The Kingdom of Tych (IC/Fantasy/Open)

[Ithalian Empire]

Mindel was amused by Sal's confusion, what did he expect, a night in shining armor? The nearness of this place intrigued Mindel, maybe it is where the girl was from. Only why to find out was to go there. Mindel picked up the limp form of the child and started walking in the direction that Sal had indicated.

Mindels pace would have been quicker had it not been for the added burden of the child, granted she was light, but it was still extra weight. The sky was graying when Mindel reached the compound, a sentry halted him.

"Who are you and what is your business with Sorcerer Xaxana." Mindel could sense the magic that surrounded him. It made him uneasy, it seemed to have the same effect on the child as she stirred in her sleep.

"My name is Mindel, I am a mercenary. I come to seek implement in the services of you master."

Xaxana psionicly said to the sentry "Let him through. I want to greet him personally." The gate opens allowing Xaxana to approach him. Xaxana calmly walks up to Mindrel and says "Welcome. I've been observing you ever since you spoke to my apostle, Sal. Let's not waste any more time; here's what I need you to do. Legend has it that there is a beast named Crok. The guild is currently holding him captive. We need you to free him and bring him to me. Make sure you're not followed back. 4 men have perished under my command. As payment for your work, I offer you their life savings. So what do you say? Do you think you can handle this?"

Mindel was taken back by the request, free a beast? Mindel only killed beasts but he potential rewards for such a mission where unresistable, both monetarily and the fame he could garnish by pulling of such a feat. Mindel only spent a few minuets thinking it over.

"You have a deal. Which guild holds it, and where do they keep it?"

[ApplePieistan]

Xaxana psionicly said to the sentry "Let him through. I want to greet him personally." The gate opens allowing Xaxana to approach him. Xaxana calmly walks up to Mindrel and says "Welcome. I've been observing you ever since you spoke to my apostle, Sal. Let's not waste any more time; here's what I need you to do. Legend has it that there is a beast named Crok. The guild is currently holding him captive. We need you to free him and bring him to me. Make sure you're not followed back. 4 men have perished under my command. As payment for your work, I offer you their life savings. So what do you say? Do you think you can handle this?"

Mindel was taken back by the request, free a beast? Mindel only killed beasts but he potential rewards for such a mission where unresistable, both monetarily and the fame he could garnish by pulling of such a feat. Mindel only spent a few minuets thinking it over.

"You have a deal. Which guild holds it, and where do they keep it?"

Xaxana frowned at his question, not because there was anything wrong with it, but because Xaxana did not have the answer. "We do not know this. All we know is that whoever has him, they locked him up very tight so that he may not hurt anyone. However, it was rumored that when he is hungry, his screams could be heard all across the land. I take it you are a great traveler; have you heard any of the demon beast's roars?"

[Ithalian Empire]

Mindel was taken back by the request, free a beast? Mindel only killed beasts but he potential rewards for such a mission where unresistable, both monetarily and the fame he could garnish by pulling of such a feat. Mindel only spent a few minuets thinking it over.

"You have a deal. Which guild holds it, and where do they keep it?"

Xaxana frowned at his question, not because there was anything wrong with it, but because Xaxana did not have the answer. "We do not know this. All we know is that whoever has him, they locked him up very tight so that he may not hurt anyone. However, it was rumored that when he is hungry, his screams could be heard all across the land. I take it you are a great traveler; have you heard any of the demon beast's roars?"

"I have heard many strange things in the forbidden areas of the world, but nothing that maches your description of this thing." Mindel replied, the more he thought the more he began to think this was a mistake."I do know of a dungeon 100 miles to the east of here, I have never gone there myself, but terrible sounds emanate from it every night. I will start my search there."

[ApplePieistan]

Xaxana frowned at his question, not because there was anything wrong with it, but because Xaxana did not have the answer. "We do not know this. All we know is that whoever has him, they locked him up very tight so that he may not hurt anyone. However, it was rumored that when he is hungry, his screams could be heard all across the land. I take it you are a great traveler; have you heard any of the demon beast's roars?"

"I have heard many strange things in the forbidden areas of the world, but nothing that maches your description of this thing." Mindel replied, the more he thought the more he began to think this was a mistake."I do know of a dungeon 100 miles to the east of here, I have never gone there myself, but terrible sounds emanate from it every night. I will start my search there."

"Excellent. Shall I take care of the child as you embark on your journey? I fear it may get in the way of your journey. Also, perhaps it would help if I enchanted some of your arrows? Certainly you may find fire and ice arrows helpful in all of your journeys."

[Drakorvanyia]

The cold air burnt Edward's lungs as the group made their way West to the desert of Cotalli. He had been amazed the Seprena had been able to call in the horses before passing into unconsciousness. The power of magic never failed to both amaze him while at the same time terrify him. The Guild really didn't have much for mages. Too noticeable, was what they always said. An arrow did the job as easy as a spell could with half the training.

Edward was in charge of carrying the prince. Bundled up nicely in a series of blankets, the boy was secured onto Edward's back in a makeshift sling. At least it'll get nice and warm soon, Edward thought. Knowing what was waiting ahead of them, he had been filling plenty of containers with water for their trip through the deserts. They'd need plenty.

Edward called out to the Tlatloani. "How long of a journey until we make it to your kingdom?!"

