Aemilia." Mina placed a hand on his head for a moment before leaving him be.

Drayce laid back, closing his eyes and letting out a puff of smoke.

Elsewhere, Aemilia sat alone in her room next to Mina's. Prepared for bed in her modest pajamas, she did what she often did when alone; she sat in front of her mirror, staring into her own eyes. It was hard to say was going through her mind in these moments. Even she wasn't entirely sure.

Suddenly, there was tapping coming from her window suddenly.

She jumped a bit. She reached to the side, grabbing her bandages and wrapping them around the eyes. She stood up and made her way to the window, opening it. "Bishop? Is that you?"

"Can I come in?" A familiar voice asked from above her, Drayce hanging from the roof upside down.

"Oh!" Aemilia stepped to the side. "Of course. I mean... it's a little late, but that's okay."

Drayce let go,of the roof and fell, performing a flip and grabbing her windowsill to pull himself in. "Who is Bishop? Your boyfriend?"

Aemilia blushed. "B-boyfriend? N-no. Bishop is Mina's Raven. He likes to sleep in my room sometimes, mainly when Mina isn't around to let him into her room."

"A raven? Sounds like a yummy snack." Drayce noted.

"N-no!" the girl quickly said. "M-Mina would be upset and furious if you ate her bird."

Drayce frowned deeply. "Fiiine. But now I am hungry..." The dragon looked her over and slowly started walking towards her menacingly.

Hearing his foot steps, she took a step back. "D-Drayce?"

"I am hungry. So very hungry. And a juicy little girl to fill my belly."

"W-w-what?" Aemilia fell back against her beds. "B-but dragons don't eat people... d-do they?"

"They do." He pounced on top of her, holding her down. "Time to dig in." Leaning down, Drayce growled and then lightly bit her cheek.

Aemilia shook ever so slightly. "P-please don't eat me, Mr. Dryace! I... I-I'll make you something better to eat! Like, um... a-anything that... isn't me."

"Noaf. Ur foo feet." He said with a mouthful of her fleshy cheek, letting go to bite her arm.

Despite her worry, Aemilia let out a small laugh, his actions tickling her a bit.

Drayce released her arm and sat up on her with a smile. "I made you laugh like I wanted."

Aemilia giggled. "You had me worried for a minute there. But I guess if you wanted to eat me, you would have just gobbled me up in one bite, huh?"

"My mouth is not that big. I could probably fit your entire hand." Drayce said with a smile as he put her hand in his slimy mouth.

"Eeeeeew!" She laughed. "You're so weird!" She shook her head. "I'm... so happy you're back."

Spirit of the Dragon
Part Two

He took her hand out and gave her a goofy smile, "When Mina told me you were feeling down I had to make you feel better. You shouldn't have been so sad."

Aemilia blushed again, looking away. "I... couldn't help it. Those bad people took you away like an animal. And rumor has it they... they treated you worse then one. I heard people saying, when you got back, you were all skinny and pale and dirty. It... made me even more sad."

"But I came back. You should have been happy about that." Drayce told her outright, patting her head childishly.

She sat up and nodded. "I am now that I see that you seem okay. I'm sorry I didn't look for you. I wasn't sure if you would want to see me."

That caused the young man to tilt his head, "Why wouldn't I?"

Aemilia that about it for a moment, then shrugged. "I don't know. 'Cause I'm just some silly, little kid. I'm sure there are more people closer to your age that you would rather hang out with."

"Mmm... nope. Other people stink. But not you. You smell quite good. And also taste really good." Drayce assured her.

"I do?" Aemilia laughed. "That's really nice of you to say, though I'm sure most people would find it weird."

"Should I eat you some more then? I really am hungry." he complained.

"No, No. I think I'm okay. Besides, they probably have..." The girl shuddered a bit. "...some of that are meat for you. Still can't believe you eat that stuff. Though I guess Dragon diets are special."

"You should try it if you don't want to be a pipsqueak forever." Drayce commented honestly.

"It would be nice to actually grow for the first time in twelve years..." Aemilia was quiet for a few seconds before saying, "Dyrace... I know I might have asked this already, but... can I touch your face?"

"You can touch me anywhere." Drayce told her nonchalantly. "I don't care."

Aemilia nodded innocently. She reach out and slowly ran her hands across his face. Softly, gently, she studied every contour of his face. After a couple minutes, she smiled and said, "From what I can tell, you are a very handsome young man. At least by most standards."

"Why does that matter?" Drayce asked, fumbling as he touched her face.

She flinched a bit, not used to being touched herself, but said nothing on it. "It doesn't to me, considering I can't see. But it does to some people."

"You are weird, but I suppose you are cute. Right?" Drayce asked, "I don't know. I am just a dragon."

Aemilia shrugged. "I don't know. Some people say I am, though like you said, you're a dragon."

"Mmm... Yeah, I think you are cute." Drayce slowly rubbed her head, "I killed a lot of people after I escaped. Everyone who kept me locked up... I killed them."

Aemilia gasped, both at the admission and how bluntly her said it. "O-oh, um... did... d-did you have to?"

"No, I don't think I had to exactly. But it felt right. I hated them all. I wished I had made them suffer longer. But then I attacked the town. Killed people there. I didn't exactly want to, but it felt right too." Looking at his hand, he had a somber look. "I was a true dragon."

Aemilia tilted her head down. "I... I didn't know true dragons were... so willing to kill people like that. I guess they're not as pure as some of the stories say."

"Sorry to disappoint. It was never like this at home. Humans... Change us." Drayce shook his head. "We shouldnt be friends, huh?"

"W-wha?" Aemilia stammered. "Y-you don't... I-I... I-I d-d-didn't... didn't mean to insult d-dragons! I-I'm sorry! Please... p-please don't stop being me friend. I... I-I don't have many..."

"You didn't insult me. I told you purposely... Because I don't want to hurt you..." Drayce whispered.

Aemilia rubbed her wrist. "W-well... y-you hurt... k-killed bad people who hurt you, r-right? I... I'm not a bad person... and I wouldn't hurt you, so... s-so..."

"But I wasn't entirely in control. That's the point. I may not want to hurt you, but I might. I don't want to do that. So i want to apologize. In case I ever make you cry."

Aemilia nodded, smiling softly. "Well then... if you ever hurt me, I'll remind you that you already apologized."

"If I ever hurt you I would never forgive myself." Drayce lazily put his head on her shoulder.

She leaned her head against his. "Then it is a good thing I trust you not to, huh?"

"Because you are my friend?" Drayce asked in confusion.

"Because I am your friend," she confirmed.

"Aw... And here I thought you could be my girlfriend." Drayce said seriously.

Aemilia let out a soft yelp. "Aren't I... too young and childish for you?"

"Hm? Are you?" Drayce asked with a tilted head like a confused animal.

"I, um... I guess that's... u-up to you," Aemilia stammered.

"I am asking you." Drayce responded, poking her chest with a claw.

""W-well, um... I, uh... I've never had a boyfriend before, so as long as we don't do anything naughty, it... should be okay."

"Naughty? Like eating you?" He said, pouncing on her again.

She giggled loudly. "Yes, that. Among other things."

"Like?" Drayce questioned, "You southlanders never make any sense."

"You know," Aemilia answered. "Stuff grown ups do to... to make children and stuff."

"You're weird. We can't make babies. I'm a dragon."

"Well, pretend like we could, and think about what we would have to do. That's the stuff we can't do."

"But... We cant do it in the first place?" Drayce looked totally confused.

"Um..." Aemilia smiled. "Well, good then! I guess that means... Your my boyfriend now, huh?"

"Does it?" Drayce got up, scratching his head. "I am so confused right now. Southlanders are nothing like the north."

"I know. But that is what makes things interesting." Aemilia sat up next to him. "You can learn about us while I learn about you. Sounds exciting, right?"

"I suppose. But don't tell anyone I am your boyfriend. That would be weird. What... Does being a boyfriend mean exactly?"

"It... um..." Aemilia thought for a moment. "I'm... Not sure. It is, like... a guy who you a friend's with, but in a special way. One go out on dates with, who you hang out with a lot, and one who protects you."

"I don't know what a date is, but I will certainly protect you. And we can always hang out." The dragon thrope affirmed with a toothy smile.

Aemilia nodded. "It's a little late now, but... want to hang out tomorrow?"

"Sure. I want that. You are fun to hang out with. Your face gets red a lot like a vegetable!"

Aemilia's face immediately reddened again. "R-right. Heheh... I-I guess this is goodnight then, huh?"

Drayce nodded several times and patted the girl on the head. "We can eat on the roof again tomorrow." he suggested in an excitable tone.

Aemilia nodded. Her usual lack of sight didn't leave her with much of a fear of heights. She reached out, eventually finding the Dragon boy's hand. "Good night, Drayce. And thanks for coming to see me."

"Mhmm. Goodnight pipsqueak." Drayce rubbed her head one last time before climbing out her window.

Aemilia's smile faded a bit as she made sure her lamps were put out and curled up into bed. She was happy to have a boyfriend, but sad that she would never be able to look him in the eyes without killing him.

A Corrupted Past: The Sage’s Warning

Many years past, the life of the village of Helidim was as peaceful as it could get. Very little could attack the small Elven village due to its placement near the mountains. Those that did attempt were dealt with by the local church… as many of them worshipped Nemesis and had combat training. This was the life of the young priest Zulik. Alongside his mentor, Jarison, the duo stopped many travelers from hurting the villagers and their settlement. For many years, everything was nice, everything was peaceful… until he came.

An old looking man slowly approached the village of Helidim. His robes were a dark grey, along with his hair and eyes. He carried with him a satchel and a walking stick. Zulik was the first to noticed the man, nudging Jarison and walking over to greet him. “Welcome traveler, what brings you to our village?”

“I have come with a warning…” The old man stated. “Your village is no longer safe.”

Jarison huffed. “Nice try. I’ve been in here since I was born and there hasn’t been a single thing that our church can’t handle.”

The old man looked the priest dead in the eyes. “Nemesis can not save you this time! Evil itself is coming for you!”

Zulik quickly pulled the man away from his mentor. “Who are you and how do you know the goddess we worship?”

The old man paused, almost as if he was trying to remember something. “My name is Aringil Maverin. I am a sage who can see into the future. I have already seen your villages demise. As long as you stay, you’re lives are in danger of corruption beyond saving.”

“What makes you so sure of tha-” Jarison started before he was interrupted by a blast of deafening thunder. “What in the gods was that?!”

“We must hurry!” Aringil attempted to move past the two priests. “It moves than I could have ever predicted!”

“What exactly is it?” Zulik inquired, seeming to lighten up on the man.

“It is the Evil.” The old man told him. “It corrupts all it surrounds and kills any poor soul that tries to resist. No of you are safe from it’s grasp.”

Zulik paused for a moment, then turned to Jarison. “Prepare everyone to evacuate the village.”

Jarison seemed to snarl slightly. “Are you mad? You have no idea if this old fart is telling the truth or not. For all you know, he could just be senile. What make you so sure you can trust him?”

Zulik growled at his mentor. “And what if he’s right? We’ve never fought monsters before, especially not one of this magnitude. If this Evil does come, no one will be able to stop it.”

“Have you lost your faith?” Jarison challenged. “Nemesis watches over us. She will protect us… no matter what happens.”

The young priest glared at Jarison. “Then she watches over me no longer. I’m tired of waiting for some deity to give us answers. If you want a job done, then you should learn to do it yourself.”

Zulik grabbed his mentor’s gauntlet and walked off with Aringil. “And where do you think you’re going with my weapon?” Jarison demanded.

Zulik only turned his head slightly to respond. “If you faith holds true, then you have no use in your gauntlet. I, however, need to be able to defend myself for once.”

The head priest growled. “Fine, leave. Just no that you are no longer welcome here, Zulik.”

Zulik didn’t say anymore as he walked off, only hearing Jarison say. “I never should’ve that Elf. He’s a coward… just like the rest of them.”

***

After a few minutes of walking up the mountain, Zulik cleared his throat. “Ummm, Aringil?”

“Please, call me Maverin.” The sage replied.

“Right, Maverin.” Zulik corrected himself, then asked. “Do you know why I always felt different from the others? I know we were all Elves… but something seemed off about myself.”

“It’s rather quite simple.” Maverin explained. “You are not the same breed of Elf as the others of your village. It seemed that all of them are Light Elves… while you stand as the only Dark Elf.”

“So, we are different from one another?” The former priest inquired.

“Yes, both in body and in mind.” The old man continued. “Light Elves are seen as holy beings, ones capable of healing and saving allies. Unfortunately, due to their lack of populace, their brethren, the Dark Elves, took the title of Elf from them. While the dark breed remain known as the Elves… the holy breed will forever be known as Light Elves. This has made conflict and prejudice between the two Elven breeds.”

“Is that so…” Zulik lowered his gaze.

“Do not worry, young one.” Maverin reassured. “One day, the two breeds will learn to accept each other as one, and the Elves will be united once more. I have foreseen it… and you can help bring that to fruition.”

“Right.” Zulik looked back at the sage. “I shouldn’t let the thought bring me down.”

Maverin chuckled. “That’s the spirit.”

A lesson in hunting

April 27 3349

6:45 AM


Elma was reading another one of her spell books, she reading about dark water and earth magic. “Hum so many spells I wonder if there’s lightning magic or is that thunder hum, something to look up later.”

There was a knock at her door.” Elma open up its Charter I need to talk to you.”

