Nanami Touko

"Burn...! Burn! Burn!!" Fire, fire, another spell, Alvira continued to fling fire spells into the dummy, more and more, until it was basically a pile of ash... And she was exhausted. It had taken so much more out of her to cast this fire than it did to produce the ice, but she'd still made it... Her fire. She watched the dummy smolder and crackle, finally collapsing, sitting and staring into the flames, heavy breaths leaving her. "Did... Did you s-see me, Fomal...haut...? Did you see... I pulled it back. Pulled it all, back... And I'll keep clawing and dragging m, my fire back to me. No matter what it takes. No matter what... Do you hear me, Mercuria...?" She smiled wide, a grin, one of smug satisfaction. Even if that worthless witch returned, even if she pushed her back, she'd found it again. "And then you'll get yours. You'll get everything you deserve..." Alvira took a deep breath and let out a sigh. She felt completely tapped, now... "Just gotta wait a little bit..."

"Wha--" he blushed, "y-you said you were fine with that! Don't turn it around on me now! That just makes me look like a terrible person!" He groaned under the double pressure of having an audience for this, and having to deal with how hard it was to keep up throwing fists with her...! "Arghh, ghh....! Fine, then... Just, out with it now, then! Instead of-- gkhahh...!" He'd been too flustered and preoccupied for her feint, taking another hefty blow to his guts, coughing hard. "F-Fuck... if you, were this upset, you should've... s-said, something, ow..." This really was turning into something of a very painful lovers quarrel, as much as he didn't enjoy Iris being right... He'd definitely missed something big. Aly hadn't mentioned anything and seemed fine when they'd went out on the town to see Eslcas, maybe even a bit more than fine, so what... He didn't have the time to consider it further, trying to throw another punch, but it was clear his engine was spent, his arm swinging so much slower than before. Shit... Syta followe along after Lani, looking about all the fighting and sparring the Tigers were getting up to. It was getting her a bit excited, somewhat hoping she'd be asked to fight as well. It's not my place to join in like this, but it looks like a lot of fun... Mmm... Maybe I can give Lani a round or two when she's done with the others. I'm sure you gave her plenty of rounds when-- Shut. "Don't get too confident, Gean. Lani's got way more to her than just big hits. Even if your girls are cheering you on, it'll take a lot more than moxie to get through this knight~" Amera's ears twitched and perked up, wandering after Seila and leaning onto her shoulder to see out the window past her. "Mmmmmrow. Maybe. It's just supposed to be for those Tigers fellas though, right? Wouldn't we be intruding...?" Her arms idly hugged the mage, nuzzling against her a little. "Mmmmwellllll... If you wanna go out, of course I'll go with you, but I'm also happy to snuggle up in here~ So I'll leave the choice to you. Thinking isn't my strong suit, anyway..."

"Wha-- What!? What are you talking about!? Aly-- Ghhn!" He'd expected this to hurt, but even putting his block up, her fists were heavy, much heavier than something of her small frame would be throwing, but there was plenty of muscle in that body... "Why exactly do we have to fight about what you're feeling? We can't talk this out? Seriously?" He didn't like the idea of a brawl of sorts with her, but... He wouldn't just stand there and be a punching bag. Even with Lucretia's healing, his stomach was still throbbing, making him wince as he stepped forward and went for a quick one-two against her guard to try and get around it!

Ren had been watching from afar, not wanting to get too close to the few people that had seem them turn into a pile of goo... But as the sparring began to heat up, and someone seemed to be causing problems rather loudly, they couldn't just stay hidden and peering onto the scene. They slowly approached the Evokers with their staff at the ready, nodding towards Tio. "I'm not sure what help I can be, but... If this woman is against being near monsters, perhaps another human presence would be rather calming...?" Ren smiled a bit; it was a lie, of course, but they looked the part, and for now, that was what mattered. "It's okay, Jane, it's okay. You can talk with her later, alright? Ask whatever you want... But right now, please." She hoisted the girl up properly and slid a bit away from the commotion, trying to keep her ears covered. "Just dreadful..." "Ghhn..." Her sobbing began to quiet down some at Tio's words, shivering in Elisa's grasp. "Giovanna..." She whimpered the woman's name and gave up, flopping into the warm embrace, shutting her eyes and trying to quiet her mind's racing thoughts. "Okay," a hoarse voice finally spoke, "I'll explain everything... Just... T-Take me away from, the rest of these... These, things." She felt the other woman's magic flare over her words, but none of that mattered. Even if she was going to accept these people and their pity, that didn't change how she felt. "A-Aly, please, sit for a second, you shouldn't be-- Ahuck...!" Versaris hadn't expected a fist to his gut of all things, stumbling back some and clutching his stomach, eyebrow raised in a mixture of confusion and frustration. "Wh-What the hell...? Ugh, I thought this was just, supposed to be training... What's going on, Aly?" He gave Lucretia a quick glance, who seemed just as confused about the situation. "I'm on it, I'm on it," it didn't stop her from healing the both of them, quickly mending what bruises and wounds they'd given each other from their first bout. "Now, you two, I don't know what bad blood's gotten into you, but this is just supposed to be sparring. Not serious fighting... So take it easy, yeah?" "Yeah... Sorry. Trying... Fine." Sari tossed his sword aside and put up his fists. He didn't know much about brawling, never trained in it, but he knew the basics of Lufirian military CQC. He just had to improvise to using his hands instead of a knife. "Just throwing punches, then... But when we're done, you're going to explain to me what's going on in there. This isn't like you." It was definitely still Alriana, which was the most confusing part. What did I miss? She seemed fine every other day, so what the fuck did I miss...? Iris sat back down again, letting out a small sigh. "Oh, Aly..." If this was her answer, it wasn't a terrible one, but...

