Hunters of Terra Dolor (Role Playing Section)

[ZombieSplitter53]

Corruption Breeding Corrupted
Part Two

Being the noble soldier he was, Charter naturally took what, to him, looked like the most dangerous of the large Golems. Standing about a foot taller than him and vaguely humanoid in shape, the creature was mostly made of stone, but had obviously borrow bits and pieces from various metal deposits nearby. Its ‘legs’ and ‘arms’ were long and sleek, their metallic texture glistening in the mid afternoon sun. It would seem Charter was in for an intense sword fight against a creature with incredible strength and endurance, and the Golem wasted little time rushing the man.

Charter kicked Slone’s side and Slone ran around the giant golem, Charter reach into his bag pulled out one of his enchantment bottles. Charter poured half of the green ville on his crossbow to help the bolts penetrate the golem a bit easier. He fired one of the bolts into the golem’s leg, and the bolt, thanks to the enchantment, actually went through the thick stone of the golem, causing it roar. “Hey, you two attack it from the side. Stay at range, don’t get close to it!”

“Yes sir.” The two guards did as they were told and fired arrows at the golem. As the guards fired arrows at the golem, it pick up a huge rock and threw it at the three men. Charter, being on Slone, was able to dodge the attack but the two guards weren't so lucky and were crushed by the flying bolder. “Damn it.” Charter fired another bolt into the golems leg, it still being enchanted, and again went through the its leg. Charter reloaded and fired another bolt into its arm.

The golem again roared and instead of grabbing a rock, it grabbed a tree branch and threw it ahead of Slone, hitting him and Charter’s side, knocking Charter off and Slone into the ground. Slone, being in armor, didn't take fatal damage as he was flung to the side. Charter being on the ground, the golem decided to take advantage and grabbed his leg and picked him up only to slam him back into the ground. Charter, his crossbow be hurled off him when Slone got hit, pulled out his sword and plunged it into the golem.”

The sword, while not being enchanted, still did damage to the golem, enough to get it off of him. The golem let go of him and looked at him, and grabbed the tree branch it threw earlier and swing at Charter. Charter, remembering that his armor is not as durable as before, dodged its attack, it being a tree branch. The golem being annoyed at Charter kicked him in the gut and swung it at his side, sending Charter flying to the side.

“Oh man, that hurt. Alright Charter, its big... giant, and made of stone. You can beat this thing, just be patient.” The golem ran to Charter trying to kick him in his gut while he was down. Charter rolled out of the way and plunged his sword into the Golem side, then slashed it out of it’s back, Charter then turned around and plunged his sword into the golem ribs where a normal person's lungs would be. The golem grabbed Charter by his throat and lifted him up, Charter took this opportunity to put his dagger into the eye of the golem, then the throat, bringing the golem down to it’s knees. Charter then switched to his sword and swung it through the golem neck cutting it’s head off. “Finally, you're finished.” Charter then went to check on Slone to see if he was alright. Once he saw how he was, he helped him to his feet and went to the others.

Sylvie moved to the northeast of the ley line to the edge of the forest where her powers would be most effective, her accompanying guards following close. Fittingly, her chosen golem was a massive being made of organic material. The body of wood and stone, the branches poking every which way from its body, and the large bushel of leaves on top of it made it look like a walking killer tree. Hollows in its chests made up its eyes and mouth, and it roared angrily at the young woman.

Sylvie held up her hand as soon as she saw the Golem, signaling her guards to hold position. Quickly examining the battlefield around her, it was mostly grass with the occasional tree here and there. Trying to come up with a plan quickly, Sylvie took a quick look at the weapons of the two soldiers. The young man to her left carried a short sword and a shield of wood reinforced with steel, along with a crossbow on his belt. The woman on her right hand a fairly long lance and a longbow on her back.

Sylvie point over to a single large tree a few yards away from the group, “We should try to get it over to that tree, my magic will be most effective there. Use your ranged weapons, get it’s attention, I’ll stop it if it tries anything.”

The pair gave her an apprehensive nod, and ran towards the tree. “Hey, you big, ugly tree freak!” the woman yelled, and fired an arrow. It stuck into the side of the golem. It didn’t seem to bother it too much, but it did turn towards them. The man shot several bolts, grouping them between its ‘eyes’. It roared angrily, and started towards them with incredible speed for such a large creature. Sylvie ran towards the hulking Golem, quickly aiming and throwing her spear into it’s ‘face’ in an effort to stop it, impaling one of it’s eyes.

It quickly spun towards her, crying out in pain and frustration. It grabbed the spear with one hand to try and yank it out and extended its other at Sylvie, corrupted vines stretching out and whipping at her. The Huntress quickly ducked under the attack, grabbing onto the branch arm of the golem and climbing on top of it. She slammed her deer-antler gauntlet into the wood, using it to hold on and climb up the trunk of the tree and towards its torso.

The other two guards continued to fire, careful not to hit Sylvie as the golem flailed, trying to get her off. “What is she doing?” the female guard asked.

“The hell if I know,” the other answered. “She’s the monster slayer. I say just follow her lead and assume she knows what she’s doing.” He ducked to the side, barely dodging a hail of bullet-like chunks of wood shot his way.

Reaching near the end of the arm, Sylvie jumped and climbed onto the branches above it’s head. Quickly lining it up, she jumped down, grabbing her spear and, with a twist, pulled it from the Golem’s eye as she retreated towards her allies. It roared loudly in pain and anger, slamming its arms, legs, and various tree-like appendages on the ground in a fit of rage. If it wasn’t so terrifying looking, it might bring up images of a child having a tantrum. Obvious to the arrows and bolts that continued to stick into it and knock off chucks, it charged at Sylvie and her accompanying guards, arms outstretched, eye leaking a green, sap like fluid as it got closer and closer.

The two guards took a step back. “I-if you have an idea… n-now is the time to put it into action!”

As she neared the tree, Sylvie stopped in front of it, turning around to face the corrupted creature. The Huntress took a deep breath, her heart pounding and her adrenaline flowing as she ran back towards the berserking creature. Throwing her spear towards its face once again, Sylvie went to slide between the creature’s legs, trying to get behind it and hopefully avoiding its reckless swipes. In its rage-filled attack, it just barely missed her. The vine slapped the air just above her, nearly whipping off her head, and its claws dug into the earth as the spear imbedded in its head again. It looked down at its hands greedily, only to look confused that there was no pesky human in them.

Huffing heavily, Sylvie dug her hands into the ground as the area around them glowed green with magical energy. Pushing her magic into the soil and locating the thick, powerful, roots of the tree she had led it to, she caused them to launch out of the dirt, wrapping around the legs of the Golem. With another surge of magic, the roots began to work themselves into whatever cracks in the wood or stone they could find, causing rocks to break and branches to split.

The Golem slowly twisted around to look at her. With her prone, it lowered its arms towards her. It moved slowly and slow until it stopped directly over her. A minute later, the two guards cautiously walked over to her, the man asking, “Is it dead?” A moment later, several cracks appeared in the golem, and it started crumbling into pieces of random chunks of wood and stone. “I’ll… take that as a yes. You okay, miss?”

The Green-Haired woman stood up slowly, walking over and finding her spear in the rubble. “Yeah… That was close…”

“That was awesome,” the female guard added as they rushed over to the others.

On the other side of the battlefield, Kva had her work cut out for her. With the others busy with their own problems, Eraqus himself rushing back and forth around the mana pool trying to deal with all the smaller golems pestering the mages, Kva was left to face off against a pair of golem. One was about the size and of a human, but completely devoid of details. It seemed to be made out of clay, and animate clay that shifted and bubbled as it awkwardly moved. The second seemed to simply be made out of rock, but between the stones that made up its body was a white glow that was a bit disconcerting. Slightly larger than the other, it led the charge towards the B-rank soldier.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Corruption Breeding Corrupted
Part Three

Kva put her whip hand behind her back, the weapon wouldn’t be very effective against the inorganic enemies she was fighting and keeping it out would only make it a target to grab. The Ebony woman raised her rapier towards the two Golem, waiting for their first move as her weapon slowly pulsed.

The rock golem raised its fist for a swing. Rather than try and hit the hunter, it slammed into the ground, sending up a plume of dust. Whether it was taking advantage of this or it was just a coincidence, the clay golem swung at Kva. Although far out of range, its arm extended to an incredible length to reach her. She expertly side-stepped one of its arms and ducked the other, despite the smoke and dust, and retaliated by slicing one of its soft limb clean off.

It let out an unearthly squeal as Kva turned to see what the other golem would do. The dust in front of her started to glow with a bluish white light that grew in intensity. Kva, noticing this, quickly bolted out of the dust and straight towards the rock golem. It was holding its arm out, the rocks on the edge pulled back to make it look like a cannon. A cannon that fired a stream of pure celestial magic. The Fencer dodged to the side as she continued to run, dodging under and around the laser flawlessly whenever it tried to redirect it back into her, despite the power of its cannon, it was slow and predictable. Getting close enough, the Kva lunged forward with her blade aimed for a crack in between the rocks of it’s body.

Her expertly trained ears warned her of danger, even in the midst of an attack. Behind her, she could hear something flying through the air. It was the claw golem’s severed arm, moving on its own and flying towards her like a spike. Committed to her lunge, Kva impaled the golem, quickly placing a foot against one of the rocks on the creature’s body and leaping over it, hanging onto its back and using it as a shield. The clay spike impaled the rock golem in practically the same spot Kva had, poking out its back slightly. The rock golem let out a pained cry as sparks of energy flied off it and its magical energy leaked from the wound. Kva had to jump off and back away, the pure magic in the air threatening to overwhelm her.

From behind, the awkwardly running clay golem attacked again, slamming a mace-like fist at her. Kva once again dodged it to the side, but an unnatural twist of it’s arm caused the mace to swing back around towards her. With no other places to go in time, Kva merely stood there as the mace flew towards her. However as the ball of death reached her, what should have been a grisly hit instead passed harmlessly through her as a black smoke filled the air, her body turning intangible for long enough to dodge the oncoming attack. Kva quickly charged towards the clay golem now that it was open, slicing it through it’s torso and then through it’s head with two quick motions.

It sagged and deflated like a balloon, but didn’t seem completely out, simply incapacitated. Behind Kva, the injured rock golem ran over and held it arms directly at them, firing an even more powerful blast than before. Kva quickly strafed to the side, watching as the blast filled the air behind her as she ran. Analyzing the situation, she couldn’t seem to find a way in easily, the force of the magic was much too strong and well as the radius, it was a powerful offense and defence. Kva watched as the beam approached her and grumbled under her breath, the only thing she could do was to attack it from range. She hesitantly raised her sword as she sprinted, running the length of the blade along the palm of her hand. The cut began to bleed a large amount, more than seemed normal for such a small cut; as it bled, her rapier pulsed brighter than ever as it greedily absorbed the blood from her wound. Once she was satisfied she had all she needed, Kva swiped the blade in the air towards the Golem, sending a impossibly sharp crescent of blood towards the corrupted creature.

The golem’s attack slowly petered out, and the immediate area fell silent. Kva glanced back at the clay golem, its scorched body slowly falling forward and crumbling into dust when it hit the ground. She looked back at the other golem and watched as the magical energy vanished from its body, followed soon by the top half of its body sliding diagonally off the top half, the whole thing dropping to the ground and shattering. She stopped running as she surveyed the destruction caused by the blast, stretching for a moment as she returned towards Eraqus and the Mages.

One of the guards cried out in fear as a smaller golem knocked him down and raised it huge stone fist. Eraqus rushed over and hit it with an underhand swing like her was golfing, and its shattered remains went flying. He wiped the sweat off his brow as he looked around, smiling at the sight of the others finishing their targets. “Yeah… what now… bastards? Big brothers are down… still wanna go?” He grinned as the smaller golems ran into a group and suddenly all fell apart. His smile quickly faded as the rocks started the rise. Swirling and molding, shifting and bonding, he tilted his head up at the fifteen foot golem of pure stone, with fists that were simply huge boulders. “Crap… well… bring it on…”

Suddenly a crossbow bolt went into the golem's eye, it being made of stone did nothing but get it’s attention. “You just had to aggro it, didn't you boss? Just had to mock it.” Charter got off Slone, put his crossbow on his back and switched to his shield, and use the green enchanted liquid he used earlier and poured it on his sword. He also poured a violet liquid on his shield to help him defend against magic attacks. Charter then looked around and saw the other dead golomes. “Well, looks like you all had fun without me. Bastard I was facing was tough but looks like you guys did pretty good. You all need any healing potions? If so, Slone with come to you, he’s not very good against rock enemies. You know, teeth and all that.”

Nearly all the guards called out for some healing as Charter and Eraqus focus on the huge golem. It smashed its fist down, Eraqus quickly rolling out of the way. Its size and weight made it slow, but it was likely death if hit. With a battle cry, he stabbed his magic-charged sword into its side. A moment later an explosion blew off a large chunk of it, but still it swung at the pair like it didn’t even care.

Suddenly, the massive golem could feel something climbing up it’s back, Sylvie quickly clambered up the rugged stone body of the creature, occasionally using her spear or gauntlet to gain better leverage. The Huntress soon reached the top, attempting to send her spear into the golem’s head. It plunged deep, and the creature wobbled, thrown off by her strike.

“Get its knees!” Eraqus yelled out to Charter, rushing its left leg.

“Right!” Charter rushed towards the giant golem and plunged his swords into the golem’s leg and forced it out the other side. The golem screamed and swatted Charter to the side. Charter, being swatted like a bug, slowly got back up. “Alright, this thing is going to be a pain,. While it’s legs are a good weakness to go after, what else can I...” Charter smiled and called out to Slone, Slone rushed to his master side as Charter got on Slone’s back, using his speed to his advantage, Charter slashed the back of the golem’s foot to permanently bring the golem to one knee. “What are you guards waiting for, open fire while it’s down!”

The guards let out a battle cry, and unloaded on it with spears, arrows, and bolts. The Huntress channeled her magic once again, using more traditional earth magic and causing one of the large boulders that had fallen off the monster to glow green and float into the air. Sylvie surged her energy into the stone, sending it hurtling back towards the creature it had once been apart of at high speed. It plunged into its chest, crumbling away more of its body. As several rocks fell away, the hunters could see a large boulder within, glowing a bright red.

Having been waiting for the right moment to strike, the fencer Kva sprung into action, jumping off one of the fallen rocks and towards the heart of the goliath. As she reached it, she pierced its ‘heart’ with her rapier, which was still charged with power from her blood. The creature cried out for a few moments. The glowing rock dimmed in color until it was just the color of a normal stone. Moments later, the creature started to crumble around Kva. The fencer quickly leaped out of the hole in the front of it’s chest to avoid being crushed, and Sylvie retreated as far away as she could in order to do the same. The titanic golem crumbled away into a mound of rubble amidst the cheers of the gathered guards. They were soon accompanied by the mages and witches as they finished their given task.

Eraqus collapsed, exhausted from the ordeal. He lifted his sword in front of him, the blade covered in chips and cracks from fighting creatures made of rock. “Well… at least it…” With a pop, a barely on chunk fell off, and the top half of the weapon fell to the side. Eraqus stared at it with an agitated look for a moment before tossing it to the side, laying back, and closing his eyes. “Mission success…”

“Well then, that could have certainly could have gotten better. Nice work Kva, as well as you guards. You all did great in defending your city.” The guards gave him a tired cheer as they rested up, most doomed to never look at a rock the same way again.

However, the fencer they spoke of had walked off. The Huntress took a moment to look for her, spotting her kneeling near the bodies of two of the guards, both of which had been crushed by boulders. “Looks like she’s giving them last rites…” Sylvie said to herself, deciding it would be better to let her return on her own.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ExoGrim & ZombieSplitter53
The Nightgaunt Dilemma

Havenbrook Manor/Guildhouse
Main Laboratory
April 7th, 3349
12:23 p.m.

