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Post by Neo on Sept 22, 2015 21:53:35 GMT -6
Zalia nods. "That's an understatement, my girl. In short, the Nebilim Organization is the driving force behind nearly all of the Dark Guilds in Aselia, and even a vast portion of them in Earthland itself. It is an alliance of Dark Guilds lead by three extremely powerful guilds known as the Three Cornerstones; Black Lotus, Silent Skull, and Khaos. All we know is their names, and that's only because they let us. The High Council has been tracking the activities of the Organization for nearly three decades now, and they've barely learned a thing. They're shadows, all of them, and the most dangerous kind of people you can imagine. Naturally, most of this information has been kept secret from the general public, and for good reason. So far, that hasn't been an issue. The council hasn't needed to alert the public. The Organization usually prefers to work in the shadows, and only in the shadows. They don't make scenes... Until now. Basilisk Wattle is a known member of the Organization. They are a grunt guild, and only act on orders from their superiors- a guild that's a big player in the Organization. If it was truly Basilisk Wattle who kidnapped Leone, then that means her kidnapping was ordered by the Organization. Rescuing her... May not be as simple as you thought."
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Post by SummerCrow on Sept 22, 2015 22:03:18 GMT -6
"...Huh. Yeah, I'd say this is pretty bad, alright," Jerid says. "Even if we get our girl back... we... uh... Dang."
Nalia sits staring into space, lost in thought. "That doesn't make much sense...?" she says more to herself than anyone else. "If they're so good at keeping information secret, why give their names...?"
"H-hey," Jerid says, patting her shoulder. "Their names don't matter. What matters is whether or not we can find Basilisk Wattle and take them down without... er..."
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Post by Neo on Sept 23, 2015 11:02:19 GMT -6
"Drawing the attention of their superiors, yes," Zalia finishes. "That is not a fight you want on your hands, believe me."
She suddenly smiles. "That being said, I know you are all going to rescue Leone anyway, regardless of the potential consequences. I would do the same. That's what makes us Wizards. I wish I could provide more assistance in the search, but the majority of my Guild's strongest wizards are out on a rescue mission of their own, and I'm needed back at the Guild. I've arranged for your town and Guild to be under the council's protection, so you shouldn't have too much to worry about on that front. I doubt the Organization has grown so bold or foolish as to declare open war on the council over a single girl. Just be cautious and try not to do anything reckless."
She pushes her chair back and rises to her feet. "I'll be in touch."
She starts to walk away, then abruptly stops and turns to Hecate. "Oh, and Hecate dear, Velia is looking forward to seeing you again. I think you made quite the impression on her. So do make sure you return safely."
With that, Zalia turns on her heel and walks towards the door, but instead of opening it, her form shimmers and flickers, and she walks right through the door, vanishing into thin air. The soundproof barrier around the room vanishes with her.
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Back in her office, Zalia opens her eyes to find a familiar green haired man lounging in a chair in the corner, an open book in his hands.
"We have much to discuss," he greets, closing the book.
Unsurprised and unfazed, Zalia unlocks the bottom drawer of her desk and retrieves a bottle of dark golden liquor, and two glass mugs. "Care for a drink?"
He shakes his head and smiles. "No, thank you. You know I don't drink before noon, Zal."
She scoffs. "Always were a lightweight. Suit yourself. What do you want to discuss?"
"Your grandson."
Zalia pours herself a drink.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2015 16:34:50 GMT -6
Conker despite his best efforts to resist grabbed the peanut and was both happy and ashamed of what he did. "Say thank you," Rosa chided the squirrel who just took the peanut to a corner and snacked on it. "Okay now that we are all here what's next?" Rosa asked. "I mean all we been doing is getting dragged from one location to another and frankly it's soooooooo boooorrrriinnnggg," Rosa exaggerated. "Well I guess it can't hurt to make myself comfortable," Rosa said as she unslinged her staff and pointed it towards the ground. What grew from the ground was a a giant Leaf big enough and sturdy enough to hold her weight.
"What I told you my mom was once a well respected shamen right?" Rosa said as she just looked at everyone. "Summoning a simple Leaf like this is simple, so anyways what are we waiting for?" Rosa asked again having forgot she asked a couple of seconds ago.