Elma closed her book and opened the door. “Hay Charter what is it, is it time for us to train again today?”

“Yes though today, is going to be different today come with me.”

“Um ok.” Elma fallowed Charter outside all the way to the wolf din. “Um Charter, ha ha why are we here?”

“Today I’m feeling generous, since you’re my sister and all I want to have a partner. So I’m going to let you pick one of Slons pups for you to have as a not only friend but companion, he or she is your reasonability so choose wisely.”

“Ou um Ok then,” Mina fallowed Charter to the inside of the wolf den were she saw a bunch of month old pups walking around there mother. “Awww look at them, I never seen wolf babys there so cute. So I get free range here why are you doing this Charter?”

“Well since I missed so many of your birth days, and other things with you I figured why not. Especially what I have planned for you, if things go the way I think they will your goanna need a buddy.


“Ou thanks brother, what to pick what to pick.” Elma slowly started to get close to the small with wolves, one looked at Elma and went to her.” Aw look at you.” Elma picke up the small pup, the pup started wag it’s tail and lick Elma. She smiled and to her dismay checked to see if it was a boy or a girl. “You’re a boy, so as for a name how about Sam do you like that?” The pup licked Emla noise. “The Sam it is.”

“Great you have a new friend, now let’s get started on your training today were going hunting today.”

“Um hunting, Charter what are we doing today?”

“You vomit at the sight of blood and guts and all that other stuff, so were going to fix that. You are going to go up the food chain and kill animals first, alright being an actual hunter of sorts.”

“Um... Ok so this is to get me used to killing but I don’t want to though.”

“I know sis but your first mission will come up one day, and I’m sure Lady Have Brook want’s to seen you out to help everyone else. And the others want to work with you.”

“Humm Alright then so where do we start then.”

“Rabbits, a good moving target especially for you since it’s fast it won’t attack good for practice.”

“Um alright rabbits are all over the place, I think some try to get into the garden. I know your girlfriend hates that, though doesn’t Erin have rabbits?”

“Yes though her rabbits are in her lab and typically don’t get out, but if they do then we give her some new ones.” Charter thought about it and doesn’t want to hear Erin yelling at him. “But let’s go hunt down some just in case.”

“Alright let me put Sam away then I can join you.” Elma went back into the manor and put her new friend in her room, when she came back out she had her staff in hand and put her hair in a ponytail. “All set now let’s go hunting!” Elam shouted in enthusiasm.

“Alright let’s get moving.” Charter and Elma walked on the train near the manor exploring the forest surrounding it. After a few minutes they saw a rabbit. “Alright now then take down your pray kiddo.”

“Um OK I will try.” Elma approached the rabbit slowly but when the rabbit heard her it ran off, Elma chased the rabbit realizing that this was a failed attempted she made a small wall in front of the rabbit then other smalls surrounding it. “Yea I caught.” The rabbit then jumped out of the small barrio Elma mad which angered her. “Ou come on now!” The rabbit didn’t get far, Elma dove on the rabbit and held on to it. “Ha I caught it, now what Charter?

“Now you kill it.” Charter pulled out a knife and held it in front of him.

“Ou right, um can you.” Elma looked down at the rabbit and looked into its eyes, her heart sank when she realized she had to kill the small rabbit she felt sad for the small creature.

Charter put the knife in Elma hand she put the rabbit down, and put pressure on its body so it wouldn’t get away.”OK now you just take the knife and.” Charter held Elma hand and she slowly put the knife in the rabbits neck, Charter then let go of her hand and Elma drove the knife in herself once the dead was done Elma vomited in some nearby bushes.” I’m sorry, it’s just.”

Charter put his hand one Elma shoulder. “I know sis but this is baby steps this is to get you used to this, this is only step one. Now the more nasty part now I’m going to show you how to do this, wait here a minute.” Charter Left Elma next to the dead rabbit, after a few minutes Charter came back with his own rabbit. ”Now this part is nasty, but you have to do it I’m going to teach you how to skin a rabbit. First you cut the inside of the legs.” Charter started to cut the rabbit, once the cut was deep enough Charter went to the other leg and did the same. He then started to pull the skin down word working around the tail, when he got to the tail Charter cut the inner part of it and continued to pull the rest of the skin up until the head. “Then you just cut the head off, and that’s it.”

Elma gagged seeing what Charter did, she then looked at the rabbit she killed. “I have to don’t I?”

“Yep.” Charter handed the knife to Elma.

Elma grabbed the knife her hand shaking a bit, but she dove the knife into the rabbit and she turned away. Charter turned her head back to the rabbit. “Don’t look away kid, you have to see this.” Elma whimpered being forced to look at what she was doing, Elma gaged wanting to vomit the entire time.

“Al... Alright ..I.I did it, so now what?”

“Now you gut it.” Charter grabbed the knife again and slit the middle of the rabbit showing the guts of it, he then pulled out the guts like it was nothing. “There now it’s done.”

Elma gagged again looking at the guts of it, and she realized that she has to do the same thing. She grabbed the knife and didn’t want Charter touching her with his blooded hand, Elma forced herself to look at the guts of the rabbit. Elma then put her hand into the rabbit and she turned her head to gag, but she pulled out the guts and threw them on the floor.

“Nice work Elma, you made your first ever kill today. Now your no were near ready to fight bandits or any monsters as of yet, but it’s early begging’s alright.”

“Ugh huh, ou this is disgusting.” Elam said in a whining voice. “I hate this.”

“Don’t worry you’ll get better and I’ll be there with you the hole way alright.”

Elma nodded her head in silence. “Thank you Charter so is that it for today?”

“No I want you to kill three more rabbits and do what you just did.”

Elma said in a pouting tone. “Aw come on, do I have to?”

“Yes you do, this is to get you a feel for killing. Which by the way how did you fell killing that rabbit?”

“Um, nothing.. I felt nothing. Does that mean I’m a bad person?”

“No it’s an animal kid it’s alright to kill theses, but If this becomes too much for you I’m here for you.”

“Ugh huh thank you Charter.”

Deal with the Devil

Tecunte's Realm
June 7th, 3349

Tecunte slowly combed her hair, admiring her own beauty in her mirror. With a content smile, she turned and asked, "How do I look?"

"Like a family murdering psycho," Seclevar muttered, not bothering to look at her.

"Oh, hush you." The Chaos goddess laughed. "You didn't even like her. Jealous that you didn't get her first?"

"Just because I don't get along with someone doesn't mean I want them dead," her son stated. "Obviously the same doesn't go for you. Besides, this is another nail in our coffins when this inevitably falls apart."

"Such a worrier." Tecunte patted his head childishly. "Just be happy that I admit you were right. I shouldn't have involved her. Now she's out of the picture. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a business meeting."

She stepped through a portal, a big smile on her face as she looked around Mina's office. "Such a lovely room. Quaint, comfortable, modest, yet screaming authority."

Mina was unamused by her compliments. "She look familiar?"

"Oh, yeah," Eraqus confirmed. "That's her. I'd recognize that confident, bitchy smile anywhere."

The goddess scoffed. "So insulting. You should be apologizing for letting one of your men send his wolves... well, my wolves, to eat me alive."

"Cut out the playful act." Standing next to Mina's desk, Ranseca folded her arms. "You're here because you're busted."

Tecunte grinned. "Look at miss Herald goddess, trying to stand up to the big boys and girls." She shrugged. "I'll bite. What am I 'busted' for?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about!" Ranseca snapped. "The Worgs. The Zombies. The Basalisk. You were behind them all!" She shook her head. "Once I picked up the trail, it didn't take long to lead back to you. You barely hid your activities, even appearing before a group of Hunters in your true form. You're either really bad at covering you trail, or you wanted to be caught. I'm guessing a bit of both."

Tecunte sighed. "Damn... damn, damn damn. You really did catch me, huh?"

"You're damn right!" The Herald pointed an angry finger. "We can't prove it yet, but I'm willing to bet you had something to do with the assault on Methos and the recent disturbances in the space-time continuum!"

"Why, those are mighty charges. Well, I guess it is time to face the music." Tecunte pouted, and looked around in an exaggerated manner. "Well? Where are they?"

Mina tapped her fingers impatiently, growing tired of the Chaos goddess. "Where are who?"

"Why, Jerin'dek or Xia'tar, of course," Tecunte answered. "Or Nemesis or Zitka. Hell, even Susho'seras. I mean, I'm to be taken into custody?"

Ranseca slowly lowered both her hand and her gaze. Eraqus stepped over and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Oh, yes!" Tecunte laughed. "You can't do anything to me, can you?! Because I've done nothing wrong! Tell them! Tell them!"

"Shut the Hell up, wench!" Eraqus placed a hand on the Herald's shoulder. "What is she blathering about. Even if you can't prove those more serious things, she has done plenty wrong."

"I... n..." Ranseca sighed deeply. "No... She hasn't."

"What kind twist, rule of the gods bs is this?!"Mina demanded, pounding a fist on her desk. "She nearly destroyed an entire village with a pack of Worgs! Those Basalisks could have wiped out those three towns! If we hadn't gone to that mine, that building legion of undead could have..."

"Ahem." Tecunte held up a hand. "Excuse me, but... I'm hearing a lot of 'almosts' and 'could haves'. The god don't deal with intents and hypotheticals." She slowly approached the desk. "Point is, I am supposed to spread chaos. It is my job. You might not like it, but not every god has a family friendly purpose. And I am encouraged to do my job as long as I don't go too far." She leaned forward over the desk, grinning at Mina. "And I didn't go too far. Don't you see? By stopping my in each instance, you assured I couldn't be held accountable. So thank you ever so much."

Mina squeezed her fists tight enough for her knuckles to go white. "You can't keep that up forever. We will be there to stop you, and eventually you'll slip up."

"Yes, but the day I mess up will likely be the day your guild fails... and falls. Not a happy ending for either of us." Tecunte stood up straight. "And so, I'd like to propose a deal. A... contest of sorts to settle this."

"No!" Ranseca gave Mina a pleading look. "Don't make a deal with her! Whatever she says, she is just trying...!"

"Mind your own business!" Tecunte held a hand to the Herald goddess, flinging her back into a portal that quickly closed.

"What did you do to her?!" Eraqus demanded.

Tecunte waved her hand. "She's fine. Though probably just surprised a Dragon or two by coming out of nowhere. Now, for the deal..."

Mina took several deep breaths. "I'm... listening..."

The goddess held up a golden apple, the fruit transforming into a map of the know would. "Terra Dolor. Home to so many mortals ripe for the picking. Including The Land of Ice, they are spread across fourteen nations. That is fourteen chances I get to crush you."

"Get on with it," Mina muttered. "You sure like to hear yourself talk, huh?"

Tecunte chuckled. "Our little contest is simple. I have spread my seeds of chaos across the globe, to one of every nation. Your job is to find out what was done, and stop it. No time limit, though if left unchecked, it with soon spread out of control and you will lose. Fail at stopping my influence in any country, and you take full responsibility for what happens."

"And what exactly does 'full responsibility' equate to?" Eraqus inquired.

"It means she will die, and the Havenbrook Organization will be disbanded, punctuated by the destruction of the Manor and anyone dumb enough to be in it."

Eraqus looked at Mina, surprised she wasn't rejecting it outright. Instead, she calmly said, "And if I succeed in averting your acts of corruption?"

Tecunte's grin spread ear to ear. "Then I'll leave the mortal realm alone. No more spreading chaos. No more destruction and discord from me for... five hundred years."

"A thousand." Mina countered.

Tecunte frowned. "Fine, six hundred."

"A thousand," Mina repeated.

"Eight hundred!"

"A... thousand!" Mina leaned forward, glaring into Tecunte's eyes. "I have more to lose then you. It is my life and the livelihood of my workers at risk. All you have is a millennium sitting on your hands, which is nothing to an immortal god. And the contest is rigged in your favor. I know there are overt things you can't do or you would have done them already, but everything is in your hands, from who or what we'll be facing to what where we'll have to go to how challenging it will be. One... thousand."

Tecunte glared back. Even though everything was going he way for the most part, she didn't like Mina having any kind of control. Finally thinking of the bigger picture, she smiled and nodded. "Very well. Your life and the Guild against a thousand years of peace from me. Maybe I'll take a thousand year nap." She laughed. "If I somehow actually lose."

The goddess held out her hand. Mina hesitated, but slowly accepted it, shaking it up and down as a very tired Ranseca rushed into the room. "No!" She cried out.

"See you soon," Tecunte stated, and disappeared into a portal.

"Why did you do that?!" Ranseca pleaded. "That was an official deal with a goddess, which means as long as she doesn't do anything crazy, we can't help you now! This is between you two alone!"

Eraqus looked worried, but noted Mina didn't share the look, instead smiling softly. "Because I have confidence in my people. Trust me... soon enough, she'll be fuming as she watches us do what we have done all along; screwing up all her well thought plans."

Frostlich1228 & Zombiesplitter53: "Tragedy Abroad"

Havenbrook Manor
Dining Area/Bar
April 27th, 3349


Betty sat in the bar, listening to the song of the Sheep Thrope as she sat on the stage. Like usual, it wasn't anything attention getting, just soothing background music that didn't draw much attention to the singer, but it was clearly enough for her.

The music didn't do much to distract the Fly Thrope as she sat down with Veeti for lunch, her mind always seemed to wander towards thoughts of Eliza, however she did her best to keep them at bay. This was done mostly by filling her thoughts with new information and tasks, that of her meeting with her parents thanks to Destani along with her work finding them in this world, which currently amounted to pinpointing her Aunt Reah.

