Return of the Emblem Chapter Seven: Reunion

[Phoenix]

Gabbie

"Dunno what you're lookin' at me for. I'm not the group treasurer. Go pester Raquel." Gabbie replied to Robin before wandering off toward the Rexian related events with Ringo in tow.

[roymbrog]

Phyllis was disappointed. The man had no food. Instead, he led her to where she had been previously and handed her back to Valter. That was the end of her little excursion.

Valter took the offered reigns and regarded Phyllis with a quizzical expression. What had she been doing? “Yeah, it’s certainly different from any city I’ve been in,” he replied to Bert. It was about this time the gate opened and he watched as a group came out to talk to the patrol. “Huh. I wonder what that’s all about?”

-----

Synthia wasn’t sure what she’d gotten herself into, but hopefully Robin wouldn’t over rely on her in the future. It wasn’t but a few seconds after she spoke that the archer demanded money from Gabbie. Great form, but wrong person. In any case, it looked as if other important things were about to happen that would no doubt demand Raquel’s attention. “Uh... Perhaps you should ask her later. Now probably isn’t a good time,“ Synthia said, gesturing to the Rexians at the gate.

[Mercakete]

"Huh," Norbert's attention had been shifted to the Rexians as well, "Well, what do you know." I guess they do have pegasi here. I didn't think they would since the only wild ones I've seen were in the mountains. I mean, there are mountains here, but it's so...dry down here. That's a good pegasus, though. Beautiful color and it looks strong and well cared for. I'm used to pegasi with dark skin and white feathers, though. I wonder if it's a different kind of pegasus.

~~~~~

Amon and his friend flew down from the wall and a bunch of important-looking Rexains came through the gate. The most important-looking of them went over to Amon and began talking with him in a language Gytha didn't understand. She one o' Amon's friends? she wondered. A bit of worry rose up inside the mariner. Was he leaving the group now? "You can trust me." Amon's words and smile returned to Gytha's memory from when she entrusted him with knowledge of her past. Nah. He wouldn't just up and leave. He'd at least tell us b'fore he did that and he'd say goodbye too. These thoughts were some minor comfort. Though the possability remained that he still might not be coming with them when they set out again. Of course he had every right to do that. However, Gytha's memory went back to all the times they'd helped each other in battle, or when they'd sung shanties on the old wagon or when they went to the festival. Then... "Umm, have you ever been in a situation where 'duty' could ... well ... cause a mountain of problems for everyone involved? Have you ever had to try to decide between doing what you're supposed to be doing and what everyone else would want, I mean?" Did that have something to do with this?

Gytha shook her head, trying to refocuss on the situation in a more hopeful light. "This sure must be great fer Amon. Gets t' see his friends again!" Gytha cheerily told herself aloud, "N' we get t' meet'em, too..." And her thoughts left the air, remaining in her head again.

Edited January 10, 2012 by Mercakete

[-Cynthia-]

Nadya

"I don't even try to claim other people's pay, unless they're givin' it to me or didn't deserve it in the first place. You get beat up enough that you probably deserve a little somethin' at least," Nadya said to Robin, laughing a little.

Veronika

Amon seemed to be leaving, probably on some Aisha-related business, so Veronika decided to try and handle the matter of group accommodations, hoping that someone spoke good enough Common to get them. "We'd like a place to rest and stable our mounts; we've been traveling for quite some time. At your earliest convenience of course," she said, bowing her head a little to the recently dismounted man.

[Phoenix]

The Mission

<"Amon, I need to know what's going on, here. If you really failed your mission, then what is with all these of people? Actually, regardless of your mission, what is with all of these people?"> Amon looked over his shoulder toward the party and then carefully put his hand over Lulu's shoulder to guide her into a two person huddle. Haythem listened in by leaning closer.

<"There was no way I could complete the assignment. The fire emblem's in a bunch of pieces and I could only find one. The one I found is being held by the merchant over there. Raquel. When I first met her I ... thought to steal it but ... it just didn't work out and ... well. I don't know. I decided to protect it since I couldn't take it.">

