Roleplay Transcripts: Vanguards

## Part 1

[10/24/2016 10:08:00 PM] Dingu: The tavern used to be a place of joy and merriment, back in the day, but now, everyone who walked through those doors was here for either a distraction of a moment to catch their breath in between maulings at the hands of nightmarish beasts and remorseless bandits. Every corner of the small building was filled, but there was no loud songs or brawls, just a few murmurs over pints of ale. People of all kinds took shelter from the wrath of the outdoors here. Everyone from the mighty warrior to the wise mage to the vile cutthroat was there for their own purpose. On the wall next to the bar was a bounty board. A cloaked man was looking at it up and down and shaking his head, thinking to himself.
[10/24/2016 10:08:08 PM] Dingu: (hopefully das ist gut)
[10/24/2016 10:09:29 PM] Ryushu: (ye)
[10/24/2016 10:10:19 PM] Luna: (I'll wait for a good spot to hop in as Calypso, don't mind me)
[10/24/2016 10:12:01 PM] DJ: (ohho)
[10/24/2016 10:12:19 PM] DJ: (If that's the starting point, I might actually just use Link. He'll be easier for this set up)
[10/24/2016 10:14:56 PM | Edited 10:20:53 PM] Ryushu: Off near a corner of the tavern, a pale-skinned male with longish, fluffy, blue-gray hair was keeping to himself, a small glass of relatively weak alcohol clutched in one hand; he looked surprisingly young, as if in his preteens, but in reality, he was 19. The male looked wary and somewhat nervous; he wasn't used to hanging out in such crowded areas, but it was far safer than being outside. It was very rare for him to touch alcohol, but he needed smething to take the edge off.

```
A white rat sat on his shoulder, nibbling on a cracker. It was completely unremarkable save for its ice-blue eyes, paws and tail.

```

[10/24/2016 10:19:33 PM] DJ: (well lets see here)
[10/24/2016 10:30:52 PM] Saren: Sitting on one of the stools in the bar, was a man wearing armor consisting of thick interlocking plates; with some faded heraldry that had been scratched out on the chest piece. He was trying to drown out his sorrows the only way he knew how, with lots of alcohol.
[10/24/2016 10:31:15 PM] Dingu: (OH NOW HE SHOWS UP)
[10/24/2016 10:31:19 PM | Removed 10:31:23 PM] Dingu: This message has been removed.
[10/24/2016 10:32:41 PM] DJ: A tavern wasn't the usual place that the black and white mage would visit, but a mixture of hunger and the hope of catching wind of some juicy gossip brought him here. He walked into the tavern like any normal patron...his clothes revealing his origins from the more northern regions of the area. Fur trimmed leather underneath a black cape that ended in hand like shapes. The most striking thing about this stranger, aside from his weird hair that resembled wolf ears, was the green eye mounted on the white furred collar around his neck. The mage made himself comfortable, behaving like a normal customer and ordering some food and drink for himself.
[10/24/2016 10:32:44 PM] DJ: (meh)
[10/24/2016 10:32:46 PM] DJ: (not my best post)
[10/24/2016 10:33:16 PM] Ryushu: (nah its goood)
[10/24/2016 10:34:51 PM] DJ: (decided to make Link's design more northerny)
[10/24/2016 10:35:11 PM] Saren: (Sorry lol)
[10/24/2016 10:35:41 PM] Ryushu: (I was thinking of having Daniel hail from a more northern village, tbh)
[10/24/2016 10:37:03 PM] DJ: (lol)
[10/24/2016 10:41:54 PM] Dingu: After glaring at the board for some time, the cloaked man eyed some of the more outstanding patrons of the tavern. They all looked strong and hardy enough. Surely some of these would act in a suicidal manner for the sake of a pile of money. He took out a piece of paper and a small dagger. He placed the paper on the board and stabbed the top of it, nailing it in place loud enough for the tavern to hear. The cloaked man looked to the tavern-goers, smiling, his piercing green eyes revealing themselves under his shroud. "Any of you lot brave enough to hunt werewolves for a humble alchemist?" he shouted to them, arms extended in a friendly manner. "I made sure that the pay is rather high! Four hundred gold per head! And I'll let you keep the pelts!"
[10/24/2016 10:47:23 PM] Fro: (Imma wait)
[10/24/2016 10:48:38 PM | Edited 10:51:23 PM] Ryushu: The gray-haired lad looked up, towards the sound of the voice that boomed out across the mostly silent tavern. His eyes lit up; hunting werewolves, for that much gold per head? All the times he had been belittled and treated like a child despite his age came back to him, and he felt his heart pumping; at last, he had found a chance to prove himself, to prove that he was capable of greater things.
He imagined himself striding back to his home, holding the pelt of a ferocious werewolf high in the air, and his friends and family would see that he could take care of himself, that he didn't need to be coddled any longer. And they would see from the frostbitten fur that he had killed the beast himself, too.
"Raylis, this is it...!" he whispered to the rat on his shoulders.
[10/24/2016 10:52:27 PM | Removed 10:52:31 PM] Fro: This message has been removed.
[10/24/2016 10:52:53 PM] Ryushu: (?)
[10/24/2016 10:53:14 PM] Fro: (Accidentally posted somethin)
[10/24/2016 10:53:16 PM] DJ: The black and white mage raised a brow at the man's loud offer. Werewolves was it? He didn't expect to hear a job offer during his visit so...soon. The mage looked down at the eye jewel mounted on his collar before looking back up. He had finished his drink and meal, satisfied for the time being. The gossip here was rather lacking and since the mage had nothing better to occupy his time with, he might as well earn some easy cash on the side. How hard could taking care of a few werewolves be after all? The black and white mage stood up confidentially, shrugging the arms of his cape behind him before approaching the cloaked alchemist, "If yer offerin' I don't see why not."
[10/24/2016 10:53:19 PM] DJ: (woo)
[10/24/2016 10:54:29 PM] Saren: The knight just shook his head, he really didn't want to take this job; however his bar tab was running high and he didn't have the coin to pay it off, so with that in mind the knight raised a hand. "Aye, I'll do it."
[10/24/2016 10:56:14 PM] Fro: A large man dressed in dingy robes, looked up at the alchemist, raising his hand.
(Bad at this stuff)
[10/24/2016 10:56:56 PM | Edited 10:58:02 PM] Ryushu: The grayhaired boy rose from his seat and waded through the crowds towards the alchemist; he stood barely 5 feet tall and had a petite frame. His fluffy hair bounced as he quickly made his way towards the alchemist, his rat companion wobbling slightly.
"I-I'll do it, too!" he called out.
[10/24/2016 10:58:43 PM] Dingu: The cloaked man welcomed the volunteers with open arms. "What is this? A monochromatic mage and a brave knight! Fantastic!" he peered over at the robed man. "And whatever you are! Powerful, I imagine!" Finally, he looked for the small voice and found a small owner. "And!... a small boy and his pet... Are you sure your parents would approve of such a daring deed, young man?"
[10/24/2016 11:00:07 PM | Edited 11:00:27 PM] Ryushu: The lad immediately pouted, trying to not fume. "I-I'm not a 'small boy', I'm 19!" he said, although his voice really didn't sound like it.
"Besides, I can take care of myself!"
[10/24/2016 11:00:11 PM | Edited 11:00:14 PM] Ryushu: (its short, sorry ;w;
[10/24/2016 11:00:30 PM] Dingu: (it's fine. no post has to be a paragraph long)
[10/24/2016 11:00:40 PM] Ryushu: (tru)
[10/24/2016 11:01:10 PM] Saren: "Vagrant.." The afformentioned brave knight responded.
[10/24/2016 11:01:35 PM] Ryushu: ("And whatever you are."
"I'm a vagrant."
"Whatever."
[10/24/2016 11:01:57 PM] Dingu: "A mage, I assume?" He pondered to the small one. "Some might say mages are getting smaller each generation... No offense, my dual tinted friend!" he said to the black and white mage.
[10/24/2016 11:02:46 PM] Ryushu: "Yes, sir, a cryomancer, in fact," he said, his chest somewhat puffing out in pride.
[10/24/2016 11:03:04 PM] Fro: "..." The man says nothing, instead getting up to approach the others; stopping next to Daniel.
(hee)
[10/24/2016 11:03:13 PM] DJ: The black and white mage raised a brow at the small little...boy. Considering that he HIMSELF was of rather short stature compared to the other muscle bound giants that seems to occupy almost every single town, village, tavern, etc...He could sense the little guy had some power, perhaps having studied in some realm of the arcane. Funnily, the lad reminded the fur clad mage of himself in many ways. He looked to the alchemist with a grin, "No offense taken...a mage doesn't have to be built big to be strong." As he said that, he looked over to the cryomancer with a friendly smile.
[10/24/2016 11:03:51 PM] DJ: (Link believes in you little guy~)
[10/24/2016 11:05:00 PM] Ryushu: The petite cryomancer smiled in return, a genuine gesture; perhaps some sense of comraderie might form between the two mages.
"That's true, they don't," he said, nodding.
[10/24/2016 11:05:05 PM] Ryushu: (yey :v)
[10/24/2016 11:05:21 PM] DJ: (Link's like "Ah he reminds me of myself~ The Great Link Lingara~")
[10/24/2016 11:06:19 PM] Saren: "Ahhh the Arcane Arts.. I always did want to learn them, but alas.. I didn't have the same aptitude for it as I did with the blade.."
[10/24/2016 11:07:15 PM] Dingu: ""I always considered combining the right ingredients to make the perfect concoction as the best sort of magic... though it's more of a science. I AM an alchemist, after all."
[10/24/2016 11:07:53 PM] Ryushu: "Is that why you need werewolf heads?"
[10/24/2016 11:09:35 PM] Dingu: "They are a TROVE of ingredients!" He brightened up, surprised by the boy's intuition. "Their brains! Their eyes! Their blood! Their teeth, saliva, and snouts! All potent for my potions and poisons!"
[10/24/2016 11:10:29 PM | Edited 11:10:45 PM] Ryushu: "Err...poisons...? Do alchemists usually concoct those...?" he couldn't help but ask. Granted, he had no knowledge of alchemy himself.
[10/24/2016 11:10:38 PM] Saren: The knight tuned out the alchemical talk, just thumbing an old broadsword while finishing his goblet of ale.
[10/24/2016 11:11:36 PM] Dingu: "Well- er- some people have rat problems... no offense." He mentioned, gesturing to the rat.
[10/24/2016 11:12:05 PM] Fro: "..." The man shuffles a bundle on his back, listening to the conversation.
[10/24/2016 11:12:13 PM | Edited 11:14:53 PM] Ryushu: "N-None taken," he said, although out of instinct he picked up the white rodent and held her rather protectively in his arms.
[10/24/2016 11:14:14 PM] DJ: The monochromatic mage stroked his chin in thought. Man, it would be great if he had a beard of some kind...maybe some day he'll let his hair grow out...Wait what were they talking about again? The mage snapped back into reality, signaled by his pupils shrinking momentarily to reveal green irises before his pupils enlarged again, covering any trace of color.
[10/24/2016 11:15:30 PM] Dingu: "Well, it seems our impromptu allies our dozing off, little mage, so let's get right to it!" The alchemist walked out of the tavern, gesturing for the rest to follow. "Come now! The den is not too far away!"
[10/24/2016 11:16:10 PM] Ryushu: The cryomancer smiled and nodded, before following the alchemist out of the tavern, still holding onto the rat.
[10/24/2016 11:16:55 PM] Fro: He follows.
[10/24/2016 11:17:36 PM] Saren: The knight stood up, his armor making a few clanking noises as he followed the Alchemist.
[10/24/2016 11:17:51 PM] DJ: The mage kept his smile, though he decided to stick to the back line. Best let the larger blokes handle the brute of the force they may go up against, no?
[10/24/2016 11:20:11 PM] Dingu: the group waltzed into the woods just outside of the tavern. It as a bright night, the full moon bringing more than the usual light to the dark forest. It was quiet. No wind howling. No animal or insect making a sound. All the group could hear were their own footsteps and any idle conversation they had while heading to the cursed den.
[10/24/2016 11:22:29 PM] Ryushu: As they neared the den of beasts, the young cryomancer felt his initial bravado begin to falter, and bright blue eyes started to dart nervously around, as if keeping out for potential danger. He held the white rat close to his chest, trying to calm himself down (and hide his fear, of course; he din't want to lose face now.).
[10/24/2016 11:24:40 PM] DJ: The other mage however walked with confident strides like he owned the damn place. Which was silly if one thought about it since he was hanging behind the larger mercenaries like they were potential meat shields.
[10/24/2016 11:24:53 PM] Dingu: The alchemist checked some of his vials. He opened one with a pop of the cap and took a whiff of its contents. He almost gagged at the stench and shook his head, putting the vial back into his cloak pocket, mumbling to himself.
[10/24/2016 11:26:22 PM] Dingu: (I'm reading every narration in the voice of the late and legendary Tony Jay. It helps me write.)
[10/24/2016 11:26:28 PM] Saren: The former knight sighed, glancing at the rest of the party as if taking note of their appearances.
[10/24/2016 11:28:45 PM] Ryushu: The cryomancer was wearing a cloak over top of an undershirt that reached well past his hips; a cloth belt was tied around his waist, and he was wearing shorts (that reached the tops of his knees) as well as boots.
[10/24/2016 11:30:10 PM] Fro: The man was wearing a tattered robe, muffled sounds of armor clanking could be heard; around his shoulder was a bundle carrying something.
[10/24/2016 11:34:02 PM] Dingu: The alchemist leading the pack stopped and held an arm off to his side, signaling the others to halt as well. "We're here." In front of them was a hole in the ground. There were claw marks on the stone leading into the abyss ahead of them. The alchemist stood still, eyeing the darkness. "I need a torch."
[10/24/2016 11:35:36 PM] Ryushu: 'You shouldn't be here, you know you can't handle this.' The cryomancer's mind was starting to fill with doubt.
[10/24/2016 11:36:17 PM] Dingu: "Anyone have a torch? I'm not paying you all to blankly stare!"
[10/24/2016 11:36:35 PM] Dingu: He was uncomfortably loud this close to a cave of monsters
[10/24/2016 11:36:50 PM] DJ: Suddenly a hand with a small flame came forth beside the alchemist, "Hang onto yer nickers." the black and white mage smiled at the alchemist.
[10/24/2016 11:37:30 PM] Saren: "Huh, flashy.."
[10/24/2016 11:37:55 PM] Dingu: The alchemist nodded. "Throw the flame in. Let's see if the beasts are awake at this time of night."
[10/24/2016 11:38:55 PM] Ryushu: "Th-That doesn't seem like the best idea," the boy mumbled, although he wasn't making much of an effort to be heard.
[10/24/2016 11:39:18 PM] DJ: The mage's eyes narrowed as if trying to see if the alchemist was serious or not...before shrugging and tossing the flame in like it was just a leather ball.
[10/24/2016 11:39:48 PM] DJ: "Don't worry my cryomancer friend~ That's why Link Lingara is here."
[10/24/2016 11:40:09 PM] DJ: At the very least, Link heard.
[10/24/2016 11:40:58 PM | Edited 11:41:03 PM] Ryushu: The boy instinctively stepped a bit closer towards Link.
[10/24/2016 11:43:35 PM | Edited 11:43:54 PM] Dingu: The alchemist remained silent as the flame darted into the cavern. If one looked closely at the sides, they could see the reflection of the light in the round glassy eyes of the werewolves. Growls could also be heard inside, but the beasts didn't leave.
[10/24/2016 11:44:19 PM] DJ: "...Does that answer your question, alchemist?" Link looked over to the alchemist.
[10/24/2016 11:45:12 PM] Ryushu: "They're...not moving," the cryomancer said, peering into the cavern and into the masses of feral eyes.
[10/24/2016 11:45:17 PM] Dingu: "That was an attempt to draw them out." He frowned. "They aren't overly fond of fire. There must be quite a few in there if she is so reluctant to leave."
[10/24/2016 11:46:24 PM] Saren: "We have any bait to use..?" The knight asked.
[10/24/2016 11:46:57 PM] DJ: "Dammit...would've brought some of that mutton with me if I knew about this..." Link scratched the back of his head.
[10/24/2016 11:47:10 PM] Ryushu: "I-I don't have anything we could use..."
[10/24/2016 11:49:18 PM] Dingu: "I have another plan." The alchemist pulled out a small jar. "There's bait... and then there's toxin to draw them out!" He tossed the jar into the den. It flew into the darkness and shattered. The growls were louder, and much more furious and primal. The alchemist waited with anticipation. "C'mon...."
[10/24/2016 11:50:09 PM | Edited 11:50:15 PM] Ryushu: "What if they all come charging out at once??"
[10/24/2016 11:50:55 PM] DJ: "Then that means extra target practice my friend~" Link said, cracking his knuckles as he waited for the onslaught...the onslaught he actually planned on running the other way from.
[10/24/2016 11:51:02 PM] DJ: (Link no why)
[10/24/2016 11:51:50 PM | Edited 11:52:00 PM] Ryushu: Well...if he wanted to prove he was capable of taking care of himself, telling his friends and family that he survived and helped kill a pack of werewolves would be a start...
[10/24/2016 11:53:33 PM] Fro: "..." The large man pulls the bundle from his back.
(I have a great way to keep link from tasting like chicken)
[10/24/2016 11:53:47 PM] DJ: (oh good)
[10/24/2016 11:54:15 PM] Ryushu: The cryomancer took a deep breath and seemed to be mentally preparing himself; the rat moved to his shoulders as his hands subtly began to glow icy blue.
[10/24/2016 11:54:20 PM] Dingu: There was a large, singular roar from the inside of the cave. Out of the darkness came the largest werewolf that any of them have ever seen. Its fur was pitch black. Its eyes blood red. The beast's claws were the size of a warriors forearms. The teeth as sharp as razors. It glared at the group. Hungry. Angry.
[10/24/2016 11:55:48 PM] DJ: "...Oh...shit..." Link muttered, staring up at the thing with large eyes and a wide, nervous grin.
[10/24/2016 11:56:15 PM] Dingu: The alchemist, for the first time, showed a bit of fear. "That's one big alpha..." He then went back to his usual smirk, thinking about how many teeth it had to turn to powder. "That one... that's worth double..."
[10/24/2016 11:56:21 PM] Saren: (Hey, on the off chance that he gets but and survives, he gets werewolf powers.)
[10/24/2016 11:56:36 PM] Dingu: (yeah)
[10/24/2016 11:56:40 PM] Ryushu: His eyes widened and he took a number of hasty steps backwards, starting to tremble. The beast loomed over all of them, a red-eyed monster from hell.
[10/24/2016 11:56:44 PM] DJ: (this is true!)
[10/24/2016 11:57:05 PM] Dingu: (And the downside of having to watch for Jethro ripping their teeth out as they sleep)
[10/24/2016 11:58:08 PM] Fro: The man removed what was inside the bundle; a large axe with a hammer on the other side.
[10/24/2016 11:59:29 PM] Ryushu: Its fur looked thick and well-insulated; he wasn't sure how effective his magic would be here. But maybe if he aimed for the eyes...?