Veeti looked up from her plate of various types of cooked meat and veggies and noticed her adopted sister staring off into space again. The Netzi let out a small sigh, not knowing what do say or how to help cheer her up anymore. "Want to... Tinker?" Veeti asked, almost picking something Betty enjoyed at random.

"No... Let's simply... finish our food, zhen we could go to ze library, maybe zhey have some Themosan address books? Somezhing..." Betty replied, picking at some carrots.

"Hey, Betty." An older mage named Defani walked over, Betty knowing her as one of the oldest lab staff members currently employed. "Do you know what's going on with Erin?"

Betty perked up as her Rabbit's name was mentioned, her eyes filled with concern. "N-No... What's... What's wrong?"

"I was hoping you could tell me," the older human stated. "She's stuttering, she's stammering. She is making amateur mistakes. She is contradicting herself. She delivered a simple potion to the secondary lab that was useless and almost blew up on us. It's like she was replaced with someone who knows nothing about magic."

"What? I... I need to go see her..." Betty said, standing up quickly. "Just... Something happened recently to the both of us zhat has us on edge... Maybe it's finally gotten to her..."

Veeti floated up, giving Betty a concerned look as she looked between the man and her sister. "She... Look okay?"

"She looked... distressed. Flustered. More so then I ever though possible for her. Like... everything around her was falling apart."

Betty grimaced even more upon hearing this, leaving her food on the table as she quickly headed towards the lab, stopping briefly near the door out of the eating area. "I... Zhanks for telling me zhis... I appreciate it."

"Y-yeah." Veeti nodded towards her, following Betty out of the room and down towards the lab.

Betty walked quickly, making Veeti have to speed up to keep pace. The Netzi watched her sister as a drop of sweat rolled off her head, whispering to herself. "Have bad feeling..."

When they reached the lab, there was a sense of dread. The lights were on a bit brighter then usual, odd for Erin. Several beakers were over turned, and a pair of test tubes laid on the floor, shattered. There was an odd, musty smell in the air, spilled chemicals and left out potions making a sickly sweet smell.

Betty visibly gulped at this, something was very, very wrong, Erin was supposted to be the collected one. The Fly Thrope stepped into the lab, cautious to avoid any hazardous spills as she searched for her love. Veeti followed closely behind as Betty called out. "E-Erin? Are you in here? It's Betty...'

Erin's ears slowly poked up over a counter. There was several seconds of sniffling, clearing of throats, and wiping of eyes before she finally came into view. "B-Betty! And Veeti! Thank you for coming. So... oh, my." She quickly ran to the side, pulling a broom and dust pan out of a closet and rushing over to the mess. "E-e-ever so sorry, things are quite the... the... I guess I've been neglectful, didn't..." She quickly started sweeping, keeping her head down low. "I... Why did I... call you down here again?"

"Didn't... Heard you upset so we... Came." Veeti raised an eyebrow before she noticed Betty approaching the rabbit.

"Erin... Your face is wet..." The Fly said, wiping it off with her hand. "You were crying... What's wrong?"

Erin quickly pulled away, turning her back to Betty. "D-don't be ridiculous. Nothing... why... Why would I cry? I... h-hold on. Gotta... get chemical... stuff."

She quickly dumped the glass into a dust bin and rushed towards the back. The broom was left leaning haphazardly, causing it to fall on the bin and spill out its contents, including a crumpled up sheet of paper with what looked to be a royal stamp on it.

Betty slowly picked it up off the ground and placed it on a table carefully. Veeti hovered over it, giving Betty a look. "Not going read it?"

But Betty just shook her head, "It's... I want her to tell me, I don't want to snoop..."

The Fly moved towards the back, "Erin... Please... You know if something's wrong I'm here for you... I want to be here for you..."

Erin's head was low, a vial of chemical remover in her hands. She was silent for an uncomfortable while as she walked back towards the mess. Finally, she said, "When your parents went missing... did you think they were gone... or merely missing?"

"I think... I never lost hope zhat zhey were out zhere somewhere... Maybe zhat was naive, but it kept my hope alive... I know it in my gut zhat one day I'll see zhem again..." Betty explained, trying to comfort her.

"And how would you feel if you found out today that they're dead... and you'll never see them again?" Erin asked cryptically, slowly pouring the solvent.

Betty looked down sadly. "I... Zhen I would try to find out what happened to zhem... Hopefully zhat would give me the closure I needed to accept zhat they're gone..."

"Closure is meaningless," Erin muttered. "What does it matter if you know how it happened. It brings you nothing but more regret." She slowly started to raise her voice, something she had never done to Betty. "What if you found out you had a hand in it, huh? What if it was partially you fault? What good would that closure be to you then?!"

"I... Erin..." She said slowly, clearly concerned. "What happened?"

"Tragedy Abroad" - Part 2

Erin stammered, shaking her head. "I, um... I-I-I... I'm f-from Themosa. There, uh... th-there are a lot of disputes between the controlling humans and the discriminated Thropes. My... my parents and I would fight all the time. Th-they said we should... should accept the status quo. N-not risk what we had, but... But I always insisted we speak out. Protest. Fight... Fight back. I left Themosa because I didn't want to contribute to a nation that belittles my work because of my race."

Her lip quivered. Her voice cracked. Tears whelled up in her eye. "Th-the conflicts... have been getting worse. A week ago... th-there was a large protest. A peaceful on that..." She shook her head. "Th-that turned violent. The authorities say it was the Thropes who turned violent. Doesn't matter who started it. P-point is... point is, among the constables, soldiers, protesters, and on lookers... A dozen humans, seven Elves, and... a-and fifty-nine Thropes were killed."

"And your parents..." Betty realized, covering her mouth. "They were zhere... I'm so sorry..."

Erin whimpered. "They... th-they weren't supposed to be there! It's my fault! I pressured them. I insisted they help the cause. They... they started attending them to make me happy. But now... n-now..."

"Isn't your fault.' Veeti replied, floating towards them. "They good people, wanted support daughter, believe in you. Fault is in Humies there, not you."

Betty sighed, rubbing Erin's head lightly. "Do you... Know for sure?"

Erin looked over to the trash bin. Not seeing the letter, she looked over at the desk to find it. "Y-yeah... I-I got an official letter from the royal government. Th-their bodies were..." She broke down for a few seconds, the tears coming faster then she could wipe them. "Th-they were i-identified by their neighbors. They're gone... just... gone."

"Erin... " Betty reached down, bringing the Rabbit in for a hug. "I'm so sorry... I know that... Maybe it doesn't mean much, but zhey died trying to make zhier home a better place... Zhey were brave and selfless to stand up when few others would... But zhis is still awful..."

Erin sobbed loudly, squeezing Betty tightly. "I-I don't know what to do! I didn't get to say goodbye! I never got to show them how much I loved them! Or that I appreciated them! All I did was take them for granted!"

"Erin, they were your parents, zhey know you love zhem... Just because you didn't listen to zhem sometimes, doesn't mean they zhink you don't love zhem..." Betty squeezed, trying to help console her some. "I'm sad I couldn't meet them..."

Erin let out a soft laugh between sobs. "They would have loved you. They always complained I picked the worse men." She looked over Betty's shoulder. "Th-they would have liked you too, Veeti. They loved Netzi. Played mahjong with them every other night."

Veeti frowned, before floating to the ground. "Guess we... All lost parent then..."

Betty looked up at her sister, "You mean your Mom, right? I'm not so sure it's ze same... you hardly knew her..."

At this Veeti physically reacted, casting her gaze down too. "That... Not true... I... We... Never told you... true story, kept secret..."

"What... Do you mean... I thought... I thought she died giving birth to you..." Betty hesitated, but Veeti just shook her head.

Erin pulled away, and approached the young Netzi. She was short enough that they were the same height when Erin knelt down. "Please, Veeti. Don't hold it in. It... it was foolish of me not to say something to you two immediately."

"My Mother... was Murdered... When I very small..." Veeti admitted looking away. "She love me much, sweetest..."

Betty closed her eyes for a moment before bringing Veeti into the hug too.

The Netzi allowed it, continuing as she looked at Erin. "Father work tech company. Big company, lots workers... many... slaves... Some escape, good thing, yes? No... Not good... They pay father more than slaves even though same job... Slave see Mom one day visit Dad, slaves recognise her after escape, get mad cause father more rights... More money... They... Beat her..."

Veeti shook her head. "Dad think didn't I overhear... Had bring him in... Said they... Couldn't recognise... Like... Like... Animal in street..."

"Gods... I..." Betty stated, clearly distressed herself from the story. "I never knew... That's... Horrible..."

Erin shook her head. "That's awful. I can't... believe..." She held her fists tightly, some tears streaming down her face. "This violence wouldn't be a problem if it was for that damn slave trade. Treating people like animals... It's not just wrong. It's disgusting!"

"They not... Bad people. If they just treat them same... Pay them same... My Mom... Wouldn't have died..." The young Netzi gripped her fists together.

"I... I wish so many innocent people didn't have to die just for somezhing like equality... Somezhing zhat should be so simple..." Betty sighed loudly, "How many must suffer to destroy this cruel practice..."

Erin slowly reached out, grasping one of Veeti's hands. "I know... between me and... and Eliza, you might feel left out sometimes with Betty." She smiled softly. "But Betty is important to me, and you are important to her. So naturally, you are important to me." Her smile faded a bit. "My... my uncles died young. I have no siblings. I have no more biological family members. But... but I'd like to think of you as my Netzi sister."

Veeti suddenly felt extremely overwhelmed, whether by sadness or happiness or both, it was hard to tell as tears wet her fur. "I... I would like..."

"Then, that makes us a family... And... And when we get Eliza back, we'll all be togezher..." Betty joined in on the crying, unable to hold them back anymore as they hugged.

Erin she'd some tears herself. "Thank you... thank you both. I... there is still a hole in my heart. One that I might never be able to fully fill. But I know you two will be there for me, and that... that'll help."

"I love you Erin, Veeti..." Betty placed her head inbetween theirs. "If... If somehow I don't find my parents... I feel like I could keep going with a family like you two..."

Erin nodded, sniffling and wiping her nose. "Well... if I can help it, we'll find your parents. I swear it."

"We know zhey're in... Provocative places in Themosa City...Zhat's where we'll start... But first, Erin..." Betty looked over, helping her up. "Let's get something to eat... Maybe... Play cards with Mags too, how does that sound?"

Erin nodded, wiping her eyes. "I... I would like that."

"Good." Betty smiled softly, standing up and offering her a hand. "I want to help make it at least a little better..." Erin gladly took it. If nothing else, at least she had the woman who made her whole.

ZombieSplitter53 and ExoGrim: A Dark Presences

Zulik made his way into Erin's lab, hoping she had a few answers to his questions. What his corruption had stated was not the most pleasing, but at least he had someone who could fill the holes in it's statements. He opened the door and said. "Erin, are you busy?"

Something crashed near the back of the lab, banging and shattering ringing out, followed by a puff of purple smoke rising up.

Zulik rushed over to investigate the situation. "Erin?" He said cautiously. "You doing alright?"

Erin stared down at the spilled tray, the chemicals she had been working with all over the floor. "Damn it," she said in frustration, her voice shaking in a way Zulik was not used to. "An hour of work, gone in but a moment. A painful metaphor for my life..."

"What happened?" Zulik inquired, concerned for her well being. "Are you hurt?"

Erin slowly shook her head, clearing her throat and wiping an eye. "I am fine. Just... dealing with... ahem." She stepped on a step stool to grab some things out of a high shelf. "Can I... help you with something, Zulik? I didn't call you and forget, did I?"

"I'm actually here to see if you can tie some loose ends and answer some questions." Zulik replied. "I had a chance to chat with my corruption recently, and it said some peculiar things."

"Yes, yes... ahem. You mentioned doing that before." Erin hopped down and poured the contents of a vial over the spill, neutralizing it. "You remember that doing so is very dangerous, right?"

"Yes, I do remember..." Zulik sat down in one of the chairs. "But, it seems to have a considerable amount of knowledge... knowledge we could take advantages of."

Erin nodded, slowly using her wand to gather up the debris, her head kept low. "And what did it tell you that has you concerned."

Zulik paused for a moment. "It said that I am one of seven... bound by fate. It also said that I may reach a point where my corruption is so great that I must become one with it to survive."

"Well, I am assuming that latter extends beyond family or friends. Have you any idea who these 'seven' might be?"

"I do not." Zulik answered. "But, I've been sensing a presence approaching the manor for some time now. Whoever it is, they might be one of these seven."

"I see." The items Erin was cleaning fell to the floor, the mage unable to maintain the spell. Muttering a curse, she grabbed a broom and dust pan. "Th-that, um... it... it would likely have to be something special in you if your own corruption knows of it. Thar being the case, you, um... i-it is either something unique about you that these others share, or perhaps six others that survived be corrupted like you." She looked up at Zulik. "What can you tell me about this presence you sense. Is it malevolent?"

"I wouldn't exactly call it malevolent... but it does seem to be dark in some way." Zulik paused once more. "Almost has if it wants to devour everything in sight."

Erin paused her sweeping for a moment. "Perhaps you should warn Lady Havenbrook of this approaching force. It might be best if we prepared in case we have a fight on our hands."

"Right, I'll do that as soon as I can." Zulik turned to leave before realizing something. "Are you going to be okay? Do you need help with anything before I leave?"