Lulu smiled. <"I'm so glad we sent you and not one of the others. Most of the people who wanted to go in your place would have killed her for it. That's not what Lady Aisha wants. Not at all. You did a good thing by not stealing it, either.">

<"No, this whole thing is out of hand now. That woman over there ... the one with the white wings? She's a goddess too. She broke Raquel's piece of the emblem in half and kept one of the halves to counteract a curse the God of Wrath put on her. She decided to escort us to Sanctuary but I don't know what she's going to do now that we're here.">

<"The emblem cured her curse?!">

<"... what?">

<"Okay, Amon, just try to stay positive. This isn't all bad. I doubt Lady Aisha would have expected you to be able to recover such a powerful artifact all by yourself. She probably knew there were multiple pieces and just wanted you to bring back one for her."> Lulu explained.

<"But I didn't. Raquel and Lilith have the pieces, and there's no way in hell we're getting Lilith's.">

<"Trust me. This isn't all bad. What we should do for now is keep tensions low. There's no reason for anymore confrontations today.">

<"Lu ... what are you scheming?"> Haythem asked.

<"I am not scheming. I do not 'scheme'."> she said firmly to the man. <"Okay, Amon. Stay with them for now. No need to separate you since you'll be staying in the same place.">

<"You're bringing them to the palace? That's a little suspicious."> Amon noted. To him, a lot of things the Sancturans did seemed like they would be suspicious. They had the home field advantage and if Captain Mansur was any indication, they were willing to kill.

<"No one is being arrested and we're not going to try to entice them for the emblem. It's just better to have them in the palace for the time being"> Lulu explained. <"We keep them there and it's a short trip to meetings and we can keep them out of trouble.">

<"Ehhhh I doubt anything on earth could keep us out of trouble."> Amon mumbled.

Meanwhile the Rexian escort spoke with Veronika, reacting almost immediately to her bow. He held a hand up saying "N-no. No need for that. Umm ... Haythem!" Haythem stood up straight and glanced over at the man. <"My common isn't so good. Make yourself useful.">

<"Sure ... what do you want me to say?">

<"Tell her that we'll need to complete an inspection and register everyone here before proceeding. Even if they're just visitors we'll need the information.">

<"Don't worry about that just yet, Captain."> Lulu called over. She and Amon were heading his way, with Amon trailing behind and off to the side with his head a bit down.

<"But, High Priestess ...">

<"We can handle it at the palace. I would rather they not see the worst side of Sanctuary right at the start. We'll get them on file in the comfort of the palace."> she explained.

<"Very well.">

"Okay, then. Uhhh the High Priestess wants all of you to come to the palace." Haythem relayed the message.

"The palace?" Raquel spoke up, having finally caught wind of the conversation.

"Yes, she is awesome. So make sure you're ready."

<"Urgh, we should really be checking for any spies outside Sanctuary's walls ..."> the man muttered to himself.

Edited September 28, 2012 by Phoenix

[Acacia Sgt]

<Wait, we're actually being allowed inside?> John thought, slightly surprised. <It sounds suspicious though. But then again, it makes sense. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. It would make it easier for them to keep tabs on us inside the palace. They know they have the upper ground in this situation.>

-----

The palace? Sophia thought. We're actually going to stay in the palace. It sounded too good to be truth. But most likely it is regarding our situation. Well, at least we are having this rare opportunity.

[Mercakete]

"The palace?" Norbert was so surprised, he quitly echoed the words. Wow. Hardly makes sense, though. We were just going to stock up on supplies and leave, weren't we? Did Amon have some say in this? His gaze shifted over to the Rexian, which only puzzled him more. Why does he look so upset? His puzzlement shifted to wariness right then. He wasn't sure what, but something wasn't right. "Hey, Valter," he quietly adressed his friend, "See Amon? He doesn't look too happy and security makes it hard enough to even get to the city, let alone the palace. This seems pretty suspicious to me... Lilith said she wanted to meet with Aisha, though, so it makes sense for her to go. Why us, though? What do you think?"