Zulik made his way over to Erin's laboratory. He wanted to talk to her about a few things... and make sure his deal was finished. Though his first encounter with a Nightgaunt wasn't pleasant, the one that was helping Mags seemed different. Zulik was hoping that Erin knew why. As the corrupted Elf entered the lab, he said. "Erin? Are you busy?"

"In a manner of speaking, I am always busy," Erin answered, sitting at a table filled with flasks containing various colored fluids. "But I am proficient enough at my work to set aside time when someone is in need. Especially my favorite injury-prone corrupted elf."

Zulik chuckled. "Good, I have a few questioned I'd like to ask... involving Nightgaunts."

"A subject that, unfortunately, is gaining more popularity lately." Erin took off her magnifying glasses. "What did you want to know?"

The priest cleared his throat. "Is it possible for a Nightgaunt to become attached to a being from the mortal realm? Or even show signs of affection?"

"An...interesting question. I'd be interested in the context of it." Erin sat back and thought on it. "I what few studies on the denizens of the dream realm there have been, some have have reported some... aberrations among the Nighgaunts. Divergents, I believe they are called. They are Nightgaunts that show superior intelligence and willpower compared to others. I suppose it is... possible that one of these could connect with a mortal."

Zulik paused for a moment. "I may have... made a deal with one of these Divergent Nightgaunts."

"You... you what?" Erin jumped off her chair and walked over to him. "When? Why? What deal?"

"A new friend of mine, Magdalene, helped me deal with my corruption's influence on my dreams." The corrupted Elf answered. "It turns out that a Nightgaunt has been helping her as well. He claims to have a connection of some kind with her and wishes to protect her. He took care of the embodiment of my corruption... and in turn I would find a way to get him into our world."

"I see." Erin folded her arms. "And now you seek a way yo get him out to fulfill your end of the bargain?"

"Precisely." Zulik said. "And I'm going to need your expertise if I can get that to work... if your up for the task."

Erin bit her lip. "I'm not sure that's a very good idea, Zulik. I mean, do you even know why it wants into our realm?"

"If his word stands true, then he's doing it to protect Mags... and he would be a powerful asset to the guild."

"And if he's lying to you?" Erin asked. "You know who he truly works for, right?"

"I know neither his leader nor his reasoning... nor whether he has either to begin with." The priest answered. "But, if he is lying to me, I will kill him myself."

"His master is Methos, Goddess of Sleep and Dreams." Erin leaned against the counter. "Thousands of years ago, Methos made a deal with the Goddess of Darkness to plunge the world into an everlasting night so she might spread her influence, and her minions, across the waking world and rule over it. And story tells that she almost succeeded. You... you're not the first one to tell me nightguants have been trying to use their dreams to cross over. What if this one is just taking a different approach?"

"Would you rather that I lose myself to corruption?!" The priest snapped, before placing in hand on his head from the sudden migraine.

Erin frowned, and took a hold of his arm. "Come here. Sit down, Zulik. Don't stress yourself so much." Zulik walked over with Erin and took a seat, still holding onto his head. Erin fetched some powdered medicine and poured it into a glass of water. She handed it to Zulik with a sympathetic look. "Of course I don't want you to be consumed by your corruption. I just want you to be sure this Nightgaunt will uphold his end of the bargain. We are likely to do foolish things when we a desperate." She smiled softly. "But... I do want to help you."

Zulik quickly downed the drink and sighed. "I'm not sure I can believe him, but I know that I can believe Mags. If she trusts him... then I'm hoping that's enough to trust him."

"Well, I will trust in your judge of character." Erin patted him on the shoulder. "I'm not sure how much I can help, but I will do all I can."

"Thank you." Zulik said, seeming to go back to his normal self again.

Erin nodded. "I'll start working on some research. I know plenty of spells to put people to sleep... helps a lot with Eliza, though don't tell Betty I said that. And I know a few spells to get someone into the dreamscape. Just have to work on a spell to get one out."

"Fair enough." The corrupted Elf responded. "Anything else you would like to talk about before I leave?"

"Actually... yeah. I want you to talk to Eliza for me. Call it... a forward payment for me helping you."

"What do you want me to talk to her about?" The priest inquired.

"I heard a rumor that someone about Eliza's height has been walking around the Manor in a cloak the last few days. I would just assume it was Amelia if one person could have swore they saw them in two different places, and the person's good is always up." Erin shrugged. "Eliza connected to you when you first met. I figured if anyone could get the truth out of her, it's the corruption man."

"Alright... I'll talk to her." Zulik said. "I'll let you know what I find out."


Erin directed him to the back. There he found Eliza with a sour look on her face, sitting over desk and reading a book about simple mathematics and not enjoying it. She looked up as he entered and smiled widely. "Mr. Zulik!"

"It's good to see you too, Eliza." Zulik replied. "Now, I would like to ask you a few question and I need you to be honest... can you do that?"

"Questions? Is this more learning? I can do this." Eliza pushed away from her desk and went to the cold box, pulling out a box with four pieces of chocolates in them. "You want one? They're special. Amam bought them for me."

"Thank for the offer, but I already ate." Zulik answered the young demon.

Eliza nodded, popping one of them in her mouth and putting the rest away. "So what are the questions?" she asked, her grasp of Doloran having improved quite a lot since they last saw each other. Before Zulik could respond, Eliza exclaimed, "Oh! I forgot!" She did a small spin. "I got wings now. You like? Amam says are very pretty."

Zulik chuckled. "Yes, they are very pretty."

"Thank you... oh!" Eliza stuck out her tongue and knocked on her head lightly. "Sorry. You had questions."

"I've been told that a cloaked figure has been walking around the manor..." Zulik started. "Is that you by chance?"

Eliza blinked a few times, then scratched her head. "Um... w-what's a cloaked figure?"

"Do you know what a cloak is?" Zulik asked.

"A cloak? Oh, I know! It is like that thing I wore when I met the Heavenbrood lady. With the hood." Eliza shook her head. "But I don't have one. So it wasn't me."

"The Havenbrook lady?" Zulik asked. "You mean Wilhelmina?"

"Mhmm." Eliza nodded. "When I first hatched. Erin took me to see her so she knew I was here. She was grumpy, but she said I could stay as long as I stayed in here. So I do. Like a good girl."

Zulik thought for a moment. "So, you're saying that you haven't left the lab since you got here?"

Eliza quickly shook her head. "Nope. That would be bad. And Eliza is a good girl."

Zulik sighed. "Thank you for your honesty." I'm not sure to be happy that it's not Eliza or concerned of what could be wandering the manor.

Eliza slowly nodded, but rubbed her wrists nervously at the sight of his displeased look. She wondered if it was because he could tell she was lying. "I-I'm sorry I... couldn't be more helpful. But I'm sure you'll figure it out soon."

Zulik took note of her nervous movements. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

She remained silent for several seconds before staring down at the floor, sniffing softly. "I-I'm sorry.”

Zulik sighed. "Listen, I didn't mean to hurt you in anyway... I just wanted to know the truth. It's okay to tell things that you don't want Erin to know."

Eliza wiped her eyes. "I... I only go out for a little while. I don't mean to be bad, but... but I don't like being in here all the time. I just want to be out there like... like the normal people."

Zulik looked at Eliza sympathetically. "If you want, I can try and see if Erin would be willing to let you go out a little more often."

Eliza looked up at him. "W-would you please? I-I promise I'll be good."

"You'd probably have to have someone with you the whole time, but it'll help you learn the area and meet new people." Zulik noted. "I promise that I'll talk to Erin about the idea."

Eliza bowed her head happily. "Thank you so much, Mr. Zulik!"

"No problem." Zulik patted the young demon's head. "I must be going now... hopefully I'll see you in a bit."

"Okay. Have a good day, Mr. Zulik." She reluctantly returned to her studies.

 

[ExoGrim]

Frostlich1228 and ExoGrim: A Duel of Shadows

Melinda continued to wander the manor, before finally becoming tired. She made her way to the hallway that contained her bedroom and opened the door. The pale woman collapsed into the bed, attempting to sleep. Having failed at the task, Melinda merely laid there, bored.

Suddenly, Melinda could hear the sounds of fighting outside her window, alongside the sound of some commotion.

Melinda got to her feet and opened her window, curious of what was going on outside.

Outside a woman dressed in black leather, adorned with a helmet was engaged in battle with a young, green haired woman wielding a spear. They were about a foot apart as attacks flew back and forth from both of them. The Black leather clad woman's blood red rapier shone in the light as she lunged forward, the other woman quickly dodging to the side, swiping her with a gauntlet. The fencer leaped back, quickly pulled out a whip in her off hand, flicking it forward, trying to grab a hold of the green haired woman's leg in order to trip her.

The woman, clad in a medium brown, thatched leather jumped up to avoid it, hurling a spear towards the fencer, who expertly side stepped it, however, something had suddenly grabbed ahold of her leg. A vine from the gound shot up, wrapping around her leg and locking her in place. The thatched leather woman charges, swiping left and right at the fencer like a savage animal, all the attacks were easily avoided however with a series of skilled ducks and weaves.

Clearly wanting to finish the fight, the fencer dodged an attack and followed in up by grabbing the woman's gauntlet arm, pulling it and her forward and stopping an inch before her blood red rapier.

"Checkmate." The Fencer said, letting her adversary go. "You're too wild. You only disabled my leg yet instead of punishing my mistake carefully and precisely, you attacked like a mad beast."

The Green-haired woman huffed, not wanting to acknowledge her criticism. "It would've worked on a monster."

The Fencer scoffed. "Maybe a stupid one... And need I remind you, we do not fight just monsters."

"She has a point." Melinda called out from the window before jumping out. She only had slight trouble making the landing, taking a moment to stand after the fall. The pale woman walked up to the sparing duo. "Wild combat has no effect on a smart opponent."

"Finally someone with some reasoning..." The Fencer replied.

"While that may be true..." The other combatant surrendered. "It puts pressure on your opponent. It gets them nervous."

"And what happens if they're simply not scared of you?" The Fencer retorted. "Pressuring your opponent can be done without relying solely on instinct..."

"It's not a matter of defeating your opponent, it's a matter of controlling the battlefield." The pale woman added. "The more control you have, the easier the fight is."

The Green-haired woman rolled her eyes with stubbornness. "Very well... I'm Sylvie, by the way..."

The Black-clad woman turned to face her. "You may call me Kva. You seem to know quite a bit about combat."

"I lived on the streets. I had to fight, steal and cheat by way through most situations." Melinda answered. "I've had to adapt to many situations over my life."

"Usually people like that are uneducated when it comes to fighting..." Kva pointed out. "Who trained you exactly?"

The only thing that someone else taught me was how to forge weapons." The pale woman answered. "Everything else I learn through watching society's interactions... with some trial and error of course."

"Hmm... Snuck into a few noble duels did you?" Kva shrugged carelessly, "That is one way to learn, I suppose."

"Among other things." She replied. "Violence is pretty common in Bevland's less fortunate areas."

"Ah but there is a big difference between violence, and fighting..." Kva noted.

Melinda giggled. "Then perhaps you would like to test me?"

Melinda got the strange feeling she was smiling under her mask. "Very well..."

Sylvie gave Kva a glare. "She just got here, you know."

"And what better way to test her?" Kva responded, taking a position parallel to Melinda.

Melinda drew her sword and dagger, entering her usual battle stance. "Let us test each other then."

Pulling her whip first, she took a stance that placed her rapier behind her back, keeping it hidden from her opponent, or it could've simply been to show off.

Kva paced slowly, sizing Melinda up and waiting for her to make the first move.

Melinda paced similar to Kva, examining her opponents stance. The whip provided enough protection to allow the fencer to attack with her rapier. If she wasn't careful, Melinda who find herself off guard more often than not. This proved to be a unique challenge... one the shadowmancer could handle. Two tendril emerged from below Melinda and charged at her opponent from two angles. It was time to see how fast Kva could react.

Kva leaped upwards to avoid both the shadows and the tendrils, landing a moment later a few feet from where she jumped. She then swiped the whip towards Melinda's legs, hoping to catch and disable her.

Melinda hopped backwards, just barely being out of ranged of the whip. She sent two more tendrils after the fencer and pressed the button on her blade to make it a whip.

She once again leaped forward to avoid them, quickly uncovering her rapier which slowly pulsed a deep red. Kva lunged forward with her blade in an instant, bringing the two of them into point blank range.

Noticing Kva going in for melee, Melinda quickly retracted her blade. She, however, wasn't fast enough to block the incoming attack. Luckily for her, a shadow emerged from her, placing itself between it's master and the fencer's rapier.

The Death Priest's blade peirced the shadow, getting stuck. In response to this, Kva swiped her whip to the right, wrapping it around the left shoulder of the shadow and reaching behind it.

Melinda dodged the attack by falling onto her back. After being briefly prone, the pale woman kicked back up to her feet... two shadowing tendrils following her movement to guard her.

Kva narrowed her eyes under her helmet, pulling out her rapier from the clone and slowly walking towards Melinda. With a forward crack of her whip, Kva hoped it would force the pale woman to move the tendrils forward to block it, allowing her to quickly sidestep and attack her exposed sides with her rapier.

As expected, the two tendrils helping Melinda safely to her feet converged to deal with the whip. However, something took hold of the Fencer's leg... a shadow tendril that had taken hold of her and was slowly making it's way up the rest of her body.

Kva grimaced, in order to go through with her plan she would have to- No, she had no other option now. The Fencer's body began turning darker and darker, smoke seemed to rise from her shoulders as her body became increasingly opaque. After only a moment, Kva's body had the appearance of smoke, seeming to become intangible as the tendril closed, now gripping nothing but air. The Death Priest swiftly followed through with her plan, dashing to the side and becoming tangible for just long enough to send her rapier towards Melinda's torso.

Now the challenge was on. Knowing that Kva could change her bodies anatomy made the fight more interesting for Melinda. Though, she did seem to jump a little when her own shadow sprang up to attempt to parry the incoming assault. The shadowmancer leaped back a few feet and swung with a wide arc, unleashing her blade whip mid-swing.

The Blade-Whip passed harmlessly through Kva's now gaseous form, however, Melinda noted that the smoke seemed to be becoming more unstable. Kva quickly became tangible again, launching herself off and over the shadowmancer's clone, lunging downwards towards her with her rapier.

A large cloud of dark energy erupted out of Melinda, blinding both Kva and Sylvie. When the cloud dispersed, Melinda was behind the fencer and Kva found herself bound by several shadowy tendrils.

Kva turned to smoke once again to get out of the clutches of the shadow tendrils. As she retreated, she looked down at her hand as it began to lose it's shape, grumbling in frustration as she became tangible once again.

The Death priest huffed, turning around. "This... This is excellent... You're the first person here that's pushed me this far..."

Kva turned to smoke once again to get out of the clutches of the shadow tendrils. As she retreated, she looked down at her hand as it began to lose it's shape, grumbling in frustration as she became tangible once again.

The Death priest huffed, turning around. "This... This is excellent... You're the first person here that's pushed me this far..."

"Really?" Melinda asked, tilting her head. "Is that a good thing?"

"Oh it truly is..." The Fencer replied, taking her fencing stance once more.

"Well, that's all for now..." Melinda sheathed her sword and dagger. "I should really get some sleep soon."

Kva sighed with obvious disappointment as she sheathed her blade. "Very well... We'll have to continue this another time..."

"Then I'll see you than." Melinda replied as she walked away. "I had fun... hopefully you can be worth the challenge."

Sylvie walked up, seemingly impressed by the whole display.

Kva stretched. "I hope you learned something huntress..."

 

[ExoGrim]

Part 2

The Green-haired maiden ignored her, but felt like she very well could repurpose what she had seen in the fight. Sylvie followed Melinda as she walked away, leaving the fencer to herself. "Wait a moment."

"Yes?" Melinda turned to face the huntress.

"You say you've had no training at all? Not even for your magic?" Sylvie asked.

"That is correct." The pale woman answered. "Why do you ask?"

"It's seems... Unlikely, is all..." The huntress replied, feeling as if she may have been hiding something about her past.

