Bluefire [IC][R-16]

[Saiba Aisu]

BGM

"Eidolon! Dammit! Help me!" Harvest howled desperately, his voice breaking in pain as Heljä's claws laid waste to his HP.

 

Before Chloé and Heljä could deal the finishing blow, Eidolon emerged from the shadows behind them like a white-faced spectre, launching another deadly spread of silver daggers at the pair. Chloé cried out as one of them grazed her forearm—tracing a thin line of blood in passing—while the other two sank deep into Heljä's back. The she-bear roared in pain and half-turned, snapping her jaws at the masked assailant, only for him to vanish into the treetops once more, safely out of reach. A few seconds later, another volley of blades whistled towards them from another direction, forcing Heljä to swivel and duck out of the way.

 

CRACK!!!

 

"No!" Chloé cried, clutching her injury with one hand, her eyes widening in horror as Harvest—finally freed from the "Frozen" status ailment—took advantage of the distraction to break through the ice, slipping from their grasp with a quick backwards dodge roll.

 

Wasting no time, he pulled a glowing green knife from his belt and hurled it in their direction, aiming for the ground in between the polar bear's paws. A sinister hiss and a cloying smell filled the air as the blade unleashed its inner venom, drenching the surrounding snow with poison, causing Heljä to whimper in pain.

 

"F***ing b****. I can't wait to kill you and your ugly beast!" Harvest sneered, brandishing his wicked dagger.

 

⚠ STATUS ALERT: CONTRACT BEAST - HELJÄ POISONED ⚠

 

"Oh no, Heljä! Are you alright?" Chloé yelled, tugging on her reins, trying to pull her partner back to safety. A persistent whining beep began to sound as the poison started taking effect, draining Heljä's health and mana bars at a slow but steady rate. "Hang on just a little bit longer!"

 

"Game over, brat!" Harvest snarled, charging forwards through the snow, raising his weapon to deal another toxic blow.

 

"Winter's Breath!!" the Beast Master commanded, urging her mount to unleash another burst of frigid air at the assassin, forcing him to dodge to one side with a curse. The move had granted them a temporary respite, but at a high price—as a result of all the time that had elapsed while battling the Bane of Adrale, coupled with repeated uses of Winter's Breath and Harvest's Scorpion's Nest, Heljä's mana bar was deep in the red, while Chloé's wasn't much better.

 

"I've got a potion for this somewhere, I know it!" the girl cried, fumbling clumsily with her HUD, trying to rapidly sort through her inventory, causing a bottled orange potion to appear in one hand. "I... Here! Wait, no, not that one!"

 

The smell of fresh herbs briefly filled the air as the haphazard potion took effect, boosting Heljä's stamina recovery rate instead of curing the poison. Harvest threw back his head with a cruel laugh, advancing once more.

 

"Time to die, little girl," Eidolon whispered, suddenly materializing in the air in front of them, his voice colder than any ice magic could ever be. For a moment that seemed to last an eternity, Chloé locked gazes with the masked assassin, as if transfixed by his soulless eyes, even as another barrage of silver daggers shrieked towards her... And then...

 

Fire. A roaring, blistering wall of flame blossomed into existence between them, reducing the airborne blades to ashes. That attack, it could only be—!

 

"You stay the hell away from my friend," Stacks growled, lashing out at Harvest with her blade as she advanced, forcing him to stumble backwards, cut off from Eidolon by the paladin's Sunwall. "You're not getting away, motherf***er. Not in one piece."

[Super Chaos Sonic]

 

 

"I'm feelin' a lot o' things, bud. So much so that I ain't sure what I'm feelin'."

 

Do'jhera could tell that Brando was about to explode with information and his feelings. He didn't mind this though. Oddly enough, Do'jhera didn't mind listening to other's problems such as this.

 

"I guess I'm just sorta pitiful right now, Do'jherra. Seein' the mess I caused? I'm feelin' sorry for myself. But, I know good n' dern well that Cass' will gimme a right damn scoldin'. After that, we go down to get a pint, and let this whole thing blow over. Right after we rescue the uh, lil' lass in the cavern over there."

 

"Yeah...I won't lie, Brando." Do'jhera nodded with a slight smile. "What you did out there was...pretty rash and almost suicidal." He stopped before shaking his head. "Even if it was pretty brave and cool..." However, the Khepura stopped to notice the dwarf looking at him.

 

"Do'jherra! Ya did good back there. Ya put in yer share. You should be proud o' that. What's say, when we git back, I give them blades o' yours a good sharpenin', and a nice polish, huh?"

 

He began to rub the back of his head, chuckling lightly as he shook his head. "I-It wasn't much, Brando. Not to the amount of work you and the others put into fighting the Bane." Do'jhera then looked at Brando before unsheathing Windbreaker and Stormcaller. Needless to say, the Galeforce of Niska did need a tune up. Both were seeming a bit rough, unlike the day he got them. "I...I would like that! Thanks Brando!"

 

Do'jhera only hesitated for a short moment, immediately looking up from his weapons as he said this. The memories of the Forté guild started to come back and right now, he didn't need another moment where he was plagued by these memories and haunted by the deaths...not right now.

[👀 REP 👀]

 

---

 

As the tether between him and the Bane broke, so did the hulking colossus, turning it into a pile of rubble. Reebus was the first to search what was left of the mighty foe. "What does one do with immutable ice anyway?" He heard Reebus talking about the loot, probably taking whatever rare item the beast had on it. "Scrabble for the remains amongst yourselves. I have claimed what is indeed mine." The magician made his was past them, heading back to where Brando and Cass were. "It would have taken me longer to take the beast down without your help...I guess I should thank you for that." Reebus turned his head, with a cheeky smile. "But I won't. Nyohohohoho!" Lichiethro simply shook his head, although he couldn't help but smile a bit. He made his way towards the loot, still riding the bone golem.

 

Reebus hadn't left much at all - there were about 15 Immutable Ice and only a few crescents. It didn't really bother Lichiethro much; he cared more about leveling up after the fight. Still, loot is loot. He skimmed over what was left one last time, before taking 3 pieces of ice and 100 crescents, before heading towards Girasol. "There wasn't much, but I've got my share of the loot. The rest is yours." He would wait while she gathered the rest of the items before consulting her again. "I'm gonna hunt down those hooded bastards. Ya comin?" 

[Dad]

"I...I would like that! Thanks Brando!"

 

Brando nodded.  "Sure thing, bud.  It's the least I can do."

 

With Cass' health returning to normal, safe levels, and her poison affliction being lifted, some of Brando's worries had subsided.  He was, however, still concerned with the length of time that Stacks, Chloe, and Helja had been absent.  They had decided to bravely pursue Cass' attackers, and Helja was filled with ferocity as she gave chase.  Stacks--the best tank that Brando knew--was right behind them.  With Chole's skills, Helja's strength, and Stacks' mechanics, they could surely take down the Deceivers.  Right?