~~~~~~~~~~

For a moment, Gytha brightened up. They were all going to the palace! But then she saw Amon. He seemed pretty upset. She couldn't understand why. He mentioned living in the palace before. They'd basicly be staying at his place which meant they wouldn't be separated...yet, at least. So why was he so upset? The mariner jumped off the wagon and walked over to Amon. "Hey, what's wrong? I thought ye'd be happy havin' all o' yer friends in one place. Yer even home and we'll all be stayin' in th' palace!" Gytha asked, her brow creaced in concern and confusion.

[Snowy_One]

"I do not try to get beaten up you know." said Robin, feeling a little bit better. It was nice, having people not strike up a fight with her for once and trying to listen to her.

[-Cynthia-]

Veronika raised an eyebrow at the man. Showing respect is bad form in Sanctuary? Perhaps I did it incorrectly... she thought to herself. "I think we're ready to go, if you would be so kind as to lead on," she said to Haythem, making sure not to bow this time.

"Well it's people like you that give me work in this group, so thanks for gettin' hit!" Nadya said to Robin.

[roymbrog]

After a moment of thinking, Valter replied, “They’re probably trying to keep an eye on us. I’m sure it’s not often a group of foreigners as large as this arrives.” Lilith was the one who wanted to see Aisha, but the fact that they were traveling with her was suspicious in itself. He didn’t blame them for being cautious. “As long as they treat us well I have no problem with it,” he said after mounting Phyllis. She wasn’t saddled, but the trip to the palace would likely not be long.

[Mercakete]

"I guess," Norbert muttered. Valter's logic made sense. Thinking about it, they had some people of interest with them so they probably weren't the most innocent-looking group and the Rexians had mentioned being cautious of spies. You'd think they'd want to keep us away from important places if they wanted to protect them so badly if that was the case...but I guess the most powerful person in this land lives at the palace, so maybe it is the best place to keep us from their prospective. "We should still keep on our guard, though, I think," Norbert quietly mentioned to Valter, "We'll basicly be powerless under their Vasilus' watch, not to mention all the guards that will probably be around the palace."

[Phoenix]

Amon

"I-it's nothing, Gytha. Don't worry about me. I'll be alright." Amon said. Hardly an assurance, but it was all he could manage given the current situation. Lulu apparently didn't plan on being forceful, but Amon still wasn't certain about all of this. And what would the group think of heading to the palace? Either way he was about to find out.

Gabbie

"Woohoo! I was hopin' we'd be so lucky!" Gabbie yelled before swiftly throwing her arm over Amon's shoulder and hauling him in. Pointing a finger in his face she said "I'm so glad we know you. A day or more of luxury is totally worth that crap we went through gettin' way out here."

"I guess ...?" Amon said quietly before being released.

Raquel

"I guess I'll get back in the wagon. Anyone who's riding, get ready. We're about to leave." Raquel announced before heading back over, herself.

Lilith

She ceased leaning on the wall and walked over to the group. Best to stay close, she thought. Part of her had come to Sanctuary expecting to be held back by scimitars and bows and she had planned to march right on through whatever resistance stood in her way, but since Aisha had stayed her hand, Lilith decided to do the same, and just play along with this whole escorting business.

Rexians

"I'll need all of you to remove your weapons and place them into whatever storage you have available to you." one of the rexians spoke up to the group. "You must understand that you will only be causing an unneeded panic should you flaunt them with you on the way to the grand palace. You are safe for the moment, so you have no need to keep them out in the open. This goes doubly for the women." he went on explaining. Gabbie shrugged and put her lance into the wagon. It wasn't an issue worth arguing over, and she still had Ringo in the event a fight broke out. Raquel had no weapon and Chip was already in the wagon, pistol and all, so her weapon storing was already done.

Movin' On Up

Eventually, once the matter of weapons was settled, Amon mounted up with Haythem on his wyvern, Gabbie got on hers, Raquel reached her driver's seat, and Lulu got back on her pegasus. The escorts cleared the gate area so everyone could get through, and they began a long movement into the city. The outer areas of Sanctuary had been almost lavish, but the interior was above and beyond that. Not a single building looked to be more than a decade old, and aside from those who'd stopped to gawk at them, many people were out working to maintain various things. Once they had entered the inner city, the palace came into view. Even for a palace, it was enormous, and they had quite a way to go before arriving there.