Mitzhla grit her teeth as she rode through the rain soaked, snow covered forests of this eastern wasteland. She hated it with a passion, no, more than a passion. With every fibre of her being. Having to keep up a bubble of warmth around her so that she didn't freeze to death was so magically draining she'd much rather collapse. The rain didn't seem to want to let up soon either, so she was stuck draining her energy. She looked over her shoulder at Edward, flicking her tongue to taste the air and make sure they were still on track.

"Three days, with favourable weather. Five days if it continues to rain like this." She growled to herself, looking forward again and digging her heels into the flanks of her horse to speed it up. "Try to keep up, we can cut it to two days if we ride through the night."

[New Finnish Republic]

Edward could barely hear Tlatloani over the sound of rushing water as she answered his question. The rain, which had been a mild drizzle only a few minutes ago, had intensified to a torrent that limited their line of sight to a mere few meters. Although Edward had done his best in wrapping up the Prince, it appeared that he was beginning to feel the cold. At this rate, the Prince will fall ill and perish before we even get to the outskirts of the desert, Edward thought as he gritted his teeth.

The Prince must have woken, since he'd began to cry out loudly. Edward cursed as he looked forward at Mitzhla. He was about to ask her to try and cast a spell to at least protect the Prince, but after glancing at her, he noticed that she already looked strained. She must already be struggling to keep herself warm as it is. There's no way we can keep this up.

He scanned ahead in search of some form of shelter from the weather. Squinting his eyes, he noticed a small light coming from what looked like some structure about a mile ahead of them. Luck seemed to be on their side this night. I hope they've got warm beds and tasty food. And maybe a busty waitress while we're at it, Edward thought as he once again searched for Mitzhla in the rain.

"Hey, I see some structure about a mile ahead! Let's stop there and see if they have any rooms available, or at least will let us take cover from this forsaken rain!" Edward spurred his hoarse and sped past the serpent sorceress.

[Relikai]

Haruna looked up from her hammering as the rain intensified. Well, there goes the collection of firewood... at least I still have several day's worth...

Home, for the young smith, consists of a previously abandoned inn restored by Haruna and the soldier who adopted her. A smithery and workshop took up the most of the building, but a small guestroom with a fireplace, two bedrooms for guests, and a personal bedroom managed to find its way into the expansion works both humans did, with help from travelling merchants at times.

The storeroom contains mostly coals and iron, and firewood for the warming of the building during times like this. A bad habit of her brother was leaving prepared food in the Furnace, which he did previously before leaving on his 'quest'. Vegetables and some salted meat took up the larder, together with wild berries and nuts which Haruna learnt to gather from the Ranger. A few swords, shields and a longbow was displayed prominently in the guestroom. Although the straight-bladed swords seem to be finely made, they were in fact, blunt, being Haruna's first few attempts at smithing them. Her specialty in blade were the curved ones meant for slashing and two-handed thrusting, especially the two lying next to her bed.

A while later, a minor ringing ward alerted her of incoming riders. Being a trade route, messengers or the King's soldiers often use this route, stopping only to water their mounts from the shallow well which Haruna purifies once a week. Laying down her tools, she straightened her garb and adjusted the leather muneate which kept her chest from interfering with her work, and most importantly, ensured the hidden dagger is securely fastened and ready to be drawn any moment, and stepped out just in time to see a lone rider coming at speed.

[New Finnish Republic]

Edward spotted the figure outside structure as he began to slow his horse down. After getting a better look at the place and seeing various weapons strewn about, it looked like it must have been some sort of blacksmithing building. He hoped that they'd have extra rooms to spare. He dismounted the horse and approached what must have been the owner of the building.

She can't be too much older than I am. She's not to bad looking too and...has pointed ears. An elf.

These thoughts raced through Edward's head as the shop owner seemed to eye him carefully.

100 pounds of silver says she's got some sort of weapon hidden away somewhere. I probably should put on the charm here to avoid a confrontation.

After clearing his throat, Edward risked a smile, and with a polite tone, said, "By any chance, would you have any rooms available for myself, my son here, and a friend of mine who's not too far behind?"

[Relikai]

Haruna calmly observed the cloaked and hooded rider...

"Yes I do, if you dont mind sharing a room together. No one deserves to be out here in the rain. There is a shelter a few paces down where you can tether and feed your horses, while I prepare the place. Oh and dont worry about the costs, that's the least of my concerns here."

Guests, as expected!

Haruna thought as she hurried back into the guestroom, using a wall torch to light up the fireplace. Warmth immediately filled the room as the firewood blazed strongly. A cauldron lay nearby, lighted up immediately after the fireplace, with soup being prepared for the guest in this cold day.

Did he mention a child? Should prepare something better... and of course, stronger soup instead of the usual 'water' for them rude guards...

[Drakorvanyia]

Haruna calmly observed the cloaked and hooded rider...

"Yes I do, if you dont mind sharing a room together. No one deserves to be out here in the rain. There is a shelter a few paces down where you can tether and feed your horses, while I prepare the place. Oh and dont worry about the costs, that's the least of my concerns here."

Guests, as expected!

Haruna thought as she hurried back into the guestroom, using a wall torch to light up the fireplace. Warmth immediately filled the room as the firewood blazed strongly. A cauldron lay nearby, lighted up immediately after the fireplace, with soup being prepared for the guest in this cold day.