Erin quickly shook her head. "That is very kind of you, dear. But... But I have someone helping me right now. For now, worry about yourself and your corruption's cryptic words about becoming one with it. We should avoid that if we can, but if we can't... I will do all I can to assure it is you who maintains control, not it."

Zulik nodded his head and waved goodbye has he made his way to Lady Havenbrook's office. He lightly knocked on the door. "Lady Havenbrook? There's something I'd like to inform you about if you're not busy."

"Come in!" he heard her call out, her voice somewhat muffled. When he stepped in, she wasn't in the office. As he wondered where she was, he noted the adjoining bathroom door was slightly ajar. A few moments later, he could hear her retching inside.

"Everything alright?" Zulik asked from the other side of the door, not wanting to walk in on her.

"Y-yeah... yeah, just... bluh, fine. Just... *cough* something I ate." A minute later, the toilet flushed and Mina stepped out, a little red faced from losing her lunch. "Sorry about that. A bit... embarrassing." She walked over to her cold box. "You want anything to drink?"

"No thanks." Zulik replied. "Though, the offer is appreciated."

Mina pulled out a bottle of whiskey, though only swirled some in her mouth, spitting it out her window. She then grabbed a jug of water and a cup. "What can I do for you, Zulik? This about that mission the other day? I think you handled those spiders better then most people do the first time they fight them."

"No, it's a more concerning matter." Zulik responded. "For the past few weeks, I've been sensing a presence that has been making it's way to the manor. This person seemed to have this gluttonous aura to them... almost as if they embody it."

"Embodying gluttony?" Mina pulled out a few candy bars and a jar of pickles, carrying them over to her desk. "So what does that mean? You don't think he's going to want to eat us, do you? I'd laugh at the notion, but I've seen weirder things."

"I'm not sure..." The corrupted Elf admitted. "Whoever it is, they are approaching the manor and it is very possible that trouble may come in there wake... among the other many problems that I may have to deal with."

"That you might have to deal with?" Mina gave him a curious look while she popped open the jar. "Are you connected to this unknown figure somehow?"

"Quite possibly, along with with five others." Zulik responded with honesty.

"Five others..." Mina leaned back. "I feel like I'm missing part of the story. This have to do with your corruption?"

"I'm not sure. What I do know is that we appeared to be bound by fate somehow." The priest replied. "Whether that makes us friend or foe is a different story."

"Well, either way, I'm glad you brought this to my attention." Mina took a bite of a pickle and chocolate bar together. "You have our support, of course. I'll let Eraqus know to be at the ready. Please let me know when this individual is right upon us, and if anything you feel about them changes."

"I'll try to see if I can figure out when they will likely show up." Zulik confirmed.

Mina nodded. "I hope we can get an ally for once. We have too many enemies lately."

"Speaking of enemies... Have you figured out who is behind all of these spontaneous attacks as of late?" Zulik inquired.

Mina nodded, leaning back. "I have an idea now. Thanks to some friends in high places. "

"When you refer to high places, do you mean people of higher rank..." Zulik asked, seeming to pause briefly mid sentence. "Or are you referring to the Gods?"

"The latter, unfortunately," Mina admitted. "Though I don't want that spreading around."

Zulik let out a small chuckle. "Being friends with a deity have their perks... but I do have one last question for you, if you don't mind."

Mina nodded, taking another bite of her snack. "Go ahead."

Zulik leaned forward. "How many months in are you?"

Mina paused, looking him in the eyes. "I... don't know what you mean," she lied in as innocent of a voice as she could.

Zulik sighed. "Listen, I know a pregnant woman when I see one. The vomiting, the constant need to eat, and though not shown, the hormonal imbalance that leads to emotional problems. Trust me when I say that I can help you with your struggles. I've helped many of the woman of the village deal with their new coming children... even gone has far as deliver the child when the time came."

"I keep forgetting about your pre-corruption life." Mina sighed. "If you want me to ask you for help if I need it, fine. But I want to keep this quiet for now, got it?"

"I'll keep quiet for as long as it's not obvious." Zulik assured. "I'm not one for spreading word of something someone wants to keep hidden. Just know that you'll have to come out eventually... regardless of your willingness."

"Naturally." Mina leaned back, placing a hand on her belly. "Not looking forwards to showing..."

"I'd like to thank you for at least being honest." Zulik replied.

Mina smiled. "Of course. Now get outta here, and leave me to... why am I eating pickles with candy?" She thought for a minute, then shrugged, taking another bite.

"Right, hope things go well." Zulik stated as he walked out the door.

Black0ut & ZombieSplitter53
A Little Bit of Mischief
Part One

Titania's Grove
June 8th, 3349
2:24 p.m.

Titania laid back against a tree in her grove, content with life. She knew life would change soon, as her challenger hadn't arrived yet, but he would sooner or later. For now, she decided she might as well enjoy herself.

Her serenity was disturbed in a painful way as an apple fell from the tree. With her conditioning, it wasn't terrible, but it certainly hurt as it bonked off her forehead. "Owww... stupid apple." Titania grumbled, rubbing her head as she stood up.

"Whoa, you okay?" An unfamiliar voice asked, approaching from the side.

"Yeah... just regretting being under a tree." Titania replied, still rubbing her head as she looked over in the voice's direction.

A young man with silver hair, an eye patch, and wolf ears similar to Titania's stepped up, looking at the tree. "Funny. Didn't realize this was an apple tree."

"To be fair, I don't know what kind of tree it is. Perhaps the apple was a reminder from the gods to look out for myself, who knows. My name's Titania and you are?" She asked, holding her hand out for a handshake.

He smiled and took her hand. "Call me Salazar."

"A pleasure, Salazar. So... are you registering for the guild or are you just delivering something instead?" Titania questioned further.

He shrugged. "Not sure yet. I came to give the place a look. Heard your boss is having god problems, and is seeking new recruits." He flexed. "Think I have what it takes?"

Titania examined his arm, and noted how muscular it was. "It all depends on what you can do. A warrior may be a bit hard for you to achieve... any magical skills?"

"Oh, just a wee bit of light magic. Didn't need it when I became the hero of all Elluviana." Salazar stated triumphantly. "How did I do that, you ask? Oh, only by singlehandedly slaying a Jabberwocky. I know, I know. Hold your applause."

Titania shook her head, smiling at the absurdity of the fellow Thrope. "Are you sure about that? I think you may be fibbing ever so slightly, Salazar. I suppose I'll have to take you back to Lady Havenbrook for verification, Jackerwocky slayer."

The man grinned and folded his arms. "Why don't you test me yourself?"

Titania smirked, and shook her head. "I don't have any wooden weapons, so that's means I could end up killing you, which I don't want to do. So unless you randomly have spares, I'm going to have to decline."

"Well, it just so happens that I walked through here earlier with a couple spares and dropped them off so I could work out here later." He stepped behind the tree, emerging again with a pair of wooden swords. "And look at that! They look just like your swords!"

Titania raised an eyebrow, seemingly unamused. "Huh, I guess that must be coincidence... whatever. If you want to get beaten up, be my guest. But this is feelingly somewhat familiar..." Titania took the two swords and took a few steps back, sizing up her opponent.

He cracked his knuckles and raised his fists, as they appeared to be his weapons aside from some heavy metal bracelets. "Hope you're a nimble one. And have good spacial awareness. Fighting on uneven ground like this can be dangerous.

As Titania backed up, a mound of earth bulged up, as though the ground itself was trying to trip her.

She caught herself, almost losing her balance. "Earth magic? Cute. Let's see if I can't knock you down a few pegs..." The female Wolf Thrope started to blur before disappearing for a moment, before reappearing the wooden longsword swinging downwards with vicious intent, while the shortsword stabbed at his chest.

Salazar quickly flung one arm up to swat away the long sword while tucking to the side to avoid the stab. He dipped away, backing forward a the tree. "Watch your step," he warned, though too late to stop Titania's foot from sinking into a mudhole. "Oh... suck bad luck."

"Y'know... if I really wanted to, I could chuck daggers at you. But I'm not going to do that. Even if the way you won was cheap. Congratulations on beating me in a practice fight, now could you stop with nature attacks" Titania grunted, as she tried to free herself from the mudhole, only to make herself sink a bit deeper.

Salazar held up his hands. "I'm not doing it, I swear! Here, let me help you." He rushed over, grabbing hold of her leg and yanking up. She was freed, but fell back, her rear landing in a small puddle. The male Thrope held a hand over his mouth, chuckling softly. "I'm sorry. Though... that's kinda funny."

"Sure... of course. It's not like my luck has gone downhill ever since I met you. Not at all." Titania replied sarcastically, getting up with a slightly irritated look, "Okay, fun time's over. Let's head over to the guild." To emphasize her point, she grabbed the other Thrope's hand gently, before turning and trying to walk in the direction of the Manor.

"Geez, you're a pushy one, aren't you?" He asked. "You sure you don't want to play... er, train some more?"

"Y'know... you're not really making me like you. You're kinda doing the opposite." Titania informed, brushing off the 'pushy' comment.

"Oy, boss!" Viggs, the bandit Titania had brought to the manor, approached as they neared the front. "I bin workin' on me cul'nary arts, I 'ave! Wanna givit a taste?"

Salazar smirked. He moved his free hand behind his back and snapped his fingers. The laces on one of Viggs' shoes suddenly snapped. Her stumbled forward, and the small pie he was carrying flew out of his hands and into Titania's face.

Titania blinked, not accustomed to having pie thrown at her. This is what commoners have to deal with when they get put in a stockade, huh? Well, at least it smells good... probably a lot better than some rotten fruit. Plus... I did invite him here. He reminds me of a big goofy kid, and even if I didn't want to clean my face and hair, he'll still need to make sure he doesn't do it to a more mean or cruel Hunter. The Wolf Thrope thought, wiping away most of the pie away, save a few pieces she tasted. "Although I don't think that's the best way to deliver pie to someone, and I think you should be a bit more careful next time... not bad. Actually, pretty good. Try to sweeten your next pie up a bit. Here, I'll even fund you some money for it." Titania replied, reaching down and grabbing ten pieces of gold before picking up the pie tin to place them in. She held out the tin for him, hoping something else wouldn't happen.

He carefully took it, laughing nervously. "Y-yes, boss. S-sorry 'bout the... p-pie in th' face..." He bowed his head and quickly ran off.

"Loyal sounding guy." Salazar picked a piece of pie off her head and popped it in his mouth. "Wanna go take a shower? I'll help you scrub your hair."

"Okay... way too far, Salazar. I mean, guys being a bit perverted is par for the course, but we've only just met, and you're asking to do things I won't even let my closest lady friend do. Gonna have to decline that one. But I'm still taking you to the Lady of the Manor. After all, need to get you all set up with the guild, Jabberwocky slayer." Titania replied, shaking her head slightly with sheer amazement at the forwardness of his words.

He smirked as they continued towards the door. Reaching it, a bucket from someone cleaning the windows above spilled, covering Titania with freezing, soapy water. "Sorry!" someone called from above.

"Guess you don't need a bath anymore," Salazar commented, barely keeping his laughter at bay. When they stepped into the manor and started up the stairs, one of the steps gave out, and Titania stumbled forward. "You should be more careful," Salazar commented.

"Make. One. More. Comment. I dare you." Titania growled, her eyes flashing fully feral as she glared at him, her grip ceasing to be gentle as her claws started to dig into him, as she yanked him up the stairs.

"Ow, ow, ow!" he complained as he was dragged along.

A Little Bit of Mischief
Part Two

"On your left!" a baker warned as he carried a large bag of flour from the upstairs dining room. Suddenly, the arm on a suit of armor gave out, and it sliced its sword straight into the bag, causing it to fly out and coat Titania.

Salazar erupted into laughter, no longer able to contain himself. "You look like the world's most ticked off ghost!"

Titania snarled, her teeth growing longer and sharper as she struggled to keep her rage in check. Her hand squeezed with a much might as she could muster which meant her claws bit into Salazar's wrist, as she further hauled him up towards Mina. "You're lucky I don't punch you until you can't see straight. Luckily for you, I'll settle with leaving you some scars."

"You just can't step outside yourself and see the humor from my angle," he insisted as they approached Mina's office.

"Are you always an ass, or is this just a bad day for you?" Titania asked rhetorically, as she knocked on Mina's door.

Mina ushered her in, giving her a surprised look when she stepped inside. "Uh... You doing okay there, Titania?"

"Yeah... bad day. Really bad day. Like it's been pretty shitty getting back to the Manor from my... erm... your grove. But this dude wants to register, even though he's been a bit of an ass along the way. I hope... I haven't interrupted anything major?" Titania asked, her grip loosening to the point it was barely holding her effective hostage.

"No, not really, but..." Mina cranes her head to the side. "What guy? I don't see anyone."

"Wha-" Titania whipped her head around to notice that the man she had held had disappeared. "Oh, you've got be kidding me!" Titania paced the room back and forth, trying to get her vehement anger to dissipate quickly.

Mina held out her hands. "Calm down, Titania, calm down. You're obviously having a really bad time. Tell you what." She stood up and stepped around her desk. "I'm going to go to your room and get some clean clothes. You go in my room and use my personal shower. It is very nice, very spacious. Perfect to cool you gets by steaming it up, alright?"

"Yeah... yeah. Thanks, LW. If I see that guy, I'm gonna deck him. I swear I had him right before your door... I don't know how he got away... but that's for another day. I would hug you but the combination of mud, pie, flour, and cleaning water..." Titania replied, giving out a groan of irritation.

