Eldritch

[Kyng]

 Ever since the Empyrean Project, the seeds of mistrust had festered between the sentient races that watched over the world. The survivors now having been relocated to the once humble and rural Cornucopia region, while having lead to the construction of the great city of Hamson as well as many other powerful settlements, brought these seeds along with them upon their vessels as they sailed to this still safe land. At first, it was small, with very simple snide comments becoming more prevalent between the community. But soon it blossomed - only the Council's representatives of the Great Clans, the Races, was truly keeping things together, yet each member still had the best interests for their own kin.
 
 Fights breaking out, unjust treatment and criminal activity flourishing, Hamson was the only true remnant of cosmopolitan belief, though said principle, too, was dying out. The haven of a city maintained the fair practises through stern rule of the Council. Yet, even then, the underground gladly throws these practises aside, and many of the Councils' decisions still seem to divide the public apart. All seems lost, in a world ravaged by loss, and a hunger for power. Perhaps the saddest part of this truth was that nobody even seemed to care anymore, that with the world's death so too came the death of the union the great races once had with each other.
 
 Even in the Quester's Rest, a warm, humble inn, this is no different. A lone dwarf finds himself downing a pint of ale, warming his cockles as he clenches his fist, keeping to himself, though berated by a number of drunk men. Perhaps along with the drink, these men too had forgotten the vicious temper a dwarf has. Even though heavily discouraged by many of the staff, there's not much reasoning one can do with a band of men, each with a weapon in hand - it seemed nowadays nobody could be without arms, or you'd be severely at a disadvantage.
 
 Things soon began to go south with the dwarf leaving his chair and confronting the men, bellowing at them. Unfortunately these men were no mere cowards, but rogues under the false illusion of invulnerability - and they proceeded to demonstrate such by lobbing a tankard for the back of the dwarf's head. The rest of the inn turning quiet, the barkeep barked that he'd had enough with their attitude and wanted them out. Though a grumble and a chuckle came from the stoic dwarf, who grinned and softly spoke, very well hiding his rage, "I'll throw these feckers out meself."
 
 With that erupted a bar fight between the three men and the dwarf, and truth be told the dwarf was holding his own, having thrown the table over the men - but there's strength in numbers, and with that the men swiftly and hastened had grappled and began to beat the dwarf in the stomach, mocking him for his "disability" and throwing such trash talk about them being the superior species. Needless to say the barkeep was barking that was enough - but it was by the blade of one young man that stopped the three.
 
 Ajax Bahadúr's edge to the necks of the punching ruffian, he leered at the man and simply told him to leave. Initially the rogue went for his dagger, but Ajax was no fool, revealing a Green Mana Crystal in his other hand to further bolster his threat. It was enough to make the three back off out of the inn, the group not wanting to deal with the danger that was associated with magic, but not before cussing dwarves and asserting their belief of their inherent superiority.
 
 The dwarf, with a bruised and bloodied face, winced as he got up from the floor, to which Ajax crushed the Crystal and proceeded to heal him with magic. Ajax frowned as he looked over to the door, before looking back to the dwarves. "This has gone on long enough, hasn't it?"
 
 The dwarf's brow raised as he looked over the young man. "Wha- what are you feckin' on about, lad..." Rubbing his cheek he winced a little, before taking his seat once again, Ajax inviting himself to sit with the dwarf. "It innae every day I get bollocked in the face a few time- feck!" He cussed again, slamming a fist into the table in regard to the sting of the wounds. Even though they were healing, it didn't mean it wouldn't hurt.
 
 Ajax shook his head before looking over the inn, raising his tone a little. "Look around us, dwarf." Sighing as he returned to the dwarf's gaze he sighed. "People may not like to talk about it, but everything is falling apart. You've heard the rumours, kins fighting with others for no good reason. Inquisitors capturing and torturing mages, and vice-versa. We're at war with our own bloody people."
 
 The dwarf chuckled. "No shite, son." He remarked. "Also, call me by me name, you fool. Alviss." With that he raised a tankard to the barkeep - he was quite parched after getting roughed up like that.
 
 Ajax frowned. "Are you telling me that you'd consider yourself being beaten like that a joke?" The young lad's inspiration was stern. "What if it were a mere merchant or beggar? A woman, or child? Would it be funny then?" This notably brought Alviss' chuckle to a halt, though Ajax continued to say "Society is crumbling apart from the inside. Even though the armies of our people are fighting the abominations that threaten our safety, we're destroying ourselves and making their efforts moot."
 
 Alviss frowned with a raised brow. "That's all good and all, but what the heck are you going to do about it?" With that he prodded his stout finger at Ajax. "Flip your lip all you feckin' want, lad, but if you can't walk the walk, your word is as good as muck." Alviss took a swig of his refilled tankard, thanking the girl who dropped it off. In doing so he glanced around at the many eyes of the other people, who seemed to be eavesdropping in on the conversation.
 
 Ajax smirked to Alviss before softly saying "I have a plan." Alviss raised his brows curiously to this, which brought a smile to Ajax's handsome face. "I'm going to start a company, a group of wayfarers, sellswords with a sense of justice and honour - because money is power, and truth be told we'd need a lot of it to make significant changes around here-"
 
 "We?" Alviss asked with a raised brow. "Since when the feck did I ever agree to become a petty mercenary for a boy like you?"
 
 "Not mercenaries." Ajax stressed. "Adventurers, treasure hunters, questing folk. We'd be reaping our own reward on our paths, and if we get rewarded, then even better." Alviss frowned to Ajax before taking another swig, finishing the tankard as he continued to listen in. It was then when Ajax stood up, beginning to address the entirety of the Quester's Rest on the whole. "But to do any of that, I need adventurers. I've lived in this inn for a while now, and I know that there're people here who could either use the money, or who enjoy adventuring for what it is worth."
 
 Alviss, with a smirked, looked up to Ajax, shaking his head. "You ballsy fool." He had no intention of sitting up for him just yet, even though he did feel the urge. The boy had adventure in his eye, and it made the dwarf's blood boil with excitement.
 
 Ajax continued to plead his case. "People can say the Empire was at its greatest because it was churning money, but it wouldn't ever begin without the united races of people who made it great! We can do that again, too. We can start again. We can turn Cornucopia into the starting place for a new Empire to resurface, a world where everyone's happy, well fed - but I can't do that alone. I urge you, if you share this like-mindedness, join me. Let's stop sitting around, wallowing, and do something about this mess!"
 
 Ajax looked around - to no surprise, nobody was going to jump to their feet at such a notion. It was a job, yes, but far from safe, and with such a radical motivation that seemed to defy the common sense at the time, why would anyone want to take up such a job?
 
 The answer came from Alviss standing up, drawing Ajax's gaze to him. "You've got some fecking balls, kiddo. You've got some fecking balls, spouting shite like that in a place like this." With a hearty chuckle, Alviss gave Ajax a powerful pat on the back. "But you'd get yourself killed. You need someone with experience. You need someone who's done this kind of thing before." With a big grin he smirked to him. "You need me, lad. If you'll lead me to gold, girls and glory, you have my axe."
 
 Ajax smiled softly to Alviss, before nodding. "Then I will do just that, Alviss. Thank you." Ajax then looked to the rest of the inn, his face booming with confidence. "Come on now, deep down in your hearts, if you want to do something, then join us. We can do this, but only as a team - so let's take the world by storm by becoming the strongest team ever assembled!"

[Ren✧]

Gryphon was the first to wake up, as was usual. Having lived in the wild Abkhazi Forest for a few years, he was accustomed to getting up early to either take his shift on guard or to go hunting before the daylight creatures left their nests. This habit, coupled with his enhanced senses, made it difficult to sleep late. The hustle and bustle of metropolitan life was a vulgar assault on Gryphon's nose and ears. The city of Hamson was always filled with loud noises and horrendous odors, it was amazing how so many people just went about their lives here without even noticing. 

 

Gryphon shifted to move out of bed, but his attempt was met with a groan from the body that lay draped over him. Gryphon let out a soft chuckle that was really more of an amused sigh than anything else. Damian sleeping next to him had become so normal that hadn't even noticed that the slightly younger man's arm was carelessly wrapped around Gryphon's chest. 

 

"How does this always happen?" Gryphon muttered helplessly. For as long as he had known Damian, he had been a restless sleeper. It wasn't uncommon for the studious mage to fall out of bed several times throughout the night. "Hey." Gryphon whispered into Damian's ear. The man stirred slightly, Gryphon's breath tickling his inner ear, but gave no sign of rising from his unconscious state. "Damian." Gryphon tried again, making his voice a little louder for him to hear. Again the man simply stirred, as if batting away an annoying fly in his sleep. Gryphon rolled his eyes in frustration. It was a good thing that a murderer hadn't tried to get at Damian in his life, because it would be very possible that he would sleep through his own stabbing.

 

"Wake up!" Gryphon said, his voice rising to the point it became a shout. This time Damian reacted suddenly, his head whipping upward and body jerking to the side. This sudden movement and Damian's own disoriented frame of mind from still being half asleep caused him to lose any form of balance and topple over Gryphon and on to the floor, pulling most of the coverings on the bed with him. 

 

"Son of a b****." Damian muttered. He rubbed his head which had already begun to develop a bump where he had hit it on the oaken floors of the room. He cast off the sheets and covers that covered his head, ready to tell Gryphon off for his antics but as soon as he opened his mouth he quickly shut it and turned a light shade of red.

 

"Quite a sight to wake up to, isn't it?" Gryphon said, a confident and amused smile dancing lightly on his lips, as he gestured to his naked form. 

 

"Um-uh-uuhhh." Damian stammered out, his face getting redder by the moment. The events of the night before began to return to him as he too realized wasn't wearing in clothing. "That-uh-th-th-that was very irresponsible of us." Damian stuttered. "Someone could have w-w-walked in on us and th-then they would have known." The words just came sputtering out of Damian's mouth and he looked like he was going to go on about the dangers of the two having sex, but Gryphon silenced him with a quick kiss and then pulled away as he stood up and stretched. 

 

Damian watched as the thick muscles in his back uncoiled themselves from the cramped position they had obtained from sleeping on the less than perfect mattress. "You've got to relax." Gryphon said, chuckling slightly. "Just because you're on an assignment doesn't mean you can't have a little fun." Gryphon was no admiring himself in the mirror, striking a few flexed poses. 