"I can assure you that the only thing that I was ever taught was weapon forgery." The shadowmancer answered. "I see no point in keeping secrets and spreading falsehoods... like many of society choose to do."

"Don't like society I take it?" Sylvie asked.

"It's not that..." Melinda lowered her gaze. "I don't understand it at times... making certain daily interactions hard. I've been working to adapt to it's lifestyle."

The Huntress smiled slightly, "I suppose I can relate..."

The pale woman sighed. "I grew up along side many children of society. I still don't understand why they hated me so much."

"It could be because of your race, that seems common." Sylvie replied, based on her experiences with society so far.

"I came here from Bevland, a place built on equality." Melinda answered. "If it was that, then it wouldn't be of such a large scale... as everyone I knew at the time saw me as something else."

"Something else? What do you mean?" The Huntress asked curiously.

"I don't exactly know." Melinda responded. "They treated me like I was a monster, like I was inhuman."

"Do you think it has something to do with your magic?" The Green-haired woman suggested.

"I couldn't use my magic for most of my life... so I don't think that was it." The shadowmancer countered. "I wish I knew what it was that made me an enemy... what made me different."

"Perhaps you have to figure that out on your own." Sylvie answered. "From what I've seen so far, people tend to put up barriers where there doesn't have to be any."

Melinda sighed. "Hopefully I can find those answers soon."

"So... Is that why you came here? To Havenbrook?" Sylvie asked.

"Precisely."

"Well, I suppose they are worse reasons. Why not help people while you're at it?" The Huntress added.

"That was the plan." The pale woman replied.

"I look forward to working with you. I don't know why... But I feel we are alike somehow." The Huntress smiled, walking past her.

Melinda watched the green haired Huntress walk away. Maybe she's right... I can feel the connection as well.

 

[MarineAvenger]

Weird Shadows (ExoGrim and MarineAvenger)

Davon looked at himself in the mirror currently in his room, running his hand through his now blonde hair. His shipment of dye was a bit late but he thought that getting the work done now would save him time later to redo the bluish hair he enjoyed. He was currently without a shirt, having gotten up not too long before and the afternoon air circulated through the room via the open window. With a sigh, he went over to the sill and sat down, lounging against it since training didn’t sound appealing. He had been at it for over a month now non-stop.

A light knocking echoed from the door, followed by the voice of Arlia. “Davon… are you in there?”

With a raised eyebrow, the assassin hopped down from his perch and strolled over to the door, opening it up only a little bit. “What’s up?”

It was indeed Arlia, wearing her shimmering blue dress. “Just thought I’d see how you were doing.” She said. “That, and I thought you’d like to see me in my dress again… it has been awhile since I last wore it.”

Davon smirked, opening up the door some more, showing her that he was topless. “Come on in. We do have stuff to discuss.”

As Arlia made her first step into the room, she suddenly stopped and looked down the hall. There appeared to be nothing down it, but the female assassin glared for a bit before sighing. “I hope I’m just seeing things.” She muttered to herself.

“You still sane over there?” her boyfriend asked as he moved over to the desk chair, his crimson coat draped over the back. Pulling it, out, he sat down and raised an eyebrow at her.

“Yes,” The female assassin answered. “I just have this strange feeling that I’m being followed, that’s all.”

“I don’t know who would be stupid enough to.” Taking a small knife from a pile of them, he turned it over in his fingers, “Have you heard about what’s going on back home?”

“Not really…” Arlia admitted, seeming to be concerned. “Why? Is it bad?”

With an uncomfortable groan, Davon leaned forward, his elbows resting on his thighs. “My… ‘urchins’ back home are telling me that some of the gangs are backing off from their territory in the face of one of the more powerful organizations sweeping them out and ‘keeping the peace’ so to say. Normally I wouldn’t be concerned but the scale of their progression is what troubles me. Something’s up. Unfortunately, my ‘dye’ shipment is late.” Davon grumbled irritably, “So I won’t know more for a small while.”

Arlia’s gaze lowered. “I shouldn’t be here… I should be there, helping fix what the war broke.”

“Well, we have a secret operation coming up I am going to need you for. When we finish that mission, me and you can travel to Stormrend to see what is up.” Davon leaned back, waving a hand, “Come here.”

Arlia approached the assassin. “What is this secret operation you need me for?”

“To get back a certain scaly asset our guild had stolen from us.” Reaching out, he seized her wrist and pulled her onto the chair with him, “I got most of the intel sorted. It’ll be simple for us.” he whispered to her.

Arlia smiled. “Good… that’ll make things easier. But, what do we do for now?”

“Well, I can think of a few things.” he noted suggestively, “It has been a while.”

Arlia giggled. “That it has been.” She said in her own suggestive tone. But before things could get frisky, the two of them heard footsteps echoing down the hallway. They seemed louder than usual… almost has if whoever was making them wanted to be heard.

Pulling away from Arlia, Davon sighed with frustration. “What the hell is that?”

Arlia listened for a second, counting each step. “I don’t know… but it appears to be getting closer. We should be on guard.”

With a nod, he let her get off slowly before getting a sword Arlia had never seen before, one with a red hilt and a blade that was the same crimson red as his coat. “Go see who it is.”

Arlia nodded, going over to the door to open it. In the hall, two voices could be heard. The darkness is strength, do remember this my dear daughter. The one said.

“But… but I’m scared…” The other stated. “What if the darkness doesn’t want me?”

Then I will be here to protect you… always and forever.

“Thank you mother.”

“That doesn’t sound creepy at all.” Davon noted in a low tone, his blade resting against his shoulder, “Who is that? Can you see?”

Arlia peered down the hallway, seeing a lean woman with pure white hair. A tendril seemed to be extending from her shadow and hovering over her right shoulder. Her left eye was a dark brown color, while the other was pure black. The woman looked at her hand as she continued down the hallway. “What was the darkness like for you, mother?” She asked.

It was an opportunity for something greater. The other voice seemed to be emanating from the tendril. It allowed me to protect what I cared about and show my enemies to fear me.

“What if I don’t wanted enemies?” The woman asked innocently.

Then you must remember that fear is a powerful ally. The voice echoed.

Davon stared at the manifestation for a few moments longer before a knife was loosed from his hand, going straight for the shadow.

The knife flew past the woman’s cheek and straight into the shadowy tendril, causing it to deform. The woman’s right eye returned to a normal state as she tilted her head at the two assassins. “Hello?”

“What the hell are you doing?” Davon demanded, holding his sword ready at the side.

“I was just exploring the manor.” The woman answered, seemingly confused.

“And who are you?” Arlia asked demandingly.

“My name is Melinda Silendis… I’m a new recruit for the Havenbrook Organization.” The pale woman stated.

“And… why were you talking to a shadow?” the man questioned her in an annoyed way, “And on top of that why were you stomping around out here?”

“Talking to a shadow?” Melinda seemed even more confused than before. “I don’t remember doing such a thing.

“Um… okay, Arlia, talk to this chick before I lose anymore of my precious I.Q. points…” her boyfriend asked, blinking in total confusion.

Arlia walked up to the woman. “Are you sure you don’t remember talking to a shadow?”

“I’m positive.” Melinda answered.

“Okay… it just seems odd that you wouldn’t.” Arlia continued. “You referred to it as mother.”

“Mother?” The woman was confused once again. “My mother’s been dead for three years… it would be impossible to talk to her now.”

“Am I the only one thinking that this girl needs serious mental help?” he whispered secretly to Arlia.

“No, your not.” Arlia whispered back. “It’s very possible that she has a problem of some kind… though I’m not sure what it could be.”

“Could simply be insanity.” Davon offered, “What should we do with her?”

“I have a plan.” Arlia said before turning her attention back to Melinda. “Excuse me, but have you been to the laboratory yet?”

“No, I don’t believe I have…”

“Well, if you just go down that hall, and take a right… it should be there.” The female assassin told her. “If you’re lucky, Erin might be willing to talk to you.”

“Okay… I would like to meet more people of society… you guys seem much friendly here than back home.” The pale woman said before following the hall down to where Erin’s lab was.

“I have a bad feeling about that one.” Davon grumbled, laying his sword against his shoulder.

Arlia sighed. “Whatever that thing she was talking to is, I hope Erin can take care of it. But for now…” Arlia gave her man a suggestive smile. “Let’s get back to the fun part.”

“That dress changes you princess. I like that about you.” he flirted in return, letting her pull him back towards the room.

 

[ExoGrim]

ExoGrim and Black0ut: Dark Grove

The spring air filled the grove with a sweet aroma. All the plants perked up and showed their breathtaking flowers. This new field of life and grace fascinated the pale woman that wondered it. Melinda felt a strange liking to the world that now surrounded her. It felt like they were had the knowledge of their existence… their purpose.

Titania sat up in Jay’s Tree, having a glass of water in one hand and an apple in the other. Taking a bite of the apple, she noticed a woman enter her grove, and promptly slid out of the tree. Finishing her snack fast, she hid the glass and began to spy on the woman, making sure to keep at a distance and use the foliage as cover, so she wouldn’t be given away.

As Titania stalked the woman, she would notice the strangest of her. Her skin was paler than normal for the human and she had snow white hair. Her one shadow seemed to always point in the same direction, regardless of the way the light points.

Titania warily looked at the shadow, noting it’s weirdness. I probably should look out for whatever that thing is by her feet. It’s definitely not her shadow… Titania thought, a sudden burst of wind rustling her clothes as well as the leaves of the bush she was hiding behind.

Melinda didn’t seem to notice the wolf Thrope in the brush, continuing to wonder the grove without any idea of her follower.

Titania soon grew bored of her stealthy approach, as the woman did nothing but stare at the scenery, and decided to toss a pebble in the woman’s general direction.

A shadowy tendril sprang out of the ground beneath the woman, knocking the pebble out of the air. The woman glanced over in the Thrope’s direction, but showed no sign of knowing about her presence.

Titania stealthily walked over to a different spot, one that didn’t hide her as well, and tossed another pebble.

Again, the pebble was knocked to the side by a tendril from the woman’s shadow. Melinda turned to see her stalker. “How long have you been following me?”

Blurring and disappearing from sight, Titania reappeared in a tree, a large grimace on her face. “Long enough. How are you today?” Titania asked, her tone kind but riddled with pain.

“Fine…” The pale woman hesitantly responded, torn between wanting to distrust Titania for spying on her and feeling bad for the Thrope for her self-inflicted agony. “What is the point of disappearing when you harm yourself in the process?”

“To stay out of range of your shadow for one. Maybe size you up as another. It’s not every day that someone with a weird shadow rolls through my grove.” Titania replied, keeping her word as she surveyed the stranger from afar.

“You’re direct I see…” Melinda smirked. “That’s what I like to see in a woman.”

“Oh? Not interested in a guy?” Titania asked, her grimace being replaced by a smile.

“Let’s just say I can swing whatever way I need.” The white haired woman answered. “I personally like both sides of the spectrum.”

“What’s your name, stranger? I’m just curious to know the name of a beauty such as you.” Titania asked, winking at the woman that she had followed.

“I am Melinda Silendis.” The woman replied. “And what do they call a pretty snowflake like yourself?”

“Titania, and it is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Silendis. Sooo… what brings an angel such as yourself to the Havenbrook Manor?”

“I came here to see about becoming a Hunter.” Melinda told the Wolf Thrope. “Also, though the flattery is nice, you should save it for a time when we’re not likely to be interrupted… lady Titania.”

Titania didn’t tense and kept her smile up, but her mind reeled at the lady bit. Does she know? The Wolf Thrope thought, before laying on her charm. “Why? Isn’t this far more exciting, knowing that such an interruption could happen?”

“I’ve had far too many of those in my life to want another one…” The white haired woman admitted. “The streets of Bevland aren’t exactly the nicest things to grow up on.”

“True, Bevland can be a pretty unforgiving place in certain areas… but I’m happy they turned out a beauty such as yourself, for all to admire.” Titania flirted, unnerved by another person from Bevland who might know her secret.

Melinda blushed slightly. “I’m not the best… but I have some perks I guess.”

“Are you sure about that? ‘Cause I’d beg to disagree. I think you’ve got all the right curves in all the right places.” Titania flirted, winking again at the woman a fair distance away from her.

“Why don’t you come a little closer than?” Melinda coyly asked. “Don’t you think you’d get a better view from a better seat?”

“But you see, my perch has great view… it’d take a lot for me to consider coming down.” Titania replied, her smile turning into a smirk.

Melinda giggled, walking forward. As she did so, her shadow began moving, making stares for her to walk on. She continued walking until she was standing in front of Titania. “Then I guess I’ll just have to join you…” The woman said as she took a seat next to the Thrope.

Titania blushed, the forwardness of Melinda proving effective. “So, what now? We’re both up here… and anything could happen.”

“Well… this merchandise isn’t free, so sorry if I just crushed your dreams there.” The pale woman replied. “I prefer to make sure make time isn’t wasted… So I don’t like ‘one-night stands,’ as many have called them.”

“Ah, but there we are the same, I too, am not free. You’d have to survive a couple Hunts with me, and upon doing that take me out on a couple dates. Although, I’m still happy to flirt with you in the time being.”

“Why don’t we see about scheduling one of those dates now?” Melinda inquired. “I know a few places of interest around the area.”

“Unfortunately, as I said earlier, the prerequisite for those dates is going on a couple Hunts with me. Sorry.” Titania replied, offering a more apologetic smile.

“I am willing to oblige to those demands.” Melinda answered honestly. “Besides, if today has taught me anything… the chase will be worth it in the end.”

“Perhaps, perhaps… although I can’t wait to see you try.” Titania said, taking in Melinda one last time.

“Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, lady Titania.” The white haired woman said before yawning. “If only I could figure out where a good place to sleep was.”

“Ah, that I can help you with, but, uh, pardon me for what I’m about to do.” Titania started, reaching under Melinda to secure her in a princess carry, before dropping out of the tree.

Melinda held on to the Thrope as she jumped down the tree… a bit of fear on her face as they traveled back to the ground.

Titania landed normally, dropping a little low to the ground due to her new weight in her arms. Titania smiled, and gently released Melinda to the ground. Her smile soon faded as she noted the fear on the Human’s face. “S-sorry… didn’t mean to scare you.”

“No worries…” The pale woman ensured. “There are just some fears that can not be overcome, regardless of one’s bravery.”

“Wise words spoken by a wise woman. If you wouldn’t mind following me, I can show you a safe place to sleep in the grove.” Titania replied, as she began walking towards her favorite spot in the grove.

Melinda followed the Thrope. “Thank you for this… I’ve been so used to sleeping on brick and stone that the warm beds of the rooms in this manor have become quite hard to get used to.”

“No problem. Just, uh, one question for you, why do you call me ‘Lady Titania’? Just makes me curious, y’know, when someone gives me a nickname when we meet.” The Thrope swordswoman asked, rubbing one of her ears gingerly.

“Oh… I always heard the nobles using it when referring to certain people, so I thought it was a honorific that shows great respect.” Melinda answered. “Am I wrong in that assumption?”

“No, you’re not… I was just wondering why is all.” Titania replied, making sure to keep an eye out for her marks on the trees to help guide her to her spot.

“Now that I think about it… you do kinda look familiar…” Melinda placed a hand on her chin in thought. “Have we met before?”

“As far as I know, nope. You might’ve seen someone who looks like me, though. Plenty of Wolf Thropes in Bevland.” Titania replied confidently, all the while panicking on the inside.

“You do have a point there…” The woman replied. “Though, like me, you seem to be a rare case.”

“How so?” Titania asked, still internally panicking.

“Well, similar to how I am a rare human who is capable of dark magic, you are a rare Thrope in the sense that you bonded with a specific wolf, rather than the general breed.” Melinda explained.

“True, but it… has it’s downsides at times.” Titania replied, her tone slightly darker than normal.

“I can only imagine…” The woman lowered her gaze. “I’ve heard stories of Thrope who lost there will to that of their primal blood… it must be a struggle having to live with two sides of yourself, both fighting for control.”