Did he mention a child? Should prepare something better... and of course, stronger soup instead of the usual 'water' for them rude guards...

Moments after Edward's arrival, Mitzhla trotted her horse to a stop at the inn. Finally collapsing her spell, she almost immediately started shivering from the cold rain. She slid off her horse, grabbing at her robe sleeves, and wrapping them tightly around her body. Finally walking up besides Edward, the woman stared at the figure of their hostess with her slit pupil eyes, which then turned to face her companion. She hissed softly, not out of hostility, but more so because she simply hated the cold.

"Wonderful, we can stop here tonight, get some rest, pay our lovely host in the morning, and continue on our way." Her serpentine tail wrapped more tightly around her waist that before, digging itself deeper within the folds of her red robes. "Gods be damned. How DO you humans live here? It's uninhabitable! A wasteland!" She looked away, eyes falling to the snowy ground before speaking in a very sour of tones. "At least in the jungles and deserts we don't freeze to death every two minutes."

[Ithalian Empire]

"I have heard many strange things in the forbidden areas of the world, but nothing that maches your description of this thing." Mindel replied, the more he thought the more he began to think this was a mistake."I do know of a dungeon 100 miles to the east of here, I have never gone there myself, but terrible sounds emanate from it every night. I will start my search there."

"Excellent. Shall I take care of the child as you embark on your journey? I fear it may get in the way of your journey. Also, perhaps it would help if I enchanted some of your arrows? Certainly you may find fire and ice arrows helpful in all of your journeys."

"Yes take the child, I fear her parents were killed. I have not used magic in all my journeys, and I have wondered far and wide, so I decline your offer." Mindel sincerely hoped that his new employer would not take offence the rejection of his offer. " I will start as soon as day breaks, it is a long journey to this dungeon and the area is an untamiable wild and it will take me a few weeks to get through."

[ApplePieistan]

"Excellent. Shall I take care of the child as you embark on your journey? I fear it may get in the way of your journey. Also, perhaps it would help if I enchanted some of your arrows? Certainly you may find fire and ice arrows helpful in all of your journeys."

"Yes take the child, I fear her parents were killed. I have not used magic in all my journeys, and I have wondered far and wide, so I decline your offer." Mindel sincerely hoped that his new employer would not take offence the rejection of his offer. " I will start as soon as day breaks, it is a long journey to this dungeon and the area is an untamable wild and it will take me a few weeks to get through."

Xaxana gently takes the child from Mindrel. "We will take good care of her, do not worry. Would you like to rest here until daybreak? You are more than welcome to. Oh, and be cautious when escorting the demon beast Crok. He could kill you in an instant and it is doubtful arrows would harm him at all." Xaxana makes a slight smile after saying this, almost as if he has poor wishes for Mindrel.

[Ithalian Empire]

"Yes take the child, I fear her parents were killed. I have not used magic in all my journeys, and I have wondered far and wide, so I decline your offer." Mindel sincerely hoped that his new employer would not take offence the rejection of his offer. " I will start as soon as day breaks, it is a long journey to this dungeon and the area is an untamable wild and it will take me a few weeks to get through."

Xaxana gently takes the child from Mindrel. "We will take good care of her, do not worry. Would you like to rest here until daybreak? You are more than welcome to. Oh, and be cautious when escorting the demon beast Crok. He could kill you in an instant and it is doubtful arrows would harm him at all." Xaxana makes a slight smile after saying this, almost as if he has poor wishes for Mindrel.

Oh Mindel my man what have you got your self into now thought Mindel you have to play the tuff guy don't you.

"If you put it that way, the yes, enchant some of my arrows. But nothing to tricky." Mindel said " No if you excuse me I wish to prepare my bag."

[New Finnish Republic]

Edward couldn't help but chuckle at the state of his new companion. I suppose for future reference if I ever want to defeat her it'll only take a cold bucket of water on her head. Edward smirked at the thought, as he let the shop-keeper lead them further into the shop after Edward tied the horses down.

They were led to what appeared to be a small guestroom in what appeared to be a separate area from the shop. It looked like the shop-owner must have converted an old inn into what now served as part traveler's inn and part blacksmith shop. Edward had laid eyes on the various work pieces that were arranged around him. That's a pretty looking dagger up there. I'd love to add that to my collection. I wonder if she'd be willing to part with it for some coin. If not, maybe it will get...misplaced before we leave. Once again, Edward smirked at the idea. After studying further, he found markings that indicated the name of the shop-master. Haruna. Interesting name.

Seeing as they were supposed to share a room together, Edward prepared to get his bedroll out from his pack he carried. The Prince must have fallen back to sleep, since the crying had stopped soon after entering the warmth of the building. Edward was glad, because he was soon getting to the point of having to ask the Mitzhla to force the child into slumber through some sort of spell. They can do that, right?

After taking off his hooded jacket and boots, he began to relax by the fireplace. Haruna appeared to be cooking some sort of soup for them. Edward was glad. Some warm food would bring life into him. He began to start small talk with the shop owner.

"So, these works are quite splendid. I've already eyed a dagger I'd be interested in purchasing, if you wouldn't mind. Also, do you work for someone? If not, I'd love to hire you."

[Relikai]

Edward couldn't help but chuckle at the state of his new companion. I suppose for future reference if I ever want to defeat her it'll only take a cold bucket of water on her head. Edward smirked at the thought, as he let the shop-keeper lead them further into the shop after Edward tied the horses down.