Conker was in a corner weeping tears of shame and joy because the peanut was delicious but the peanut represented a squirrel stereotype and he fell for it.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2015 19:29:39 GMT -6
Hecate stood mused on Zalia's words. "I think we're done here for the day." She stated, throwing a glance at the door. The new information had troubled her. The Three Cornerstones... The names sent shivers up and down her spine, and made her more on edge than she liked to admit.
Atticus ceased his pacing, wondering about Basilisk Wattle. "We're in far too deep now," He states, "The only thing we can do is continue with the rescue. But...I find myself more worried the more we get information on them. What would these three, big dark guilds want with Leone?" He asked more to himself than the others, frustration thick in his tone.
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Aldous smiled at Conker's display, and then turned to Rosa. "Unfortunately, we do as we've been doing. We'll need to rendezvous with the others in Ambrosia. We should get started on that," He said, then turned back to Ian. "Your help has been most appreciated, sir."
He stepped back and began to walk off, lost in deep thoughts. Puzzling...
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Post by SummerCrow on Sept 25, 2015 9:48:01 GMT -6
"Hm," Ian said to himself. "What an odd young man."
"He's just upset," Vallory apologizes. "One of our guildmates, Leone, was taken from us recently."
"I see. I wish you luck, then," Ian says. "We'll be here a few more days if you think of any way we can help. I'll make sure to stress how important haste is when I ask Madame Vallast to give you a call."
"Thank you," Vallory says. "Rosa, Conker. We're heading back to the guild hall."
Ian adjusts his hat. "Hmph..." He turns and boards his ship.
"We shouldn't worry about it too much," Jerid says, slapping Atticus on the back.
Nalia pats Hecate's shoulder. "Like Master Graves said, they won't be so bold as to start a war over one little girl... Probably."
"Anyway, we know what we need to do next. We've got all the information we're liable to find, so we head home and share it with the others," Jerid says. "We can catch a train for home this afternoon. In the meantime, we should see the sights a bit, try to relax and get out heads in the right place."
"I know a great little cafe where we can get lunch," Nalia says cheerfully. "We'll meet there at noon, then head back."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2015 12:12:16 GMT -6
Hecate turned to Nalia, confusion etched on her delicate face. "Are we splitting up?" She asked, shifting to one side. Atticus stood up, but didn't seem relieved much by Jerid's words.
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Post by SummerCrow on Sept 25, 2015 13:20:51 GMT -6
"Good point..." Nalia says. "Well, sightseeing's better in a group, anyway. And, lucky, lucky you, you get the cutest tour guide in all of Aselia!"
After a morning of visiting a few shops and strolling around the park, Nalia and Jerid treat Hecate and Atticus to a light lunch at a small cafe near the train station. After they eat, they head to the station, buy their tickets, and board the train. Nalia jumps over Jerid, forming wings to give herself a slight boost, just so she can get the window seat.
"Cheater," he teases.
"Slow-poke," she answers.
"Ouch," he says, clutching his chest.
"Aw, don't pretend to be hurt. OK, OK. I'll give you the window seat to make it up to you." She stands up to let him by. He protests, but she shoves him over. When he sits down, she takes a seat in his lap. "Heehee... How's that?"
"Perfect."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2015 2:12:09 GMT -6
Hecate looks at the couple, smiling warmly at the sight. I'm staring, she thought, then turned her eyes to look at the passing forests and mountains to her left. She had the window seat, and noted Atticus had been much grimmer since Fluffy and Leone's kidnapping. He was really maturing, but a part of her missed his grins and jokes. He was a good friend, and so was Aldous.
Hecate became aware that each of the members had a special place in her heart. They filled a void that had been left by her deceased parents and adoptive mother. Hecate remembered her parents vividly. They were simple villagers, but her mother had once served as a wizard to some guild. or so her father had said. That was...before everything. Hecate traced the scar around her neck. It was barely visible after all these years, but it served a good reminder to not be too trusting of others.
