Adventurers Guild Adventurer's Guild - Receptionist's Desk

Discussion in 'Roleplaying Games' started by AliceShiki, Jan 28, 2019.

  1. AliceShiki

    AliceShiki 『Ms. Tree』『Magical Girl of Love and Justice』

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Messages:
    24,647
    Likes Received:
    98,366
    Reading List:
    Link
    Well, at least you highlighted that the girl didn't need to be good at everything to be a good healer... It's something.

    The reward are 4 guild points, take care now~
     
    Haxagen likes this.
  2. Nurman

    Nurman ( ಠ∩ಠ) [Retired Ton]

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2016
    Messages:
    387
    Likes Received:
    7,946
    Reading List:
    Link
    "Well, seems like you had quite the adventure. Having a fire-spewing octopus floating about probably isn't too ideal, we'll have someone go and investigate that. Glad to see that you didn't pick a fight with the local demons, the last group of adventurers were a group of idiots from a baron household that went on about how they were going to slay demons and such to retrieve their rightful heirlooms... sigh. Luckily the group of demons they came across were our own adventurers so the group of idiots were sent back with only a few bruises and a broken bone or two."

    Fu hands over 30 Large Copper Coins to split and 4 Guild Points each.

    "Good job finding the heirloom, the extra 5 Large Copper Coins is for the information about the spicy takoyaki floating in the northern river."
     
    Razogul, AliceShiki and Naraku like this.
  3. Unreachable Hope

    Unreachable Hope Unspecified, Wandering and Doubtful Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2017
    Messages:
    121
    Likes Received:
    1,136
    Reading List:
    Link
    Before actually going back to return his report, Cinis took a shower so his scent doesn’t assault Aria’s nostrils, else, it could be considered as evil. Such scent should not leave a tavern, definitively. Even if he wished he could kill someone, the half-elf thought that he had plenty of fun during this quest. If possible, he would like to go back there, just to get a drink and talk, free alcohol is always a pleasure after all.

    “Hello, Aria, I am back, I hope you had a nice day, as for me… it was a bit troubling but really fun. So everything is fine. I am just... unsure about the result of this quest."
    How have I come to this state? would be what Cinis would be thinking if he saw himself at the moment, drunk and on the verge of punching an orc. Because he was seeing this irritating smug face in front of him.


    ______________________

    Eight hours before the disaster, Cinis arrived at the tavern, this time, it was for his own sake, well, as always to be honest, but it was different, it was to drink, drink freely. It has been a while since he touched alcohol, as far as he knew, people hated the drunk him, he remembered a few times when Liya to take the bottles and to literally throw them out of the fourth floor, it was so cruel. Couldn’t he sell them instead? And get some fine meal, perhaps some chocolate as well, he preferred to take this delicacy only for special occasions.

    Anyway, quickly, he found an orc that seemed to be rather sturdy and obviously , he was surrounded by many people who seemed to respect him for only reason, his ability to drink, isn’t that quite pathetic in a way? Or so the half-elf thought as he approached them and introduced himself.

    “Hey, are you Garrosh? I am here for the drinking contest, to see if I can beat you.”, a smile appeared on his vulgar smile, he was what you would expect from a typical orc warrior, smelly because of the alcohol, as tall and broad as a mountain, sturdy, and a large messy beard.
    “G’day, Elven lass… or lad, eh? Bwa! Ye thin’ ye can beat wi’ yer stomach ? Ye be one stupi’ lad. ” … why was this orc talking like a dwarf? Was it because he loved alcohol that much?

    “Elven? First, I am an half-elf, that’s better than an elf, isn’t it? And well, let’s just get down to business, what would you like to begin with beer? Typical strong dwarven ale? Anyway, Cinis, perhaps not pleased to meet you, but I hope to find this encounter Or perhaps orcish”, sitting at a nearby table, Cinis waited for the orc to come from the bar to the table. Staying as polite as people despite this rude mouth, the half-elf did not mind, because he would get it back at him later on.

    “Weh, ye be a surprising lad-”
    “Okay, why are you talking like a dwarf? Garrosh is an orcish name, and on top of that, you are an orc. So why?”, quickly cutting him off, Cinis harshly stared at them, as if he felt bothered by the fact that it was an orc having a dwarfish way of talking, it was… err… disturbing. He had lots of issues with dwarves, he shouldn’t have because he was an half-elf… but well, life.

    “Bwaha! Ye bastard, didn’ know that elves be rood! Just get ta mead!”, clicking on his tongue and not receiving any reply, he sighed as both of them were immediately served a mug by one of the other client. Cinis found this quite odd, so it was not only one person who prepared this drinking contest? A sort of club perhaps? Who knows, it was none of his concern after all.

    Drinking the first mug, both of them kept staring at each other, they were taking their times, these two fools could settle this issue quite easily, who drinks the much, but no, they had to create a sort of tension.
    After drinking the first mug, none of them seemed to be affected by this alcohol, internally, Cinis’ stomach was getting hotter as the heat was more intensive than expected. He smirked, the ale was stronger than expected, however, it was still nothing.

    “Eh, ye didn’t fain’ at th‘ first mug?”, what did he expect, Cinis snorted and immediately took a second mug, without waiting the dwarfish orc to take a second one. Garrosh, seeing that hastily took a second mug and almost choked when he drank it in one go. The half-elf laughed and commented on what happened.
    “What? Did you perhaps choke on your premonition of defeat?”, as sarcastic as always, the adventurer wished he could humiliate the orc before he could show his might at this drinking contest. He should use words to shake Garrosh’s belief in his strength while looking perfectly fine despite the alcohol.

    “Ye wee slag!”, he took a third mug before Cinis and drank it in one gulp, monstrous, how could he drink so much so easily? However, it seemed that he was little affected after all, he was drinking rather quickly, a headache assaulted him as soon as he finished his third mug. Meanwhile, Cinis was taking his time with his third mug, not taking any risk, seeing this, Garrosh wanted to swear at this “cunt” or what he would like to say with his broken speech.

    “Hey, you know, I think I should apologize for my rude attitude earlier, I was a bit of a bastard because you were talking like a dwarf.”, the orc was not surprised as elves and dwarves that hated each other was a common trend, it’s known that elves and dwarves wanted to strangle each other till one of them drop and never wake up.
    “Ye be one sandstone, cou’ just chill and drink? Me want to punch ye fer all tis bullshit.”, the half-elf looked rather calm as he started his fourth mug, he stayed strangely silent, he seemed to be… melancholic, it is odd. His attitude quickly changed, was he actually affected by the alcohol? The orc felt perplexed and drank his fourth mug.

    “Okay, so… where do you come from?”, Garrosh laughed and did not reply as he pointed his finger at Cinis instead, he did not wish to reply to this question so he wanted him to reply in his stead.
    “I am from the Northern part of the Holy Empire of Men… oh, didn’t I already say that many time, whatever, anyway, let’s… eh… mmmm, you, where do you come from?”, giving a fifth mug to the elf to let him get even drunker, the Orc drunk his as well, but also began to feel a lil bit hazy after this one…

    There was only four hours before the disaster, they were at their thirteenth mug, and no words was exchanged between the two of them since the sixth mug because Garrosh did not want to reply, to say where he comes from. And it seemed that Cinere was pouting because of that, a certain childishness could be seen on his face, both of his feet were on his cheer, and he seemed to be whistling on a puzzled tone, it was… rather strange, his head was tilting from right to left, again and again and again, he was just like a child. Was he a silly drunk? Like, when he is drunk, he becomes like a child. Meanwhile Garrosh felt like he was going to faint any time, if he closed his eyes for a few seconds, he would be sleeping.
    Time to gain time, to rest a bit before getting back to drinking.

    “Slag…! Erk… Blyat! Elven lad, me wanna kow yer story.”, hearing that, he took his fourteenth mug and suddenly stood up, stretching his arms toward the sky, his voice became overly dramatic and his face rather pathetic.

    “Everything started once these chains led me to the lord’s mansion.”, his deep voice was trembling at each word, before Garrosh began to drink his fourteenth as well, and slapped his face, before getting back on his seat.
    “By the forge, get sat!”, his smile disappeared and he sat, looking at the ceiling, his face became expressionless, or perhaps dumb, as his mouth was agape, then, a few seconds elapsed before he shook his head and began to explain his story to Garrosh on a… perfectly normal tone, perhaps a bit gloomy as he thought of the past when he first saw this place.

    “More serious, it… really started when I saw this troublesome mansion, just remembering it give me an headache so huge that I wish I wasn’t here. Just kidding, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t go there after all…”, Cinis stood up and pointed at Garrosh, or actually at everyone who was watching the both of them for the drinking contest.

    “I…”, it was time to expose his background and to create a certain friendship with these orcs.

    Liya, his so-called personal guard led him to this mansion which was unexpectedly huge, his first impression as a young child was that it was way too big for a single person with soldiers and servants, since the very start, he knew where he was, it was the headquarters of a high-ranked military of the Holy Empire of Men, the lord of Algifucus, however, nobody dared to say his name which was something that this child found quite stupid when he was young.
    Perhaps because he was unable to feel the terror that was rampaging every street once his names echoes, one his feet hit the ground, once his hand reaches his waist, once his voice orders death and life, once his mightiness reaches peaks he has never seen before…how stupid.

    Was it because he was blind? His eyes seemed to have been plucked out the moment his will to live faded. Life and death, in the end, did they matter to an uneducated child who was beaten during his whole life? Often wandering on the border of the Styx, figuratively cleaning himself in the river of souls, a foolish child who still did not know his meaning of existence, life, emotions, and so on.
    The mansion, on top of being gargantuan, the scent was loathsome, those familiar scents, the blood mixing with the mud, with the rain whipping the dirt, and the fleshes disappearing in this storm of violence that could not be solved with peaceful means. On the walls, there were corpses, impaled ones because of his lord’s will. Present to dissuade people, these wooden spikes, diagonally piercing individuals every ten feet, whether they were dead or briefly alive, slowly sinking deeper and deeper.

    The main door was easily ten feet tall and seven feet of length, Liya, the soldier, the guard, the outsider opened the door and led the way to the child, perhaps future child of the supreme authority of this vicinity, he might keep on living, he may die as well. It was not of his responsibility, the moment he intruded, his life was not his anymore, it became their.
    Heavy, the door’s weight was so enormous that it almost made the ground tremble, creating loud and deep noises that were rather bothersome, because basically everyone knows where exactly you are what is going to happen. Because, who would actually use this door except for significant business? It was too troubling and it made too many noises. This entrance is just there to present his might, the door was finely graved in golden letters, and then, they entered after dozens of minutes of procedures, the soldiers guarding the door were smirking in disdain at the child, however, they still did their job properly, they stripped him, measured every of his sizes, checked if his eyes were working properly, if he could hear as well, and so on until they throw at him his clothes.
    Neither Liya or the child reacted in any way, they just let it slide, it was none of his concern as for the soldier, however the child felt like it was the same as well, despite the fact that it was concerning him, it was as if… his body did not matter, as if it was not part of himself. Or so his escort thought.