They were led to what appeared to be a small guestroom in what appeared to be a separate area from the shop. It looked like the shop-owner must have converted an old inn into what now served as part traveler's inn and part blacksmith shop. Edward had laid eyes on the various work pieces that were arranged around him. That's a pretty looking dagger up there. I'd love to add that to my collection. I wonder if she'd be willing to part with it for some coin. If not, maybe it will get...misplaced before we leave. Once again, Edward smirked at the idea. After studying further, he found markings that indicated the name of the shop-master. Haruna. Interesting name.

Seeing as they were supposed to share a room together, Edward prepared to get his bedroll out from his pack he carried. The Prince must have fallen back to sleep, since the crying had stopped soon after entering the warmth of the building. Edward was glad, because he was soon getting to the point of having to ask the Mitzhla to force the child into slumber through some sort of spell. They can do that, right?

After taking off his hooded jacket and boots, he began to relax by the fireplace. Haruna appeared to be cooking some sort of soup for them. Edward was glad. Some warm food would bring life into him. He began to start small talk with the shop owner.

"So, these works are quite splendid. I've already eyed a dagger I'd be interested in purchasing, if you wouldn't mind. Also, do you work for someone? If not, I'd love to hire you."

The soup has a strong flavour of vegetables and meat. The fireplace blazed with well kept firewood, making the guestroom feel like summer.

"Haha... you wouldn't want that. It's blade is so soft... the metal was left untreated during a bandit raid, and I had to spend some time arranging things all the strong material has flowed to waste... nothing but a ceremonial tool with a nice look. The real one used for combat..." Seemingly from nowhere, a sheathed dagger appeared in Haruna's free hand. "Here. Take a look if you wish. Cost would be 1 gold piece."

"And you mentioned hiring? I sure hope that your purpose would not be for... 'entertainment'... had too many of those over the years." Haruna joked with a seductive wink at her customer.

[Drakorvanyia]

Edward couldn't help but chuckle at the state of his new companion. I suppose for future reference if I ever want to defeat her it'll only take a cold bucket of water on her head. Edward smirked at the thought, as he let the shop-keeper lead them further into the shop after Edward tied the horses down.

They were led to what appeared to be a small guestroom in what appeared to be a separate area from the shop. It looked like the shop-owner must have converted an old inn into what now served as part traveler's inn and part blacksmith shop. Edward had laid eyes on the various work pieces that were arranged around him. That's a pretty looking dagger up there. I'd love to add that to my collection. I wonder if she'd be willing to part with it for some coin. If not, maybe it will get...misplaced before we leave. Once again, Edward smirked at the idea. After studying further, he found markings that indicated the name of the shop-master. Haruna. Interesting name.

Seeing as they were supposed to share a room together, Edward prepared to get his bedroll out from his pack he carried. The Prince must have fallen back to sleep, since the crying had stopped soon after entering the warmth of the building. Edward was glad, because he was soon getting to the point of having to ask the Mitzhla to force the child into slumber through some sort of spell. They can do that, right?

After taking off his hooded jacket and boots, he began to relax by the fireplace. Haruna appeared to be cooking some sort of soup for them. Edward was glad. Some warm food would bring life into him. He began to start small talk with the shop owner.

"So, these works are quite splendid. I've already eyed a dagger I'd be interested in purchasing, if you wouldn't mind. Also, do you work for someone? If not, I'd love to hire you."

The soup has a strong flavour of vegetables and meat. The fireplace blazed with well kept firewood, making the guestroom feel like summer.

"Haha... you wouldn't want that. It's blade is so soft... the metal was left untreated during a bandit raid, and I had to spend some time arranging things all the strong material has flowed to waste... nothing but a ceremonial tool with a nice look. The real one used for combat..." Seemingly from nowhere, a sheathed dagger appeared in Haruna's free hand. "Here. Take a look if you wish. Cost would be 1 gold piece."

"And you mentioned hiring? I sure hope that your purpose would not be for... 'entertainment'... had too many of those over the years." Haruna joked with a seductive wink at her customer.

Mitzhla sighed softly. It's not as if she was the most decent of people herself, but she did dislike when other people made such lewd comments. Stepping besides Edward she crossed her arms and flicked her tail in mild annoyance. Ill placed? probably. Did she care? Not particularly. While her hair and top of her robe were sopping wet, the woman couldn't help but shift her weight from one foot to the other as the crackling fire filled her flesh with heat. Were it not for her having to keep up appearances, she'd have laid down next to the fireplace and taken a nap, basking in the warmth of the pyre.

"I'm glad I'm not the only one with ceremonial weapons." She said, reaching into her robe and producing the shining black blade of her obsidian dagger. It was an ornate thing, with the carving of a wriggling snake winding up its flat, and a hilt wrapped with blue leather. A small yellow wooden carving of a dragon's mouth potruded from the pommel. "I have a metal one with me too, but this one is far prettier, don't you think?" The Tlatloani offered a deceitfully soft smile, before sheathing the blade back in its leather holster sewn onto the inner breast of her robe.