She thought about those dark days when her life had been turned upside down. And for the next years, life had been bright and sunny. She learned much from her adoptive mother, including reading and writing. Her mother knew much about human culture. Hecate always considered herself a dragon despite being human, but she knew her limits. Her mind wandered to her goals. If she traveled the world, she could finally answer the question Veila had asked her during their duel. She glanced at Jerid, Nalia, and Atticus. She didn't want to leave so soon. Maybe she could wait awhile, once Leone was rescued and everything returned to normal.
Sitting on a train made her restless. She was used to fighting or moving about, but decided to improve her patience. Fighting wasn't everything. It got her mind off of things, but it didn't solve everything. She didn't want to become some bloodthirsty wizard with little common sense.
Hecate decided to improve her standing in social matters. She fidgeted. "Um...so...the weather...it's...?" She said, glancing once more between her companions.
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Atticus had been glancing out the window every so often, mind questioning the Three Cornerstones. He wasn't himself. That much he knew. He was more fretful than he had ever been...maybe because he had viewed his guild as friends, but never as family. With all of these things going on, he felt closer to them than he ever had in the years he had been with them.
He wondered if Hecate was the reason they were all so close now, or Leone, or maybe he had never noticed it, and spent all his time joking and flirting with random women impulsively.
"Um...so...the weather...it's...?"
Atticus turned to answer Hecate's question. "Weather looks fine to me," He shrugged, peeking at the mountains in the distance. "And nice as well." He managed a small grin, feeling better. The entire environment felt much better now that he thought about it. Soon, Leone would be with them, and things would be complete. Atticus was sure of that. Basilisk Wattle or no; hell or high water, they would rescue their friend. Atticus was sure he'd prove useful to Alicorn Wing.
Then maybe he and Aldous could be on the same level for once.
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Post by AlmosDug on Sept 26, 2015 11:01:48 GMT -6
Walking into Djinni Haze's underground guild hall, Verala inhaled a negligible portion of the smoke filling the air, coming from several smokers gathered at tables and a large bonfire in the middle of the room that cast a shimmering, golden light. Underneath an inn deep in the residential district, the group was one of the only thief guilds thriving in the well-regulated city, and most of its members looked the part of the average citizen, a convenience for their purposes. Behind the bar stood the guild sweetheart, Farah. Tanned, and covered in fine jewelry, the woman enjoyed taunting the generally subdued guildsmen. "Heya, Verala. Slow morning around here as usual, though lunch people might start trickling in soon. How's the sun rising for you?"
"Good as ever. What sorts of jobs have come through since last week? Caien seemed really excited to have me come back, so I'm assuming there's more magically-inclined jobs?" Staring at the board on the wall behind the counter, the various pages detailing available jobs scarcely looked any different than usual.
"Yes, quite a few. Said to make sure only mages or our top thieves were allowed to try their hands at these." Reaching under the counter, past her own armaments and snacks, Farah procured a small stack of papers, several groups of papers separated with paper clips, and the top page of each group was marked with red, indicating it as the cover for that assignment. "Don't go getting yourself killed with these, I ask of you."
"I promise I'll stay within my limits," the young mage replied with a smile. Sifting through the papers, she read each set thoroughly, weighing the time, resources and risk she'd have to invest against the reward. Too dangerous... Awful reward... I don't think I could blend well with a brotherhood of monks... What is this? "Farah, this job... This is an assassination, isn't it?"
The bartender turned to Verala worriedly and looked at the assignment with her. "'Steal a Dragon Slayer's heart?' Oh, by the frost, that old fool... He would pull some ridiculous work-around like this for the sake of taking big jobs. Well..." Sighing, then cussing in a foreign language, Farah looked around the guild, and then whispered. "Look. It's ridiculous, moreso than golden deserts, and it's suited for a Dark Guild, but we can both agree it's a good job. I trust you, so I'd rather the job go through you than any of these idiots. Please take it. It'd be much easier than dealing with the master, or the Dark Guilds who might take offense to us stealing their work. Understand?"