Mina placed a hand on her shoulder. "Try and relax, alright? Take all the time you need." She stepped out, wiping her hand against her pants to get the flour off.

Titania sighed, before heading to Mina's shower. "Stupid brat... Y'know what? I don't care, he's probably going through something. Can't be all that bad." She murmured to herself, stripping off her clothes and leg braces, before hopping into the shower to rinse off.

As the warm water hit her, washing away the reminders of her series of bad luck, she heard the sound of someone sitting on the toilet outside the curtains. With a content sigh, Salazar said, "You know, I had a lot of fun with you today."

"Are you just full-time pervert, or an ass who decided to laugh at me this entire day? I can't seem to decide on which." Titania replied sarcastically, continuing to shower despite the intruder in the room.

"Hey, I was just kidding about the shower thing before. And I'm not peaking, right? If I was a pervert, I'd be checking you out, right?" He cleared his throat. "As for the other thing... I mean, come on! It was funny!"

"Ass, it is. Now... I remember Destani doing a portal thing, and I hear Ranseca just runs fast enough to simply disappear, and there are such wizards that can teleport... So which are you, God or man? Or something in between?"

"Your a quick one, aren't you." He sighed. "Seclavar, god of mischief. And I am not an ass. I just have a job to do. Excuse me if I try to enjoy it. I only pick on you Thropes because I like you the most..."

"Why, me though? Of all the Thropes in the world to play every single prank on, why me? You got a crush or something, Seclevar? Or is that just your kink?" Titania asked, tossing some water up so it would splash on the Mischief God.

He wiped his face, slowly shaking his head. "I've been watching the Manor, and you seemed like the most fun to play with. And I... I needed to blow off some steam. You would understand if you realized who my mother is..."

"I may not be the most person ever, but I do know quite a bit about the gods. I just haven't met any. Tecunte, right? That must blow, but, uh, regardless, if you had revealed yourself, I wouldn't have gotten angry. Probably would've laughed with you. Think you may have to do better research on your targets, Secly."

"Really?" He grunted. "Usually, you mortals are so sore about a good prank."

"Yeah. But the thing is to know when it's okay to pull a prank. Let's say, for awhile, I had your powers and pranked you as you tried to relax, and I did it in the most annoying way. Chances are you'd want to kill me after a while. Or as a better example, assume that my day had been really shitty up until I met you. Do you really think I'd be in the mood for a joke?" Titania asked rhetorically, most of the gunk on her now circling the drain. "I'm also sorry, Seccy. I wouldn't have lost my cool if I knew you were just screwing around with me."

"No... no. It's fine." He looked over at the shower. "You know, as a god, I never really thought about how you mortals felt about my mischief. All I cared about was having fun. But mischief is only a lesser type of chaos, and after seeing what my mother has done... what she has become..." He lowered his had. "Guilt sucks. How do you people deal with it?"

We don't really deal with it. You truly can't. How you survive guilt is to adapt, and atone for what you've done. I knew a guy, big thief, stole everything in sight as a kid. Where does he end up? Constable then into a soldier. You Gods have eternal life. You can live forever, where as we mortals can't. So my advice? Try to do the right thing. That helps out with guilt a lot, and makes you fell better about yourself." Titania advised, as she turned the knob that turned off the shower. "Mind handing me a towel of some sort?"

He stuck a towel through the curtain. "And what if... I'm afraid of the consequences for my actions?"

"If you're afraid, and I'm assuming that it has to be pretty bad for you to be asking advice from a mortal, still do what you believe is right." Titania advised, taking the towel and drying off. "Falling into darkness or doing something you don't believe in will corrupt you. Point in case, my duties are to be some rich noble dude's wife, not an adventurer. But I was scared of what being a noble meant, so I left and took a bit of time to understand who I am as a person. You gods are much, much more closer to being mortal than you guys think, with a lot of the same principles in your heads. So, do what you feel that you, not as a god, but as a person, need to do."

Seclavar smiled. "Thank you. I'll... I'll keep that in mind. And sorry that my mother is... giving everyone so much trouble right now." He stood up. "I'll head out so you can get dressed. Don't want to be a pervert. Well... considering your curves, I do wish I was a pervert, but I'll abstain."

Titania chuckled, stepping out wrapped in the towel he had handed her. "I appreciate the compliment, you big flirt. Don't worry about it. I know how hard it is to stop a parent when they go to far, but do take care of yourself. Ironically enough, you're one of the few gods of the pantheon I like. Don't tell the others that." Titania replied with a wink.

He blinked several times in surprise, and chuckled nervously as he opened a portal. "I'm gonna have to pick on you again," he said, disappearing through his exit before Titania could get the pleasure of seeing a god blush.

ExoGrim & ZombieSplitter53
Malder's Vendetta Unfolds
Part One

Stormrend
The Royal Palace
June 9th, 3349

Malder laid down in the room that he was given in the palace after Shen place fake Arlia into the seat of power. Everything, however, was not going accord the the big man's plan... but rather Malder's. Mere days after getting into the palace as "Arlia's" bodyguard, he assassinated members of the royal house. He was four members in, two he was certain were connected to Arlia by blood, and no one even suspected it was him. He was too fast for anyone to be able to see him when he did it out in the open... something he did just to one of them to scare the people around him. And, even if they traced the weapon from those he killed in secret, the ex-soldier was the only thing keeping "Arlia" from escaping the palace again. As long as Shen had him in place, no one would be able to tell that Malder was even connected to the murders.

A light knock came from his door, disturbing his rest. "I have a delivery for you," a gruff, nervous voice said.

Malder hopped off of the bed that he was snoozing on and opened the door. "And what might that be?"

A weasely looking man with a long nose and buck teeth, giving him the appearance of a rat despite not being a Thrope, whispered, "Correspondence from the boss. Can I come in before someone who recognizes me walks by?"

"I don't see why not..." Malder responded. "It'll be nice to talk to good old Shen again."

The man quickly stepped in side, pulling out a cheap scrying disk (or at least cheap by scrying disk standards), and placed it on a table, hitting a few buttons. "Malder," Shen Wu said, audio only. "It has been a few weeks since we got to talk last. How is life in luxury."

"It is the dream." Malder replied, chuckling. "There isn't anything better than sitting back and watching the royal family be fooled everyday of their lives."

"I am glad you are comfortable, and not... upset about how slow things are going for us thanks to these sudden murders." Shen paused for a moment. "You don't know anything about that, do you?"

"Only what I heard from the others." Malder stated casually. "Each of the victim was found covered in slash marks. Some people reported feeling a gust of wind before they found the body... hell, one of them even died in front of a group of people. Something tells me a mage is behind this, but that's just me."

"I see." After another pause, Shen said, "As long as the palace is on high alert, our plans can not continue forward. Even the 'princess' can not get into closed off areas with soldiers running about. I would like for you to investigate these murders and deal with the killer if you can. Success in this will result in a substantial bonus, of course."

"Don't worry Shenny boy." Malder replied. "Whoever this murderer is, he won't last long against me."

"Good to hear," 'Shenny boy' responded. "As far as our plans, how is our Arlia doing? Are they buying trauma as an excuse for her... unusual nature and eccentricity?"

Malder let out a chuckle. "There just as gullible as one would expect."

"And how is the girl herself?"

"I little questionable at times, but she's fine, nevertheless." Malder cracked his neck briefly. "Anything else you want to bring up?"

"Only that I want you to be careful," Shen warned. "There might be some people there that might remember who you are. If you have a problem with anyone... You know what to do."

"That I do..." Malder grinned. "No one is allowed to mess with our operation."

"Very good. I'll be in touch."

The call ended, and the messenger slipped the disk into his belt. "Is there anything you would like for us to bring you next time, Mr. Malder?"

"No, I'm fine." Malder shrugged. "Not like there's anything Shen has that I need anyway."

The man nodded. "A-alright. Guess I'll take..."

"Mr. Malder!" The door flew open, the pretend princess running in. "Mr. Malder!"

"Yes?" Malder ask in a surprisingly sweet tone.

"It's terrible! So terrible!" 'Arlia' wiped a few years away. "They told me someone killed... k-killed my uncles! I-I didn't even know I had uncles..."

The messenger rubbed his brow. "Gods. They weren't your uncles, you airheaded twit."

Arlia glanced at him. "Ew, ugly rat man!"

Damn brat always has something going wrong. Malder thought as he leaned forward, looking around to make sure no one was listening. "You have to remember that this is not your real family. And don't worry about the continued murders, I'm dealing with whoever is behind this."

"But... but what if they come after me, or... o-or you?" She pouted. "I don't want you to get hurt, Mr. Malder..."

"I promise that I won't let them hurt you..." Malder assured the young child. At least until it's time to slit your throat that is.

She wiped her eyes. "Okay... okay. Oh!" She rushed to the door. "I'll be right back!"

The rat faced man shook his head. "How do you deal with the idiot?"

"I'd have to kill you if I told you." Malder remarked. "Besides, I made it pretty clear to Shen that no one is allowed to question my methods of getting a job done."

The man quickly shrunk down. "I-I-I wasn't questioning you, sir. I-I'm just surprised, with how annoying she is, you haven't snapped her neck."

"Oh, trust me... there's a time and a place for everything." Malder chuckled and pointed his sword as the rat man. "Oops, I think I said a little too much."

He held out his hands. "N-not you didn't! I didn't hear a thing! Sorry, hearing problems. Just something about how loyal you are to Mr. Wu."

"How about this..." Malder continued. "I'll give you a five second head start."

The man's eyes widened, and he quickly darted for the door.

"5,4,3," Malder counted as the man made his way hall. "2... 1." The ex-soldier quickly dashed after the man, at such a speed that he merely looked like a gust of wind to the naked eye. He constantly slashed at the man, moving back and forth down the hall until he was nothing but a mangled corpse. Malder than made his way back to his room, purposefully slicing his own side and falling backwards to make look like he had been attacked as well.

It wasn't long until he heard the returning Arlia scream, followed quickly by a guard running into Malder's room. "Sir Malder! What happened?!" He quickly moved to the man's side.

Malder managed to make his grin disappear before the guard had arrive. "I don't know. Something came down the and attack him. It looked like some gust of wind, but it's breeze cut through him without any effort. I barely managed to get back into my room before it had it's way with me."

The guard examined his side. "It looks like you got by without too much damage, but I'll get the palace doctor just in case." He stepped out and said, "Princess, please, out of the hall and such a gruesome sight. Stay in here with your guard."

Arlia stepped into the room, her face pale. She gasped when she saw her injured guardian. "Mr. Malder, no!"

Malder grinned "weakly" and slowly got to his feet. "No need to worry, Princess. I've lived through worse. I just need to get patched up and I promise that I'll keep you safe no matter what happens."

She rapidly shook her head. "N-no! Mother said... mother said I need to learn to take care of myself. Sh-she would be upset to know I got someone hurt like this! Was... was this my fault? Is it because I've been bad? Because I... I lied?"

"No, whatever this thing is, it's after the royal family." Malder stated. "It's not your fault that this creature is after all of us."

Arlia wiped her eyes. "Okay. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm positive." The ex-soldier reassured her. Oh... how nice it'll be when I finally get to kill you.

She walked over and took hold of It, snuggling close. "I'm so glad to have you."

"Sir Malder?" The doctor stepped in. "Come with me so we can check you out."

Malder followed the doctor to the infirmary and waited to see how much damage he caused to himself and whether these guys were skilled enough to mend it.

Malder's Vendetta Unfolds
Part Two

Havenbrook Manor
Mina's Office

A soft but confident knock came from the door, and Mina put her cup to the side. "Come in, Arlia."

Arlia walked into the room and took a seat. "I was told that something important has come up. Is it good news or bad news?"

"I'm not entirely sure how to interpret part if It, but it certainly isn't good news." Mina folded her hands. "As I'm sure your aware, while the Havenbrook Organization is primarily focused on being a Hunter's Guild, we have a number of other things on the side, from productions to inventions to trade. One of my biggest homes away from home is in Stormrend, so I keep up on current events." She took a deep breath. "I'm afraid... they're dealing with a serial killer. One who is targeting nobles and those with ties to the royal family."

Arlia's eyes widened. "What?" She said in pure shock. "I-i-is my father okay?"

Mina nodded. "Your parents are okay, though I believe two of the nobles murdered were uncles of yours."

Arlia lowered her head. "Is that's so... do we know who may be doing this?"

"No, though I did start to investigate it. That's when I learned something very strange. Something they're keeping quiet right now, but I have my sources." Mina leaned forward. "Word is, Princess Arlia has returned after a lengthy absence, the royal family together again."

"An impostor?" Arlia quickly guessed. "Why would someone want to do such a thing?"

"I have no idea," Mina admitted. "I'm not even sure how. The kind of magic needed to fool everyone, especially your parents, isn't easy to do. So unless you have a sister you don't know about or they have a bunch of your DNA sitting around, I'm at a loss." She thought for a moment. "I suppose having an imposter in the palace could gain them access to some big secrets. I mean, there are plenty of places that would get people killed on sight for going to that you could probably walk in and out of with no problem, right?"

"Yeah, but there are even places I'm not allowed to go into." Arlia told her. "I doubt whoever is doing this is doing it for the secrets. Though, the begs the question, since my parents wouldn't want me leaving the palace, who's guarding this impostor?"