## Part 2

[10/28/2016 8:30:01 PM] Dingu: Everyone is staring down the gaping (heh) maw of a giant werewolf. What do people do?
[10/28/2016 8:30:55 PM | Edited 8:31:09 PM] Ryushu: The cryomancer's practically frozen (hehe) in place from sheer fear. That's gotta be the biggest werewolf he's ever seen, not that he's seen very many.
[10/28/2016 8:33:02 PM | Edited 8:33:20 PM] Saren: Sir Varron had drawn his relic broadsword, and muttered an incantation before swinging it to his side. The blade igniting in blackish flames that left a white trail when he swung.
[10/28/2016 8:33:23 PM] DJ: Link stared up at the giant werewolf with a wide eyed stare, cursing himself silently for not staying behind the more armored brutes.
[10/28/2016 8:33:41 PM] DJ: and then backed up when Sir Varron swung his broadsword.
[10/28/2016 8:33:42 PM | Edited 8:33:54 PM] DJ: r00d
[10/28/2016 8:33:53 PM] Luna: Meanwhile, a mysterious figure was watching behind them, trying to figure out what was going on.
[10/28/2016 8:34:30 PM] Ryushu: Thankfully the boy wasn't close enough to Varron to accidentally get beaned (and killed) by the gigantic blade.
[10/28/2016 8:36:17 PM] Fro: "..." The man stabs the axe's blade into the ground, waiting for whoever moves first.
[10/28/2016 8:37:59 PM] Ryushu: He tried to spur himself into action, but found himself fixated on the monstrous werewolf. 'Move, you god-damn coward! do something!' he mentally yelled at himself.
[10/28/2016 8:39:44 PM] Dingu: The werewolf was in a fit of rage, unpredictable but reckless. It charged into the pack, arms reaching outwards, claws first at them.