"I... I'd like to look the job over a bit more..." Farah nodded at the girl, looking away and biting her lip. Verala became focused on the job, pulling out her cigarette holder and lighting up as she thought. Alicorn Wing... Supposedly an Iron Dragon Slayer they call Hecate... Harborshore... This is good info to go with the mission. Getting involved with a guild is dangerous, but can be beneficial in its own ways. Joining would even be viable for me. Excellent reward, and I can't see a kill like this taking more than a week, with few resources of my own needed. I don't have the same qualms about killing as some of the others either... I can't think of a reason to say no to this job. "Farah. I'm going to take the job. I'll leave now, so I can hopefully end this sooner. It sounds like the quicker and quieter, the better, yes?"
Nodding again, the tan woman smiled gratefully. "Exactly, sugar. I'll make sure to chew out the old man for both our sakes, on this one. May your head stay cool."
"Thanks. Try to keep from having to move the base again while I'm gone." Standing up, Verala deposited the cigarette from her holder in an ash tray, and began walking away. As she approached the stairwell leading to the surface, however, her papers on the job offer were snatched out of her hand by an old man in a rather luxurious coat.
"Ahhh hahhh. You never struck me as a romantic, miss Loenns. Or a lesbian, for that matter." Scratching his chin, the guildmaster Caien gave Verala a thumbs up gesture.
"Uh... What? What do you mean, sir?"
"What do you mean what do I mean? You're taking a job to seduce a Dragon Slayer! It's a rather bold job, but I like to think we've some bold thieves among us."
"Ohhh... Well, that's... That's not quite what I thought the job was, at all..." Verala watched the guildmaster's expression quickly start shifting away from its usual smile to a more neutral state, and decided then that she had to complete the job."I'll still take the job, sir! And I'll return victorious too. We'll show them, Djinni Haze can steal anything we care to. Just watch me." Promptly walking away with purpose in each stride, the brunette missed both her guildmaster's proud smile and Farah approaching the guildmaster, about to yell at him for taking such a job in the first place, and soon after for misinterpreting the request. I'll head for the train station, catch the first train to Harborshore that I can, and join this Alicorn Wing by nightfall!
Walking onto the train, Verala shifted the hand her suitcase was in, and tugged at her cocoon coat. While she was eager to leave earlier, packing her suitcase in preparation to stay in Harborshore gave her time to think about how difficult evading suspicion would be, especially when she would have to leave the guild after completing her quest. Mage guilds are generally less mindful of their members, if I recall correctly. They don't have secrets they need to protect like us thieves do, so it would make sense that leaving would be easier. I suppose the biggest complication would be the Dragon Slayer... What am I supposed to do with her when I've done it? Looking up, the brunette was shook from her thoughts as she saw the mark of the very guild she was looking to meet plastered on someone's forehead.
Thinking quickly, Verala considered how the ticket she had purchased was for a first class car, but the Alicorn Wing member was sitting in a business class seat, and stealthily swapped her ticket with the woman walking in front of her. As the woman moved to sit down, Verala pointed out the ticket's class to her, and took a seat across the aisle from the Alicorn Wing member.
Observing, she noted that all four of the group appeared to be members of the guild. Lucky me... Need to think of how to introduce myself, though... Hmm... That one, with the mark on her forehead... Dark skin, odd hair color... All three match up with my target. Normally I'd kill for a target to come within reach so easily... But there's still a lot of work to do here. "Excuse me," Verala called out to the group after some time. Leaning out her seat and slightly into the aisle, she pointed at their visible guild marks, "you're part of a guild, yes? Alicorn Wing? My name is... Amaryllis. I'm a mage myself, and was actually traveling to Harborshore in hopes of joining your guild." As though she needed to prove herself then and there, she pulled a Live-Coal container out from inside her coat, and produced a small Chain Plant from it, wrapping it around her arm. "And you all?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2015 11:50:53 GMT -6
Hecate broke her gaze from the window, regarding Amaryllis with a strange, cool gaze. She looked at Jerid and Nalia...wondering what they were thinking about this. She couldn't help but feel that something was wrong, terribly wrong with this situation.
"Why do you want to join Alicorn Wing?" She asked, speaking before Jerid or Nalia could agree to her claim. How odd, she thought, that someone aboard this train would want to join their guild. But until she had evidence, she couldn't say this woman was lying about anything. Hecate shook her head free of those thoughts. She was becoming paranoid with everything going on recently.