 

"Oh God, Chloé no." 

 

Clearly Brando was not the only one concerned.  "Cass.  If you're feelin' right as rain, we can go after 'em.  I'm a little low on supplies and mana, but if we hurry, we can reach Chloe and Stacks."

 

He'd rather know what Cass wanted to do this time, rather than give chase needlessly, and cause more harm.  "And Melethil, thank you again.  I know you're sick o' me, but thanks.  Would the doctor," Brando said, looking to Melethil.  "Say that the patient," he turned to Cass this time.  "Is able to safely move around?  Does she need more bed rest?  I've only been poisoned once, and when it was over, I was nauseous for a bloody week."  With the threat of permanent death ever looming over their digital shoulders, Brando wanted to make sure there were no other precautions they would have to take in game for out of game effects, or even vice versa.  "And Cass," he said scratching his beard.  "Thanks fer callin' out my mistakes." 

[Yui]

---

"Melethil, I hope you got this under control, because I'm heading into those woods, and I'm not coming back without our beast master."

 

I'd have it under even more control if you idiots didn't get tunnel vision over every little thing.

 

"Yeah I think I recall someone telling me that before. Thanks, Melethil. You really saved my ass."

 

"Melethil. Thank you. I dunno what we'd do without ya."

 

"Ehehe..." I know exactly what you'd do without me. You'd die. With his urgent need to heal the guildmaster dealt with, Melethil reassessed his surroundings. Helja, and therefore Chloe, had run off after the assassins. Stacks went after the runaway guildmates. Reebus, Girasol, and Lichiethro were all going after the Bane. Which left Do'jhera, Brando, Cass, and of course, Melethil himself here. Grouping 101... his player mentally seethed. Why is the goddamn roleplayer a more competent gamer than everyone else!? There's no way Stacks and Helja can out-burst those creeps, and the Bane group doesn't even have a tank! Oh my god it's like they want to die.

 

However, there wasn't much time to think about even that issue. Cass had noticed. "Mel, where are the others? Oh God, Chloé no."

 

"I'm s-sure she'll be alright. Stacks went after her, a-and that is to say, Stacks is a really powerful player." Even if she's burdened by idiots who over-aggro everything. "T, The others went to finish off the Bane, a-and I'm sure they'll be back s-soon. For now, w-we should probably make sure the person in that cave is alright."

---

[Ren✧]

The wall of flames cast a fierce ambience upon the combatants; the warm light beat away the cold indifference of the Northern Wilds and revealed a burning rage that turned the pearly snow a shade of glistening gold. Harvest danced around the hungry blade of the scarlet-haired paladin, caught off-guard by her relentless advance. She provided no opening for him to strike back, his dagger scraped harshly against the steel of her sword. Harvest's arm buckled against her attack, a large gash opening down the length of his armor. He cried out in pain, tears of blood wept from the wound. Stacks did not stop her onslaught, she continued with a cool determination that made Harvest uneasy. Anger seemed to radiate off of her, and yet each swing of her blade was deliberate and thoughtful. 

 

Their two blades met again, this time Harvest lost his grip on his weapon. Stacks sent the dagger spinning harmlessly into the snow, it was only a matter of time now. Harvest desperately dodged around her attacks, each of her swings getting closer and closer to him. With a final lunge, Stacks impaled the broad-shouldered assassin. He uselessly gripped at the sword that had sprouted from his chest, trying to remove the blade. A look of shock swam across his face as he stared into the paladin's eyes. A silent plea escaped his mouth before his hit points reached 0. He fell to the ground, limp, an ominous skull marker appearing over his body. There was a countdown on the icon, a signal that he would be able to respawn in the nearest Haven in 2 minutes. Of course, they knew he wouldn't. 

 

The flames from Stacks' <Sunwall> began to die; the regular, callous chill returned to the forest. Eidolon stood several yards away from the two women, their form obscured by the growing shadows of the trees. Their mask shown bright, however, a small moonface amidst the waxing darkness. They made no intention of advance upon Chloé or Stacks. Instead, they briefly looked at the corpse of their fellow assassin. 

 

They didn't say a word, only subtly nodding at the two members of Ithaca. The shadows seemed to twist around Eidolon, slowly swallowing them, and within a second their luminescent mask blinked out of existence. The silence of the forest seemed heightened, now, as though it too were sighing in relief. 

 

 

"Cass. If you're feelin' right as rain, we can go after 'em. " Cass was already in the process of getting up at Brando's words. 

 

"I'm s-sure she'll be alright. Stacks went after her, a-and that is to say, Stacks is a really powerful player. T, The others went to finish off the Bane, a-and I'm sure they'll be back s-soon. For now, w-we should probably make sure the person in that cave is alright."

 

Cass shook her head; she wouldn't leave the rest of her guild to fend for themselves. She had a responsibility to them. However, before she could even make a decision about who to go and help, there was an unmistakable sound of someone approaching the group from the forest. Chloé and Stacks emerged from the trees, they appeared a little battered, but alive, nonetheless. 

 

"Speak o' the devil." Brando murmured. 

 

Across the alcove, the image of three figures re-emerging from the trail of destruction that the Bane had left in its retreat could be seen. They were all safe. 

 

 

"Don't take another step!" The elven girl in the cave, pointed her staff at Cass and the other members of Ithaca. Now that the Bane had been defeated and the lone, remaining Deceiver was on the run, the guild was free to return to their original mission. However, it seemed as if the target of their rescue was more than a little suspicious of the small guild. She gestured angrily with her staff for the guild to step away from her. Cass could see that she was a cleric and likely wouldn't be able to do them much harm anyway, but still she held up her hands as a sign of peace. 

 

"We came here to rescue you." Cass said.

 

"So...you're not with those two creeps?" The cleric asked, lowering her staff a bit. 

 

"Not in the slightest." 

 

The cleric's shoulders slumped with relief, it was clear she knew that she wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight against all of them. It was truly a marvel that she had managed to survive up until this point. "Oh thank God!" She made the symbol of the cross across her chest, whispering a prayer of gratitude. "I thought I was going to die in this cave with nothing but a creepy skeleton to keep me company." 

 

Figuring that she was safe, Cass put her hands down and approached the girl. "I'm Cass." 

 

"Crystal. You can call me Crys. Did you," Crys paused, her lips quivering for a moment, "find anyone else?" She swallowed back the emotion that had got caught in her throat. 

 

"Aye! We gott'em both. Ya made it out of this one by the skin of ya teeth." Brando interjected. Cass nodded, confirming the dwarf's report. Crys seemed overjoyed by the news, another quiet prayer escaping her lips as a watery smile spread across her face. 

 

"So, it's all over then?" 

 

 

Cass thought it best to do one last sweep of the area before returning to Kirin and finally leaving the mountain. The cave that Crys had been taking cover in was shallow, only a few yards deep. The only point of interest was the remains of someone that had decayed long before any of the players had even set foot in Eden. Even with the cold to preserve it, only the bones of the body were left. Clutched in its skeletal fingers was a tome that seemed suspiciously unweathered.