 

"Th-that isn't it Gryphon. I-I-I am just not ready f-"

 

"..for people to know. I know." Gryphon interrupted. Damian looked away sheepishly. A slight frown crossed Gryphon's face. He knew, probably better than anyone else, what Damian was going through. He would like to comfort him by saying that no one would look at him differently for being who he was, but Gryphon didn't think he could put any conviction behind the words. Of course people would look at him different, right now everyone was just looking for more ways to draw a line in the sand. Ostracism didn't just end between the races. 

 

"We'll be more careful alright. As far as the world knows, we are two, completely heterosexual, not at all involved, cousins." Gryphon said, placing a hand on Damian's shoulder. Those words seemed to have calmed him down. "Now go get ready, we have another day of sitting and waiting in front of us." Gryphon said with mock enthusiasm. 

 

Damian chuckled. "I'll meet you downstairs." He said. With those parting words, Damian closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and by the time he had exhaled he was sitting in his own room at the Quester's Inn, just one door to the right of the room he had been in previously. The young mage gathered a few articles of clothing and began to get dressed. All the while, thinking about the assignment that Herodotous had given him.

 

A few weeks prior, the powerful archmage had called Damian into his study. He then explained to his potential-filled pupil that he had seen something puzzling in his most recent divination. He had seen a band of mismatched adventurers making their way across an unknown plain. Leading the group had been a young man that shone so bright that even the archmage could not scry his future. It had been that he had ordered Damian to stake out the Quester's Inn in the city of Hamson and look for the man he had saw in the vision. Whatever was going to happen, he needed to have a first-hand witness.

 

And so, Damian, and Gryphon who had tagged along, had been staying at the inn for two weeks now. Each day that sat down by the bar, waiting for something to happen, but nothing had so far. It was boring work, but Damian felt hopeful about today. Today would be the day, he thought. And that alone terrified him. He wasn't good on adventures, not like Gryphon was. He didn't like the wilderness or the imminent danger. "Why did I agree to this?" He complained out loud, having finished getting ready. 

 

Several hours later...

 

"Trouble." Gryphon said underneath his breath, only loud enough for Damian to hear. The two had been sitting down in the pub, just like they had for the past two weeks. 

 

"What are you talking about?" Damian asked confused, not having enough sense to take stock of the room. He was sitting facing Gryphon, his eyes into the corner of the room and his back turned to everyone else. It was an ideal position to be in. Gryphon, on the other hand, had his back to the wall and had been scanning the room for any sign of their target. 

 

"Trouble." Gryphon repeated. This time, he gestured to a group of men that were strutting over to where a burly dwarf sat, sipping ale from a tankard. Damian nodded in agreement, having turned to get a better view of the room. Now the two waited for the scene to unfold. The three men and the dwarf quickly got into a quarrel that almost immediately led to fisticuffs. Gryphon jumped up from his seat, ready to intervene. There was nothing honorable about a three on one fight. However, before he could step in, someone else did.

 

He quickly dispatched one of the ruffians and then gestured to a mana crystal that was clenched in one hand. Just like that, the conflict was over and the group of renegades shuffled out of the inn. Gryphon took his seat. "The most excitement we've seen in weeks." Gryphon said, taking a long draft from his own tankard. Damian wasn't paying attention to him though, he was studying the man that had come to the dwarf's defense.

 

"By the arcane..." He exclaimed. "That's him!" Their search was over, that was the man that Herodotous had sent them to find. Before Damian could spring up and contact the man, however; he began to speak not just to the dwarf, but to the entire pub. He talked of squelching the flames of ostracism that raged about Cornucopia, about forming a team of adventurers that could heal the land of its prejudices. Damian though the idea, while pure, was a bit naive, but it appeared that Gryphon had taken a liking to the idea. 

 

"We're in!" He shouted before anyone else had the chance to reply. Damian sighed. 

 

"Great, an adventure." 

[Aix]

Selisen was a relatively new arrival to the Quester's Rest, and already, he had found a cozy spot in the corner, to the right of the hearth, where he could sit with his hooded cloak shrouding him in mystery. The other patrons didn't bother him once they noticed his silver-black skin, the drow were regarded with well-deserved fear as well as a certain degree of disgust, something Selisen noticed and begrudged greatly while on his journey here. It caused a barrier between him and any others he met, a wall he had no idea how to scale, nor how to smash down. It wasn't something he could solve with his blades or by creeping in the shadows like he always did, it was vexing and incredibly so. Selisen spent many days, and nights, pondering what course of action to take, before he finally reached a rather unsavoury solution.

Before he could put it into action, a fight broke out from across the bar. It was between a dwarf and three men, unlikely to be a fair match. Selisen furrowed his brow, these incidents were a commonplace occurrence. Already in the two days he had boarded here he had gotten used to such ruckus. But there was something unacceptable to Selisen here. His sharp elven ears had picked up now on the words being thrown between them. Easily, the dwarf was the victim here, a victim of hate and discrimination for no reason, apparently, other than his race. Gritting his teeth, Selisen stood up, sending his chair jutting back and toppling over... but the fight had already ended.

A young man had stepped up before him. A young man with auburn hair and very vibrant blue eyes; a handsome figure, the image of a knight in shining armour, without the shining armour, and an ally of justice and morality. Settling the fight quickly and healing the dwarf's wounds, he began to speak, and speak he did. Selisen had pulled his chair back into place and was about to sit down again when he caught the man's words. He knew little about the Empire before the Empyrean Project, but he knew revolution when he saw it. This was a like-minded man standing before him, and it was up to like-minded men to band together and change the world. He had failed once to change anything, but he was determined not to fail again. With confidence he did not have moments before, Selisen strode forth, amidst all the uproar that ensued from the man's outrageous speech, and swiftly propped himself onto the table before the man while crossing his legs. This was his solution - he was approaching the man in the only way he knew. Selisen then flipped his hood back, revealing his beautiful, effeminate visage for all to behold and silencing the few around him with awe. Tilting his head onto his shoulder in a seductive motion whilst pushing his platinum hair over his shoulder, he flapped his eyelashes a few times, and looked upon the man with bedroom eyes.

 

"I like the sound of that, you wouldn't mind if I joined you, would you, sir?" He stretched a hand over and placed it on the man's shoulder, holding his gaze. Perhaps the resulting awkwardness was something that Selisen would never be able to forget.

[a bad post]

In the early morning Daphne was startled by the loud bang in the room over from the one she had been cleaning. The young woman's shift had started quite early in the morning, and she had already been working for quite some time when the bang startled her. Finishing making the bed she closed the door softly so as to not disturb the still sleeping guests.

 

Softly she knocked on the door of the room adjoining the one she had just been in, from where she presumed the bang had come from. No response. Was the person in there okay...? Or maybe they were being robbed...!? Oh, she would be in so much trouble if that happened. Reaching quickly for the doornob she was needless to say quite startled when the door opened and smacked her in the face.

 

"Eeep!" Daphne grabbed forehead, looking at the young man who had just emerged from room in embarrassed horror, "Oh- a- I'm... I didn't... please... don't be upset... I heard... and I was worried... hurt... robberies..." After this Daphne's words only came in small incoherent burst as she tried to explain herself, before bowing and quickly walking away not even giving the man a chance to respond.

 

Several Hours Later

 

Daphne walked behind the bar having finished her housekeeping duties, picking up a serving tray when the barkeep noticed the tasty red mark she developed on her head.

 

"Daphne, c'mere a minute," the barkeep motioned the confused girl over, and tilted her up,"what 'appened 'ere?" He noticed the girl's immediate embarrassed response.

 

"W-well... I... sort of walked into... into... door..." Daphne looked away biting her lip, and he could tell this quite an awkward situation for her, but he had never known Daphne to be a clumsy girl, and wanted to make sure that something shady wasn't happening to one of his workers.

 

"Daphne, 'as someone been 'itting you?" the barkeep asked pursing his lips.

 

"Oh, no! No!" Daphne's eyes widened with shock, and she waved her arms in front of her knowing what the situation must look like, "R-really I heard a long bang in the room next the one I was cleaning, and I went to go check it out, and then the guest opened the door, and smacked me right in the forehead... on accident." Daphne's redness had now spread to her entire face as well as her ears.

 

"Oh... well then," the barkeep scratched the back of his head, "I see... uh... well carry on then..." Nodding her head quickly Daphne walked out of the back heading to serve the patrons their drinks. It wasn't uncommon for brawls to erupt in the pub, and it didn't take long for one to happen today either.

 

From practice Daphne knew to back off, while the men began to beat on a dwarf, and while the barkeep tried to break it up it was futile as the dwarf instigated the men even further. Luckily a young man with rust colored hair stepped in to stop the fight, his silent threat driving the men out the door.

 

Once the fight had broken up, and the tensions had died down Daphne delivered another mug of ale to the dwarf whole had gotten into the altercation earlier. He and the young man seemed to be in a heated discussion, which Daphne felt like having no part of. Suddenly the young man jumped up startling Daphne and almost causing her to drop the rest of her payload.

 

Daphne continued her duties while listening to the man's speech about uniting people and building a new Empire. It was a ridiculous idea, but never the less Daphne approached the man... but not for the reason one might think.

 

"Umm... s-sir could you please not cause a disturbance..." Daphne asked in a small voice. 

[Cherz]

Kaitlin had been in Forest Abkhazia that morning, quietly tending to her garden. The orchids had been growing quiet nice. However, unlike a lot of the other Wood Elves, Kaitlin was completely alone, not willing to spend any time with the other elves. Likewise, they avoided her. Kaitlin had been a lone wolf for a while. Her rifle was leaning against a tree not too far away. It was a reminder that she gave up living with the others, only socializing with them when she was required. She hummed a tune she learned from the humans in her time fighting with them, before finishing her gardening. Today was a bright day, and she had decided it was time she had a drink again. It had been years since she had tasted alcohol on her tongue, and it was about time she did. She got up and slung her rifle over her shoulder, before heading to her small home.

 

Kaitlin entered it and looked around. She quickly found what she was looking for;A small brown chest. She gingerly plucked it open, and looked at the contents with mixed feelings. Each and every item in there was some kind of human item. A hair tie, a bobby pin, a few plates, a dog tag, and lastly a black and white photo of her and someone else. She grabbed the hair tie, bobby pin, and the photo. She brushed her thumb over it, remembering before the cataclysm, then put it back.

