Journey of the Elementals RP (Pm if Interested, Started)

[Pm0n3y]

Horatio couldn't help but cackle as he stumbled and spun away from the group, reeling at the punch. Just, this really wheezy, boisterous laugh that let you know just how much enjoyment he was getting from all this. "WHOO! Now THAT'S a wake-up call!" Said boast echoed down the hallway as he bounced back to attention. It was decided then, he'd just have to travel with these folk. They all get so angry so easily! Granted, it was still early and Drew probably wasn't a morning person, but for Joey to get such a reaction out of the mage just made him glow with glee.

"And now that he's made the first strike, I could just stab him now and get this whole debacle over with!" And just that fast, one fist clenched, while the other slowly unsheathed his knife. "Wait, no." He stopped himself. "Too many people. I'd get jumped." Even if he could take out Drew (and most likely Gabriel, in the same motion, probably) he would still have to worry about everyone else dog piling on him. "That, and wouldn't want to ruin the lightning mage's brand new robe." He stepped back into the conversation circle, mindlessly twirling the knife on one of his fingers.

"Ah, apologies, Drew. I was out of line. I clearly didn't know the full situation." He replied. "Continue." "He and that one girl...the one with the pixie wings...Fei, I think she said...They must be related. Siblings, most likely. He punches just like her!" That got a scoff out of him.

 

[UnusualStranger]

"Gods be damned, man. You soak up information like no other. I hesitate to think what you would do if you could stay in the castle." Kane said with a chuckle as he glanced over the book a moment. With a shrug and a wave, he gave up on the book quickly.

"No idea what you have there. Mess of things, and none of it makes any sense to me. Personally, when I see things like that I prefer them burned rather than left around to cause problems. But, its my personal choice, not yours." Kane hefted a few bits of wood and tossed it into the fire.

Jade, meanwhile, glanced over the book, shooting a quick mischievous grin towards Alexander as she did so. After examining it for a small bit, she shook her head.

"Stealing books from Edgar? Such a naughty Lord, especially in sharing them. Unfortunately, I cannot make sense of this book, but I imagine there are many like it in the castle." Jade said, going back to warming by the fire.

Kane, meanwhile, regarded his troops once again before addressing the mages, this time a more curious tone to him.

"So, you've all already decided that you are going to meet the Iron Mistress, and go to her city? I mean, with the noise that she makes at night, I would be tempted to say you won't be getting very close without being spotted." Kane continued with a grin. "I mean, there are other places to go, the shadowlands, temple ruins, and things like that. Course, with all the noise that she makes, and with all the ladies you pull to yourself, I get the feeling it wouldn't matter anyways."


[hr]

Edgar waited patiently as the mages proceeded to scuffle among themselves. He looked a little disappointed when Horatio began to just twirl the knife around, but let it all be for the time being. With the entertainment out of the way, Edgar went back to addressing the mages once again.

"If he had stolen something, then I get the feeling you wouldn't be spinning that knife around. In fact, I think you might have awakened in a different kind of bed, wouldn't you?" Edgar started, giving a small dismissive wave. "Though, it is of no surprise that you do not all know of this story until now, but it is of no consequence to me, of course. I just wanted to make sure you all knew what was going on."

Almost dismissive now, he gave a wave at Drew. While he was initially interested in what was going on, it became clear that there was nothing to be gained from the sudden infighting and discussion.
"I have gathered the items from a collection of mercenaries, my own travels, and a few less fortunate attackers to my castle. That is how I have come upon all my things. Now its my turn...What exactly are you looking for here? This meeting is almost a waste at this point, as I don't have time for you to fight for my amusement. You could be leaving right now, and making good time, or at least actually trying to do something that is worth the effort."

As the dragon women Onyx approached, it was clear she was ready for a fight and then some. Edgar nodded to her as she approached, and she turned, suddenly waiting against the wall and watching and counting the mages, nodding to herself as she did so.

In the meantime, the shadows of Seth and Raven were watching from Seth's doorway, obviously intent on alerting the pair if something came of the mess, with Seth's shadow notably reaching for his sword when punches started flying. Though, when it all calmed, went back to waiting. Gabriel's shadow in the meantime wandered a small distance away from the other two, not knowing where to stand, but intending on looking as important and useful as possible when standing there.

Silvana's shadow was much more in the thick of it. Staying with her owner and obviously not trusting the rogue from last night, and also not trusting the red lord even as he posed no threat. No obvious one anyways.

 

[blaze96]

"You may address any allegations of thievery to Fei or her brother more likely. I only received the book this morning with a request to see if I could read it." Alexander replied in his best fake official voice.