 

Prying it from the skeleton's grip, Cass opened up the book. As soon as she did, a message scrolled across her HUD.

 

New Quest Started:

The Founding

Current Objective:

• Read the Memoir of Lhoris Magterian

 

Curious, Cass tried to decipher the text in the book, but was greeted by pages upon pages of runes she did not understand. As she stared at them, she noticed that the script seemed to be shaking. It wasn't incredibly noticeable, but the words, if that is indeed what they were, seemed to be vibrating against one another. As she turned the pages, she noticed diagrams and images throughout the book, however these too moved and bled into one another. It was impossible to decipher. 

 

Cass turned back to the rest of the guild, holding the book high in a gesture of confusion. Perhaps one of the others would have better luck. However, before she could even say a word, there was a soft ping. It was a notification that a new message had appeared on the guild's personal message board. This happened every so often, another player would request their services or an NPC would send them a random quest. However, this was not an instance of either.

 

The message had no obvious sender and contained only five words. 

 

Take it to the library.

[bury the year]

Girasol

 

The necromancer and the faun looked on impassively as the Bane's life deserted it. Although she knew the thing was just a programmed hunk of data that was hellbent on wiping Girasol out of existence... well, there was still the voice of Kim Sujin echoing in the back of her head, the meek yet angry Korean girl who was worried that she had taken a life and raging that it tried to take hers.

 

She ignored the cat who had sauntered in right after the beast fell and plucked the choicest rewards for himself. Of course. Reebus’s greed eclipsed her own. After the elf grabbed his shares, he offered the rest to her. Not in the state of mind to argue, Girasol scraped up the remaining 500 crescents and shards of Immutable Ice. She had no use for the material, but it appeared to be decently uncommon and would be sold for a tidy sum next time she was at market. And that would get her that much closer to crafting her sidearm…

 

“Thanks.” Silently, Girasol turned from Lichiethro, looking across the icy wastes. Now that her levels of adrenaline had subsided, cold was seeping into her thin bones. Exhaustion was quick to follow. She suddenly stumbled, losing her balance for a moment. Lichiethro was standing right next to her when it happened, and he broke her fall with a quickly-outstretched arm. Which was for the better, because otherwise her nose would've met an inconveniently-placed rock. He muttered a quick “don’t die” or something, which was all that Girasol expected. It was about the same she’d say for him in return.

 

“Thanks.” Her words were more curt and distant this time as she slipped the remaining spoils of war into her side bag. ”…n’t do bad.” The first part of the sentence was muttered, but the sentiment was audible enough.

 

A holler from Cast perked Girasol’s attention up again, her ears twitching. Simultaneously, a ping appeared on her HUD.

 

Take it to the library.

 

Puzzlement furrowed her brow. “Library… library… where have I seen one before?” Racking her brain for memories turned up nothing, but Girasol swore that there weren’t many in Bluefire. But there was something else. The book felt… uncanny. Not sinister, but something that guarded its secrets with ferocity.

 

She didn’t know what the guild was getting into next. Frankly, she didn’t want to know. All she wanted was a big mug of beer and a warm, soft bed.

[VCR_CAT]

Stacks4Daze

 

Stacks kept swinging her sword like a machine, furious and focused. The assassin put up an attempt to stop her strikes, but his daggers could only work so much to deflect the larger, flaming sword that kept hacking away. Finally a strike hit, a large gash tearing down through armor and flesh, blood dropping to the snow freely. The assassin fell to his knees, Stacks not letting up, her mind going blank from the combination of shock and rage. Stacks swung hard, her blade striking the assassin's dagger, and in a shower of sparks sent it spinning off into the darkness of the forest. Without even time to react, Stacks pulled back her sword and sunk it into the Assassin's chest.

 

The assassin was quiet, grabbing at the sword and staring into Stacks's eyes, the word "help" forming on his lips until the body went limp. Stacks ripped the sword from the body, whirling around in the direction of the other assassin, who merely nodded before vanishing into the woods. Stacks had a crazed look in her eye, and her breathing was fast. When the assassin left, her breathing calmed down and she lowered her sword slowly until it touched the snow with a soft hiss from the heat. Her eyes steadily glazed over, from an animal state of berserk alertness to a dead emptiness.

 

BGM:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJu0Y7HfPz8

Stacks looked down and stared at the body for what felt like an eternity, seemingly forgotten that Chloe was still there. Stacks didn't loot the body, she didn't check for money or better gear, but just looked down, the image of his pleading and desperate eyes burned into her mind.

 

"...Stacks, I-" Chloe spoke up, but was interrupted by Stacks.

 

"We should head back to the others," Stacks said quietly, her voice weak and almost strained. Chloe nodded, and the two walked quietly back to the rest of the group.

 

The two of them soon returned to the main group, everyone gathering at the spot of the fight once more. There was a bittersweet feel to the air; a great battle had been one, but everyone felt rattled and drained from the events. Stacks returned from the forest, her sword and shield still clutched tightly in hand, but not held at the ready. There was a ping on the guild message board, but Stacks ignored it, walking past Cass as she returned from the cave with the one they were supposed to rescue and a book.

 

"We took care of the problem," Stacks said quietly with an ominous tinge as she passed her leader, walking to seat herself on a rock near the mouth of the cave, cleaning the blood from her sword and armor.

[👀 REP 👀]

 

---

 

He jumped off the golem, making his way next to Girasol. “Thanks.” She turned away from him, not looking all that well. Suddenly, she lost her balance, collapsing forward. "Woah there." Lichiethro reacted quickly, catching her before her face could meet the cold hard rocks below. "Don't die on me now." He remarked, partially sarcastic. The girl didn't seem to be dying, just exhausted - the cold was probably not helping. “Thanks…n’t do bad.” He wasn't able to catch the first part of what she said; it didn't really matter at the moment. Suddenly, he felt a soft ping coming from his HUD. Checking his messages, he saw a rather vague sentence with no obvious sender.

 

Take it to the library.

 

"So much for hunting down." He muttered under his breath, walking up to his golem. Placing his hand on the bone mass, he used Recycle to destroy it, restoring a portion of his HP and MP back. He turned back to Girasol, who seemed to be trying to remember a library, although it didn't seem like she was getting anything. "We can think about that later. C'mon, we should group back up with the rest. He gestured her to follow him, making sure to stay close in case she collapsed again.

 

 

The two had returned with the rest of the guild. Lichiethro noted that the group that had hunted down the cloaked figures were back, and that there was someone not part of their guild there. They didn't seem to be with the deceivers, however, so Lichiethro simply ignored her. Everyone seemed exhausted from their own adventures. The necromancer took a seat on a nearby rock, turning to the roof of the cave. "Now what?" He thought out loud.