"Yeah, yeah, Graham, things are going fine-- you're such a worrywart! We finally got everything solved and setup to go, we just gotta let the Tigers polish themselves off, and..." Cass had stopped as one of the Evokers nearly bowled someone over, having completely missed the woman's actions, confused, glancing towards Natalya... Who had her hand ready to fire? "What, huh? What just... No, I missed it. Owen?" Cass was confused, but alarmed, hand on her axe just in case. "No! Let go of me! Kill me! I can't even do this much, what good am I!? I'm a beast, I'm a wretch, I left her all alone and I couldn't, even... Ahhghhhhh!" Elisa's sudden embrace didn't exactly make things worse, but they were spiralling beyond the control of words, the sobs and desperate words leaking out of Sylmaria. She didn't want to give into the sudden pity, but her mind was in tatters, leaning in towards the warmth and crying into Elisa instead of wailing out towards the rest of the people there. "Kill me...! Kill, hic, me... Please..." "Oh, goodness..." Miredy gently covered Jane's ears, the girl didn't need to hear any of this. "It might be best to take her inside, miss Elisa... It wouldn't do for proceedings to be disrupted, yes? The Tigers must train... I can aid you in carrying her, if you require--" "No...!" Sylmaria forced her gaze onto the snake, ire, death, pure hatred glaring towards the blue woman. "Don't... You d-dare touch me...! If, I'm to die it'll b-be at the hands of a human, you disgusting... Monster filth...!" "Oh, my...!" Miredy had heard all of that before, a rather tired tirade, but never from another Monster... "Just what have they filled your head with? Oh, you poor thing..." Kise watched everything fall apart with a rather bored expression on her face, sinking further into Akai. "Hmm... Almost a stroke of luck for Kazran. Seemed he had an ace under his sleeve... but she's too broken to work properly. A shame... If you'd treated her properly, Owen would be dead. What a loss for you~" She smiled finally, looking back over at Aegean-- "Ah! Get her Gean~!" She cheered, happy to see the woman win her sparring match~ Aly was taking this seriously... Too seriously for sparring, or perhaps she had that much respect for his abilities? It was hard to tell. She was sizing him up like she tended to in combat against other opponents, but her movement from scouting to striking had been so minuscule, he'd almost missed it! "Khh!" The blow to his shoulder hurt, plenty, and he knew he'd have lost use of the arm if they'd been using edges... It wasn't enough as things were, Sari forcing her back with a harsh shove into a spin, blade's flat edge colliding with her and-- "Ah!" Shit! He had been taking things too seriously, his swing smashing her armor along with sending her flying, the fragments scattering across the grounds. "Fuck, Aly! Are you alright!?" He ran after her, glanced towards Lucretia, met eyes with her and nodded. "I'm sorry, I, I have no excuse, I took this too seriously, a-are you alright? Shit..." The healer was hurrying over, staff at the ready... Hopefully nothing had been seriously damaged. Iris had jumped up as things clashed, gasping at Aly's body getting sent to the ground. "Geez! You went too hard on her! That's not how this is supposed to go, y'know!?" She huffed, arms folded, shaking her head... Aly would be fine, especially with healers around.

Sylmaria's eyes fell on the group approaching after her moment with the child... Pink hair, blue outfit, emerald eyes. Owen Gaffney. He was here. He was in range. He was barely guarded, barely armored. Did he truly feel so safe in his own castle? All she had to do was raise her hair... As she thought it, her palm went up, slowly, everything around her seeming to move slowly, her thoughts coming in rapidly. Just kill him he's right there he's not guarded you'll be a martyr you'll live on forever-- Giovanna-- they'll sing your name Kazran will win it'll all be over-- she'll be all alone-- they'll write songs about you it's for Islexia it's for the greater good-- look at how happy they all are-- these beasts deserve to die they must be culled-- it was never like this back there... Her magic crackled and sparked along her arm and her hand, the spell forming, her mind splitting-- she just had to kill him! Just one blast! He was weak! He looked frail! One good spell would shatter him, she just... You just, have to cast it! Sylmaria! Cast the spell! Why!? Why can't, I... Why... Why... "Why..." Her magic faded and she collapsed to the ground, weeping, head in her hands, the weeping turning to sobbing. "Kill me! Just kill me! I can't take it anymore!" Miredy realized what was happening a bit too slowly, but then nothing came of it, the woman collapsing into a broken pile. She wasn't quite sure what to do, eyes glancing to Jesse and then to the Evokers, quickly collecting Jane up into her arms just in case something went wrong. Unbeknownst to the goings on with Owen, Alvira had been focusing and trying to reach deep into her core, feeling her fire-- feeling her connection to Fomalhaut more than ever before. It was strange... Despite Mercuria's influence on her mana, it almost felt like she could... Push it aside? Like, a tunnel had collapsed, and she could move the debris. It didn't feel permanent, but... It was enough. Enough for fire to form in her soul. Enough for her mana to flow, properly, and for the first time in years... She opened her eyes to a fully formed ball of fire, sitting there in her claw. Her eyes danced across the flames as a smile grew on her face, the dragon standing and tossing the fire with abandon at one of the nearest targets! It struck, it seared, it burned like her flames were meant to! "Hah! Hahahahaha! You can't stop me forever you crazy ice witch!"