 

[ExoGrim]

Part 2

“It’s pretty weird to be sure, but only the predator Thropes have a chance for that to happen. But I’ve learned to accept that side of myself and I unleash it in battle. People say I’m pretty scary when that happens, but I don’t see it.” Titania explained, shrugging as she finished.

“Well, it’s good you know what you are and what your purpose is.” Melinda sighed. “I wish I had that luxury.”

“Luxury? No, it’s not quite that. I still lose my will occasionally and my wolf comes out to play. But because I accept that I must let my animal side out, I think, is why I still have control.” Titania further explained, cracking her neck and her knuckles.

“Control is a powerful thing.” Melinda pointed out. “But it is also a gamble… as you can lose it at anytime.”

“True. But the wolf usually doesn’t attack people I care about so… It’s not too much of a risk. One of our members has a worse temper than me, though. It kinda hurt to touch him when he got like that.” Titania rambled, before realizing she was letting Melinda know information she hadn’t earned. “But that’s kinda the thing when you’re injured in battle.”

Melinda tilted her head. “Hurts to touch? That would have to suck… think of all the things you would miss out on if you couldn’t touch someone.”

Titania raised an eyebrow at the slightly lewd response, but brushed it off anyways, “That’s a fair point. My most recent Hunt I brought back a bandit. He’s apart of the staff now. His name’s Viggs. Pretty nice guy if I’m going to be honest and not dumb at all either. I talk to him whenever I’m not training, taking care of my grove, training others, or enjoying my personal free time.”

Melinda seemed to take note of everything that Titania said, but one thing got her attention. “You train other fighters?”

“I’m one of the fastest and strongest swordswoman they have, so… yeah, I train them.” Titania replied, turning her body so she was facing Melinda and laying against a tree trunk

The pale woman giggled. “Speed and strength may have their advantages… but control is the strongest part of a battle.”

“True, but against lesser opponents, they’re a better tactic.” Titania argued halfheartedly, closing her eyes.

“But even a lesser opponent can beat the mightiest of foes.” Melinda countered.

“Not if they charge at me without a plan and even if they do, I’m pretty sure I could counter it on the spot.” Titania replied confidently, opening her eyes for a brief moment before closing them again.

“Think you can test that theory of yours?” The pale woman challenged, raising an eyebrow.

“Are you saying you want to spar? That’s kinda cute, if I’m going to be honest, but I can’t. No leg braces, no sparring. Besides I don’t even have any form of weapon to fight you with. Unless you’re referring to a different kind of sparring?” Titania replied coyly, winking at Melinda before closing her eyes once more.

“I only know of one form of sparring…” Melinda responded. “If you know any others, I’d be happy to learn them.”

Titania paused for a moment, opening her eyes, before bursting out laughing, promptly before tripping and falling flat on her face into some mud.

Melinda rushed over to Titania. “Are you okay?”

“Just peachy.” Titania growled, as she wiped the mud off her face.

“You seemed to have laughed uncontrollably at what I said…” Melinda noted, still confused at the situation. “Why is that?”

“Because you missed the innuendo I made.” Titania replied, groaning as she tried to get the mud off most of her clothes.

“What’s a innuendo?” The pale woman asked innocently as she tilted her head in confusion.

“It's usually a reference to something else in a conversation, like when I said ‘spar’, I didn't mean training.” Titania explained, one of her claws poking out of her gloves.

“What did you mean then?” Melinda inquired.

Titania paused, and proceeded to stare meaningfully at Melinda’s curves for a couple of seconds, “What do you think I mean?”

“I wouldn’t know…” The pale woman answered. “Contrary to popular belief, I can not read minds.”

“And here I thought you were sooo special.” Titania replied sarcastically, making sure to kick a branch in the path so it would hit Melinda lightly.

Melinda went to block the branch, but a shadowy tendril swiped it out of the way. The action of the shadow seemed to surprise the pale woman just by the smallest bit.

Titania looked down at the shadow with suspicion. “I assume you're not going to stab me with that, right?”

“No, not at all.” The shadowmancer replied. “I usually have control over my magic… I don’t know why it did that.”

“What do you think caused it?” Titania asked, making sure to stay several feet ahead of Melinda.

“I don’t know.” Melinda admitted. “It’s been acting up since I got here.”

“Huh… weird… well, we're here.” In front of the two was a veritable wall of bushes, some covered in thorns. Titania started walking towards one of the thorn bushes with confidence and reckless abandon.

Melinda followed the Wolf Thrope without a second thought.

Titania pressed lightly up onto one of the rose bushes’ brambles to reveal an overgrown pathway, with some wild flowers growing in the small clearing it lead to. Several large trees grew and helped shield it from the sky, but little pockets of sunshine popped through, with a brown bunny, sleeping peacefully by one of the trees. “Sooo… what do you think?”

Melinda looked at the scenery, eyes in pure awe. “It’s beautiful.” The pale woman replied as she wandered the area, oblivious to the many bleeding scratches on her arm from the bushes.

Titania glanced over at Melinda, moving quickly, successfully pinning Melinda to the ground, before grabbing her left arm. She examined it for a moment, and started to tear at her shirt.

“What are you doing-” Melinda started, before noticing the damage on her arm. “When did that happen?”

“You must’ve not followed me exactly… sorry. Probably should've mentioned that.” Titania murmured, applying the makeshift bandage over Melinda’s arm. Within a few moments, she finished, and realized how she was positioned over Melinda. Turning a bright shade of red, Titania flung herself off. “S-sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry about it… I actually kinda liked it.” Melinda stated with a wink.

Titania’s red face turned a bit brighter, as she walked over to a tree and laid against it, turning her head so the shadow mage wouldn't see her face. “A-ah… O-okay…”

“What’s the matter?” Melinda asked as she stood up. “Someone being a little shy?”

“No, why would I ever be shy, it's not anything at all, don't worry about it, I'll just be up in this tree for reconnaissance.” Titania replied rapidly, as she started climbing up the tree in question.

Melinda giggled. “You know, you’re cute when you’re flustered.”

“W-what are you talking about… I- I'm not flustered! I… just want to be in this tree is all.” The Wolf Thrope lied, having reached the second branch.

“Ahhh… you’re so adorable.” The shadowmancer teased.

“N-no, I'm not!” Titania argued, holding onto the branch for dear life, as she lost her balance.

 

[ExoGrim]

Part 3

“You should probably get down soon…” Melinda stated, sounding concerned as the Thrope nearly dropped. “You might hurt yourself.”

“N-no… not unless you stop making me blush.” Titania pouted, her claws puncturing her gloves and digging into the tree.

“I sadly can’t promise that…” The pale woman stated. “I don’t know what exactly makes you blush, so there’s no guarantee that I won’t do it again.”

“W-well, I think I'll cool off up here.” Titania replied, gripping the branch even tighter.

Melinda sighed. “Fine, go and break your neck… see if I care.”

Titania’s eyes narrowed, and turned feral, the comment irritating her enough to allow the wolf side of her to pop out. “Predator is disrespectful… More like stupid prey…” Titania whispered, her eyes staring at Melinda with a different kind of look to them.

“Are you okay?” Melinda asked, seeming concerned by the sudden change in Titania’s look.

Titania didn’t reply, her gaze intensifying on the shadowmancer, as she moved slowly into a pouncing position. It’s better to have her worried, than letting her embarrass me… I’ll never attack, but… I wonder how she’ll react...

Melinda took a step back. “Listen, I didn’t mean to frustrate you in any way.”

“Predator becomes prey… then gets scared… is very interesting…” Titania replied, giving off a malevolent grin.

The pale woman slowly reached for her sword… incase the Wolf Thrope were to attack her. “I have no intentions to harm you, but I will do what I must.”

“Your first instinct is to kill? Predator indeed… doesn’t recognize intents even when obvious…” Titania said slowly, reaching up and throwing a pinecone at Melinda.

A shadowy tendril swiped the cone out of the air. “You need to snapped out of it… this isn’t you.”

“And if not? You try to kill? Not good deal, try again.” Titania murmured, tossing another pinecone.

The tendril deflect the second pine cone. This time, the shadow remained up in it’s tendril state… seeming to point at the Wolf Thrope threateningly. “I won’t kill you… I have no reason to kill you.”

“But you want me to calm down? What is your offer?” Titania asked before tossing a few more pinecones.

Two more tendril came out to intercept the pinecones. The aura of the shadow seemed to darken… suggesting that the energy was getting irritated. “What do you want then?” Melinda pressed on, oblivious to her magic’s behavior.

Even more pinecone rained from the tree as Titania started climbing further up the tree. “Not matter what I want. Matters what you offer.”

The shadow dealt with the pinecones and immediately charged after the Titania.

Titania glanced back, and upon seeing the charging shadow, grabbed a few pinecones and jumped off, intending to escape the weird entity, while throwing pinecones at the shadow to slow it down.

The pinecones were barely enough to keep the shadow at bay while the Thrope landed. Melinda seemed to stare off into the distance, as if in a trance of some kind. The shadow continued it’s assault on the Thrope.

Titania immediately broke out into her signature blur sprint, heading directly towards Melinda, before promptly slapping the shadowmancer, the wolf more in control than Titania at this point. She quickly retreated up the other tree, to refresh her ammunition, and have a place to breathe for a few seconds.

Melinda didn’t seem to break from her trance, but the shadow began to slow down… as if it could also feel the pain from the strike and the bleeding marks on its master’s cheek.

Titania noticed, and started to smile, grabbing her makeshift ammunition and tossing a large portion at the shadow, but throwing a few higher speed pinecones at Melinda. “Leave shadow! Or I hurt Master more!” The Wolf Thrope growled, baring her newly formed fangs, as she partially transformed.

The tendril stopped, seeming to metaphysically glare at the Thrope. After a few moments, a female voice boomed inside Titania’s head. You will not hurt my daughter! Not as long as I remain here!

“If you try to hurt me, I will. Now leave! Or should I take a bite out of her on the next pass?” Titania responded, collecting more pinecones in case she had to make a hasty retreat.

The shadow paused… before slowly retreating to her owner. This isn’t over Wolf…

“Not by a long shot. But if you try to hurt me, I’ll savor Melinda’s taste for years to come. Don’t test me, unless you want to know why they call me a red swordswoman.” Titania growled, baring her teeth some more, as well as her claws, before slowly transforming back into her more natural form.

The shadow placed itself back to a more natural looking position, before Melinda fell to the ground, losing consciousness.

Titania still peered down at Melinda, her thought racing as they came back from her more primal state of mind. What the hell was that! Some kind of monster attached to Melinda? But it called her daughter… was it human, is it evil? Is Melinda a monster? So many questions… The Wolf Thrope thought, slightly shaking from the exchange.

Melinda slowly came to after several minutes. She rubbed her head as she attempted to stand up. “My head… what happened.” She muttered softly.

“I threw a pinecone at you, and I guess I threw it too hard, as it knocked you over and you scraped your head on the ground.” Titania replied, offering a bit of a tired look.

“Really…” Melinda said, thinking for a second. “Guess we should be more careful then.”

“Yeah… sorry about that. My wolf occasionally gets a bit too… hostile.” Titania apologized sheepishly.

“Don’t worry about it.” Melinda replied before yawning. “Guess we should get some sleep then.”

“Agreed… Want to head back to the manor?” Titania asked, climbing down from the tree she was in.

“No need. I think I’m fine… right here.” The pale woman answered as she layed back down and drifted to sleep.

Titania reached the ground and peered at Melinda for a moment, before turning her gaze towards the exit. “I wish I could rest in my grove too… but your shadow makes it too much of a risk. Sleep well, Melinda. I’ll come back for you later.” Titania murmured, before going through the hidden pathway, in the direction of the manor.

 

[MarineAvenger]

Midnight Scales

Jacko’s Traveling Exhibit of Animals and Monsters
Red Orchard, Virando
April 7th, 3349
12:23 a.m.

A soft wind blew over the quiet town from the west, the town being in a state of sleep with night now firmly overhead. The pale crescent moon was waning, the entirety of the right side of the moon shrouded in darkness with only a sliver left of its silver light shining in the starry night. Red Orchard around this time of year were enjoying the green in full bloom among the trees neatly lined up in rows for what seemed like miles over the small mounded hills that come fall would be full of ripe apples. The manpower needed to work such large acres of land is what most of the large town was there for, apple farmers and their subsidiary workers making up the majority of the population with various shop owners scattered in to offer their baked goods or linens.

Being off one of Virando’s main roads meant that travelers were not all too uncommon. The appearance of the traveling show though had brought travelers for miles, and newcomers would be hard pressed to find a single room available at any of the taverns in town. Some had found some extra money in their coffers by renting out their barns to people who were willing to sleep on straw when they could not do so on feathered beds.

The tent for this show was set up about half a mile out of the way of the town so they would not disturb regular people during the day but close enough so that traveling to it was no chore. The large pavilion dwarfed any building within the town with its massive size, the fabric a bright red color with a wooden sign suspended high marked with different bright colored dots displaying the name proudly. Living wagons were strewn about so that the tamers, handlers and other employees could have a place to sleep close to the animals -some of which who were dangerous and needed people close by to handle. Other wagons set up were merely for transportation of the cages and for now most lay empty as most of the exhibits had already been moved inside.

The show offered a multitude of different and unique species of animals like the spotted lemur, the white grizzlies and even absurd animals with massive necks taller than four men sitting on one another’s shoulders. The more dangerous of the exhibits though were the monsters, the real selling point of that sold the most tickets. The range was from anywhere from the razor tusked boar with their hulking bodies and beady eyes to the mana eels with their beautifully glowing bodies yet deadly looking sets of teeth. There was even a baby manticore among them. The newest edition though was the biggest favorite of them all, the animal that had made the exhibit’s name reach far and wide. The half-dragon. Able to sustain harsh fiery temperatures like nothing, having sharp teeth that could out bite even a vampire’s and wings blacker then the night outside.

For Drayce though, he was in a sense of deep despair that normally breaks men. His clothes had been stripped from him with the exception of his underwear and had been discarded of. Those clothes he had fashioned by his own hands and the sentimental value of that was not realized until they were burned before him by the fire mages. The golden clamp around his neck was fastened to his cage by a chain and no matter how he had tried his first day, it would not break. Soon after he had given up trying. Drayce’s eyes were sunken and lifeless, their usual bright orange-red glow dimmed to smoldering embers. Bags had formed under his eyes from his refusal to sleep: dreams having ceased and that made the attempts all the more restless.

The dragon Thrope was dirty from days without washing. The last time someone had opened his cage to throw a bucket of cold water on him, he had nearly gotten the woman to shred her body to pieces with his claws but she had barely eluded his grasp before he had been shot with a gun and the door was slammed shut. The bullet did not pierce his extraordinarily strong skin, but it still hurt regardless. His handlers threw him scraps of meat but he always threw them back at the men. He refused to eat their rotten garbage. They had tried getting the girls to do it but several failed attempts had put a stop to that. Now, the somewhat gaunt half-dragon sat, cross legged and depressed, unmoving except for the occasional twitch of his midnight black wings.

He was situated at the back of the tent, having a clear view of the open flaps all the way at the other side of the structure, almost goading Drayce. He longed to fly again. Longed to run barefoot through the dewy grass again. To stretch. To hunt. It was all too far out of reach though. Often, Drayce found himself thinking nowadays. He thought about Havenbrook and how strange it was. He thought about Wilhelmina and how much he wished she was there to scold him one last time. He thought about Charter and his smug look, and how much Drayce wanted to pummel his stupid looking face. He thought about Aemilia and how he wanted to share a meal with her again.