"Anyway," She continued. "By hire, we mean for security services. That baby that Edward has with him, it's imperative that we get him to the desert in the west. I'm unsure if the news has reached here yet, but the High King is dead. His brother Oliver now holds the crown, and the throne of Tych. He's after this boy, and we must, by all means neccessary, keep the child safe." she offered her slender, tanned hand to Haruna. She blinked her golden coloured eyes and took a deep breath, to someone of her standing, it was almost insulting to ask this, but she had little choice: "Will you help us?"

[New Finnish Republic]

Blood rushed to Edward's face as he let off chuckle after hearing their host reply. Seems like she's someoen who is actually willing to take my sarcastic responses. Better yet, she dishes them right back. Definitely better than getting turned into a rabbit by my former partner...

However, his fun seemed to be over as Mitzhla stepped in and addressed Haruna. Edward couldn't help but frown after she butted in like that. But what she said was what he'd been considering anyways. He let the Tlatloani finish before speaking up as well.

"Well, what she said is true. While I'd have loved to keep our party as small as possible, I'm worried that we'll soon be assaulted by those loyal to Oliver. Already I've sensed eyes watching us from afar when I tied the horses down. I doubt they'll make an attempt to attack us tonight, but I'm certain we'll be ambushed before too long after heading out from here. And in all honesty, I can't guarantee your safety now that you've helped us. They'll come and interrogate you and kill you after they're done more than likely."

Edward bowed his head slightly as he continued.

"I'm sorry that we've caused this to happen to you. I assure you, after we're done ensuring the Prince's security, I'll reward you with a grand blacksmith's workshop in the small estate I manage. Your skills will prove extremely useful to us, and you won't regret it. "

With a small smile, Edward also added in one more thing, his smile returning to his lips and an additional wink.

"And if you say please, I'll consider you're previous proposal with you over a glass of wine on a later date."

[ApplePieistan]

Xaxana gently takes the child from Mindrel. "We will take good care of her, do not worry. Would you like to rest here until daybreak? You are more than welcome to. Oh, and be cautious when escorting the demon beast Crok. He could kill you in an instant and it is doubtful arrows would harm him at all." Xaxana makes a slight smile after saying this, almost as if he has poor wishes for Mindrel.

Oh Mindel my man what have you got your self into now thought Mindel you have to play the tuff guy don't you.

"If you put it that way, the yes, enchant some of my arrows. But nothing to tricky." Mindel said " No if you excuse me I wish to prepare my bag."

Xaxana frowned at Mindrel's requests for enchanted arrows. He thought to himself "I can't let him hurt Crok the Demon Beast; it'll make him even more unstable."
Xaxana grabbed a few arrows from Mindrel's quiver with his right arm, leaving his left one to hold the child. He applied his magic to them, making it glow bright and emit small sparks. Xaxana then said to Mindrel "These should stun the demon beast if he gets out of hand, though it won't kill him. Have fun with that."

[Relikai]

Haruna considered the words of her customers, was about to compliment in delight on the magnificence of the ornate dagger, but her eyes drifted towards the boy on the news of the King's death. The mood for jokes gone, and forgetting about the outstretched hand, Haruna stepped into the blacksmith to retrieve an unsharpened blade wrapped in the finest of purple. Reentering the guest room, and standing a safe distance from her guests, she unraveled the package, showing them her latest piece of work.

"This. It's not even named, or sharpened yet, but it's for the Prince. My brother and I visited the capital two years ago, and they charged us to create a masterpiece for the King's son. I was supposed to send it over within the week, but now..."

http://www.andreybuligin.com/eng/blog/entertainment-blog/images/text/katana-sword.jpg

Haruna looked away, blinking the trace of tear appearing in the corner of her eye. Damn emotions.

"If that is the case, I accept this. We can settle any rewards later, I'm not too concerned since this is... unique."

Laying the sword down on the floor in front of her guests, ensuring that the silk remains a barrier between the weapon and the ground, Haruna went back to the cauldron, noting that the broth is done.

"The food is ready, the night is cold. You all must be exhausted. I'm opening up everything, both rooms, the smith -for whatever reason-, and the armoury. Take anything and everything you need without weighing yourselves down."

Haruna then looked at Edward, her face showing a little of a sly grin.

"Well, that can be considered... but do note that it'll take more than just wine to accept such a proposal for the first time..."

-----------------

Once things had settled down, Haruna went to her room. Taking out her backpack, she prepared two sets of clothes and some medicines. Cleaning her armour, she mentally prepared herself for the possibility of riding day and night in it. Her two katanas lay by the bed, they would be cleaned as well, and a shield to protect her back. In the chest next to the bed, two extra blades are taken out and stuffed into the backpack, as well as another dagger to replace the one she'd given to the man. Finally, her longbow is to be oiled and cleaned, and extra bowstrings would be required...

Equipment - 2 Katanas, a shield, a Longbow and 20 arrows, a dagger.
Extra - 2 katanas, a dagger.

Dressing would be an armoured top and light gauntlets, a light skirt and metal greaves. Haruna doesn't like to be encumbered around the waist for mobility during combat, or any part of life.

[Drakorvanyia]

Haruna considered the words of her customers, was about to compliment in delight on the magnificence of the ornate dagger, but her eyes drifted towards the boy on the news of the King's death. The mood for jokes gone, and forgetting about the outstretched hand, Haruna stepped into the blacksmith to retrieve an unsharpened blade wrapped in the finest of purple. Reentering the guest room, and standing a safe distance from her guests, she unraveled the package, showing them her latest piece of work.