"... home ...." Amon quietly uttered from atop Isis as she soared high above the group.

For those on the ground, heading to the palace was a slightly uphill affair, as the city was built on a seven degree incline. Most sidewalks seemed to compensate for this by having an occasional stone staircase of three or more steps, or simply following the incline as the road did, but the road always and only had a perfectly flat surface leading in either direction. The buildings they passed along the way had a slew of similar but individualized designs and patterns near the rooftops and on their corners. Raquel was surprised to see a place like this, not because of how elaborate every inch of the place was, but because of the things she wasn't seeing; worn down areas, decaying projects, the 'slums' of other cities didn't have a place here. It drove her to call up to Lilith, who just happened to be sitting on the edge of the wagon's roof(arms and legs still crossed) instead of walking or floating for a change.

"Hey, Lilith?"

"Yes?" the vasilus replied.

"So this place is ... overseen by one of your kind?"

"It should be pretty obvious by now, shouldn't it?"

"Yeah ... I guess ... I'm just wondering why it's only like this here ..." she said, somewhat quieter, but Lilith still caught it.

"Aisha's neglecting the rest of the country and focusing her efforts to this one city. A vasilus does not need to eat or sleep, and doesn't tire, and having so much power can do quite a bit to detour the types of avarice a normal ruler might succumb to. These are merely the results of such a ruler staying in power indefinitely."

"So she's not selfish or greedy at all?"

"I'm not saying she isn't self centered, only that she isn't letting it turn her into a tyrant ... not as far as this place is concerned." she explained, alluding to the rest of the country. "She may very well pride herself on her accomplishments in this sanctuary, for all we know.

The closer to the palace they got, the more beautiful the skyline looking back appeared. There was quite a bit of architecture to behold looking back over the city, but now they had arrived, and looking forward, one could see the main gates of the palace opening up to them. There were guards everywhere, but spread over such a large area, that they seemed like nothing more than a minimum investment in security; they were almost like statues accenting the area itself. Those that were moving about, were on regular routes or clearing the way for the oncoming group. By this point Asad had tears in his eyes that he was desperately trying to hide. Never in his life did he think he would make it to the grand palace of Sanctuary. There were several enormous buildings, but the main one was both the closest, and the largest, with three sets of staircases leading up to it. The mounts could only go a little farther from the looks of things. Once they reached the courtyard preceding the three staircases, it appeared to be the end of the line, and Raquel had completely forgotten that they were in a city at the edge of the Rexian desert. Bringing the wagon to a stop, she sighed in relief. She half expected something terrible to happen on the way, but they lucked out, and here they were.

Haythem landed somewhere away from the group, what seemed to be a luxurious aerie where a couple of the maidens' pegasi were being kept. Isis immediately lied down once Haythem and Amon got off of her, not even waiting for him to untack her. He stood there a bit frustrated over the whole thing while Amon walked the distance back to the group. He was able to calm down during the flight over, but he was still feeling rather depressed as a whole.

Gabbie landed with the group and hopped off of Ringo. Ringo also lied down right afterward and Gabbie leaned up against him for the time being. One of the escorts dismounted and slowly approached her with a hand up to get her attention. She didn't do anything but stare until he spoke up, though. "Forgive my rudeness but ... your appearance is ... distracting." For her that was a compliment, but she knew what he was getting at even before he went on to his actual suggestion. "If it isn't too much trouble, might you put on something a bit less ... revealing ...?" The poor man seemed nervous, too. Gabbie looked over her outfit. Her standards on modesty were her own, so the only thing she considered all that showy was her completely exposed legs. That was shrug worthy, but she came back with a suggestion of her own.

"How about, you grant a guest a souvenir, huh? What koind of outfits to palace folk wear?"

"Umm ..." the man blushed. "Mostly men working in the palace live here, with some exceptions. The maidens also live here."