The dragon’s stomach rumbled from the thought of food but he grimaced and dealt with the pain of hunger. The Thrope would not stay here for long. One way or another. Pressing those thoughts aside, he closed his eyes and thought on more pleasant things. He thought of the feel of his dragon mother’s smooth skin and of the heat of Pontivus’ forging flames. His thoughts drifted most to Talibrimagor’s old stories about his mighty people. Of the myths his quite enjoyed. There was the one of a young dragon who flew to the sun and another of a mighty land where… where…

A tear rolled down the Thrope’s cheek, the broken memory impairing him from remembering sometimes the most simple of things that he now treasured as luxuries. Not being able to remember where his home was other than a direction was one thing. The fact he had trouble remembering parts of his childhood is what on set the strong wave of sadness Drayce had rarely confronted in the past. He felt sad he was not home but he was always surrounded by new things. It helped stem the flow of negative thoughts but now he had no such buffer to ward off the depression. Now he had to merely wallow in those bad feelings.

In the morning, people would come to gawk. The fire mages would send flames into his cage in which the heat did not affect his body at all. They would be amazed by his immunity and move on. He would refuse more meals, and try to remember more stories. Drayce found himself praying to whichever gods that would care to listen how much he hated people. He hated the southlanders with a feral passion that was the only fire left alight in his belly.

Drayce’s prayers were disrupted by the sounds of music and laughing. Turning around his head, a glow waving against the fabric was likely the light of fire somewhat a ways away. It sounded like a group of women who were partying innocently together. From the chatter, it sounded like a small number of them. With the otherwise silence of the night, it was not hard to make out the singing of a single woman.

“Look how, the lights of the town
The lights of the town are shining now
Tonight I'll be dancing around
I'm off on the road to Galway now!”

Then some others joined up as well. Their instrument playing was quite good if not a little fast and sporadic, but that seemed to add a bit to the frantic and upbeat tone.

“Look how she's off on the town
She's off on the search for sailors though
There's fine fellas here to be found
She's never been one to stay at home.

Home you'll go and it's there you'll stay
You've work to do in the morning.
Give up your dreams of going away
Forget your sailors and Galway!”

A round of laughter and giggles echoed after the verse. Closing his eyes, the dragon Thrope let out a small sigh. Despite his hate of southlanders, he could at least admit that their women were strange enough that he did not entirely hate the exoticness of them. Dragons were rarely ever flamboyant. They were reserved, not emotionless but in control. Closed off. Here, people were more open, and they displayed their emotions just as openly. Once again, Drayce found himself thinking of the Havenbrook women he enjoyed so much. Not even the sound of joy was enough to counteract Drayce’s bad mood, and in that moment, he could have killed them until there was silence. Despite what people were like here in the Southlands, Drayce was a dragon: not one of them. Closed off.

 

[Dahlexpert]

Family reunion

HavenBrook manner

Courtyard

April 7 3349

1:13 PM


As Charter started to swing around his sword doing some shadow dwelling, his sister was looking afar and decide to approach her brother.”Um hay Charter, do you mind if we talk for a bit?”

Charter looked behind him and put his sword away.” Of course. I don’t mind talking to you, pulse I’m sure there’s a lot of things you want to talk about anyway. This is your first time leaving home after all.

Elam smiled and her and her brother started to walk through the courtyard. “So um Charter, what is it like being with this guild? I mean like you said I’ve never left home before, this is my first time being so far away from mom and dad and Adam. How do you handle this, I mean you’ve been gone for years without visiting or Sinding a letter?”

“Well here’s the thing, I have spent so many years practicing and getting better at being a solder that they taught me to be a warrior not a regular man. What that means I can’t be emotional and other things like that, the reason I never sent letters is because I still thought I was with the Iron legion and doing my duty porting farmers and traders and the like.”

“Yea but something has changed, you not only got a girlfriend but you also spend your time around dire wolves. Your really are different from the other knights back home.”

“Well that’s because you could say ever since I adopted Slone I changed, I mean how many people adopt dire wolfs? I guess you could say over time I changed.”

“Yea I’ll say it’s a good thing you adopted Slone he’s a very good Wolfe and loyal dog, ou you mentioned before that Slone had puppies can I see them as well as the other dire wolves you adopted?

“Sure why not just be careful around them, they are not like Slone they are dire wolves. And be careful even more now, since his mate had a new litter of children a few days ago.” Charter escorted Elma to the wolf dine were she saw a hole mess if dire wolves, some with black fur brown fur and gray fur.

“Wow I never seen so many dire wolves in one place, so this is a wolves den huh. It’s a little um how do I put this, intimidating. How do you handle this I mean being around what ten to fifteen dire wolves, including the puppies?”

Charter went to one of the other dire wolves and rubbed the gray furred one, as some others come to his side and rub against him. “I don’t know, I show them respect and they give me loyalty. I know what they are and I let them be what they are and that’s that.”

A bunch of smaller dire wolves were running around the den playing with each other. Elma sees the small pups and smiled. “Aw I never seen baby dire wolves, I remember Slone being the size of a small dog when I first saw him but not as a pup.”

“Yea well they have a long way to go, those are the ones that are about a year old the other new born are a few days old and you will go no were near them. Mostly because mom is very hostile right now to outsiders, which is why your leaving.”

“Right I understand, let’s get going.” As Charter escorted Elma out the wolf den Elma looked at Charter. “Um Charter ugh can I ask you something?”

“Sure what is it?”

“Um you killed a lot of people right, so how do you get used to it? How did you get used to the killing?”

“Ugh I figured this would come up, I’m not used to killing. Well how do I put it, I’ve grown used to the death. I had to, being a knight means I have to protect anywhere I am, and that usually means killing the main problem that being bandits.”

“So, you’ve grown used to it, I hope I don’t get used to killing people.”

Charter wraped his arm. “I know sis, hopefully you won’t get used to that. But once you do enough of that, you grow used to it that’s a sad truth of life.”

Elma hugged Charter back. “Then I know you will help me through that, when it comes to it.”

“Of course, that’s what family is for.”

 

[ExoGrim]

ZombieSplitter53 and ExoGrim: Demons and Shadows

Havenbrook Manor/Guildhouse
East Wing

Slowly, cautiously, Erin walked down the hallway on her way to the mess hall. At her side was a cloaked figure about a foot shorter then her. "Now, we're just going to get something to eat up here really quick, and then go back down before anyone sees you. If you do well, we can stay out here a little longer next time, okay Eliza?"

The cloaked figure nodded. "I will be good. I promise.

As they made their way down the hall, footsteps began to echo nearby. The steps seemed abnormally loud for what they sounded like. Then the two could hear voices... one sounding demonic while the other sounding normal.

Your power will only grow, my dear. The demonic voice stated.

"But, how will I control it, mother? What if it consumes me?" The other voice asked.

In order to truly control our power, you must embrace the darkness... become one with it.

"I-I'm scared."

Don't be, I am always here to protect you.

Erin held a finger up to her lips, telling Eliza to be quiet. She slowly inched forward, trying to spy who was talking to who. As Erin peered down the hallway, she noticed the lean woman with pure white hair walking alone. Her right eye looked pure black as she continued with the shadowy tendril that floated over her shoulder. "Mother, can I trust these people?" She said aloud, like she was talking to herself.

The shadow moved and the demonic voice spoke. You can trust them for now. But, remember that trust can easily be broken by the smallest of things.
"And what of the Wolf?"

She may be a powerful ally... if she does not kill you first. The disembodied voice replied. I will deal with that matter personally.

Erin gasped softly and whispered to herself. "Demonic possession? A spy? She needs to be dealt with. Eliza, head back to the lab while I... Eliza?" She looked back. "Eliza?" Looking forward again, she practically hissed, "Eliza! Get back here!"

Eliza slowly crawled forward on all fours and made her way over to the mystery woman. "You a demon?" she asked.

The woman peered down at the small child. "Demon...?"

The shadowy tendril peered down at the small demon. What a peculiar child. What are you?

"Me? I'm Eliza." She pointed up at the tendril. "Are you a demon like me?"

The tendril emitted a darker aura, one of anger. You dare compare me to such filth? I am Purina Silendis! One of the greatest Shadow Witch of this time!

The woman turned her head to look at her "mother." "Mother, what is a demon?"

"I am demon!" Eliza pulled back her hood to reveal her small horns, and let her wings out to unfurl them. "Demons not filth! Demons strong! Demons are smart! I will show Silendis monster! Stronger then you!"

"Oh, dear..." Erin quickly rushed out of her hiding spot, grabbing a small wand off her belt.

Two tendrils grabbed a hold of young demon. You will learn to fear my power!

Erin held the wand forward, sparks of energy popping off it. "You will release her this moment, or I will destroy both you and your host! Unhand her now!"

Host?! How dare you speak of my daughter like that! Purina shouted, dropping the demon child as her daughter began to walk forward. I don't care what kind of witch you are!

"Daughter?" Erin looked at the mystery woman. "What is this thing talking about? In what way has it enchanted you? Please, I can help you."

The pale woman turned to the shadow. "Mother, why is she talking to me?"

She believe that I have corrupted you... forced you to this. Mother stated. Show her how wrong she is.

Erin pointed her staff at the woman threateningly. "I warn you. I am sorry if you have been forced into this against your will, but I will not let you harm Eliza, nor will I put the Havenbrook Organization at risk to save one woman." Next to her, Eliza reared back, ready to pounce at any moment.

The shadow shifted it's gaze between the demon and the mage. You would really kill us? Far enough... but do know that this isn't over.

The tendril retreated to it's origin point as the woman's right eye returned to normal. She looked around for a bit, seemingly confused at what was going on. Her gazed set on the Thrope. "Are you Erin, by chance?"

Erin blinked a few times, and she lowered the wand ever so much. "Um... yes, my name is Erin. Who are you?"

"My name is Melinda Silendis." The woman answered as she bowed politely.

"Uh... right. So, uh..." Erin lowered the wand. Without looking away, she reached over and felt around until she grabbed Eliza's hood, quickly pulling it over her head. "What's, uh... with the shadow thing? Are you possessed by... your mother or something?"

"Possessed?" Melinda tilted her head in confusion. "My mother's dead... how could she possess me?"

Erin's eyes shifted back and forth. "By... being dead? It isn't the first time someone was possessed by a vengeful spirit, and they tend to target those they were close to in life first. I mean... that thing called you its daughter. Um..." She noted Melinda's confused expression. "You know, the talking shadow you were conversing with? The one I was... going to fight? It was... here a moment ago. Is any of this ringing a bell, dear?"

"My apologies, but it is not." The pale woman answered. "I don't recall talking to my own shadow."

"How odd." Erin rubbed her chin. "I wonder why it is."

"Maybe Melinda lady is stupid," Eliza muttered, folding her arms and looking away. "Purina lady was stupid. Said demons are filth."

Melinda froze. "Purina...? That was my mother's name." She looked at Erin, fear on her face. "You're saying that she was here?"

Erin slowly shrugged. "I don't know. All I can say is, when we first approached you, you were speaking to a shadow, and it identified itself as Purina Silendis, one of the greatest 'Shadow Witches', or something to that effect. Was your mother a practitioner of shadow magic?"

"I wouldn't know..." Melinda answered nervously. "She had been on her death bed for as long as I can remember. She never spoke until the day she had past."

"I see." Erin rubbed the back of her neck. "What about you? Are you skilled with shadow magic perhaps?"

"Yeah, I have some skill in the field..." The lean woman answered.

"Hmm..." Erin rubbed her ear in thought. "And you have no recollection of speaking to your mother. A manifestation of an alternate side of your personality is one possibility, but that didn't seem to be the case. Perhaps your mother imparted a part of her being into you before death. But then... why would she speak with you in a way that made you forget the conversations afterwards."

Eliza pouted, not like the lack of attention, or the kindness being shown to Melinda after what was said. "Maybe she is a liar. I think she remembers, and says she can't so she can say mean things, then play stupid. Eliza is not filth..."

Melinda crouched down in front of Eliza, patting her head. "I don't see the point in spreading falsehoods, little one. I speak the truth because it is better than a lie in all situations."

Eliza continued, to pout, looking away. Erin cleared her throat and said, "I know this might sound like an odd question, but... do you know what a demon is?"

"No, I do not." The shadowmancer replied. "Why do you ask?"

"It is something you didn't seem to know in your... other state. It might have served to differentiate you and... uh, the other you." Erin scratched her head. "Would you... like for me to run a few tests on you in the lab?"

"I don't see why I shouldn't." Melinda responded. "When do we start?"

 

[ExoGrim]

Part 2

Erin shrugged. "Right now is fine if you are free."

Eliza let out an annoyed and offended noise. "But... b-but wh-what about lunch?"

"We have food in the lab, Eliza." Erin answered.

"B-b-but you said this could be m-my time out..."

"Eliza, please, this is important. You can come out some other time." Erin smiled at Melinda. "Don't mind her. I'm sure you know how difficult children can be. Follow me to the labs, please."

Below them, Eliza gave the pale shadowmancer a sinister look before walking ahead of them, mumbling to herself in a language unfamiliar to Melinda.

Melinda took no mind to the young child as she followed Erin to her laboratory.

Once they arrived, Erin directed Melinda to sit down while she grabbed a few things. "So have you been here long? Are you a Hunter?"

"I've been here for a few days now." Melinda replied. "And yes, I am a new hunter."

"Excellent." Erin returned with a tray with various items on it. "Do you have any problems with needles?" she asked, grabbing a syringe.

"No." She answered.

"Good." Erin held the needle up with one hand and held out her other to take Melinda's. "If you would."

Melinda took a deep breath, and gave Erin her hand for the place of the needle.

Erin had a gentle touch, and Melinda barely felt a thing as she gave four vials of blood. "So, tell me about your powers. Dark magic alone isn't very common, but shadow magic is quite rare, especially among humans."

"I can manipulate my own shadow and give it a physical form." Melinda explained while Erin did her work. "It's a rather simple technique that uses little in term of mana. With it, I can attack with my shadow, defend myself with them, or use them to trap my foes."

Erin handed her two small, clear crystal balls. "Infuse these with your magic. When did you first discover you could manipulate shadows?"

"I discovered my magic when I left Bevland in search of answers about my life." Melinda stated as she filled the crystal balls with shadow magic. "I've been using it ever since."

Erin carefully took them now black orbs and placed them to the side. As she started to examine Melinda, she said, "Answers about your life, huh? Amnesia perhaps? Or do you speak of your early life which most of us can't remember?"

"I speak of everything about me and my family that has yet to be explained to me." Melinda told the rabbit Thrope. "I spent my whole life as an outcast and a street rat... I want to know why."

"Well, as Lady Havenbrook always says, this guild is family to those in it, so you don't have to worry about that. I'm sure this will be a safe place for you to make some money while researching your past. Perhaps my tests will uncover something for you." Erin gathered her instruments and supplies. "I will be right back. I can trust you not to sneak anything away in the shadows while I'm gone, right?" she asked with a smile.

"I can assure you that I will not steal anything." Melinda told the rabbit Mage.

Erin nodded and walked off with the stuff. Shortly after, Melinda could hear something creeping along the shelves above her, followed by Eliza's voice speaking from the upper shadows. "You know what Eliza thinks? Ladies mom became a monster. Now she is in your shadow, controlling. Using. Maybe she'll take over some day."

"I don't see how that's possible." Melinda looked in the direction of Eliza's voice. "She died before she would have a chance to do anything like that."

"But you talked to her. Then don't remember. Why?" Eliza moved her head forward a bit, a light glow emitting from her eyes. "She doesn't want you to remember. She says 'embrace darkness'. She wants you to embrace to make her stronger. Then... she eats you, and she becomes you."

"Then explain to me how she did it." Melinda challenged. "I was at her side when the illness took her, she never spoke during until she the day she died."

"I don't know. I don't know how shadow magic works." Eliza leaned forward a bit more. "What did Amam say before she died?"

"Amam?" Melinda said, confused at the meaning of the word.

"Amam. Like... um, m-moth-er."

"Oh," Melinda lowered her gaze. "I don't know what my mother said, it was in a language I could not understand."

"Not understand?" Eliza crawled forward a little more, looking more curious then malevolent now. "Is Elf language? Or maybe snake people talk? Maybe... demon?"

"I wouldn't know... even now I'm not well versed in the many speeches of this world." Melinda admitted. "I hope that I can one day figure out what she said, and know what she wanted me to do."