Jethro rolled to the side, barely dosging the claws. The others who took point just behind Jethro would soon have to deal with the wolf themselves as Jethro threw some poison knives at the wolf. They were small, barely penetrating the wolf's hide. The monster didnt even flinch
[10/28/2016 8:42:18 PM] Ryushu: Now the sight of the beast charging at them got the cryomancer to move, and move he did, clear out of the way of the charging werewolf, literally diving to avoid being caught in its path. He scrambled to his feet, and launched an icicle spear at the monster; he could've aimed it much better if he wasn't panicking so much.
[10/28/2016 8:43:13 PM] Luna: The mysterious figure, Io, figured out what was happening, and started working on a rune to trap the beast. She didn't want to hurt the werewolf, but at the same time didn't want the werewolf to hurt them.
[10/28/2016 8:43:33 PM] DJ: Link unfortunately was a bit slow and ended up getting smacked away by one of the werewolf's arms. He ended up rolling and stopping on his back, winded.
[10/28/2016 8:43:37 PM] DJ: (Link being lame)
[10/28/2016 8:43:38 PM] DJ: (lawl)
[10/28/2016 8:44:17 PM] Fro: The man tears the axe out of the ground, swinging the hammer side of the axe at the werewolf's face.
(Bad link)
[10/28/2016 8:44:33 PM] DJ: (Don't worry, he'll make up for it)
[10/28/2016 8:45:25 PM] Saren: Varron barely managed to roll out of the way of the slash, however he quickly gathered his wits and went to deliver a quick slash at the werewolf's back.
[10/28/2016 8:45:31 PM] Saren: (Sorry, Skype had lagged.)
[10/28/2016 8:46:12 PM] Luna: Io finished up her rune, and aimed at the werewolf, before carefully firing her shot. If the shot hit, the werewolf would find itself surrounded by a magic barrier (and perhaps trapped inside with anyone too close).
[10/28/2016 8:47:30 PM] Ryushu: The cryomancer steeled himself, before starting to charge up another spell; when unleashed, it would cause a larger icicle to fall out of the sky and hopefully strike the werewolf.
[10/28/2016 8:48:02 PM] Dingu: (So much happening to the werewolf at once, oh my)
[10/28/2016 8:48:10 PM] Fro: (Moo)
[10/28/2016 8:48:20 PM] Luna: (That's why I hate playing big bad)
[10/28/2016 8:48:29 PM] Saren: (I enjoy it.)
[10/28/2016 8:49:22 PM] Dingu: The werewolf, after finding itself the victim to this onslaught of attacks, became trapped in the barrier. It regained its senses and let off a angry roar towards the crowd and started slashing the walls of the barrier.
[10/28/2016 8:49:52 PM] Dingu: "Where did that come from?" Jethro asked, looking around for the caster of the barrier. "Did you do that, black and white mage?"
[10/28/2016 8:50:02 PM] Ryushu: Now that it was trapped, the large and heavy icicle should hit its mark, as it fell out of the sky towards the werwwolf.
[10/28/2016 8:50:28 PM] Luna: Io peeked out from the underbrush, looking at Jethro. She nodded, blankly.
[10/28/2016 8:50:42 PM] Dingu: It did, and the giant icicle dropped the werewolf, and it fell to the ground, motionless.
[10/28/2016 8:50:43 PM] DJ: "Uh...no?...Maybe?" Link looked at his own hands as he sat up. Then it dawned on him that he missed the opportunity to claim glory for himself. Dammit.
[10/28/2016 8:51:17 PM] Luna: The shield was somewhat weak, and would break soon if the werewolf kept going.
[10/28/2016 8:51:32 PM] Dingu: "No... it was our new fri-and the werewolf is dead- anyways, it was our new friend here." He gestured to Io.
[10/28/2016 8:51:48 PM | Edited 8:52:41 PM] Ryushu: Casting that spell under such mental duress seemed to take quite a lot out of the cryomancer, and he bent over, panting a bit.
[10/28/2016 8:52:34 PM] Luna: Io seemed shy. She brushed away her unruly hair, walking over to the group. She hadn't intended for the werewolf to die, but it was too late now.
[10/28/2016 8:53:04 PM] Luna: (Credit to Yoshiya Fukami for the artwork)
[10/28/2016 8:53:07 PM | Edited 8:54:07 PM] Fro: The man cleans off any blood that might have gotten onto his axe.
[10/28/2016 8:53:17 PM] Ryushu: He looked over at the newcomer, straightening up a bit.
[10/28/2016 8:53:23 PM] Dingu: (the werewolf is still behind the barrier)
[10/28/2016 8:53:39 PM] Dingu: "And who are you, miss?"
[10/28/2016 8:54:11 PM] Fro: (Blood on the axe)
[10/28/2016 8:54:26 PM | Edited 8:55:30 PM] DJ: Link stood up and dusted off his pants. The arms of his cape seemed to aid a bit, though it could've just been Link's posture causing the cape to move.
[10/28/2016 8:54:32 PM] Luna: "W- I mean, my name's Io..." Io answered, strangely correcting herself.
[10/28/2016 8:55:31 PM] Saren: Sir Varron was quite thankful for the enchantment on his blade, it made cleaning it less of a pain after all.
[10/28/2016 8:55:51 PM] Dingu: "Well, thank you for the barrier, Io. Now, if you would lower it, that would be appreciated. I need its organs."
[10/28/2016 8:55:59 PM] Saren: The fire extinguished itself when he sheathed his weapon.
[10/28/2016 8:55:59 PM] Dingu: "that sounded bad..."
[10/28/2016 8:56:18 PM] Ryushu: He looked over at Jethro. "What do you mean? We killed it, didn't we?"
[10/28/2016 8:56:23 PM | Edited 8:56:41 PM] Saren: "Only to those who don't understand alchemy."
[10/28/2016 8:56:43 PM] Luna: Io did as such. Without a word, she tapped her wooden staff on the ground, causing the barrier to fade away.
[10/28/2016 8:57:13 PM] Dingu: "I need it's brain and such for ingredients. I didnt do this for anyone."
[10/28/2016 8:57:13 PM] DJ: "He's an alchemist. Probably gonna grind up some of its parts for...whatever reason." Link waved a hand since he didn't really care what Jethro did with it.
[10/28/2016 8:58:57 PM] Dingu: He wondered over to the wolf and glared at it, just as he leaned it, the wolf rose to its feet, smacked Jethro out of the way and dashed towards the largest member of the party, the Mountain. This wolf was cunning, playing dead, even as it was bleeding out. The wolf was wounded, and was now acting out of desperation.
[10/28/2016 9:00:15 PM] Ryushu: "OH GOD-" Now the beast was even angrier than before; Daniel was just glad it hadn't charged after him. Although he couldn't help but feel miffed that his attempt at a killing blow was unsuccessful.
[10/28/2016 9:01:28 PM] Fro: He holds his axe out in front of him for defense.
[10/28/2016 9:02:08 PM] Dingu: The wolf grabs the axe and attempts to pry it away as it tries to chomp his head off
[10/28/2016 9:02:13 PM] Luna: Io traced another rune in the grass, keeping her distance from the beast.
[10/28/2016 9:02:38 PM | Edited 9:02:54 PM] Ryushu: Starting to panic again, Daniel prepares another spell; this one would cause a wall of ice to get in between the Mountain and the werewolf.
[10/28/2016 9:03:16 PM] Saren: Sir Varron redrew his sword and lunged at the wolf, intending to try and plunge his sword through its neck
[10/28/2016 9:03:46 PM] Saren: Thankfully he wasn't in the way of Daniel's Icewall.
[10/28/2016 9:04:13 PM] Ryushu: The wall erupted from the ground; hopefully it'd get in between the werewolf and the Mountain, and not accidentally make things worse.
[10/28/2016 9:05:01 PM] Luna: Io tapped her rune, and fired another shot at the werewolf. Seeing as the werewolf was already one foot in the grave, Io decided to put it out of its misery and fire a magic blast at it.
[10/28/2016 9:06:05 PM] DJ: (Link is just kinda standin there watchin XD)
[10/28/2016 9:06:15 PM] Dingu: The wolf pushed the Mountain away and ducked to get away from the wall and the sword. It attempted a backhand at Varron as it was blasted with a fire spell. The fur on his back was now burning, and then its flesh it howled in painful agony as it limped as fast as it could towards its cave.
[10/28/2016 9:06:44 PM] Fro: He stomps the ground, a shackle of earth catching it's foot.
[10/28/2016 9:07:11 PM] Ryushu: Of course, now Daniel would be too exhausted to cast any more high-level spells, seeing as he didn't prepare himself and focus well enough when casting the ice wall and giant icicle.
[10/28/2016 9:07:14 PM] Dingu: "Just bleeding die you piece of filth!" Jethro shouted, in between throwing multiple poison knives at the fleeing creature.
[10/28/2016 9:08:01 PM] Ryushu: The ice wall would most likely be in front of the Mountain now; it could be broken easily, however.
[10/28/2016 9:08:53 PM] DJ: Link finally snapped out of whatever world his mind slinked off to, "Man that werewolf is persistant....no matter!" Link held a fireball in his hand before throwing it at the trapped Werewolf. Finally Link actually did something!
[10/28/2016 9:09:04 PM] Fro: The Mountain smashes the wall with his fist, storming towards the wolf.
[10/28/2016 9:09:12 PM] Dingu: The wolf was now incredibly weak, desperately punching at the wall, merely cracking it. It slowly fell to its knees and was at the brink now.
[10/28/2016 9:09:23 PM] Dingu: It seemed to really want to go into the cave
[10/28/2016 9:09:27 PM] Saren: Varron, being decked out in heavy armor, could've possibly ranked through the backhand.
[10/28/2016 9:09:27 PM] Luna: "Hmm..." Io expected her magic blast to kill the creature, but apparently not...
[10/28/2016 9:09:32 PM] Ryushu: (was it punching the ice wall?)
[10/28/2016 9:09:38 PM] Saren: "... Wait.."
[10/28/2016 9:09:43 PM] Dingu: (thought it was in the way of the cave)
[10/28/2016 9:10:01 PM | Edited 9:10:14 PM] Ryushu: (oh, oops; he put it in between the werewolf and the Mountain
[10/28/2016 9:10:24 PM | Edited 9:10:44 PM] Ryushu: (But The Mountain did conjure an earth shackle to trap its leg)
[10/28/2016 9:10:46 PM] Saren: Varron had raised his blade to stab the wolf, but instead walked inside the cave.
[10/28/2016 9:11:03 PM | Edited 9:11:43 PM] Ryushu: With the force the Mountain used to shatter the ice wall, shards of ice were probably flying towards the werewolf now.
[10/28/2016 9:11:43 PM] Dingu: The wolf was bleeding out now, its panting going from rapid to slow until it finally stopped. it was dead
[10/28/2016 9:11:51 PM] Luna: Io backed up some more, simply surveying everyone, seeing if anyone needed help.
[10/28/2016 9:12:20 PM] Dingu: Inside, Varron would find that the cave didnt go too far in, and in the back, a bundle of fluff was curled up.
[10/28/2016 9:12:27 PM] DJ: (OH NOOOO)
[10/28/2016 9:12:57 PM] DJ: Since Link didn't do much to contribute to the fight except fire like...one fireball, he had enough energy to bound over to where Varron was in the cave, "What'cha find big guy?"
[10/28/2016 9:13:18 PM] Saren: "....." Varron blinked, stepping towards the bundle and.. Offered a chunk of jerky.
[10/28/2016 9:13:28 PM] Ryushu: Daniel hesitantly walked towards the cave entrance as well, near the felled werewolf; he wanted to see for himself that it was dead.
[10/28/2016 9:13:29 PM] Saren: "... The wolf was a mother."
[10/28/2016 9:13:36 PM] Dingu: Jethro sighed in catharsis. "Finally...." He unsheathed a serrated blade and approached the wolf. "Time to see what you have, my good friend!" He smiled as he started cutting open the werewolf.
[10/28/2016 9:14:13 PM] Saren: (There's an angle I'm trying with this.)
[10/28/2016 9:14:25 PM] Saren: (Can anyone guess what I might be going after~)
[10/28/2016 9:14:26 PM] Ryushu: Daniel then decided to go into the case with Link and Varron. "What's going on-" He then saw what Varron was offering jerky to. "Is...is that...?"
[10/28/2016 9:14:30 PM] Dingu: The little pup turned its head slightly, showing a small snout and tiny glowing red eyes. Despite its frightening eyes, the wolf seemed... cute. it timidly reached for the jerky.
[10/28/2016 9:14:57 PM | Edited 9:15:13 PM] Saren: "Yeah.." He whispered, letting the pup take the jerky.
[10/28/2016 9:15:14 PM] Ryushu: "So the...the werewolf we killed was...." Daniel felt sick, now.
[10/28/2016 9:15:15 PM] DJ: "Oh..." Link pinched the bridge of his nose. Normally he wouldn't have cared that much if the reward was actually what he was looking for, but just for some gold?
[10/28/2016 9:15:15 PM] Dingu: Jethro looked towards the cave. "What's going on over there? any treasure?"
[10/28/2016 9:16:06 PM | Edited 9:17:39 PM] Luna: Seeing Jethro cut the beast open, Io looked away, quietly murmuring a prayer in a strange language. She then went off to join the others in the cave. Upon seeing the pup, she kneeled down quietly. She started to talk to the pup in a soothing tone.
[10/28/2016 9:16:14 PM] Saren: He waited for the pup to finish, before trying to pick it up gently.
[10/28/2016 9:16:32 PM] Saren: \*muttering
[10/28/2016 9:16:36 PM | Edited 9:16:51 PM] Dingu: The pup took the jerky and ate it in one bite. It stood up then, and showed itself to be almost as tall as Daniel, as reference. It still had claws and teeth, but not nearly as sharp and menacing as his mother's.
[10/28/2016 9:17:03 PM] Dingu: (only one pup.)
[10/28/2016 9:17:06 PM] Luna: (Damn you autocorrect)
[10/28/2016 9:17:16 PM] Luna: (And my broken fucking brain)
[10/28/2016 9:17:19 PM] Ryushu: Daniel couldn't feel good about what they had done; the werewolf they killed had been a mother, just trying to protect her children. stared as the young pup stood up; it was almost as tall as he was. And now it had no mother.
[10/28/2016 9:17:21 PM] DJ: Link eventually shrugged, "Well I guess Varron got a new pet." he said with his usual grin before walking out of the cave and to Jethro. The cave was starting to get a bit crowded with all the other slack jaws walkin' in.
[10/28/2016 9:17:33 PM] Saren: So he found that he couldn't pick it up without it being awkward, but he wanted to bring it with him. "Hey there little guy..?"
[10/28/2016 9:17:56 PM] DJ: (Link's like "Yeah that's sad and all...but meh.")
[10/28/2016 9:18:09 PM] Dingu: Jethro wandered to the back, with a giant bag in hand. "Alright. finally got everything...What are you all crowded around."
[10/28/2016 9:18:20 PM] Saren: "I guess I'm your caretaker now.." He muttered.
[10/28/2016 9:18:26 PM] DJ: "Oh nothing. Varron's got a new pet." Link answered Jethro.
[10/28/2016 9:18:39 PM] DJ: The mage patted Jethro on the shoulder as he walked on past.
[10/28/2016 9:18:46 PM | Edited 9:19:14 PM] Luna: Io was actually not much taller than Daniel, though she looked much older. She was still trying to comfort the poor pup.
[10/28/2016 9:18:59 PM] Saren: "I'm keeping the pup I found." Varron said, turning to stare at the alchemist. Just daring him to try and argue with him.
[10/28/2016 9:19:15 PM | Edited 9:19:50 PM] Ryushu: Daniel backed out of the cave, deliberately avoiding looking at the dissected mother; he felt ill, like he had committed some awful crime. He looked over at Jethro.
"That werewolf we killed was a mother," he said.
[10/28/2016 9:19:19 PM] Luna: (AGH AUTOCORRECT)
[10/28/2016 9:19:43 PM] Dingu: He saw the pup, and then turned to Varren. "Fine." He said, unusually coldly. "Let it keep its priceless blood and brains..."
[10/28/2016 9:20:31 PM] Dingu: the pup seemed already attached to Varren (giving you control of Varren's pet, Saren, if you want.)
[10/28/2016 9:20:38 PM] Saren: (Alright XD)
[10/28/2016 9:20:38 PM] Fro: "..." The Mountain looks at the group, having a double-take at the pup and the slain werewolf. Before picking up what's left and walking into the cave.
[10/28/2016 9:20:53 PM] Luna: Io closed her eyes in distaste listening to Jethro.
[10/28/2016 9:21:14 PM] Ryushu: Daniel had his arms crossed, now, and was glaring off into the forest, shaken up by the events. It was pretty obvious that he felt horrible...what a softy.
[10/28/2016 9:21:19 PM] Dingu: "It's not like I would have doubled everyone's pay or anything..."
[10/28/2016 9:21:32 PM | Edited 9:21:54 PM] Ryushu: "I don't want your damned gold anymore," he hissed.
[10/28/2016 9:22:10 PM] Saren: "Hmm... I'll name you... Zenga.." Varron muttered, as the pup yipped in response. Following Varron out of the cave.
[10/28/2016 9:22:34 PM] Luna: Seeing Daniel, Io gently wrapped her arm around him. She seemed to care a lot about him, despite them having just met.
[10/28/2016 9:22:42 PM] DJ: Link was further away from the cave, patiently waiting for the group to stop fawning over a little werewolf pup. He wanted to get back to what he was originally doing as soon as possible. The mage continued to keep his toothy grin...really it seemed like all he ever did was show off his teeth with a smile.
[10/28/2016 9:22:47 PM] Dingu: "Fine then... You people see what being attached to something gets you, nowhere..."
[10/28/2016 9:23:12 PM] DJ: (Jethro and Link are probably the only two who actually don't care XD0
[10/28/2016 9:23:14 PM] Ryushu: He stiffened up instinctively from the sudden and unfamiliar touch, but seemed to relax when he realized it was just the newcomer.
[10/28/2016 9:23:25 PM] Luna: Now, Io turned to hiss at Jethro, leading Daniel away.
[10/28/2016 9:23:33 PM] Dingu: He walked out of the cave, bag of guts and teeth slung around his back.
[10/28/2016 9:23:47 PM] Fro: He walks out, picking up rocks to seal the entrance after everyone leaves.
[10/28/2016 9:23:55 PM] Saren: "Really? Because a dog's loyalty is something that can never be shaken if treated right.." Varron muttered. "Much more dependable than a person."
[10/28/2016 9:24:10 PM] Ryushu: Daniel doesn't say anything, but allows Io to lead him away.
[10/28/2016 9:24:39 PM] Saren: Though he did try to cover the pup's eyes so he wouldn't have to see its mother's corpse.
[10/28/2016 9:25:17 PM] Luna: Once they were a ways ahead, Io let go of Daniel, with a somewhat depressed sigh. She seemed to feel guilty too.
[10/28/2016 9:25:39 PM] Ryushu: "If I had known that it...that it had children..."
[10/28/2016 9:25:42 PM] Dingu: "Let's get back to the tavern. I'll divide the gold up there. Maybe they'll sing praises of us, if you like that kind of thing."
[10/28/2016 9:26:28 PM] DJ: "Meh, they can keep their praises." Link waved a hand dismissively, still smiling, "Honestly I'm happy this gave me something to do for a bit. That tavern was a real bore."
[10/28/2016 9:26:54 PM | Edited 9:27:13 PM] Luna: "Please, fellow, don't beat yourself up over it... What's your name, anyways?" Io asked Daniel, changing the subject.
[10/28/2016 9:27:23 PM] Ryushu: "Err...Daniel," said the cryomancer, feeling a bit too ashamed to look at Io directly. "What's yours...?"
[10/28/2016 9:28:26 PM] Luna: "My name's Io..." Io answered, softly. If he did look up at her, he would see her strange heterochromic eyes; one blue, one grey.
[10/28/2016 9:29:06 PM] Saren: Varron was silent, rubbing the ears of his new pet as it followed him.
[10/28/2016 9:29:27 PM] Ryushu: "....that's a nice name," he said, smiling slightly as he finally looked over at her.
[10/28/2016 9:30:18 PM] Luna: Io glanced over at him as well, meeting his eyes, he would see hers.
[10/28/2016 9:30:25 PM] Dingu: "Jethro, at your service." the alchemist smiled, turning around to face them, walking backwards.
[10/28/2016 9:30:59 PM] Dingu: "You two seem to be warming up easily over the not-even-decaying corpse of a dead mother wolf! Cute!"
[10/28/2016 9:31:18 PM] Ryushu: He blinked a bit, clearly surprised by her heterochromia, but felt it'd be rude to comment on that. He glared over at Jethro.
[10/28/2016 9:31:38 PM] Luna: Io hissed at him again, glaring at him as well. Her eyes were very unsettling.
[10/28/2016 9:31:58 PM] Fro: Once everyone leaves, the Mountain seals the cave with the mother inside; before following them.
[10/28/2016 9:32:09 PM] Ryushu: He found himself kind of regretting saying he didn't want any of Jethro's gold; he was having to scrape to get by, right now..
[10/28/2016 9:32:47 PM] Dingu: Jethro shivered and turned around without any other words, but not before stumbling over a root of a tree.
[10/28/2016 9:32:49 PM] DJ: "Jethro is it?" Link responded, looking him up and down with his large and unnaturally pitch black eyes, before running up ahead so that he was closer to Jethro as he leaned a bit and whispered to the alchemist, "I would best hold your tongue about that currently. Wouldn't want one of them to lob your head off." Link looked over his shoulder, taking more notice out of The Mountain than anyone else. Now THAT was a big man.
[10/28/2016 9:33:09 PM] DJ: And then Jethro stumbled which made Link start laughing.
[10/28/2016 9:33:25 PM] Luna: Io wasn't interested in any gold either; she was a forest child, simply out to explore the outside world.
[10/28/2016 9:33:47 PM] Luna: Io simply huffed when Jethro stumbled.
[10/28/2016 9:34:28 PM] Ryushu: Dan couldn't help but smirk when Jethro stumbled.
[10/28/2016 9:35:55 PM] Dingu: He quickly got to his feet and pretended nothing had happened. From where he was, he could see a bright light coming from just outside the treeline. Unlike the usual lights of the tavern, these seemed brighter and more intense.
[10/28/2016 9:36:25 PM] Ryushu: Daniel noticed the lights, as well; that couldn't be the tavern, right?
[10/28/2016 9:36:52 PM] DJ: "...You sure we're going the right way, Jethro?" Link voiced the question that everyone was probably thinking.
[10/28/2016 9:37:12 PM] Luna: Io stared, curiously. She hadn't seen the tavern before either, so she had no idea anything was wrong.
[10/28/2016 9:38:41 PM] Dingu: "Of course we are!" He huffed. "I have been this way for weeks now, tracking the beast. However... wait. Do you think..." He paused for a moment, and a look of shock appeared on his face. "A FIRE!" He shouted.
[10/28/2016 9:39:04 PM] Ryushu: "What?!"
[10/28/2016 9:39:27 PM] DJ: "...Oh!...Well that's a shame." Link again said blankly, his eyebrows arching with slight concern, despite his mouth being frozen in a grin.
[10/28/2016 9:39:46 PM] Ryushu: "O-Oh no...! i-Is that the tavern?!"
[10/28/2016 9:40:02 PM] Dingu: "MY CART!" Jethro started sprinting towards the tavern.
[10/28/2016 9:40:35 PM] Ryushu: Daniel ran towards the tavern as well, trying to see if he could spot anyone in need of help.
[10/28/2016 9:40:45 PM] DJ: "Oh boy!..." Link made no attempt to hurry his pace, letting everyone else just run right past him.
[10/28/2016 9:43:28 PM] Saren: Varron was similarly slow as well, not particularly liking the alchemist.
[10/28/2016 9:43:51 PM] Luna: Io looked horrified as well, and followed Daniel in order to search for survivors.
[10/28/2016 9:43:56 PM | Edited 9:44:22 PM] Ryushu: Daniel couldn't seem to find any of the tavern's patrons around...
[10/28/2016 9:44:37 PM] Luna: Neither did Io. She hoped that means that everyone escaped safely, or that nobody had been inside to begin with...
[10/28/2016 9:45:05 PM] Ryushu: Daniel, however, felt much less relieved; the tavern had been packed when they left...
[10/28/2016 9:45:09 PM] Dingu: At the source of the fire, the tavern was set ablaze, but there was no one around. There were no shouts or screams, just the roaring of the blaze.
[10/28/2016 9:45:36 PM] Fro: Mountain grabs Link by the collar, dragging him along to help.
(.3.)
[10/28/2016 9:45:38 PM] Saren: "The hell..?"
[10/28/2016 9:45:44 PM] Dingu: To Jethro's relief, the cart was unharmed, along with his horse.
[10/28/2016 9:46:03 PM] Ryushu: "I-I hope they all got outside...b-before..."
[10/28/2016 9:47:06 PM] Luna: Io once again wrapped her arm around Daniel to comfort him. "Relax, relax..." She said, soothingly.
[10/28/2016 9:47:21 PM] DJ: When Link finally did waltz his way to the burning tavern, he just stood there, staring at it, arms behind his back like this was a normal thing. Link finally spoke, "Well. That's unfortunate. No big loss..." he muttered the last part to himself. The tavern was very lack luster in any juicy gossip...or at least rumors that he would've found some value from. If anything, the whole werewolf venture was the only interesting thing and that wasn't even related to what he came to the tavern for in the first place. No big loss, he supposed. There were plenty of other towns and taverns to scope up information from afterall.
[10/28/2016 9:47:31 PM] Ryushu: "Wh-What if they couldn't get out in time...?! The place was packed full when we left...!"
[10/28/2016 9:47:34 PM] Dingu: Jethro turned his attention to the fire and looked around. "I think I see someone in the tavern. He's... on fire..."
[10/28/2016 9:47:52 PM] Ryushu: "Wh-What?!"
[10/28/2016 9:49:24 PM] Luna: Io gasped, hearing this. She quickly started to draw a rune, making a shield around herself, before heading in. Her shields weren't good at keeping out heat, so she was going to have to move quickly.
[10/28/2016 9:49:48 PM] Dingu: Just walking outside of the tavern was a lone figure. It was a large figure, a man set ablaze by the flames inside. Most of his clothes were burned off, but he looked just fine. When he walked out, he looked back at the fire and sighed.
[10/28/2016 9:50:40 PM] Ryushu: Daniel backed away from the burning man as he stepped out of the tavern, clearly startled. The heat from the fire was really starting to get to him, and he couldn't stay near it much longer.
[10/28/2016 9:50:54 PM] Saren: "What the..?" Varron muttering, looking at the odd site before him.
[10/28/2016 9:51:32 PM | Edited 9:51:52 PM] Dingu: "Tsk tsk tsk. Why must people be so difficult? It's all 'I don't know who you're talking about!' 'What do you mean by The Raiders of the End Times!' You know what I mean, kid?" he looked at Daniel.
[10/28/2016 9:51:33 PM] Luna: Realizing that the man was actually on the other side, she got out to the other side as fast as possible, just managing to escape. She then hurried over to the man, though her pace was slowing down, as if she were tired.
[10/28/2016 9:51:51 PM] DJ: Link causally looked at the burning man, "...Fire skin?"
[10/28/2016 9:52:11 PM] Fro: He says nothing, merely holding his axe out in front of him.
[10/28/2016 9:52:12 PM | Edited 9:52:41 PM] Ryushu: Daniel, eyes wide with shock, just shook his head in response. The heat the burning man was giving off was starting to make him feel ill.
[10/28/2016 9:53:29 PM] Dingu: "Well, they're all in a pile inside." He gestured to the tavern. "Shows them what happens when you shout at a person and stab them when they make advances at your throat..."
[10/28/2016 9:53:57 PM] Ryushu: Daniel just decided it'd be best to back well away from the guy; he was starting to tremble.
[10/28/2016 9:54:04 PM | Edited 9:54:28 PM] Luna: Io was clearly strained by the spells she had used, but she realized that Daniel looked sickly as well. She motioned to him to follow her, as she walked back out into the treeline.
[10/28/2016 9:55:02 PM] Ryushu: He's not sure whether to follow her or not; he was oddly fascinated by the man who semed to be immune to fire, and yet terrified, as well.
[10/28/2016 9:56:08 PM] DJ: Link looked at the blazing tavern again as if it was suddenly the most interesting thing before him.
[10/28/2016 9:56:26 PM] Dingu: "So, who're you? Maybe you could help me out. Answer some questions. Or, if you're trembling with fear, your friends."
[10/28/2016 9:56:49 PM | Edited 9:57:16 PM] Ryushu: "I-I....I-I'm D-Daniel, s-sir," he stammered. "Wh-Why are you on fire??"
[10/28/2016 9:56:59 PM] Luna: Io eventually sat down, her back up against a tree. She started coughing a little bit.
[10/28/2016 10:00:57 PM] Dingu: "Oh, I emit flame at will. Cool, right? Also have dragonskin. Total immunity to the fire as well." He cracked his neck a bit. "Anyways, time to quit stalling for time. I'm with this group trying to make the world a better place. I was sent here to ask questions and send a message. I did both, so I'm going to go." He started to wander away the stopped and slapped his head. "Oh right. Tell your friends: We are The Raiders of the End Times. The End begins with us!"
[10/28/2016 10:01:29 PM] Ryushu: "S-So you set the tavern on fire...?!" Daniel accused.
[10/28/2016 10:03:15 PM] DJ: "Well duh." Link responded.
[10/28/2016 10:03:20 PM] DJ: (lawl)
[10/28/2016 10:03:35 PM] Fro: A pebble smacks Link in the back of the head.
[10/28/2016 10:03:36 PM] Dingu: "Yeah, of course. Message sent. The bodies are inside. I don't want anyone to see that mess, but I think my boss did." He paused a moment. "Doesn't matter. Job was done. Hopefully I will not see any of you again, because that means I will have to kill all of you. Bye!"
[10/28/2016 10:04:11 PM] Luna: In Io's mind, however, something different was happening; an argument.
"Airion, what were you thinking? You got us into this mess, being such a yes-man..." "Celeste, we were following orders, show some respect!" "Look at you! You're a puppet!" "And you! Are a traitor!"