 

Kaitlin closed the chest swiftly, not wishing to remind herself of everything she lost during the cataclysm. She twisted her brown hair into a military bun, and pinned one of her braids to the side of her hair. Kaitlin quickly grabbed her silk hood and threw it over her head, deciding where she needed to go: The Questers Rest. It was not far off, and she had been there a few times before.

 

Kaitlin made her way through Forest Abkhazia, taking her time. She passed by the other Wood Elves without so much as a passing glance. She navigated the trees, preferring to avoid her usual path. She simply walked through the maze of trees, stalling her time out so she could think before getting into the busy city of Hamson. It was quiet some time since she had been in a human city. She knew she would hate the overwhelming talking and noises, shouting and what not, but it was worth it to go to a simple place that she had fonder memories of. 

 

Several hours later

Kaitlin had found the place she was looking for. She entered the Questers rest, and took a sea, far away from the dwarf. She got a bit of wine, and thought about the last time she was here. Her day dream was broken when a few humans picked a quarrel with the Dwarf. Kaitlin didn't care. It was better him than her. She sat back and watched the scene unfold. Even with three people beating down on him, he still had the guts to talk shite to them. She sighed, expecting him to get stabbed or something. Not many people can tolerate a Dwarf running his dirty mouth, especially not a bunch of egotistical brats that are the bane of this worlds order. She waited for all of hell to break loose, but something off happened. Something even she didn't expect.

 

A different human, one with brown hair and ocean blue eyes stepped in. He put the three idiots in their place, and began talking to the Dwarf. Kaitlin couldn't help but eavesdropping on the conversation. She moved closer to catch it all. She caught the conversation, and stifled her laugh. 

 

'Who does this kid think he is?' She thought. However, the tone of his voice and the seriousness in it caught her off guard. She didn't believe anyone would do this just out of the goodness in their heart. Everyone had self centered motives. As she always said; Laws are what ever works at the time. Kaitlin needed to find more about this man though. She was not sure of what to think, and even though he was on to something, she needed to find out more.

 

She put her rifle over her shoulder, and stood up. She swiftly made her way through the crowd, and removed her silken hood. "This plan of yours...I would like to accept the invitation to join your 'team.' When the time is better, I would like to speak with you in private." She spoke.

[Ren✧]

The pale purple palanquin stood out quite well on the streets of Hamson city. The curtains were drawn, but were light enough for light to filter through and reveal the silhouette of a womanly figure. The palanquin was carried low to the ground, as was made necessary by those that carried. A gaggle of gnomes, four in all, strained under the weight of the structure. It was a wonder they were even able to carry it at all. 

 

"Pick up the pace." The figure inside croaked out. Despite the womanly appearance, the voice that accompanied was a mix between a hiss and the sound of turning gears. Those on the street that heard the sickening noise immediately gave the palanquin a wide berth. Following the command, the gnomes strained their already tired muscles to make it the final distance to a quaint looking pub, the Quester's Inn. 

 

The gnomes quickly set down the palanquin and each pulled out a shiny, brass trumpet. Between them they carried a red, roll out carpet that they placed at the edge of the palanquin and rolled to the front of the door. Two of the gnomes grabbed baskets of flower petals and with that they started to play their trumpets. As they did so, the figure inside the palanquin began to move. 

 

Legs first, she left the palanquin. Her lavender skin contrasted with those around her, immediately drawing herself attention. However, it was her other features that maintained their gazes. Standing a good head or two above the tallest man on the street she wasn't a sight that was easy to miss. Her arms, all six of them, began to lazily wave to the random passerby on the street. 

 

Elegantly, she strutted across the red carpet, the gnomes casting flower petals both in front and behind her. She waited at the door for one of the gnomes to get it for her, however; before they could the door was thrust open and three ruffians scrambled out, each of them running into the gargatuan lady. 

 

"Hey, what the FU-" The man didn't finish the curse, as he looked up into the woman's face. Her sharp features were pulled back into the most putrid of sneers, revealing her blackened teeth, really more of a set of fangs than anything else. 

 

"What gives you the right to lay a hand on royalty, peasant?" She asked, her raspy voice sending shivers down the man's spine. 

 

"What are you?" He sputtered out. The woman growled, grabbing all three of the ruffians by their shirt collars. 

 

"I aM BEAUTIFUL!" She screamed in the man's face, then proceeded to throw him and his two friends across the street. 

 

With that, she walked inside the Quester's Inn, ducking to avoid hitting the door frame. The gnomes reached a crescendo in their playing and stopped. "Rise." The woman said, as if the pub had turned to bow, which they hadn't. Despite her noisy entrance, not many gave her a second look. "I am Mephala, the fairest in all of Cornucopia. You may address me as such." She went on, not even noticing that people weren't listening. 

 

"We'd be reaping out own reward. And if we are rewarded, all the better." Mephala finally took note of the auburn headed man that garnered the inn's attention. The prospect of reward caught her attention. She listened to him speak about uniting the races and bringing forth a new empire, but she didn't particularly care for any of that. Reward meant money. More money meant more fame. Mephala could be into that. It seemed that this kid had big plans. Plus, he wasn't bad looking. 

 

She made her way to the boy, but before she could make her presence, a cloaked figure with a slight frame revealed itself. Pulling back its hood, the Drow gave the man a suggestive stare. The effeminate face and soft features pointed to the Drow being a female, but its flat chest said otherwise. "I am Mephala." The Beastkin said, placing a strong emphasis on the 'I'. "It would be your pleasure to have me." She said, trying to pull attention away from the Drow. She was not appreciative of his pretty face. 

[Hotaru987]

Sitting at one of the many tables in Quester's Rest were two young looking women. One a human, adorned in light battle armor and a whip by her side. Her long golden blond hair, pulled into a high ponytail. Her deep red eyes passing over her companion in awe and wonder. Her companion was a young female elf, though who knew just how old she was. The human had heard that elves could look young but be hundreds of years old. The human had yet to ask this elf. The human surveyed her companion, the gloves over her hands and the lack of weapon told her that she was a close combat fighter. Either that or she was a germ freak. At first the human would assume a mage, but the elf's physique was that of someone who has trained many years in fighting. Not that of a backseat mage. The two of them only met some time ago, having both been involved with a little kid with some sticky fingers. Afterwards the two ladies decided to get food together as both had just returned from a long journey.

 

"So your name is Zinnia right?" The human asked putting down her drink. The elf smiled, using her right hand to brush back a lock of brown hair behind her pointed ears. 

 

"That's right. If I remember correctly, which I am sure I do, you go by the name Ryne Clobbif." Zinnia tilted her head, "Quite an odd last name for a human."

 

Ryne blinked confused, "Human? I'm an Orc."

 

Zinnia raised a brow, "Right, sure you are.

 

"Anyway, where I come from that last name is quite common." She took another swig of her drink, "So I's got a question. Don't get angry or nothing, but just how old are you? I heard that elves can hundreds of years old but you'd never know by looking at them."

 

Zinnia sighed, "No, it's alright. I've heard this question many times. I'm only 59-"

 

"No way!!" Ryne shouted raising from her seat. "You totally look my age! Man you elves are something. So which one are you? A drow? Wood Elf? High elf?"

 

"You must not get out much." Zinnia chuckled. "If I was a Drow i'd have darker skin." Ryne made an 'O' with her mouth in understanding, "I'm a High elf, and if you ask me the best of the bunch." So she was pretty boastful about her heritage, but who wasn't? It was then the two heard a ruckus on the other side of the bar. It looked to be a dwarf, and some humans who decided to pick a fight. The humans were going on about how their race was better than that of a lowly dwarf, and continued to beat the dwarf. Though, the dwarf did put up a good fight, considering he was probably a big tipsy, but in the end the 3 against 1 took it's toll. 

 

"Tch, stupid idiots. I'm gonna go teach them a lesson!" Ryne grumbled, standing up to go stop the fight. Zinnia stopped the woman, who looked at her in both question and anger. "Why are you stopping me? We can't just let them get away with this."

 

"Look, that other kid is handling it." Turning back to the scene there was a human male stepping up to help the dwarf. He drew his sword on the three humans, and when they looked as though they would turn their aggression on the savior, he showed them a mana crystal. Seeing that he wasn't making idle threats the three scurried away and the man began helping the dwarf.

 

"There, now sit dow-are you blushing?"

 

Ryne coughed, "Of course not stupid! I ain't got no reason to be blushin'!"

 

"Alright, alright. You didn't have to yell." Zinnia mumbled. She was quick to quiet down upon hearing what the boy was saying. Ryne did the same once the boy began talking louder for everyone in the Quester's Rest to hear him. Talks of adventures, and changing this world for the better left his lips. If only it were that easy. To just gather a group of people and change the way this world has been running for centuries. "Can you believe this guy. I mean, I could do with some change around here as well, but who's going to actually take on that responsibility?" Zinnia sighed, "Don't you agree Ry-I don't like that look in your eyes."

 

Ryne was completely hanging off of every word the boy said. This is exactly what she was looking for! She hated how people thought Orcs were stupid, and barberic. Or when they talked about other races, or even people in their own race. It made her blood biol and for a while she had been thinking that someone should do something. This kid. He was her ticket into making a difference. Not only that, but she could smell the adventure, and future battle she could engage in if she went along. Luckily she wasn't the only one. Some other people seemed to also be up for the task. Finally there was a short, petite looking girl who walked up to the quickly larging group of travelers, asking if he could keep it down.

 

Before he could answer, Ryne hopped up, "Hey! I have ta say, I ain't never expect to see a human have the gonads to say something like that." She grinned, "So I think you'll be needed the strength of an Orc on your side."

 

"You're not an orc." Zinnia called out.

 

Ryne chuckled, "Well of course I am! What else would I be? Anyways, if you'd allow for two more me and my friend would be glad to help."

 

Zinnia's jaw fell, but she was too shocked to say anything. Just how did she get dragged into all of this? She only just met the girl and she was vouching for her involvement. Well...Not that the notion didn't completely appealed to her. And to be honest, she was considering joining the group. But still, just where did this orc-I mean-human get off just volunteering her for stuff?

[Kyng]

 Ajax's brows raised with surprise as he heard a shout. Along with Alviss he turned to the owner of the voice, and upon seeing him smiled with confidence - a man with a companion, tall and strong bodied, shirtless giving Ajax a damn good look at the assets. This young man had it in buckets. Was he a sellsword? He looked incredibly distinct, yielding an Elvish tattoo and the like. Ajax then chuckled and nodded to the man, before smiling weakly to his sighing companion. That was two men, two capable bodies joined up just like that. While the latter came with the former, Ajax didn't and wouldn't complain.