Atticus turned to gaze out the window, but one eye stealthily watched the woman before them, taking interest in the chain plant. He had never seen such a thing before.
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Post by SummerCrow on Sept 26, 2015 12:26:20 GMT -6
Nalia claps her hands lightly. "What a neat trick!"
Jerid grins. "Sounds like you have our vote of approval. And honestly, we aren't in any position to turn down good mages right now. How do you feel about life-threatening fights against overwhelmingly massive and powerful dark guilds?"
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Post by AlmosDug on Sept 26, 2015 12:59:20 GMT -6
Caught off guard by the dark girl's question, Verala smiled and tried to think on her feet. "I've been thinking to join a guild for some time. I'd heard a Dragon Slayer joined you, and an awesome magic like that sounds like it'll be nice to be around."
Turning her head towards the couple, the thief raised an eyebrow. "Is... that something your guild does often? I suppose, as a mage, I'd have little choice but to assist. Can't let those criminals run free!" A wide grin betrayed her thoughts. I may be able to make myself rather valuable to them right away if I can get info from Caien. He should have some helpful contacts at least. Might compensate for this crap it sounds like I'll have to deal with.
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Post by SummerCrow on Sept 26, 2015 13:37:43 GMT -6
"It would be a shame to let such a valuable potential recruit get away, wouldn't it, Hecate?" Nalia says with a smile.
Jerid wraps his arms around his wife, hoping to get the message across with an innocent hug. "A real shame," he repeats calmly.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2015 14:19:16 GMT -6
Hecate resisted the urge to sigh. Jerid and Nalia, they were purposefully manipulating her. She couldn't say no. She almost looked to Atticus for help, but figured that would be too suspicious. Even saying no would be suspicious, and she wasn't sure if she had set the strange woman off all ready.
"You're free to join us." Hecate said, tone neutral.
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Post by SummerCrow on Sept 26, 2015 14:56:19 GMT -6
Well, the guildmaster has to make it official, but it's not too early early for a nice, congratulatory hug... Don't you think, Hecate?" Nalia suggests.
"You could save some seats and ride like us," Jerid offers. "At least let our new friend sit in the middle."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2015 15:11:23 GMT -6
Hecate gritted her teeth inconspicuously and sat to the left, leaving the middle open. Atticus gave the couple a strange look, but said nothing more as the stranger woman came over and sat between them.
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Post by AlmosDug on Sept 26, 2015 15:45:26 GMT -6
"Ah, thank you," Verala chimed as she sat down. "Such a friendly group, I'd almost expected powerful mages to be more intimidating."
Hearing Hecate's name a couple of times, she focused on her seemingly awkward responses. This could be difficult. She's hardly receptive at all. Who am I kidding? Of course it's difficult. Wouldn't be worth it otherwise. "You're... Hecate? But that means... You're the Dragon Slayer I heard of! Oh, this is amazing, I, uh... I didn't expect to actually meet you for a while. You're prettier than I heard." Attempting to appear as though she thought especially highly of Hecate, Verala tried to fix her hair as she kept her eyes focused on the Dragon Slayer. "And your guildmates seem to look to you too. You must be very special."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2015 15:57:45 GMT -6
Hecate cocked her head to the side, not knowing she had a reputation. "I...I'm afraid I don't understand. I'm just a simple Dragon Slayer, and I'm not even strong enough to consider giving others a run for their money. Whatever the rumors say about me, they're probably not true," She explained, blushing slightly at being called pretty. "Erm...thank you for the compliments, Amaryllis. It's very kind of you."
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Post by AlmosDug on Sept 28, 2015 13:10:58 GMT -6
She's responding well to flattery, it seems. If only I had a better idea on how to flatter... "Hehe, is it hard for you to be so humble while saying something as silly as 'a simple Dragon Slayer?' Are you friends with a 'simple' S-class mage too?" Giggling again, Verala began considering her magical options that might assist her job. "You know, you don't have to use my full name. I'm rather aware it's a mouthful."
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