Io passed out, falling over onto the ground. She was out cold.
[10/28/2016 10:04:24 PM] Dingu: He started to briskly walk back into the woods, charring the ground underfoot.
[10/28/2016 10:04:35 PM] Ryushu: "Y-You-...wh-why would you do such a thing?! Murdering those innocent people...?!" Now Daniel looked angry, not that he was terribly intimidating. But the man was already leaving.
[10/28/2016 10:05:10 PM] Dingu: He merely hand-waved, not even turning to face Daniel as he continued to walk.
[10/28/2016 10:06:07 PM] Ryushu: Daniel's hands were balled into fists, glaring at the retreating Raider. "H-Hey! I'm talking to you...!!" he barked.
[10/28/2016 10:06:19 PM] DJ: "End times eh?..." Link raised a brow, "Sounds like a group of anarchists to me. No point in reasoning with them Dan." Link took off his cape and began to fan the flames of the tavern, though the flames were probably close to being done by this point. So now apparently Link actually cared about the tavern!
[10/28/2016 10:08:20 PM] Dingu: The burning man turned back and dashed towards Daniel, stopping in front of him. The man's flames burning intensely. If he was any closer, Daniel would be getting burned himself. "I am trying to be decent with you. Don't. Tread. On me." After saying this, he dashed towards the forest.
[10/28/2016 10:08:56 PM] Luna: He might have passed by the now unconscious Io on his way out.
[10/28/2016 10:09:36 PM | Edited 10:09:48 PM] Ryushu: Daniel jumped and nearly fell flat on his ass when the man had dashed up at him suddenly; the intense heat causing him to feel light-headed. He didn't dare to try and argue any further, and watched helplessly as the man dashed away, towards the forest.
[10/28/2016 10:11:56 PM] Ryushu: His arms dropped back down to his sides, and he had a defeated expression on his face.
[10/28/2016 10:15:15 PM] DJ: "Oh don't worry Dan~" Link said with a sweet tone, "This won't be the last time we see him and his embarrassment of a posse." Link's gaze then turned towards where Io had fell, "I think there's something more important you need to attend to right now anyway."
[10/28/2016 10:15:54 PM] Ryushu: "Huh?" He turned around, and noticed Io slumped against the tree. "I-Io...!" he ran towards her.
[10/28/2016 10:16:27 PM] Dingu: This whole time, Jethro has been making sure his cart his ingredients were all safe.
[10/28/2016 10:16:32 PM] Luna: She was slumped over, and she looked very pale. Something was very wrong here.
[10/28/2016 10:17:14 PM] Ryushu: Despite how light-headed and nauseated he was feeling himself, he knew Io needed his help. He knelt down besides her, trying to get her to wake up. "G-Guys, something's wrong...!"
[10/28/2016 10:17:17 PM] DJ: Link gave a smile, looking down at the little green eye jewel on his collar before making his way towards Jethro's cart. He wasn't going to just leave empty handed after all. He did some work, helped illuminate and take down the werewolf (even if he did get knocked away initially, but still). He could always use gold on the road...always.
[10/28/2016 10:18:13 PM] Dingu: Jethro turned and noticed Link, tossing him a large bag of coins. "Here you are, as promised."
[10/28/2016 10:18:37 PM] Dingu: "You seem to be the only one caring about their pay..."
[10/28/2016 10:19:14 PM] Ryushu: Daniel tried to get Io onto her feet; she needed help, and fast.
[10/28/2016 10:19:14 PM] DJ: "Ah! Thank you kindly alchemist." Link caught the bag and put it into his pocket after checking the contacts with a quick peek, "Well what can I say? Someone who's on the road needs all that they can grab."
[10/28/2016 10:20:04 PM] Fro: The Mountain simply stares at the burning tavern.
[10/28/2016 10:20:28 PM] Dingu: "Well said!"
[10/28/2016 10:20:38 PM] DJ: "A bit tragic...ye know...about the werewolf, but it was work none the less." Link shrugged. Jethro could probably feel the aura that Link gave off was a very aloof and uncaring one, despite his constant grin that he always seemed to wear.
[10/28/2016 10:20:49 PM] Ryushu: "S-Someone,,,p-please...!!" He was starting to sound desperate.
[10/28/2016 10:21:47 PM] Dingu: Jethro rolled his eyes when he heard Daniel scream. He grabbed a fey coin bags and made his way to Daniel and Io. "What's going on?"
[10/28/2016 10:22:06 PM] Ryushu: "Sh-She's unconscious, a-and...she looks really sick...!"
[10/28/2016 10:22:59 PM] Luna: Though, at least, the color had slowly been returning to Io's face since he found her. She was getting better, though she wasn't awake yet.
[10/28/2016 10:23:19 PM | Edited 10:24:24 PM] Ryushu: He had no idea why she would suddenly pass out like this, and it worried him, despite the fact that he wasn't exactly in the best condition himself, due to prolonged fire exposure.
[10/28/2016 10:24:08 PM] Dingu: Jethro started looking through his potions in his cloak when he saw Io. He grabbed vial filled with black liquid and ran over to Io, and started to feed it to her.
[10/28/2016 10:24:27 PM] Ryushu: Daniel backed up a bit so that Jethro could do his work.
[10/28/2016 10:25:00 PM] Dingu: "It's called Giant Stomp. Usually potent at waking people, and feeling like a giant stomped on her head."
[10/28/2016 10:25:38 PM] Dingu: "It woke a princess under a sleeping spell once. Was a paid? Noooooo, so I put her back to sleep."
[10/28/2016 10:25:55 PM] Ryushu: "It's not going to hurt her, right?"
[10/28/2016 10:26:14 PM] Dingu: "Only the most painful headache ever. Other than that? No."
[10/28/2016 10:26:19 PM | Edited 10:27:00 PM] Luna: Soon after she had been given the potion, Io woke up, holding her head in pain. She was awake now, though the fact that the potion made her head hurt was only making the problem worse.
[10/28/2016 10:26:33 PM] DJ: Link simply looked on with his large eyes before pulling out the coin bag that Jethro gave him, tossing it into the air as his grin widened. He put it back into his pocket before gathering himself. The eye jewel on his collar seemed to look up at Link when he turned around and started to slowly walk away. He was done with this town for all he knew, and to him there was no point in sticking with the group either.
[10/28/2016 10:26:49 PM] Ryushu: "I-Io, are you okay...?"
[10/28/2016 10:26:50 PM] Dingu: "You're awake! I will be taking your share of the job as payment then!"
[10/28/2016 10:26:54 PM] DJ: (unless you guys want to stop Link and drag him along, eventually giving him Stockholm syndrome XD)
[10/28/2016 10:27:27 PM] Luna: "Oww!" Io barely even seemed to hear the two of them.
[10/28/2016 10:27:49 PM] Dingu: (Either that or you can bring Dusty in. Your choice.)
[10/28/2016 10:28:15 PM] Dingu: "So Daniel, do you want your pay or not?"
[10/28/2016 10:28:32 PM] Ryushu: ".......fine, I'll take it. I'm nearly broke, anyways..."
[10/28/2016 10:28:36 PM] DJ: (Eh I might have Dusty appear when you guys enter some sort of farming community or something)
[10/28/2016 10:28:49 PM] Fro: Link would be stopped in his tracks by something grabbing his collar.
(ewe)
[10/28/2016 10:28:57 PM] DJ: (Link on the other hand, if he leaves, will still appear in other places. He does travel XD)
[10/28/2016 10:29:00 PM] DJ: (oh!)
[10/28/2016 10:29:02 PM] Ryushu: He didn't feel good about accepting the money after what they did to the mother werewolf, but he couldn't exactly keep scraping by like this.
[10/28/2016 10:29:24 PM] Luna: Io was in excruciating pain now, thanks to the combination of her previous condition and the potion.
[10/28/2016 10:29:56 PM] Dingu: "It's funny, no one has ever thought of making pain-reducing potions that don't completely numb you... I should try that!"
[10/28/2016 10:30:01 PM] DJ: Link nearly choked, "Gah! What?! Wh- oh.." Link finally looked over his shoulder, "...Yes? Can the great Link Lingara help you with something?" he said with a hint of annoyance.
[10/28/2016 10:31:08 PM] Luna: (And with that Jethro becomes Medic)
[10/28/2016 10:31:28 PM | Edited 10:32:36 PM] Fro: He's lifted into the air rather easily. "Coming with us." Link finds himself looking at the blank helmet of the Mountain.
(-w-)
[10/28/2016 10:31:49 PM] Ryushu: Daniel was starting to feel a bit better after being in the cool night air; he's mostly relieved that Io is okay, though.
[10/28/2016 10:32:35 PM] Luna: She certainly didn't look okay; she was keeled over, holding her head, her eyes pretty much glued shut. She looked like she was about to scream.
[10/28/2016 10:32:37 PM] DJ: "...Why?..." Link had to ask. Why...why...? Why did this big brute want anything to do with the great Link Lingara?
[10/28/2016 10:33:25 PM] Dingu: "Probably as a squire." Jethro said to Link.
[10/28/2016 10:33:38 PM] DJ: "A squire?!" Link seemed offended.
[10/28/2016 10:34:31 PM] Fro: "Either that or a cowardly chicken running with it's head cut off."
[10/28/2016 10:35:11 PM] Ryushu: (i need to eat, brb)
[10/28/2016 10:35:27 PM] Luna: (kk)
[10/28/2016 10:35:36 PM] Dingu: "Are you fine, Io? Do you need another potion?"
[10/28/2016 10:35:41 PM] DJ: "What? Cowardly? Me? Ahahaha~...That's the biggest joke I've ever heard." Link narrowed his eyes.
[10/28/2016 10:36:06 PM] Luna: Io didn't answer him, she just kept holding her head. (How long does the potion last?)
[10/28/2016 10:36:07 PM] Fro: "You stood behind us the whole way to the cave."
[10/28/2016 10:36:26 PM] Dingu: (Not long. should be wearing off in a second)
[10/28/2016 10:36:33 PM] Luna: (Okie)
[10/28/2016 10:36:57 PM] DJ: "Naturally! You think I could stand getting hit by a werewolf like you two?" Link said. He wasn't exactly wrong, considering that he did get bitch slapped rather easily by that thing.
[10/28/2016 10:37:19 PM] Fro: "...You're staying."
[10/28/2016 10:37:43 PM] Luna: Io then seemed to relax, the potion wearing off. She backed up against the tree she was up against earlier, just recovering.
[10/28/2016 10:37:53 PM] Dingu: "You did. and all you did was shoot a single fireball." Jethro jumped in. "I have a potion for making people braver. It's alcohol mixed in with troll fat."
[10/28/2016 10:38:02 PM] DJ: "Oh please...what use would you have for me~?" Link smiled coyly, "If I'm a coward as you suggest, what good would I be to you eh~?"
[10/28/2016 10:38:31 PM] Dingu: Jethro turned back to Io. "The headache gone?"
[10/28/2016 10:39:28 PM] Luna: "It is now... thank you...." Io responded, sounding very unenthused. She glared at him again, her heterochromic eyes clearly telling him to get lost.
[10/28/2016 10:40:13 PM] DJ: Things were not looking well for the mage. Link did not want to be tied down to a bunch of people! This would get in the way of his goal!...maybe not? Either way, Link was not too fond of the idea of being kept against his will.
[10/28/2016 10:40:47 PM] Fro: "Magic."
(Gotta give tiny mage credit, he's awful brave being smarmy against a guy with an axe longer than he is.)
[10/28/2016 10:41:03 PM] Dingu: "Well, better to have a headache than unexplained coma."
[10/28/2016 10:41:25 PM] DJ: (Well Link can be brave. He mostly just throw a single fireball cause..really...was he really needed for that fight?)
[10/28/2016 10:41:35 PM] DJ: (he lit up the cave. What else was he supposed to do eh? XD)
[10/28/2016 10:42:01 PM] Fro: "Finding out more about whatever you're looking for."
(Turn into a goat and the bait?)
[10/28/2016 10:42:08 PM] Luna: Io scowled at him. She knew what had happened, and she sort of wanted to see him put in her situation, with two spirits arguing inside of her mind...
[10/28/2016 10:42:33 PM] DJ: (he can't shapeshift)
[10/28/2016 10:44:05 PM] DJ: (I removed his ability to shapeshift cause I thought it was kinda dumb for him to have)
[10/28/2016 10:44:44 PM] Dingu: "What happened, friend?" He asked Io.
[10/28/2016 10:45:14 PM] Luna: "Long story..." Io didn't seem to want to explain.
[10/28/2016 10:45:41 PM] Fro: (Twas a joke friend)
[10/28/2016 10:46:01 PM] Dingu: "So it is a constant problem."
[10/28/2016 10:46:11 PM] DJ: (o o3o)
[10/28/2016 10:46:40 PM] Luna: Io slowly nodded.
[10/28/2016 10:46:47 PM] Fro: (yep)
[10/28/2016 10:46:50 PM] DJ: "...EEeeh..." Link couldn't think of anything else to fire back with so he just shut his mouth, defeated. Apparently there was no getting out of this situation.
[10/28/2016 10:49:04 PM] Dingu: "Then I'll be sure to have more Giant Stomp made. And maybe you can be my test subject for these new 'painkillers' I make!"
[10/28/2016 10:49:25 PM | Removed 10:49:33 PM] Luna: This message has been removed.
[10/28/2016 10:50:20 PM] Fro: "Any more complaints?"
[10/28/2016 10:50:59 PM] Ryushu: (lol I just realized that Daniel did more than Link did)
[10/28/2016 10:51:35 PM] DJ: (Yeah most people did)
[10/28/2016 10:51:48 PM] DJ: (mostly cause everyone was jumping on the werewolf and I was just sitting here like "Oooh okay .3.;")
[10/28/2016 10:52:03 PM] Ryushu: (but it's funny to me because Dan's a big baby .w.)
[10/28/2016 10:52:16 PM] DJ: (Dan also probably cares more about things then Link does XD)
[10/28/2016 10:52:25 PM] Ryushu: (that's true)
[10/28/2016 10:52:31 PM] Ryushu: (probably cares too much)
[10/28/2016 10:53:32 PM] DJ: "...I'm still going to complain about this 'contract' you seem to have forced me into." Link said, his normally black eyes shrinking to reveal that the blackness was actually his pupils, green irises being revealed underneath.
[10/28/2016 10:54:09 PM] Ryushu: Daniel was staying close to Io, in case she needed his support. His rat poked her head out from inside his cloak hood.
[10/28/2016 10:54:37 PM] Fro: "Then they will fall on deaf ears."
[10/28/2016 10:57:20 PM] DJ: Link's pupils returned back to their normal abnormally large size, "...Ah...fine then. Perhaps this alliance may prove beneficial in the long run then."
[10/28/2016 10:57:31 PM] Luna: "No! Leave me alone!" Io scowled, walking away.
[10/28/2016 10:58:14 PM] Luna: (Sorry, lagged)
[10/28/2016 10:58:43 PM] Fro: "..." He sets Link down, dusting him off.
[10/28/2016 10:58:49 PM] Dingu: Jethro sighed. "I'm no good with people. Daniel, do something cute and charming. Maybe she will agree to test my potions then..."
[10/28/2016 10:59:13 PM] Ryushu: "What do you want me to do?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
[10/28/2016 10:59:50 PM] Dingu: "talk to Io. She seems to regard you as a friend."
[10/28/2016 11:00:14 PM] Ryushu: "You want me to convince her to be a test subject? Fat chance."
[10/28/2016 11:01:16 PM] DJ: Link allowed for The Mountain to dust him off. The mage was no stranger to human contact and it surely showed. Still, he had this air of annoyance that surrounded him as he was still very much opposed to being tied down against his will. But he began to think upon this and while he would have to move with the group, he may find what he was looking for regardless...afterall, they all seemed like a bunch of travelers.
[10/28/2016 11:02:04 PM] Dingu: "Fine... Just talk to her then. I don't bloody care."
[10/28/2016 11:02:09 PM] DJ: (anyway guys I'ma go to bed now)
[10/28/2016 11:02:17 PM] DJ: (and get this windows update out of the way =v=)
[10/28/2016 11:02:21 PM] Ryushu: (okey)
[10/28/2016 11:02:30 PM] DJ: goodnight my dudes
[10/28/2016 11:02:43 PM] Ryushu: "I will talk to her, then." With a huff, he goes to join Io.
[10/28/2016 11:02:43 PM] Luna: As Io walked past Daniel, she saw the rat, and smiled a bit. She loved animals. (G'night)
[10/28/2016 11:04:04 PM] Luna: Io saw Daniel come over to catch up to him, and sighed. "Is this what your world here is like?" She asked, innocently. It may sound strange, but it was a legitimate question; Io had lived a very isolated life.
[10/28/2016 11:04:43 PM] Ryushu: "Uhh...what do you mean?" he asked, a bit confused.
[10/28/2016 11:05:45 PM] Luna: "I grew up in a forest far from civilization. Is this what it's like to live amongst the others? Tragedy and exploitation?" She seemed depressed.
[10/28/2016 11:07:33 PM] Ryushu: Daniel bit his lip. "W-Well...no...! It's not all bad..! I-I mean....sure, there's bad things, but there's some good, too...!"
He frowned.
"But...it mostly just seems like bad stuff, right now, what with all the bandits and monsters..."
[10/28/2016 11:07:54 PM] Dingu: "THERE'S PLENTY OF TRAGEDY AND EXPLOITATION!"
[10/28/2016 11:08:03 PM] Dingu: Jethro shouted from a distance
[10/28/2016 11:08:17 PM] Dingu: "AM I BEING INTRUSIVE?"
[10/28/2016 11:08:32 PM] Luna: Io looked away. "I see..."
[10/28/2016 11:08:37 PM] Ryushu: Daniel just tries to ignore Jethro.
[10/28/2016 11:08:44 PM] Ryushu: "But...there's good, too, I promise."
[10/28/2016 11:09:01 PM] Dingu: "I AM, AREN'T? BACK TO GRINDING WOLF BRAIN THEN!"
[10/28/2016 11:09:08 PM] Dingu: He trots off back to his cart
[10/28/2016 11:09:32 PM | Edited 11:10:00 PM] Luna: "Thank you." Io replied to Daniel, covering his ears when she heard Jethro pipe up again.
[10/28/2016 11:10:13 PM] Ryushu: He smiled, and blusehd faintly.
"Y-You're welcome," he said.

## Part 3

[11/7/2016 9:00:32 PM] Luna: It was a quiet sunrise, the morning after that horrid tavern fire. Nobody seemed to be around, besides the ragtag little group.