 

 Soon after though he was fairly taken off of his feet - a figure sitting before him, revealing a face with beauty unparalleled. Hair swishing like a hypnotic visage, eyes seeing deep into his soul, Ajax - much like the rest of the inn, turned silent and speechless to this goddess of beauty before him. Stuttering for a moment as he blinked a few times, he smiled a bit coyly, before regaining his composure, his raw, unbridled charisma returning to him. Opening his mouth he was about to accept her request, but all that came out was a whine and a wheeze before he curled over.

 

 "He'd be glad to." Alviss gruffed with a slight tang, having socked Ajax right in the ballsack clearly unimpressed by his behaviour. Yes, that's right - Selisen was so beautiful, it took Alviss punching Ajax in the Jr's to break him off of his trance. However, Alviss' face was iron, much like any dwarf, and even though he was on this mission with the boy he hated elves, and I mean through and through. The drow elf before him would have a hard time merely seducing such a bundle of fury.

 

 With Ajax composing himself he smiled and nodded to Selisen. "I-I'd be glad to take you on boa-" With that, however, he promptly heard another voice, one that squeaked to him. A young girl, Daphne. She was working here, to Ajax's knowledge at least. A very young and shy girl, but one with a large red mark on her head. Ajax, brows turning concerned, turned towards her to apologise - she was so shy and looked like she was having a rough day as it was. However things didn't go to plan, it seemed.

 

 "I am Mephala." was the sound that boomed into Ajax's ears, leading him to turn towards the humongous beastkin, his eyes widening as he gazed up her form. Daphne's presence was simply too small to contend with...Mephala. Alviss gave a whistle of being impressed. "Well feckin' hell, ain't you a big 'un!" He gruffed, stroking his beard as he gazed over her lean, muscular physique. 'I could take her' the overconfident dwarf thought, sizing her up. 'Yeah, she's a pipsqueak' It appeared him being beaten by the three humans prior had left his mind, probably due to the booze. With that though Alviss gave Mephala a raised flagon. "Welcome to the group!" and a hearty laugh sealed the deal - he had found his rival in strength.

 

 Partially why Alviss accepted Mephala was because Ajax was drown by a pair of women - one, a spunky human girl, complimenting his audacity before regarding herself...as...an orc? Looking to the high elf who then later correct her. The spunky "orc" then told Ajax they'd be tagging along, and after sizing them up Ajax smirked. It seemed this was coming together magnificently well. That, and these girls, one armed to the teeth in armour and weaponry, the other a martial artist? Both drop dead gorgeous, mind you - they both had joined up, too. "You guys are in. Thank you, girls, so much."

 

 Soon after this, a wood elf with a mood most foul and a figure most fair appeared. While Selisen's charms were indeed worthy of legend, there's very little that could contend with a man's base desire - it appeared the wood elf knew such and capitalized on such. However in fear of another crushing blow, Ajax's eyes bolted to her's as swiftly as they could. "R-right, sounds good. I'll try speak to you shortly then."

 

 With that, however, Ajax had completely forgotten - and his gaze turned straight back to Daphne. With a sincere chuckle he looked to her and said "I am sorry for the disturbance. I'll try keep the noise down and get us out of here soon." However he then turned his attention to her soreness. Perhaps an act of foolery, but undeniably one of pure heart, Ajax took another Crystal and crushed it, promptly to attempt to heal Daphne's head. It may be a minor injury, and arguably a waste of such a Crystal, especially consider the fact Daphne was a mage with better healing powers than Ajax himself - but Ajax didn't know that, and he felt awful being a burden on the poor girl. Smiling, he nodded to her silently, before turning his attention back to the large group of people.

 

 Thinking for a moment Ajax began to postulate where could he house 9 people of different sizes and shapes? They all needed a place to be able to discuss and- No, they needed a guild room. A meeting place. But that would cost money. Frowning in contemplation, he ultimately looked over the rest of the people of the group. "Glory and gold, that is what I'll promise you all. So, let's go get it!" With that he promptly made his way for the door.

 

 Alviss, for one, was a bit dumbstruck at the sudden exit, but after a few blinks and realizing what was going on, he rushed for the door, barking "Get a move on you lot! We've got GOLD waiting for us!" Oh dwarves and their insatiable gold lust.

 

 Those following Ajax would note they were heading towards the southern gate of Hamson. As soon, though, as the people left the southern gate, a beautiful, graceful northern breeze would blow straight for them, cooling the company's form as it graced their forms. The sun was bright, the sky blue, and a plan ahead. Destiny smiled upon the companions.

 

 With this began the hike for Pikebay. The coastal pass was a nice one, it seemed to be a very nice day at hand. Alviss took the opportunity to ask a few questions, getting a back-and-forth going with the charismatic Ajax, though the others could pitch in just as easily.

 

"Oi, where the feck are we even' goin' anyway?!"

"Pikebay, Mr Alviss!"

"That's Mr Stormpace to you, boy-o! 'n why're we even feckin' goin' to that dump!?"

"We're going to see the Archmage!"

"Bah! Why that ol' coot? What use'll he be?!" To be honest, this one was pretty stupid.

"Herodotus is wise. He would surely give us a step in the right direction!"

 

Alviss proceeded to grumble, Ajax to laugh. This hike brought upon a chance for all to get to know one another, share a few stories and the like, it would even give Caitlyn the chance to get that private discussion should she choose to bolt up to Ajax's pace. Ever the ice breaker, Alviss decided he'd fetch up his story - so speaking loud for all, he introduced himself:

 

"Alviss Stormpace! Not by birth, mind you. Born Alviss Loudhammer, father a smith, mother a smith - but that never took keen to me, no..." Alviss took a breath. "I always hungered for adventure. Mining and repetitive shite bores me, I couldn't do any of it. Plus a dwarf's heart wanders outside of the mountain time to time. Still love me gold though!"

 

Ajax was notably silent - perhaps waiting for others to introduce themselves, or simply holding back information.

[Cherz]

Kaitlin stayed close behind, knowing that a better time for her to discuss would surely pop up. When Ajax suddenly decided that it was time to leave, Kaitlin bolted to his side. She took her hair out of  the bun, as it was no longer needed. She thought about the others groups, and made a quick run down on her judgement. The two guys she didn't like already. Something was off about them, though she assumed that they were cousins or related somehow. She shrugged that feeling off, but she would keep an eye on them. 

 

The next was the Drow. Kaitlin thought she was indeed pretty, and at least she was not a high elf. She couldn't sense much from the vibes there. However, Kaitlin would try to get buddy-buddy with her.

 

Then there was the beastkin. Kaitlin hated her. Kaitlin's hatred was absolutely ridiculous. She had half a mind to shoot it right there. Everything from her ego to her appearance. The fact that she walked in there, boasting, rubbed Kaitlin horribly wrong.

 

The human/orc girl was...interesting. She claimed to be an orc, yet she was obviously a human. Kaitlin would find this little secret out later. But she seemed a little too...energetic? Spunky? Excited? Something about her was hard to place. Next to her was the High Elf. Another person Kaitlin wanted to shoot. High Elves are notorious for being snobbish, stuck-up, and rude. Always claiming to be the best, Kaitlin didn't like her.

 

Kaitlin thought about Alviss. He was a typical dwarf, but he was so far out of the mines. Like all dwarves, he was a drunk, babbling mess that was probably willing to bang anything that had legs. She couldn't care less for him, but she could probably tolerate his shenanigans. But Ajax....Ajax was something. She couldn't place her finger on him either. On one hand, he seemed so willing to fix some of societies problems. On another, his motives were too pure. No human could be that good.

 

Kaitlin found herself by his side, and snapped from her daydream. She was about to say something to Ajax when Alviss spoke up about his life. That did answer some questions, but honest;y, who cared? She was unimpressed by him, and his little life story. She couldn't hold her tongue, as she was exceptionally irritated that Ajax allowed the beastkin AND high elf to join.

 

"Good for you shorty. What do you want, a cookie?" She said to him, sarcastically, throwing in an eye roll before turning her attention to Ajax. 

 

"I'm sorry this is going to come out as blunt, but there is no point in beating around the bush with useless chitter chatter. What are your true goals? Whats in it for you?" She asked him. She looked to his eyes to look for signs of lying. For a moment, she got lost in them, but she quickly regained her composure. SHe had to remind herself about humans. She refused to make the same mistake as she did in her past. No one was to be trusted.

[a bad post]

The young man turned to face her, a concerned look on his face, but with the appearance with the purple-beastkin his attention was drawn away from her. Slowly beginning to feel boxed in by the amount of people gathering around the young man, Daphne's feet began to move skittishly as these sorts of situations almost always ended with somebody beating somebody else's face in, and she was right in the middle of it.

 

Before she could back out of the group, which she slowly sensed was forming into quite the clash of egos, the young man turned back to her and apologized for the trouble he caused.

 

"T-thank you for understanding," Daphne replied bowing, but as she came up a small green glow came from around the young man's hand and he smoothed out the swollen red bump, "Oh, no r-really you needn't do such a thing-" She was caught of guard by the young man's sincere smile, that it shut her up, and by then he was done and returned to his group.

 

Leading them out the door, Daphne rushed after the young man not wanting him to have wasted his precious mana crystal when she could've done it herself. But as she approached him and the foul-mouthed dwarf she heard mention of the name Herodotus. Just the very mention of her old master brought warm feelings to Daphne's heart, and now even more so she wished to accompany this young man on his journey not only to repay debt to him, but see her old master again.

 

Once the dwarf had finished introducing himself, Daphne proceeded to intrude upon the group her former anxiety forgotten only the thought of seeing her master again filled her mind.

 

"I am old pupil of the Archmage, I would be honoured should you allow me to accompany you!" Daphne said a hopeful light filling her eyes.

[Ren✧]

Gryphon happily strut out of the Quester's Inn, quick to follow Ajax. Damian was a few steps behind, his hands hanging low and his neck slightly bent. If one got close enough, they would be able to hear him muttering something along the lines of: "Could've stayed home. Adventurers headed their anyway. Gonna gave Herodotous a piece of my mind." However, despite Damian's sour mood, Gryphon was as chipper as could be. He walked amongst the group, trying to get a good look at everyone that was accompanying. He wasn't judging him, mind you, that wasn't his place, he merely wanted to be able to remember their faces. 