"Ooooo~"

"Huh?"

"Got any spare maiden outfits lyin' around? Preferably one that matches what I'm wearin' roight now."

"Only maidens can wear those, I'm afraid." the man sounded like he'd been holding his breathe for awhile.

"Foine, I'll just grab my coat. It'll have to do for now." she said, turning around to start digging through Ringo's saddlebag. The Rexian stood there waiting, something he regretted once he caught himself watching her. He quickly stood up straight and held at attention, so Gabbie turned back around with coat in hand to a stiff, sweating, blushing soldier.

"Oh man, I really messed you up, huh? Sorry 'bout that." she said with an innocent smile.

"I am fine!"

Gabbie put on the coat while trying not to laugh. "So what happens, now?"

"The steeds will be moved to the stables and you will all be escorted inside ... though the captain would prefer to get your information now, I think."

"Well since you're here~ ... My name's Gabriella--but if you call me that I'll kill you--; I work for a Professor Weyland of Weyland Enterprises, a company based in Ursium."

"Um ..." he quickly pulled a notebook out of his pack. "Do you have a surname?"

"Nope. Can't remember. Sorry."

"I ... see ...."

The captain looked over and noticed the two conversing. His man had the right idea. He leaned over to Lulu saying <"Now is the absolute best time. You have my word that we will not harass them, milady, but please let us do our jobs.">

Lulu closed her eyes and sighed. <"I'm not trying to stop you, captain, only avoid any ... trouble. If you're certain you can do this without causing any trouble, then go ahead. We can go inside afterward.">

<"You have my thanks."> he said before dismounting and helping her down. Next he turned to the group, and signaled for his other escorts to start gathering up names. They could finish more quickly if the escorts spread out, so that was the plan. "May I have your attention, please?" one of the captain's men spoke up. Before we head inside, we'll need to have all of your names written down and all of you accounted for. We may need to ask some other questions, as well, but this is only for the purpose of security, and should not take long. Please know that we cannot proceed until this process has concluded."

Amon arrived just in time to hear the latter half of that bit, and looked over to the group. The last thing that's standing between them and Lady Aisha, I guess ...

"Um, hello." the man said, addressing Lilith who was still sitting up on the wagon.

"Oh, is it my turn, now?" she asked, not sounding very serious.

"May I have your full name, please?"

"I'll tell you what I told that captain Mansur patrolman. My name is Lilith, and it is the only official name I go by."

"... I see. Where are you from?"

"There are two answers to that question, and I'm not sure which you want ...."

"... I see ...."

[Acacia Sgt]

And so they were on their way through the inner portion of the city. Sophia from within the wagon, and John flying above on Gil, but both seeing the inner city itself.

The division is quite apparent. Sophia thought. While as a whole it's not much different in concept, this part does surpasses Ursentius by far I'd say.

<Well well, so those stories about Sanctuary are turning out to be true.> John thought. His gaze now went to focus on the palace. <And now we'll be seeing the palace first-handed as well.>

------

Eventually they came to a stop in a courtyard. John had Gil land next to the wagon while Sophia got out from it. Then came the announcement about being questioned before anything else.

<I guess it can't be helped.> John thought dismounting. <Hopefully it won't take long.>

[Mercakete]

Norbert was about to complain about the weapons when the Rexain giving the announcement explained his reasons. That's...reasonable... he mentally grudgingly admitted before turning Riz about and riding her the short distance to the back of the wagon. from there he dismounted and entered the Dauntless. Once he'd gotten to the place where he was storing the majority of Rizen's tack, Phyllis' tack and all his supplies, he paused with a grimace. I don't like being without a weapon easily accessable to me... Blast it, if I have to fight, I'll need to just use my fists. But... He took Splinter and crunch from his belt and gave the tonfa-maces a long stare. ... I've been appart from them for so long and only recently got them back... I...really don't want to just leave them here... It was harder for him than he thought it would be. Eventually, he had to just set them down and walk away. He was in somewhat of a bad mood when he exited the wagon and remounted Rizen. Almost everything in him was telling him to go back and return Splinter and Crunch to his sides, but he knew he'd have to resist that urge until they were at a place where he was allowed to keep them with him again.