    Entering into the mansion, the child noticed that there was only one corridor, they could only go forward, surrounded by the wealth accumulated in dozens of dozens of dozens of years… each eight feet, there was a new painting, each of them unoriginally introduced debatable themes. Only the four first ones were noticed as the others were ignored, they seemed to follow a logical line, a storyline to be exact. Which was why he did not bother watching the rest after understanding this, with no context, what can be understood? Nothing.
    The linings were in silver, the wall were graved in some unorthodox language, or perhaps many different languages, and the ground was partially covered by a dark purple carpet that seemed to be quite long, only after a hundred of feet, they finally entered into a first room of the mansion, as expected, it was a throne room, for some reason, it was covered by a white cloth with a middle-aged man in a knight attire was staring this same seat, then, he looked at the intruders, a smile appeared on his face.

    The child could see that lord clearly with the light behind him, chestnut hair, a rather healthy pale skin, a salient and massive figure, a rather practical outfit for fight, a sword at his waist, and an odd gauntlet on his left hand. His voice echoed in the room as there were no openings at the first sight, something was off since the very start, it was a mansion, one corridor and one room? It couldn’t be.

    “The child will only approach, Liya, stay quietly at the entrance, and close the door as well, I will tell you when you can enter.”
    “Yes sir.”

    And then the both of them were left alone, the child and the lord, the young boy felt strangely pressured by this man’s steps, that were approaching him, more and more stressing, it was something he never felt, something that was making his heart frantically beat in an unnerving rhythm. As well as the light in the room was becoming dimmer and dimmer. Soon, there would be almost no light and the two of them would be left in darkness, was it a coincidence? Of course not, did the child know? Of course not.

    “What is your name?”, here goes the first question among many.
    “I don’t know. Why not… Cinis?”, randomly saying a name, the child basically gave to himself a name, Cinis.
    “Where do you come from?”, the voice did not seem to have changed but once it had heard Cinis, something changed, it seemed to become colder. As if he despised this name, perhaps, it was a coincidence, but of course, here, in this mansion, nobody believes in coincidence, there is always something behind the act, a trick, a tip, a scam, and so on.
    “Here in the slums.”, nothing much to be said about that, many children were living the slums.
    “Did you have parents?”
    “Parents? Sorry, I don’t know this word.”, receiving a sarcastic reply was rather unexpected, it surprised the lord that Cinis was not scared in the slightest.

    “What do you think of death?”, he wished to confirm his doubts.
    “What do you think of nothingness?”, replying to a question by another question, what do people think of nothingness, nothing, they just don’t care, it’s out of their concern, why would they think about nothingness? They are something, thus, nothingness doesn’t concern them. Just like death, they are alive, so death does not concern them, and once they are dead, well, death is already finished.

    “Then, what about life?”
    “Who cares?”, this reply was uninteresting contrary to the previous one, the man sighed before proceeding with his next procedures, his hand mechanically reached his throat and lifted him over two meter above the ground, hopefully, he was small and light. On a gentle tone, he simply asked as his fingers were tightening and making his breath harder and harder as time elapsed.

    “Do you care now?”, the child’s face concretely altered, his attitude as well, however, it was due to his acts as he had troubles breathing, as his blood was slowing down, these were only effects of the violence, his emotions were still the same, as calm as the deepest water of the oceans. Now, it was interesting, usually, anybody would be scared to die, but there is nothing, just nothing in his eyes, as he said, life, who cares? It seemed to fit his words.

    “I see, that is quite interesting. Alright.”, releasing him, the child fell on the ground and almost hurt himself, he coughed a few times then deeply exhaled a dozen of times, his nostrils greedily took back what was his, air. His eyes looked up and he saw the face of his man, at first, it seemed to be smooth, to be clean and fresh, albeit, there was something lying behind, scars, many scars that were healed and faded with time, some marks are left behind, some that seem to be pretty natural, that people usually ignore or do not even notice. His eyes were narrow and sharp, dark green colored pupils. Other than that, he was a bit tanned, almost entirely white, still, he was tanned.

    After deciding that he will keep Cinis at his home, a smirk crept up on his face as some words followed his first sentence.
    “You can dispose. Liya will lead you to your room, as well that he will explain where it is and so on.”, nodding his head, the child stood up and left the room, quickly getting back to Liya who for the first time willingly helped him to walk instead of waiting for him to catch him up. Once it was confirmed that he will stay with them, as their master, as the lord’s child, they will help, how hypocrite but not so unexpected according to Cinis as he remembered in the streets, the system was similar and simpler.
    After a few seconds, Liya opened his mouth and began to talk on a polite tone.

    “Sir, for the next year to come, could you please survive?”
    “And know what, I did… well, that’s kind of obvious, now it’s your turn!”, after finishing his sixteenth mug, the half-elf’s eyes were half-closed, the orc had a bit of trouble following as well, since ten mug, he was quite hard-headed and did not wish to tell his story.

    “Ye kow… Me gonna tell ye about it. Me paps be an orc, and me mom be a dwarf…”, the half-elf could not help but intervene.
    “Ehh, isn’t there a problem like… first, the size?”, Garrosh sighed on one side, on another side, he laughed with all the orcs that overheard him. Did he? He wanted to smack Cinis however, he continued his tale as he was on the verge of reeling off his chair.

    “Oyy… me dad died early, I be livin’ with my mom and nobody else. So, I got a dwarven tongue.”, after hearing this, Cinis finally got an answer to why this orc was talking like a dwarf, it was still terribly lacking as how is it possible for him to be born from… wait, was he born from an orc and a dwarf or adopted?
    If he could, Cinis would stand up and pat the orc, however, if he stood up, he would stagger and fall like a fool, it was the same for Garrosh, then none of them moved as they simply stayed in front of each other.
    Drinking again and again… there was only one hour left until the disaster, what could possibly make Cinis wish to throw a table at the dwarf?
    Which mug was it… the twentieth, definitively, the twentieth.

    “Ye be tough for a lass…an elven lad... yer family, yer paps and yer mams, hwo be they?” Garrosh’s voice seemed to be higher and his hands were waving from to time to time. Cinis, hearing that, shook his head as he replied on a exhausted tone.
    “Bb… y’see, no parents, these can die, and who care about them anywya… although siblings, thye ain’t even my siblings, or, yes, they are but, not really, like, Liya is my guard, but also my bro, but I can’t admit it and as for Aelia… well, tis is just weird, but she is my sis, but well, this is how it is I suppose.”

    “Ye should respect your parents.”, the dwa…. orc’s voice seemed unexpectedly firm, as if he wished to scold Cinis for what he said about his parents.
    “Wyh? Did thye do anything worthwhile?”, someone he did not even know the existence of, his mother who in his opinion was probably … forced by his father like many, or his father who basically was a tyrant that everyone wanted dead.

    “O’course, thye gave ye birth.”, the half-elf burst out in laughter, openly mocking the orc that was in front of him.
    “Nothing worthwhile indeed! I should respect them because they gave me birth? Pfft, good joke there, why would you respect someone for that?”, becoming louder, he still could not see the point of this orc. Suddenly, he stopped drinking and talked a bit more.
    “Life be a precious gift, ye should simply appreciate the fact that thye gave ye life and give them tha minimum thye deserve.”, now that was way too much, Cinis stopped drinking as well and stared at the orc, in his opinion, all he was hearing was basically nonsense, he could not give respect to any of them.

    “And?”, it was clear that he did not agree with him, as well that he seemed a bit irritated by Garrosh’s attitude toward what he said, was it the effect of the alcohol? Being irritable and vexatious?

    “And whta abou’ yer siblings, what if they didn’ get tha precious gift of life, whta if they be not here, what if they ne-”
    “Shut up, if you talk about them and him once more…”, that is something he could not talk about, something Cinis would rather not think about them, he was basically asking him to think about it would be to live without the will to live. He was threatening him.

    “Bwah! Ye thin’ ye be there with’ yer dad? Ye know, give him that at least. Or ye be not deserve tha live.”, why did he get angry over such a trivial topic was still a question? Or was the topic of family itself was bothering him? It was odd. Or… he was no acknowledging this person as his father? He could have simply explained, but instead, he threw a fit.

    “Yoooooouuu… am… gonna… eeeeeh! I am gonna kick your ass so muchfor that filthy disgusting moouth of yours!”, Cinis tried to stand up and to rush toward the orc, tightening his fist, but the moment he did, he immediately slipped on the ground due to the ale flowing the ground, his shoulder crushed into the stone and a few mugs fell on his face, covering him in mead.

    “...”, was he unconscious? No, he just could not utter a word after falling so pathetically. Also, he felt like that from his head, some blood was leaking. If that was not perfect, broken bones, losing blood, from what? Forgetting to go to Mary and a quest for drunkards, wonderful, how lowering.

    “Okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay. Let’s finish dealing with that sh… chienlit.”, he almost cursed as he sat back, hardly, but he did, he will really have to heal himself afterward. Really, he needed to. Wasn’t there… a quest about getting healed as guinea pigs for the Ophellia’s Temple? He could do that, it would be quite useful… since basically, he will save up money, however, he will not be completely healed, after all, they are novices, perhaps, even healing broken bones would be too much for them. Anyway, back to the main point.
    He didn’t care about how many mugs will be drank anymore, no, he will drink until the one in front of him drop de- unconscious.

    Considering their states, it will not take long, or so he thought.
    “I will make you beg me.”
    “Bwa, ye bastard.”

    For this, both of them will begin to drink at the same time, at the same speed as well, it will be hard to synchronize, but if they want to judge properly the result....
    “Ehe, you won’t be able to say that your defeat was a scam.”, or simply to provoke a certain someone. In both case, it was worth it. These were the last mugs, definitively.
    They stayed quiet, their eyes were focused on the other, they were barring their teeth, or at least, that is how they saw each other, both of their heads were tilting, their eyes were injected with blood while being half-closed, everything felt so heavy as they were drinking this last mug who will decide the winner and the loser… or not.

    “Ye see… tis… tis… be a… good match, but y’seeeee, ye gonna drop down noow… ‘kay?”
    “Whajcha syain’..? Ain’t… not dropping, ye are gonna drop you damned dworc…”, lifting his hand with the mug, Cinis wanted to hit the ‘dworc’ or so he said, his arm was just… too slow and weak, it touched Garrosh’s indeed, but he was already lying down on the table.

    “H...aha… I wo-”
    “Naye… be... still... awake…”

    This false hope, he still needed to hold on, he wanted to shout but he could not, as he began another mug, it should be the last as the dwarf’s eyes were shut but he was still awake trying to drink, then, as both of them were drinking, they both fell asleep, Garrosh’s head was plunged into his mug, unfortunately, there wasn’t much left in the mug so the ale wouldn’t enter into his nose.
    While as for Cinis, the mug was rolling on the table beside his face, letting its content flow on both of them.

    “So… it’s a draw?”
    ________________________

    Few hours later, both of them were woke up with a bucket of water, wonderful, hangover and wet. Waking up, Cinis stood up and tried to remember what happened before failing, even if his memory was generally perfect, when he was drunk, it was a bit hazy… perhaps because his hearing and eyesight were messed up.

    “Mmmm, I won!”, he came with this conclusion as he looked at Garrosh who immediately retorted on an offended tone.