Eliza creeped back a bit. "Eliza still thinks she's in your head. Watching. Waiting. Eliza can prove." She reached into one of the cabinets, grabbing an empty beaker, and suddenly threw it at the woman.

Melinda prepared herself to take the hit, but her shadow swiped the beaker away. Melinda looked in shock as the glass shattered across the ground next to her. "I-I didn't do that."

"See. It was your shadow mother, watching you from..."

"Eliza!" Erin stomped over. "Did you just throw something at her?!"

"She not hurt!" Eliza insisted "I am proving a point!"

"Go to your room, now!" Erin yelled. "And you can forget about going out anytime soon!"

"You not let me go out anyway! This lady comes, and you forget all about me! I hate you! I hate you both!" Eliza quickly crawled away, headed to the back.

Erin sighed and turned to Melinda. "I'm so sorry about that. You're not hurt, are you?"

Melinda seemed dazed as she almost mindlessly stared at the shattered beaker. Her body didn't seem to move an inch as a dark aura slowly began to creep it's way out of her.

Erin slowly placed her hand near her weapon again. "Melinda? Talk to me, dear. Are you still with me?"

Melinda's right eye turned pure black as she turned her head to see the tendril forming next to her. "Mother?" She said softly.

Yes, my dear. Purina responded to her Daughter's distress.

"Does the child... speak the truth?" She asked nervously. "Am I really just a pawn for your gain?"

The shadow seemed shocked by the accusation. What? I would never use you in anyway my dear... never.

Melinda slowly curled up in her seat and began to cry. "I'm... scare."

The shadow wrapped around Milenda in a attempt to calm the woman. Don't be... I am always here for you.

Erin cleared her throat lightly. "Um... Eliza is a child. Please, don't take what she says to heart, Melinda... um, Purina. Are... you really her mother?"

The tendril lifted itself to look at the rabbit mage. If you must know... yes, I am her mother. Though this form is not desirable, I did what I could to protect the last of my own blood. She is destined for great power... but I don't have what I need to help her find that power.

"Alright, uh..." Reluctantly, Erin moved her hand away from her wand. "And what do you need? Maybe we can help."

My family relics. Purina explained. There are three of them, a necklace, a bracelet, and a ceremonial dagger. They were what fueled my power and they will eventually be needed to fuel her's.

"And do you know where we might be able to find them?" Erin asked. "I mean, it might be hard for your daughter to find them when she... forgets she is supposed to be looking for them after you're down talking to her."

I, sadly, do not. My home was raided by bandits shortly after my death. The shadow explained. I do not know where these bandits are now... I believe the group scattered after grabbing what they came for.

"Well, we can help you search. However..." Erin stepped forward cautiously. "You need to tone down a bit on your threatening nature. I understand you want to help her, but people will be less inclined to help Melinda if they are constantly afraid of a shadow reaching out and strangling them for stepping on her toe."

My apologies if I come off as threatening... my connection with the void still has some effect on my mind, even in this state. Purina reassured. I promise not to strangle anyone over something as stupid as stepping on her toe.

"Well, it's a start." Erin smiled. "Just one quick question. Do you know why Melinda can not remember speaking with you when you depart?"

Unfortunately, no, I do not. It is possible that she has placed a mental barrier that cause her to forget. My death was not the prettiest to say the least. The shadow stated.

Erin nodded. "Well, it is good to know you aren't some hostile being. I hope we can help you and Melinda."

That I do too. For now, I must depart... perhaps one of the bandits is nearby. Purina said, before retracting to her new home that was Melinda's shadow.

Erin looked Melinda up and down. "Are you alright, dear?"

Melinda looked up at Erin, noticing the tears falling off of her face. "When was I crying? Why was I crying?"

Erin considered the situation, and answered, "Eliza said some hurtful things about you and your mother, then threw something at you. I... I hope you can forgive her. She is a child after all." She gave the shadowmancer an encouraging smile. "And I believe that, if that shadowy being is your mother, she is here to do what mothers are supposed to do; support their child, and help them be all they can be."

"Yes, that is what mother are supposed to do." Melinda said as she wiped away the tears and stood up. "Anything from the lab results?"

"You'll have to give me some time on that, Melinda. Though I promise I'll contact you as soon as I find anything of note."

"Thank you for helping me find some answers." Melinda bowed politely. "For now, I should get going... until next time."

Erin bowed back. "Come back any time. This was an intriguing encounter."

 

[Dahlexpert]

Laying out battle plans

Bandit camp
April 8 3349
3:45PM

Alice looks at her bandits and sees the small garrison there making, Alice entered the tent and along with Crixus and one of the bandits she chose to speak for them. "Alright so far we have what twnty five bandiest that joined our cause that's good with that on top of my undead we can easily take a ship."

The bandit spoke man looked at Alice as if she was crazy. "You want to take a ship!? A hole ship your nuts, can't we stick to small caravans?"

"That's small, I plan on getting more and proper weapons for my army. With a ship under our control that will allow us to raid other ships and take there supplies, we can do some proper raiding."

The bandit rubbed his head." Look why don't you go and plan this out, I will make sure the man don't get roddy."

"Very well You and Crixus make sure that the garrison is complete, and make sure those walls are complete." Alice got on her horse and headed back to her castle, to continue her plans. Once she got to her home, she looked at her maps to see which shipyard she can find a ship to raid.

"Hmm..." Sn arm reached over her shoulder and pointed to a spot on the map. "How about this port here. It is well guarded. You'll probably lose most of your men, but the ships are top notch and ones you get one, you can quickly sail away with little resistance. It is just getting to it that's the problem."

Alice eyes looked at the door knowing who is next to her." Goddess of chaos, what do I Ou this displeasure it's been a while."

"Oh... just checking in on my favorite murderous vampire necromancer." Tecunte walked to the side, rolling some hair around her finger. "So how are things going, girlfriend?"

"Ugh well as for my undead, I have at least a good hundred under my wing. Now as for my newest project the bandits, about twenty five in total so things are coming along."

"That's a lot of dead guys." Tecunte folded her arms. "About how many do you think you need until you can assault the Havenbrook Guild?"

"I have plenty to assault them, the guild is not my target."

Tecunte scoffed. "Yes, yes. I know. You want to get a ship so you can assault the sea, gathering the funds and bodies you need to spread death and destruction across the world. But if you remember, we had a little deal."

"Yes I remember our deal, look I'm aware of what we agreed to. But I need to handle something first, by know the council back in the vampire city know I'm gone bye now so the probley sent vampire hunters come after me. So I need to handle that first, then once I have them then I will take out my old home, then I will handle Mina."

"You old home? What old home?" Tecunte narrowed her eyes. "I hope you aren't saying I have to wait for you to destroy the entire Vampire Megacity before I get what I want."

"Well tough shit, because you are. I need my kind to remember who they are, and in order to do that I need the vampire hunter I think they sent after me."

Tecunte tapped her foot impatiently against the floor. "You know... those dead bodies you've animated... awful lot of bad guys in there, huh? Many are bandits after all. Would probably have a one way ticket to hell if they weren't you loyal servants... right?"

Alice rubbed her head." What are you getting at woman, yes most of them are dead bandits what's your point?"

The goddess placed her hands behind her head and shrugged. "Nothing. Only that a certain deity in charge of hell might start to wonder why her numbers are so low. You know what you could use? Another goddess to put in a good word for you. But where ever would you find one of those...?"

Alice rubbed her head and left the table, Alice turned into a sorm of bats to go up stairs. Alive came back with three chest pieces and put them on the map." Alright let me explain this to you." Alice pointed to the chest piece that was on her castle. "This is me, now whoever I go after in my current position i'm done."

She pointed at the chest piece that was on the Have Brook Manner. "If I attack Mina right now, there is a good chance I will lose. Because rumors have it that only one person of there's, went to a bandat camp and whipped it out, and that's just one person! I don't know what other type of people or creatures they have that you know about and keeping from me! Also if Mina some how escaped and told the nearest town about me, then i'm dead. However." Alice pointed at her old home. " If I attack my old home, and some how win, that what a what thousand or more dead people on my side and with vampires roaming free spreading chaos in the land. At that point people would think it was a group of bandits that attacked that city, but at that point I would have enough courses on my side to attack Mina."

Alice looked at the God of Discord. "So tell me which is better, me doing what you failed at right now and get killed. Or you waiting a few more months letting me get things together so I can over whelm Mina, and be done with her tell me which is better!" Alice yelled at the goddess, who was starting to get on her nerves.

"Alice..." Tecunte leaned forward and smiled. "Has anyone ever told you how cute you look when you're frustrated to the point of murder?"

Alice eyes started to glow through her contacts, showing her frustration." Your hiding something, you want me to keep my end of the bargon you will tell me who Mina has on her side."

The goddess let out a long sigh. "Honestly? Too many of my fellow gods. Lately, over the past few years or so, several gods have shown interest in the little hut they call a mansion, and if they don't want to tell me why, I'd rather do away with them so I don't have to worry about it."

"Ugh, well then I guess I will have to go and ask Mina herself when I get the chance. But tell me since you see everything, who did the councle send after me?"

Hmm?" Tecunte tapped her lips. "Wasn't really pay attention. Um... Band of Seven? Ring a bell?"

Alice eyes widened and she smiled. "Wow they sen't the seven after little old me, for you information the seven are a group that brought the vampires to the sorry state were in now three hundred years ago. There have been many to take that clam the seven for the past three hundred years, but time effect all so let them come, this just maid my raid of Drăculești so much easier. All I need is to sink my fangs into there necks and my plan can take place, now also as apart of our deal you promised me a reaper so were is that since you bringing up promises."

"Don't get a big head. I doubt all seven are coming for just you. Now..." Tecunte cleared her throat. "A reaper... yes... there is a bit of a problem with that..."

"Of course there are always complications, so what's the problem?"

"Hey, don't get snippy with me, alright." The goddess placed her hands on hips. "I'm sure you have a father, or had one at some point. You ever try and get something from you father you probably shouldn't have, and get it from him without him asking questions? It isn't exactly easy..."

"I know that feeling, hell it's the reason I spent fifty years in confinement instead of being excited. Damn it do you have any ideas because I have some plans for that reaper, once I take out the Have Brook manner there is something I want to do there as well as bring back some of the bandits in my army."

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 2

Tecunte nodded. "I have a plan or two? Remember the ol' goddess I mentioned might be wondering where all her souls for hell are? She happens to be my sister."

"Ou so the god of death is your father, huh well then that's convenient. Guess he’s relay going to like me then, well hate me since i'm bringing back the dead."

"If you happen to meet him, watch your tongue.He doesn't have my patience or charming personality." Tecunte walked to the side. "So what's with you and that Havenbrook bitch? You two all buddy-buddy now?"

"Mina is the one that gave me these maps, she thinks i'm going to deal with the bandit problem. I guess in some way i didn't lie to her, why the hate on Mina anyway?"

"Because she keeps getting in my way!" Tecunte suddenly yelled, a dark aura rising from her as her hair stood on end. "Her hunters keep screwing up my plans and disturbing my sweet chaos! They don't even know they're doing it, and that somehow makes it worse!"

"Aww the little goddess is getting angry at mere humans, I have to thank Mina for this gift i'm starting to like her."

"Don't test me, blood sucker." Tecunte took a deep breath. "Anyway, better thank her while you can. I currently have a plan in motion. If all goes well, I won't need you to destroy them. Good thing, considering where your priorities lie..."

"Realy what are you planing, and what makes you think it would work?"

The goddess laughed sinisterly. "Well, if you must know, I have sealed away Methos. Without their precious Goddess of Dreams, her Night Gaunts are attempting to break into the waking world to find her. What's more, because my fellow gods are so interested in the Havenbrook household, the people there the slightest hint of their ethereal power about them, just enough for the Night Gaunts to sniff them out. And because they are searching for a goddess, they are attacking those morons first! Don't you see the brilliance? Not only is it only a matter of time until those demonic nightmares break into the realm of man to spread chaos searching for a master they'll never find, but their first order of business will be tearing the Havenbrook manor to pieces looking for Methos! To birds... one stone..."

"Ok there are several things wrong here, first if and I do mean if one of those so called "morons" you call them, fought one of those things.Or have enough nightmares the will mention it. Also I'm sure Mina will see her people acting weird in the manner."

Tecunte laughed. "And what is she going to do about it? It isn't like they're in short supply. I hope they figure out the Night gaunts are coming for them! Let them live in fear of the day they're eventually torn apart!"

"Ok calm it down, if these people are as tough as I think they are there going no we're. Especially since I heard they took on goloms and lived."

"Oh, you're not worried because you've been demoted to the back up plan, are you." Tecunte walked over to the vampire with a coy smile. "Don't worry, my dear. I'll still take care of you as long as you continue to spread that chaos." She light patted the woman on the head. "Just as long as you keep up the good work."

Alice started to growl as her claws started to extend, but Alice smiled and put her hands together." Ou don't worry I'll keep doing my thing, but when you're plan fain and I hope it does." Alice started to pat the gods head while smiling at her." I look forward to seeing you throw a tantrum, and whining and complaining about how you can't beat them. And that you need me to finish the job, and who knows I may just ignore you and go tell Mina all this."

Tecunte narrowed her eyes, and pouted a bit. "You really know how to push someone's buttons, you know that?" She opened a portal behind her and stepped back. "Take care, Alice. Try not to get that delightful tongue of yours cut out or anything. Would be such a shame."

Alice watched the portal closed and went back to her maps, and saw what the goddess pointed to." A shipyard with high security and some pretty powerful ships, yep that sounds like the perfect target for my warsong. I will set out in three days."

 

[ExoGrim]

ExoGrim and Dahlexpert: The Facts of the Matter.
Havenbrook Manner
April, 10 3349
2:47 PM

Elma was in the main courtyard reading some of the spell tomes Esmerelda gave her, with some other books floating around her. “Hmm, these are very useful, some of these are enchantments healing… some advanced ways of using fire and light, oh, I can get some use out of these.”

Zulik walked into the courtyard moments later, noticing the new figure and her floating library. The corrupted Elf approached the woman. “May I ask what your name is?”

Elma turned around to see an interesting elf. “Um hi… you… is that. Are you corrupted by any chance?”

Zulik seemed shocked for a moment, before rubbing the back of his head. “Sorry, I haven’t been ask that question in a long time. Yes, I am corrupt physically… though not mentally.”

Elma stood up and looked at Zulik, up and down as if examining him. She looked at his arms, legs and face. “So you’re corrupted in body, but not in mind? How is this possible? I have read about corruption, but have never seen it before. I read that it turns the person mentally insane and they're no different than the monsters of Terra, but you. You seem to be in control of yourself, do you spread corruption as well?”

“Guess you can call me a rare case.” Zulik remarked, readjusting his shoulder. “As for spreading corruption, no I do not… though I’ve found that I can adsorb it from other corrupted objects and creatures.”

“Wow, a being that is not affected by corruption, but who can absorb it and not be affected by it. Wow… there are plenty of mages that would love to reach you, oh where are my manners.” Elma raised her hand. “I’m Elma Van Dam, it’s nice to meet you mister?”

“Van Dam?” Zulik noted as he shook her hand with his gauntlet arm. “You’re related to Charter I presume?”

“Yep, I’m his younger sister, it’s nice to meet you mister?”

“Zulik.” The corrupted elf replied. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Elma.”

“Nice to be met. Wow, I have been here only a week and not only have I met my brother’s girlfriend, but also a corrupted Elf that hasn't turned. This truly was a great idea by my father, the world is so interesting outside Mirandia!”

Zulik chuckled. “There’s a lot more to world than one would think… for better or for worse, this place has some interesting ways of reminding us that.”

“Indeed, I just wish I didn’t have to kill. I’m not like my brother or any of you, I never killed before.”

Zulik sighed. “Yes, there’s also that unfortunate part of this job.” The priest turned around. “If you can help it, don’t kill anyone… it changes you and leaves a mark that can’t be erased.”