"Now whether I keep it or not is another story. If Edgar finds out that I have the book, one which may unravel the mystery a bit more, then he is welcome to come to the Iron Mistresses' city to retrieve it. I won't even fight him over it, though I doubt he would really want to do such a thing. Also I have no wish to meet the Iron Mistress in anything resembling a personal way. However, if her city has people like me living there, then it is the most logical choice unless either of you know of some place to find people like them who would be more friendly.

No matter what I have my next goals laid out before me. I need to find somebody who can decipher the coded script or find one of these magical people who might be able to answer my questions. Edgar provided some illumination but he couldn't answer the most important questions. What is causing the storm back home and how do we stop it? At least, he couldn't in a definitive way." He stopped a moment before realizing he had forgotten something.

"Kane, what do you know of the city? Any advice for getting in and blending in? I'd at least like to try to be able to get around somewhat unnoticed."

 

[NeoAC]

When Seth kissed her lips, Jenn could swear she almost melted right into the Pyro, wanting nothing more than this feeling she had right now. As Seth pulled away, she leaned forward, almost falling into the man as he stood up. She managed to catch herself before face planting on the bed though.

As Seth reached for the suit, Jenn remembered that she would have to dress in the same manner. I probably should have grabbed my robes before I came into Seth's room...oh well. Totally worth everything. She got up and made her way back to the chair her dress had been tossed upon before sliding her body into it. It felt like there was a little more room in it than there was yesterday. Probably from all the exercise. As she did up the straps she noticed Seth frozen in the doorway, reading...something. It looked to be a note but it was hard to tell.

Jenn snuck up behind Seth and wrapped her arms around the Pyro as she tried to sneak a peak at what he was looking at. There was no need to be to stealthy about it, but still, it was fun to play the part. "So what are you looking at, Seth?"

 

[Mr. Omega]

Drew waved his hand at Onyx "No need for violence. Except with the idiot here." he said, tilting his head towards Horatio. "But as for what I want, I seek only a few things. First would be safe passage for my companions. Whatever fighting you and Kane are planning, I'm hoping you'll wait for a bit. My companions can leave immediately. Just a very quick detour on the way out. A quick bite to eat. Alice can take care of that and lead me out, and our dragon lady can take care of the rest."

He waited a moment before asking a few more questions. "But really, I just wanted some answers. Was hoping it might provide a clue to our quest. Still, there is one last thing I'd like to ask." he then turned back to the others. "ALONE." He never wanted any of the others there anyway. He had explicitly asked for a private conversation the previous night, and the way this was going was reminding him why.

 

[UnusualStranger]

Kane chuckled at the more fake official voice that Alexander used when trying to pass on the blame that had apparently happened. While he could not claim to know what had happened, he got the distinct feeling that it meant all kinds of disasters for the mage. However, when the conversation turned more towards the storm, and then to the city, the chuckle became mirthless.

"Well, your storm is something beyond me. In case you hadn't noticed, it storms here quite often. So, if you plan on stopping those storms, and these storms, all the more power to you. But I'm pretty sure the world doesn't much care for people pushing against it. Just my opinion of course." Kane said, and at the last question shook his head.

"I am guessing you are blind, Alexander. I'd say I'm sorry, but I figure that your light powers had to do your eyes in eventual. I have never gotten close to the damn city, and I don't think you'll have much luck either. Metal soldiers are extra tough, and what few idiots I have who wanted to test their own metal against hers didn't come back. Going over there and dying the final death isn't exactly high on anyone's list." Kane reached into his pack and pulled out a cigar of some sort, and leaning close to the fire lit it. Puffing a few bits of smoke, he gave a small shrug.

"If you think that you can get in there without drawing attention with the...sleeping herd of rampaging bears over there," Kane nodded towards Claire. "...Along with a girl who seems to like to travel in the damned downpour, and...pulling in more women every time I see you, you just might stand a chance. So, luck be with ya in your travels, as insane as they are."

As they chatted, the centaurs and spirits around them began to finish their meals, and collecting the armor and weapons that they had set aside before. Kane himself didn't move to collect his armor and other weapons yet, preferring to stick with his smoking for the time being. Feeling generous, he even offered a collection of them to the mages. Even to Jade, who quickly showed no interest in taking anything from the centaur.

"Smoke for good luck? Or yer travels at the least?"

[hr]

Seth skimmed the letter again. What was this world coming to where Alexander had to offend their newly found lord of the castle? He had to leave because his shadow was dying? There were some details that he really needed to go over, as the letter obviously did not have all the information. It had a destination, some reasoning, Kane letting them pass....Suddenly, arms wrapped around him from behind as Jenn began to peek around him at the letter. Surprising, but still welcome.