 

As Alviss introduced himself, giving the group a brief telling of his story, Gryphon opened his mouth to say something when the female wood elf piped up with a snarky comment. A frown touched Gryphon's lips, he had a feeling that she would be difficult to get along with. In  a few moment, however; Gryphon's smile returned. But again, before he could make everyone's acquaintance, the young girl that he remembered from the Quester's Inn popped out of nowhere to introduce herself as one of Herodotous' students. 

 

"Pleased to meet you." Gryphon said, offering the woman slight bow, out of everyone here, aside from Ajax and Damian, she seemed to be the most agreeable and sincere. However, as soon as that thought crossed his mind, Gryphon pushed it aside. He refused to make snap judgments about this people. "My name is Gry-" He began, but was interrupted by Damian's outburst of excitement.

 

"You're a student of the Archmage as well?!" He asked incredulously, his outburst garnering much the attention from the group. This, of course, made the bookish made uncomfortable and immediately his stuttering began to prevalence. "Um...uh...s-so am I." He said sheepishly, quickly closing his mouth as people turned to listen. 

 

Feeling like he needed to save his boyfriend from the humiliation he was causing himself, Gryphon let out a bark of laughter as he roughly put his arm around Damian's shoulder and harmlessly ruffled his hair. "That's my cousin! Mr. Spellbooks!" He said, quickly letting go of Damian so as to not appear like he was giving the man too much attention. "My name's Gryphon, by the way. Been acting as my cousins...bodyguard, I guess you could say." He boasted, trying to draw the attention away from Damian. 

[Kyng]

Alviss squinted at the wood elf, growling a bit in regards to her putting down his story, HIS epic with such a sarcastic fireball. "You cheeky-" Alviss was about to cuss, before grumbling under his breath, letting it slide. These were old fashioned times, and he didn't want to make a scene. Seething his anger through his teeth, he drew his attention to the young girl who peeped up - the lass from the inn. It seemed the wee thing had made a runner for the company and wanted to join them - an old pupil it seemed. That lead to the strapping young man to begin to introduce himself, before a sudden outburst.
 
 Damian exploded with excite at the notion of another student of the Archmage being present, before shying up promptly - with the man who named himself Gryphon gave him some encouragement. With a gruff Alviss chuckled to Damian. "In'ae nothin' wrong with wantin' to see your teacher, lad." He said with a smirk. With that he drew his eyes to the young girl and Damian, after Ajax's words with Daphne mind you, before asking "Alright then, you two - what makes this feller so special? Why is the young lad up there taking us to 'im?"
 
 A little earlier, back to Caitlyn singing Alviss, Ajax simply remained quiet as he continued to lead the company. Soon after though, she cashed in on that chance for private discussion with him. It was then when Ajax found himself looking up into her eyes, she was quite tall it seemed. Nonetheless he listened to her with a blank expression, before softly turning into a smile. "If we're going to operate as a team we should at least have a name to address each other by. Ajax, by the way." With that he offered her a hand shake, before turning his attention once again to the road and her prying question to which came another smile. "Well, it looks like you just found the point to the pointless chatting." With a raised brow he smirked to her. "Why would I show my cards when you're keeping yours' just as close to your chest?"

After that, he gave her a chuckle. "At least this way I have a way to keep you keen on talking to me like this. But I'll give you my name at least, since you're curious: Ajax Bahadúr." Ajax then turned and spotted Daphne, with a soft smile as she beamed up with light revealing her cards - a student of Herodotus himself! Soon after, anothe young man, the cousin of the larger Gryphon, revealed himself as one as well. "Then I'm sure he'll help our cause then, if we've got two of his students with us." Ajax noted, confirming Daphne's place in the company before returning to leading the band down the path. Soon after banter began, with Alviss asking questions regarding the Archmage which Ajax couldn't help but listen in to.

[Aix]

Despite all of Selisen's beauty, he was soon pushed out of the way. He narrowed his eyes at the dwarf, but merely sat back and watched as the frenzied mob was drawn to Ajax. Was this how Abovelanders acted? By all means, they were certainly different from any gatherings in the World Below. However, despite this alien occurrence, part of it all excited him, and he wanted in on it. His common sense was against it, but realizing that he had nothing else to do and it wouldn't be good to back out now that he's agreed to take part, he followed the group outside without a clue of what was going on. Lagging behind a little, he found little in the way of social interaction, but he did not notice his isolation compared to others, he had little perception of loneliness now after he had been ostracised all his life. Instead, he revelled in the lovely day they were having.

 

On the spot, they had set off on their first adventure! Through the city gate, keen omens greeted them in the wind and sky. There was little of the like underground where the sun did not shine, though he soon found that his dark skin and clothing heated up quite quickly despite the breeze.

 

Entranced in the world around him, he realized that he had lagged behind more than a bit. He broke into a run to catch up, and catching in as Alviss began his inquiry about the Archmage.

[Ren✧]

Mephala had fallen behind the rest of the group. After retaking her seat in the palanquin, the gnomes tried their best to keep up with brisk pace set by Ajax, but their stubby little legs couldn't handle it. Before long, the four servants were huffing and puffing as sweat covered their mossy little heads. "You are absolutely useless." Mephala chastised as she got out of the palanquin. Sticking her nose up in the air, she strutted after the group, leaving the gnomes with no instruction on what to do.

 

Due to her massive size, Mephala was able to catch up to the group quite easily, just behind Selisen who also was lagging slightly. Taking no heed of the current conversation, she immediately drew the attention to herself. "It is sooo hard to find good palanquin bearers nowadays." She croak-hissed. "I suppose four of you will have to carry me to our destination." She said, casting a questioning eye around the group.

 

---

 

The sudden reappearance of the Beastkin hushed any answer to Alviss' inquiry about the Archmage that Damian would have given. He immediately backed away from the gargantuan figure. "Go on." Gryphon encouraged Damian, trying to ignore the judgments about the Beastkin that were flying around his head. Regaining his voice, Damian began to answer.

 

"Herodotous is quite the powerful mage. He is incredibly gifted in all branches, including divination. I'm sure that he can point us to the right direction. Although, I don't know if I would expect more help than that. He isn't exactly forthcoming with visitors. After all, he did choose one of the best defended and isolated places in Cornucopia to set up shop." Damian said. "But maybe, Daphne here could pull a few strings." Damian suggested. "I was just a student of his but, maybe she has more connection than I." He hoped he wasn't putting the girl in an awkward position, but he knew that Herodotous had always encouraged Damian to make his own way in life and that he wouldn't receive any special treatment from the Archmage. 

[Hotaru987]

It seemed that the Ajax was able to snatch up quite a group only after a few minutes of claiming that someone should do something to change the way the world was. Seeing as she had been pulled into the group as well, Zinnia sighed and stood to join Ryne's side. Who, by the way, was in awe by the colorful cast of people. "Hey, Ryne check it out. Two more elves! You should go say 'hi' to your brethren."

 

Zinnia frowned, "No thanks. I'd rather not." She looked at the first elf that help Ryne's attention at the moment. A dark skinned elf, commonly known as a Drow. Though, the skin was a lighter shade than Zinnia had ever seen before. The Drow's hood was down showcasing a very feminine face. Delicate features, and a graceful air that almost made Zinnia feel a bit self conscious. Key word almost. She hadn't met many female Drows, and didn't make a habit of hanging out with them, but the few she had seen seemed plain when compared the the current Drow she observed. Zinnia rubbed her cheek, wondering how the Drow kept such shiny, smooth skin. Of course, once she would find out the Drow was a man her own self esteem might actually take a shot.

 

"So that must be a wood elf. She's gorgeous." Ryne sighed, as she was one to fully appreciate a feminine form. Hearing that Zinnia turned her attention to the Wood elf. Not having missed the scrutiny of the Elf's gaze, she raised a brow. Weren't wood elves supposed to be all happy, and nature loving. Dancing around a preaching the wonders of trees, and the importance of flowers? Like they 'hippie' version for elves. Though, the current elf seemed to have a permanent stick shoved up her unhappy place.

 

By this time, Ajax called for all of them to follow him. The Dwarf was the one to began the interrogation, asking where they were going, to which the human patiently answered the questions. Once being satisfied for the moment, the Dwarf began the introductions starting with himself. Zinnia was glad someone started, considering knowing everyone's names would be helpful. Alviss Stormpace was his name, and he even gave us a bit of back story. Dwarves, not the bunch Zinnia would volunteer to hang out with. True she would admit that their race's way for crafting is exceptional and matched by only a few. However, she cared little for their insatiable greed, and lust for booze. A very unrefined bunch of people.

 

It was then the Wood elf - she really needed to get names - snapped at Alviss. Seriously, what the heck happened to that chick? All he did was introduce himself, no need to bite his head off.

 

"What the hell is that chick's problem, she bit his head off when all he did was introduce himself." Zinnia blinked and turned to the angry human-orc girl. Did she just read her mind-no, you know what never mind. Immediately after the elf and human man went into a silent conversation but not before the small human girl from the Quester's Rest requested to join the group wanting to meet her old master again. Daphne her names was. That is, if Zinnia remember correctly.

 

Having quickly calmed down Ryna smiled. "Oh, this is gonta be so much fun!! Can't wait to go hun'in me some bad guys!"

 

"Gonta? Hun'in?" Zinnia questioned. "So what, you a Dwarf now?"

 

"Dah-!" Ryne froze, face stunned in horror before turning to normal, "Ah, well ya see my folks are-"

 

"You know what, don't it's fine. I feel like a long explanation is about to follow." 

 

"Probably so, by the way. What is that thing that has been following us? It's kind of creeping me out." Ryne asked not so quietly, and even pointed. Following her finger Zinnia held back a chuckled. Ryne was referring to their resident Beastman, Mephala, whom was currently lagging behind due to being carried by little gnomes under a palanquin. "What you chuckle'n at? I say something funny?"

 

"No, no, no." Zinnia assured, though was beginning to wonder just what Ryne was taught. To not know about Beastmen was strange. "They're called Beastmen."

 

"Hm, yes I can see why they call'em that."

 

A little taken back by just how brazen Ryne was, Zinnia continued, "The ones unfortunate enough to suffer the worst from the Esylum Project. They get the worst rap, though their current situation is for the most part no fault of their own."