    “Be ye slagging me?! A elven lass winning at an ale contest wit’ an orc? Ain’t it one good joke? Ye need to get back on earth, wee sandstone. Ye lost.”, who did he think he was that damned dwarf? Wait, orc, not dwarf.

    “Ha?! You clearly lost, you were the first one to close your eyes, if you think you are gonna cheat, you are just so wrong!”, Cinis said as he waved his right hand, however, he was still rather unstable. It was the same for the orc, perhaps even more considering his height and weight. At the very least, it was easier to see that he was affected by alcohol, unlike Cinis who would barely make the ground tremble by falling on it contrary to hundreds of kg of muscles.

    “Pffft. As expected of an dw… orc, or actually, whatever you are, thinking that he has won, why? Because he can’t even remember he has been defeated.”, realizing that he almost got the wrong race, people around him chuckled, however, before Garrosh could ripost from that burn, someone interrupted them, another orc.
    “It is a draw. Thus, there are no winner or loser.”, both of them seemed to disagree however who were they to judge? Both contradicting each other, and there is someone taking the middle ground… how troublesome.

    “Hey, isn’t Garrosh supposed to be unbeatable? But in this case, didn’t I prove that it was possible to beat him since I am only an elven lad and not lass as he said. After all, elves are supposed to be quite weak with alcohol and drop in a few mugs. Thus, through this, didn’t I win in a certain way? At the very least, I have beaten the belief of him being unbeatable.”, he was really trying to take the victory, no matter the means or whether that was legitimate, he was trying to prove that he has won. Little did he know that if he wished to really win, he would have to beat each Garrosh.

    “Oy, yer quest be to beat Garrosh, me, not to prove that I was able to be beaten.”, the half-elf looked at him and literally hmpfed before deciding what to do.
    “Let’s simply get the guild judge…”, even if it is deemed as failed, at the very least, in his mind, he still won. And on top of that, drank gargantuan amount of ale, of free ale!
    What a pleasure it was.
    ...And alcohol is perfect to disinfect injuries, right? He thought about this and then shook his head, trying to find an excuse about why he was stinking alcohol was no good.
    OOC: Almost almost 5K words. *sweats*
    Anyway, in the middle of the report, there is actually a spoiler about Cinis’ background, it was just such a nice opportunity to do it.
    Thus, the report is more like 3.5K than 5K, since this background part is actually 1.5K words.

    Somehow, I feel like I rushed the report despite it being... well long for a repeatable quest~
    I think I messed up with that Orc talking like a dwarf~
    That fight as well, I think I messed up with pretty much a lot of things~
     
    kyuukestu and Arexio like this.
  4. Unreachable Hope

    Unreachable Hope Unspecified, Wandering and Doubtful Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2017
    Messages:
    121
    Likes Received:
    1,136
    Reading List:
    Link
    OOC: And I forgot to poke~ @AliceShiki
     
  5. Haxagen

    Haxagen Fallen's|Addicted to Gacha

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2017
    Messages:
    658
    Likes Received:
    12,668
    Reading List:
    Link
    "We're back~ It went breezily~"

    Elaine hops in with her gourd partner (@A5G_Reaper) and pokes the receptionist (@AliceShiki)
    "What is mister Crestfall up to this time?" The gourd pondered after he dug out a request buried on the board.

    "We've been there once already, so this trip will be quite fast~"

    Elaine unfurls her map.

    "So we won't need the map, right?" He cut her words before she took out the accursed thing. "Let's just walk!"

    "Okay, okay! Let's go this way, then~"

    Elaine led them out of the city.

    A gourd smoothly overtake her within the first kilometre and led the way instead.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Soon enough, they arrived at the same bridge that they had seen the previous time, and Elaine proceeds to hop across it, knocking on the large door.

    "You have a delivery~"

    There was a massive black cloud brewing over the keep alright. They were led to a room where Mr. Crestfall awaited, his magnificently curled mustache showing some fray and the man himself looked like he skipped sleep for a week or two.

    "Mister Crestfall?"

    "God, you look like you've not slept for three days in a row, I think. What's up with the cheery weather out there?"

    Elaine fiddles with her new weapon.

    "Ah? Don't mind me, just overworked." The client brushed them off. "To the point, then. We haven't retaken most of the keep yet, but the weather took turn for the worst the moment our team stepped in. I do not wish for anything to be broken before I know it's function, so find some other way to shut it down."

    He seems to wear some kind of necklace under his shirts but it's hard to see.

    "Do you have some kind of map for this place, perchance? It would be handy to know which parts of the Keep store what, so maybe we can determine where this weird weather is coming from."

    Elaine smiles.

    "Of course, my aide will provide it to you."

    He dismissed the two after that, where said aide await outside with what info they had on the keep.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    "Okay, let's see what we have here."

    Elaine summarized the findings after they had asked every possible question from the aide, and then pulled the gourd aside for a talk.

    "The weird creature from several weeks back should still be in the Keep somewhere, and it most likely will be a monster or the like. Then there's the stormy weather, which on the good side should prevent the Kijin from leaving their nests. So...Since this place has been abandoned since forever, I reckon it's another undead issue. Shall we go take a look?"

    "It's the good old stab-anything-that-moves operation then. And maybe half that doesn't. Got it."

    Starting from the entrance that was being manned by a few heavily armed guards, Elaine pushes open the doors, heading forward into the deeper, unexplored parts of the Keep.

    "This place sure is dark. You'd think someone knew to install enough windows, but no."

    "It's a keep, a window would be the last thing it have." The gourd flatly added. "There should be arrow slits around though. But seems that it's filled with bird nests."

    "I highly doubt anyone would be able to lay siege to this keep, though. Just look at how deeply it is in the mountains. Any attackers would get picked off the mountain sides before they even made it halfway up."

    Elaine fiddles around with a few branches, creating a torch.

    "Doesn't mean they should ignore basic design sense. Flashfire." He lit her torch up with a small wick of flame.

    "Now then, where should we start? This place's a labyrinth."

    "When in doubt...Follow the map!"

    Elaine uncurls the map of the Keep that she received.

    "...still a labyrinth.”

    The words were long since blurred ineligible, although they could still infer which rooms looked important. Maybe. Who knows if dungeons next to a treasury is the hots several centuries ago? That could very well be the case.

    "Let's go this way."

    Elaine led the duo around, sometimes stopping to light up the wall-mounted scones with her torch.

    "I think this room is the...Map Room? What's that?"

    "Maps? Doubt any would left..." they entered the area. It's filled with racks, once probably stored parchment and such, but now it had moths. Thousands of moths. It had vertical slit for mouth filled with fangs, and some grew as tall as one meters. Several animal bones could be found on the floor.

    The gourd slammed the door shut.

    "Nope, definitely no map in there. Must've been moth food." He said, ignoring the fact that those moths were very obviously eat meat.

    "Aww, okay then. Let's go somewhere else...The map says that this next room is the...Drying Room? Drying what?"

    Elaine tilted her head cutely.

    "Drying? I could only think of a tannery-" as he opened the door, it was indeed a tannery. In complete disrepair. Also filled with moths. The door was slammed shut once more.

    "Nevermind, onward!"

    "Okay, after this corridor, we have the...A...Ar...Armoury! That's it!"

    Elaine hops ahead.

    “...you open it this time." He said warily. "Not more moths..."

    Elaine merrily opens the Armoury door, and finds no moths. Or rather, she finds absolutely nothing. The room was bare save a rug in the centre.

    "I guess they moved the armoury..."

    "That make sense, they shouldn't leave good arms when they left the place." He surveyed the empty room. "Well, better than moths."

    "But why leave the rug there...?"

    Elaine walks over to the rug and flips over a corner, then proceeds to flip over more of the rug, exposing a piece of quarried stone with a bronze ring attached.

    "A secret trapdoor!"

    "How'd you even know that's there?" He stared incredulously. "He's your distant relative or something?"

    "Intuition!"

    "Eh. Sure. Let's see what is hidden inside..."

    He braced and pulled the trapdoor open, the rusty hinge creaking in protest. A massive swarm of moth burst from the newly opened path, devouring both adventurers to the bone within seconds. It was a dark stairways down, deeper into the belly of the mountain. Some kind of sinister aura wafted from within, almost physical in how it caress the skin.

    "Sure. That's not ominous at all."

    "Eh, this might be it..."

    The flickering torch didn't illuminate much beyond the immediate surroundings. Elaine used it to sweep the air gently, causing the dancing shadows to shift slightly, but nothing else could be seen save for the steps descending into the earth.

    "Nope. Totally not ominous at all."
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    After a lengthy period of time, they reached the end of the stairway. The stone ground, wall, and ceiling was so smooth without the slightest scratch that it somewhat reflected the torchlight to illuminate the whole room just enough to make out silhouettes. The place was moderate in size, but completely empty save for the strange construct at the far end. It's some sort of stone pedestal atop a strange slab that eerily resembled a coffin, from the lines it was carved directly from the stone that made the floor instead of moved there after the whole place's polished. The amount of work required for such project would be mind boggling.

    "Ten copper that the Crestfall ancestor is in there."

    "I'm not taking that bet, because it makes too much sense."

    Elaine hurries around the room, lighting up more wall scones before finally putting out her torch.

    "Still, if he was an ancestor, why would the trapdoor be hidden, and located right below the former Armoury? It's almost as if he didn't want anyone to enter..."

    One of the lit scones abruptly splattered out, allowing parts of the darkness to return once more.

    "Or perhaps, whoever did it didn't want him to leave..."

    The voice was soft and silky...and definitely didn't come from Elaine.

    "Ten coppers the ancestor is some kind of undead monstrosity and will come out to eat us within a few seconds?"

    He readied his armament, facing the coffin slab that was clattering slowly. Magical lines lit up all over it and the clattering got stronger as more wall scones snuffed out, but eventually it settled down. The slab expelled black smoke that was drained by some sort of ventilation holes at the top corners of the room.

    "Oookay, I suppose I owe you ten coppers. Was it you talking earlier?" He tossed a single large copper to Elaine. The voice didn't resemble her the slightest, but who knows if she learn to change her voice and ventriloquism just to bug people at opportune moment.

    "I wish. Would have made my life so much easier if I learnt to do that. Also, I kinda doubt that the voice belonged to the old dead ancestor, unless mister Cresty's old dead ancestor was a woman. I think we found our little darkness problem."

    Elaine pointed to the effigies that had been placed at different corners of the room; some marked, some unmarked. The marked effigies all had some sort of gleaming red stone attached to them, shining under the flickering flames.

    "Sooo, any idea how to stop it without breaking it?" He asked, weapons still ready.

    "Well, I think the weird voice would have attacked us by now, so...Missus Invisible Lady? Who are you? And why are you here?"

    Elaine tried to relight her torch, but the dry wood suddenly became extremely stubborn, refusing to catch on fire no matter what.

    "Flashfire." The magical flame lit for a grand total of half a second before some suspicious gust of wind extinguished it.

    "Well, so much for that. Elaine, closer." He grasped her shoulder. "Undersight."