"Wha...Well, it seems that Alexander was...busy as well last evening. Seems we might not be as welcome to this castle for much longer." Seth answered, moving the letter so that Jenn could look it over herself. "Seems he didn't even have time to tell anyone else, but wanted to write something to me. Kind of strange, don't you think?"

Seth pulled away, collecting his sword and normal clothes before stepping over to the door to get moving. He hesitated a moment, not sure if he should wait for Jenn or if she would be fine walking out with him. Giving a small shrug, figured best to be just direct.

"Ready to get moving? If we wanna catch up, we'll probably need to make this a little fast...unless you wanna leave separately, of course."



[hr]

"Hm...indeed, no need for violence. There will be plenty of that in the hour. But of course, I am not an unforgiving host, and a bite to eat is only fair to the rest. Onyx! Escort our guests to the dinner. It won't be quite as nice as they initially had, but make sure it doesn't try and leave a bad taste. Travelling while ill is...unbecoming of leaving my castle." Edgar said, and Onyx stepped forward, obviously not meaning too much ill will....though her smile was toothy enough to show that she wouldn't mind throwing a few people around.

With the other guests now being ushered somewhere else, Edgar turned his attention to Drew, gesturing to proceed walking down the hall as he began to start walking along himself. After a small distance was made between themselves and the rest of the mages, he spoke. "You are quite the interesting creature, Drew. Acting in a different method, negotiating with a different tone, and overall being more....interesting. So, what question do you have to ask in your quest to...save your world, was it? I get the feeling that you needed to ask more than that. In fact, you could say I'm almost counting on it, so if you have more that you need to say now is the time to do it."


[hr]

With Drew and Edgar walking away from the group, Onyx gave that toothy grin towards Alice, who nodded in response as if they had a silent discussion. Onyx continued after the Lord and mage, leaving Alice to deal with the mages that were left behind. With a sigh as Onyx disappeared around the next hall, Alice went to address the mages.

"We'll need to get you outside, as there isn't much in the ways of...cooks inside the castle now. So, any meal you have will be made outside, likely over a fire. If you have things you need, grab them. The rest....follow me." With that, the mages were being led outside the castle walls, to the many fires that were sitting just outside the walls. Most seemed to be enjoying their time out, either chatting with the stone guards, others preparing meals.

The mages attracted their own set of looks as they were brought to one of the fires that were not as crowded. The few women there had a few eggs and some meat over the fires, cooking and waiting. However, it seemed that they were not simply going to part with the food in silence.

"So, what are you mages going to be doing? We know that there won't be a battle for you."
"Are you going to be wandering the lands? Quite dangerous, even for a group of us."
"I think they'll be going to the Iron Mistress. Maybe to deal with her?"
"Nevermind that, I hear that one of us is going with them? Why are you taking someone along?"

Alice left the mages to the questions, obviously curious herself as to what was going to be said in response to what they were actually planning, or if there was any plan with these mages at all. She had seen Drew, and some of what Alexander might attempt, but not these others. What were they here for, and were they as well together as the others?

More questions and discussions began to pop up around the mages as some food was handed to them on plates as it was cooked and finished.

 

[blaze96]

"The storm I speak of is nothing like the one last night. It was not just rain and wind, it was that with fire, light, earth, and darkness inside it. It consumes all and leaves nothing in its path, and it is growing. Either we figure out how to stop it, or our entire planet dies. That may explain why I am willing to do things that seem suicidal to you.

I'm not blind however, merely hopeful. I had hoped you or a scout had seen some weak point in the walls or seen the dress and manner of people entering and exiting the city, if any do. Also some part of me has come to accept that I will likely die on this quest, or at least that this is a one way trip. I keep hope it isn't, but at the same time I need to prepare for the worst. I may never see home, but if I am to die I need it to be knowing I did all I could to try and save it. So if I must attempt the impossible, then attempt the impossible I shall.

We are playing a zero sum game, and I know all that matters is winning or losing. Either we succeed and save the lives of all, or we don't. I don't know what lengths you would go to to save your people and all you care about, but I know what I will do for mine. I have a lead on how to save them. How could I, in good conscience, possibly ignore the path that might lead to something? No matter how suicidal it probably is, not like I have any better options really lying around at the moment." When offered Alexander took the offered smoke and used the fire to get it started on burning.

"Well, if this is all as suicidal as you say, no reason not to take whatever pleasures in life I can get beforehand. Thank you for the warning though, means I know to be even more cautious than I planned to be." With that said he took a drag of the smoke and coughed a bit before steeling himself and going back for another. The process repeated a couple more times until he got the hang of things and didn't cough.

"To all the good luck we can get." He said afterwords.