[Saiba Aisu]

BGM

And just like that, it was over. Eidolon was gone without a trace, fading once more into invisibility, as if swallowed whole by the surrounding shadows. As for Harvest... The assassin lay spread-eagled on the ground, limp and lifeless, his eyes rolling back in their sockets, staring at something that only he could see. Dead.

 

Chloé froze in shock, feeling a cold numbness steal over her that had nothing to do with the surrounding ice and snow. She had never seen a dead man before. Sheltered, sickly child that she was, she had never seen a dead anything before. It was only when Heljä whimpered again—still plagued by the poison's effects—that she was finally able to tear her gaze away from the ghastly sight.

 

"Oh, Heljä my dear, I'm so stupid! Forgive me!" she cried, tears brimming in her eyes as she accessed her HUD and began to sift through her inventory once more. Moments later, a bottled potion—the right one, this time—materialized in her hand, releasing a soothing fragrance as she administered it to the she-bear.

 

With her partner safely out of danger, Chloé turned towards Stacks, still standing over the corpse with a blank, haunted expression that she had never seen before. The Paladin had once again come to her rescue, risking her own life to save hers... but at a terrible price. Murder.

 

"Stacks, I—" Chloé began hesistantly, struggling to find the right words to express everything she was feeling. Remorse. Shame. Gratitude. Sorrow.

 

I didn't want it this way, I swear! It's my fault for losing control of Heljä, if only I could have...

 

"We should head back to the others," Stacks interrupted, her voice weak and almost strained. Without looking back, the warrior turned and began to walk slowly back the way they had come, leaving the Beast Master to stare down at her hands, her vision blurred by her tears.

 

"Chloé."

 

"W-what?" the blonde sniffled, wiping her eyes, resisting the urge to break out into sobs.

 

"Check the body. There may be something of worth, or at least some kind of clue that will tell us more about the Deceivers."

 

"Heljä! No, I couldn't possibly—!"

 

"Do it. Now! There isn't much time left."

 

Before she quite knew what she doing, the girl had slid off her mount's back, her legs moving jerkily as if they had a mind of their own, carrying her towards Harvest's body, faintly illuminated by the holographic skull and countdown floating in the air above. One step, then another, until she was crouched down beside him, squeezing her eyes shut as her hands rifled through his pockets, closing firmly around several different objects.¹ Not even bothering to check their nature, she got to her feet and began to run after Stacks, clutching her ill-gotten treasure to her chest.

 

"Cass, I'm glad you're alright," Chloé murmured a few minutes later, addressing her words to the guild leader, relieved to see her looking much better thanks to Melethil's expert healing. "Please, I... I found these items. One of the Deceivers was carrying them. I don't know if they'll be helpful, but... You will take them, won't you?"

 

The diminutive blonde handed the other woman all of the items she had obtained, including a bulging money pouch, the coins inside clinking merrily as she did so.

 

[spoiler=Note]1. According to Ren, upon looting Harvest, the following items will be obtained:

• 3000 Crescents

• Vials of Desert Venom: Can be manually applied to any weapon and will afflict any target of said weapon with a Poisoned Status that reduces their stamina by 10% of their Max Stamina every 2 seconds for 10 seconds and reduces their health by 5% of their Max Health every 2 seconds for 10 seconds.

• Torn Paper: A torn piece of paper that looks like it was once part of a hand-drawn map. The map seems to be going through the Pernicies Desert, but it’s impossible to tell exactly where without the other pieces.

 

[Ren✧]

Cass stared at the anonymous message, unsure of how to feel. This was the first time they had been contacted since receiving the ominous message relaying that instructions would come in the future. Did this mean that their chances of escape were tied to the book she held in her hands? To the quest? She wasn't sure if she felt scared or hopeful, probably a mixture of the two. She wanted more than anything to leave Bluefire, to log out and never look back. But, at the same time she was apprehensive. What if she failed? What if she just ended up dying like all those before her on some silly quest that was leading her nowhere?

 

"We took care of the problem," Stacks moved to sit on a nearby rock, her usual bravado missing. Cass briefly wondered what she was talking, her attackers having left her mind as soon as she saw the anonymous message. However, with a moment of thought she realized what the guild's paladin was referring to. Cass opened her mouth to say something, to ask if Stacks was alright, but before she could Chloé stretched out her hands, offering something to Cass.

 

"Please, I... I found these items. One of the Deceivers was carrying them. I don't know if they'll be helpful, but... You will take them, won't you?" Cass absentmindedly took the items from Chloé, not even truly aware of what she was doing. She put the crescents in the guild's collective bank and hardly gave the map a second's thought. The Deceivers, as horrible as they were, lost priority to any chances of escape. If she could get everyone out of the game, then the Deceivers wouldn't even exist anymore. 

 

"Now what?" Lich asked.

 

Take it to the library.

 

Cass looked at the message again. It was clear where they needed to go, the library that the sender was referring could truly only be one place. "We're going to Niska," She replied. 

 

"But first," Cass looked at Crys who seemed to be waiting patiently to be told what to do next, "we have some other business to finish up." The guild would escort Crys and Kirin down the mountain, the difficult part of the mission was now over. As Cass felt exhaustion tug at her eyelids she figured it would probably be best for the guild if they stayed the night in Adrale. They would all be exhausted after the events of the day. A warm bed and some food would do them all good. Plus, she figured she owed them all at least a pint at the nearest bar. 

[Mr. Hyde]

 

Reebus had finally regrouped with the others of Ithaca.  He took notice in the fact that he had leveled up, and took the time to think of where he would spend his next point in the skill tree.  Reebus looked around to notice that Cass had been revived.  

 

"Welcome back to the land of the living Cass...Thought we lost you there for a sec."  His tone seemed to have an almost emphatic tone to it, but it was soon overshadowed by, "Nyohohohoho!  If you would've kicked the bucket, I guess I would have to step up as Guild Leader!  What a shame that would've been."  He purred, before turning serious for a moment.  "Just kidding!  As if I'd want to lead these novices...."  He took another glance around them to see that they had in fact saved the girl who had been kidnapped by NPC's.  The bait for the trap, as it were.  He could only give the girl a grimace.  The whole party made him feel some sort of way...after all, he hated idiots.

 

Just as he was about to roast the girl alive, with words and not spell, a message appeared on his HUD

 

New Quest Started:

The Founding

Current Objective:

• Read the Memoir of Lhoris Magterian

 

His ears perked up slightly.  Now this was certainly interesting...maybe this hadn't been a waste of time after all.  He could see that Cass took no time at all to read through the book, but her puzzled look gave off the impression that it was an impossible task.  Soon, a new mission objective displayed itself just under the new quest.  

 

 

Take it to the library.

 

"Ominous...isn't it?"  He said, with a low voice.  His finger scratched the tip of his chin...he was getting more and more intrigued with each passing moment.  What mystery were they about to unravel.  But first thing was first...which Library were they supposed to take it to?  