“Yea I see it in my brother, I love him and I wish he could still be the same person before he left. Now he’s mostly serious all the time, and I know he would defend everyone he come across and that’s the person I knew he be, but I know he had to kill in order to get it done. He doesn't want me to kill eather but something tells me I’m going to have to.”

“Well, do know one thing… there’s a difference between killing something and killing someone.” Zulik’s gaze lowered. “Especially if they were someone you knew well.”

“Did… Did you kill someone you knew very well?”

Zulik’s gaze shifted to Elma. “Yes… I did. On more than one occasion.”

Elam lowered her gazed. “You know my father told me, to be strong that there are thing I don’t want to do, but in order to defend the ones I care for and myself you must do whatever you can to survive. I take you did what you did for your own survival right?”

“Unfortunately, yes.” Zulik stated hesitantly.

“Then… the killing was necessary mister, so in that instance it’s all alright. But now you're here, and I’m guessing you have a lot more friends now too.”

“That I have.” Zulik patted the young mage’s head. “Guess that means there a lot more to this life than one would expect.”

“Exactly! There’s so much to look forward in life, I can’t let my worry about killing get me down. We’re here to save people, right?”

Zulik let out another chuckle. “You are quite the peculiar one, Elma.”

“I do try to be interesting, I’ve been in one city my whole life so I have a lot to explore and learn about the world.”

The corrupted Elf rubbed the back of his head. “Born in the city, eh? I was born in a small town, so I had to get used to the large amount of people.”

“I’m also born a noble as well, but, even though I was born rich, I still wish to help people. I just wish I could be like my two brothers, defending people and trying to make their lives easier.”

“Hey, if I can still protect those in need in my state, I’m sure you can with some practice and time.” Zulik countered.

“Well, I’ve had fifteen years of practice now I just want to help everyone I can with my magic.”

Zulik rolled his shoulders. “Well, I’m sure you can pull it off. For now, I must get going… perhaps we can continue talking over some food and drink?”

“I would enjoy that Mr. Zulik, it was nice meeting you and thank you for the enjoyable conversation.” Elma did a small bow and went back to her books.

“Until next time.” Zulik said as he left the woman to her work.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ExoGrim & ZombieSplitter53
Arming Up

Zulik walked into the armory. He had heard that the mythril shipment had come in, but he wanted to hear it from Ed. The corrupted Elf wandered the place in search of the old blacksmith, hoping that what he had heard was true.

He found Ed pounding away at a slab of metal against an anvil. Between that and the usual ruckus of the smithy, he did not here the man approached. With a grunt, he lifted the hammer to slam once more, only for his artificial arm to malfunction. His hand opened on its own, and the hammer suddenly flew back.

Zulik picked up the hammer and approached the Netzi blacksmith. "Hey, I heard that the mythril shipment came in."

The Netzi cursed several times in his own language, adjusting his wrist with a sore look on his face. "Yeah, the metal is in. Remind an old man what we were doing with it."

"We were going to take a layer of metal off of my gauntlet and replace it with that." Zulik looked at the man with concern. "Everything alright?"

"Yeah... just getting old. Parts of me don't work like they use to. Literally." Ed sighed, pulling off a sweat-covered bandana, tossing it in a bin, and replacing it with a fresh one. "I think I have time now if you want to work on it."

"Okay." Zulik replied, sitting down across from Ed. "Though, I must ask... how do you intend on getting one layer off the gauntlet without destroying the whole thing?"

"Very carefully," Ed answered, pulling out some tools. "You gauntlet's damage and wear is on the outer side of It, and has essentially caused it to be in two parts. An upper part with breaks and cracks and so forth, and a lower part that is, or should be, mostly intact. I just need to carefully find the lowest part of the damage, and remove that without disturbing the part underneath."

"Seems simple enough." Zulik placed his arm on the table. "Let's just hope nothing bad happens."

Edminfar placed his tools next to the gauntlet but gave the Elf a wary, somewhat irritable look. "Listen Zulik... I'm no spring cockatrice. I am old, and sometimes my arm likes to remind me it isn't my original. But I know what I'm doing, and I have more experience then anyone else here. But... if you aren't confident in my ability, just say the word and I'll get someone else to take care of this."

"No, no, I trust you." Zulik said, realizing that his words were being taken the wrong way.

Ed nodded, and got to work. Wearing a pair of trifocal goggles that made his eyes look as big as Betty's, he carefully chipped away at the easy to remove chunks before moving on to the harder parts. "I'm sorry if I came across as... curt," he mumbled. "I've just reached that age where people start to have the same level as confidence as they do... well, someone under the age of adulthood. It is an odd thing how we are time as respectable adults is bookmarked by being treated like children. Luckily, a stern look usually quites nay sayers, and Mina... Lady Havenbrook has yet to lose faith in me."

"That's good to hear." Zulik said. "You're a talented man, it would be bad for that talent to go to waste."

"Thank you Zulik." Ed finished with the easy part and picked up a large pry tool and a mallet. "You've got talent yourself. And drive and vigor based on how worn this weapon is. Hold on to that as long as you can." He lightly tapped on the gauntlet. To Zulik, each tap sounded the same as the last, but Ed's trained ears must have heard differently as he began making marks and lines with a marker.

"Don't mention it." Zulik took note of the lines that Edminfar placed on his arm. "May I ask what those are for?"

"I'm mapping the damage and marking how deep down I'll be going," Edminfar answered. "I don't want to go so far down as to break away good metal, but if I don't go far enough, I'll leave imperfect chunks of damaged metal that could wear out the gauntlet from the middle, and considering the fact that I'm covering this in one of the hardest metals in the world, we don't want to leave those kind of mistakes." Finishing, the Netzi placed the wedge against the gauntlet. "Ready?"

"Ready whenever you are." The priest told him.

Edminfar started the lengthy process of breaking away the damaged metal. Little by little, chunks of the weapon that was Zulik's arm fell to the side. Aside from the pressure of Ed hitting It, Zulik didn't really feel much in the way of pain. Soon, he saw a clear difference. As the gauntlet got thinner and thinner, the metal became smoother and cleaner, looking good as new after to long. "You know... It occurs to me that we could leave it like this," Ed stated as he neared completion. "You obviously couldn't use it as a weapon anymore, but it would lighten the burden of weight and encumbrance it gives you."

"But, what would be the point in that?" Zulik inquired. "It's my best weapon... without it I'm just a mage."

Edminfar smiled. "Maybe someday, you won't want to fight anymore, and you'll prefer to have a normal hand. Or at least as close to one as possible." He lifted his own artifical hand. "But regardless, you have a point. One minute." He floated away, and returned quickly with a large square chunk of metal. Zulik needed to help him lift it on the table, and Ed opened it at the middle, revealing a mold within. "What do you think? Finished this about a week ago using the measurements I got from your weapon. Should have the same proportions as you original gauntlet. You like?"

Zulik let out a chuckle. "I like it very much."

"Good thing you still want to do this. This work would have gone to waste otherwise." Ed opened a smaller box. Within was a small white orb. Zulik could feel cold radiating off of it, like a man-sized ice box open next to him. The Netzi blacksmith called back to some others, and a pair of younger Netzi floated over with a vat of bubbling metal. "Now... the mold has a paralytic spell in it that should numb the pain from the heat, but... it'll still hurt like hell." He motioned for Zulik to put his arm in the mold. "When you're ready."

Zulik placed his arm in the mold, mentally preparing himself for the pain that coming for him. Ed closed it and locked it tight. "I cut special grooves into the metal. The new outer shell will bond with the inner part like it was one solid piece." As soon as the lost lock was set, Zulik felt the magic take hold and could no longer feel his arm, as if it was no longer there. This didn't last long.

The pair of Netzi slowly and careful poured the molten metal into the top of the mold. Due to the strength and high melting point of the mythril, magic had to be used to heat it to its molten state. It was insanely hot, something Zulik could quickly start to feel, even with the paralysis magic. Zulik held his ground for as long as needed. The burning sensation was not something he was foreign to, having burned himself many times with his magic.

What came next was a different yet equally intense pain. Ed put on a pair of almost comically large gloves. As careful as a surgeon, he picked up the small Orb and carried it to the mold. A drop of condensation fell off it. The moment it hit the table, it flash froze into a small spike of ice.

Edminfar waited until he was sure the metal had filled every crevice of the mold, waited another ten seconds to be absolutely sure, then dropped the orb in. In a flash, the mold frosted over, and Zulik felt like he had pulled his hand out of a volcano and stuck it into the coldest chunk of ice imaginable. This pain, Zulik was not accustomed to and he did grimace when the orb froze his arm over.

"You're doing fine," Ed assured him. "But then I would be doing at least." After a few minutes, the pain ebbed away. Ed nodded to the others, who quickly placed some liquid substance on the locks.

One of the whistled, and a human woman walked over and held out her hands. "Don't move," she sternly warned Zulik, and fire a bullet-sized orb of fire at each lock. The liquid ignited in a bright exothermic reaction, and the locks melted off like butter. The Netzi pair grabbed a mallet nearly as big as the pair combined, and together they bashed at the mold over and over again until it broke and crumbled.

As it fell to the side, Zulik final saw his new weapon. The mythril was a deep black, at least in this fresh state, and had something of a glean to it. It was smooth, save for several groves and marking in its surface, a variety of patterns and symbols here and there. As he lifted It, he could instantly feel how much lighter it was compared to how it was previously. Zulik examined his new gauntlet with glee. "Better than I could've imagined."

Ed floated over. "Glad to here you're pleased." He tapped his fingers against the symbols. "These are ancient Netzi ruins. They should assist in helping you channeling energy in this arm, as well as block some of the damage from magical attacks."

"That'll be usual down the line." Zulik remarked as he stood. "hopefully we can do business again soon."

Ed grinned at him. "With how well you pay? I hope so too. Just try and stay out of trouble, my boy, and don't let that new arm let you get cocky. Stay safe."

"See you later." Zulik said as he walked out of the armory, taking the time to admire the craftsmanship of his new arm as he did so.

 

[Black0ut]

ZombieSplitter53 & Black0ut present:
Nothing is the End

Titania stared at the letter in her left hand as she stood outside Mina's door. She wore her armor with her weapons, which was unusual for the Thrope to do. The letter was from a fellow student of her former teacher, Koz, but it wasn't intended as a greeting.

It instead was a notification; that in a few fortnights, Koz would arrive and challenge her to the death. The loser would be mutilated beyond all recognition and would be left for scavengers to feast upon. Titania's mind raced, Koz had been close to her once, a battle brother who had tracked her down and joined her in the first guild she had joined. An Ophidian of some renown, he took to the sword far more than she did, and wielded several other weapons. And he would be coming to Havenbrook to give her a warrior's death.

Titania panicked, standing at the door of the woman who could help her, but did not knock, afraid of both getting Mina involved and of wasting her time. Still, Titania needed to see her, as she hadn't stopped by in a while, having turned down a hunt earlier, being too busy as she tried to sort through Faith's emotional attack, and trying to reconnect with Drayce, whom she hadn't encountered in awhile and was still searching for.

Titania felt a slight hint of a sneeze, and tried to prevent it, but much like most sneezes, failed entirely, likely alerting Mina to her.

Mina looked up from a light novel she was reading, blinking a few times as she looked at the door. When no one came in, she placed the book to the side. She made her way to the door and opened it. "Hello?"

"Uh, hi, LW! I, uh, was thinking about asking if you needed a reprieve from work, uh... but it seems I interrupted you. Sorry." Titania sheepishly apologized, raising her right hand to rub her head, while quietly crumpling the letter into a ball, before trying to hide it in a crevice in her armor.

Mina raised an eyebrow, noting the paper before it disappeared. "Well... I'm always up for some R&R with a friend, but you hardly look up for that. You look more like you're ready to go to war. Did something happen?"

"N-no... I was planning on, well, hoping is probably more accurate, of sparring with you. And probably apologizing with something if I kick your as- um - happen to win." Titania lied, offering a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Mina smiled back, but there was concern in her own eyes. "Sure, I'm up for a sparing match. Haven't really thought of much to compete with your speed, but I'll do what I can. Let me get ready, and I'll meet you outside."

"That sounds good, LW. I'll go get some training weapons for us to use." Titania replied, quickly moving out towards the training ground, too worried to think clearly.

Mina arrived there a few minutes later, wearing some simple leather armor, lighter but weaker than Titania's. She was worried about the woman, and hoped the sparing would reveal what was the matter.

Titania spotted the Guildmaster and tossed her the weighted rapier, and hesitated at tossing the wooden replica gun, remembering her earlier loss, but tossed it over anyways. "So how've you been? There's a lot that's been going on, so I know you're probably stressed out a little..." The Thrope trailed off, as she started to circle Mina.

"Yeah, things have been a bit... hectic. But I've been managing. Just trying things rolling along smoothly, considering... things." Mina frowned. She wondered if Titania was aware that Drayce was gone, somehow doubting it. She took a few practice swings and asked, "What about you? How goes the training, both yours and that of those you so charitably work with?"

"Fight between me and Faith. We're not really talking beyond training. As for me, I guess good? I keep going over to the grove and napping so, I guess I'm slacking a little. I like taking care of it, but I have yet to find someone to continue in my place if I don't make it from a Hunt. Although... I'm not being able to use my speed as effectively as I used to. I think it may be the armor." Titania replied, copying Mina with her two swords to get a feel for them.

Mina cracked her head from side to side. "You just need more practice. Try training with people at or above your skill level. I'm sure you'll get used to it." She stepped close to Titania, testing out a few swings at her.

The Wolf Thrope parried one swipe, but took the other blow. "Maybe. You know, people seem to think I'm either a scary Hunter or that I'm too kind. Already been called a bitch, and a mom, sooo... what do you think, LW? You seem to read people well." Titania asked, swinging her wooden longsword downwards at Mina, while her shortsword went for her torso.

Mina parried the longsword and quickly jumped back to avoid the other hit. She seemed particularly protective of her torso. "Not sure if I'd call you either of those, but if I had to pick, I'd lean away from bitch. You're certainly kind, and even motherly at times, but I have seen you fight, and heard of your battles from the others. Kind you are, but not too much so. As for scary... well, you do tend to lose yourself to your beastly side. But you haven't hurt anyone while like that who didn't deserve it."

"Well, I'm still me in that state, I'm just more... primal, I guess. But unless someone hit me in combat, on purpose, I probably wouldn't attack them. But I've heard talk through Jay, people want to call me 'Red' for some reason. Do you know why?" Titania asked clueless, pressing the offense but refraining from putting too much stress on Mina so she could respond.

Mina continued to block, not wanting to attack recklessly and leave herself open. "Not sure. Perhaps it refers to the expression 'Seeing red', in which one is driven to a state of intense anger." She dodged to the side and went for an X swipe.

Titania quickly blocked with her shortsword, swinging her longsword in retaliation. "I suppose that makes sense, but... oh, is that how most people see me? Someone who's angry a lot? Cause, I think only one person here could outfight me when she's angry and I'm sparring with her."

As Titania swung, the note flew out of the crevice she had wedged it into, the Thrope faltering ever so slightly.

Mina swung at her, and had to stop short of hitting Titania in the head. She frowned and stepped back. "Titania... why the concern what others think of you. There will always be people who doubt you. You should have heard some of the nicknames I had when I first started. Even now. But you know that isn't you, and so do the people close to you, including me. Is that what has you so distracted?" She nudged her head to the side. "Or is it whatever is in that letter you're trying to hide?"

The Wolf Thrope sighed, dropping her swords as she sat down. She stared away from Mina, a hurt expression on her face. "I... I appreciate what you've done for me as a boss, a friend, and even as someone I can confide in... but I think I'm going to leave. Some things have come up that... I don't want to drag you into, and so to make sure you don't get hurt... well, I already said it." Titania brought her knees up, wrapping her arms around her legs, and laying her head atop them.

After a few seconds, she could feel Mina place her hands on her shoulders. "Please, Titania... don't shut me out like that. As I've always tried to insist, we're a family in this guild. Please, tell me what's wrong. Let me help you. I'm willing to take any risk."