 

[CounterAttack]

"So, what are you mages going to be doing? We know that there won't be a battle for you."
"Are you going to be wandering the lands? Quite dangerous, even for a group of us."
"I think they'll be going to the Iron Mistress. Maybe to deal with her?"
"Nevermind that, I hear that one of us is going with them? Why are you taking someone along?"

The questions were fired off rather quickly, and Gabriel didn't have any of the answers. He took a seat before thinking over the best way to fend off the inquisitive soldiers. "I can't claim to know anything about what we might be doing. You probably know more than I, if these questions are anything to go by," he eventually answered, thanking one of them when she passed him a plate.

"I don't suppose any of you have seen a younger girl? About my height, winged, bouncing off the walls like she's on a permanent sugar high?" While the question was changing the subject, Gabriel hadn't seen Fei since the night before and was hoping she hadn't gotten herself into more trouble than she could handle.

 

[Mr. Omega]

"You are quite the interesting creature, Drew. Acting in a different method, negotiating with a different tone, and overall being more....interesting."

"You must be easily amused, Lord Edgar. I assure you I'm... mostly normal by the standards of my homeland." He said, not wanting to elaborate on the 'mostly' part. He started leading their direction, heading to the same room they first encountered each other in. "I have things I want to do. And I'd rather things get done with minimal fuss and as least harm as possible."

"So, what question do you have to ask in your quest to...save your world, was it? I get the feeling that you needed to ask more than that. In fact, you could say I'm almost counting on it, so if you have more that you need to say now is the time to do it."

Drew started letting power flow through him as he walked around the gadgets, the air around him starting to hum with electricity, gliding his hands over them, wondering if he'd get a reaction. "I don't quite know what to ask. I know that I'm missing something. But there are two things that have been bothering me. I've seen a lot of strange creatures around here. You're the most normal looking individual we've run across. No wings, no strange features or half-animal bodies. Are there more like you? Or are you considered just as odd around these parts as me and my companions are?"

 

[Pm0n3y]

Horatio had retreated to the safe haven of his mind, lost in thought as the group was escorted from the castle grounds. By time he looked up from his twirling dagger, the crew had transitioned to a outside scene, sitting at a campsite before being addressed with a laundry list of questions. Queries fired out between the collection of peculiar females, ones that only pulled Joey further into his daydreaming.

The girls, not the questions.

Unique, enticing individuals, with designs that increased in peculiarity the longer you looked. And even if Horatio may've given one of these wandering females a passing glance the night before, this was the first time he actually stopped and looked at them, studied them. Took true notice of their features.

He looked to the one preparing the breakfast. "She has the general appearance of an insect." It wasn't a thought of disgust, but rather one of curiosity and inquiry. Attraction. With what bits of her that weren't covered in battle-worn armor, her glossy verdant chitin-like skin shone in the morning sun, almost distractedly so. Her armor-like skin sectioned off at all the appropriate joints and creases, allowing for ease of movement. Her face, while mostly humanoid in execution, housed three sets of eyes, black orbs that one could get lost in. Her orange hair (surprising that her biology allowed for it) looked to have been cut short for the battle, styled in the form of a pixie cut, both stylish and practical.

Joey actually found the girl to be quite attractive the more he looked at her, a certain beauty to her bold, exotic exterior. He wondered if she got compliments often. "The poor girl...she wouldn't last a day in our world...she'd be hunted down, and burned at the stake within moments of breathing our air..." A sad thought that interrupted the allure of the girl's unique guise.

...Her campsite counterpart, on the other hand, resembled nothing more than a mightily endowed brown bat, complete with wings and massive ears. Not much more to say on that one. She also broke the Earthshaper from his thoughts as she offered the boy something to eat. He holstered his spinning dagger as she hastily pushed the warm plate into his lap. As the enticing scent of sizzling eggs and seared meat reached his nostrils, the once-ambient sound of conversation grew louder in his ears, breaking him from brief bout of absentmindedness.

With the questions, it seemed the other mages were about as clueless as he was. It gave him the assumption of who could've been the ones leading this expedition, one of which punched him in the face, and the other who left in the night with his mistress. Both of which were currently absent from the powwow. And even though Joey couldn't answer any of their questions, one of the queries gave rise to a question of his own. As he chewed and swallowed a piece of the cooked meat, he slowly looked towards the two fantastical females.

"Who's the Iron Mistress?" He asked simply. He's probably heard the name mentioned before, but if he did, it wasn't ringing any bells currently. Or maybe he just wanted to hear the insect girl talk some more in that pretty accent of hers.

 

[NeoAC]

Jenn read over the letter after Seth handed it to her. It wasn't her preferred method to get info from a Sunsuc... from a Light mage, but it was still troubling. She hadn't even seen her shadow since the dress up games began. By the time she had finished reading, Seth was ready to go.