"Um... let me see." Mina shuffled through some papers. "You know, it occurs to me that the imposter could be the killer. After all, the last person the king and queen would suspect is their only daughter." She found the paper she was looking for. "Hmm... some local bar owner brought her forward. Um... Mr. Wu. Said she showed up with amnesia, and he brought her to the palace when she remembered who she was. She grew attached to a bodyguard, so he is in the palace with her. Contact didn't get his full name. Mal-something. Said the guy hid his features a lot, but they noticed a hell of a lot of scars, and a stomach churning grin."

"Scars and a grin..." Realization hit Arlia, her face slowly turning to that of rage. "Malder... only he would do something like this."

Mina put the papers to the side. "Who is Malder? I'm guessing, by your reaction, he isn't a long lost buddy."

"We were friends, lovers even... until he had our outpost destroyed." The princess explained. "I had a chance to kill him, but I stopped myself. And now that I've made that mistake, it's obvious that he intends on killing everyone I know and love until I have nothing left to come back to."

"Maybe... or maybe he is trying to get your attention. Surely, he would have known you would find out and try to stop it." Mina sipped from her cup. "Question is, are you going to walk into an obvious trap?"

"I will do what I must to protect my family." Arlia said with determination. "The question you should be asking is, am I going alone?"

"Absolutely not." Mina gave her an encouraging smile. "I have a few Hunts I can get in Stormrend. I'll be able to get you and anyone else willing to go in without any suspicion. With any luck, he won't even know your there until you are stabbing the bastard in the heart. Though..."

"Though what?" Arlia asked nervously.

"You realize you probably won't get away with killing Malder and exposing the fake... without revealing yourself, right?"

"Yes, I realize that, but I can't still idle and watch them die." Arlia remarked. "If it means going back to that life, then I shall do what I must."

Mina stood up. "Well, I'll do what I can to support you." She extended her hand.

Arlia took her hand. "You would not believe how much you saying that means to me."

The fallowing is a collaboration between Exogrim and Dhalexpert

Magic training 101

Havenbrook Manor

April 27 3349

Courtyard


Elma was cutting up a rabbit she hunted earlier, continuing her training. To her side was her new companion Sam sitting next to her. “Ou Sam, don’t worry breakfast will be ready soon.” Elma said rubbing her pup wolf. “Hum I guess I should also practice more of my magic, it has been a while hum.” Elma gave the rabbit to her wolf pup and decided to practice her magic.

Melinda slowly wandered her way into the courtyard, coming across Elma as she did so. The shadowmancer looked around and approached her while she was training. “Hey, Elma… how are you doing?”

When Elma turned around to see Melinda, her eyes were glowing blue as she had fire in one hand and ice magic in the other. When she saw Melinda her magic quickly dissipated. “Ou hi Melinda, are you alright?”


“Yes, I’m fine.” Melinda fibbed, not wanting to concern the young child with her lack of magical control.

“Hum good to hear, so what are you doing out here? Just decided to take a stroll around, or is there something else?”

“Well, I um…” Melinda blushed slightly. “Have a habit of wandering the manor when I get bored. It’s the reason why I memorized the whole layout within the first week of being here.”

Elma tilted her head, seeing that Melinda was turning red. “Hum so if you're bored, how about some training, you said you couldn't control you magic well right?”

“I don’t see why not.” The shadowmancer replied. “It would be nice if I could master this power soon.”

“Alright then, let’s see bacic then. First and foremost magic is apart of you, so you’re denying it or treating it like something that is a burden or a mistake… then you will have no control of it.”

“Right…” Melinda began trying to concentrate on her magic as she spoke. “I just have to become one with my magic.”

“Yes here.” Elma got behind Melinda and held her stomach and hand. “You just need to relax, and breath, your magic is apart of you… so just accept it going through you.”

Melinda took a deep breath and relaxed as much as she could. She closed her eyes and focused on her magic. As she did so, a large sized shadow tendril began to form next to Melinda’s right shoulder.

“Keep calm, don’t panic, just keep breathing. This is your power, it doesn't control you, okay?” Elma continued to instruct Melinda, even though Elma was but a apprentice.

The tendril started to move around, as if it had a conscious. It turned to face Elma. Child, you are not safe. Melinda has won’t have control for long. A voice said in Elma’s mind.

“Don’t worry mother.” Melinda muttered as she concentrated. “I can do this… I just need to accept my gift for what it is.”

“That’s the spirit, now just concentrate and focus. You’re doing a great job by the way.” Elma continued to encourage Melinda through this both being nervous.

Spirals of shadow energy began to move around the two mages. It seemed like Melinda was able to control her magic… until Elma heard her screaming in the child’s mind. The energy faded and Melinda opened her eyes, revealing pure black voids. The shadowmancer gave Elma a sinister grin. “Foolish child, thinking you could control me.”

Elma’s eyes glew blue, and she used her light magic to surround herself and Melinda in a bubble of light. “Melinda, you can do this, come on… you can figure out a way out of this?!” Elma said a bit startled by the shadows around her.

Melinda chuckled. “Don’t you realize it? This is me. I am power, I am fear. Nothing can stop me now that I have realized my gift.”

The large tendril then wrapped around Melinda in such a way to restrain her. I will not let you become like me, Melinda! You are stronger than the shadows! You need to fight back!

“Okay, enough of this.” Elma took in the light bubble they were in and slammed it into the ground, this treated her light like a large explosion that spread through the darkness destroying the tendrils surrounding them. “I will not let this magic consume you, if you don’t come back to your senses then I will fight you!”

“So be it.” Melinda stated, but as the shadowmancer made her first step, she suddenly fell to the ground.

Elma held on to Melinda and tried to heal her. “Come on now Melinda, wake up. You can’t let your power win. You have to learn to control this.”

Only half conscious, Melinda leaned forward, her lips pressing against Elma’s for a few seconds. As she pulled back, her eyes fluttered open. It took Melinda a few seconds to realize what she had done… turning a bright red as she did so.

Elma dropped Melinda to the ground and got up and went to the water and washed her face. Her dire wolf walked to her side and cuddled next to her.

Melinda quickly got up. “I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to do that. I wasn’t fully conscious, I would’ve asked otherwise, I swear.” She apologized in a fast tone, giving herself little time to breath.

When she looked at Elma, her back was shivering. “Th.. Tha… That was my first kiss, you jackass!” Elma said, her face being beet red.

“I didn’t know.” Melinda explained. “I was only half conscious when I did it. I didn’t mean to steal your first kiss.”

“You were conscious enough to know what you were doing, so why? why did you do that? I mean I’m not that special, I’m just teaching how to control your magic.”

“But you’re also nice and funny and… um.” Melinda blushed as she rubbed the back of her neck. “Cute.”

“Cute! You think I’m cute, and that’s supposed to help in some way, like I’m supposed to just forget what happened.” Elma red face seemed to be one of anger and not embarrassment.

Melinda fell to her hands and knees, tearing slowly forming in her eyes. “I’m sorry… what I did was wrong, so… please forgive me.”

Elma put a hand on her head. “It’s fine then, you just took my first kiss. Not that it matters, it’s just a kiss, so you have feeling for me? A woman you just met a few days ago?”

“Yes, in the few days we’ve talked… I’ve developed feelings for you.” Melinda chuckled nervously. “It must sound silly to you. A woman falling in love with another woman.”

“Okay, calm it down. Love is a very important word, you may have feelings for me so call it a crush. So you like me it’s not out of the ordinary.” Elma took a deep breath and picked up Sam and started to pet him. “Alright it’s not ridiculous for a woman to like another woman, it’s not weird at all.”

“It’s not huh…” Melinda thought for a moment, blushing once more. “Call me uncultured… but what is a crush?”

Elma slammed her palm into her face. “It’s when you have feelings for someone but you're unaware if the person is aware or shares your feelings. That’s a crush.”

Melinda sighed. “I should really catch up on my reading practices so that I can figure out some of these terms. I’m starting to sound obvious with all of these questions.”

“Yes you are, look how about I continue to train you alright and teach you how to read alright?”

Melinda bowed respectfully. “Yes, that would be nice.”

“Right then let’s continue training, but first.” Elma rolled her eyes and hugged Melinda.

Melinda hugged her back, placing her hands in areas that she knew wouldn’t get her slapped.

Elma released her. “Alright, let’s get to work then, we're going to the library. And you're going to read the very basics on magic, every last page and gook I find. Do you understand?”

“I understand perfectly.” Melinda said with a smile.

Black0ut & Frostlich1228
A Primordial Dance

Jay walked with purpose, looking for Sylvie as a friendly Hunter buddy of his alerted him that a lot of yelling had been heard from her room earlier. Viggs, having learned the ins and outs of the manor, confirmed the rumor. Jay paused as he reached her door, and knocked, his magic orbs that he frequently conjured having disappeared out of sheer worry. "Hey, Sylvie? You alright?"

He suddenly heard some shuffling come from inside before Sylvie slowly opened the door, peeking out. "J-Jay? Is that you?"

Jay raised an eyebrow, but still answered, "Yeah, it's me. Are you... feeling okay? Want me to come back later?"

"No... I'm feeling fine..." She said, looking at him suspiciously. "How've you been?"

"Good, although I could do well without the look. Mind telling me why people have been hearing you yelling and stuff?" Jay asked, as he leaned against his staff.

"It's... Hard to explain..." She admitted.

“Well, I got time and a friendly ear to listen with." Jay replied stubbornly, an orb of water forming in the shape of an ear.

"Come in. Don't mind the mess..." She said, opening the door to reveal a room who's floor was covered in wrinkled clothes. Jay recognized most of them as Sylvie's, however a pair of male's pants in the corner stuck out.

Several other water orbs appeared, in the shapes of daggers, none pointing towards her, as the Light Elf narrowed his eyes, looking away. "Who? Who was it?" Jay asked, his voice practically a whisper.

"What?" Sylvie's eyes widened. "Dammit... She left her pants here..."

"Look Jay, I... It's... This is what I wanted to tell you about actually..." The Huntress replied, "I can guess what you're thinking, but it's not that, I promise..."

"Oh, can you? Then tell me... why. Why is there someone else's clothes here as well as yours, all hastily removed, no doubt?" Jay replied, his voice softer than before as he turned to leave.

"You've gotten it all wrong." She replied, picking up the pants in question. Upon closer look, they appeared to be a pair of his pants, almost an exact copy of the kind he was wearing at the moment in fact.

"And he, or she, dresses like me. Great." He grumbled taking a few steps towards the door. The orbs slowly turned from watery daggers to hearts. Then all the hearts started to show cracks, Jay's interpretation of the situation showing through. His eyes hardened, a frown grew, and all at once the Light Elf seemed older, worn out.

"Jay please! I swear to Ahusirra herself that I didn't mate with anyone!" She exclaimed, stepping forward. "Will you just hear me out?"

The Light Elf paused, looking more tired than before. After a moment or two of looking into her eyes, he nodded his head. "Okay. What did happen then?"

"I... I was approached by someone who I thought was a shapechanger... He threw compliments at me and tried to seduce me, but I didn't bite..." Sylvie explained, sitting down. "I chased after him, but he got away... That's when Esmeralda told me that you wanted to see me in my room... I came up here to see you, sitting in my room, looking just like you do now, asking me to mate with you..."

"I was suspicious... You were so much more forward, but I thought you were just trying to impress me... And to be honest... I... I wanted to be with you so bad, I've wanted to so much... Maybe I wasn't thinking as clearly as I could've..." She continued, sighing. "We got to the bed before I realized he wasn't really you... I was tricked... I know this must sound crazy, but I promise... I wouldn't betray your trust..."

Jay remained still, almost unmoving except for his breathing. After a moment or two, he asked, his voice still quiet, "I... I know. You're not that kind of girl to do that... I'm sorry, for jumping to conclusions. It's just... not been the best week for me. Sorry I took it out on you." The Light Elven man seemed to lose the old, stressed out look he had, in lieu of how he normally looked.

"I... She told me that she was the God of Sex, Lexina..." She stated to Jay. "She wanted to keep going though... But I told her I would only continue in two circumstances, either she gets your permission, no tricks, or... She convinces you to join us... I figured it might be interesting if our first time was with one of your gods..."
Jay frowned, and shook his head. "I think I'm going to have teach you a thing or two about the Gods... firstly, Lexina isn't one of my gods. I actually have no gods I believe in, so the entire pantheon isn't my religion. I kinda gave up on them twenty years ago, since none came to my aid. Secondly, I'll only do this if this what you want, not what Lexina wants. Your opinion matters the most to me, not the 'shapeshifting god or goddess of sex'."

"Really? You'd be comfortable with me choosing for you? You wouldn't consider this to be... Too fast?" The Huntress asked.

"We've been dating for awhile, so yeah... I'm ready. I, uh, may have gotten you something... Y'know cause, um, some of my close friends, and maybe a rival or two may have suggested I should give this to you already, um... here." Jay reached into his pocket with one hand and pulled out a box, while with the other he pulled out a necklace. His face turned a deep shade of red as he looked away, far too embarrassed to look at her. "T-this is a p-promise ring, a-and a necklace I got, c-cause I thought you'd, uh, like them." The necklace was tree themed with two shiny gems representing the two of them.

Sylvie pushed her finger under the chain of the necklace, lifting it up to admire it. "I'm not usually one for fancy jewelry, but it's beautiful, and if it's from you it's important to me..."
Jay's face turned a deeper shade of red, obviously liking Sylvie's words. "You're too good to me..." Jay murmured under his breath.

"You're too hard on yourself..." She said, slipping the ring on her finger. As she did, it glowed a faint green aura around it.