"Ah? Uhm, n-no? I--" Sylmaria was flustered, receiving too much attention, all at once. Why do they care so much!? I'm just some beast! Some stranger! Ignore me, dammit! "I'm f-fine. Please, pay me no mind." She didn't want anyone healing what was underneath her bandages. Her attention then turned to the... spider child, staring down at a set of four eyes... but her expression softened, slowly bending down to her height and reaching a hand out to pet her hair. "Hello... It's nice to meet you." Poor thing... Best that you leave this country, than grow up in it. There's nothing safe for you here. "If you're worried about my bandages, don't be. As you can see, there's no blood. They're clean. I'm just... hiding scars." She whispered the last bit to Jane and made a shushing motion with a finger. "That's all."

Kise noticed Aegean's waving, eyes going as wide as her smile, waving back furiously. "Do your best~!!" "O-Oh. Yes." Thank the sky, a human... At least there are some normal people around here. "My name is Sylmarian. Sylmaria Hunter." She didn't smile, but it was immediately clear she was more comfortable speaking with Jesse. She turned her head towards Jesse's call, eyes falling on... Ah. At least my death will be swift... What power. And they aren't flaunting it... I truly am in the lion's den, pretending to be one of them. Sylmaria took a deep breath and nodded. "Well... Hopefully he'll be along soon enough. I need to speak with him. I have news of Kazran..." Hopefully that would get her off the hook, and it wasn't a lie. She had a message from the man. A lethal one. "Until then... I hope you won't mind me idling around. I've just arrived and have no room at the inn or place to stay."

"I'm pretty good with danger, so I'll take my chances~ Besides... surely, some of you are still single... Right?" She raised an eyebrow in the hopes of a positive answer, shrugging a bit. "Either way, not a good idea for me to get into something serious with your group... You'll all be heading onward once Kazran's dealt with, so it wouldn't do for me to try and tie anyone down or force them long distance. No fun for anyone, yeah? So I guess I'll stick to ogling... At least there's plenty to see~" She ran a hand through her hair and brushed it aside gently, smiling confidently and smugly. "Well! All that fun business aside... It would do for us to keep up with the rest of the group and see how things are going. C'mon, Owen." She patted her brother on the shoulder and made to leave. "Let's see just how strong this 'Leon' is, shall we?"

"Wow, she does all that? She must be quite the stickler for detail..." Using a revolver took skill, but it took eve more to pull the mechanism apart and put it back together... Miredy had seen some of the technological marvels at Ulara, the engineers there were wizards with metal, they could create so many amazing things. To hear that someone in Islexia was accomplishing the same, even on such a small scale, it was no less impressive-- maybe even more. "I... Prefer magic, but I'd love to see the sorts of things your momma works on. Hopefully she can show me when we take you back to her~" Miredy hadn't expected anyone to come to see them while all this training was going on, blinking in surprise at Jesse for even acknowledging them. "Oh. Hello~ I'd say we're doing just fine, today... We learned that Jane's mother is alive, which was wonderful news, and now we're just getting some sunshine while the rest of you train. Shouldn't you be fighting, miss...?" Miredy had yet to learn everyone's names, tilting her head slightly. "E-Excuse me." A new voice spoke up... Someone dressed in all white, a dress, bandages around her ankles, light footwear, more bandages on her arms, and silver hair flowing behind her. Most striking were the bright red eyes... And the discomfort present on her face. "I... uhm... Do either of you know, where I could... Er... F-Find, the Lord Gaffney...? O-Owen, to be specific." "He's around... But I'm afraid I don't keep tabs on the man. Are you hurt...? All those bandages." "No-- N-No... Well... I suppose I'll wait for him, then." She folded her arms and shrunk away from the snake lady some, looking about nervously. "Hmmm... Alright. If you're sure you're not hurt..." Versaris had expected most all the Tigers to ignore him when it came to sparring. He wasn't much of a teacher like Jeremiah was, and he'd promptly mop the floor with almost all of them... The one he knew stood a chance, well, she wouldn't want to fight him, right? "Guess you're in for a day of surprises, Sari..." He smiled wryly as his expectations were dashed, Alriana immediately showing up and asking him to fight. "Are you sure? You're one of the few I think can keep up with me, but that doesn't mean I'll be an easy fight, even in training... but if you're sure." He stretched a little and pulled out his sword, spinning it around a few times. "Need to warm up, anyway. Go ahead, Aly... Give me your best shot. You want me at my best, you've got me." He wasn't actually going to hurt her, but he'd put his all into locking her down. Wonder what's gotten into her... "Ooohhhh the love birds are gonna fight~!" Iris was watching, of course, flopped cross legged a few feet away from it all, tail wagging, all smiles. Since Ullr was getting asked to fight, she didn't wanna bother him, and he's taught her some the other day... Plus, a lot extra, behind closed doors~ "Is this... The famous, lovers spat!? As described by the Sacred Texts... You'll fight out your feelings and become all the more close for it~" "I... I'm glad to see you're doing well today, Iris." He sighed.