 

"We're going to Niska," Reebus nodded.  It was only logical that their first stop would be the city with the largest Library, and magic school, that the realm of Eden had to offer.  "But first," Cass looked at Crys who seemed to be waiting patiently to be told what to do next, "we have some other business to finish up."  At this, Reebus' ears fell flat, losing all interest.  He would whine, but he was too tired to even do that.  His Mana was drained...but his health hadn't even been touched.  He was truly sorcerer supremeow.  

 

"Once we get you to safety," He directed towards the foolish two players, "You might want to stay in a haven for the rest of your life.  I don't think PvE is right for you!  Nyohohohoho!"  

 

 

 

[Super Chaos Sonic]

 

 

One by one Ithaca returned back to the cave where they finally rescued the one player they were sent to find: Crys. Do'jhera was a little relieved to see everyone in one piece and regrouped once more. However, the Khepura only stood outside the mouth of the cave some just to regain his thoughts and composure after all this. It was a quick moment...but they almost lost their guild-master, Cass. With a sigh, Do'jhera shook his head. If it weren't for the fact that Melethil was nearby, she probably would've been a goner and the Ithaca guild without a leader.

 

As he sighed once more, he got a ping from his HUD. "Huh?" he said, opening up the message and saw the message's five words:

 

Take it to the library.

 

Library? he thought, rubbing the back of his neck. He couldn't exactly remember where there was a library at here in Eden. The only one that came time mind was the one in... Oh...oh no... Do'jhera's realization on where this message might've been taking them was pretty obvious. He instantly closed the message and shook his head a little. I-It can't mean there...I can't !

 

He shook his head a bit more, before trying his best to calm down. He was obviously overreacting at this point. The others in the guild might've known other places that there might've been another location on Eden with a library. Then again, this was probably just hopeful and wishful thinking on his part. The moment he made it to where Cass was, he stopped and heard what she said in regards to Lichiethro.

 

"Now what?"

"We're going to Niska,"

 

Do'jhera was shocked as this was now happening. They were going to Niska... Truth be told, for Do'jhera and in turn his creator, they hadn't been to Niska since the last siege, the one right before Ithaca got him from the strange message on his way to Aegis Tower. It had been quite a while. And while he did do quite a bit of business around Niska due to his fishing and cooking skills, some players that would come in would come to know what occurred there and what he did...or rather...didn't do.

 

Nevertheless, the guild left the cave and headed down the mountain to reunite Crys with Kirin. All the while, however, he feared about them going to Niska. Perhaps he could talk with Cass later and hopefully she'd say they could find another library or something.

[Saiba Aisu]

Not for the first time, Chloé was a bit late to the party, so to speak. The Founding? The Memoirs of Lhoris Magterian? Niska? Faced with so many unfamiliar names, the girl couldn't help but feel overwhelmed, to the extent that she didn't even notice she had leveled up until one of the others pointed it out to her. Everything was moving so fast, yet everyone else seemed to take the new developments in stride. Better for her to fade into the background for the time being and let the others make the necessary decisions.

 

I can't let myself fall any more behind than I already am, she chided herself, wrapping her arms around her knees as she sat down on a nearby rock, head bowed. Especially not after...

 

Her eyes flickered towards Stacks, sitting alone near the mouth of the cave, still busy polishing her weapons and armor, though any traces of blood had long since been eliminated. Most likely, the Paladin was trying to keep her mind occupied rather than dwelling on other more unpleasant matters. The Beast Master quickly averted her gaze, still feeling guilty over what had happened earlier.

 

Why didn't Heljä listen to me? Why couldn't I stop her from chasing after the assassins? She's never disobeyed me like that before.

 

Chloé struggled mutely for a moment, failing to come up with answers. Until today, she hadn't known it was possible for Contract Beasts to disobey a direct order from their master. And to make matters worse, she hadn't even been able to discuss the situation with Heljä before dismissing her. Was it because she wasn't properly geared? Or because she wasn't experienced enough? Or perhaps some other reason entirely? If only Antoine were still here, he'd know, she was sure of it. Antoine, who always had all the answers and always knew exactly what to do...

 

He's not here, though, she thought, burying her face in her arms so that the others wouldn't notice the tears beginning to form in her eyes. Crying over him won't do any good, either. It just means I've got to figure things out on my own, without him. And... And I will! I swear it.

 

The blonde took a deep breath and closed her eyes as she silently swore the vow, adding it to the list of promises she had made in the months following her older brother's disappearance. She couldn't be sure, but something told her that going to Niska would mean venturing outside of Skryx's North. Frozen, barren, and inhospitable as they might seem to the others, the snow-covered wastelands were all she knew. She was loathe to leave them behind... but if it meant staying with her new friends, it was worth it.

 

"So," she asked brightly, looking up, both surprised and relieved to see that her eyes were dry once more, "when do we leave?"

[Dad]

A Tall Tale

 

Brando was relieved that the ordeal with the Bane was over.  He was even more relieved that Cass's assassins had been dealt with accordingly.  He--rather, Macy--didn't like the idea that another life had been lost due to this accursed game.  However, they had threatened Cass's life as well.  The actions that Stacks had taken were fair, if not harsh.  Brando said a solemn word to himself that the assassin's soul would rest in peace.  It didn't pay to have a soft heart.

 

With all guild mates accounted for, Ithaca was able to fulfill their promise at last, and rescue the stranded young adventurer in their quest.  She introduced herself as Crystal, to which she preferred "Crys".  She was a dark skinned elvin cleric, who was relieved to know that the ones who had pursued her had gone, thanks to Ithaca.  She would then journey with the guild back down the enormous, snowy mountain, to be reunited with her own allies.  However, in the time in which Crystal was rescued, what but another task should arrive for Ithaca.  An old, tattered book, lost to time, had revealed itself in the back of the shallow cave in which Crystal had taken shelter.  Cass, curious as she was, took notice of it right away.  She lay her gentle hands on the forlorn book, and lifted it with care.  She peeled back its cover for the first time in what could possibly have been an in-game time of hundreds of years--as far as anyone could guess anyway--and softly glanced over its pages.

 

However, they were indecipherable to the oracle, and she found no information she could use that would give her a clue as to what the book was for, or to whom it belonged.  That is, until the book itself prompted the members of Ithaca to look to their H.U.D.s.  

 

A new quest, entitled, "The Founding", had just seized their attention.  "Eh?" Brando mused, only noticing the book after Cass had it in her hands.  The book apparently belonged to one Lhoris Magterian, a name in which Brando did not recognize.  And with their new found quest and the discovery of the Magterian book, a sudden ping on the Guild Message Board did occur.  It was a simple message, that still surprised Brando.  

 

"Take it to the library?  Well, I ain't much of a reader, so--"

 

"We're going to Niska," said Cass.  She apparently knew just where to find said library.