 

"I see...And what are those small little things carrying it?"

 

"Those are Gnomes....Best not get involved with them. Not healthy for the brain."

 

Having heard that the little girl's connection to Herodotous another young man shouted that he was also a student, before backing down in shyness. Another fellow, quickly jumped in to introduce himself in an obvious attempt, to Zinnia at least, to take the attention off of the shy kid. They seemed close. Gryphon said they were cousins, and he was the other kid's bodyguard. 

 

"So this hippopotamus fella is famous?"

 

"Ryne, I think it best if you don't talk."

 

Alviss, at this time jumped in asking the question both Ryne, and even Zinnia was curious about. I mean, she hadn't a clue as to what he got herself into so any information would be useful. Before Damian could speak Mephala strutted towards them, complaining about hard to find palanquin holders, and casually wondered who would be the four to undertake the task. Damian was taken off guard, but with Gryphon's encouragement answered Alviss's question.

 

Not wanting to interrupt Damian Ryne waited until he was finished before addressing Mephala. Ryne looked the large woman in the eye, or well, as much as she could anyway. "Um, you have two legs just like the rest of us, and they seem to be in working order. So I think you can walk. Besides, you look quite heavy and this will no doubt be a long journey. If you're not up for that, I guess you could just stay behind. With an orc, such as myself, on the team you're presence is a moot point. Another thing, you should be kinder to those poor Gnomes. I'm sure they did everything you asked and you didn't say so much as a thank you. Just because you're a beastman-uh-beastwoman, doesn't mean you have to act like one."

[Cherz]

Kaitlin was taken back by Ajax's response to her question. She expected a lie like "I'm doing this not for myself, but for the world!" She clapped very slowly, grinning a bit. She thought about Ajax. He was quite sly, but she liked that. He wasn't giving information without getting, and that was how you survive in this current world.

 

"Well played, Ajax. I'm Kaitlin, by the way. While I may not be playing my cards, I have no problem telling you that its not my real name, just a cover-up." She said. Truth be told, she was starting to admire his cunning. She would definitely watch over him.

 

Kaitlin slipped back into the group, towards the middle. She caught Gryphon giving an introduction. She had assumed they were cousins, as they both looked alike and seemed rather close. She scoffed when he mentioned he was also a body guard. People that needed a bodyguard should let nature claim them. He weak shouldn't be allowed to survive. 

 

When the beastkin made a comment on needed four to carry her palanquin, Kaitlin lost her temper. She drew a bead at the large beastman's leg, but lowered her rifle when Ryne spoke. When Ryne called herself an Orc, Kaitlin lost not her temper, but her composure. She laughed quite loudly. Kaitlin found the fact that Ryne called herself an orc to be hilarious.

 

"Have you looked in a mirror, like, ever? You can't be serious. You are a human, not an orc. Although I agree that...that things point of being here is moot, but you are certainly not an orc." Kaitlin interjected when she regained her composure. 

 

Kaitlin paid no attention to the high elf. Her eye didn't even go towards her. It was like she didn't even exist. Kaitlin was obviously trying to avoid her. She didn't trust anyone anymore, but some raced she held less trust for, like Humans and High Elves. 

[a bad post]

"You're a student of the Archmage as well?!" The tan young man behind Daphne said incredulously, before clamming up, "Um...uh...s-so am I."

 

 

Luckily he seemed to have a friend to save him from total embarrassment, "That's my cousin! Mr. Spellbooks!" The similarly tan man said putting his arm around him, and ruffling his hair. "My name's Gryphon, by the way. Been acting as my cousins...bodyguard, I guess you could say."

 

Daphne though was quite shocked by the tan mage's outburst, and even more so embarrassed as she realized that was the man whose door had smacked her in the face a few hours ago.

 

"Then I'm sure he'll help our cause then, if we've got two of his students with us." Ajax's comments snapped Daphne out of her embarrassed silence, though she couldn't help but smile at the dwarf's question.

 

"Why, Herodotus is quite easily-" Daphne was cut off by the approach of the intimidating beastkin, and immediately shrank back, intimidated by the extremely tall woman's attitude. 

 

"It is sooo hard to find good palanquin bearers nowadays. I suppose four of you will have to carry me to our destination." This comment from the beastkin inflamed the already charged atmosphere even more. The nearby orc... human... something.... girl... whatever she was took great offence to this and approached the beastkin bumping chests with her.

 

Just as Daphne thought that the situation might be calming down, the wood elf burst into laughter insulting the orc/human chastising her with a variety of stinging comments. This caused Daphne's natural avoidance of conflict to kick in, and she shrunk back even more too intimidated by the other women to even try to find a diplomatic solution.

 

"Herodotous is quite the powerful mage. He is incredibly gifted in all branches, including divination. I'm sure that he can point us to the right direction. Although, I don't know if I would expect more help than that. He isn't exactly forthcoming with visitors. After all, he did choose one of the best defended and isolated places in Cornucopia to set up shop." Damian said. "But maybe, Daphne here could pull a few strings." Damian suggested. "I was just a student of his but, maybe she has more connection than I."

 

This comment from Damian again pulled all the attention back to her causing Daphne's anxiety to increase and her words to come out in jumbled and incoherent sentences until it all finally poured out in a burst of magical energy creating a small crater beneath her.

 

"O-o-oh... I apologize," Daphne's cheeks turned red as she stared down at the small hole she was now standing in, "y-you see t-this happens sometimes... when my... my emotion get the better of me... its quite e-embarrassing." Daphne shifted uncomfortably, not wanting to look any of the other travelers in the eye for fear of passing out of embarrassment. "A-anyway, Herodotus... Herodotus is like a father to me. I was raised in his care since I was about 6 until a year ago... I haven't seen him in forever, but we've corresponded quite often, and I suppose I could 'p-pull a few strings' as you say, but well I-I wouldn't want to be a bother..." Daphne twiddled her thumbs half talking to the group, and half to herself deliberating on what to do, "I suppose there wouldn't be any harm in it right...? O-okay, yes. I'll help you... as for any idea why Mr. Bahadur would like to see Herodotus... well... I don't know." Finishing Daphne finally looked up, and that's when her social anxiety finally got the best of her. "Is anybody else feeling a bit faint?"

 

The whole world spun, and Daphne feel onto her butt looking around dazily as if she had no idea as to what was going on, which is when the barkeep finally caught up with them, having been concerned with why Daphne had left in such a rush.

 

"Oi! Daphne what goin'..." he stopped short finally seeing Daphne looking around in a daze in the center of a circle of people, no doubt the situation without any prior knowledge looked quite awkward, " 'scuse me. Anyone of 'ou wanna explain why one my employee's is on the ground looking like a drunken fool!?"

 

Oh my, my. Today was just not Daphne's day now was it?

[Kyng]

 Watching her and raising his brows just a bit to the clapping, Ajax glanced over to Kaitlyn and smiled, glad to worm out a name. Even more mysterious was that it was a guise for a real name, but to the bones of it that didn't really matter - Ajax would need a name to call her by, so having one made things a lot easier on his behalf. Nonetheless Ajax knew he'd be getting to know the wood elf very well in due course. It would talk time, mind, but Kaitlyn seemed initially deadset on finding out his motives. By keeping his cards close Ajax had her hooked on figuring out who he was, which despite the attitude she had wasn't too bad. She was far from being sore of the eyes, after all.

 Soon after Kaitlyn slowed to the pace of the rest, leaving Ajax to his thoughts and solitude for the meanwhile, the lad falling silent in contemplation as he continued to keep eyes ahead, and ears too though slightly pinned on the lively bunch behind.

 Alviss was busy trying to find out about Herodotus above all else. He still had no clue why he'd be of help. Sure, a teacher, but what made him so special? What made this Archmage anymore valuable to them when he was just going to stay in his tower? Possibly a powerful spell or two, but for the gold Ajax promised, Alviss wasn't very sure about all this. Dwarves weren't fond of magic. Witchcraft, voodoo, druidism, bah. It was all good for nothing. Now, tools and armour is something you could definitely rely in.

 It was then when Alviss picked up on the High Elf's remark to her comrade. With a raised brow Alviss scoffed to the high elf. "And what do you mean by that, lass?" He leered at Zinnia, not too fond of her dissing the dwarven dialect. Though not before long attention was drawn to the enormous presence of Mephala, the Beastkin from before, who appeared to be exiting a...palaquin? Yeah, carried by a few gnomes, too - what a stuck up little abomination, Alviss thought. Though he also spotted the drow catching up from behind - by god was she a beauty. Alviss hated elves, but her face was envied even by a goddess of beauty.

 After breaking him from his trance by said hatred of elves he heard Gryphon encourage Damian, who promptly began to talk about Herodotus - and an insight he gave Alviss indeed. A powerful spellcaster bottled up on a well defended island away from the mainland? He seemed not to be fond of the notion of visitors - surely that'd be bad for teaching other mages? Though then Damian went on to regard Daphne about Herodotus. Maybe the pipsqueak was a useful asset after all. Alviss couldn't place a waitress in good use for such a group.

 Soon after the delusional orc-human went toe-to-toe with the colossal Mephala, and Alviss couldn't not chuckle. She might not look like it but that girl had the balls of an orc, knowing no fear and going right to the phenomenally larger and much more intimidating adversary before dressing her down with words. Albeit she did it more elegantly than an orc would - an orc would probably cleave her head off as soon as they had the chance - but even so, Alviss was pretty damn impressed by the lass. But then, soon after the wood elf decided to be a b**** again.

 All of a sudden a magical blast occurred. Ajax, Alviss, both were drawn to the sudden surprise with raised brows of concern as they glanced at Daphne is worry if there were about to be blown up. But soon after they turned to clear concern for the girl - she looked like a frightened lamb. With a concerned smile, Alviss looked to the girl as she finished, about to speak before cussing under his breath - following which the barkeep came up asking about her. Alviss then suddenly remembered. "Oi, 'ere." The dwarf said as he had paid for his drinks, before returning his attention to the situation.

 

 Ajax sighed and took charge as he looked to the barkeep, moving over to Daphne, looming over her to keep her out of the shade, before glancing up to the barkeep. "A little overwhelmed by stress. Cast a spell a bit prematurely, explaining the crater." Ajax then smiled to Daphne. "We're going to visit her old master, it has been a very long time since she's seen him."