"... Hmph." Alvira folded her arms as Lucretia stepped over to deal with her wounds, giving her a thumbs up. "Of course it's real ice. I've told you everything to do with that witch... And that's why I'm stuck with this. And... I, I know that," she stumbled, her face glowing faintly red. "I'll be asking Tio for some help once she arrives. So I can work on my light magic... You worry about yourself more. If I could get the jump on you, you'll be surprised by the rest of us!" Lucy finished touching her up and Alvira stepped aside for the next contender, fumbling with a shard of ice in her claw. He's right that it's taxing me... Because my connection to her has grown weaker. But, if it's weak enough to require my own mana, why can't I still use my fire? Wasn't that the problem? That the connection with her was getting in the way, that her essence was blocking mine... Unless she's just that strong. That this weak, half-tether is still enough to eclipse my own fire. Hhahhhh... Maybe I'll... Alvira sat down on the side, crossing her legs, claws held in front of her. "Focus..." She could find her fire, at least. That much was easy. It was back, it wad weak, and it was there, ever present. "Just focus..." If I can concentrate hard enough, maybe I can get out... Just, one spell. Have to focus. Let it grow. Slowly...

"You, smug..." Alvira smiled, but scowled, charging the man with her ice and letting it crash into his face without a single care! "You asked for it!" She was surprised he'd pulled out a levin sword, assuming that he would've gone for something physical to really push the mages... It still stung, but it wasn't something she couldn't handle, sending another brick of ice crashing into his arm! "You're gonna need to step up the footwork if you're gonna-- Gah!" The sword struck her with extreme ease. Even if he was holding back, he was still that far above them... "Rrrhh... I'm not gonna lose!" She went for another blast of magic, but the residual shock of the blade made her arm tense, the magic going far off her target, resulting in getting her shocked again. "Urgh! You, just... Stay STILL!" A final, rushed toss of ice, before her muscles could stop her, landing squarely into Jeremiah's chest--

"Well... The sounds of battle are sure to alert the rest of the bandits. And the bridge guard. Let us hope they don't care to bother with us..." And I should stay out of sight so I don't give them a reason to. Jilyn moves to 15,16! Cyrus takes aim [55,51,43] A clean hit! 14 damage Cyrus gains +10 EXP, +1 gun WEXP Silvano cleans up the rest! [48,8,58] Critical! The man is cleanly cut in half! Silvano gains +34 EXP, +2 sword wexp! Enemy Phase/Turn 1 Swordfighter #3 retreats! "Ahh, ahhh! B-Boss! We're under attack!" The bandits nearby take notice... "Whazzat? Attack!? Ain't no one messes with the Deepcrofts wiffout meetin' steel!" The knights... Idle. "Sir, there's fighting. Should I send one of the men to check on it?" "Pah. Let the bandits fight among themselves. All the better for scum to clean up scum. If they decide against their better judgement to attack us, that'll be a different story... For now, relax. We're to hold the area until the Blademaiden reaches us." "Sir." Player Phase/Turn 2