Amon's answer wasn't very telling, but things were moving along. Gytha decided to just leave him be for now as she walked over to the back of the wagon to put her sword and gun away. Others seemed to be doing the same, of course, but she was feeling a bit distracted. Parting with her weapons meant taking off her belt and sliding her holster and her sheath off of it, but that was quickly done and the weapons stowed. After she'd rebelted, she climbed atop the wagon to wait for everyone to get going again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rizen was agitated by the incline she was walking up. She had wings. Why wasn't she using them? Still, her rider had decided she would be walking up this hill. He couold be so unreasonable at times. She made her feelings known by snorting, flicking her tail and shaking her mane more often than usual. This was proving ineffective, though, as Norbert was trying to focus as hard as he could on the road in front of him. His irritation was building. Occasionally, a hand would slip to his belt only to find there wasn't a weapon there as a cruel reminder that he appart from his maces. He kept telling himself that they would be where they belonged soon enough. To that end, he remained focussed on the road, just having Rizen keep pace with the rest of the group. Every step forward brought them closer to the time when he would have his maces again.

As she rode stop the wagon, Gytha wasn't looking ahead, but rather was watching the scene come together as they passed the interior city. It sure was nice. She took a deep breath and slowly let it out. It certainly was peaceful...though she'd pictured her first visit to Sanctuary being different. As a direct result, her mind wandered back to what Amon said. "I-it's nothing, Gytha. Don't worry about me. I'll be alright." She was quiet a moment as she carefully thought about the words. "I'll be alright." "...If ye say ye'll be a'right...that means somethin's wrong..." she mumbled to herself. Why won't ye tell me what it is?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When they came to a stop, Norbert immediately dismounted behind the wagon and climbed inside then got to his maces and felt a sort of relief as he heng them off eaither side of his belt again. They were where they belonged. Next -- less urgently -- he began separating Phyllis' and Rizen's tack, then brought them out. He rested Phyllis' on the ground and began fitting Rizen with her armor and tack again. As he was working, one of the Rexian guards came up to him. He didn't notice until the guy actually spoke...in somewhat-broken and oddly-accented Common.

"Hello!"

The sudden greeting startled Norbert and the strap holding his poleaxe to Rizen's side nearly slipped as he jumped and turned hsi head quickly to see what the matter was. "Uh, hello," Norbert mumbled the confused reply.

"Full name," the Rexian ordered.

"Norbert," he replied while continuing his work on Rizen's tack.

"Full name," he repeated, somewhat more irritated.

"I already gave it to you," he grumbled.

The guard gave Norbert an unamused glare as the pegasus rider did his work. Norbert could tell he was being watched and so he finished up his task before turnign to glare right back at the soldier.

"Full name."

"My name is Norbert. I don't have a surname."

"Full name."

"Is that all you know how to say?"

"Full name."

"Hey!" Norbert called over to the other guards, "Can someone replace this guy? Your soldier is defective."

<"Is he insulting you? I can't tell."> the Rexian asked his comrades. He knew enough Common to ask the questions...just not enough to understand the answers... He was new.

[Phoenix]

Questioning

<"Fuad, question the other Rexians. Hafiz, you handle that one"> the captain ordered, going into an extremely brief coordination effort. Meanwhile another guard approached Raquel as she exited the wagon.

<"Do you speak any rexian?">

"What?"

"I asked if you speak any rexian, and I believe I have the answer." he clarified.

"I only know common, and a little 'unspoken' Ursian, sorry."

"Okay. I am going to need some information from you, as the captain said."

"Okay."

"What is your full name?"

"Raquel Blanco Valcyn."

"Place of birth?"

"Ursentius, Ursium."

"Occupation and Religion if any?"

"I'm a weapons merchant. I don't have a very strong spiritual life, anymore." she answered, tilting and turning her head away shyly.

"Hmm, okay. Thank you. There is one more thing. The captain would want to know. Who is leading this group of people?"