    He trembled from the mana drain, over half his reserve spent in one go. A shade of green overtook the world, revealing those invisible to mortal eye. Lines of mana bound the coffin, so bright that it obscured whatever within. Then there were the effigies, similarly glowing with magic, connected to one particular apparition…

    "Now that's not regular magic. Fascinating...What are you here for?"

    The apparition, a constantly swirling mass of darkness and embers, took the form of a woman, laughing as she floated about the room.

    "This room hasn't been opened for five hundred years...Why are you here, if I may ask...? There is no treasure to be found here..."

    "We're the weathermen. There's some suspiciously black cloud outside this place and the client want it gone without breaking anything in here. Got a clue in that?"

    "Hoh hoh. In that case, let me tell you a tale. A story that dates back to five hundred years ago."

    The apparition, whatever it was, seemed to sit down, before starting to recount her tale.

    "The ruins that you call Skyfall dated back to five hundred years ago in the past, when Lord Ernest Crestfall, the gentleman that lies in this coffin, first decided to build a great keep on the mountains, opening a shorter path through the treacherous slopes other than the perilous Caves of the Dead that ran below it. It was an endeavour of the greatest undertaking, although not without consequence. By doing so he stirred a great evil, an evil that should have been forced into an eternal slumber."

    "There should be better ways to make a path than creating such a sprawling keep..." he mumbled. "So, what happened next?"

    "The evil, unlike most things, was not corporeal. It was a curse, rather; a curse that took form slowly, spread slowly, and didn't give any indication that it was there. No, this evil was but a whisper, echoing it's voice into the mind of the listeners, filling them not with lies, but with half truths. Bit by bit, it would feed on his insecurities, give him suggestions. The once great man withdrew to his own quarters, and never showed his face save for important events."

    The apparition sighed, it's breath filling the room with the smell of camellia.

    "It slowly begun destroying his psyche. He became paranoid, fearful, and was convinced that there was some ancient monster resting under where he built the keep, waking up because of his decision to build this very keep. And so, in order to keep watch and ensure that the monster didn't escape, he started sealing off the Keep, restricting access to only the ones he trusted...And even then, his paranoia only increased. Finally he died, an unhappy old man, and told his servants to bury his down here, seal off the castle, and leave, never to return..."

    "Well, that's interesting and all. But where's your part in this?"

    That said, he mentally prepared to start stabbing. Apparition or not, you can stab anything to death if you try hard enough.

    "Hoh hoh. Don't you get it yet? The evil did not truly exist. The voice that he thought he had been hearing was naught but his own conscious speaking, giving himself a view of his own fears. His insecurities destroyed him, and he, in a way, became the very monster that he sought to avoid waking. Even now, the restlessness in him stirs, and that stirring is the cause of this unholy storm out there...and even now, 'I' do not truly exist...If you do not understand what this means, adventurers, then your fates will be sadder than his..."

    As if to prove her point, the apparition vanished along with the darkness, and when Elaine tried again, the torch caught fire and stayed lit without being snuffed out. The tomb returned to its original condition, back to the state they had found it in.
    "Not ominous at all." He said lightly. "You think the cloud's gone? Or should we stab the bastard in there just to make sure?"

    "Highly doubt so. If that thing was really just a manifestation of our own minds, then that black storm out there might be a manifestation of this person...Say, wasn't there some kind of---"

    "Who dares trespass in my keep?"

    Unlike the previous time, the voice that spoke out this time was definitely real.

    "Leave now, intruders. I do not know of your purpose for coming here, but there is no treasure here, if that is what you have intruded for. Leave, before you wake the monster here and doom yourselves."

    "Your descendant kind of came here to reclaim the place."

    Of course, "not sassing the deranged ancient undead lord" could not be found in the gourd's dictionary.

    "Bah! Descendant? How long has it been since my death?"

    "Uhm, mister Crestfell, back to the issue at hand...There's an unholy storm hanging over the Keep, and we're here to discover why."

    "Already? The beast is stirring faster than I thought. In that case, you should leave immediately, adventurers! And warn my descendant to leave, as well. The Keep was built on cursed ground; it was not meant to be opened, ever again."

    Speechless, Elaine stared back at the gourd, mouthing a few words to him.

    Should we tell him that the monster was but a figment of his imagination?

    The gourd shook his head to Elaine. This could be an opportunity.

    "Say, could you do something to, you know, un-stir the beast?"

    Because if imagination was all that generated the storm, why not just have the guy imagine it away?

    "...But how?"

    The voice ponders.

    "You've been watching over it for centuries and only now it stirred. Perhaps you could drag it back into sleep?"

    “Yes, that's a good suggestion, but do you have any actual idea on how to do it? In fact, the beast hasn't been stirring until today, when you two entered this room!"

    The voice got furious suddenly.

    "This is my last warning! Turn around and leave now, or I'll have to get physical!"

    "What the heck, old man? Don't get angry at us so suddenly! We didn't wake the monster, okay?"

    "It's been on it for a few weeks while you slept in your bed, if only you listen to us first time." Taunt the deranged ancient undead lord, check! "You sure it's not caused by you dozing off at inopportune moment?"

    Inching to Elaine, he whispered:
    "Say, perhaps we should stab him? Pre-emptively?"

    "IMPERTINENCE! I WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO SPEAK PROPERLY TO YOUR BETTERS!"

    "Uhm, I think he's mad."

    Elaine whispers.

    The coffin shudders, and then the lid flies open, and a suit of armour floats out of it, before the purplish aura of a withered warrior takes form around said armour.

    "Arcane Armament." Deep violet glow formed on his blade, and only his blade. "Dart."

    The gourd leapt and propelled forward midair, his blade flashed through the gap of the armor between the cuirass and the right arm since it hadn't fully stuck yet. Then he grabbed the piece and tossed it randomly behind.

    "YOU-"

    Ignoring the still barely formed revenant, he sliced off the spirit and tossed the other arm away.

    "HOW DARE-"

    The legs went next at the knee, leaving the armor falling backward right into the coffin.

    "CAN YOU LET ME FINISH-"

    "Nope!"

    It's quite literally shooting fish in a barrel at that point, the gourd poking the revenant at whatever gap it got showing. He didn't even have to swing, the arcane coating leaving lasting damage even with the slightest brush.

    One minute later the revenant finally expired, the empty armor clattering back onto the stone coffin. The gourd theatrically wiped nonexistent sweat from his brows, waving at a dumbstruck Elaine at the other side.

    "Armor revenant are the same everywhere. Just preemptively scatter them for good measure. And we technically didn't break anything!" He paused and pondered for a short second. "Say, that should disperse the dark cloud right?"

    "Well, let's go outside and find out! I've had enough of this place."

    Elaine turns to head back up the stairway.

    "Wait, we got to rearrange the armor and close the tomb. Grab that leg please~"

    "Okay~ Woah, this is heavy. Shall we just put it back and cap the lid on?"

    "Yep! Arrange it properly, place the lid, and there'd be nothing to complain about. We didn't break anything, technically."

    "Well, if anyone asks, we'll just say it was strictly self-defence! Let's go!"

    Elaine leads them out of the room, and once again shuts the trapdoor, pulling the rug back over it.

    "Should we tell him about it? We've got to have some story."

    "We'll just mention everything except the part where you knocked the armour around, so it makes perfect sense~ Just bring in the supernatural, and everything else will become convincing."

    Elaine nods.

    "Sure thing. Don't mention the suit of armor at all. Far as we know, we didn't even touch the tomb. Good thing the place's sparkling clean, so there's no treacherous dust mark to expose us."
    "Basically there's this smooth room with a coffin at the far end, right below the armory through a trapdoor. We stabbed the apparition there until it decided to cease its existence and decided that it's a good time to check if the sky's clear. Is it clear?" He peeked out of the nearest arrow slit. Still a bit cloudy but it's dispersing. "Clear enough for me, I'd take it as a job well done. We didn't break anything."

    He paused.

    "Oh, I think you should invest in insecticide. Lots of it. Horrible moth infestation in at least two major rooms, here." He marked the two rooms at map.

    "A coffin...Looks like we'll have to hurry with the reclamation process, then. But no matter, you two have helped to solve the issue and allowed us to continue with our work here. I am extremely satisfied with the manner in which you two fulfilled the task."

    The current Lord, Thomas Crestfall, stroked his mustache approvingly.

    "Still, it's quite late, so I've made arrangements for you two to stay the night over. My aide will bring you to your rooms."

    "Ooh, free lodging! Sure, what could possibly go wrong?"
     
    A5G_Reaper likes this.
  6. WhitesRabbit48

    WhitesRabbit48 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    58
    Likes Received:
    790
    Reading List:
    Link
    Followed by a nagging emerald green slime, Lethe wandered in and turned his report in to the receptionist.

    "F'you." he said, which was shortly followed by the slime's exclamation of "Improper! Speak properly!"

    Ignoring Lesovy's nagging, Lethe slumped onto the counter to nap as he waited for the receptionist's response.

    Having decided on a route to the elderly elf’s house and received a map from Cinis of Skyfall Keep, Lethe began gathering supplies for her journey. She had decided upon taking only the essentials (please read sleeping bag, pillow, snacks, and bota) and maybe a few other worthless things just for kicks and giggles (her weapons, and a classic flint and steel fire starter.) Packed and ready to go, Lethe made her way towards the door to get started on her trek.


    Thankfully she had organized a carriage to take her to Skyfall Keep, otherwise, who knows how long it would have taken her to get there given her minute stature. The carriage ride was tedious yet uneventful, which was perfectly fine with Lethe as it constituted optimal sleeping conditions. Upon their approach to Skyfall Keep, the carriage driver gave a quick knock to the side of the carriage to let her know of their impending arrival.


    Looking out at the Keep, Lethe was somewhat intrigued. Everything was tilted and wrapped in a layer of mist. From what she could tell, it seemed as if an island had fallen out of the sky and landed on the mountain at a slight angle hence the lean of all the buildings. The mist, the mist was unsettling. Lethe did not like the mist. It was eerie and quiet; unwelcoming and foreboding. A few miles from the entrance the carriage driver stopped.


    “I’m sorry, lass, but this is as far as we go. I dare not approach closer. Skyfall Keep is a strange place. Best of luck on your journeys and may I see you again in Nagrand.”


    With that, the driver turned around, leaving Lethe to the mercy of the Keep.


    After a lifetime of a walk that used up all the energy she had stored from napping on the way over, Lethe arrived at the gates of the Keep. They rose like ancient trees above her head; solemn and unforgiving; affixed with impossibly detailed cast-iron fittings and patterning; and like everything else of the Keep, slightly angled to the right. While she was caught up in the majesty of the gates, she heard a series of coughs obviously meant to draw her attention.


    “Welcome to Skyfall Keep, Miss! This must be your first visit! Entrance requires identification and 2 LC. If you have any questions please visit our tourist center at the heart of Skyfall in Eris Plaza! And remember: when night is nigh stay inside unless you seek to die!”


    A bit startled, Lethe quickly handed over her guild badge and 2 LC to the overly peppy gate guard and one-man welcome comity. She didn’t even have time to entirely process what he had said when he disappeared into the gatehouse, reappeared, shoved a tile approximately the same size as her guild identification into her hand and ushered her into Skyfall Keep.