"Morning," Cass said with a wave, heading on over towards her brother, their new commander friend, and the two approaching Evokers. "Guess all your mercs are busy, this morning? Haven't seen a single person, walking about the fort... I imagine they must all have something planned, if you're relaxing comfortably here with my brother. Sleep well, Owen?" Cass smiled and folded her arms, looking rather well rested herself. "Having all the beautiful women around has really been raising my spirits... Even if so many of you are taken~" "Hardly, Cinaed." Versaris chuckled a bit at his comments. He could see where the dragon was coming from, but... "As strong as I am, I have my limits, and I still haven't found a way past them... Jeremiah is more beast than man; don't let his good looks fool you. I'm afraid I'm still just a man... Maybe one day I'll reach his level, but unless he truly, truly holds back, trust me, I stand no chance against him." "I'm coming Lani~ Geez... It's nice to see you so full of energy. You really like a good workout, huh?" Syta wasn't officially a part of the Iron Tigers, so it was unlikely that she'd be taking part in this training session. Still, getting to see Laniva in all her glory... Especially without her armor, swinging that big sword around... A silly smile spread onto her face for a second, imagining everything, her hair whipping around, her body in her under armor slacks-- Syta? And here I thought I had to give you these thoughts... Developed a healthy taste for Laniva, have you~? Gah! Geez, don't look at those! It's just... She's... I like her. Don't go peeking around too much... Kihihihihi~ Ahhh, Syta... You've finally grown up~ Syta sighed internally and followed along with the group, wondering who would suggest themselves first to fight against Jeremiah. Lucretia had been idly walking along with the group, keeping herself in the back until they'd stopped, Jeremiah saying his piece and pulling out his weapon. That was her cue, she felt, making sure to tap Renais on the shoulder as she moved up, motioning for her to follow along. "Hello, Tigers~ We haven't all met before, but my name is Lucretia. Charmed to meet you all together~ Now, I fancy myself something of a capable fighter, but today, along with your lovely, lovely Renais, I'll be handling all your little scrapes, bruises and wounds. Got that? No fun in training if you get too hurt to continue, so go as hard as you can without killing each other, yeah?" She flexed and kissed her arm, winking at the group. "Don't you doubt my stamina; I can heal you all from the brink of death without a worry~ So have fun." She looked to Jeremiah for approval, smiling. Versaris had been about to raise his hand when their new, completely unaffiliated arrival suggested herself first. He almost scoffed, but then shook his head. Facing off against Jeremiah, the man would hold back, sure, but he'd hold back less against his student, and it wouldn't give a good show of what the Tigers were going to get into. He would have his time with Jeremiah plenty. Alvira, however. "Nah, sorry Roxy." She brandished her magic and stepped forward, ice idly spinning above her claw. "I've still got something of a bone to pick with you for raising your sword at me... And even if we smoothed it all over with words, pardon me for being unable to get rid of the urge to smack you in the face with a chunk of ice." She raised an eyebrow and smirked, other claw on her hip. "You ready then, big guy? Because even if you hold back, I'm not gonna. Even if you're more 'beast than man', as your protégé so lovingly put it~" "Ah, please... Don't drag me into this little feud." It was nice to see Alvira in high spirits, at least... Iris had been late, bounding onto the courtyard after everyone else, on all fours, of course. She'd spotted the group ahead, but Ullr and Alriana to the side, pulling herself onto two feet and waving at them as she ran. "Come on, you two! We're gonna miss the show! Don't you wanna see Jeremiah beat all the Tigers up!?" She grinned wide and did her best to catch up with their main forces, looking forward to throwing a punch or two herself! "Well, isn't this fun..." Kise had also kept her distance, like the younger of their two lizards, eyes watching Jeremiah, Renais, Aegean. They were all going to fight, it seemed... Some well directed training before the big clash with Kazran. Akai was walking along with her, Kise patting him to sit down and then leaning against him again, her big fluffy throne, letting her tails wrap around her lap for maximum comfort. "Let's see just how well everyone does against him... Maybe he'd be willing to let me go a round, hmhmhmhm~" Miredy had wandered along with the group so that Jane could keep her many eyes on Roxanne. Meeting with the woman and learning that Jane's mother wasn't just alive, that she was safe and away from all of this, the lamia was beside herself with glee and relief. She'd believed her safe in her heart of hearts, but the darkest corner held the fear that she'd been spewing empty lies to the child. Having the good news let her relax and fully commit to taking care of Jane, which meant viewing the sparring. "I'm quite interested in seeing how Roxanne does~ Her magic seems very unique... What about you, Jane? Which do you prefer? Magic, like Roxanne, or the weapons your mother has an interest in?" Siorel yawwwwwwwwwwwwwwned and stretched, shirt slipping off for a moment. She expended extreme effort to get it back on properly, sliding out of bed-- and finding herself on the floor, immediately tripping over her tail. Luckily, she didn't have far to fall, and had plenty of padding, so it just left her sighing, slowly rolling onto her back and then back to standing. "Hahhn, good morning, Cin... Cin...? Oh, right, he works out early... Mmghhhnnnhghh, hhhhnnn... I might as well... Go about the castle, see who's up... Hahh." She gently slapped her face to get the blood flowing, dressed properly, and then slipped out of their room, heading towards the courtyard. "Wonder where everyone's gotten themselves..." I feel like Cin told me... But it's early. Memory isn't fully on... I'll remember later. Here. This was the place. The castle... Owen's keep. No one had stopped her so far, no one had even batted an eye. Even the guards at the castle entrance had let her through once she'd explained she was here to speak with Lord Gaffney. Were they truly so trusting of Monsters? One of the guards had been Clouded, so perhaps... It didn't matter. She was here... Which just meant finding the man. Finding him and putting every last ounce of her magic into his body until it wasn't a body anymore. There seemed to be some sort of commotion around the courtyard. A gathering of people, someone speaking loudly over them... And upon further inspection, so many. So many disgusting, vile, putrid beasts. Sylmaria felt her blood run cold. These are the creatures that will descend upon me after the deed. Foul. Revolting. I hope Kazran crushes you all to dust! It was getting difficult to hide her ire, her magic pulsing in her hands-- "Hello, dear." She was stopped in her tracks by a voice, eyes turning towards a pastel pink fox woman. "... H-Hello. I... Had heard that the Lord Gaffney was, receptive to taking in Monsters and Clouded... So I, uhm. I wished to meet with him." "Really~? I wonder what that magic was all about, then... Well, no matter. It's none of my business!" Kise shrugged and turned her eyes back towards the group, focusing on what she cared about. "You're free to watch, if you like, miss dragon... I'm sure the, Lord Gaffney," she said with a bit of a mocking tone, "will be along soon enough. Sit tight, will you? And... Watch the casting. A stranger getting so worked up as to brandish magic..." Kise's eyes flicked back towards the stranger, her grin wide, but her gaze cold and full of threats. "Wouldn't want us getting the wrong idea, you know~?" Sylmaria shrank, her courage melting steadily the longer she looked at the woman. These were true monsters. The kind that Kazran wished to wipe out, wished to end, the kind that HAD to go. The kind they were all warned about as children. "Y... Yes. I'm sorry, I... Am something of a f-fighter and, their, preparation for combat got me a bit excited. Ahaha... That's all." She did her best to smile, despite the vortex of emotions swimming in her. Anger, disgust, fear, anxiety, it was enough to make someone vomit, but she held it back. This was her final mission. She couldn't blow it before the man of the hour even appeared...