"Yeah, yeah I'm ready. Just let me go get my robes from the other room, k?" Jenn quickly ducked around the Pyro to hit her room next door. There seemed to be a commotion, but she was paying it no mind. Only focused on getting in and out, as quietly as possible. At least it appeared her robes where still laid out for her. She grabbed the garments and her bag and ducked back out to where Seth was.

"I don't have to change now I guess, if you want to go. We can find somewhere else and do that."

 

[UnusualStranger]

Kane took back the smokes, obviously offended that Alexander would be the only one to partake with him. Still, he took a good long breath of smoke, letting it out with his next breath. He watched the smoke linger for a while over the fire, watching as Alexander got the hang of the smokes, bringing a smile to the centaur's face as he tried to get the hang of the pleasurable things that he had provided him. Seems he had chosen well who to share his drink with too.

"Well, my good Alexander...here is to hoping you have not become too accepting of your death. Nothing worse than a warrior who is planning on dying in a battle. They never fight as hard, I think. Too reckless, and just end up dying uselessly. I don't take you as one of those." Kane said, waving his smoke around.

"Whenever you are ready, I will be taking you to the edge of the woods. Not too far from here, and I'd like to see a fine guest off. Along with his collection of ladies, of course!" The last part Kane completed with a laugh.

[hr]

"Oh, a winged girl? She went out in the rain last night. Strange girl, isn't she? Wandering about in the storms!" The insect girl hummed, enjoying a quick bite as she continued to look over the food she was making. "She had been making her way to the other camp, where we saw a man and Jade wander just before the storm really started to come down. You are a very strange folk liking to wander in the rains like that!"

As she answered, humming to herself she noted Joey asking the strange question of who the Iron Mistress was. There was a small pause among the few girls who were listening in, but it passed quickly and everything went back to normal. The insect girl glanced at the girl with leathery wings, and they shared a shrug before the winged girl spoke.

"Oh, the Iron Mistress? She's the rising star around these lands. Has her own specialized troops and everything. Some say has even managed to set up a city of sorts, and has been building things and trying to make alliances. She's...something else. Kinda tall, very pretty, and tough as Ony-I mean, tough as stone. Some say she can manipulate the metals, but I have never seen that. She might like someone like you." The winged woman said, almost whispering some parts.

[hr]

"You must be easily amused, Lord Edgar. I assure you I'm... mostly normal by the standards of my homeland."

"Well, this world has all kinds of surprises, and you being different is just another thing to get a good laugh out of. Not like you have been keeping your group boring, in the very least." Edgar replied as they entered the room with the collection of gadgets and items. As Drew wove his hand over them, a few gave off a few whirs of their gears, and some even emitted a small amount of light. A box in particular seemed to give a glow with the presence of energy nearby.

"But, as for the question of others like me? There are...others, certainly. The mercenaries that have been wandering somewhat randomly have a few like myself, but I could not claim to have tasted them to be certain. But, I know there are others out there. Some of them have wandered through the portals, and I know that some have even tried making their existence in the wilds." Stepping over to the gadgets, he noted himself the box giving off the reaction.

"I do not know what you are missing, but I imagine that it will come to you when it must. That is how this world works, most of the time. Just be aware that you are in another world, and nothing like...whatever it is you left behind. You were fortunate to arrive here, and won't encounter the same outside of this territory."

[hr]

Seth turned as Jenn slipped past him, moving a bit faster than he remembered her being in a hurry for, before slipping back out of her room and back over to him. He couldn't help but give her an odd look when she told him about them getting moving. He had collected his bag and his robes, along with his sword back at his side, just in case.

"I don't have to change now I guess, if you want to go. We can find somewhere else and do that."

"Somewhere else to change...? Erm....We'll be outside, I think. Unless you don't mind changing out there." Seth said, a little confused, but got to walking all the same. As they neared the doors, Seth took note of the other mages a short distance outside, all dressed in their usual attire which Seth was now chuckling about.

"A suit and a dress. We are going to be quite the interesting travelling pair unless you want to change your mind about getting changed in the castle. I think at this point everyone is more than ready to go, with some of us already gone it seems." Seth noted some faces missing from the group. While he couldn't claim to be eagle eyed, Fei and Drew both missing was notable enough.

"So...we can change in...uh, that room over there. Or we can go out like this. Either way, I think we'll be having fun today. Ready for a bit of walking? I don't think...well, that there even are horses out here." Seth posed, wondering if his reckless behavior had rubbed off too much. Tugging at his sleeves, he figured it might be fun in the suit, but travel might be a bit more rough. Suit wouldn't survive, that was for sure.