"Well ... when Lilith isn't around, it would be me. We're actually two groups, though."

"... two? Is Lilith leading the other?"

"No, Asad is."

"... I see ...."

Meanwhile the line of questioning continued for Lilith. "Where did you say you were born?"

"Kremlall or Zion. Take your pick." Lilith replied.

"Umm. I've never heard of either of those."

"The former no longer exists; the latter you'll never lay eyes on."

"... ehhhhI'll write them both down for now. Next question. What is your occupation?"

"I'm currently unemployed."

"Religion?"

"..." Was there really an answer for that? 'Anti-Wrathanism' was the first thing to come to mind, but a one woman religion seemed a bit too silly for this, and a quest to end a god's plot didn't even qualify as a religion, only an immediate goal. "Let's just go with 'unaffiliated' for now." she finally said to the Rexian.

"Yeah, okay ..."

While Lilith's questioning soldier tried to figure out what he had been writing down, another soldier approached Robin. "I'm just going to assume you don't speak Rexian. Correct me if I'm wrong, though I'm sure most outsiders are more comfortable speaking in common, anyway ..." the guard trailed off. He sounded rather bored and disconnected from the whole situation. "First question," he began, pulling out his notebook to begin writing down Robin's answers. "What is your full name?"

Meanwhile Amon came near the wagon and stood around awkwardly. He wasn't sure what else to do for the moment.

[Snowy_One]

"Robin Hawkdancer." replied Robin with a feigned smile. It had been a long time since she had used her surname to be sure. It wasn't needed back in Ohka as everyone was on a firstname basis and everyone knew who everyone else was just by using their first name. Robin, Jake, Mildred, Yuri, everyone knew, so it didn't matter.

[Phoenix]

Next Question

"And where were you born? Your hometown ..." he went on.

[Mercakete]

Fuad figured it was probably for the best and so left to go question some of the more native outsiders. Hafiz, meanwhile, walked over to Norbert and repeated the information Norbert had already figured out they wanted. "Full name."

"Norbert."

"Full name, please."

"That is my full name. I don't have a surname or a middle name." He was beginning to wonder if he'd gotten another dud.

"Alright," the Rexian replied before moving onto the next question. He'd already written down what he had previously assumed was the forigner's given name, "Why don't you have a surname?"

"My mother died as I was being born. No one in the area knew who my father was. So, I don't have a family name," he answered. He didn't mind giving the answer since it was just a fact of life, but he was wondering if he should be offended about how personal the question was.

"Who named you, then, if you had no parents as an infant?" the guard was beginning to get curious about this anomoly.

"The one who took care of me: Father Nigel," he answered, wondering if the questions were really supposed to be this in-depth.

"Is Nigel his given or family name?" asked the guard.

Norbert paused for a moment, somewhat perplexed before answring, "I don't know. Everyone just called him 'Nigel,' 'Father Nigel,' 'Father,' 'Dad,' 'Grandpa' or 'Grandfather.' He runs the orphanage I grew up in and he's the one who named me."

"I see..." the guard was hurriedly scribbling down Norbert's explanation. When he'd finished, he asked, "Where is the orphanage you grew up in located? What is it called?"

"It's in the northern mountains of Ursium and it's called the Ursium Pegasus Orphanage." He failed to mention the whole name for his own sake, since it was actually called "Ursium Pegasus Orphanage for Girls" but he figured stating the whole name would just generate confusion.

"I see. So, that is where you were born and raised?" he asked. Norbert nodded. "Alright. Now, lets see... Do you follow a religion?"

"Not really," he answered. He was going to flat out say "no" but he began to wonder if he could be considered a Lilithite since he agreed with her way of thinking so much.

"Ellaborate, please."

"Sorry; I mean't 'no.' I don't follow a religion," he made the quick fix.

The Rexian made a note about it, then proceded to ask the next question, "What is your occupation?"

"Mercenary," he answered. He was about to say that he didn't really have a job when he remembered that technically he was now a mercenary under Raquel's employ.

"Are you presently employed?"

"Yes."

"Who are you working for?"