 

 Alviss smirked to Ajax before nodding, raising his brows to the barkeep. "You're not gonnae keep a young lass from seein' 'im, are ya now? The wee thing is knackered, bless 'er. She could use the blimmin' break I say." Who would've thought it took Daphne going loopy to bring the company a little bit more together?

 

 Concern was evident for the poor girl. Ajax offered to help Daphne up, and even Alviss offering her a piggy-back ride if she couldn't walk. Then, with an unimpressed cocked brow, Ajax looked over the rest of the group. "You sure do make an awful lot of noise." He softly said as he crossed his arms, looking down to Alviss. "We're supposed to be a group, a team. Less of the attitude, more of the team work, okay?" His eyes then locked with Mephala's as he continued. "You can walk. If you want to be carried, you have your servants - we are not servants."

 

 Ajax then drew his gaze to Kaitlyn before taking a breath. "You can spit fire as much as you like - but it is getting on my nerves, now, and if it continues, we're going to have problems. I'm certain you wouldn't be too fond of that." He was wondering how she'd react to this, Kaitlyn was a damn interesting cookie he wanted to crack, but right now he needed to assert dominance. He needed to lead a company of powerful champions who would change the face of the world, not a rag-tag bunch of quarrelling fools, and Ajax knew Kaitlyn would start a few fires. Damage control was needed.

 

 Ajax took a deep breath before glancing to the drow - again, caught by her visage, somewhat tranced. But he tried to draw himself from her beauty to call her attention. "Excuse me, Ms, what is you name?" With that he then looked over the rest of the company. "I need names - we all need names. We're a group, we're going to eventually be addressing each other, and I'd rather it not be insults. I am Ajax, and we already know of Alviss, from his little speech earlier, and Mephala from the Quester's Rest."

 

 "We know Gryphon - thanks for introducing yourself by the way." Ajax said, giving the strong man a nod of the head. "As well as Daphne, thanks to your nameless cousin, Gryphon?" He notably stressed the nameless word - it was pretty clear now Ajax wasn't going to let people get away with going nameless. With that he glanced over to the two girls, the high elf and the "orc". "You two, what do you go by?" He then raised a brow and smirked to Kaitlyn, raising both brows - he wanted her to cough up her name just as much as the others.

 

 If names were wormed out or not eventually they'd return to the objective of getting back on track, but instead of remaining stoic and contemplative Ajax knew he couldn't leave the company as unattended as he had. With that he looked back to the drow before thinking for a moment. "Say," Ajax said, addressing her. "Come here a moment? I'd like to have a word with you." He hoped the tone didn't come off as intimidating, but truth be told the drow was quiet and simply looked a little bit lonely. With that thought in mind, he also glanced to the high elf. "You too, I need to speak with you both."

 

 Alviss, however, was a bit pissed off at Ajax for outright cutting him off, but he knew he was right. With that in mind he glanced over to Daphne with a smile on his rough face. "You did good lass, you did good." He said hoping to keep her calm. He didn't want another one of those episodes happening, the poor girl seemed half frightened to death. This is where the fatherly side of a dwarf's warm heart showed. "I reckon you'll get a lot out of the wizard. I'm a lot happier 'avin you on this trip now."

[Hotaru987]

Taking it back to just before Mephala joined the group, and Ryne and Zinnia was still talking, Alviss made a comment about Zinnia's earlier statement. Zinnia turned to the Dwarf, not at all too taken by the tone she took with her. She was about to reply, but bit back her remark, and thought for a bit. It's not as though she meant anything by her remark, simply attempting to poke a bit of fun at Ryne. Perhaps Alviss shouldn't be so sensitive to everything. Thinking more, maybe it was a little uncalled for, but the thought of apologizing to a Dwarf was off putting to her. But still....

 

She looked down at Alviss, considering what she should do. Well, the best thing would be to not look for much confrontation within the company. "Sorry about that. Didn't mean to offend you or anything. Uh..." Anyone could tell she wasn't in her comfort zone.

 

Back to the present, Ryne was currently stepping up to Mephala. While waiting for the reply, she heard Kaitlyn's remark. Not taking her eyes off of Mephala, Ryne replied more miffed then she would have been considering the situation she was already in, "O'course I've seen a mirr', and when I do ain't nutin starin me back but an orc." Noticing how she was speaking she frowned. Her parents said she should watch how she talk when outside. "Whether you or others see the same is not my concern." Ryne knew full well that her anatomy was that of a human, however in her heart she was an orc and as far as she was concerned she'd die an orc.

 

Suddenly the small Daphne called the attention when there was a small explosion, and Daphne was left in a small crater. Moments later the Quester's Rest barkeep came out to wonder why his help had left in such a rush. Alviss and Ajax began to ask Daphne if she was alright, with Alviss asking if she wanted a piggy back ride. To be honest Zinnia found it quite adorable, and said, "Are you sure you should offer? You're about the same height, you'd be practically dragging her." She teased, eyes alight with laughter. 

 

It was then Ajax took quick control of the group calling Kaitlyn out on her unpleasant disposition, and Mephala's want for servants. He then spoke in general about the lack of cohesion in the group, though what did he expect? They only just got together, and race hostilities weren't going to vanish at the drop of a hat. Next he wanted the remainder of the group, who had yet to introduce themselves, to do so.

 

"Ah, let me go first!" Ryne grinned, "The name is Ryne Clobbif, pleasure to make your acquaintance."

 

Figuring she'd keep the ball rolling, Zinnia went next. "I'm Zinnia Maltama. I would say nice to meet you all, but there are some I would have rather not have the pleasure to meet." 

 

After the rest introduced themselves, or not, Ajax called for the Drow and Zinnia to speak too in private. "Hm, alright." Now being up close to the Drow, Zinnia could truly see just how beautiful she was. "Wow...Don't take this the wrong way, but you're a darn gorgeous Drow." She inwardly winced. That sounded like she thought all Drow's were ugly. "Uh, wait that didn't come out right."

[Ren✧]

Damian was surprised to hear that the girl from the inn, Daphne, had been so close to Herodotous. He racked his brain for a memory of her, and briefly recalled a few instances where he had seen her around the grounds. Of course, for the most part he had spent his time with books and scrolls, so recalling much of any person at his school of magic was a bit difficult. However, there was something else about the woman that sent a prickle down his spine. After a few moments of dwelling on it, it came to him. She had been the maid he ran into earlier that morning. He hadn't thought much of it at the time, of course he had been overcome with panic at someone seeing him exit Gryphon's room, but he hadn't stayed around long enough to get a good look at their face. He just hoped that she didn't have enough pieces of the puzzle to put it together. 

 

"M-my name's D-damian." He introduced himself, seeing as everyone was doing it in turn. As Ajax gave everyone a nod of encouragement as they went along, Damian couldn't help but feel a bit more confident. As others went about saying their names, Damian made sure to scribble down a brief description of everyone. Not just their physical appearance, but also their demeanor. He found the girl that called herself an orc to be particularly interesting. He had a feeling that she was fully aware that she was not, in body, an orc, which led to the question, why did she believe she deserved the title of being an honorary orc. Damian made sure to scribble down that question, wanting to ask it if the opportunity presented itself. 

 

As Damian was doing this, Gryphon too was surveying the group. "You'll be alright by yourself for a bit, right?" Gryphon asked Damian. The youthful mage simply nodded, waving his "cousin" off as he continued to jot down notes about what was going on. Gryphon moseyed on over to the wood elf that had thus proved to be particularly snappy on this journey. He wanted a chance to get off on a better foot with her.

 

"So, uh, what's with the rifle?" Gryphon asked, trying to make small talk. Following his question, he began to gave justification for it. "It's just that most wood elves I've seen tend to carry bows and weapons made from more natural materials." Gryphon indeed had worked with quite a few wood elves in the past. In his time with the Pack, he had come across a many of their kind and had found most of them to be quite agreeable. Which was in stark contrast to the self introduced Kaitlyn. 

 

---

 

Meanwhile, Mephala was acting downright indignant to the way these commoners were treating her. She was Mephala of the Laraetho-...well no, actually she wasn't. Not anymore. But, still these people should have more respect for her. Especially that human girl that prattled on about being an orc. How dare she insult her like that? And Mephala was more than ready to speak her mind about the occasion, but their supposed leader, Ajax had outlawed all quarreling. As if he had the authority to reprimand her. Still, for the sake of things Mephala was willing to let the situation rest. 

 

Plus, now that she thought about it, she could use some time to stretch her legs. She whistled to the gnomes, who were lagging dangerously far behind as they struggled to climb a steep encampment that the rest of the group had more or less made it over. "Just bring the chest, will you? I mean, honestly, use your brains." She ordered. 

[Cherz]

Kaitlin sighed at Ryne's response. The girl was clearly delusional. Kaitlin assume the girl was on Cannabis or something. She rolled her eyes and allowed Ryne to stare Mephala down. She simply couldn't care enough to contradict Ryne. She returned to the middle of the group, and was about to ask Damian about this mage. She was intent on speaking to Damian, as she didn't like him already. Instead of going through the list of people she disliked, she stuck to the list of people she did. Ajax was the only one she actually had respect for. Gryphon wasn't on her shite's list, but he didn't make a spot on her respectable list. The reason for that was he was defending the weakling. He would never get strong if someone babied him constantly.

 

"Oi-"

 

Kaitlin silenced instantly and turned to Daphne. She saw a crater around her, and was about ready to accept the loss of a human. She didn't care less. However, the little girl just stood in the center, quivering like an abused chihuahua. She looked the part too, as her expression was horrified. Kaitlin scoffed. Having a person that literally explodes when people argue was something she didn't wish to tolerate. She had half a mind to try and convince the group to leave her. However, Ajax saw her little display as something to overcome? She didn't know why he offered to help her. Kaitlin just let others deal with the bartender from earlier. 

 

Kaitlin turned back to Damian, as if about to ask a question. However, her speech was again intruded upon, this time by Ajax. He claimed this rag-tag group of different races was a 'team' and they should act like such. Although she didn't see any of these people as worthwhile allies, exceptions being Gryphon and Ajax, she did agree with his viewpoints. It would be hard to spy on the other races if they all split. Ajax seemed to single her out after a brief speech on becoming a team. He openly expressed his disdain for the truth. He then left it off with a challenge, almost as if he was daring her to retort.

 

"Hm, thats alright Ajax. I will be...nicer I guess. You can have this victory." She said, shrugging.