 

[blaze96]

"More of your people should become healers then, Kane. One thing you learn combating death every day, it always wins in the end. Yet day in and day out we doctors and healers fight it, and fight it, and fight it. Even when somebody is on the very edge of death we keep fighting. Why would that stop just because I am my own patient in this case? I've already accepted my death as a fact at some point, if this is my time so be it. But I still have a job to do and I don't plan on dying easily until that job is done." Alexander responded taking a swig from the flask.

"I'm ready to leave at any point. A side note though, what exactly is it that you are smoking and how would I recognize it? I'd like to gather a stockpile of my own for my travels."

 

[PrinceOfShapeir]

"Metal Soldiers?" That sounded fantastic. First she fights enemies made of stone, then she runs into some monster that doesn't seem to care how many holes she puts into it. The rapier was starting to look like a worse choice of weapon every day. "Wonderful. Well, at least we shouldn't have too much trouble getting over a wall - I assume those wings are functional, and I've never found a wall I couldn't scale with my abilities." Well, there was that one time, but given that was a four hundred foot high barrier of volcano glass carved out by some kind of dark sorcery she didn't really consider it a proper test.

"Of course, once we get inside the wall we also need to avoid detection. It's not going to do any of us any good to slip over the walls if every merchant in the town points and stares at us as we walk past." She began pacing. "I don't suppose you could use your magic to make them unable to see us...that's probably a bit too much even for you."

 

[Mr. Omega]

Drew hovered towards the box, starting to let a little more power flow from him. At this point, he didn't even care if Edgar noticed. If anything, it might lead to something interesting. Drew knew that there were others in here, especially after meeting Horatio. Still, he was hoping there might be another sort of clue. "I guess they can't all be as lucky as you were. Finding a nice castle like this. Bunch of pretty maids to serve you. A least some level of peace with one of the neighbors."

He inched closer to the box. "I do hope you'll be careful with all this stuff. Seems you've got a lot on your plate. Still, I guess we were lucky to come this way first. Might be a sign of something. Of what, I'm not sure, but it'll come to me eventually."

 

[UnusualStranger]

"And listen to ya, you damned philosopher. You can be all about your duty and job if ya want, but I don't think those keep you alive. Usually. Regardless, good to hear some damned conviction in your bones, at least in comparison to what we've been doing here for....gods, how long has it been?" Kane seemed introspective for a moment, leaning against his blade. As he sat in small silence, he turned his attention to Claire as she brought up the soldiers.

"Don't worry too much about em, lass. They're still breakable. Just takes a few good strikes in all the necessary spots. Just don't go thinking for one on one too long. The damned things never seem to even wear out when swinging their weapons about. Monsters that they are, they're a damned respectable bunch. Patrolling around, taking out whatever crosses their path. Iron Mistress has my respect in that you won't find troops like hers anywhere else..." Kane hefted his blade and slipped it back to it's sheath.

"Though, I'm getting a bit ahead of myself, arn't I? Same as we all are, of course! Can't scale a wall that we can't even see! So, if you are all packed up and warm and....able to walk of your own power, then we might as well get going over the hills at least!" Kane nodded to some of the centaurs nearby, who seemed to also understand and pick up their weapons.

"And its getting to the wall that is the tricky part. Woods are a bit mean, and the land on the way there cuts a bit into the lands of shadow. Not exactly the safest place to ever travel through on a bright day." Kane finished checking his gear, then started walking with a wave.

"Course, thats more your issue than mine, so I guess I should just be worrying about you making to the woods while I am with ya! And I can show you some of the stuff that makes what you smoked. Its not too ahrd to get together mostly..."

[hr]

"Hah! I didn't quite 'find' the maids as you seem to think. More that they needed a bit more of a purpose. A group to hold together and everything. You can say that I presented a form of order in a land where that is a bit hard to come by. It had its....requirements, of course. But the price far outweighed the advantages." Edgar explained, grinning at Drew's fascination with the reacting box.

"But speaking of luck, as it would have it my collection of relics is safer than Alexander seems to think. Besides, many of them are strange, and don't belong here, so their danger and those who even might know how to unlock their full potential are...well, quite unlikely in ever making it this far." Edgar continued, tapping on the table that the box sat on.

"And since today is your lucky day, would you like to take this box along with you? It seems that your abilities have a special charm for many of my acquired items, and this one in particular seems like it could be handy. Specially sealed, of course." The box seemed to be whirring now, like a spinning windmill at this point. As it continued to do so, there were several clicks like latches being undone in the box. It continued to hum and whir, but it seemed that the activity with the box had stopped, at least as far as actively doing something with the energy applied to it.