"Raquel."

"Does 'Raquel' not have a surname either? And what does this 'Raquel' do?"

Probably should've mentioned that. "Her name is Raquel Valcyn, if I'm remembering her surname right. I usually just call her 'Raquel' or 'Pinky.'" Come to think on it, I haven't called her "Pinky" for a while now. "She's the merchant with the pink hair over there."

"What, exactly, are you hired to do?" the Rexain was becoming a bit skeptical.

"I'm paid to keep her safe from bandits and stuff," Norbert replied with the incomplete truth.

It seemed to satisfy the Rexain who finished his notes, gave Norbert a curt nod then returned to his captain with the report.

[Acacia Sgt]

Each was approached by a Rexian, for the interrogation no doubt about it.

-----

The one to approach John was already up to business. ''All mounts will be delivered to the stables separately...'' but then he stopped. Gil was glaring at him. However, he quickly dismissed it and focused on John instead.

''Full name.''

<They sure don't idle huh.> John thought. ''John.''

''Full name.'' He repeated.

<Indeed.> ''That's it.''

''No last name?''

''Correct.''

''... Where are you from?''

''Neviskotia.''

''What brought you here?''

''I'm a mercenary. A long-term job of escort.''

...

-----

Meanwhile, the one who approached Sophia was likewise not the talkative type. Well, there was but one difference...

<Come on, you can do this.> He was thinking. <Take a deep breath, it's just a matter of asking some questions and taking note of their answers. It's only just that.>

''Are you alright?'' Sophia asked.

<Ah! She finally spoke!> ''N-no, it's nothing. I'm just... uh, new here, yes, that's all. Haha... haaa.'' <Oh, who am I kidding? It will just keep going as it is.>

Nervous? Well, if he says so.

''A-anyway,'' it seems he finally found the courage to speak. ''Full name p-please.''

''Sophia Meredy.''

''A-And you are from?''

''From Ursentius in Ursium.''

''I s-see.''

...

[Snowy_One]

"I was born in a small village in northern Neviskotia named Ohka." replied Robin, keeping up the smile. "I hope that will not be a issue that I am Skotian."

[Phoenix]

Questions

"It is only an issue if the Neviskotians have a problem with us. That is not the case as far as I'm aware. What is your occupation?" he asked.

Meanwhile, Gabbie's questioning had just ended, and she waved goodbye to the flustered Rexian. Now she was free to pester Amon ... which she did. Coming up to the man, she hauled him close again and asked "So where's your room? I've been wonderin' what koind of life you have livin' in a place loike this."

"My room is nothing impressive." Amon answered shyly.

"Well is there at least a bath in this place? Even if your room sucks, I've still gotta get cleaned up at some point."

"... no shortage of baths. There are even artificial hotsprings."

"... ohhhhh yes! Fucking yes!" Gabbie cheered, nearly breaking the Rexian's neck with her hug. OW!!! Did my neck just crack?! Owwwww ....

[Snowy_One]

"I do not have a issue with you as of now. I believe we are fine. In Ohka, I am a hunter, if that counts. However, out here, I am... unemployed but preforming my best to protect Raquel from harm. Bodyguard?"

[Phoenix]

Questions Questions; Yeah Yeah Yeah

"Okay, and do you have a religion of any sort?"

"What else do they have?!" Gabbie asked Amon.

"Urrrrrgh ... several infirmaries. I think I'll be paying one a visit, soon." Amon answered, nursing the back of his neck with both hands.

[Snowy_One]

"Yes; but I am not terribly strong in following it and it is likely full of local superstitions. I do not think I would call it anything mainstream. Would 'local' suffice? If not, 'unaffiliated'."

[Mercakete]

Gytha looked over to Amon, who seemed to not be doing much of anything, but he still looked upset. She hesitated on talking to him, though. He sounded like he wanted to be left alone. What else could be done? So, she simply got down from the wagon's roof and went into the wagon to retrieve her weapons and to slide them back onto her belt. Once she'd finished, she exited the wagon again. It looked like a lot of people were talking to the Rexain guards.