 

Kaitlin would give him this victory, for he earned it. The kid had some balls, and she respected that. Kaitlin turned to watch Damian stutter as he introduced himself. She was about to say pathetic in regard to his stuttering, but she bit her tongue. She did notice Gryphon approach her, so she welcomed him. He was someone she would have to talk to so she could make a judgement on him. She wasn't surprised bu his question, so she had her answer prepped.

 

"Wouldn't you-" She stopped, realizing she had given Ajax her word she'd tone down the hostility....for now. She still didn't want to reveal this part of her life, so she instead just gave him an answer to satisfy him. She pulled him aside, and behind the group, making sure they were out of an earshot.

 

"I need your word that this information is confidential. Spill even a single ounce of this information, I'll have no problem putting one of these through your skull." She threatened, holding a bullet so he could see.

 

"I was in a human military. This is my souvenir." She said. 

[a bad post]

Daphne was still quite dazed and confused as Ajax stood over her, hearing what he said, but not necessarily processing it. She stared him quite like a confused child finding something new and interesting.

 

"Ahh... 'erodotus eh?" the barkeep nodded, "yes, its been a year hasn't it? She loves the man like a father, t'would be a crime I say to keep 'er away," the barkeep smiled gently at Daphne, "she's a sweet girl ain't she... and a hard worker too, I say she's quite earned any off time she asks for... haha, or doesn't ask for I suppose," the barkeep chuckled at Daphne's state, "well then happy travels, and ya better treat 'er nice, got it!" With that the barkeep turned on his heels giving an offhanded wave, chuckling to himself all the way back to the Quester's Rest.

 

Daphne still a bit out of it clocked out while Ajax continued talking attempting to gather her thoughts and process would had just happened. She was still trying to do this when Alviss took notice of her again.

 

"You did good lass, you did good." He said his deep voice, and reassuring words putting her more at ease. "I reckon you'll get a lot out of the wizard. I'm a lot happier 'avin you on this trip now." 

 

"T-thank you," Daphne responded shakily, "I'm quite glad to be of assistance."

[Ren✧]

Gryphon was quite surprised by Kaitlin's answer. Fighting in a human army? He wondered what could have possessed her to do such a thing. Inter-race companionship wasn't exactly common nowadays. "You don't have to worry about me. I am great at keeping secrets." He said, pretending to zip his mouth shut. "You know, I've got my own souvenir of sorts." He said, raising an eyebrow. He waited for her to show the slightest bit of interest, or at least feign it, and he let out a sharp whistle. No doubt it would cause several members of the group to turn their attention towards him. 

 

As soon as the whistle left his mouth there was a slight rustling in the grass, something no one would have notice unless they were watching for it. Slowly, the rustling moved closer to the group and if one was looking close enough, they would be able to see a streak of brown racing towards them. Darting to Gryphon's leg, the small figure, a ferret, clambered its way up his body and sat deftly perched on his shoulder. 

 

"This, is Valon. He's been with me since I left home." 

[Kyng]

Ajax softly smirked to Kaitlin. She had conceded, which he didn't believe was going to happen, but perhaps he was right with his assumption prior - she wanted, possibly needed to know more about him. She wouldn't risk the opportunity, Ajax simply had her somewhat mesmerized with his mysterious nature she'd yet to crack. Ajax wasn't cruel, but he reckoned right there he had her wrapped around his finger. Plus it was pretty evident that, just like Alviss, she appreciated a guy with guts enough to make such a  challenge to her. Ajax reckoned he'd have a lot of fun with Kaitlin, and while it was fair assuming she was hooked on his mystery, he couldn't deny wanting to crack open her defences and figure out just what was going on in her head too.

 

Ajax had the attention of Zinnia Maltama, the High Elf. With a look over her figure Ajax's analytic eye came into effect: she bore brown hair, a humble feature on a High Elf who usually bore golden blonde hair and relished in such a majestic trait. It was bound in a long ponytail, which in its own right had a certain appeal to it, but there was a reason behind it which Ajax's eyes would spot later. Above all else, though, she seemed to carry wise and beautiful green eyes. Green eyes were sexy and striking, very common in women, but held a certain mysticism behind them which, when carried by a High Elf, wasn't to any surprise. She was magically gifted, as would any High Elf.
 
The confusion stemmed from her attire, for Ajax at the very least. Frowning in thought as he glanced down her attire, he noted her cheongsam, an attire of the ancient Eastern World, though clearly Zinnia had a number of adjustments made. Among which included an exposed chest, likely for vanity as a big bust was a rare feature for a high elf, and cutting to liberate the legs from a normally constricted space, again he assumed for vanity as Zinnia did have some pretty gorgeous legs, but that was because those legs were clearly in regular use. She too wore gauntlets and boots with martial arts in their very design.

 

"You're damn gorgeous yourself." Ajax returned to Zinnia, a tease, before drawing his point back on track. "Your attire confuses me though, Zinnia. You're a high elf: a fair complexion with a magical aura cements that, but your outfit..." Frowning in confusion Ajax glanced back to her. "High Elves, along with elves for that matter, have never been so keen on melee, but your outfit screams martial arts. How do you fight, Zinnia? I am very interested, needless to say."

 

After her response to this was they continued to walk, Ajax then looked back to Ryne. "You seem to be close to the...orc..." Ajax started, before glancing back to Zinnia. "I'll have to speak to her later, but for now give me a hint on how exactly you deal with her orc complex."

 

Meanwhile Alviss smiled to Daphne, the shaky girl's innocence piercing through the dwarf's rough hide and hitting him right in his big warm heart. With a chuckle he gave Daphne a gentle pat on the back and a rub, trying to keep her calm, as he said "Lass, between you and me, you've already been of help just by bein' 'ere." With a chuckle he whispered to her "You've managed to get lad up there to come down 'ard on the spitfire." He was referring to Ajax and Kaitlin respectively. Smiling he nodded to the young mage. "Let's try not to blow up though, alright? You looked blimmin' out of it!"

 

That had Alviss' attention drawn to the beastkin, of all other people. Alviss' warm, friendly demeanour was on display at the moment and, to be frank, the lass looked a wee bit lonely. With that he slowed his pace to meet that of Mephala before lifting the chest the gnomes struggled with a hand, bringing them up to pace. "We cannae' 'ave you slowin' us down, lass." Alviss teased, determined to make the elitist smile at least once today. "Now why don't ya tell me yer story. I reckon a character like you've got a lot to say." He teased again, with a smug smirk.

 

After an hour, the walk would finally reach a conclusion. The band had met Pikebay Port's cove and it took not much longer before they'd reached the town itself. The streets were filled with mages - stalls for Mana Crystals on sale, magic robes and staves. You name it, they had it. Alchemy was a huge thing here, too. There were a number of schools teaching magic, a few dueling arenas to test magical might - heck, even the pub was called The Eye of Newt ran by a coven of the most attractive witches you'd see for miles, likely their selling point. That, and their magically fermented booze that warms the belly along with it.

 

Ajax smirked as they reached the town, taking a deep breath of the fresh seaside air, before looking over to the rest of the group. "Alright, the boats to Herodotus' land aren't frequent so we'll be here for a while-"

 

"Right, to the pub!" Alviss bellowed with a chuckle, before marching his stumpy legs towards the Eye of Newt, but drawn by Ajax's raised brow, commanding presence, and whistle.

 

"Let me finish." Ajax sternly looked to him, before looking back to the rest of the group. "We're here for some time. So we should kill time, but let's use it productively." Glancing to Zinnia, Gryphon, Damien and Daphne he crossed his arms. "You lot are magically inclined, so I am certain you're very familiar with this place. Stock up on gear and crystals if you need them, one of you be sure to get me two more Green Mana Crystals, I will pay you back when we regroup." With this he turned back to the bulk of the company. "Other than that, I want to see people trying to get missions, quests, leads - anything we can use to get gold. That, or a place, a residence of sorts. We'll need a guild, that's for certain."

 

With that he chuckled and glanced to Alviss. "You can do that in the pub." He said with a laughter, bringing a beaming grin to the dwarf who raced for the doors of the building. Ajax counted up the people afterwards. "I am going to buy us all tickets to sale. If you need me I will be at the docks. Sound good? Any questions?"

[Cherz]

Kaitlin rolled her eyes at his childish 'zip  the lip.' However, she lowered her gun all the same. Even if she had only given Gryphon a vauge answer, he was satisfied. She was glad he didn't press the matter any further. She placed the bullet in her storage and was about to continue forward, when the ferret emerged. Kaitlin looked at the creature. It was cute, certainly, but it was just a ferret. Unlike the rodent Gryphon had, her souvenir served combat purpose. However, seeing the small creature run up to Gryphon reminded her of Damian.

 

"Hey Gryphon. I think you should allow the shy one to find his own life. The weak should die out, no point in feeding them and allowing them to reproduce. You should let the young bird fly, and find his own voice." She stated, obviously trying to sugar coat it. However, it was still rude and offensive. With that remark, she returned to the group. She had nothing else to say to Gryphon.

 

She moseyed along, avoiding conversation. She'd occasionally glance at Ajax. He was an interesting one, as not only did he avoid an obvious hero lie, but he directly challenged her. She pondered her options of how she would figure him out without revealing herself. She would consider her options. Maybe she could convince one of the people in the group to do it for her. A few of them could be read like open books, and were most likely easily manipulated. The people that came to mind when she thought of this were Daphne, Mephala, and Alviss. 

 

Kaitlin sighed when Ajax sent them to work. While the magical ones got to shop for crystals and whatnot, the non magically gifted ones were required to do the grunt work. She rolled her eyes. Just deal with it...don't harm your chances of figuring Ajax out... She mentally coached. She needed all the self restraint she could get from expressing her dislike for the situation. 

 

She decided she would search along side Ryne. While she thought Ryne was crazy, the girl was more tolerable than a dwarf, and even more so than the beastkin. She decided she would suck up, for now.

 

"Ryne, I apologize for my previous hostility. Truce?" Kaitlin choked out, offering her hand. She was holding her end of the bargain to Ajax...somewhat. Regardless of Ryne's answer, she would begin her search for quests. 

 

Kaitlin's ears perked up, as she began to listen to individual conversations. She would single out people and listen to their conversation. Kaitlin continued to do this, before barking a command to Ryne.

 

"Go check the bulletin boards or something. I'll keep listening in on conversations."