    “Remember to never lose your Moirae! Don’t want to be a Fateless One! Good luck!”

    Taking a moment to gather herself, Lethe took at the tile or more accurately the Moirae the guard/greeter had handed her. It looked like a polished black jade, but there was something more to its inky blackness: it seemed to be beckoning her, calling her in… With a start, Lethe snapped herself out of it and flipped the tile over. On the other side was something that never should have been: it was her soul symbol, etched as clear as day. No one should know her soul symbol! Soul symbols were not something mean to be seen by others! It was like Lethe had been ruthlessly thrown into bath of ice water. There was something wrong about this place, the carriage driver was right. She had to get out of here. Now.


    When she looked at the dimming sky, she recalled another phrase the greeter had said: “when night is nigh stay inside unless you seek to die.” Currently, Lethe didn’t have time to seek shelter nor did she have time to die. Whipping out the map that Cinis had provided, she started to find the fastest, most inconspicuous route to the other side of the city.


    As soon as she had solidified the best route, Lethe set of in a burst of never before seen speed. The darker the sky got, the more anxious she became and the more her instincts screamed at her to run, run, faster, faster.


    When the sun finally settled beneath the horizon, the sinister silence that had cloaked the city at dusk shattered.


    There were screams, blood curdling and terrified, and the sound of something else, something much more sinister. Out of nowhere a bloodless man with eyes of pitch-black smoke dropped down in front of her.


    “Wittle wabbit, oh Wittle wabbit, what are you doing out here? Good children should know to stay inside at night; but, then again, you aren’t a good child, are you? No, they made sure of that. They made sure none of you were good children.” the lifeless man rasped, his voice almost seeming to come from nowhere yet everywhere at once.


    “W-what? I dun-n-no w-whatcha s-sayin’!” retorted a semi-terrified and certainly startled Lethe.


    “Of course not, of course not, because he took it from you, didn’t he? He and righteous band of champions! Never mind what I can taste of your fate, it’s time for me to take yours to regain mine!”


    As he finished his sentence, the man launched himself at Lethe with his claw-like nails and shark-like teeth. Not one to let herself be anyone’s midnight snack, Lethe quick summoned Martin and drew her daggers.


    The battle was intense—both sides teetering on the edge of the cliff of death and neither willing to back down. Hearing the shuffling of others approaching, the man gritted out: “They will not have you! I found you! Your fate is mine! Mine!”


    That split-second distraction caused by others gave Martin a chance to briefly stick the man in place and let Lethe deal one final, fatal blow to the man. The man’s mouth opened in a silent scream of agony as he dissipated into black smoke that flowed into her Moirae.


    Lethe wasn’t exactly at leisure to investigate what specifically was going on with her Moirae, as the sound of other beings approached closer and closer to her current position reminded her of the danger that surrounded her. Rapidly taking out and surveying her map, Lethe took note of a hidden tunnel marked close to her current position. In a flurry of movement, Lethe shot towards the tunnel, followed the given instructions to open it, and disappeared into its depths.

    Looking at the freshly risen sun, Lethe had never been so happy to see the morning in all her life. (usually, she considered it enemy number, ya know, mornings, waking up, all that jazz) Taking a moment to bask in the fact that a. she was still alive and b. she was no longer in Skyfall Keep, Lethe sat down and started snacking on some biscuits. As she snacked, her mind began to run over all that she had experienced in the Keep and what the strange man had said. What did he mean by she wasn’t a good child? Who were the others? Who were they? What did they do to them? And who was he? His champions? And most importantly, what did he take?


    Deciding that thinking too much on the subject would definitely lead to a long-term nap that she certainly did not have time for she gave up on it for the moment. Instead, she took out her Moirae, or what used to be her Moirae at least. Now it just looked like some hunk of crystal of the same size. Giving it a tap and a closer look, she noticed three things: 1) it was certainly the hardest substance she had ever encountered, even harder than Mythril, 2) there was a small black rectangle encased in it that look suspiciously like her Moirae, and 3) the tip of her soul symbol on the tiny Moirae had been erased.


    Going over what had occurred and what she had just discovered, Lethe tried to organize everything into some sort of explanation: That man had been a Fateless One, but he had once been a visitor or inhabitant of the Keep just like her. He must have had his fate stolen by falling in battle to another. In order to get his fate back, he had to take the fate of others, but he could only come out at night and attack those wandering about. Those inside were a no-no. Fateless One’s could taste the fate or maybe the past fate of those they attacked. When they died, they served to erase the soul symbol of whoever had killed them. Her soul felt fine, though, so it definitely didn’t affect your actual soul. So, effectively, if you killed enough, you could get rid of the etching of your soul symbol on the Moirae. Following that thought, Lethe mused that maybe if you took people’s fate when you weren’t a Fateless One, you might be able to rewrite your soul symbol, which apparently seemed to have something to do with your fate.


    Feeling as if she had thought enough on the subject, Lethe dusted herself off and headed towards the river so she could continue on her journey. She would think about all this more after completing her quest. Thankfully, the rest of the journey was very routine and there were no unexpected happenings or surprises.

    When she arrived at Tanris’s house, the old elf welcomed her inside. As he led her to the sitting room, Lethe marveled at his house. It was a literal tree house—a tree in the shape of a house! It was incredible! Noticing her wide-eyed gaze, Tanris gave the house a pat.


    “Amazing, isn’t he? He’s been my comrade for a long time. You could say we’ve grown old together. Two old men just waiting and watching as time passes us by.”


    “Ah, pardon my rambling. Have a seat and some tea.” Tanris said handing her a freshly brewed cup of tea.


    Lethe made herself comfy and gave the tea a sip before asking: “Hero?”


    “Yes, yes, you’re here regarding my Hero sighting are you not? I saw him from a distance at the Pool of Reflection. There is no question that it was him; I could never mistake his presence. I only fear that he has become a revenant. That, my old bones would not be able to handle. I solely wish for the comforting presence of another as I go to visit him.”


    After a bit of cautious consideration, Lethe gives a nod and an mhmm followed by a short question, “When?”


    “If you would be so kind, tonight would be best. I can feel that I do not have much longer and would like to make this trip to see my old friend before I breathe my last.”


    Lethe sent him a distraught look along with her solemn nod.


    “Do not look at me with such sad eyes, child. Time waits for no one and death comes for everyone. I am no exception.”


    With that, Tanris excused himself and offered Lethe a guest room where she could rest before they set out in the evening. Not one to give up the chance to nap on such a comfy looking bed, Lethe gratefully accepted and napped until the sun began to set.


    The Pool of Reflection was not far and in clear sight of the elf’s dwelling. And as they drew closer and closer, Lethe could make out the silhouette of a man in a white cape and silver armor kneeling by the pool. When they finally reached, the man stood and approached Tanris.


    “It really is you, old friend.” whispered Tanris, “I suppose you have come to say goodbye?”


    “Yes, comrade, I could feel your time wear thin so I returned to this place I had once forsaken.” the man, no, the Hero’s voice rumbled.

    “Mmmm, it seems this is what I had been waiting for. The time has come. Farewell, comrade, may you find what you seek.”


    “And you the same. Peace be with you, nature welcome you into her fold.” responded the Hero.


    Turning to look a Lethe, Tanris breathed “Thank you for your presence, young friend. I bid you farewell.”


    No sooner had he muttered those words, Tanris disappeared into the ether with a look of peace upon his face.


    Lethe, struggling to wrap her mind around the current state of events, had completely forgotten about the presence of the Hero and almost jumped out her skin when he spoke to her.


    “So it is you, little one. May history never remember you and they never find you. Do not ever stop running.” He continued, “Perchance, one day, when you are strong enough, you will be able to gather your comrades in their true form and live the life you should have. If only we had found you sooner…” the Hero trailed off.


    “Regardless, do not follow the path you are not destined for.” After saying that, the Hero took out an ancient book covered in ornament of an age long passed and handed it to her. “As we have encountered each other one again, I suppose it is only right that I return this to you. Guard it well.”


    Something in the deepest part of her soul knew that book. It spoke to her, called to her in a way she could not even begin to describe.


    As soon as she had a firm grasp on the book the Hero lifted his hand and gave her forehead a tap. The last thing she remembered was his voice saying, “Farewell, small child. Stay well.”

    When she awoke once more, she found herself in the forest right outside of Nagrand. Well, actually, upon further observation, it would be more accurate to say he found himself there. It seemed his appearance had change again. Thankfully, he was now a bit taller at 1’9” but still a little shorter than he was hoping for… What was with these ridiculous heights? Maybe it had something to do with Nagrand. If so, he was not amused.


    After coming to terms with his change, he looked at the book he had hugged to his chest. When he opened it, it seemed to be filled with archaic symbols and mysterious charts. These symbols, he had seen them somewhere in the library before. Looked like he needed to make another trip to the library… Whoop-dee-freakin’-doo...

    Wondering if Martin might know something about the symbols and the book, Lethe gave his pillow a fluff. Too his utter surprise what appeared was not a bright orange slime, but an emerald green one. That was certainly not Martin… Checking his pillow, he realized its capacity had increased to 5 points and a new 3 point summon had been added. He also realized that, for some reason or another, he was currently unable to summon Martin. What’s up with that? Lethe was startled out of his contemplations when he heard a small voice saying, “Lesovy!”


    Not seeing anyone else in the premises, Lethe gave the new slime a good hard look.


    “Rude!” he heard the voice again, this time with a hid of attitude in it and it seemed to be coming from the slime…


    “You?” asked Lethe speaking to the slime.


    “Course!” it exclaimed in a haughty voice. “Lesovy! At service!” it continued, doing its best to give a mock bow.


    “Nice to meet’cha, Les. Lethe.” he returned the slimes greeting.


    “Not proper!” exclaimed Lesovy, horrified at his master’s improper conduct “Speak properly!”


    Putting away the book for later, Lethe proceed to give Les’ a look, ignored his demand, and began to make his way to the Adventures Guild. All the way to the Guild Lesovy continued to scold and nag Lethe about his posture, speech, and other “improprieties” in two word exclamations.

    -Skyfall Keep is a strange place. Visiting at night or close to night is ill-advised
    -The Hero was real
    -Tanris passed away peacefully after biding the Hero farewell
    -The Hero seemed to know something about Lethe's past and returned an ancient book to her
    -Lethe's Random Appearance Change activated and he gained a new summon, Lesovy
    -Martin is currently unsummonable for reasons unknown
    @AliceShiki
     
    Last edited: Feb 23, 2019
  7. AliceShiki

    AliceShiki 『Ms. Tree』『Magical Girl of Love and Justice』

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Messages:
    24,647
    Likes Received:
    98,366
    Reading List:
    Link
    Well, I'm glad you had... Uhn... Fun? I hope you had it at least.

    You didn't win, so you don't get the 4 Large Copper Coins, but... Well, we'll give you 2 guild points for the draw~

    Best of luck out there Cinis-san, be careful with the hangover~
     
    Unreachable Hope likes this.
  8. AliceShiki

    AliceShiki 『Ms. Tree』『Magical Girl of Love and Justice』

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Messages:
    24,647
    Likes Received:
    98,366
    Reading List:
    Link
    So it wasn't an evil ritual that Mr. Crestfall was doing, but actually an evil spirit that resided within the manor?