"This. It's not even named, or sharpened yet, but it's for the Prince. My brother and I visited the capital two years ago, and they charged us to create a masterpiece for the King's son. I was supposed to send it over within the week, but now..."

http://www.andreybuligin.com/eng/blog/entertainment-blog/images/text/katana-sword.jpg

Haruna looked away, blinking the trace of tear appearing in the corner of her eye. Damn emotions.

"If that is the case, I accept this. We can settle any rewards later, I'm not too concerned since this is... unique."

Laying the sword down on the floor in front of her guests, ensuring that the silk remains a barrier between the weapon and the ground, Haruna went back to the cauldron, noting that the broth is done.

"The food is ready, the night is cold. You all must be exhausted. I'm opening up everything, both rooms, the smith -for whatever reason-, and the armoury. Take anything and everything you need without weighing yourselves down."

Haruna then looked at Edward, her face showing a little of a sly grin.

"Well, that can be considered... but do note that it'll take more than just wine to accept such a proposal for the first time..."

-----------------

Once things had settled down, Haruna went to her room. Taking out her backpack, she prepared two sets of clothes and some medicines. Cleaning her armour, she mentally prepared herself for the possibility of riding day and night in it. Her two katanas lay by the bed, they would be cleaned as well, and a shield to protect her back. In the chest next to the bed, two extra blades are taken out and stuffed into the backpack, as well as another dagger to replace the one she'd given to the man. Finally, her longbow is to be oiled and cleaned, and extra bowstrings would be required...

Equipment - 2 Katanas, a shield, a Longbow and 20 arrows, a dagger.
Extra - 2 katanas, a dagger.

Dressing would be an armoured top and light gauntlets, a light skirt and metal greaves. Haruna doesn't like to be encumbered around the waist for mobility during combat, or any part of life.

The woman offered Haruna a soft smile, this one much more sincere than the last. Finally there was an easterner who she did not immediately dislike. Oliver had of course killed her sworn nemesis, but was replacing one tyrant for another really what she wanted? Mitzhla bowed to her hostess, both out of courtesy and out of respect for the woman's clear mind.

"Thank you for your hospitality. I assure you that we will not part paths without paying our dues. Perhaps not now, but once this turmoil is over." She looked up to see that Haruna had already left. With a shrug, she filled a bowl with broth and sat by the fire, crossing her legs over one another and sipping her soup whilst looking into the flames. Occasionally, she swirled her finger in the air, watching the crackling flame mirror her motions. A cheap magic trick, if anything, but still one that brought her some amusement. She looked over to Edward, raising her brow curiously. "When are you heading to sleep? And are you taking the child with you? If not, he can sleep with me."

[Karsopolis]

Some time since the party had split, Sharp had managed to return to his lands. Seprena had healed his eye on the Night Of The Usurper. Pain had shot hit and fast like a comet through the Spymaster's right eye, but he could see again, and better than ever. As for his present actions, the Lord of House Sharp was trying to raise an army. This one wasn't to support Oliver, but rather to support William in the future.

The Spymaster could only hope, however, that the party he'd split with would bring William to safety. Oliver had also sent him a request for soldiers, obviously oblivious to the fact that Sharp detested him. Sharp had ignored the message for some time, but would have to answer it eventually.

[New Finnish Republic]

Edward watched the sorceress's little show of magic with a small sense of awe. Magic never failed to impress him, no matter how often he'd seen it done. So entranced, he actually jumped when Mitzhla asked him the question.

"Take the child with you. I'm afraid sleep isn't going to be much of an option tonight for me. While I stand by my word saying that they probably won't attack tonight, I can't say my intuition is 100% correct. We can't be too overly cautious in these dark times. I've no doubt that that bastard Oliver has ordered his men to kill the Prince and anyone sheltering him."

Edward looked at the Tlatloani with a rarely-seen serious facial expression. He didn't completely trust her, but so far she hadn't shown an malicious intent, so he was comfortable leaving the Prince alone with her. Not like I have any choice BUT to trust her, Edward thought. Someone was going to need to stand watch tonight, and if it came down to it, he'd rather her be the last line of defense for the Prince. He let out a sigh as he began to sit up.

"I'm going to stand watch outside tonight in case we get any unexpected visitors. If you hear something along the lines of, 'Shit, they're coming!', I'd suggest preparing to turn any unlucky bastard into ashes. Or whatever it is you do."

With that, he made his way to the armory. There he donned on a light chain-mail top underneath his cloak as well as armed himself with a variety of smaller throwing daggers as well as recently purchased dagger from Haruna. Eyeing a sturdy looking longbow on a nearby wall, he grabbed that as well as a quiver filled to the brim with roughly 30 arrows. He also grabbed a bag filled with all the materials that would be needed to construct more arrows if needed later on.

Edward preferred using a bow over his dagger in most situations where open combat was unavoidable. After several years of training, he'd became quite proficient with one, able to accurately hit a target almost a hundred yards away and have a second arrow notched before the first would find it's mark. Combined with his superb vision this made him quite a threat to anyone trying to approach him from a distance.

Setting up in a tree outside near the building, Edward listened calmly to the sounds of nature that filled his ears as he scanned for any signs of an incoming threat. The rain had stopped thankfully, which made his night a tad bit easier on him. He looked over at a nearby window and saw Haruna in what must have been her room. It looked like she was preparing herself for the journey that awaited her. Edward felt a little bit of guilt for getting her involved in the situation, but there had been no other alternative.