Rina charges after Swordfighter #4! [45,86] 9 damage! Rina gains +12 EXP, +1 Light WEXP Kagi makes a dangerous swing! [58,7] A near miss, but the axe connects! 6 damage! The swordfighter swings back! [24,37] Damage dealt! Kagi takes 12 damage! Kagi gains +12 EXP, +1 Axe WEXP! Willow engages the one-two combo! [72,63] [67,89] 18 damage! This bandits is lights out! Willow gains +30 EXP, +3 fist WEXP!

Alvira waved back at Roxanne, then Cinaed, as some of the Tigers started to roll in. It was always a surprise to see which ones were morning folk, and which ones slept in later. Not seeing Laniva was a surprise; their greatsword wielding cat tended to be one of the first ones awake and training... Maybe she'd gotten caught up in something? Alvira shrugged. "Since the both of you are unaware, Roxanne is another individual working under Lord Owen. We're all on the same page, so hopefully we can get along in today's training... Speaking of... We're not all fighting against you. Are we?" Alvira studied the man's face for a moment, gently raising an eyebrow. "I do hope this training has less to do with our asses getting handed to us and more to do with your instructing us... I can't imagine any of us can hold a candle to you." "Some of us can," Versaris said, stepping out from behind Cinaed, having come out from seemingly nowhere. "Or at least, I'd like to hope I can hold the smallest bit of a candle to my teacher... It wouldn't do for me to be unable to touch him completely. What else was all that teaching for?" He shrugged some, leaving Alvira frowning at him. "For doing your job?" She gave the elf an unamused look, to which Versaris chuckled. "Of course, of course... but I'd say I do that swimmingly enough. The point is, I've been wanting to test myself against you for quite some time, Jeremiah." He held out a closed first towards his teacher, smiling, but his expression serious and strong. "Put me through my paces. I can't help the Tigers if I get complacent."

Alvira was awake and ready, already on the field near Jeremiah. She'd been as prompt as possible with her time awake, reading and practising, sliding in some time with Tasha when she could. She had to be ready, not just for Kazran, but for everything past him. There was already plenty that had happened, plenty she'd learned... Bold Prayer Her moment of prayer had resulted in actually speaking with Fomalhaut, despite Mercuria's best attempts. It had also brought to light information that she hadn't quite pieced together. With some time spent thinking and talking to Jeremiah, she put some more things together... You Must Believe Me But it still ended in more questions, questions and complications. She had to both meet with and befriend a member of Lufiria's royal family enough to get her hand on the spear. A daunting task for the average citizen, let alone one so marred with labels as Alvira was. Dragon, fire dragon, a Hozt family member, wanting to touch a Lufirian relic? Laughable to even the most well meaning. She sighed... But it was how things were. That was her goal, her only goal. No matter how impossible it seemed... She would reach it. For now, she was reaching for her light tome, flipping through the pages as she waited for the rest of the Tigers to arrive. "You ready for us, Jeremiah?" Two Birds With One Monster She was here. This was Eslcas... Her sob story had granted her entry to the city, a Monster not rousing suspicion from the guards. What fools. What imbeciles. She was here to kill their liege lord! Their leader... The only man that threatened Kazran. Without him, their gathering would fall to pieces. Crumble under their might. And then... Then Giovanna would... Don't think about her. You're here to do what fate has intended for you to do. You were born a mistake, and you will die a hero to the people of Islexia! What more could you want, Sylmaria!? They won't remember you for the freak of nature that you are, they'll remember you as one of Kazran's proud soldiers, the woman that slew Owen Gaffney. That brought things to a close with Eslcas. That's all you need. That's all I need! I will kill him! With her intentions renewed, she walked towards the castle up on its hill, eyes locked onto its walls. Her magic grew within her, her abilities were without equal... unique magic that no one here had a chance of stopping. You will die today, Owen Gaffney. This is your just reward for colluding with beasts.