Io had taken off into the woods that night, a forest child as she was, but she was headed back now to check up on the others.
[11/7/2016 9:02:17 PM] Ryushu: Daniel was fast asleep, curled up on his side, with his rat nestled near his chest.
[11/7/2016 9:02:21 PM] Dingu: Jethro seems to have started refining the ingredients the group got for him earlier in the night. Werewolf remains, when properly prepared, cost a fortune. He was set on making all that money in full
[11/7/2016 9:06:15 PM] Luna: Io spotted Daniel, and started to walk towards him.
[11/7/2016 9:08:18 PM] Luna: Once she got there, she sat down next to him, taking out a small satchel. She took some food from it, offering it to the rat.
[11/7/2016 9:11:50 PM] Ryushu: Daniel didn't wake up from that, butt he rat, who was a much lighter sleeper than he was, sat up and looked up at Io. When she saw the food, she carefully took it with her mouth and started to nibble on it, holding it in her front paws.
[11/7/2016 9:13:37 PM] Luna: Io smiled, seeing this. Io reached out to pet her, though she hesitated long enough as if to ask if it was okay.
[11/7/2016 9:15:45 PM | Edited 9:15:54 PM] Dingu: Jethro hopped out of his cart and threw off his blood-splattered apron. "Finally finished with the refinement!" He went through one of his many pockets and took out a large vial filled with a thick green liquid and joined the other two. "Would any of you like one f my enrichment potions? Good to wake up to! gets rid of any need for rest for a whole day." He took a swig from the vial. "I live off of this."
[11/7/2016 9:16:15 PM] Luna: Io politely shook her head no. "No thanks..."
[11/7/2016 9:18:12 PM] Dingu: "your loss. Now Dan there looks like he could use some!"
[11/7/2016 9:19:13 PM] Luna: Io simply put her hand on Daniel's shoulder. "Good morning..."
[11/7/2016 9:20:13 PM] Ryushu: Dan groaned a bit, stirring slightly. "Whu...?" The rat seemed to want pats from Io.
[11/7/2016 9:20:49 PM] Luna: Once she was sure that Dan was waking up, Io went to petting the she-rat.
[11/7/2016 9:21:07 PM] Fro: The Mountain sits on a rock, motionless with his axe in the ground.
[11/7/2016 9:21:20 PM | Edited 9:21:55 PM] Ryushu: The rat bruxxed in contentment as Io petted her. Daniel's eyes slowly opened; he seemed groggy.
[11/7/2016 9:21:58 PM] Dingu: "Want some enrichment in the form of a drink, Daniel? It'll wake you up!"
[11/7/2016 9:22:08 PM] Luna: "Did you sleep well?" Io asked, sounding very caring of Daniel.
[11/7/2016 9:23:47 PM] Ryushu: "Uhhhh.....well, the ground's not the most comfortable place to sleep..." He looked over at Jethro. "Is it going to give me a massive headache?"
[11/7/2016 9:24:47 PM] Dingu: "Of course not! Just some restlessness with your hands. You'll be fidgety."
[11/7/2016 9:25:09 PM] Ryushu: "Well, that's not too bad..."
[11/7/2016 9:25:23 PM] Luna: Io sighed slightly, continuing to pet the rat.
[11/7/2016 9:26:22 PM] Ryushu: Daniel smiled. "Huh, Raylis seems to like you. Normally she doesn't warm up to strangers that fast."
[11/7/2016 9:26:44 PM] Luna: Io smiled. "She's really sweet..."
[11/7/2016 9:26:58 PM] Ryushu: "She is a good rat."
[11/7/2016 9:27:07 PM] Dingu: Jethro handed Daniel a vial of the green liquid. "First sample is free."
[11/7/2016 9:28:02 PM] Ryushu: He took the vial. "Thanks..." Although a bit hesitant, he eventually took a swig of the liquid.
[11/7/2016 9:29:09 PM] Dingu: it would taste like a mix of leaves and fungus. The affect would be subtle at first, but he would feel a jolt of energy, like a kick in the head, but a good one.
[11/7/2016 9:29:59 PM] Ryushu: Daniel was trying to wrap his head around the odd taste when he suddenly felt wide awake. "Whoa."
[11/7/2016 9:30:35 PM] Dingu: "Strange isn't it?" Jethro mused. "An alchemist making a successful potion, gods forbid."
[11/7/2016 9:31:34 PM] Luna: Io simply looked on, before spotting The Mountain out of the corner of her eye. She waved, in a friendly manner.
[11/7/2016 9:31:53 PM] Ryushu: "Why? Do they usually turn out to be busts?"
[11/7/2016 9:33:08 PM] Luna: "Because potion-making is incredibly precise." Io chimed in. She knew; her kin made potions too.
[11/7/2016 9:34:05 PM] Dingu: "There are a lot of frauds out there who pay more for their plague masks than their ingredients. the 750 I paid each of you wasn't because I was generous." He nodded at Io. "Also a valid point. I didn't sleep at all last night. I was preparing ingredients to be used. Something too few alchemists do nowadays."
[11/7/2016 9:35:00 PM] Ryushu: "I see..."
[11/7/2016 9:35:07 PM] Luna: Io nodded in agreement.
[11/7/2016 9:40:36 PM] Dingu: Jethro looked out towards the cinders of the tavern. "One of the greatest things about alchemy." He mused. "I can use just about anything for ingredients."
[11/7/2016 9:41:18 PM] Luna: "That is true, I must admit..." Io agreed.
[11/7/2016 9:41:54 PM] Ryushu: "Those poor people..."
[11/7/2016 9:41:57 PM] Dingu: "Yep.... Just like the charred human remains inside the ruins of the tavern. Who wants to help me collect some ingredients?"
[11/7/2016 9:42:22 PM] Luna: Io shook her head, looking disgusted at the thought of it.
[11/7/2016 9:43:27 PM] Dingu: Jethro noticed her look. "Don't be like that! They aren't using it! It would be a crying shame to waste such good material." He said, getting up and cheerily going towards the ruins of the tavern.
[11/7/2016 9:45:21 PM | Edited 9:45:37 PM] Luna: Io sighed. "Disrespectful..." She mumbled under her breath.
[11/7/2016 9:46:38 PM] Dingu: "The dead haven't refused yet!" He retorts, starting to pick away a corpse like a vulture, putting the ashy remains in a jar.
[11/7/2016 9:49:05 PM] Luna: Io seemed sad. When she looked upon the remains, she saw restless souls, but she couldn't help them. Her energy would hurt them. If only there were a way...
[11/7/2016 9:49:39 PM] Saren: QwQ
[11/7/2016 9:49:44 PM] Saren: I'm at work lol
[11/7/2016 9:49:55 PM] Ryushu: Daniel just grimaced at the sight of Jethro vandalizing the remains.
[11/7/2016 9:50:00 PM | Edited 9:50:09 PM] Ryushu: (sorry ;w; )
[11/7/2016 9:50:20 PM] Luna: Just chit-chat Saren, you won't miss much I promise
[11/7/2016 9:50:41 PM] Fro: (.w.)
[11/7/2016 9:50:53 PM] Saren: Lol XD I know
[11/7/2016 9:51:34 PM] Fro: He gets up, wandering over to the corpses. "..."
[11/7/2016 9:51:40 PM] Luna: Io looked down at the ground, muttering something to herself. It sounded like some kind of prayer.
[11/7/2016 9:53:22 PM] Dingu: "Did you know, charred human flesh is a good for bulking up mages when mixed with the right stuff, but it can also cause paralysis when mixed with... different right stuff."
[11/7/2016 9:53:51 PM] Ryushu: Daniel's face turned a queasy shade of green at that.
[11/7/2016 9:54:22 PM] Fro: He picks up a corpse, carrying it from Jethro's reach.
[11/7/2016 9:54:35 PM] Luna: Io sighed, wrapping her arm around Daniel.
[11/7/2016 9:54:51 PM] Ryushu: (Lol Mountains's like 'no you can't have this')
[11/7/2016 9:55:00 PM] Ryushu: Daniel leaned slightly against her]
[11/7/2016 9:55:52 PM] Dingu: "if you ever had blue liquid with red powder inside as a majicka potion, that red powder is human remains."
[11/7/2016 9:56:11 PM] Luna: With her free hand, Io was using her staff to trace a rune on the ground.
[11/7/2016 9:56:17 PM] Dingu: "Alchemy has a purpose for everyone, my friends."
[11/7/2016 9:56:59 PM] Ryushu: "I've never used potions before, and now I'm not sure if I ever plan to."
[11/7/2016 9:57:13 PM] Ryushu: (Not counting the one Jethro just gave him, of course)
[11/7/2016 9:58:16 PM] Luna: "No worries, Daniel. You don't have to." Io reassured him. Her rune was almost done...
[11/7/2016 9:58:25 PM] Dingu: Jethro sighed. "How about this? I'll tell you each and every ingredient in a potion before you take it. No secrets. I don't give that kind of service to everyone."
[11/7/2016 9:58:37 PM] Dingu: He finished up, the jar vanishing into his cloak.
[11/7/2016 9:58:59 PM] Fro: He sets the corpse down, collecting another before laying it on the ground.
[11/7/2016 9:59:49 PM] Ryushu: "...alright, then."
[11/7/2016 10:02:26 PM] Luna: Once Io's rune was done, she tapped the center of it with her staff. This caused her staff to shimmer with energy. She wanted to show Daniel what she saw here...
[11/7/2016 10:03:02 PM | Edited 10:03:09 PM] Ryushu: Curious, he wandered over to her; his rat was perched on his shoulder once more.
[11/7/2016 10:04:27 PM] Luna: "Oh? Do you want to see this the way I do?" She asked, her staff ready.
[11/7/2016 10:04:54 PM] Dingu: Jethro looked on in curiosity as well.
[11/7/2016 10:05:23 PM] Fro: He's just busy giving the corpses a burial.
[11/7/2016 10:05:45 PM] Ryushu: Daniel nodded. "Yeah."
[11/7/2016 10:06:48 PM] Luna: "Okay. Close your eyes, then..." Io said, calmly, before tapping the center of Daniel's forehead with the top of her staff.
[11/7/2016 10:07:02 PM] Dingu: "boop"
[11/7/2016 10:07:08 PM] Luna: (exactly)
[11/7/2016 10:08:24 PM] Ryushu: He did as he was instructed, closing his eyes.
[11/7/2016 10:12:26 PM] Luna: Daniel would probably start to feel strange. Just out of good humor, Io did the same for Raylis, though it probably wouldn't matter to the she-rat either way.

"Alright, you can open them now..."

When Daniel opened his eyes, everything looked just slightly different. Everything hummed with life, except for the burned tavern. Around the burned tavern, there were ghostly figures wandering around. A few were chattering with each other as if nothing ever happened. Some were watching The Mountain's work, as if to find where they belonged. Some were eyeing Jethro, seemingly restless.
[11/7/2016 10:14:03 PM] Ryushu: Daniel opened his eyes, and was quite startled by what he saw. The spirits of those who were killed in the fire...they were still here, unable to pass on and finally rest. Some didn't even seem to realize that they were dead.
"Oh...oh my god..."
[11/7/2016 10:15:06 PM] Luna: Io nodded, somberly. She was silent.
[11/7/2016 10:16:31 PM] Ryushu: "This is...this is what you always see?"
[11/7/2016 10:16:40 PM] Fro: He finishes giving them a burial, kneeling in front of their grave.
[11/7/2016 10:18:02 PM] Luna: "Most of the time, yes." Io took a knee as well, even though she was far away from the graves.
[11/7/2016 10:18:33 PM] Ryushu: "I...I had no idea..."
[11/7/2016 10:19:26 PM] Luna: "It's alright. I'm a strange one. You see, I wish I could help them, but my magic will hurt them instead..."
[11/7/2016 10:20:20 PM] Ryushu: "Why will it hurt them?"
[11/7/2016 10:21:58 PM] Luna: "The magic energy I use is unstable. It's toxic to normal souls like them..."
[11/7/2016 10:22:13 PM] Ryushu: "Ohh..."
[11/7/2016 10:23:26 PM | Edited 10:24:21 PM] Luna: "You see now? What's really here?"
[11/7/2016 10:23:41 PM] Ryushu: (see what?)
[11/7/2016 10:23:57 PM] Luna: (She's just asking a rhetorical question)
[11/7/2016 10:24:21 PM] Ryushu: (oh, okay)
[11/7/2016 10:24:26 PM] Ryushu: "I...I think I do, now.."
[11/7/2016 10:24:52 PM] Luna: Io nodded. As if on cue, the magical view started to fade, back to normal...
[11/7/2016 10:25:20 PM] Dingu: "So what did you two see?"
[11/7/2016 10:25:57 PM] Ryushu: "The ghosts of the people that died here are still wandering around. It's like they can't rest..."
[11/7/2016 10:26:30 PM] Luna: Io nodded in agreement.
[11/7/2016 10:26:32 PM] Dingu: Jethro looked into his cloak, at the ashes of the dead, in a sort of shock.
[11/7/2016 10:26:42 PM] Dingu: "i hope they don't mind..."
[11/7/2016 10:27:30 PM] Ryushu: "Some of them looked pretty restless around you..."
[11/7/2016 10:29:17 PM | Edited 10:30:59 PM] Dingu: He took out the jar, and stared blankly at it, finally sighing in defeat. "Potions made of human flesh don't sell well anyways." he said, placing the jar close to the bodies the mountain was putting together
[11/7/2016 10:30:49 PM] Luna: Io looked on, wistfully. It seemed she could still see the spirits, which had then left him alone. "There you go." She smiled.
[11/7/2016 10:32:00 PM] Dingu: Jethro looked about the wreckage and noticed a single bottle of wine in the ashes, unopened and unharmed. He picked it up and eyed it. "huh..."
[11/7/2016 10:34:03 PM] Dingu: "I'm calling it. This is a sign. Anyone want to drink in their names, later?"
[11/7/2016 10:35:03 PM] Ryushu: "...sure..."
[11/7/2016 10:35:03 PM] Luna: Io looked out where the spirits were, as if to ask permission. She then nodded, though hesitantly. She had never actually drank wine before.
[11/7/2016 10:35:47 PM] Dingu: "Do any of you have any glasses?"
[11/7/2016 10:36:11 PM] Ryushu: "Erm...no.."
[11/7/2016 10:36:54 PM] Luna: "You're an alchemist, don't you have empty vials or something?" Io asked, somewhat innocently.
[11/7/2016 10:38:18 PM] Fro: He places the jar in the grave, before standing up.
[11/7/2016 10:40:54 PM] Dingu: "I do. Just wanted to make sure before I used them." He said, popping the cork. He started to pour some into four of his larger vials with flat bottoms. "This is local wine, too. Had an etched on label. Probably made from the grapes growing in the vineyards not far from here. What I'm saying is that this wine is their legacy." He gestured to the tavern. "I think this is what the barkeep would have wanted." He finished pouring the glasses and handed one to each of them. "I say we all have a toast. Who would go first?"
[11/7/2016 10:41:56 PM] Luna: Io delicately took hers in hand, somewhat clueless.
[11/7/2016 10:42:03 PM] Fro: He stares at the wine, then looks at Jethro, then the wine.
[11/7/2016 10:42:21 PM] Ryushu: Daniel took the vial of wine that was offered to him, but seemed too nervous to start the toast.
[11/7/2016 10:43:01 PM] Dingu: "I guess I will go first, since you all have probably never toasted before."
[11/7/2016 10:43:15 PM] Luna: Io nodded. This was her first time.
[11/7/2016 10:43:37 PM] Ryushu: Daniel nodded as well.
[11/7/2016 10:44:03 PM] Fro: He makes no head movement.
[11/7/2016 10:45:08 PM] Dingu: He raised his vial. "To the lost and the found. And all the opportunities that come with both! May the ones not able to walk beside us be the ones pushing us forward! I overheard that one when I was young..."
[11/7/2016 10:45:55 PM] Ryushu: Daniel raised his vial as well.
[11/7/2016 10:46:12 PM] Luna: Io seemed to catch on pretty quick. She raised her vial.
[11/7/2016 10:47:35 PM] Fro: He raises the vial.
[11/7/2016 10:47:42 PM | Edited 10:49:06 PM] Dingu: Jethro was the first to take a sip. It was sweet, as far as wine went. Maybe had some honey in it. "now you all take a drink of yours and give a toast, then drink again."
[11/7/2016 10:51:34 PM] Ryushu: Daniel nodded, and took a sip of his wine. He wasn't sure what to do next, however.
[11/7/2016 10:51:37 PM | Edited 10:51:57 PM] Luna: Io seemed to understand. She took a small, hesitant sip of her wine. The taste was strange to her; her face contorted oddly. Clearly, someone just had their first drink.
[11/7/2016 10:52:02 PM] Fro: He stares at the wine, and shakes it a little.
[11/7/2016 10:53:09 PM] Dingu: "It takes some getting used to, Io. The first sip is the worst. Now whose toast is next?
[11/7/2016 10:54:59 PM] Ryushu: "Uhhh...w-well...to catching the ones responsible for this and bringing them to justice, and avenging these poor souls!"
[11/7/2016 10:56:19 PM] Dingu: Jethro raised his glass. and took a sip. "I might join that little quest..."
[11/7/2016 10:56:49 PM] Luna: Io sipped her wine again, still not accustomed to the taste.
[11/7/2016 10:56:57 PM] Ryushu: Daniel took another sip as well.
[11/7/2016 10:58:50 PM] Luna: Io cleared her throat, ready for hers. "To the spirits left behind here, may peace be with them as they find their way..."
[11/7/2016 10:59:37 PM | Edited 11:01:04 PM] Dingu: Jethro raised his glass once more and drank. "May they not be too mad their remains are in a pile... and inside a jar."
[11/7/2016 11:01:03 PM] Luna: Io sipped from her vial again. Though, in her head...

"Come on, Airion, don't make a scene."

"But those ashes need to be among nature! That's the only way..."
[11/7/2016 11:01:55 PM] Dingu: "How about you, Mountain? Care to toast?"
[11/7/2016 11:03:15 PM] Fro: He shakes his head.
[11/7/2016 11:03:55 PM] Dingu: "I'm finishing my drink anyways." He takes one final drink of his wine, finishing it.
[11/7/2016 11:05:00 PM] Luna: Io sees this, and does the same. After she swallowed it however, she started to cough.
[11/7/2016 11:05:21 PM] Ryushu: Daniel doesn't feel too inclined to swallow down the rest of his wine all at once.
[11/7/2016 11:05:45 PM] Fro: He pats Io's back.
[11/7/2016 11:06:10 PM] Dingu: "Wait... you actually downed it all... I'm surprised. Not everyone can drink like an alchemist."
[11/7/2016 11:06:15 PM] Luna: "Thank-you..." Io replied, getting a hold of herself.
[11/7/2016 11:06:26 PM] Fro: He nods.
[11/7/2016 11:07:57 PM] Luna: Io smiled to the rest of them, happily. It seemed that she'd made up her mind; she would stay with this little group for now. Especially Daniel.
[11/7/2016 11:08:26 PM] Dingu: "Hey, you want to know what vile thing I slipped into everyone's drinks?"
[11/7/2016 11:08:59 PM] Luna: Io gave Jethro a menacing glare. "What?!?"
[11/7/2016 11:08:59 PM] Ryushu: "You did what??"
[11/7/2016 11:09:31 PM] Dingu: "Just kidding!" He laughed. "It's an alchemist and assassin joke."
[11/7/2016 11:09:58 PM] Luna: "Veeery funny..."
[11/7/2016 11:09:59 PM] Ryushu: Daniel glared at Jethro anyways.
[11/7/2016 11:10:18 PM | Edited 11:10:31 PM] Luna: Who knew Io could be so sarcastic?
[11/7/2016 11:14:15 PM] Dingu: "not fans of poison humor? Speaking of, since this is both your first time drinking, you're about to find out exactly what wine does for you. Be glad you have people with you. I had no one when I got drunk the first time... That's all I'm saying about that..."
[11/7/2016 11:15:56 PM | Edited 11:16:04 PM] Ryushu: "I wouldn't dare go out by myself when I'm vulnerable..."
[11/7/2016 11:16:16 PM] Luna: Io didn't need to be told. She was looking just a little tipsy already.
[11/7/2016 11:17:42 PM | Edited 11:17:55 PM] Ryushu: And this is why Daniel didn't like to drink. He could already feel himself getting buzzed, and he hadn't even finished his wine.
[11/7/2016 11:19:09 PM] Dingu: "Hopefully this doesn't clash with my morning brew..."
[11/7/2016 11:21:09 PM] Ryushu: "Huh?"
[11/7/2016 11:22:04 PM] Dingu: "Nevermind. I'm sure the stuff I gave you this morning will have no hallucinogenic side-effects when coupled with fermented grapes."
[11/7/2016 11:22:16 PM] Dingu: His denial was oddly specific
[11/7/2016 11:22:54 PM | Edited 11:38:45 PM] Ryushu: "......." He awkwardly eyed the vial of wine he was holding, before taking another drink. Probably not the best idea, but here's hoping he wouldn't come across any adverse effects.
[11/7/2016 11:43:14 PM] Fro: He stares at the wine, before pouring it into Jethro's vial.