However, Edward thought, she seems quite capable of taking care of herself. I shouldn't need to have to worry about her. That's good to know. I actually enjoy the presence of her company. I really do hope she'll take up my offer after this is all said and done... Edward smiled at the thought. He risked taking one more glance when he noticed something that made him want to slap himself for his sheer stupidity. It appeared she did not actually have pointed ears as he previously thought. Instead, the headgear she'd been previously wearing had made it appear that they were pointed, however after a second look he found her ears perfectly round as a human's should be.

Gods, I'm an idiot. This was Edward's last thoughts before eventually drifting into a light slumber. Any noise that would indicate an assailant's movements would wake him up, so although he was technically on guard, he got the much needed sleep he would require for the next few days of hard riding.

During his sleep, Edward dreamed about a strange cult hunting down some beast in the woods. In the dream, many of the cultists had perished due to the creature's cunning, and the cult had resorted to relying on a mighty hunter to find and capture the beast.

"It won't work, you stupid bastards." Edward mumbled in his sleep.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The light of the rising morning sun woke Edward up as he stretched his arms to the sky, spread his legs out wide and......fell face first into the ground from the tree branch he'd taken position in. Gods, why do you torment me so?, Edward thought as he brushed off the mud splattered on his face. The others were already awake when he entered the building, and seemed to be quite entertained at the sight of the agent's face covered in mud and dirt. After a quick wash and final check of their supplies, the group made their way on horse back onto the road that led West. The group rode hard for several hours, only stopping to feed and water the child occasionally. Either Mitzhla was a baby-whisperer, or she must have been using some sort of magic, since the young Prince didn't cry out once during their journey. Edward suspected the latter.

What was worrying Edward was the fact that the whole time he could sense eyes following them, just out of eyesight of the group. As day turned to evening, Edward sensed their adversaries drawing closer to their group. It wouldn't be long until they would strike. Time to get rid of our shadow, Edward thought as he whistled, a signal to the rest of the group that it was time to act.

The group stopped their horses near a grove of trees alongside the trail and tied them their. At Edward's request, Mitzhla put up a protective barrier around the Prince to ensure his safety. Their strategy was to form a loose circle around the boy and to confront their assailants. Edward reached for his bow as he took up position against a nearby tree. He saw the other preparing themselves as well, as the group waited in silence for the upcoming battle.

The group waited patiently for signs of approaching movement. It seemed like an eternity until the faint sound of a nearby twig snapping alerted the trio. Edward made eye contact with the other two to confirm that they heard it, and after both gave a faint head nod, he quietly notched an arrow and counted in his head.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Well, here we go.

"Now!"

After he shouted, he moved away from the tree and launched an arrow directly into the chest of man armed with a sword not 10 feet away from him. Edward looked around and spotted 14 other masked assailants all while notching another arrow onto his arrow. He let another arrow fly into the neck of a female assassin who'd tried to slip past Edward's notice. The sound of fighting near Edward indicated the others had begun the counter-offensive as well.

"For the Prince!" Edward shouted as he once again notched an arrow and took aim.

[Relikai]

Before they left, Haruna ensured that the best rations were packed into the horses, especially feed for the beasts. Washing herself in a mini-ritual before heading out, Haruna hoped she hasn't led the man on too much. Keeping her purity for the special one has always been taught by her parents, and her adopter.

When it's finally time, Haruna whistled into the woods, as a strong mare cantered out onto the road. Loading up her equipment, she bade her abode one last farewell, before riding off to destiny.

------------------------------------------------

From behind a tree, Haruna's blade flashed out, the back of the weapon catching the onrushing assailant by surprise on the throat. Pivoting herself on one solid foot, she thrust her blade onto the man's stomach with a solid strike, making sure to follow up with a slashing movement as she eyed her next target, two men and a female rushing forward with daggers and shortswords. An upwards slash parried a sword up, and was quickly followed with a thrust into a man's chest. With a longer weapon, Haruna could not afford the lighter attackers to come in too close. A dagger flew past her face, nearly scoring a hit, but Haruna just managed to shift aside, the missile harmlessly falling onto the ground.

Knowing that she would need to dispose of the couple before more arrive, the artisan-turned-swordswomen rushed forward, her sudden speed catching the assassin off guard as she disemboweled him with a straight slash across the belly, using the momentum to give the woman an upwards slash, the blade finally stopped by the rib cage. Haruna jumped back, jarring the blade from the severely injured woman, before finishing her off with a chop on the head.

Stepping back to her position near the prince, Haruna drew her second katana as two more assailants burst out of in front of her. One dashed straight for the prince, only to have his outstretched hand severed, followed by a chop to the back of the head. Coming out of her spin, Haruna ran into the other man with a body check, using the weight of her armour to her advantage, and ending him with a double slash.

"That's six..." Haruna panted. Even though she spent physically draining hours forging weapons by the intense heat of the furnace, fighting in combat in full armour was something she only did occasionally, since she usually practiced in light clothing against wooden dummies. "Should not have skived on my armour training... damn."

Scanning the area as Haruna stood guard over the Prince, the unique headgear which she wore over her ears -increasing her hearing senses while keeping volume and intensity to a safe volume, keeping her from being stunned by sonic attacks- told her that the fight is indeed, going well in their favor...