 

[NeoAC]

Seth sounded rather concerned about her attire getting damaged on this trek. It wasn't like him to show that kind of restraint when it came to adventuring, but he did have a point. Jenn nodded at his rambling speech that was in essence an offer to reconsider changing here. "Well, if you're that worried about me and my clothes, then I'll go change." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Be right back."

Jenn ducked back into the room Seth had indicated and quickly disrobed, sliding the dress off her body and tossing her robe on to a nearby table. She took out the losing fitting clothes she had worn under her robe on the day she and the others went through the portal and put them on, nothing that they were fitting even more loosely than before. "Damn it. What am I going to do about this?" She walked around the room but the bottom half of her outfit was clearly not staying up. "Fuck. I knew I was losing weight but c'mon...couldn't have been that much...could it?"

Looking around the room didn't reveal many options for a belt until Jenn's gaze settled upon the rope-like tassels of the curtain in the corner. "It'll have to do I guess." She walked over to the curtain and with her free hand produced a small blade of solid shadow that cut a length off the rope about equivalent to what she though she would need to cinch the fabric around her waist. Quickly tying the makeshift belt around her, her eyeballing was definitely off. There was way more rope left over than she thought. "Really? Oh well. Not like it will matter." Happy with her handiwork, Jenn tossed her black robe back on and slung the dress over her arm.

Stepping back out of the room, she returned to Seth's side. "All right, if we happen upon any other fancy parties in the woods I should still have an outfit left for the occasion. You still going to go like that or did you want to change too?"

 

[Mr. Omega]

"I would hope the advantages were worth it. But you make it sound like their... employment isn't the only cost." Drew said as the box reacted again. "As for the security, I get it. But I would hope you keep recent events in mind what blind spots there might be."

Drew picked up the box, surprised he was getting it, but deciding to not comment beyond a simple thanks. "Your generosity is appreciated. Maybe one of the others can help unlock this. Or maybe we'll run across something." He started to walk out, making his way to meet up with the others. "Once again, your hospitality is appreciated." He wasn't looking forward to going further, but he had to also admit that the world was fascinating. This was only the first stop and already he'd seen some crazy stuff.

 

[UnusualStranger]

Seth gave a quick nod after the quick peck on the cheek. Glancing about, he noted that the group outside seemed to be anxiously awaiting...something. Anything probably, which surprised him a little bit. Even stranger was the fact that there were a few particular faces that were missing. Alexander was obviously not there, but then Fei and Drew were also not there. Meaning that either everyone decided to split up in this world to find something, or some went with Alexander.

As Jenn came back, it seemed that she had gotten changed into what she needed rather quickly, carrying her dress still which Seth couldn't help but grin at the idea of a fancy party in the woods. With a quick nod, he went to go get changed to his robes as well. "Be right back too."

Seth undid the suit and buttons that were on it, not wanting to completely trash the suit as it might be handy later. Having taken off the suit, he tried his best to store it in the travel bag, then switching to putting on his normal clothes, noting that they all seemed to be well cared for. Seemed that this place at least had experienced tailors. It was natural, and with the sword back at his side, and robes around him, he was ready for any kind of travel and battle.

Stepping back out, he gave himself one last check patting around to make sure that he had not forgotten anything while getting changed and ready to go. As he turned to start going outside to meet the others, he noted that Drew was apparently still making his way out of the castle, with the lord of the castle not far behind. Didn't matter now, since they were not going to have to worry about him any more.

Ignoring the pair for the time being, he went out to the other mages, giving a wave as he got close. If he didn't know any better, it would seem as if they were all just waiting for something to happen to them. It wasn't going to happen here, that was for sure. The people here even seemed to have made battle routine, which was a big enough flag for Seth to prefer to be gone.

"Well look at you all. Bright and ready to go? Not sure if you guys have been paying attention, but we still have a job to do, and it isn't getting done sitting around here letting some pretty girls dance around you." That got him some crippling stares from a few of the girls who had been sitting about the fire.

"So, hope you put on something worth moving in, cause we got catching up to do! Couple people I notice have decided to get moving, and you guys are just sitting here. Unless ya plan on sticking around and doing...whatever it is you plan on doing here, be my guest. Everybody else, lets get on moving before it gets nice and stormy again!"

With that, Seth began to make his way away from the camp, towards what appeared to be the centaur camp. He hoped that someone might be able to point them in the direction of Alexander, since he was sure there was more info with him than the letter gave. Even if he had taken off, at least he could put a good wall between himself and this castle, and whatever else was going on around it.

Glancing up, he noted that once again the sky had dragons, bird....like creatures, gargoyles, and whatever else decided to take to the sky that day. It was going to take some getting used to watching the sky, as he wasn't sure what the dragons did around here. Back home they were a lot more dangerous, and not good in groups.