    Well, glad the problem was solved at least, so you will get... 30 Large Copper Coins to split as you see fit and 4 Guild Points each.

    The extra 10 Coins are because you were actually able to get rid of the source of the problem, instead of just giving a temporary dispersion like he asked~

    Take care now~

    ((*pokes @A5G_Reaper too*))
     
    Haxagen and A5G_Reaper like this.
  9. jbturkle

    jbturkle Fruit

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2018
    Messages:
    549
    Likes Received:
    4,923
    Reading List:
    Link
    Arawn walked over to the desk, looking very disconcerted.
    "I, uh... I finished my quest," he said, presenting three books.

    Arawn had a problem. A very big problem. He had accepted a quest from one of his friends, Ryul, to acquire a new book for him. Only after accepting it did he realize that he actually didn’t know what to get Ryul.


    Arawn knew that Ryul was a scholar, and certainly well-read. This meant that he needed to find books that he had never read before, but could still use to teach the orphans. This was a problem, as any higher level texts would have to be omitted from the list of books.


    Something obscure but still readable then, Arawn decided. Having made up his mind, Arawn set off to find some sort of store where such books might be sold. Nagrand was a large town, and it was sure to have a few bookstores he could search through.

    ___________


    Despite having now gone through all of the bookstores in town, Arawn was still bookless. He had searched through each bookstore but only found common books that he was sure Ryul had already read or were too hard for the orphans to use. In addition, the bookstores had similar inventories of books.


    However, he had gained something. After looking through the books, Arawn had narrowed down his choices of what to pick. He would have preferred to find something on practical skills or history, as it seemed that those would have helped Ryul with the orphans. But alas, comprehensive histories were few and far between.


    Now he was completely stumped. What to do next. Should he perhaps go back to one of the bookstores and pick one of the books, hoping that Ryul hadn’t read it before? As Arawn wandered through the streets of Nagrand, he found himself in an unfamiliar, dark alleyway.


    Arawn tensed up instinctually, reaching for a dagger that was not there. He had not brought his weapons, not expecting to come across any sort of danger within Nagrand. Cursing himself, Arawn turned slowly to head in the direction that was (hopefully) leading out of the creepy alley.


    He froze as his eyes landed on a strange sight. A small store was squeezed into the alley, nearly obscured in the darkness. Arawn gulped nervously. Was that there before? Unsure of the answer, Arawn continued to back up until he spotted the store’s signboard.


    Ymir’s Bookstore


    What were the chances that a bookstore would appear just when Arawn was lamenting the fact that there were no more? None, right? But even so, Arawn found himself drawn to the ominous bookstore. He stepped towards the store hesitantly once, twice, then unhesitantly. He walked towards the strange store slowly, but surely. After all, he needed a book, and perhaps this was fate…

    ___________


    The store was even stranger on the inside than the outside. Dimly lit, and filled with bookshelves, there was no lack of books. There were books on the shelves, on the tables, and even piled into tall towers on the ground.


    Taking a moment to survey the bookstore, Arawn spotted a desk of sorts. Arawn navigated his way through the labyrinth of books towards the desk. Finding a small bell on the surface of the desk, Arawn rang it.


    Immediately feeling a chill down his neck, Arawn spun around to come face to face with an old woman. An old woman who had definitely not been there a few seconds earlier, but had appeared out of nowhere as silently as a ghost.


    Letting loose a high-pitched yelp, Arawn stumbled backward, nearly knocking over a stack of books. The old lady continued to watch him silently, with an amiable smile on her face.


    Calming down, Arawn took a second to properly look at the old woman. Now, he realized she didn’t look all that scary. He had only been startled by her sudden appearance, not her looks itself. She actually looked like a typical granny, the kind you’d find pinching the cheeks of their small grandchildren and handing out sweets. Sure, she was a little pale, but that could be attributed to the bad lighting of the store.


    “Um… H-Hello,” Arawn greeted. “I’m looking for a book. Are you the owner of this store?”


    “I am indeed. Welcome, customer,” the old lady greeted back. “What kind of book are you looking for today?”


    “I haven’t quite decided yet… I was hoping to just look around for something that suits my fancy”


    “Feel free to do so,” she replied. “We certainly have what you are looking for.”


    Arawn moved towards the stack of books, thanking the old lady for her help. Looking at the large number of books, Arawn sighed. Time to get to work. Arawn began to sift through the books, looking for something he could use. Unfortunately, the books did not seem to be ordered or categorized, which made the search even more difficult.


    Eventually, he managed to get his hands on, surprisingly enough, three books. After having not chosen one book at all the other bookstores, Arawn was determined to get something this time. Not knowing if Ryul had read any of these books, Arawn made sure to get multiple books, just in case.


    He had chosen books from several different subjects. The first was a large book called ‘Edhellen’. It was a book covering much of the history of Edhellen, and more comprehensive than most of the books Arawn had seen before. Truly a lucky find. The only drawback was that it was a rather dark book, covering much of Edhellen’s violent history and questioning the nature of the unending conflicts of the world. Not very kid-friendly.


    The second book was a more scientific study. Called ‘Mundi: A Study on Material and Elemental Planes’, this one’s contents were just as told. It was an impressive study on the Material and Elemental Planes. Why it wasn’t in the other bookstore, Arawn had no idea, but perhaps Ryul would have some interest in this.


    The last book was more focusing on the orphans. It was an introduction to woodcraft and survival skills. ‘The Basics of Wilderness Survival’ was pretty basic, but perhaps Ryul could use it for the children, even if he had no use for it.


    Satisfied with the books he had chosen, Arawn turned to find the old woman and purchase the books, only to find himself face to face with a tall stack of books. Unable to stop himself, Arawn crashed into the books, collapsing to the ground in a pile of books accompanied by a large clamor.


    Arawn winced and froze, expecting the old lady to appear around the corner and throw him out for damaging her books. Nothing. There was no reaction from the old lady, not even any sounds other than those of Arawn struggling to free himself from the pile of books.


    Arawn finally managed to free himself from the books on top of him and sat back to catch his breath. Surveying the mess, he groaned pathetically. Luckily none of the books were damaged, but he still had to clean them all up. Arawn began to pick up books and stack them up in their original position.


    As he was finishing his clean-up, Arawn’s eyes fell on a strange book. As if drawn to it, Arawn reached out and picked it up. Bound in brown leather, this book was unassuming in all ways except for one. There was no title, no author, no markings of any kind on its covers. Flipping it open, Arawn was confused even more. The book was filled with strange writing. Not the kind of characters he recognized. Maybe he could ask Ryul or someone from the Guild about this...


    Intrigued, Arawn placed the book with his previous three and headed to the desk, this time being careful not to knock over any more books. He soon spotted the old woman behind the counter as if waiting for him, with the same amiable smile on her face. He approached the counter and placed the books in front of her.


    “I would like to purchase these four books,” he announced. “How much does it cost?”


    The old lady glanced at the books and her smile seemed to widen nearly imperceptibly.

    “Oh, you don’t need to worry about that,” she replied. “You can have those for free, Arawn.”


    Arawn opened his mouth to object, feeling uncomfortable doing so, when a sudden thought struck him.


    “Huh? Did I ever tell you my name?” he questioned.


    “Of course you did, dear. When you first introduced yourself,” the old lady replied kindly.


    “Well… all right then,” Arawn accepted her answer, blaming his faulty memory. “But is it really all right to take them for free?”


    “Think of it as an investment,” she said. “I haven’t had many customers for a very long time, so I hope you will visit again.”


    “Well, thank you, then,” Arawn said, picking up the books in his hands. “I’ll be sure to come back again.”


    Arawn headed towards to door of the bookstore when he stopped once more. Turning around, he inquired, “Come to think of it, I never get your name, ma’am.”


    The old lady continued to smile. “You can call me Granny Gene.”

    ___________


    *Crash!*


    Arawn fell out of his bed in a tangle of sheets. Coming to his senses on the cold floor, Arawn discovered that he was in his room. Was it all just a dream? Arawn rose from the ground, groaning as he nursed his head. So that’s all it was. Just a dream. After all, Granny Gene? How would that have even been possible…


    Arawn snorted and moved away from his bed. He froze and his jaw dropped. There, next to his bed, were a stack of books. Four books.

    Acquired:
    • Edhellen- to be given to Ryul
    • Mundi- to be given to Ryul
    • The Basics of Wilderness Survival- to be given to Ryul
    • Unnamed book- to be kept
    • An aversion to alleyways
    • Contact with Granny Gene(?)
    @AliceShiki
     
    AliceShiki, Arexio and WhitesRabbit48 like this.
  10. AliceShiki

    AliceShiki 『Ms. Tree』『Magical Girl of Love and Justice』

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Messages:
    24,647
    Likes Received:
    98,366
    Reading List:
    Link
    Not only weird things happened to you, but Skyfall itself has been becoming weirder and weirder...

    I don't get it, at one side we get reports saying Mr. Crestfall is a completely sane man that is trying his best in revitalize his fortress, at another we get him as a madman that wishes for power and nothing else, and now his very fortress looks like an absolutely haunted place... Troublesome, very troublesome...

    Thanks for the report nonetheless, and I'm glad you could solve the quest, even if the requester... Isn't here anymore.

    The reward is of 12 Large Copper Coins and 4 Guild Points~

    Take care now~
     
    A5G_Reaper and WhitesRabbit48 like this.
  11. WhitesRabbit48

    WhitesRabbit48 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    58
    Likes Received:
    790
    Reading List:
    Link
    Sensing an inbound headache for the poor, overworked receptionist, Lethe clambers up on the desk so he can give her a few *pat pat*s. Maybe, just maybe that will help make her day a little less weary.
     
    A5G_Reaper and AliceShiki like this.
  12. AliceShiki

    AliceShiki 『Ms. Tree』『Magical Girl of Love and Justice』

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Messages:
    24,647
    Likes Received:
    98,366
    Reading List:
    Link
    Well... This was an... Unexpected result. I personally suggest visiting a priest just in case to see if you're being afflicted by anything in particular.

    In any case, I'm sure Ryul-san will be happy with the result, the reward will be of 7 Large Copper Coins and 4 Guild Points~

    Take care now~
     
    Arexio likes this.
  13. strikegunner

    strikegunner Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2018
    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    690
    Reading List:
    Link
    "I'm back!" \o/
    [Somewhere in the forest]

    “Yosh let’s do this” Fen open the rotect jar and pour the oil inside on the ground.

    ((Are you sure about this? You will be outnumbered))

    “Don’t worry, There shouldn’t be more than seven wolves per pack...”

    *Howling voices comes from three ways* ((There shouldn’t be more than twenty-one wolves in three packs))

    Fen stands still for a while then takes another bottle of oil and pours in the surrounding area.

    ((What are you doing? We’re not running?))

    “Laying down a trap and why should we run when there are free foods in front of us” Fen throws empty oil bottle away and climb on the tree trying to light up the torch.

    ((Are you gonna burn this whole forest down? The guild won’t overlook this you know?))