 

Brando simply nodded at the guild master's orders.  He dare not disobey her yet again.  Fortunately, the guild would get a fair night's rest in the town of Ardrale, not far from the mountain where they were presently standing.  And Brando had a promise to keep, reforging his guild mate's weapons and armor.  He was a craftsman after all.  Not to mention, he worked better after an ale or two.  "I'm all saddled up then," he bellowed.  "Ready when you lot are," Brando said, to no one in particular.

[👀 REP 👀]

 

---

 

"We're going to Niska," Lichiethro nodded at his guildleader, standing up. "But first we have some other business to finish up." Cass turned to the newcomer, before making her way towards the exit of the cave. "Oh, right." He said begrudgingly. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he had forgotten why they had came here in the first place. "Let's get going them." He said bluntly, marching onward behind Cass. He didn't pay much attention to those around him - as far as Lichiethro was concern, he wanted to get to a place of rest as soon as possible. Without much else happening, the guild made their way down the mountain and then into the town of Ardrale, where they would rest for the night.

[Yui]

---

New Quest Started:

The Founding

Current Objective:

• Read the Memoir of Lhoris Magterian

After Ithaca had recued the missing player - a fellow Elven cleric, as it so happened - Cass found a book, and that book left the guild with a new quest to tackle. However, the guild leader seemed to have no luck deciphering the Memoir. Melethil was about to suggest he give it a look, when suddenly a notification appeared in the guild chat, telling them to take it to the library. Having been an avid roleplayer since the game's early beta stages, Melethil knew a thing or two about the world of Bluefire. And he knew that there weren't many libraries. Only one of them came to mind as being "the library". He'd always wanted to visit Niska.

 

"We're going to Niska. But first, we have some other business to finish up."

 

And it seemed Niska was their destination. But before that, there was still the matter of getting these other people to safety. Down the mountain the guild went, and Cass ultimately made the call that the guild would spend the night in Adrale. Melethil was relieved, though he wanted to be rid of this frozen wasteland as soon as possible. He wanted to let his feet breathe again, feel the sun on his skin, maybe sand between his toes. Being here made Melethil miss the desert.

 

"I'm all saddled up then! Ready when you lot are."

 

Oh right. There's still the matter of you. Melethil wouldn't chew out Reebus since he didn't put himself in danger, but he can totally tell you to be a bit more careful. You're making my job way too hard, half-pi...you get the point.

 

"U-Um, excuse me Brando," Melethil stammered. "Whenever we get to Adrale, I-I need to talk to you about something."

 

Hmm, actually...nah, Melethil and Brando don't ship so well. Brando's too in-your-face for meek little Melethil.

[Ren✧]

The hearth crackled warmly; the heat of the fire washed over Cass as she stared into the flames. It was late, the common room of The Glistening Lyre was nearly empty, aside from the introspective guild leader. A flagon of ale, nearly empty, sat beside her. It had been her only drink of the night, but Brando had more than made up for it with the number of pints he had kicked back. The barkeep had made a joke that the dwarf was going to put them out of business. Cass didn't feel too bad, however, it looked as though the guild made up nearly all the guests at the small inn. The Glistening Lyre wasn't anything beautiful, but it felt like a royal palace after their trek down the mountain. 

 

It had taken Ithaca hours to get back to Adrale after rescuing Crys and reuniting her with Kirin. The two had offered to pay for the guild's accommodations for the night, but Cass turned them down. She wasn't about to take their money, saving them hadn't been about getting a reward. 

 

Tonight, Cass' mind was plagued with questions. She couldn't help but question the instructions they had been given. How did the anonymous sender know they had obtained the Memoir of Lhoris Magterian? Were they somehow involved with the Deceivers? After all, the whole reason Ithaca was up there in the first place was because of the Deceivers. Perhaps it was just a coincidence, but nevertheless it made Cass feel uneasy. However, if there was any truth behind the anonymous sender's promise to get them out of Bluefire, Cass would walk blindly into any trap. 

 

Cass took a long draft of her ale before rising from her chair. It was only a few hours until first light, she needed to get some sleep before the guild set off for Niska in the morning.

 

 

The guild piled into a large wagon, bedded with hay. Fast Travel between the Havens was too dangerous to use, seeing as several players had fallen to their deaths on account of a bug that had transported them hundreds of feet above their desired destination. Instead, Cass had paid for the services of a traveling merchant, he would transport the guild to Niska. On foot, the trek to the coastal Haven from Adrale would take nearly two weeks, but the wagon trail cut their travel time in half. 

 

The wagon wasn't incredibly comfortable, especially with so many people in it, but each day the weather got warmer as they neared the coast. They began to shrug off the inhospitable cold of the north and enjoy the temperate air of the Liminal Plains. Fortunately, as long as the guild stayed in the wagon, they wouldn't attract the attention of any hostile monsters that they happened to pass by. 

 

After 5 days of travel, the wooden spokes of the wagon finally stopped. The imposing cliffs that guarded the Haven's eastern flank towered above them. To the west, a beautiful beachfront welcomed the guild. The gates to Niska were open, but members of the Niskan guard stood on either side of the entrance, their hands resting on their swords. 

 

After paying the driver, Cass followed the rest of the guild into the merchant city. The beauty of the Haven struck her. It was chaos, no doubt, with vendors everywhere calling out to passerby to buy their merchandise. The docks were heavy with the clamor of crewmen and travelers alike and the unmistakable scent of a fresh day's catch permeated the air. However, above it all stood the likeness of D'Arcy Howell, the story of his valor protecting the channel that ran between the mainland and the neighboring island of Tafi'i.

 

Though she would've liked time to admire the city, Cass had a job to do, as did the rest of Ithaca. Their visit was not for leisure. 

 

"Okay, we're going to divide and conquer." Cass instructed, some of the guild curious to what she had in mind. "Four of you will head to the docks and find a cheap transport to Tafi'i. That group is in charge of getting the book deciphered." She paused making sure that the guild understood. "I'll take the other four of you into town, it's about time we had a place to call our own." 

---

[spoiler=OoC]

Take off your fur coats and put on your bathing suit, we made it to Niska! You all need to decide who is going to each location. Handle this decision however you want. First come, first served. Plan amongst yourselves. Whatever. But note, that it's a hard limit of four members to each group. (Well 5 technically for the group that is going into town, but you get it). 

 

I'm so glad that we've made it to this next chapter of the RP! Love how much dedication and hard work y'all are pouring into this! Keep it up!!

 

 

[👀 REP 👀]

 

---

 

They had finally made it to a hearth late at night. There wasn't much of anyone in the building, save for the guild members and those who worked there. He kept his distance from everyone else, holding his cup of ale on one hand while he polished and clean his lantern, which was placed on the desk. Anyone listening would hear him mutter complaints about snow, dirt, and scratches. Satisfied with his work, he put his lantern on his side holster and checked his HUD, looking at his stats and gear specifically. He let out a disappointed sigh, before closing the menus and taking a swing of his drink. Thing were going slower than he'd like to. 