Least things are not trying to eat me yet. I get the feeling that the way people treated these woods means that the amount of things wanting to do that is about to increase exponentially...

[hr]

Edgar smiled, making obvious note of what Drew was trying to get at with his first implied questions of employment of the girls and soldiers. As they began walking back to the outside where the other mages were, Edgar nodded at the thanks Drew provided.

"Ah, so much to learn yet. Of course employment is not the only cost, as it is with all things in this world. Security is far from free, and this castle does not maintain itself, nor is it kept safe by simply staying inside...or by my own goodwill. Some things must be observed and used." Edgar said, watching as they turned down the hall where Seth and Raven had now moved outside to get everyone moving.

"I am sure you will run into something, but do try to not....create blind spots. I imagine you realize that hospitality will never be as inviting when it is...abused, as you can imagine. Though, this is a strange world, so what do I know? Perhaps someone you find will appreciate that!" Edgar laughed, giving a final wave as Drew finally stepped out of the castle. Once it seemed Drew was going with the others, Edgar went to looking over his warriors, suddenly seeming to be an inspector of all that was going on about the camp, which was quickly picked up by the girls.

[hr]

As Alexander packed his things together, and his companions got themselves ready to go, Kane began stepping about the camp, looking for something in particular until finally he arrived at a small group of flowers. "HAH! Here are some...these right here are the handy part." Kane said, seemingly to himself as he grabbed a few.

"In order for ya to make good smokes, you need the right stuff, and you need it fresh when you make it. Otherwise, smokes don't hold the right...flavor. Some flowers from out here are kinda a prime item for em. Gives em a good smell too! Usually just need a single mashed up flower to make em right though..." Kane began, tossing the flowers in a pouch as he began to lead the group away from the camp.

"Course, the best stuff for making a fine one actually linger in the forest, but I get the feeling you won't have a problem getting those! Especially if you plan on taking the shortcut through the darkland territory. Close to those shadows, and I can't say I've ever liked wandering too close to those." Kane explained, keeping a keen eye about as they continued their way across the rolling hills.

"Keep your eyes open for some wave weeds. Things are just a lot....thicker than all this typical grass. Makes a good way to roll the cigs, and is pretty darn resistant to the elements so you can take them around without a fancy case." Kane explained heartily, enjoying a good huff of the smoke that he still had going.

"Mm...And if you how how to nurse em, they get you a good while through the day. Not as good doing it that way, but its something-"

"SIR! We have creatures leaving the camp of the enemy! Swords, crossbows, and wearing what seems to be travel robes as well!" A centaur had galloped after the group, obviously enjoying the run.

Kane grinned at the news, turning to Alexander. "So, should we wait for your late waking compatriots? Or just want to get to the forest edge for some good smokes?"

 

[Pm0n3y]

"...She might like someone like you." The chesty brown bat's comment almost seemed to perk up the Earthshaper's demeanor, noted by the raise in posture, sly smirk, and inquiring eyebrow rise. "Really~?" Horatio replied in that sly, slinky tone of his, as he finished up what was left of his breakfast. "Well, i'm sure i'd be on my best behaviour around 'er then. S'not like I...intentionally...try get on someone's bad side." He added, giving brief thought to the altercation that occurred mere minutes prior. He wasn't sure he'd ever let Drew live that one down.

He also gave some thought to that little awkward pause that occurred when he presented the query of the Iron Mistress. "What was that about? Was my question an obvious one? Something I should've known already...?" He didn't dwell on the thought for too long, as hunger beckoned once more. Plate in hand, he approached the two females standing over the food (specifically the cute looking insect-like one).

"Might I have another serving, love?" He asked in a light tone. "A boy like me should have a full course of sustenance, especially considering the potential treachery we would encounter on the perilous journey ahead." As he talked, he took the chance to silently note another attribute of the woman. Joey never considered himself to be a towering adonis, but the girl stood at least a head and a half over him. It really just added to the beauty, in his eyes. She gave him another quizzical look, but complied with his wishes nonetheless. She had to bend down to reach the skillet. Joey bit his bottom lip . "Gods, you're hot." He muttered reflexively.

"What was that?" She replied with a certain oblivious innocence, handing him his new plate of food. It caught him off guard, and made the rouge a little flustered. "Oh, I said you're hot." Joey didn't skip a beat. "I-in the "physical attraction" sense of the phrase. Like..you are very beautiful, or at least, I think so...Just felt I should make that known..." For once, Joey fumbled his way through the complements, the way a dancer with restless leg syndrome fumbles his way across a dance floor. "I-i'll go this way now..." He thanked her for the food before realizing the group of mages were heading off. Grabbing his knapsack, he haphazardly proceeded behind the others, plate in hand.