[Raktio]

After having recovered from her strenuous use of magic, Seprena turned herself and Sharp into a very excellent decoy. Twelve horses with two real riders and ten illusionary riders purposely stormed through several small villages. Infront of one was the shape of a young child and they all appeared to be royal guards. They made their ride between what would now be known as The King's Tomb and Sharp's lands in quick order, and once there Seprena let Sharp get around to his own business while shs talked with the Magi Council.

In the days following after the assassination and usurping, many rumors flew around and spread, and one of the main subjects of rumor was the reshaping of the palace. Many discarded it as just romors, but others believed it was the will of the gods who were angry at Olive, but some said it was the work of a new Grand Sorcerer who'd turned his or her wrath upon Oliver. Naturally with all the different rumors very few even got close to the truth, but one thing was certain, and that was that someone with tremendous power was not happy with the usurping.

Crego Jrit Firhouk the Healer
Crego was one of the three Sorcerers of the Mgi Council, an elderly man well practiced in the art of healing and skilled in less savory practices which the council frouned upon. He walked along, travelling a great distance by foot, mostly because he hated horses. He had learned to warp space around him so he would travel greater distances in a couple steps, after all legends of mages teleporting had to come from somewhere, and teleporting was not only dangerous but super taxing even on a sorcerer like himself. His destination was Kalteisenburg, and his reason was to investigate the plague which had hit the north while he had been away, and unable to assist. He also,had one more reason, the direction of the city felt full of necromantic energy, and not ths usual kind he'd dealt with before on his occasional purging of undead and necromancers. Upon arriving at the,city's gates, he released the travel spell and set his gaze upon the lifeless city.

[Drakorvanyia]

Before they left, Haruna ensured that the best rations were packed into the horses, especially feed for the beasts. Washing herself in a mini-ritual before heading out, Haruna hoped she hasn't led the man on too much. Keeping her purity for the special one has always been taught by her parents, and her adopter.

When it's finally time, Haruna whistled into the woods, as a strong mare cantered out onto the road. Loading up her equipment, she bade her abode one last farewell, before riding off to destiny.

------------------------------------------------

From behind a tree, Haruna's blade flashed out, the back of the weapon catching the onrushing assailant by surprise on the throat. Pivoting herself on one solid foot, she thrust her blade onto the man's stomach with a solid strike, making sure to follow up with a slashing movement as she eyed her next target, two men and a female rushing forward with daggers and shortswords. An upwards slash parried a sword up, and was quickly followed with a thrust into a man's chest. With a longer weapon, Haruna could not afford the lighter attackers to come in too close. A dagger flew past her face, nearly scoring a hit, but Haruna just managed to shift aside, the missile harmlessly falling onto the ground.

Knowing that she would need to dispose of the couple before more arrive, the artisan-turned-swordswomen rushed forward, her sudden speed catching the assassin off guard as she disemboweled him with a straight slash across the belly, using the momentum to give the woman an upwards slash, the blade finally stopped by the rib cage. Haruna jumped back, jarring the blade from the severely injured woman, before finishing her off with a chop on the head.

Stepping back to her position near the prince, Haruna drew her second katana as two more assailants burst out of in front of her. One dashed straight for the prince, only to have his outstretched hand severed, followed by a chop to the back of the head. Coming out of her spin, Haruna ran into the other man with a body check, using the weight of her armour to her advantage, and ending him with a double slash.

"That's six..." Haruna panted. Even though she spent physically draining hours forging weapons by the intense heat of the furnace, fighting in combat in full armour was something she only did occasionally, since she usually practiced in light clothing against wooden dummies. "Should not have skived on my armour training... damn."

Scanning the area as Haruna stood guard over the Prince, the unique headgear which she wore over her ears -increasing her hearing senses while keeping volume and intensity to a safe volume, keeping her from being stunned by sonic attacks- told her that the fight is indeed, going well in their favor...

---------------------------------------------

A rustle behind Haruna indicated the approaching of an enemy. Without warning, two leather clad men jumped from the green, each brandishing an iron short sword, one of the two had a circular shield. They may have made their mark were it not for the sudden ball of fire that impacted the two. Both of the men fell to the ground, one of whom was missing half of his face, in place of the flesh was a burn that smoldered with black ash and red blood. The other man was saved from this fate, his shield haven taken the brunt of the blow.

Mitzhla stepped forward calmly, eyes dead set on the man who she had injured. He tried to stand up, but a sudden stomp to his throat prevented him from doing so. Mitzhla looked down at the warrior, who weakly grasped at her foot, looking up at her with pleading eyes. She said nothing, and only twisted her heel against his neck until she heard a satisfying crunch. The man fell limp.

The shielded warrior had by now gained his barings, and charged at the Nahual with his sword peeking just beside the rim of his shield. Mitzhla turned to him, and gracefully twirled out of the way of his assault. Her hand like lightning, she reached into her robe and produced her obsidian dagger. A thrust of the knife, and the assailant found the blade stuck into his occipital. He fell to his knees, then on his face.

Mitzhla ripped the dagger from the body, wiping the blood on her robe and looking around for any more attackers. She stepped back, closer to the prince, and bent her knees ever so slightly, in case anyone else did decide to Attack, she would be ready.