 

Another drink later, Lichiethro stood up and made his way to the rooms to rest.

 

 

It took them a few days of travel via wagon, but they eventually made it to their destination. After Cass payed the driver, the group made their way into the city. It was chaotic, with merchants constantly calling out to potential customers as they passed by their stands. "Okay, we're going to divide and conquer." They didn't have much time to sight see. "Oh?" He looked at her with curiosity. "Four of you will head to the docks and find a cheap transport to Tafi'i. That group is in charge of getting the book deciphered." She paused, looking at the guild before continuing. "I'll take the other four of you into town, it's about time we had a place to call our own." So that's what she had in mind. He thought for a second what he wanted to do, although it didn't take him very long. He turned to the rest of the guild. "So, who else is gonna go to the docks?"

[VCR_CAT]

Stacks4Daze

 

Finally, the guild made its descent from the mountain, housing themselves in a local inn at Adrale. Most of everyone was in high spirits, drinking and laughing the night away, Brando in particular drinking a lot of ale. Stacks had ordered her share of food and drink, but had hardly touched it that evening; she couldn't even bring herself to drink the ale, however much she wanted to. The technology behind Bluefire was able to supply sensory information to the brain, to allow its players to touch, taste, see, and feel. It couldn't, however, make the brain feel a certain way, such as being drunk. The closest they could get with alcohol was forcing a sort of dizzy feeling to the drinker, to mess with their coordination. Stacks didn't want that; she wanted to get drunk. She wanted to forget. Stacks retired early that evening, but wasn't able to get very much sleep. The night was filled with nightmares and restlessness. The next morning Stacks looked more haggard than she did the previous evening, with dark circles illustrated under her eyes to communicate various sleep deprivation debuffs.

 

The guild would travel to their next destination by wagon, an uncomfortable journey to say the least. Over the course of the five day journey, Stacks's mood would improve steadily. At first, she remained quiet like she did after the encounter with the assassins, but with each night and each morning she would be closer to being her old self, exchanging jabs and jokes like she used to. But what she had gone through hadn't disappeared; she still remembered, and likely wouldn't forget for some time, no matter how much she wanted to.

 

Finally, the group arrived at Niska. The city was busy and bustling, as much as Stacks had remembered it. Before Stacks had decided to try her luck with a new guild, she had spent a lot of time hopping from haven to haven, often acting as a mercenary guarding lower-leveled players as they traveled to new places and keeping them safe. This is also how Stacks had earned a lot of money, and come to bring justice to her screen name.

 

"Okay, we're going to divide and conquer," Cass told the rest of the guild. "Four of you will head to the docks and find a cheap transport to Tafi'i. That group is in charge of getting the book deciphered. I'll take the other four of you into town, it's about time we had a place to call our own."

 

"So, who else is gonna go to the docks?" Lichiethro was the first to speak up.

 

"I'm gonna stick with the Boss on this one," Stacks replied, stepping over to Cass's side. "I hate Libraries, and this ain't my first time around Niska, so I can make sure we get a good place." I can also make sure no low-lives try to kill her again.

[Super Chaos Sonic]

 

 

-BGM-

 

Niska, it had been quite a while since he had seen it bustling with so much life. The breeze almost felt like it was welcoming him back into the city. Do'jhera only let out a soft sigh as he walked into the city with the Ithaca guild. Originally, he was just going to plead with Cass to see if there were any other locations with a library that they could possibly take the book to. However...Do'jhera kept silent on the matter and just went with the flow, as a bird going with the flow of the air currents.

 

Do'jhera shook his head some, doing his best to stop his bird watching and actually listen to Cass as she addressed the guild.

 

"Okay, we're going to divide and conquer. Four of you will head to the docks and find a cheap transport to Tafi'i. That group is in charge of getting the book deciphered. I'll take the other four of you into town, it's about time we had a place to call our own."

 

Group of two? he thought, crossing his arms some. That would actually help. Maybe I can stay with the group that goes to the library! I mean sure, plenty of those at the docks know my face because of me fishing there all the time...but the library, I can hide there! A quick smile appeared on the Khepura's face, before it fell back to where it came. Then again...I've spent more time here in Niska...I don't know if Cass or anyone else has. He, however, stopped his thoughts as he heard Stacks speak up.

 

"I'm gonna stick with the Boss on this one. I hate Libraries, and this ain't my first time around Niska, so I can make sure we get a good place."

 

So Stacks had been to Niska too? Do'jhera sighed a bit, before shaking his head some. For him right now, this was a lose-lose situation. Either way, he guessed someone would know him. With a long drawn out sigh, Do'jhera held a hand up and moved towards Cass and Stacks. "I...I've been here a lot. Sorta had a some business going on for myself with my fishing and cooking around here..." he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I think I'm probably better suited to helping them out around Niska."

[Dad]

The guild's evening wasn't filled with events.  Rather, it was spent sharing time among guild mates, and quietly allowing the evening to slip away.  Cass had scurried off to her lonesome, likely with some important guild master's items occupying her mind.  She had had quite a day.  Battling with monsters, fighting off a surprise boss encounter, nearly getting assassinated.  It wasn't a wonder to Brando if she was mentally, physically, and emotionally drained.  Stacks was pretty drained herself, from Brando's perspective.  She ordered a plethora of food and drink, but she barely touched either.  Since she had returned from fighting off the assassins, Stacks had kept to herself.  She didn't reveal what happened to Brando, and he figured it was best if he didn't ask.

 

Instead, Brando turned his own attention to the food and ale that he purchased from the kind inn keeper.  While he couldn't get drunk, he could spend the time merrily, and keeping his spirits high.  After such a long day, Brando was happy to be eating and drinking among the people he cared about.  Most of them at least.

 

He stuffed his beard with chicken and bread, stew and potatoes, and seared vegetables and baked sweets.  Brando was enjoying himself.  Macy was too.  Hopefully, when they got to Niska, Brando could find an anvil to repair the guild's weapons and fulfill his promise.  

 

---

 

The road to Niska was a rocky one.  Not literally of course, but the comfort of a camped wagon did not exist for most.  Thankfully, Brando was small enough that he could tuck away into a bit of a cubby hole between Stacks and Lich, that he didn't have to try and find more room.  Thankfully, the weather had drastically improved.  Sunshine, warmth, and sea salted air filled Brando's lungs as the wagon drew ever closer to Niska.  He took a deep whiff of the ocean air, and beat his chest once.  Brando hadn't been to Niska often.  It was a nice change of pace that he would be sure to appreciate.

 

From frigid temperatures and thick blankets of snow, to the warm, tropical, airy docks of Niska.  

 

The day of arrival had perked up even Stacks' mood, as the day seemed to be filled with promise.  Stepping carefully down from the wagon, Brando gave a satisfied sigh.  He was eager to explore the market, and perhaps even find some new wares, but there was a mission to complete after all.