## Part 4

[11/10/2016 8:37:44 PM] Dingu: Jethro was seen packing up his caravan in a sort of rush. At the moment, he was making sure his horse, Copper, was well fed, giving her the green concoction he gave Daniel a while ago.
[11/10/2016 8:41:08 PM] Luna: Io had simply been relaxing, her back up against a tree while she let the alcohol from the wine wear off. The petite mage seemed to be dozing off at the moment.
[11/10/2016 8:46:16 PM] Dingu: "Io, get up!" Jethro shouted at her. "Make sure the others are awake and see if they want to help chase the man on fire!"
[11/10/2016 8:46:56 PM] Ryushu: Daniel was minding his own business as well, waiting for the alcohol to wear off.
[11/10/2016 8:47:07 PM | Edited 8:47:22 PM] Saren: Sir Varron was already up, staring at Jethro
[11/10/2016 8:47:47 PM] Luna: "Huh?" Io got up, a little wobbly but still okay. "Alright then." She did as she was told, first walking over to Daniel.
[11/10/2016 8:50:17 PM] Dingu: Jethro looked at Varron and nodded. "Varron." he muttered. "You missed the toast last night. Of all people, I thought you would need the drink most. I might have some left, if you are willing to pay for it."
[11/10/2016 8:51:13 PM] Saren: "No need, I was busy with my companion.."
[11/10/2016 8:51:59 PM] Fro: The Mountain is leaning against a tree, the wine untouched.
[11/10/2016 8:52:03 PM] Dingu: "The young wolf? How is the thing doing?"
[11/10/2016 8:53:40 PM] Saren: "Calibaan is fine."
[11/10/2016 8:54:30 PM] Dingu: "You named it?"
[11/10/2016 8:55:09 PM] Saren: "Yes."
[11/10/2016 8:56:16 PM] Saren: "Think about it, it's a werewolf pup.. Unlike humans you can count on canine loyalty if you treat them right."
[11/10/2016 8:57:38 PM] Dingu: "And I learned you can count human loyalty if you pay them right." he retorted. "Starve a dog, though, and he'll eat anything, even you."
[11/10/2016 8:58:02 PM] Ryushu: "At least a rat is not expensive to feed," Daniel mumbled.
[11/10/2016 8:58:25 PM] Dingu: Jethro put on the smile he uses to sell. "But you can always buy my specially made dog feed! Really cheap!"
[11/10/2016 9:00:03 PM] Luna: "Daniel, Jethro wants you. He's wondering if you want to help find the criminal who started this..." Io explained, tapping her staff on the ground.
[11/10/2016 9:00:44 PM] Saren: "Someone pays a man in your employ more than what your offering to harm you, chances are they will."
[11/10/2016 9:00:55 PM] Ryushu: He climbed to his feet, his rat balancing on his shoulder. "Heck yeah, I do! He needs to pay for the lives he's cruelly taken...!"
[11/10/2016 9:01:12 PM] Dingu: "Is that a yes or a no to the feed?"
[11/10/2016 9:02:27 PM] Luna: Io was willing to go along, but she didn't want to fight. She wanted to explore, she wanted to make sure that everyone was in good shape. "Alright then." She nodded.
[11/10/2016 9:03:24 PM] Dingu: "Anyways, we're hunting the man who set the tavern ablaze, Varren. Would you like to join us?"
[11/10/2016 9:05:15 PM] Saren: "Aye."
[11/10/2016 9:05:30 PM] Saren: "I'll accompany you on this journey."
[11/10/2016 9:06:16 PM] DJ: (sorry got preoccupied with stuff there)
[11/10/2016 9:07:34 PM] Dingu: (it's cool)
[11/10/2016 9:08:22 PM] Ryushu: (can we slow down slightly? I gotta shower)
[11/10/2016 9:08:51 PM] Luna: (sure. I won't answer unless Io gets asked directly)
[11/10/2016 9:09:15 PM] Dingu: "Great. Everyone should pack their thing and put them in my cart. Do be careful not to destroy anything back there. I'll make sure you pay for it."
[11/10/2016 9:09:18 PM | Removed 9:09:31 PM] Dingu: This message has been removed.
[11/10/2016 9:09:29 PM] Ryushu: (ty)
[11/10/2016 9:09:35 PM] Dingu: (okay )
[11/10/2016 9:10:01 PM] Ryushu: (I just wanna majke sure I can find my bearings easily when I get back)
[11/10/2016 9:10:17 PM] Saren: "Yes yes.."
[11/10/2016 9:10:26 PM] Dingu: (We wont all take off and start moving)
[11/10/2016 9:12:24 PM] DJ: Link had strayed away from the group while no one was paying attention to him at the time, still eager to not get himself involved with affairs that hardly concerned him. Not when he had his own mission in mind. Link Lingara was still close by, having hidden himself away in the trees. His voice could be heard occasionally when it rose but what he was saying was hardly distinguishable given the distance.
[11/10/2016 9:12:44 PM] DJ: (Link's still like "Nope, this is just going to get in the way of me becoming a god later")
[11/10/2016 9:14:14 PM] Dingu: Jethro noticed Link's lack of attendance and looked around. "Monochromatic Mage! Where did you run off to?" He shouted.
[11/10/2016 9:16:39 PM] DJ: Link winced when he heard Jethro calling out to him. He called back, "Just a minute!" followed by some hushed sounds of a one sided argument coming to an end before Link finally came out of the cover of foliage. "Sorry about that...had to take care of some business." he apologized, dusting off his pants.
[11/10/2016 9:17:26 PM] Dingu: "Aren't you going to help us hunt and kill the fiery man and his cult?"
[11/10/2016 9:18:24 PM] DJ: "..." Link raised a brow as both he and the eye jewel on his collar stared at Jethro. "...Why?" he asked.
[11/10/2016 9:18:53 PM] Dingu: "The others have the idea of justice on their minds."
[11/10/2016 9:18:55 PM] DJ: The eye jewel seemed to look up at Link with slight annoyance when the mage asked.
[11/10/2016 9:20:26 PM] DJ: "Is that so?" Link said, rubbing his chin, "...Can't say I feel the same." The eye jewel stared back at Jethro.
[11/10/2016 9:20:58 PM] Dingu: "I know, which is why I'm paying you in something only you would find interest in."
[11/10/2016 9:21:03 PM] Saren: What Jethro didn't realize, was that Varron was probably only in it for the loot
[11/10/2016 9:21:50 PM] DJ: Link looked down at his little eye jewel before looking back up at Jethro, his grin deepening as his pupils shrunk enough to reveal the green behind them, "Is that so~? What exactly is the offer?"
[11/10/2016 9:25:24 PM] Dingu: "There was a reason I was picking from the burnt corpses earlier. Human remains make fine ingredients for potions and poisons. Powerful mages, however, make the best kind of potions from their magicka fueled blood. That fire mage and his blood will give me quite enough to make a hefty supply of one of the most potent potions for strengthening mages possible. A drink of it, and that little fireball will be like measly flint and tinder compared to what you'll be able to do."
[11/10/2016 9:26:24 PM | Edited 9:26:54 PM] Luna: I wonder if he'd make Io the same offer if she turned him down
[11/10/2016 9:27:46 PM] Luna: I wonder if he'd make Io the same offer
[11/10/2016 9:28:39 PM] DJ: Link's brow raised so much it nearly launched into space, "Really now?..." Understandably the mage was skeptical...such things had been circulated before that hardly matched the description given, but it was enough to grab Link's interest. If only just to see if the alchemist was telling the truth. It was a start in the right direction and to think that he almost missed it. Link walked up to the cart, "Well then, if you're telling the truth, then you have my aid."
[11/10/2016 9:30:07 PM] Dingu: "Trust me my friend." He said with his trademark smile, putting a hand on Link's shoulder. "You'll be like a god!"
[11/10/2016 9:31:11 PM] DJ: Link's eyes narrowed. He'd believe it when he saw it...but again, it was a start. "If you say so alchemist..."
[11/10/2016 9:31:16 PM] Fro: (And a knight made him stay long enough to get the offer. Am proud)
[11/10/2016 9:32:35 PM] Dingu: "Good enough for me! Now get your things packed up in my cart! Spill any of my potions or ingredients, and I'll forcefeed them to you."
[11/10/2016 9:36:36 PM] Luna: Io peeked out from the trees at the group. She seemed quite hesitant about tagging along now.
[11/10/2016 9:36:53 PM] DJ: "Oh goodie...But I don't think that'll be necessary." Link hardly had anything to his person that wasn't already stowed safely in his own pockets given he always lived on the road. No permanent home to speak of or really any camping supplies either, just a bag of gold and small sized rations.
[11/10/2016 9:39:41 PM] Ryushu: Daniel had little more than a backpack slung over his shoulders that carried all of his supplies.
[11/10/2016 9:41:10 PM] Luna: Io had a satchel at her side, with a strap that went around her waist. Inside, she had some food for herself. She didn't need much, really.
[11/10/2016 9:41:42 PM] Dingu: "Splendid!" Jethro clapped his hands together. "Now to make sure the others are all well and good." He went back to his cart and double checked everything. "Can I get a head count?"
[11/10/2016 9:42:16 PM] DJ: Link simply waved. He was already accounted for.
[11/10/2016 9:42:23 PM] Ryushu: "Uhh...here, I guess."
[11/10/2016 9:42:33 PM] Luna: Io was still seemingly hesitating, but she did step up. She wanted to help. She waved.
[11/10/2016 9:44:09 PM] Dingu: "Oh yes, the mountain man! Are you with us, mountain man?"
[11/10/2016 9:46:54 PM] Dingu: Jethro nodded at Io. "good to see you decided to join us, tree loving girl!"
[11/10/2016 9:48:13 PM] Ryushu: Daniel looked over at Io and smiled gently.
[11/10/2016 9:48:23 PM] Luna: Io nodded. "Indeed. Just to make sure all of you are alright." She smiled, with a very caring and sweet demeanor.
[11/10/2016 9:50:44 PM] Fro: He looks up at Jethro, before raising a hand and lowering it down.
[11/10/2016 9:51:51 PM] Dingu: "So that is everyone. Great!" He hopped onto the driver's spot on the cart. "Now who wants to ride jousting-lance?" (shotgun...)
[11/10/2016 9:52:33 PM] Luna: Io backed up, politely letting the others have it. (LOL XD)
[11/10/2016 9:53:33 PM] Fro: He's too big to fit, so he lets the others.
[11/10/2016 9:53:46 PM | Edited 9:54:06 PM] Ryushu: Daniel isn't quite sure. But it might be because he's not very fond of Jethro as of now.
[11/10/2016 9:54:17 PM] Luna: (Saren are you alive?)
[11/10/2016 9:55:13 PM] DJ: Link looked about, "...Well if no one else is going to take it...JOUSTING LANCE!" Link shouted and hopped on enthusiastically.
[11/10/2016 9:55:21 PM] DJ: (god dammit Link, stop being a little kid)
[11/10/2016 9:56:09 PM] Luna: (brb, gimme 10 min or so)
[11/10/2016 9:56:15 PM] Ryushu: (yeah that's daniel's job)
[11/10/2016 9:56:18 PM] Ryushu: (and okey)
[11/10/2016 9:56:23 PM] DJ: (lol)
[11/10/2016 9:59:27 PM] DJ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohIisKwUvsY
[11/10/2016 10:07:11 PM] Saren: Sir Varron yawned, he had his stuff on him so he was ready.
[11/10/2016 10:10:18 PM] Luna: (back)
[11/10/2016 10:11:07 PM] Ryushu: (wb)
[11/10/2016 10:11:12 PM] Luna: Io walked up to the cart, not sure how she was going to get in.
[11/10/2016 10:12:24 PM] Saren: Sir Varron just hopped in.
[11/10/2016 10:14:45 PM] Dingu: "In, on, or just walk along the side like Mountain... Or ride on Mountain's shoulders! You choice! But link gets the spot next to me. Which means he gets the reins when I decide to rest."
[11/10/2016 10:15:16 PM] Luna: Io figured it out quickly, and hopped in. The petite mage was squished in rather close to Sir Varron.
[11/10/2016 10:16:07 PM] Ryushu: Daniel climbed in as well.
[11/10/2016 10:17:27 PM] DJ: "...Trusting me with the reigns? That's dangerous~" Link joked.
[11/10/2016 10:17:58 PM] Dingu: "Yeah... don't make me regret it."
[11/10/2016 10:18:50 PM] DJ: "Don't worry, I've driven horses before~"
[11/10/2016 10:21:21 PM] Dingu: "Good. Copper is the only living creature in the world I wholly respect, so you better not do anything to piss her off."
[11/10/2016 10:27:29 PM] DJ: "Noted." Link said before leaning back and putting his hands behind his head.
[11/10/2016 10:39:21 PM] Fro: "..."
[11/10/2016 10:42:15 PM] Dingu: "Daniel, Io, you're both small enough to ride on the mountain's shoulders!"
[11/10/2016 10:42:40 PM] Ryushu: "Uhh..."
[11/10/2016 10:43:26 PM] Dingu: "Only joking. Now shall we get moving?"
[11/10/2016 10:43:48 PM] Ryushu: "Yeah.." It seems he didn't want to impose on The Mountain by wanting to ride on his shoulders.
[11/10/2016 10:44:43 PM] Fro: He begins walking when the cart moves.
[11/10/2016 10:45:56 PM] Dingu: Jethro got Copper moving, and the group of heroes was off in the direction of the burning man, a trail made by burnt grass and charred trees.
[11/10/2016 10:54:22 PM] Saren: "Damn..."
[11/10/2016 10:54:28 PM] Saren: Varron muttered.
[11/10/2016 10:54:45 PM] Luna: (Sorry about that, internet issues.)
[11/10/2016 10:54:52 PM] Ryushu: (its okey)
[11/10/2016 10:55:05 PM] Ryushu: Daniel looked over at Varron, as if he heard him.
[11/10/2016 10:55:14 PM] Luna: Io chuckled slightly at Jethro's comment.
[11/10/2016 10:58:02 PM] Luna: (....I swear, if I had a paypal, I'd commish a picture of this)
[11/10/2016 10:58:15 PM] DJ: Link had fallen asleep.
[11/10/2016 10:58:27 PM] DJ: Because he's somewhat of a lazy prick.
[11/10/2016 11:03:29 PM] Luna: Io was simply relaxing, the two spirits in her mind chattering back and forth. As per the usual.