"You know Jay... I had a thought..." Sylvie whispered, leaning closer to him. "I've never asked... How would you feel about... children? I mean, if we're going to get busy soon..."
"I-I think having children would be a great idea. And as f-for busy, do you mean... now?" Jay asked, some of his blush fading.

"Do you want now? Because part of me wants to have our first time just between us... We can save Lexina for number two..." The Huntress stood up, taking his hands in hers.

"I-I think I would like that very much." Jay answered, guiding her back to the bed.

"Jay... I... I want you to know how much you mean to me." The Maiden admitted, smiling. "I'm excited to do this with you because I've never met anyone who captured my heart like you... And it's not like others didn't try... You're just different... Good different... You're so gentle... you enrapture me... And right now, your past and what the cruel world has done to you is out there... And in here, is just me... And you, together... Tonight... I'll unshackle you... You're free with me... "

A Primordial Dance, pt. 2

A Primordial Dance, pt. 3

"Who... who knows... I wouldn't mind... having a baby with you." Jay replied, kissing her again, breaking away for a moment to cover them both with the blankets and sheets the bed had.

"This is... Everything I hoped it would be..." She rubbed the side of his head lovingly. "We were... really loud, weren't we?"

"Maybe, but I doubt it's anything these guys haven't heard." Jay murmured, as he wrapped an arm over her in a gentle hug.

"I love you Jay... I love you so much..." She smiled contently, nuzzling him.

"I... I love you too, Sylvie." He kissed the top of her head, moving so he could hold her better.

Sylvie looked past Jay for only a brief moment but it was long enough to see that thier window was strangely open, despite the fact that she was sure it was closed before; this caused her to be silent for a moment as she stared at the open pane.

Following Sylvie's stare, Jay noticed the open window and a couple of water orbs appeared near the window, ready to attack any intruder. "I'm going to guess you didn't leave that open." Jay whispered, a hint of worry in his voice.

"No..." She replied, covering herself, "Jay I... I think someone or... Something's been following me... Stalking me..."

"How long have you feeling something has been following?" Jay asked, another water orb appearing by the open window.

"I also noticed it last week... Titania ran off chasing something that moved in the bushes, but when I caught up to her she was hurt..." Sylvie sighed, "She said it was like... A green flash..."

"A green flash? And she couldn't keep up with it? Well, whatever it is, it'll have to go through me if it wants to hurt you." He confidently replied, trying to hide the layer of worry and slight fear he had.

"Whatever it is... It felt the need to... Watch us mate..." The Maiden narrowed her eyes. "Jay... I might just be crazy... But I have a feeling in my gut that... Something is happening in my home... And a hunter should never distrust her instincts..."

"I... see. Then let's request some leave from the guild and go figure out what's wrong. That way, we don't have to worry too much about repercussions from Lady Havenbrook." He gently rubbed her head, his orbs of water, shutting the window, and keeping watch.

"Thank you Jay. I'm sure some of the people here would call me paranoid or crazy..." She smiled softly.

"You're not crazy or paranoid. If you think something is wrong, you're usually right. I would never doubt you."

“Let's rest Jay... I want to sleep next to you... Now that we've had so much fun between just us, I doubt that god, even with her thousands of years on us, could top this... But I guess we'll see..." Sylvie said, clearly decided on the Goddess' offer. "As long as you don't object, of course..."

“If that is what you want, then I'll... be happy to do it." Jay replied, yawning as the day's activities caught up with him.

"Goodnight Jay..." She breathed with joy, looking down at her belly for just a moment.

When she looked back up, she saw that Jay had already fallen fast asleep, but not before one of his orbs displayed 'G'night Sylvie'.

"Night... My truest love..." She said, her eyes closing gently.
---------------------------------------------------------------

As the morning came, Jay woke, and blinked as he tried to remember where he was. After a moment or two, he realized where he was, and who was next to him. Shifting slowly so as to not wake Sylvie, Jay snuggled closer and kissed her, closing his eyes to enjoy the moment.

"Well... That's nice to wake up to..." The Green-haired woman opened a single eye.

"Waking up to you is the best way to wake up." The Light Elf replied, opening his own eye and kissing her once more.

"I don't think I ever want to leave this bed..." The Maiden sighed, looking over at the door for a moment. "I... We locked that... Right?"

"I... I don't know. Want me to get up and double check?" Jay asked, as he turned his attention to the door as well.

She sat up tiredly, rubbing her eyes. "Yeah... I'm suddenly happy people leave me mostly alone up here..."

A loud knock sounded, as the door started to open. "Hey, Sylvie. Have you seen Jay recently, I can't se-" Titania started before catching sight of the two lovers in their bed, with the various pieces of clothing scattered around the bed. Averting her gaze, and closing the door so any onlooker couldn't see in, she groaned. "Really? You guys couldn't lock the door? What if it wasn't me intruding into your room?"

"W-well, why did you open the door without Sylvie giving you permission? Did you forget your manners?" Jay shot back, his face a slightly brighter red hue.

"I didn't think I'd find you two in bed, having already fucked each other!" Titania continued groaning, her face an usually bright red.

"Honestly... I wasn't exactly expecting this to happen when he came up here... It was kind of spur of the moment..." Sylvie admitted, shrugging. "Besides, I haven't really got into the habit of locking it yet anyways..."

"Well, you should probably learn to do that from now on, especially when you start screwing each other." Titania advised with a hint of disgust in her voice.

"Maybe you should... Knock, right? It wasn't exactly wide open." The Huntress pointed out, patting down her messy hair, the situation far less worthy of embarrassment to her.

"I did knock, and usually you aren't screwing anyone. There's a thing you can use... it's called a lock." Titania retorted, sighing. "Look... just lock your door from now on, okay? Please?"

"Fine... You're all still so strange I swear..." She chuckled, half-joking.

"How so- oh, right. Village life. I'm sure everyone might think the same of you in reverse." Titania replied gruffly, not thinking of her words. Jay glared at where she was behind the door, finding her words offensive towards Sylvie.

"Yeah. They do. I guess I finally get what they feel." Sylvie looked off to the side briefly.

Jay held Sylvie closer, and tried to comfort her, all the while seething at Titania.

"Well, now that you do, people should be a bit more relatable, right?" The Wolf Thrope asked, as a water orb appeared near her, bearing Jay's face with a death glare.

"A bit..." She said, looking back towards the door. "Maybe when we go, you can come too, so we can better understand each other."

"You got a deal. Now, uh, I'll leave you two love birds to go about your business..." Titania replied, shutting the door to indeed give them room.

"Well... that was somewhat embarrassing. I'm sorry she was very blunt, she's been getting that way ever since she came back from... some sort of God thing, I think. Anyways, now that she's interested in Destani, God of Fate, she’s been a lot more unbearable at times." Jay tactfully replied, remembering that Sylvie hadn't heard what he had.

"Uh... huh..." Sylvie replied, seeming rather confused. "Do you ever feel like you missed something important...?"

"Yeah... Titania wouldn't even fully tell me what happened on this 'God' trip of hers, just 'minor details' about it... anyways, I think it's way above what I'm willing to know." Jay leaned in, kissing Sylvie properly.

"We should get up... I'll buy you a fancy breakfast in return, that fair?" She asked as she sat up, stretching.

"Alright... I suppose that'll work. But only if I get to make you dinner tonight. Deal?" Jay counteroffered, sitting up and yawning.

She rolled her eyes before smirking. "Fine..."

As she got up from the bed, she pulled Jay up, walking over to the door and opening it for him.

Jay groggily put his clothes on, before going over to the door. "Is this going to be a more common thing?" He asked, kissing her gently on the cheek.

"What the sex or the door opening?" She laughed, a hand still on the door.

"Mmm... maybe a bit of both? Y'know since doors opening for me is such a rare thing for me." Jay replied with a snort, walking out of the doorway with a wink and a merry expression.

"How about a lot more of one than the other?" She followed him out, smiling along with him.

A Primordial Dance, pt.4


Earlier that night...

The two lovers slept soundly in their beds, thier night of love knocking them out. As they slept soundly, the window that Sylvie had closed slowly blew open again, despite the fact that it had been locked.

A sudden, chilly draft came into the room, blowing the curtains around, but it quickly turned warm as it carried with it a faint, green light. The silence was still crushing as a few small fireflies made their way in as well.

Then, suddenly and without a sound, the faintly glowing energy came together into a ball, lightly illuminating the room, but not enough to wake it's inhabitants. The water orbs Jay had set up hadn't reacted to the strange mass of light, which after a brief moment, were absorbed into it and then dissipated, almost like it was cognisant of the trap.

Then, one at a time, dark vines of wood crept up the side of the manor, snaking their way into the room, reaching to under the mystical ball and creeping up towards it, then another did the same, this time faster. This continued until vines and roots began to form what looked to be a foot with sharp, wooden toes, then another, then more vines twisted into legs.

With a subtle burst of energy, the vines grew upwards, rapidly creating a pelvis, a chest with what seemed to be feminine rounded parts of wood, and arms with wooden clawed fingers on it's hands. The light took a central place in the middle of the figure as well as the fireflies, the ball beginning to pulse and beat like a heart.

At last, formed the head of the creature, the plants morphing and coming together into a wooden mask with the visage of a cat, reminiscent of a panther or jaguar, punctuated with glowing green eyes and cat like, wooden ears. As the vines finished their metamorphosis, they finished growing, leaving vines hanging from the back of it's head.

Now complete in what was the span of only a few moments, it moved forwards completely quietly, it's feet gently floating above the floor as the feminine creature carefully ran a few fingers over the furniture until it ended up next to their bed as they slept.

The creature hovered a hand above the stomach of the Huntress, very diligent to make no sound or disturbance whatsoever. As she did, two lights began to glow inside of Sylvie, a larger one near her heart and the other, which was nothing more than a pinprick in her stomach.

Something about the creature's facelessness hinted at a smile, indicating it had found what it was looking for. The vine creature began to deform, it's job here done as it left as silently as it came, the wooden of it's body snaking back out the window along the floor and the energy ball, which lingered for only a moment, before dissipating as it flew out with the breeze the way it had came.

As it retreated completely, Sylvie opened a single eye, but saw nothing. The two lovers would be none the wiser of their mysterious visitor.

Frostlich1228 and ExoGrim: Sheepishly Cute

Zulik walked over to the training field and began practicing on one of the training dummies outside. He needed to at least keep himself in shape and ready for anything... and he had no other real way to past the time. After a few minutes of practice, he sat down on one of the benches and took a drink from his waterskin.

After a few moments, Zulik felt some tap her back, when he turned around he saw the small Sheep Magdalene standing behind him. "H-Hey Zulik."

Zulik rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh, hey Mags... How are you doing?"

"G-good!" She smiled awkwardly. "Because I've uh... Been thinking about... What you said last time we met..."

The priest laughed nervously. "Have you now... admitting I was a little fast though, so no need to be concerned about hurting my feelings."

"I mean... I... I... I..." She stammered slowly, unable to get her words out.

Zulik offered her his waterskin. "Need a drink?"

Mags nodded, slowly taking the skin and bringing it up to her mouth and taking a few big swigs, clearing her throat. "Th-Thanks."

"Don't worry about it." The corrupted Elf responded.

"So..." She continued, "Um... I think I'd... I'd like to try it!"

Zulik seemed surprised by her decision. "R-really?"

She blushed lightly, "Yes... I do... I like you Zulik..."

The priest let out a heavy sigh of relief. "That went better than I expected..." He admitted out loud.

"But I uh... I want to know you better Zulik, let's... Tell eachother about ourselves... Is that um... Okay?" Mags hesitaed as she ask, walking next to him.

"Yes, it is okay." Zulik paused for a moment. "Would you like to start or shall I?"

"Um... Would you mind going first?" She asked sheepishly. "What was your life like before... All of this..."

"Surprisingly peaceful..." The corrupted Elf answered. "My mentor Jarison and I took care of most issues that came up. We were inseparable... at least until the Sage Maverin gave us the warning about a being known as the Evil approaching. I was the only one who chose to leave with him. It was that day that I learned about the conflict between Elves and Light Elves."

"I guess we both learned about it... The hard way..." She whispered out, casting her eyes down.

"Why do you say that?" Zulik inquired in a concerned tone. "Did something happen to you?"

"Not to me... Specifically..." Mags closed her eyes, "We were born in Serasam to a Human Mom, for most of our childhoods we never even encountered anything like... racism and prejudice, we spent all our time on our farm... We... We heard about the problems in places like Themosa, but it was so far away it never really affected us..."

"Until Slavers took my sister away..." She said silently, clenching her fists. "They-They were... Preying on small farmers no doubt, farmers nobody... nobody 'important' would miss..."

"Do you know where these Slavers are now?" The priest asked his determination in his eyes.

"Somewhere in Themosa, that's all I knew..." Mags said before noticing his inflection. "But that was almost ten years ago now, thankfully she made it home with the help of the Railroad! They saved her!"

"That's good to hear." Zulik sighed. "Slavery is an intolerable sin. No one should be forced into such harsh and unforgiving positions."

"The Railroad did so much, they saved my sister and I admire them endlessly for it..." The Sheep trailed off, her brief excitedness over her heroes fading. "But even they couldn't rewind the years she spent... enslaved... They couldn't fix what those years without her did to us..."

"Or what the trauma did to her." Zulik added. "The physical and mental damage she would've suffered over those years are pains not even I could imaged."