    “There is no problem for setting up a fire. Rain is going to fall soon”

    Wolves jump out from the bush and start to sniff and lick the grass. Fen tosses a torch fire down, then the fire spread around the wolf packs like a cage. The wolves panic and step away from the fire.

    “The stage is ready! Let’s go Eugeo!” *jump~*

    ((Hey! The ground is on fire! Oy! Who the hell is Eugeo! My name is &$%@#!{#))

    “What the hell is that name!? I can’t pronounce it, let’s call you ‘Shia’ from now on." ‘The black tattoos spread across Fen’s body and the party(?) begin.

    ((Umu...))
    _________

    [Church of Ophelia]

    Fen sees the priest in front of the church’s doorway so he calls her.

    “Hello, do you come to get a treatme-” Young priestess looks at Fen who is covered with blood. *scream* Young priest faints

    “Aa... Then, priests, nuns and some adventures come out from the church to look what’s happened.

    _________

    “Um… Sorry for the commotion.” Fen wipes the blood strains on his body. “These blood is not mine so the injury is just the burn marks around my back and arm.”

    The young priestess with white rope starts to treat Fen with healing magic “Sorry, I have bothered you.”

    “No, It’s my fault that I came here with that appearance.” *pat head*

    Priestess turns her head away and continues healing without looking at him.

    ((Hey, Master. That’s was quite bold.)) *giggles*

    ((What do you mean? Hello~? Shia?))
    @AliceShiki
    Ooc: Fen is blue as the same and the purple italic text is Axe-chan
     
  14. strikegunner

    strikegunner Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2018
    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    690
    Reading List:
    Link
    "I'm returning from quest with high-speed!!!" Fen slides across the guild hall with report paper in his hand.
    Fen enters to bar and looks for Garrosh. He spots an orc walking loudly with a bartender.

    “Is that him?” Fen sits at the seat next to him “Are you Garrosh?”

    “Hoh~ Another challenger from guild. Are you sure about this? You look underaged.” He replies with mockery voice.

    “How about we talk again after you passed out?” Fen quickly drains the first mug that bartender gives it to him.

    “Game on!” He drinks his mug in one go.

    Both take another mug and the people in the back start cheering. But after the seventh mugs, Fen’s vision starts to get blurry.

    ((hmm? Shia.)) The black tattoo spread from his arm to his stomach because Fen is wearing a long sleeve shirt. No one notices the tattoo

    ((There is suspicious substance in the beer. Probably sleeping pill))

    ((hah~ This cheeky bastard. Shia can you drink?))

    ((Of course, I can. Do you think I am a child like you))

    ((I will be in your care then))

    ((Umu!)) Fen’s consciousness fades away. Shia takes over his body and continues drinking the beer. ((Yuck! What’s this low-quality beer.))

    __________

    Fen wakes up and looks around where he was sleeping.

    “Shia, how did we end up here?”

    ((After that orc passed out, I just bring you here. Oh! I didn’t write a report for you though))

    *relieved sigh* “I thought you gonna rampage like when you took over the girl”

    ((Hmph! That time I just emotional a bit. The 4 large copper from this request is my money, got it!?))

    “Yeah yeah. Let’s head to the guild after I got some food.”
    Garrosh passe out after his eighteenth mug. For Fen(Shia), he drinks until bartender asks him to stop.
    @AliceShiki
     
  15. AliceShiki

    AliceShiki 『Ms. Tree』『Magical Girl of Love and Justice』

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Messages:
    24,647
    Likes Received:
    98,366
    Reading List:
    Link
    Well, at least you got healed properly... The rewards are 4 guild points.

    Take care now~
     
  16. AliceShiki

    AliceShiki 『Ms. Tree』『Magical Girl of Love and Justice』

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Messages:
    24,647
    Likes Received:
    98,366
    Reading List:
    Link
    Well, a sleeping drug? How... Unusual.

    Oh well, a job well done is a job well done, 4 Large Copper Coins and 4 Guild Points for you. Take care now~
     
  17. WhitesRabbit48

    WhitesRabbit48 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    58
    Likes Received:
    790
    Reading List:
    Link
    With an uncharacteristic smile, Lethe(?) walked up to the receptionists' desk while whistling.

    "For you my dear receptionist." he said handing them the report, his smile growing even wider.

    Safe to say, after the whole Snack fiasco, Lethe was feeling a bit disgruntled. Making his way into the tavern he asked: “Who’s Garrosh?”


    The bartender took one look at the Lethe and raised his eyebrows. “Ya sure ya in da right place, lad? This here be a drinkin’ hall, ma small man. I doona think ya belong hea’.”


    With an indignant look upon his face, Lethe whipped out his guild badge and offered it to the bartender. “’m a ‘venturer! Here t’drink!”


    The bartender scratched his head and sighed.


    “Well ah suppose ‘tis ya right ta drink as ya please.” gesturing to a rather large orc (even by orc standards) he said “Dis be da Garrosh ya lookin’ fo’. Is ya sure ya wanna doo dis? Have even had a drink befo’?”


    “’f course!” replied Lethe, “’s m’quest. ‘n I drink wine.”


    Looking at Lethe, Garrosh gave a deep laugh. “Let the lad drink! But we ain’t drinkin’ wine, lad, we’ll be havin’ some o’ the finest beer in Ternus! Pour us each a mug!”


    When Lethe getting onto the stool next to the current Garrosh, the orcs that noticed started poking their buddies and motioning to Lethe. By the time he had gotten settled practically the entire tavern was looking at him, anticipating the upcoming drinking contest. Of course, most of were skeptical that the kid would even be able to hold his first cup.


    Unconcerned by all the eyes on him, Lethe quickly grabbed onto the freshly poured mug of beer.


    “Ya know da customs, don ya?” asked the bartender.


    With a nod, Lethe lifted his mug to clinked it with Garrosh’s.


    Giving a hearty laugh Garrosh said a mighty “Cheers!” and chugged back his first beer. Quick to follow suit, Lethe did the same.


    “So, what do ya think, lad? Better than wine, eh?” guffawed Garrosh.


    Thinking for a bit, Lethe didn’t feel it was any better. As a matter of fact, it seemed quite a bit weaker than his fruit wine… Not wanting to upset them though he responded, “’s not bad.”


    “Na bad?” the bartender questioned “Tis the best beer on dis side of da Northern Continent!” he stated, “Lemme getcha a nudder mug, den ya will def’nitely know it’s da truth!”


    The bartender filled another mug for each of them with practiced ease.


    This time, Lethe was the first to throw back the beer. His actions left many of the other patrons that were observing the goings on in quite a surprise. To many of them, it was already a marvel that this small rabbitkin was even able to hold a single mug, let alone chug another one soon after even faster than the Garrosh.


    “You sure know how ta drink, little one! I’m glad to ‘ve found a worthy opponent. May the best drinker win!”


    After Garrosh’s exclamation, silence fell between the two drinkers. Beer after beer, mug after mug, both parties kept drinking like they were drinking water instead of alcohol.


    At this point, the other guests were floored. Even they wouldn’t be able the amount of drink the small creature had consumed at this point and stay so sober!


    Lethe, strangely enough, was feeling more alert than ever at this point.


    “Ya hafta stop!” exclaimed the barkeep “Immma run outta beer!”


    Giving each other a look, Lethe and Garrosh realized that neither of them was willing to admit defeat, and were in it for the long haul at this point.


    “Ya got anythin’ stronger?” questioned Garrosh to the barkeep.


    “O course, o course. What are ya fine fellows lookin’ fo’?”


    Feeling that if they didn’t do something drastic that this would never end Lethe said “Sudden death!”


    “A brave un ain’t ya, ma small man! How ‘bout three shots o Spyritus! Tis the most potent drink we got!”


    Garrosh gave another one of his deep laughs saying, “As long as the lad is fine with it, so am I! It’s time ta end this!”


    Lethe was quick to agree with a firm nod.


    With that, the barkeep solemnly set out three shots of Spyritus for each party.


    “Each o ya will drink one shot at a time and hafta wait 10 minutes between each shot. May da strongest drinker win!”


    Following the bar tender’s guidelines, Lethe and Garrosh threw back a shot.


    It burned like nothing he had ever tried before. No joke, he thought his innards had been lit aflame for a moment. Shortly after the burn, Lethe suddenly started feeling the alcohol…


    “Aye, ‘s hurs!” he muttered looking over at Garrosh to see how he was faring.


    Seeing the orc let out a hiss and looking a bit more muddled, it seemed he was not doing much better.


    In order to tide themselves over while they waited for the time to pass Lethe uncharacteristically tried to start up a conversation. He was even using complete sentences… (Definite sign he was now seriously intoxicated.)


    “So, how did you end up in Nagrand?” he asked his orc drinking buddy.


    “Well, *hiccup* ya see, I was born in raised a little to da north of here and it was a small village if there ever was a one. The size of ma pinky! HAHAHA! Now ma pa, he was the village…” Over the next 10 minutes, Garrosh continued to spill his life story and laugh at his own strange interjections and jokes. For once, Lethe actually didn’t mind and laughed along with the orc as he told his tale of triumph and woe. As the time wore on, however, Garrosh’s story became more and more discombobulated and Lethe began to whirl around in circles on his seat; continuing to laugh at the orcs, now, even sloppier jokes.


    “Tis been 10 minutes!” announced the barkeep “Time fo’ da next shot!”


    A bit miffed about being cut off in the midst of his story, Garrosh quickly tried to slam back the next drink with surprisingly high success. He only spilled three-eighths of it, which the bartender promptly refilled into the glass and had Garrosh go for a successful round two of two.


    Lethe had a bit less trouble than his competitor: not struggling so much on the glass to mouth but on the hand to glass part… What can I say, maybe it’s because both the shot glass and alcohol were clear?


    Another 10 minutes to wait and once again there came Lethe with the conversation! This was really a strange happening.


    “Well…Garrosh, what… do ya do…nowadays??


    While Lethe was trying to get out his sentence, he noticed some kind of interference with his consciousness. It was almost like someone, something else was forcing his consciousness out of the way… Ugh. His head, it was really starting to hurt.


    “Izzz a wuurk azzz uuuu, uuuu, mmmm, lemme, lemme think bout it….”


    Safe to say, Garrosh was a little, lot bit out of it. Lethe was also suffering from a serious headache. Whatever was trying to make a takeover, the alcohol was making it easier.


    “Do ya really wanna keep a drinkin’ lads?” asked the concerned bartender while looking at the two parties.


    “Neeevvvvveeeeerrrrrrr!!! Tillll zeeee eeeeeend!!!” cheered a very, very drunk Garrosh.


    “I… I shall…continue…I must… complete the q-q-quest.” responded a very much in pain Lethe.


    Looking at the two, the barkeep sighed but proceeded to poor the next shot as the 10-minute mark had passed.


    “Bottttuuuums a upp!” exclaimed Garrosh who only managed to consume about a quarter of the shot while spilling the rest.


    “Ugh… my head…” Lethe really wasn’t focused on the fact that he would be drinking another shot but knocked it back almost instinctually.


    As soon as Garrosh had his quarter shot he froze in place.