## Part 5

[11/15/2016 8:39:38 PM] DJ: Link was leaning back against the cart with his hands behind his head, staring ahead tiredly.
[11/15/2016 8:41:06 PM] Luna: Io was still squished into the back. She was holding onto the charm that dangled off of her staff, staring at it. Strange.
[11/15/2016 8:41:07 PM] Dingu: Jethro was holding onto the reins as his horse Copper as she carried the cart full of potions, poisons, mages, and warriors. He seemed rather awake for someone who stayed on the reins for almost 2 hours.
[11/15/2016 8:41:51 PM] Ryushu: Daniel was keeping to himself the best he could in the cart, his rat held close to his chest.
[11/15/2016 8:42:52 PM] Fro: Mountain just walks beside the cart.
[11/15/2016 8:43:09 PM] DJ: Link's eyes snapped open fully, green eyes shining in the night. "So Jethro..." Link finally broke the silence, "How'd you come about being an alchemist anyway?"
[11/15/2016 8:45:35 PM] Dingu: "I was thrown into it by my parents. They gave me to a master alchemist so I could be his apprentice."
[11/15/2016 8:46:59 PM] DJ: "...Is that so?" Link raised a brow, his usual trademark smile having uncharacteristically disappeared into a curious frown, "Huh...why would they do that? Not that...it's a bad thing of course."
[11/15/2016 8:48:16 PM] Dingu: "Peasant parents give their children away to masters of a trade so they could learn from them and live better lives. I was given to one of the late majesty's alchemists."
[11/15/2016 8:48:33 PM] Luna: (Nighttime? Alright, Io's secret now then. Sorry Saren)

Io didn't even hear the conversation, she was listening to something else. She stopped looking at her charm, instead looking up at the night sky.
[11/15/2016 8:50:16 PM] DJ: "Ah..." Link stared forward again in thought before muttering, "Never had parents myself..." His expression didn't change hardly as he continued to look upwards at the stars with large green eyes, hands behind his head and one leg crossed over the other.
[11/15/2016 8:51:52 PM] Dingu: "What hole did you come out of then?" Jethro asked, half-joking half-serious.
[11/15/2016 8:52:41 PM | Edited 9:05:55 PM] Luna: When Io looked back down at the group, one of them might notice something odd. Her eyes, which were normally heterochromic blue and grey, were now both the same stormy grey.
[11/15/2016 8:53:14 PM] DJ: "Huh?" Link looked at Jethro. Ohshitohshitohshitohshit. Link looked around nervously, "Eerrr...my parents...they uh...well I had them but I never got to...know them?" Link shrugged.
[11/15/2016 8:53:32 PM] Ryushu: "Huh...? Io, your eyes...!"
[11/15/2016 8:53:58 PM] DJ: (assuming that I'm allowed to use original Link's story where he was magically created and not "born" :o?)
[11/15/2016 8:54:15 PM] DJ: (given magic is a thing)
[11/15/2016 8:54:40 PM] Dingu: Jethro raised an eyebrow. "Neither did I, but I wasn't cryptic at all..."
[11/15/2016 8:55:11 PM] Luna: Io nodded, as if she knew what had happened. "Well, kind of a long story...." She told Daniel, trying to slide over next to him.
[11/15/2016 8:55:19 PM] Dingu: (magic is a thing. Daniel is not hiding slurpee makers in his sleeves)
[11/15/2016 8:55:32 PM] Fro: "...?"
[11/15/2016 8:55:32 PM] DJ: (lol)
[11/15/2016 8:55:37 PM] DJ: (fair nuff)
[11/15/2016 8:55:39 PM] Luna: (And Io's staff is not filled with paint)
[11/15/2016 8:55:49 PM] Ryushu: (daniel doesn't have long-enough sleeves to hide things in)
[11/15/2016 8:55:56 PM] DJ: (Just want to make sure I'm not overstepping with trying to keep as much of original Link as possible)
[11/15/2016 8:56:20 PM] Ryushu: "A long story?"
[11/15/2016 8:56:51 PM] Luna: (I don't think you are. Io was created by magic too)
[11/15/2016 8:56:58 PM] DJ: (oho)
[11/15/2016 8:59:10 PM] Luna: Io nodded. She was keeping her voice down somewhat. "They say the eyes are a window to the soul. If my eyes are two different colors, what might that mean?" Io asked, rhetorically. She had been planning this little riddle for a long time, in case she ever had to tell anyone what she actually was. Two souls.
[11/15/2016 9:00:03 PM] DJ: (yeah...still trying to figure out why he was magically created though. Because originally he's part of an entire race that was made by an eldritch being that was using them for an army. Of course when he was defeated, this race not only gained free will but was also then hunted down by the other races so there's only like...a few left. The arcane pool that the god was using basically went on auto-pilot and kept pumping out more until finally Link came out and that's when the energy was used up.)
[11/15/2016 9:00:23 PM] DJ: (probably should've cleared this before hand)
[11/15/2016 9:00:25 PM] DJ: (;v;)
[11/15/2016 9:00:36 PM] Dingu: (I can work with that)
[11/15/2016 9:01:20 PM] Ryushu: "....w-well...they're two different colors, so...two souls....?"
[11/15/2016 9:01:21 PM] DJ: (but all of that shit was like...100 years ago from when Link was born so most people thought of it as a legend by the time Link came about)
[11/15/2016 9:01:25 PM] DJ: (hence why he managed to live)
[11/15/2016 9:01:38 PM] DJ: (Not sure how this world is set up)
[11/15/2016 9:01:48 PM | Edited 9:02:17 PM] Luna: Io nodded. "Exactly."
[11/15/2016 9:02:40 PM] Dingu: (The only parts of the world I have set in stone is that it was a former kingdom turned to shit after the king died recently. The Vanguards of the Apocalypse are a cult led my several key members with a mysterious ruler, and there is a large number of gods with varying degrees of dickiness)
[11/15/2016 9:02:58 PM] Ryushu: "...but...how would that work? Two souls sharing a body? I mean...they'd have to get along to function properly, right...?"
[11/15/2016 9:03:10 PM] DJ: (so it is possible that one of these gods might've done this shit 100 years ago then? XD)
[11/15/2016 9:03:29 PM] Dingu: (quite possible)
[11/15/2016 9:04:03 PM] Luna: "Quite right. You took care of me when I passed out, remember? When the two of us argue... that's what happens."
[11/15/2016 9:04:06 PM | Edited 9:04:13 PM] Ryushu: (everyone has these interesting backstories and Daniel's just some young ice mage from a northern village) .w.
[11/15/2016 9:04:21 PM] Dingu: (make a backstory then)
[11/15/2016 9:04:22 PM] Luna: (Iz okie Daniel)
[11/15/2016 9:04:34 PM] Ryushu: "I...I see...so when your two souls fight, it kind of overloads you?"
[11/15/2016 9:04:43 PM] Ryushu: (I'm trying to, but I have no idea what it could be)
[11/15/2016 9:05:33 PM] Luna: Io nodded again. "Yes. And now, one of us is asleep, so this happens." Io pointed to her eyes.
[11/15/2016 9:05:48 PM] Ryushu: "I see.."
[11/15/2016 9:06:09 PM] Ryushu: (the only weird thing about him is probably too TMI to even mention)
[11/15/2016 9:06:19 PM] Dingu: "Let me ask you, Link, why a mage?"
[11/15/2016 9:06:36 PM] Luna: (Gtg guys, dinner, I'll be back ASAP)
[11/15/2016 9:06:41 PM] Ryushu: (okey)
[11/15/2016 9:11:14 PM] DJ: "Why a mage?" Link nearly laughed at the question, "Well I seemed to have a knack for it at a young age, I thought I would expand upon it." He cracked his knuckles, "I studied for years...but eventually I decided to branch off on my own. Sometimes you learn more on the road than in academies."
[11/15/2016 9:14:39 PM] Dingu: "Good call. Most academies are now their own hellholes. People went to the worst of extremes when the king died. Mages decided to try to achieve godhood."
[11/15/2016 9:15:43 PM] DJ: "O-ooho...ohoho..." Link kept his grin, "My that's...funny." he pulled a bit on his fluffy collar, "Well trying to aim big isn't...entirely a bad thing. Right?"
[11/15/2016 9:17:09 PM] Dingu: "Do you want to know what happened to the mages that tried to be like the gods? To try to be immortal?" His tone sounded more somber than usual.
[11/15/2016 9:17:54 PM] DJ: "...They met with a cruel fate, I know I know..." Link waved a hand dismissively, his grin turning into a frown, "Still. It's a bold thing to strive for regardless."
[11/15/2016 9:18:15 PM] Dingu: "Actually, they got exactly what they wanted."
[11/15/2016 9:18:22 PM] DJ: "...Oh."
[11/15/2016 9:18:48 PM] DJ: "Usually I hear the opposite." Link blurted out before catching himself, "...In...gossip."
[11/15/2016 9:22:56 PM | Edited 9:23:14 PM] Dingu: "Well, they either went mad or turned into abominations. I mean, werewolves can live forever, same with vampires, but there is always a cost."
[11/15/2016 9:23:50 PM] Luna: Io seemed to hesitate for a moment, listening to the conversation. She didn't seem to understand what they were talking about.
[11/15/2016 9:24:36 PM] DJ: "I see..." Link rubbed his chin in thought. He muttered, "I know Chain..." into the air.
[11/15/2016 9:25:42 PM] DJ: The eye on Link's collar appeared to be looking at Jethro.
[11/15/2016 9:26:14 PM] Dingu: "What is that thing?" Jethro asked, gesturing to the eye.
[11/15/2016 9:28:16 PM] DJ: "Oh this? Ah this is my servant, Chain." suddenly, one of the arms of Link's cape moved itself, waving at Jethro and revealing that the hand shapes at the end...really were hands to whatever Chain was.
[11/15/2016 9:28:26 PM] Luna: "Well, Daniel, we might as well introduce ourselves seperately." Io looked up at Daniel, with her two stormy grey eyes (I changed it). "My name is Celeste. Nice to meet you." The one awake spirit introduced herself, smiling softly.
[11/15/2016 9:29:18 PM | Edited 9:29:25 PM] Dingu: Jethro eyed the cape. "Odd... What's... Its story?"
[11/15/2016 9:29:47 PM] Ryushu: "I-It's nice to meet you too, Celeste," said Daniel, smiling a bit.
[11/15/2016 9:31:45 PM] Luna: "I guess you could say I'm the less formal one. I'm the Night Spirit, though more often then not both of us are awake."
[11/15/2016 9:32:03 PM] Ryushu: "Night Spirit?" Daniel asked, intrigued.
[11/15/2016 9:33:07 PM] Luna: "Mmm-hmm. I'm nocturnal. The other spirit, Airion, isn't."
[11/15/2016 9:34:28 PM] Ryushu: "I see.."
[11/15/2016 9:34:53 PM] DJ: Link looked down at the eye, Chain, and looked to Jethro, "He got stuck in there."
[11/15/2016 9:35:06 PM] DJ: "Thought I'd try to help him out."
[11/15/2016 9:36:03 PM] Dingu: "Was 'he' once human?"
[11/15/2016 9:36:04 PM] Luna: "Which also means she's not going to be happy with me for waking her up... well, it's worth a shot."
[11/15/2016 9:37:09 PM] Ryushu: "So she tends to sleep at night?"
[11/15/2016 9:38:22 PM] DJ: "...Yes." Link said with the straightest of faces.
[11/15/2016 9:38:48 PM] Luna: "She sleeps some nights, I sleep some days, there's days where we're both awake... we just go along with each other. Anyways, I'll wake her up so she'll say hi..." With that, Io closed her eyes, focusing for a moment.
[11/15/2016 9:39:34 PM] Ryushu: Daniel nodded, waiting patiently.
[11/15/2016 9:40:22 PM] Dingu: "You are being horrible vague, but that means you have something to hide."
[11/15/2016 9:40:53 PM] DJ: "Don't we all?" Link pursed his lips jokingly, leaning back and eyeing Jethro from the side.
[11/15/2016 9:43:40 PM] Dingu: Jethro nodded. "Apparently. It's just that some people are hiding more interesting things than others. You're hiding a cape with the soul of a man and an early life without parents."
[11/15/2016 9:43:48 PM | Edited 9:44:11 PM] Luna: "Airion, wake up. Time for introductions."

"Huh... What?!? Celeste, did you really just!!-"

"Come on Airion, it was just the boy. Not the alchemist freak."

"For goodness sake, I leave you alone for one night and try to get some sleep...! Oh, fine. Out of the way, Celeste, my turn."

Io looked like she was going to pass out for a second, but straightened herself out.
[11/15/2016 9:44:37 PM] Ryushu: Daniel looked worried when he noticed that Io looked like she was going to pass out.
[11/15/2016 9:46:14 PM] Luna: Io groggily opened her eyes again. At first, they were heterochromic like normal, but then they faded to both blue. "Oh? Hello there, Daniel." Airion forced a smile.
[11/15/2016 9:47:10 PM] Ryushu: "Hello; you must be Airon, yeah?"
[11/15/2016 9:47:20 PM] Ryushu: He noted how groggy and grumpy she seemed.
[11/15/2016 9:49:05 PM] Luna: Io nodded. "Nice to meet you." She seemed to soften a bit, not wanting to give the wrong impression. "I didn't mean to worry you, just... issues."
[11/15/2016 9:49:28 PM] DJ: "...Touche..." Link raised a brow. Perhaps he had revealed too much to the alchemist. Though Jethro seemed awfully accepting of all types of people...perhaps it would be alright.
[11/15/2016 9:49:55 PM] Ryushu: "It's alright, I understand that you're tired," said Daniel, smiling.
[11/15/2016 9:51:35 PM | Edited 9:55:43 PM] Luna: "And of course, Celeste just has to tell everyone...." Airion huffed, sounding annoyed. She was talking a bit louder now; maybe the others would hear.
[11/15/2016 9:52:44 PM] Fro: "...?"
[11/15/2016 9:53:40 PM] Dingu: Jethro nodded uncaringly, during his conversation, he couldn't help be overhear the other one going on at the back of his cart. He was intrigued. He made a mental note to talk to Io alone when he got the chance.
[11/15/2016 9:56:09 PM] Dingu: Jethro nudged Link. "Do you ever wonder what his story is?" He asked quietly, nodding towards the Mountain. "He's been walking alongside the cart for hours and has not once broken his stride..."
[11/15/2016 9:57:41 PM] Luna: Airion looked around awkwardly, realizing that everyone had probably heard her. Crap. She lowered her voice again. "Uhm...? The others don't know yet, do they..."
[11/15/2016 9:57:43 PM] DJ: "...A big mountain mercenary." Link said. What was there to know? "Probably has seen more things than the two of us combined I wager."
[11/15/2016 9:57:53 PM] Ryushu: "I-I'm not sure.."
[11/15/2016 9:58:47 PM] Luna: Airion seemed nervous about this, but didn't bother announcing it. She would much rather tell everyone one or two at a time.
[11/15/2016 10:01:03 PM] Dingu: "I agree. I wager he also has more to hide than both of us combined. I don't trust the quiet ones."
[11/15/2016 10:02:07 PM] DJ: Link simply shrugged, "Whatever the case."
[11/15/2016 10:02:49 PM] Luna: Io sighed, closing her eyes again.

"You happy Celeste? I said hello. Now, goodnight!"

"Fine, jeez... sleep well?"

Io opened her eyes, now both grey like they had been earlier. Celeste was back in control. She simply stared up into the night sky, without a care in the world.
[11/15/2016 10:03:30 PM] Dingu: Jethro looked at the mountain. "Hey, Mountain man, what's your story?"
[11/15/2016 10:04:52 PM] Fro: He turns his head to look at Jethro. "..." He pulls the axe off his back, showing them the blade.
[11/15/2016 10:05:26 PM] Luna: (Taek muntin ax.)
[11/15/2016 10:05:59 PM] Dingu: Jethro eyed the blade, unsure of what the mountain was telling him.
[11/15/2016 10:06:09 PM | Edited 10:06:52 PM] Ryushu: Daniel couldn't help but wonder what the others thought of him. He pulled a cracked out of his knapsack and offered it to his rat, who took it gratefully.
[11/15/2016 10:07:26 PM] Luna: Io saw the rat, and reached over to pet her. "Hello..."
[11/15/2016 10:08:06 PM] Ryushu: The white rat looked over at Io, nibbling on the cracker. She nudged her head against her hand a bit, as if demanding pats.
[11/15/2016 10:09:24 PM] Luna: Io petted the rat, understanding what she wanted.
[11/15/2016 10:10:19 PM] Fro: "...This axe has taken lives."
[11/15/2016 10:10:38 PM] Ryushu: The rat bruxxed in contentment, and Daniel smiled.
[11/15/2016 10:10:42 PM] Dingu: "Most weapons have the nasty habit of doing so, yes."
[11/15/2016 10:11:36 PM] Luna: Io then curiously glanced over at the Mountain, somewhat scooching away from him and towards Daniel. She petted the rat some more.
[11/15/2016 10:12:06 PM] Fro: "....I was an executioner."
[11/15/2016 10:12:33 PM] DJ: "Called it." Link muttered.
[11/15/2016 10:13:21 PM] Dingu: "Makes sense. That axe does resemble one I've seen at chopping blocks. Also explains why you're so quiet. You are the first executioner I met to have ever spoken a word..."
[11/15/2016 10:14:45 PM] Fro: "It will not last. "
[11/15/2016 10:16:21 PM] Dingu: "what do you mean?"
[11/15/2016 10:16:33 PM] DJ: Link subconsciously covered his neck upon looking at the axe.
[11/15/2016 10:20:17 PM] Luna: Io seemed not to know what they were talking about, still. The axe had startled the petite mage at first, but now she didn't seem to be as scared.
[11/15/2016 10:20:55 PM] Fro: Upon closer examination, the axe now has nicks in the blade; likely from it's wielder's former profession. "Emotions are restraints to an executioner. Feelings of grief causes hesitation, which prolongs the feeling of helplessness the damned would have. Hatred would prolong their suffering. The voice, no matter how stoic, will always give one's feelings away. I do not speak for this reason."
[11/15/2016 10:21:30 PM] Ryushu: Daniel listened quietly as The Mountain spoke.
[11/15/2016 10:21:36 PM] DJ: "...Makes sense..." Link let go of his own neck, though he still eyed the axe carefully.
[11/15/2016 10:22:10 PM] Dingu: "As to not get attached to any of us... In that case, why are you here?"
[11/15/2016 10:26:49 PM] Fro: "The dead cannot rest without closure. And I didn't say that I was still an executioner."
[11/15/2016 10:27:34 PM] Luna: Io listened, sounding saddened. She couldn't imagine what the Mountain had to go through. As a way to cheer herself up, she reached into her satchel, pulling out a strange looking fruit.
[11/15/2016 10:29:01 PM] Dingu: "So now you're atoning for all the heads you took. How chivalrous"
[11/15/2016 10:30:49 PM | Removed 10:31:59 PM] Fro: This message has been removed.
[11/15/2016 10:34:12 PM] Fro: "You really can't judge me."
[11/15/2016 10:34:31 PM] Luna: "Hey Airion. Niko fruit. You want some?"

"Celeste, could you leave me alone for 5 minutes?!? Goodness...."