"But, Captain--" Daeran's whisper shut her up quickly, Kazue flinching and turning towards him. Their words made enough sense, but that didn't mean she liked them... Even if these rebels were villains, there were degrees to these things, weren't there? You couldn't just... Treat them like ants. You had to bring them to justice, not wipe them out... Part of that was why she'd been so upset after the alleged terrorists were killed. Even if done in self defense, none of that was justice. It was just... Authorized murder. She sighed and felt her motivation shrink, nodding slowly in agreement with Daeran. This was not her arena. She was to leave it to the Captain and to Huang... Louise was more than happy to see their martial artist so swiftly put in her place. Miss CEO spoke up and had plenty, plenty to say on matters. Some of it was Sia's arena, but there were bits and pieces that Louise wanted to touch on. "If possible, I think it would be good for us to speak with your security chief. If we can find out why she okayed such a hefty force, we might be able to find more out about the situation. Especially with this third party involved, ma'am. If you're unsure of the veracity of our claims regarding them, we have one of their machines, collected from the conflict. The black box-- I'm sure the Captain would be happy to hand it over. We're all on the same page here." Louise smiled, putting on her business best. "Of course, that does mean we're on the same page in regards to those thieves... While I am not pleased with the idea of them being... Addressed, so brusquely, if they are harming the company with nefarious intentions, as your collaborators in this endeavour, we will put our best forward in capturing and arresting them. So that you may dole out necessary punishment, of course. We would not supersede Avyndor in deciding what is done with them once contained." She was choosing her words carefully. Miss Avyndor didn't seem evil, but she did seem quite power hungry, and happy in her place, ruling over the moon. It was best to play to that. "To that end, and my first point, speaking with your chief of security will allow us to work in tandem-- an extension that can make more accurate decisions on the field, rather than automated machines that are set with instructions from the outset... Yes? If I'm overstepping, my sincerest apologies. As Huang has put it, we are representatives of CEN-- an organization that assists matters on this planet, not one that presides over them. You are, as you well know, free to veto my suggestions or requests." Hahhh... haughty business types are the worst. Really looking forward to that shooting range date, now~

As their rest concluded, travel continued into the night. The moon was beginning to rise high into the sky as the gentle torchlight of other people began to come into view. Jilyn slowed her steps and looked to Rivane, hoping for him to give orders on what to do... "These are... Other bandits, Rivane?" She could make some of their features out under the torchlight, squinting a bit... Ragged and worn clothes, gruff, tired expressions, weapons that had seen use but would still cut all the same as a pristine blade. "We must be cautious... What is our approach?" Player Phase/Turn 1! Objective: Escape to the south Battle Mastery: Defeat every bandit

"My, hello, Renais~ Hmhmhmhm... No, no booming business here, but I did receive a handout. Look~" Kise flashed her tails gently, five present once more. "Which means I'll be at six once we kill that foul man who stole one. Isn't that wonderful~? I'm so close to nine I can almost taste it... If only these mercenaries would help me out a little more. It's good for them too, after all... It'd mean their favorite pink healer is all the more safe~" "That's the best part. He'll never catch me! He can't snap what he can't get his hands on... Besides, if he really got that close, I'd just turn him to stone, and then we'd snap him-- crumble him into dust~" Iris wasn't about to cede her confidence to Kazran of all people. He was gonna die! And then they could continue on their journey. "Right! Shorts~ I'll grab those, don't mind me..." Iris moved right next to Ullr as she walked to grab some shorts, sliding a finger across his chest, gently and slowly. "Make sure you tell me exactly how you feel when I'm wearing that new outfit... Okay?" She gave him a little wink and then went about collecting the rest of her clothes from the shelves. The group returned from their brief checking of boats and their swim, Cass spotting Owen dealing with some more new faces. "Whole buncha folks these days, huh..." While she'd wrung her dress out a bit on the docks, she was still drenched, walking up to Owen like it wasn't a problem. "Brother, I'm back... I take it all your talks have been going well. I showed our prospective mercenary captain around the ships-- Aegean, if you weren't introduced. She can helm the ship, leaves us with having to take less hands away from Eslcas, just in case... And these are more new faces? Not part of the Tigers?" She spied the sheep, the little dragon hiding behind that armored in green woman, then the child the snake lady had brought in, buried in the sheep's arms. "Family reunion? Touching." She grinned a bit, running a hand into her hair to get the water out of it. "Always did like a woman that's good with kids~" Miredy let Jane rush into Roxanne's arms without a care, smiling happily, almost tearing up. "Well," she began, having to calm herself so she didn't start weeping happy tears, "that solves one part of that..." She slithered closer to the sheep as Owen's sister returned, giving her a confused glance. She was soaked... "Pardon me, miss... We saved Jane from the Underground. She was in the cell next to mine... I told her we'd bring her to her mother. I'm glad that's going to happen, and so soon. What a stroke of luck, Jane~" The blue snake was beside herself with happiness, sniffling just a little, idly sliding a comforting hand into Jane's hair. "How wonderful..." "Yes. It is something I'd only expect to see back home--" Syta caught herself and grumbled some, huffing. It was too late; he'd definitely already heard her, but if he was trading with Lufirians, surely he wouldn't mind one purchasing from him... "Mmm... I could certainly use a weapon like this, but... I don't have that much gold. Uhm..." Syta glanced up at Laniva, pouting ever so slightly. "Do you think you could spare a little, Lani? I think I could make good use of this gun... But, I understand if it's a bit much. It'd be a very expensive piece..."

You too!? What is wrong with you!? Ugh! Worthless! The both of you! Louise was FUMING, struggling to contain her frustrations, but if they were going to open up and ask questions, she couldn't stand there and glare them to death. She had to at least stick her nose into things-- But. Not this. Never this. "Hahhh..." She let out a sliver of her frustrations with a sigh, folding her hands behind her back. "My only question is if you have any information on the malcontents posing as AHI security. Automated units aside," she emphasized through grit teeth, "the terrorists we encountered claimed to be AHI security... Without any codes, names, security channels... An extreme farce. If you can provide us with anything, that would be of great help. The better we can do at weeding out issues in our full authority." She chose to focus on Huang's words, knowing they would hit a bit better.