    “Garrosh? Ya okay?” asked the barkeep with very, very concerned eyes as he reached to pat the man.


    As soon as he touched him, Garrosh slid out of his seat and collapsed onto the floor. He was completely out. When the bartender looked over at Lethe to congratulate him on his victory he nearly had a heart attack. The cute little munchkin had changed into a tall strapping young man! What, what was this? What was going on?


    “HAHAHA, BWAHAHA! You think you, you puny mortal, can out drink me! One of the seven deadlies? HAHAHA, oh, oh the audacity!” Lethe(?) laughed so hard tears began to flow and he pounded on the bar.


    The bartender and the rest were so confused they all froze an didn’t say a word. This was definitely not the same person, right? Even if they looked very, very similar there was no way. That change in attitude, that was definitely not the same person…


    “Well, I’m glad to finally be able to push the brat out of the way for some fresh air for one. For that, you have my thanks!” With a clap and a bow Lethe(?) left the bar. If one took a peek into the tavern after he left they would notice an uncharacteristic quiet unbefitting of a tavern. All of those present had fallen into a deep, deep sleep.


    Whistling as he went, Lethe(?) went to turn in the quest.

    -Out drank the orc
    -Another appearance change *sigh*
    -Lethe(?) does not seem very Lethe like at the moment, chalk it up to drunkenness? I'm sure it'll go away...
     
  18. AliceShiki

    AliceShiki 『Ms. Tree』『Magical Girl of Love and Justice』

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Messages:
    24,647
    Likes Received:
    98,366
    Reading List:
    Link
    Well... As unusual as always, aren't you~?

    Good job in outdrinking Garrosh though, it's quite the feat. The reward is of 4 Large Copper Coins and 4 Guild Points~

    Take care now~
     
  19. A5G_Reaper

    A5G_Reaper [DCLXVI, sohyee, and iampsyx's cute imouto]

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2015
    Messages:
    5,794
    Likes Received:
    49,651
    Reading List:
    Link
    Task: Errr… that is quite embarrassing...
    Requester: Gaap, a receptionist.
    Quest rank: D
    Rewards: 22 Large Copper Coins
    Description: How to say that… I am.. the godfather, yeah, of some kid of Flaminis, a hobgoblin, he is rather the troublesome child, always wandering in the forests and kicking everything, well, quite a savage to be honest. Anyway… his parents literally lost him, or to be fair, they praise one thing, freedom, they put freedom in everything, like, everything, so they always let their child go away and come back as he wished, it worked quite well. So they don't mind his disappearance as much as I do... (I will need to smack them later...)
    Once this kid, as outrageous as he is, he came back with… seven goblins’ head. Yeah, so I doubt he got lost because of some goblins, it must be something else. He should not be dead as well, he is… a child of the forest you could say? Basically, dying out of hunger, thirst or sickness… is very unlikely. Anyway, can you investigate and search him? And if you find him, bring him back so I can kick his ass.

    "I borrowed a horse for the journey, let's go~"

    "You drive." He said a bit crankily, his left arm still in a sling. No shield for today, but he carried it anyway.

    And so, the journey to Flaminis ended up taking 3 days.

    "We're here. Any leads?"

    "How are we gonna find a brat amidst the whole area anyway?" He waved at the wide forest. "Say, can you use your intuition like usual?"

    "Let's see...if I was a young hobgoblin that was always in a bad mood, getting into fights frequently and kicking everything I came across...of course! We have to get to the river!"

    Elaine pokes the horse and it sets off on a gallop, making it's way through the forest towards the sounds of rushing water. Soon enough, they arrived at a stream that ran through the forest, and lo and behold, a little hobgoblin was sitting on a rocky outcrop, throwing stones into the rushing stream.

    "Found him, I reckon."

    "...give me a moment. I still can't believe that worked."

    Elaine hums for a little while, waiting for a reaction.

    "...say, did he mention the name of the brat?"

    "No, but he looks like a Henry. I'll call him Henry, then."

    Elaine gets off the horse, approaching the stream.

    "Hello~ Are you Henry? We're here on behalf of your grandpops Gaap~"

    "Who the fuck is Henry?! Get lost, humans!" The brat started throwing rocks at them, mostly Elaine. Urge to stab children... rising...

    Elaine wades into the somewhat deep stream, coming up to her waist.

    "We're running somewhat short of time, so if you would cooperate, we would greatly appreciate it~"

    "Leave, humans! Or else our warriors will hunt you down!"

    He couldn't remember a kid - or a person, if he thought about it - this obnoxious before. Words didn't seems to go through.

    "Say, let's just tie him up and drag him to Gaap."


    "Now, now, you're being a naughty kid. Do behave, or we'll have to do this the hard way~"

    Elaine reaches the other side.

    "Go to hell!" The little hob yelled and hopped into the woods.

    "Awww~ So you want to play a game of hide and seek, is that it? Sure~"

    Elaine smiles pleasantly.
    •••••••
    An hour had passed since the hobgolbin had hid himself in a small hole that he dug out at the base of a tree. It was hidden by roots and leaves, and had a tunnel leading to another exit just in case the first didn't work.

    "The annoying girl should have left by now."

    "This annoying girl is right here, you know~"

    Out of the gloom behind him, Elaine stepped out of the shadows, her eyes closed as she smiled.

    "Found you~"

    "AAAAAAAAAAHHH-"

    There was a startled scream from the hole followed by a short scuffle. The hobgoblin kid tried to scramble for the front exit after Elaine materialized behind him-

    "Hardlight."

    -only for that path to be cut off by a translucent blue platform.

    "He's all yours!" The gourd shouted toward the slight gap between the Hardlight platform and the actual hole.


    "Now, now, stop moving and let us catch you obediently~ You've caused us a lot of trouble, yanno~?"

    Elaine smiles sweetly as the hobgoblins freezes up, before walking over and trussing him up like a bundle of goodies. Then, she brought the hogtied hobgoblin out of the hole.

    "The request said to bring him to Gaap, so let's? Maybe we should rush the journey to avoid undesirable factors. We do looks like kidnapper- nay, we actually are technically."

    "Well, I guess we should. Henry, come along. We'll be bringing you to see your granduncle Gaap."

    Elaine loosened the bonds once they were outside, and smiled charmingly.

    "I'll let you walk freely, but try not to escape, okay~? Otherwise, we'll have to have another hide-and-seek session again~"

    *****

    That night the gourd took watch, and by the next morning the hobgoblin kid was tied in a travois made from wood and vines scavenged at the surrounding. He shrugged at Elaine's questioning stare.

    "He tried to escape once. I caught him but you know, one arm, so had to paralyze him a bit. Don't worry, it's a small wound. Will heal in a few days."


    The party moved steadily, going slightly out of their way to return the horse to Oldspice Village, but by the end of the second day, they were almost to the city.

    "Alrighty. Let's sit you down for a talk."

    After her gourd partner had gone to sleep and it was time for her night shift, Elaine led the hobgoblin over to the fire, and begun tossing pieces of wood in to keep the fire burning.

    "Say, I heard that hobgoblins are a wild bunch, but you're pretty much wilder than most! What happened?"

    "...Why do you ask, human girl? I'm just a quest item to be delivered, am I not? Once we reach the city, you'll turn me over to my granduncle, and we'll probably never meet again. Why show such interest if that's the case?"

    "You really think so?"

    The hobgoblin fidgeted.

    "What do you mean?"

    "I was saying that you have a point. I could have chosen to ignore you, but I'm talking to you right now, of my own choice. Is it that strange to want to get to know a stranger better?"

    "Perhaps amongst humans. Why would you be interested in the lives of beings that aren't of the same race as your own? Don't humans all regard something alien to them as something alien, something to be avoided?"

    "Well, I don't have a reason, per se, but it's true that I want to get to know you better. And you're responding favourably, don't you think?"

    "It's none of your business."

    "It is my business. Yesterday, I was chasing you through the forest, trying to catch you. At that time, we were enemies. Today, you're willing to talk to me civilly. We are friends. Let me help you."

    The girl smiled hopefully, but the hobgoblin turns aside with a 'hmph'.

    "No matter what you say, once the quest is over, you'll hardly see me again. You make a friend today, you lose one tomorrow."

    Seeing that the hobgoblin wasn't willing to talk, Elaine shrugged.

    "Well, goodnight."

    When she woke up an hour later, the hobgoblin was still sitting there with his face turned away, silently throwing sticks into the flames.

    "There's the city." The gourd cheerfully added. Their fetch escort quest was finally cooperating so no need for ropes and stuff. "Finally. Hope there's no more complications today."

    The entry process went rather smoothly, and soon, the group could see the guild building in front of them. Then, the hobgoblin stopped, and turned to stare at Elaine.

    "Human girl. What do they call you in the common tongue?"

    "Hmm? That's Elaine."

    "I see. My name is Geruto. If we ever meet again, you'll know how to address me, got it? Elaine?"

    "Ah? I got it, Henry!"

    "My name's not Henry! It's Geruto!"

    A gourd was rather dazed in front of the guild.

    "Give me a moment. I still can't believe nothing happened."
    -Brat successfully secured and brought back to the guild.
    -There was no complications.
    -A gourd needs a moment to process that there was no complications during the quest.
    @Naraku @Haxagen
     
  20. Naraku

    Naraku 『』『』『』

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2017
    Messages:
    532
    Likes Received:
    16,354
    Reading List:
    Link
    Seeing the brat in front of him, a wide smile appeared on Gaap, albeit a forced one that seemed rather sadistic. As he prepared the rewards, Geruto's smile seemed to be frozen, expecting the worse from his godfather. What else could he expect?

    "So, both of you, thank you very muck for picking up this little damned scoundrel. After reading your report, I saw that you did quite well... I don't mind if he is injured as long as he isn't crippled.", then he handed to both of them with an everlasting smile.
    "Here are 22 Large Copper Coin to split, you get 4 Guild Points each as well. If I have another favor to ask, I suppose I will ask to you."

    Then, what to do, what to do with Geruto... first, taking him by the neck, lift him and tighten your grasp.
    "Aaaaah, you know, your parents were...! Not worried but I was, so it matters. Don't wander off like that again, else, I will have to give you a punishment according to the severity of your acts."

    "For example... Henry, yeah, Henry, you would be named Henry, it sounds awful. Little Henry. Imagine being called Henry your whole life."

    "Imagine being called [redacted.] your whole life! Ye old man!", hearing him curse, Gaap's smile froze as well. Kids these days really deserve a beating, tigthened his grisp, Geruto almost moaned in pain before falling to the ground, released by his godfather. Immediately, he stood up and tried to punched the receptionist who simply smacked his head.

    "Alright, for now, Geruto, you will stay with me, but, if you cause trouble, you don't mind if I punish you right?", after this quest, Gaap thought he could modify one of his favor, on top of picking up a package, the future adventurer could deliver a letter to Godoto as well. Realizing this, Gaap modified one of his quest sheet while keeping Geruto around him.

    "Anyway, let's go now, I will show you around.", taking Geruto by force, Gaap went away toward the tavern.

    OOC: *pokes @Haxagen*
     
    Last edited: Feb 25, 2019
    Haxagen and A5G_Reaper like this.