 

[Black0ut]

Nothing is the End, pt. 2

"I... but... okay. I already know you won't let me leave so easily... probably would lock me up if you had to until I told you anyways... the letter is a formal challenge and the challenge is trial by combat. If I don't die in the fight but surrender, I still die, just slower and more painfully. And the swordsman coming to fight... well, studied the same way I did, with my master. The last time we crossed blades, he beat me pretty effortlessly. It's hopeless, futile to think I can win. I guess if I stay, it'd be better to get my affairs in order. Wouldn't want to burden you with a corpse." Titania half-joked, a small smile that faltered appearing on her face, as she closed her eyes.

Mina sat next to her and sighed. "This might be the obvious question, but why not just refuse the challenge? I mean, what obligates you to accept it?"

"Honor, for one. Or he might target those closest to me, for another. There's countless things he can do at this stage, and seeing as Ophidians are already outcasts in most societies, Koz wouldn't mind breaking any kind of law if it was for a worthwhile target." Titania answered grimly, burying her face into her arms.

The hairs on the back of Mina's neck stood on end, her body trembling for a brief moment. "This challenger... is an Ophidian?"

"Yeah, as was our former teacher, Crozz. Gods... today isn't going like how I thought it would." Titania groaned, missing Mina's tone and expression entirely.

Mina swallowed hard. "Y-yeah... me either." She coughed and tried to focus, with moderate success. "So, uh... why do you think this... Ophidian... wants to fight you to the death? Surely, even one of... surely, he gave you a reason."

"It's pretty out of the blue, actually. He didn't state why he challenged me, just that he was." Titania replied, lifting her head up to look at Mina.

A few beads of sweat rolled down her forehead. "Yell... when he gets here, we'll just... cut him down! Yeah... I mean, honor is one thing, but... b-but I'm not just going to let some Oph... some guy walk in here and threaten one of my valuable Hunters and good friends."

Titania finally noticed the change in her friend, and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Wilhelmina, tell me... what's wrong? Because you're not acting like yourself right now."

Mina shook her head. "I'm fine, I'm fine. I just... haven't had the best dealings with Ophidians in the past. All the more reason to protect you from one." She took a few deep breaths. "How... how long has it been since you saw him?"
"Half a decade, maybe more, so I'm sure his skills have probably improved since then. But the only problem is he's clever, he probably would fight me honorably, but should I try to deceive him, there's probably several contingency plans he'll use." Titania warned, laying on her back to look at the sky.

"Well, why would you have to deceive him?" Mina tried for an encouraging smile. "I mean... you've improved too. A lot, I'm sure. Even in the short time you've been here, I've seen a lot of improvement. So much so, I trust you to help some of the others. Are you really so sure you'll lose?"

"I suppose you're right... I'm just hoping he hasn't grown at all, or this is going to be really painful." Titania murmured, offering a weak smile to Mina.

Mina laid back with her, staring up at the stars. "I have faith in you. And if I have to help you train myself, I'll make sure you are ready when he gets here."

"Thank you, LW. I truly appreciate it and I think I'll take you up on that training." Titania replied, not taking her eyes off the sky and all the stars that filled it. "I sometimes think about my home, how everyone is doing, if anybody still remembers me. And... and how I'll probably never see them again. Because if I do, I won't be able to stay here, I'll instead be forced to come back."

Mina looked over at her. "And why do you think that?"

Titania shrugged, "Many responsibilities to do a lot of things. I think you understand that far better than anyone else here."

"Hmm... I suppose." Mina laid back again and stared at the stars once more, moving her eyes from one constellation to the next. "As much as I don't wish to take you from home forever, I would hate to lose you here. You are a valuable ally, as I have said. And... and it's nice to have someone I can talk to as a friend. It is something... I only now realize I have been without for over a decade..."

"Then I promise to not leave you friendless. I'll have to think of someway to talk to them without revealing where I am." Titania replied. After a moment or two, she continued. "Can... I tell you what happened between me and Faith? And can you tell me if I'm overreacting?"

"Yeah, of course," Mina responded. "What happened?"

"So we were training, and she starts to get this flippant attitude, but I don't say anything at first, because hey, she could be having a bad day. So we continue talking and this... cat or leopard thrope interrupts. Everyone starts to talk, and Faith lifts me up with her magic, and says something flippant and sassy, so I grab her and pull her up with me. I think this is where it starts to devolve, because I... I think one of my eyes turned feral, because she gave me this look, this gods forbid look, and basically tells me that she needs to go before I get too feral and eat her, which... is probably the first time words have ever cut deeper than a sword or an arrow could. I... didn't help matters when I blew up at her later either. Gods, she looked up to me, and now she basically hates me. Godsdammit, Arlia was right. How the hell does that work? " Titania yelled out in frustration, picking up the wooden swords she had earlier, before getting up and attacking the dummies with a faltering strength.

Mina watched her sadly, letting her get her frustration out before speaking. "We all have our demons. We all have that part of us we don't care for. That we don't like others seeing. But they don't have to define us. If you speak with Faith again, this time a bit more calmly, I am sure she can see that. See that the woman she looked up to is the true you."

"I.. I'll try. I just hope I haven't screwed up to badly with her..." Titania trailed off, sitting down near the dummies. "Y'know... sometimes I wish I wasn't a Thrope. That I was Human instead. That way, I wouldn't have to deal with turning feral on someone from a stupid comment... but if I had to guess, being any other race has its ups and downs, right?"

"From what I can tell, yeah. After all, you have traits and abilities I would kill for as a basic human with no magic. But I get by as I am." Mina gave Titania a wide grin. "Besides, I like you just the way you are."

Titania blushed, and looked the other way. "T-thanks. I like you as you are as well, Mina. You're somebody who stands for people when they cannot stand for themselves. If I do wind up getting taken home for any reason, I'll probably send you as much money as I can as an apology."

Mina chuckled. "I'm okay for money. I'd just prefer a friendly letter every now and then. I never had a pen pal, unless you count my brother when I was really little." She stood up and dusted herself off. "You'll be okay, Titania. I have a good feeling about you, and all the good you'll do for us. That can't happen if you are forced away or killed in some silly challenge, and I'm usually pretty on when it comes to these feelings." She walked over and offered her arm to the Thrope.

"Well, I'd hate to disappoint you. After all, who will scare and train the rookies into better warriors?" Titania replied confidently, taking Mina's arm with a gentle but firm grip.

Mina pulled her up and patted her on the back. "That's the spirit. Now... why don't you rest up. I'll be waiting to spar with you again first thing in the morning, and I expect you to bring your A game."

"Alright, LW. I'll go do that, but uh, maybe sometime I can show you part of my- er- your grove that you probably haven't seen?" Titania asked, turning around and walking backwards to keep talking.

Mina nodded. "Yeah. I would like that. I don't get out enough, even on my own property. You've got yourself a date."

Titania raised an eyebrow and offered a smirk at Mina's words, "That's an interesting choice of words there, Mina. Don't you mean 'hangout' rather than ‘date’?"

Mina chuckled. "If that makes you feel more comfortable. I'm easy either way... not easy in that way... you know what I mean."

"Suuure I do. It's not like I could ever think you were hinting at going on a date or anything." Titania teased, giving Mina a toothy grin.

She noted the slightest hint of redness on Mina's cheeks. "I... I said go to bed, missy."

"Ordering me now? That's pretty cute, but not as cute as you blushing." Titania flirted, taking a few more steps back.

Mina rolled her neck and reached for her practice sword. "You want a head start?"

"And now she wants to chase me! How scandalous!" Titania goaded, turning around to run in case she needed to.

Mina gripped her sword tightly and rushed after her with a battle cry.

Titania ran at a pace where she wasn't running her fastest but still could taunt the Guild Leader. "Mina, I know you like me but there are easier ways to hit on me than this."

"I'm gonna get your ass so hard you won't wanna sit for a week!" Mina called back, a smile on her face as she chased the other woman into the manor.

 

[ExoGrim]

ExoGrim and Frostlich1228: Friends

Arlia stood in front of the training dummy, practicing her throwing technique. She had recently got a new supply of Kunai from Edminfar and she wanted to make sure they were sharp enough for the job. That said, it was also a good excuse for the assassin to practice her accuracy. She threw both kunai and shuriken in order to stay hond in both weapons. After a few minutes of this, Arlia sat down in the grass and took a drink from her waterskin.

Suddenly something large whizzed a few feet by her, a long wooden spear had completely impaled the head of the dummy, hitting almost perfectly inside the bullseye painted on it. After a moment, a familiar huntress walked up to the assassin. “Practicing I take it?”

“That I am.” Arlia answered as she went to retrieve the many throwing tools that she had used. “You never know when it’ll make the difference between life and death.”

“No, I understand. You have to keep yourself ready.” Sylvie nodded. “It’s been over a month since I’ve tracked or hunted anything though… But at least my combat skills are still sharp.”

“When it comes to monsters and criminals… you kinda need to focus more on combat than daily tracking.” Arlia stated as she put her weapons away. “The when I see it, it’s better to be able to kill your foe, rather than know where they are.”

“But don’t you need to know where they are to kill them?” The forest girl pointed out.

Arlia chuckled. “Yes, there is that… but what we’re fighting doesn’t usually come with tracking… as they have a tendency to be looking for us as well.”

“The element of surprise is not overrated, I’d rather we have it than them.” Sylvie explained, walking forward and removing her spear from the dummy. “But as an assassin I’m sure you know that.”

“Yes, I do know a thing about the art of surprise.” Arlia pulled out a kunai, spinning it in her fingers. “But it’s always more fun when they’re looking for you… only to find out you found them.”

“So…” The Huntress hesitated briefly. “Do you… Enjoy it? Being an Assassin?”

The princess looked at Sylvie before sighing. “No, I do not take joy in being a killer for hire… that’s why I became a Hunter rather than a mercenary. I merely had time to find fun moments in this life that I chose.”

“I don’t take joy in killing, there’s something different to be said about the hunt however…” The green-haired woman stated. “There’s something about finding a single animal within an massive forest. But when they’re caught and I have to kill them, part of me just feels sad.”

Arlia paused, slowly sitting back down. “You know, there’s a reason I use ranged weapons… would you like to know what that reason is?”

“You don’t like getting your hands dirty I imagine?” Sylvie guessed.

“It’s more than that…” Arlia replied. “Whenever I kill someone, I don’t want to see that look on their face. The look of despair and sadness as they realize that they aren’t making it out alive.”

“I suppose it’s different with humans.” The Huntress stated. “Most animals simply… Stop struggling when they know… If it’s already too late, there is no reason to keep fighting. Better to go peacefully.”

“If only we Humans weren’t so stubborn.” Arlia half-jokingly said. “Maybe this job would be a hell of a lot easier.”

“Humans are… Scared of what comes after, we have more attachments than animals as well, more things holding us to this world, especially those out here, it seems.” She responded, sitting cross-legged on the ground.

“Looks like someone’s still getting used to the city.” Arlia noted. “I guess this environment is different from that of the more rural home you are used to.”

“Oh, much. I feel like I’m not even on the same plane sometimes… I feel like my home is farther away than I could ever possibly reach.” Sylvie sighed, looking up into the sky. “It’s strange being in a place where people look mostly like what you’re used to, but act so completely differently…”

“I have a similar feeling.” The princess explained. “Coming here from Stormrend… it’s still hard to get used to the forests and the mountains. Not to mention the culture is so different here.”

“I guess we’re both quite far from home…” The Huntress nodded, briefly considering something. “Would you like to know how I came here? To Havenbrook?”

“Sure, it’s always interesting to hear more about others people’s stories.” Arlia responded.

“When I decided I wanted to leave for Havenbrook and my father supported it… He spoke to an outsider living in our village and asked him if he could help me.” Sylvie recalled. “He was a strange Elf. Big, thick glasses, always carrying some kind of book, often wandered off in the middle of the night. He stayed in our village for much longer than any of our other guests, so long the village even offered to build him a home there, but he refused. He said he was a researcher of obscure lore and legend and that Ahusirra and the magic of the forest interested him greatly. I remember when he first arrived, most of the hunters thought he would simply be eaten by wolves in a we-”

The Huntress stopped herself, quickly getting back on topic. “Anyway, my father asked him to take me to a city on the coast. There he bought tickets for the uh… train. He even watched me all the way here… During the trip, he told me how noble he thought it was for me to join a Hunter’s guild and help the rest of the world. I told him that wasn’t my intention, but he just said that it didn’t matter. Then he left back for the coast, presumably back to the village.”

“Interesting…” Arlia paused for a moment. “I’m assuming you came to the Havenbrook Manor from there… where we met.”

“That’s right. I remember the first thing I did was stop at the garden, I guess I was sick of the cramped ride here and the smoke from the train… It was a long trip and I was eager to see some plants again…” Sylvie smiled lightly.

Arlia returned the smile. “It’s little things like that that remind us how are it is to let go sometimes.”

“It’s strange… Thinking back on that day… It feels like we have changed so much already…” The maiden pointed out.

“I guess we have.” Arlia noted. “We’ve adapted to the new surrounding quite well, haven’t we.”

“I still feel like I have a long way to go before I fully get the outside world…” Sylvie admitted.

“Well, your not the only one at the very least.” Arlia remarked. “There apparently another woman who in a similar situation to you.”

“And that is?”

“Her name is Melinda.” Arlia laid back in the grass. “She seems nice enough… but something is off about her.”

“It does seem like this place attracts a strange crowd… Like that Dragon Thrope I’ve heard about…” Sylvie mentioned.

“Yeah, Drayce can be a bit of a handful sometimes.” Arlia’s gaze lowered. “I just hope we can get him back before anything bad happens to him.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Get him back? What happened to him?”

“I don’t know much in the ways of details…” Arlia admitted. “I’m still waiting to hear more from Davon.”

“I can’t imagine what could’ve happened to him. From what I’ve heard, he’s extremely powerful.” Sylvie stated, stretching a little. “That Melinda is an odd one though… But I feel like I relate to her somehow… Maybe it’s just like you said, we are both getting used to things out here…”

“You haven’t seen what I’ve seen… have you.” Arlia said with a sigh. “There’s something strange about Melinda’s shadow. It’s sentient… somehow.”

“Her shadow magic? It’s powerful… Extremely…” The Neren’tevan hunter added. “She was able to duel a B-rank hunter to a tie, someone I could hardly even touch. All without any kind of training or anything.”

“And from what I’ve heard, she even went toe-to-toe with Lady Havenbrook herself… and won.” Arlia mentioned. “But, what I’m referring to is different than skills and magic.”

“You’re saying it somehow has… Like a mind of it’s own?” She confirmed.

“Exactly.” Arlia sat back up as she explained. “I’ve heard her talking to it… she called it ‘mother.’ Makes me think she’s possessed or something like that.”

“Really? I just don’t know…” Sylvie huffed, laying down and closing her eyes.

“There’s a lot of things we don’t know.” Arlia told the green-hair huntress. “That’s why we need answered before we make assumptions.”

“Arlia… We’re friends, right?” She asked, opening her eyes and looking up at her.

“I don’t see why we wouldn’t be.” Arlia stated. “We talk a lot… and we seem to get along.”

“How fast are relationships supposed to go out here?” The Maiden asked. “All this about relationships I find the most confusing… I’m trying to take it slower, but how slow is too slow? Is there a too slow? When do I get fast? How fast then?”

“It’s dependant on the person.” The assassin explained. “Some people are very outgoing and like things to go fast… but others are very shy and closed off, preferring things to go slow. One of the main parts of managing a relationship is knowing not only your own pace… but the pace of the other person.”

“So… Medium…?” She asked slowly.

“Guess you could say that.” Arlia chuckled lightly. “Then just change the speed based on what you experience.”

“I guess that makes sense…” Sylvie nodded, “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” Arlia yawned, before laying back down and dozing off in the field. Sylvie’s eyes drifted over to her as she fell asleep. The Huntress chuckled lightly, continuing to lay next to her while awake, if only to keep watch and make sure that nobody disturbed her.