At least they weren't wasting anymore time idling in the entryway... The ride up to the CEO's office had been a bit more packed and tight than Louise had wished, considering the amount of people in their captain's entourage, but she got to take a deep breath and relax moments before they met miss Avyndor herself. I see where they got the heavy part from. Louise spent little time ogling the woman, only sparing her a passing glance. Something in the water with these types... Between her and Sia both. Still, I've no interest in a business woman. There were the expected back and forths between her and ambassador Huang, and then the floor was open for questions... She had a few herself, but it would fall to Sia to ask the first questions-- "Yes. I have questions." Kazue stepped forward, Louise's eyes going wide, scowling, almost as if she was trying to snap the woman in half with her gaze. "Questions over the security forces that had been sent in response to the 'rebels'." Be quiet you damn samurai! This is a serious meeting, not some spot for you to have whimsy or righteousness, God! Louise was furious, and Kazue did notice, glancing towards her, but she continued undeterred. "The people that were being run down by your automated security were not a fighting fit force. They were in incredibly old machines, under equipped, clearly outmatched, and the response to them seemed incredibly severe... So much so that we intervened on their behalf and saved them from their fate. That is the run in we had with your security. Please explain why you thought such a response was necessary? That was not a battle. That was not protecting one's goods or company... That was a mindless slaughter." Ohhh my Goooood, aahhnnhhhhhh! Louise was screaming in her head, eyes wide, the only thing stopping her from gawking at Kazue being the lip she'd started biting keeping her mouth shut.

"Sure? Don't let me keep you... I taught you everything you need to know, so the rest is just practice. Practice on getting it down, practice on making it routine... Practice~ Go take a break with your girlfriend, yeah?" Lucretia winked as she sent Renais off, shrugging a little at Versaris. "Thanks for the help, pretty boy. You sure you don't wanna get to know each other a little better~?" Sari shook his head, not faltering for a second. "Sorry, even if I was single, you remind me far too much of Jeremiah's wife, and I consider her something of a mother... Not my kink." "Ahhh, dang... Not a mommy's boy. Ah, well... My search must go on." She glanced over at Jeremiah and leaned against her staff. "You know, he said the same thing. I really must be a lot like this woman if I'm reminding you both of her. Wonder why..." "It..." Versaris paused, thinking, but then shook his head. "It is a shocking coincidence, but if you're from Mura, that's all it can be. She's Lufirian, through and through... I will admit, your body, your choice of magic, the hair... Even your face, you're the spitting image of Serena, it's uncanny. Maybe... No, this is silly to think about. Anyway, I, am taken, by a very beautiful and wonderful lizard. Her name is Alriana, I do hope you have the pleasure of getting along with her should you get the chance to speak." "Is that right... Mmm, I have to agree, I don't think there's any stock in my likeness to Serena. Still funny, though~" Versaris shrugged. While Amera giggled and enjoyed her continued pets, Syta took the chance to glance over the goods, her eyes falling on... "Huh?" A gun at his stall, something rather impressive, beyond anything one should realistically see in Islexia... "Where, did you come upon this, sir...?" She gently lifted it, keeping her fingers safe around it; she was well aware of how one should handle a gun and wasn't about to mishandle it on accident. "This is quite the impressive piece of work, considering where we are..." "I'm sorry, did you say Jade?" Miredy slid her way back into the main room, not having much to do with her own interests cleared, but this woman had said Jane... "Did you mean...?" She slid closer, the girl in her arms. If this woman knew her, there was a chance that their promises of finding Jane's mother being truths instead of comforting lies. "Please tell me you did." There was something of a desperation in Miredy's voice. She wanted nothing more than this girl's mother to be alright and alive...

Willow would find Jilyn not as easily frazzled as her knight, letting out a quiet sigh. "It is fine, Rina," she did her best to remain stoic, though the faint redness of embarrassment still rested on her cheeks. "If you can manage such comebacks, then it assures me you are in good health, despite what has occurred. Let us pray it remains that way. If you can feed yourself, then I shall leave you to the rest of your apple." She let out another quiet sigh, trying to stabilize herself. Such flippant commentary wasn't right for the moment. Her parents, horrible as they were, were all the family she had left. It was now her against her own country's knights, in an attempt to survive... And all she had to help her were these ragtag mercenaries. Her eyes fell on Rivane once more, shaking her head. I can do nothing but place my faith in you and yours, Rivane. Let us hope we are all enough...

"It is not a problem, Alouette. Let us continue on with the day without further thought to it. Do not worry." Ichika smiled softly and followed after the both of them, hands folded into her sleeves, gently held together under her chest. She wasn't sure that her plan would work, and maybe it would dredge those bad memories up further... Hmm... Perhaps I hold onto it... for quite some time. Yes, I believe that will be better than something juvenile like giving it to her tomorrow. It will still bring up the feelings... Until she explains to me where these feelings come from, or she has overcome them, I shall hold onto this hairpin. That is for the best. "I have no knowledge of any flowers, so I am happy to hear explanations about these orchids."