 

Setting aside his interests, Brando listened in to Cass, who decided to divide the guild temporarily, in order to accomplish their goals as quickly as possible.

 

 "Four of you will head to the docks and find a cheap transport to Tafi'i. That group is in charge of getting the book deciphered."

 

There would be a lot less of a chance that Brando would get himself and his guild mates into trouble if he went to the docks.  Getting the book deciphered sounded like the most reasonable, boss monster free option so far.

 

"I'll take the other four of you into town, it's about time we had a place to call our own." 

 

That sounded like a lot more trouble.  Not in terms of effort, or length of time.  No, no.  Rather, Brando was more likely to get into trouble while perusing the town.  He may run into an old enemy, or startle a mugger from an ally, or accidentally start a super secret impossible level 200 requirement quest that can't be declined.  No.  There was no chance he was going into town while the guild was split.

 

"I fancy goin' down to the docks.  Maybe I'll get time to pluck my toes in the water, hehe."  Brando was sure of this decision.  There was no way he could get Ithaca into trouble if he waited at the docks.  Right?

[Saiba Aisu]

For their final night in Adrale, Ithaca decided to lodge at The Glistening Lyre, a small yet surprisingly cozy inn. Chloé surprised herself by sitting close to the main group, giggling in spite of herself at Brando's crazy jokes and seemingly endless appetite. After a long day of fighting, the wayward dwarf's antics were a soothing balm to her soul, aided in no small part by the flagon of ale she sipped throughout the night. Another first, one that managed to get her pleasantly tipsy before too long. Antoine wouldn't have been pleased.

 

Every now and then, however, her gaze would drift towards Stacks, uncharacteristically stiff and quiet, barely touching her food. Even with alcohol dulling her senses, Chloé couldn't help but feel a sharp stab of guilt at the sight of the Paladin. Part of her was still desperate to properly apologize, but deep down, she knew it wasn't the right moment. It would be selfish—almost cruel, even—of her to bring up Eidolon and Harvest so soon. More than anything else, Stacks needed time to heal, and Chloé intended to make sure she got it. She owed her that much.

 

As the hour grew late and the guild's festivities came to an end, the girl got to her feet unsteadily, her eyes heavy with sleep and her mind still swimming from the ale. She murmured a soft goodnight to the others before traipsing off towards her room and collapsing into her bed, plunging into a deep dreamless sleep.

 

BGM

 

Niska. Where to begin? Chloé took a deep breath, savoring the sharp salty perfume that hung upon the air, her ears filled with the cries of seagulls wheeling in the sky high above them. The city was as different from the Haven of Adrale as it was possible to be! Everywhere she looked was a bustle of activity as sailors, merchants, and fishermen swaggered by, crying their wares, while children laughed and chased each other through the streets. And the sea! An undulating sheet of bright blue, gently rolling with the tides, shimmering with reflected sunlight. Virtual or not, it was still the most beautiful sight she had ever seen.

 

"Okay, we're going to divide and conquer," Cass ordered, explaining how she planned to split the group. One team would head to Tafi'i Island in order to decipher the mysterious book, while the other, headed by Cass, would stay in the city and hunt for a new base of operations.

 

Chloé's initial instinct was to go with the first team, but she pulled up short at the thought of crossing the sea in a boat. Scary. Better to stay on solid land with the others for now. After all, there was still plenty to see here, so why rush things?

 

"I'd prefer to stay with you, Cass.... If you don't mind, that is," she managed at last, doing her best to speak up. Hopefully the Oracle wouldn't mind being saddled with the guild's resident damsel in distress.

[Mr. Hyde]

 

After finally making it to the Glistening Lyre, Reebus could now take some time off from being the responsible one of the group.  He was furious that Cass had rejected the gold offer from those that they had saved, almost fuming at the fact.  This guild leader's bleeding heart ... How was Ithaca going to thrive and get out of this world if they didn't have the funds to do so!  The sentiment bewildered him.  

 

While the others fell into merry time, Reebus reflected on what had happened.  The fact that the deceivers were now trying to eliminate guilds was an unsettling thought, but seeing as how Ithaca was targeted by them and survived, it would prove to be more difficult from here on out.  No doubt would the deceivers come after them again and again.  Looking over at his guild mates drinking their cares away, he couldn't help but smack his face.  

 

"We're doomed."  

 

With that, Reebus turned in for the night.  

 

 

On the morrow, the guild loaded up a wagon that would take them to Niska.  Reebus couldn't help but think of the fact that why they hadn't used fast travel was due to Cass' overwhelming fear of glitches in the game, due to her being stuck in one herself.  They were a statistical anomaly in the world, but a tragic one nonetheless.  Better safe than sorry.  At least they both agreed on one thing. 

 

Upon entering the bustling city, after 5 monotonous days of travel, Reebus couldn't help but be overwhelmed by all of the noise that the city produced.  Annoying merchants poked and prodded the guild to buy products that Reebus was already stocked up on, albeit the fish looked especially tasty through his Khe'pura eyes.  

 

"Okay, we're going to divide and conquer." Cass instructed.  "Four of you will head to the docks and find a cheap transport to Tafi'i. That group is in charge of getting the book deciphered." She paused making sure that the guild understood. "I'll take the other four of you into town, it's about time we had a place to call our own." 

 

Most of the guild offered to head into town, not a surprise to Reebus.  These people never even went to Libraries in the real world.  

 

"So, who else is gonna go to the docks?"  Their resident necromancer finally spoke up.  

 

"Yeah yeah...typical spellcaster stereotype and all."  Reebus strode up to Cass, sticking out a paw.  "The book, please?"

[Yui]

---

The road to Niska had been a long one. Melethil would have rather fast-traveled - having the Dragonwing Amulet was a huge help in not falling to his death from a bug - but doing that meant being alone in Niska for a few days while everyone else caught up. Not the best of plans. Eventually, however, the members of Ithaca got out of the frozen wastelands and into more temperate climates. It was quite a relief for the cleric. From there, it was smooth sailing, and eventually everyone arrived at Niska. Do'jhera seemed none too happy about the arrival. Bad history?

 

"Okay, we're going to divide and conquer. Four of you will head to the docks and find a cheap transport to Tafi'i. That group is in charge of getting the book deciphered. I'll take the other four of you into town, it's about time we had a place to call our own."

 

"So, who else is gonna go to the docks?"

 

Before long, in addition to Lichiethro, Brando and Reebus volunteered to go to the docks. That was three. You're not getting away from me that easily. "I'll go with them to the docks!" Melethil answered. A bit enthusiastically, though the elf was quick to follow it up with a more Melethil-esque "Th-That is to say, I've never actually been to Niska, and have always wanted to see the ocean for myself." The cleric nodded to himself to confirm that was the case. Nice follow-up, me. Now, how do I chat up Lichiethro?

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