"I love Carol more than the world, but she wasn't the same when she came home..." Mags stated, speaking in an depressed monotone. "She woke up with nightmares every morning... She never talked about it... She seemed almost like... An exaggerated version of herself sometimes and if you said anything about what happened, she'd snap at you... The only thing in years I've ever heard about what she went through was the word 'factory'."

"Those slavers... They destroyed my family..." Magdalene said with a tinge of longing in her voice.

Zulik pulled Mags in to hug and comfort her. "It's okay... her wounds will heal with time. Though she won't be the same person anymore, she'll get better. I've seen things like this time and time again. It always gets better in the end."

"M-My Mother's gone! She... She couldn't take Carol being gone so she just... She just left and we don't know where!" Mags held her head in her hands, having someone who says he likes her bringing her to lay her heart out in a way Magdalene hadn't done in ages. The Sheep became even more worked up as she continued, so much so Zulik could pick out a Rural Serasanian accent coming through. "Nothing is right anymore Zulik! My baby sister used to sing to her birds every morning, but now she's quiet, she can barely bring herself to even leave the house... My Pa does nothing but work the fields, day in, day out like one of em constructs... Like... How am I supposed to believe it will get better!?"

Zulik closed his eyes as a tear slowly fell down his cheek, Mags' sad past bringing back some of his own painful memories. "Sometimes all you can do is believe... sometimes hope is the only thing you have left..."

"Well... I guess ah don't have just hope... I have friends... I have my family, even if they are different..." She continued, putting a hand over his. "And... I guess ah have you now..."

Zulik opened his eyes and gave her a smile. "That you do."

"What about you? Do you have any family out there?" Mags asked, feeling the cold from his gauntlet.

The question made his smile quickly falter. "If I did, I never had a chance to meet them. I was raised by the village church and no one there ever mentioned my parents at all."

"Oh... I'm sorry If I upset you..." Mags said, "M-Maybe I shouldn't'a asked that..."

Zulik looked at her for a brief moment. "But, then you wouldn't have the answer, now would you? The way I see it, the best way to find answers you want is to ask questions."

"B-But... I didn't want to make you sad, we... We just started this..." She pointed out.

"I guess you do have a point there..." The priest admitted.

"Um... What do you like to do?" Mags asked with a friendly voice.

"To be honest..." Zulik chuckled nervously. "I don't know."

"You don't do anything for fun? Then... What do you do all day?" Mags wondered out loud, putting a finger on her chin.

"I usually spend most of my time training." Zulik admitted. "I haven't really found anything fun to do in my spare time."

"Then we need to find you something you like... Someone we could do um... Together...?" She blushed, scooting closer.

"What do you purpose we start with?" Zulik inquired.

"How about with what I like... Music?" She suggesting, pulling out her harp.

Zulik cleared his throat. "Perhaps I could give the idea a try."

"We could write a song together! How does that sound?" The Sheep pulled out some sheets of paper from her harp bag.

The priest tilted his head. "Ummm... How do you write a song exactly?"

"Well... You start by thinking about something that you feel or like..." She explained briefly. "Have anything like that?"

"For things I like, there's of course you." Zulik flirted lightly. "As for things I feel... well, I've had a lot of feelings able certain events in my life."

"Bad feelings?" Mags asked cautiously.

"Some of them are." The priest stated. "Some good. It depends on how far back I look into my life."

"Maybe you could do one u-uhm... About me then..." She gulped, her face almost flaring red as she look directly at his.

Zulik smirked. "Maybe I should... Could you walk me through the process?"

"Well... What do you uh... Like about... Me..." She said softly, pulling some of her fluff over her face.

"Well, you're kind, you have a good sense of humor, you can easily deescalate a situation." Zulik listed off. "That and you're quite adorable."

Sheepishly Cute Part 2

Uhmm... I don't... Really... Know about that..." She said before whispering. "I'm not that cute..."

"I'm sorry, but I didn't quite here that last part." Zulik mentioned politely. "Would you be willing to repeat yourself?"

"I'm... I'm not that cute." She squeaked out.

"Not cute? What would make you think that?" The priest inquired, surprised by her lack of self esteem.

"I'ma Farmgirl." She said, letting her full accent fly again to emphasize her point. "At best I'm borin' and plain... A borin' and plain sheep Thrope, middle sister to a quiet farm family..."

"I don't see it that way Mags." Zulik said. "To me, you're funny, you're interesting, and you're the cutest thing I've ever seen."

"Well... You're... You're handsome...." She said, looking away. "You're smart, brave, powerful... You're a hero... You could have anyone at all... I've never had s-someone... give me this kind of attention before..."

"I say it's a nice change of pace." Zulik stated in a flirty tone. "You could use the extra attention."

"S-Stop..." Mags said, laying on her side before replying jokingly. "Y-you're going to break me if... you keep this up, you..."

Zulik leaned over her. "Maybe I like it when you get flustered." He muttered with a wink.

She looked off to the side and up to him, whining a little. "Y-You're a... you're a bad person...

"What about liking someone makes me a bad person?" Zulik asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You're having fun teasin'... Teasing me..." She replied in a half serious tone.

"And you know another way we can have fun then?" Zulik inquired.

"I was going for music... but I guess you found something better..." She sighed playfully, "I'll find a way to bug you too if it's the last thing I do..."

Zulik let out a light chuckle. "That's a spirit."

Mags said nothing, instead opting to poke him on the nose.

Zulik leaned closer, moving his lips in such as way to kiss Mags if she was willing.

His cold lips caught her off gaurd at first, which in turn caused her face to heat up even more and warm his. As he pulled away, she stuttered. "I-I-I-I... uh... uhm... k-kiss- ed... mee..."

"Am I going too fast?" Zulik asked, concerned that he might had ruined his chances.

"uhhhuhhhh... W-What?" She said, as if suddenly waking up. "Oh... I-I don't know... m-maybe?"

Zulik quickly got up. He blushed a bit as he apologized. "I'm sorry for rushing you... it wasn't my attention."

"No... It's okay... I was... It was..." She tried to explain, but failed. "I think I um... liked it..."

Zulik chuckled nervously. "That's good to hear. Though, I kinda have to get going. It's about time for me to see Erin about more corruption testing. Maybe tomorrow night we could head to town for a bite? I'll pay for everything."

"You don't have to... um..." Mags tapped her fingers together. "My farm is only an hour or so away from here by horse... We could have a great meal there for free... i-if you're not too turned off of them from my... what I said before..."

"Oh no, it'll be nice to meet your family." Zulik replied.

"I just wish I could meet yours... But my family do a good job of making people feel welcome..." She replied, cracking a smile. "It's well... My Pa says that home is where your true heart stays..."

The corrupted Elf returned the smile. "We head out tomorrow then?"

"Tomorrow then..." She agreed, nodding.

Dahlexpert &ZombieSplitter53
The Defiant One
Part One

Serasam forest
5:27 pm

Rumi was escorting Alice to were she beveled the seven was, Alice herself was changed up her. "Ugh I hate these chains, I spent fifty years in chains. Now Rumi the plan is to see if I can turn your former teammates to our side, if this fails then you will stay with them and escort them to our castle understand?"

Rumi nodded nervously. "But... What if they don't want to take you alive, and want to execute you on the spot? Can you get out of those chains quick enough?"

"Ou i'm sure I can get out, besides if they try and take me in. I can just break out, and there are courses all around here. So I will be fine besides." Alice turned to reaper. "That's why I have him, now you can teleport me back home right reaper?"

From out of the shadow of a tree came a pair of glowing eyes. "Yes, mistress."

Rumi took a deep breath. "Okay. I just hate putting you in this kind of danger."

"I know you do sweaty, but this is necessary. If I want to take over the vampire capitol I need the seven, with them out of the way the city will fall and my kind will be released to the world. And they will see what the world relay thinks of my kind, but in the end they will be free, so let's get this over with."

They arrived at the clearing. It was close enough to the castle to make the trek back, but not so close that they would find it if things went wrong. "Halt!" someone shouted from the treeline. "State your name!"

Rumi cleared her throat. "I am Rumi Serpiente of the Vamperic Band of Seven!"

"And you! In shackles! State your name!"

"Alice Valentine, why don't you come out and I can give you a very special reward if you free me from this lovely woman. Not that I don't mind her company."

From out of the trees hope out six figures, all dressed in pitch black armor, each of various size. A slender female. A slender male. An extremely large male. They sported different kinds of armor and weapons, but all gave off an aura of intimidation. From what Alice could sense, four of them were vampires. This included the one who stepped ahead of the group. He pulled off his mask, revealing a middle aged face, vampire eyes and canine ears. "You did well, Rumi. To catch the one on the top of the list. Honestly, I was worried when we found the others and realized how likely it was you came across her." He glared at Alice. "Is this where you plead for your life in exchange for some arbitrary reward, Ms. Valentine?"

"You... Your a vampire what the hell, did you escape from that prison city to if so then were are the others who else escaped with you?"

He laughed, as did the others with him. "Don't be a fool. I am Richard Delacruz, leader of the Band of Seven. Do you honestly think the elders would entrust capture rouge vampire to non-vampires alone? Only a vampire truly knows what a vampire is thinking." His expression lost all humor. "We are tasked with ridding the elders of burdens such as you. You, who would risk the sanctity of our grand city and the vampire way for your own selfish desires. Funny... before they through you in a cell for your mad beliefs and actions, I considered you as one who could join us. Too bad our beliefs differ so much."

"As if I would have ever joined you and your ridiculous cause, you think the city is grand it's nothing more then a prison. The entity of our species are there, if we were truly at peace as the elders said then vampires could leave the city as thy please but we can't. We will be whipped out if we keep breeding with our food, don't you get that!?

Richard sighed. "What the elders decree is for the good of us all. There may come a day until we branch out. When we open our doors. But how can we ever expect the Bloods of the world to think of us as anything but monsters when there are still vampires who only think of them as food?"

"You never been out here have you? People forget us, to the people out side Drăculești vampires are a myth a legend. To the entire world they think were whipped out, that's the peace you want a world were we are forgotten and a city that will be our down fall that' what your fighting for. Can't you see your on the wrong side of this your helping with our extinction!"

"And what exactly would you suggest," asked a woman, pulling off her mask as she walk over to reveal another vampire with fiery red hair. "Let me guess... complete domination of Terra Dolor? Humans in a pen like cattle? An iron fist on all those who oppose vampires as the master race?"

"That's our only chance, if we don't do that then we will be hunted by hunters our are own kind by the looks of it. It's not the best but it's what is necessary, I will not sit by and let my species die why you fools stand by and do nothing like the good little dogs you are."

The woman lightly grasped Alice's chin and leaned forward, bringing them eye to eye. "And if we are dogs working for the leaders of the entire vampire race, what would that make us under you? Rats? Fleas? Swamp scum?"

My generals, to stand by my side and lead my future army outside that sorry excuse of a city. I will recreate the city into a fortress, that can't be conquered I will make the largest army Terra has ever seen." Alice tried to extend her hand. "Join me now and you will be remembered as conquers, or don't join me and forever be the elders slaves."

"And what of the people of our city?" Richard asked. "The vampires and non-vampires alike who oppose us?"

"They will be killed during the assault, but I can bring them back. The vampires can go free and see the world for what it relay is, as for the humans I have plans for them. Don't you worry about that."

The pair from the band looked at each other. "She makes wonderful points," the woman said.

"We could be free to do whatever we want," Richard agreed. "Our non-vampire members might not agree with this, though. What would we do with the three of them?"

"Listen this is a once in a life time opportunity,and i'm being nice. I will not be as nice any other time. Join me and live as kings and queens, or continue to be dogs." Alice said while unaware of the vampires in the back talking.

"It would be foolish to give up a 'once in a life time opportunity'," the woman stated.

"Though she did already confirm what fools we are." Richard grinned at Alice. "I'm afraid we'll have to decline. But thank you sooooo much for the offer."

"Whelp I tried, then i'll just have to force you to then." Alice yanked on the chain enough that Rumi lunged forward, when she did put her hands together hit Rumi chin and launched her into the forest. Alice then broke her chains. Sorry Rumi but that had to be done, I will make it up to you some how.

The pair were caught off guard, but only for a moment. "Guess you want to do this the hard way then." Richard shook his head. "You were taken down by our weakest member once. Do you think you can take on the six of us?"

Oh you have no idea how wrong you are, fools but i'm surrounded. Alice turned in to a sworm of bats going through the forest and to get as far away from the seven, hoping to find ether graveyard or a group of dead body.

After flying around, she heard a familiar sound. Swarming behind was another swarm of bats, each with a red streak across their heads, each starting to gain on her.

Alice realized that the seven was gaining on her, she just so happen to come across a destroyed caravan. Alice then returned into her normal form and saw the seven coming, the blood on the ground started to move towards Alice and she started to take the blood in.

The bats reformed in front of her, back into the woman from before who pull out two long, curved swords. The others ran to her side. A lanky man with blades attached to his arms. A huge brute in thick armor with an equally intimidating warhammer. A netzi wielding chakrams. A muscular man with a Zanbatō. Five stood ready to cut her down.

"Well don't you all look to intimidating, now it's my turn." Alice had a blue orb in her hand and slammed it to the ground, after a bit the people that were involved in the attack including the raiders. and they came back to her feet. "Did it ever acure to you fools why the elders kept me under the city prison for years and gave me special restraints." Alice went to the cart and pulled out a steel mace and turned to the seven with about ten undead solders.