Io then sighed, seemingly putting back the fruit. She would save it for later.
[11/15/2016 10:34:39 PM] Dingu: "I'm not judging. I'm understanding."
[11/15/2016 10:34:57 PM] Fro: "...I see."
[11/15/2016 10:37:20 PM] Dingu: "I have had my fair share of bloodied hands. I am no stranger to... execution."
[11/15/2016 10:38:19 PM] DJ: Link simply stared on ahead, looking out into the night time darkness.
[11/15/2016 10:40:00 PM] Fro: "Mm.." He now returns to silence.
[11/15/2016 10:40:20 PM] Luna: Io also looked out into the night sky.
[11/15/2016 10:44:53 PM] Luna: (Ryu is u aliv)
[11/15/2016 10:44:58 PM] Ryushu: (ye)
[11/15/2016 10:45:07 PM] Luna: (ye)
[11/15/2016 10:45:26 PM] Fro: (nu)
[11/15/2016 10:45:55 PM] Luna: Io wrapped her arm around Daniel, relaxing a bit. It seemed like Celeste had taken more of a liking to him than Airion....
[11/15/2016 10:46:23 PM] Ryushu: Daniel blushed faintly as he felt her arm around his shoulders, and relaxed as well.
[11/15/2016 10:47:45 PM] DJ: Link rubbed his chin, sniffing. He couldn't think of anything else to say, so he just listened to the crickets chirping and the sounds of the cart.
[11/15/2016 10:50:41 PM] Luna: Io was dozing off just a little bit now. Daniel might see that the charm on Io's staff was laying in her lap. The charm was a mostly made of metal and beads, and in the middle was an indigo crystal.
[11/15/2016 10:52:17 PM] Ryushu: He leaned forward slightly to get a better look at the charm, intrigued. It looked mystical, for sure.
[11/15/2016 10:53:19 PM] Luna: The gem in the center had an ever so faint glow to it, almost completely masked by the moonlight reflecting off of it.
[11/15/2016 10:55:02 PM] Ryushu: He blinked, trying to figure out if it was actually glowing, or if it was just the moonlight playing tricks. But it seemed to legitimately be glowing.
[11/15/2016 10:56:33 PM] Luna: How strange...
[11/15/2016 10:58:14 PM] Luna: It didn't seem to bother Io much if at all; she was still dozing off. Perhaps she knew why it was glowing.
[11/15/2016 10:58:47 PM] Ryushu: As much as he wanted to ask her, he felt it'd be rude to wake her up while she was sleeping.
[11/15/2016 11:02:36 PM] Luna: Io wouldn't have minded, or at least Celeste wouldn't have. The gem was almost hypnotic with it's faint glow...
[11/15/2016 11:03:43 PM] Ryushu: ".....uhh...Io...?" he asked softly, looking over at her. He still wasn't sure if he should wake her up.
[11/15/2016 11:09:56 PM] Luna: "Hmm?" Io woke up, looking over at what he was looking at.
[11/15/2016 11:10:16 PM | Edited 11:10:30 PM] Luna: Turns out it was her own charm. "Oh, I see. "
[11/15/2016 11:10:26 PM] Ryushu: "Err...I don't mean to wake you up, but why does this glow?"
[11/15/2016 11:12:16 PM] Luna: "Oh, it's okay, I wasn't actually asleep." Io reassured him. "This gem is from my home. It lets me communicate with my friends there. Want to try it?" She asked, generously, wrapping her free hand around half of the charm.
[11/15/2016 11:13:09 PM] Ryushu: "Try it? But...who would I talk to?" He did not mean the question in a rude way at all; he really wasn't sure who he'd be able to talk through such a stone.
[11/15/2016 11:13:19 PM] DJ: However Link was actually asleep and was using Jethro's shoulder as a pillow.
[11/15/2016 11:14:17 PM] Dingu: Jethro didn't seem to mind. He was busy making sure copper didn't go off course.
[11/15/2016 11:14:37 PM] DJ: (d'aaw)
[11/15/2016 11:14:54 PM] Luna: "I think... my superiors, Lady Tempest and Selene. Oh, but they're quite nice, really." Io reassured him.
[11/15/2016 11:16:30 PM] Ryushu: He looked at the stone again, feeling quite tempted to take Io up on her offer.
"Well...I think I might try it; besides, what's the worst that could happen if I spoke to them?" he asked, looking over at her.
[11/15/2016 11:17:03 PM] Luna: Io smiled, happily. She held the other half of the charm out to him.
[11/15/2016 11:18:06 PM | Edited 11:18:13 PM] Ryushu: He carefully took the half of the charm, inspecting it.
[11/15/2016 11:19:38 PM] Luna: Then, he could hear two more voices, as if they were right there with him.

```
"Hello, Celeste? Are you still there?"

```

"Airion? Are you awake?"
[11/15/2016 11:22:03 PM] Luna: Io gently whispered. "Apologies, miladies, Airion fell asleep."
[11/15/2016 11:23:35 PM] Ryushu: "A-Are you two Lady Tempest and Selene...?" Daniel asked softly.
[11/15/2016 11:24:58 PM] Luna: "Oh? Why yes, dear." Lady Tempest answered.

"And you are?" Selene asked.
[11/15/2016 11:25:44 PM] Ryushu: "M-My name is Daniel, ma'am," he said politely.
[11/15/2016 11:27:22 PM] Luna: "It's a pleasure to meet you." Selene answered. She seemed pretty nice.
[11/15/2016 11:30:31 PM] Ryushu: "I-It's a pleasure to meet you too, ma'am...!"
[11/15/2016 11:32:03 PM] Luna: "Well, if Airion fell asleep, then we won't keep you two long. Thanks for checking in, Celeste. Have fun, you two!" Lady Tempest responded, before the little conversation ended. The two voices went silent.
[11/15/2016 11:35:46 PM] Ryushu: "Where do those two live?" Daniel couldn't help but ask.
[11/15/2016 11:36:14 PM] Luna: "They live in the Ether Forest, my home." Io answered, smiling.
[11/15/2016 11:36:34 PM] Ryushu: "Ether Forest? I've never been there before. It's your home? What's it like?"
[11/15/2016 11:36:38 PM] Dingu: (going to bed)
[11/15/2016 11:36:46 PM] Luna: (okey, g'night. )
[11/15/2016 11:37:07 PM] Luna: (I gotta take a shower, but wanna pm when I get back Ryu?)
[11/15/2016 11:37:13 PM] Dingu: (I don't mind if you guys keep rping. g'night)
[11/15/2016 11:37:26 PM] Fro: (...e3e)
[11/15/2016 11:37:53 PM] Ryushu: (night dingu)
[11/15/2016 11:38:07 PM] Ryushu: (and i'm not sure; I'm probably going to crash soon because of headache .w.)
[11/15/2016 11:46:06 PM] Ryushu: (going to bed; my head hurts. night
[11/15/2016 11:56:45 PM] Luna: (okay, g'night)
[11/15/2016 11:58:21 PM] Luna: Ryushu - Today 10:36 PM
> "Ether Forest? I've never been there before. It's your home? What's it like?"

"Oh, it's beautiful! The plants are so pretty, and the river is picture-perfect!" Io cooed, happily.

(Just answering because it feels wrong if I don't)
[11/16/2016 1:12:08 AM] Fro: (I know that feeling )
[11/16/2016 5:53:28 PM] Ryushu: "Oh, wow," said Daniel, looking enchanted by the thought of such a place. "It sounds wonderful!"
[11/16/2016 6:46:19 PM] Luna: "It is..." Io replied, smiling. "Maybe after this is over, I can bring you there."
[11/16/2016 6:55:45 PM] Ryushu: "That would be amazing!"
[11/16/2016 6:56:03 PM] Luna: Io blushed slightly.
[11/16/2016 7:03:38 PM] Luna: "I think so too...."

## Part 6

[11/27/2016 10:52:59 PM] Luna: Io was happily riding along, her eyes now both grey. Airion was in control, apparently, though only Daniel would know this. She took a breath of fresh air.

(Is Ryu on?)
[11/27/2016 10:53:33 PM] DJ: Link had fallen asleep and was leaning against Jethro once again. Even the eyeball on his collar had closed its lid.
[11/27/2016 10:54:09 PM] Luna: (Aww)
[11/27/2016 10:55:39 PM] Dingu: Jethro was still at the reins, keeping the horse on the road. the village was now not too far off. Just a mile or so away
[11/27/2016 10:56:46 PM] Dingu: The weather was a bit more crisp and cold now, as they were heading north it seemed, to a tundra-like region.
[11/27/2016 10:56:57 PM] Saren: Sir varron was slogging it on foot with his pet lycan.
[11/27/2016 10:57:09 PM] Fro: He continues to walk, having covered himself with a robe once more.
[11/27/2016 10:59:45 PM] Dingu: "Chins up, my friends. Not too far now!"
[11/27/2016 11:00:23 PM] Luna: "Huh?" Io seemed curious.
[11/27/2016 11:00:24 PM] DJ: Link awoke with a start, "Huh?! Wha?!"
[11/27/2016 11:01:05 PM] Saren: "...."
[11/27/2016 11:01:55 PM] Fro: "...."
[11/27/2016 11:02:54 PM] Luna: (Partners in silence XD)
[11/27/2016 11:03:40 PM] Dingu: "The next village, Coldhelm. Last village until we hit the tundras."
[11/27/2016 11:07:30 PM] Dingu: "hopefully, it's in one piece..." he mumbled.
[11/27/2016 11:07:41 PM] Luna: "Oh, okay." Io answered, hiding her hint of nervousness. She had never actually been in a village before. She was hoping it wasn't too different from home.
[11/27/2016 11:08:54 PM] DJ: "Hopefully.." Link stretched, sitting up straight.
[11/27/2016 11:10:42 PM] Luna: Io saw this, and stretched as well. Though she did seem a little uptight... perhaps one of the others would see that her eyes were now both blue.
[11/27/2016 11:12:14 PM] Saren: Sir varron sighed. "Coldhelm..?"
[11/27/2016 11:13:02 PM] Dingu: "Where it starts getting chilly. Not much creativity comes from naming towns. It all goes to the Kingdoms..."
[11/27/2016 11:13:11 PM] Saren: "Ahhhh."
[11/27/2016 11:14:15 PM] DJ: "Ah...the north." Link fluffed his fluffy collar. Luckily he was already well dressed for such weather, having already traveled from the north before this journey.
[11/27/2016 11:16:46 PM] Dingu: The wake of scorch marks and charred dirt was becoming less and less apparent as the group ventured. They could see the village now, and hear the voices of its citizens. It was still standing.
"The trail of fire is fading... maybe he's trying to hide his tracks now."
[11/27/2016 11:17:38 PM] Saren: "Huh?"
[11/27/2016 11:18:04 PM] Dingu: "Blending in with the crowd. We should keep our eyes open."
[11/27/2016 11:18:17 PM] Luna: Io looked at the village, fascinated.
[11/27/2016 11:19:58 PM] Dingu: It was bustling, especially since it was daylight. From the entrance of the town, one could see a tavern and inn, a few shops, and several houses that followed a road leading up to a longhouse atop a large hill, the roofs of each one sprinkled with fresh snow.
[11/27/2016 11:20:16 PM] Saren: "I never liked the cold.."
[11/27/2016 11:20:38 PM] Dingu: "I have a potion for that." Jethro mentioned
[11/27/2016 11:20:46 PM] Saren: "No thanks.."
[11/27/2016 11:21:10 PM] Dingu: "I guess the tavern has mead, too..."
[11/27/2016 11:21:54 PM | Edited 11:22:33 PM] Luna: Io shivered slightly, not accustomed to cold weather, but she didn't mind. So many people in the same place, so many buildings... and she hadn't seen snow before, either. She was starry-eyed.
[11/27/2016 11:24:58 PM | Edited 11:25:28 PM] Dingu: Jethro parked the cart in a dense forested area just outside of town. "Time to disembark. Let's visit the merchants and the tavern and start looking for the burning man."
[11/27/2016 11:25:46 PM] Ryushu: Daniel nodded as he grabbed his knapsack and prepared to get off the cart.
[11/27/2016 11:26:12 PM] Luna: Io hopped out of the cart, losing her balance in the process. She comically fell over into the snow. Looked like someone needed to stretch their legs a bit.
[11/27/2016 11:26:45 PM] Saren: Varron sighed. "So do we ask around for information on the burning man..?"
[11/27/2016 11:27:01 PM] Dingu: "If you would like."
[11/27/2016 11:27:22 PM] Ryushu: "That sounds like the best idea."
[11/27/2016 11:27:33 PM] Saren: (Bloody hell, trisell's character chivalry is proving to be a challenge for Xavek to kill.. i like it. .3.)
[11/27/2016 11:28:08 PM] Fro: (Challenges are always nice. Let's you know that you're not op)
"..."
[11/27/2016 11:28:26 PM] Luna: Io used her staff to help her get back on her feet, chuckling in spite of herself. Now she was even colder.
[11/27/2016 11:28:35 PM] Saren: (It's fun too.)
[11/27/2016 11:28:51 PM] Ryushu: Daniel looked over at Io. "You've never seen snow before, have you?"
[11/27/2016 11:29:12 PM] Luna: Io shook her head no. "I-It's beautiful..."
[11/27/2016 11:29:35 PM] Ryushu: He smiled. "It is, isn't it?"
[11/27/2016 11:29:53 PM] Dingu: "If you need anything for frostbite, throw gold at me and let me know."
[11/27/2016 11:30:12 PM | Edited 11:31:08 PM] Luna: Io nodded in agreement. They would see her blue eyes twinkle delightedly.
[11/27/2016 11:31:34 PM] Saren: "I'm more concerned about the burning man.."
[11/27/2016 11:31:50 PM | Edited 11:43:18 PM] Saren: Calibaan nuzzled Varron's hand, wagging its tail.
[11/27/2016 11:31:57 PM] Luna: .....
[11/27/2016 11:32:36 PM] Luna: (Was that autocorrect?)
[11/27/2016 11:33:26 PM] Dingu: "A valid point. We have three things we need to do. Go to the tavern for info, suit up at the blacksmith, and get supplies from the merchant. Shall we divide an conquer?"
[11/27/2016 11:35:13 PM] Luna: "That sounds like a good idea." Io nodded her head in agreement. If Jethro wanted to talk to Io alone, now might be his chance...
[11/27/2016 11:39:42 PM] Saren: (No, I just don't remember the wolf's name lunari, was it Callisto or calypso.)
[11/27/2016 11:39:51 PM] Dingu: "Io, since you're new to this human interaction thing, why don't you come with me to the tavern, where human interaction is unavoidable."
[11/27/2016 11:40:27 PM] Luna: "Okay." Io smiled.
[11/27/2016 11:40:40 PM] Luna: Saren - Today 9:56 PM
> Sir varron was slogging it on foot with his pet lycan.
[11/27/2016 11:41:20 PM] Saren: (Lycan is short for lycanthrope.)
[11/27/2016 11:41:43 PM] Saren: (Which is a werewolf, which is what the wolf cub is.)
[11/27/2016 11:41:50 PM] Luna: (Oh.)
[11/27/2016 11:42:02 PM] Dingu: "the rest of you should decide what you need to do. All in all, rest. We're in a village, safe from the monster plaguing the wildlands."
[11/27/2016 11:42:36 PM] Saren: "..... I'm going to sleep."
[11/27/2016 11:42:37 PM] Ryushu: Daniel leaned back against the cart, trying to plan his next course of action.
[11/27/2016 11:42:47 PM] Fro: (Callibaan)
[11/27/2016 11:42:52 PM] Saren: Sir varron looked for the nearest inn.
[11/27/2016 11:42:55 PM] Saren: (Thanks.)
[11/27/2016 11:42:55 PM] Fro: (\*Calibaan)
[11/27/2016 11:43:06 PM] Fro: (Yep)
[11/27/2016 11:43:21 PM] Dingu: "We'll talk later, Varron. I would like to know more about who I am venturing with."
[11/27/2016 11:43:52 PM] Saren: "Yes yes, though don't expect much in the way of answers."
[11/27/2016 11:44:05 PM] Luna: Saren - 10/28/2016 9:22 PM
> "Hmm... I'll name you... Zenga.." Varron muttered, as the pup yipped in response. Following Varron out of the cave.
[11/27/2016 11:44:19 PM] Fro: (Hm.)
[11/27/2016 11:44:24 PM] Saren: (Changed the name to calibaan)
[11/27/2016 11:44:32 PM] Luna: (Oh, lol)
[11/27/2016 11:44:42 PM] Saren: (Cause fuck it, it's easier to remember.)
[11/27/2016 11:44:51 PM] Luna: (Okay)
[11/27/2016 11:44:58 PM] Dingu: Jethro nodded and guided Io to the tavern.
[11/27/2016 11:45:33 PM] Luna: Io walked alongside, contently, though she still shivered in the cold.
[11/27/2016 11:48:11 PM] Dingu: "who am I talking to now?" Jethro asked Io, now out of earshot of the rest.
[11/27/2016 11:49:08 PM] Luna: Io looked startled for a moment, not realizing that he had been listening in last night. She then calmed herself down. "... Airion." She answered, quietly.
[11/27/2016 11:49:45 PM] Dingu: "The one we met at the wolf raid, yes?"
[11/27/2016 11:51:15 PM] Luna: "Well, that was both of us." Io answered, honestly.
[11/27/2016 11:51:40 PM] Dingu: "And the other?"
[11/27/2016 11:52:29 PM] Dingu: (You guys can do some rping with your own small groups)
[11/27/2016 11:52:41 PM] Fro: (shrug)
[11/27/2016 11:53:12 PM] Luna: "Celeste. She's the warrior; the night spirit."
[11/27/2016 11:55:16 PM] Dingu: "Ah yes. And how many others are inside that head of yours?" He asked as they entered the crowded tavern. He guided Io to a pairof stools at the end of the bar.
[11/27/2016 11:55:40 PM] Luna: "Just us. Two." Io held up two fingers.
[11/27/2016 11:58:20 PM] Dingu: "And there are no more?"
[11/27/2016 11:58:57 PM] Luna: Io nodded, somewhat forcefully trying to reassure him. She then looked around the tavern, amazed.
[11/28/2016 12:00:03 AM] Dingu: "You know, in all my years of conning and wearing a liar's eyes, I learned how they look, and you... you have a few pairs of lying eyes staring right at me..."
[11/28/2016 12:00:17 AM] Saren: (Fuck It, introducing Xande.)
[11/28/2016 12:01:41 AM] Luna: Io shook head no. Without a word. If anything, it just looked like she wasn't too keen on talking about it in a crowded place.
[11/28/2016 12:02:59 AM] Dingu: "I want to know each and every single one of them. That is, if I am to fully trust you."
[11/28/2016 12:04:44 AM] Luna: Io looked straight at him, her eyes going back to their heterochromic state. "Look. Two colors, two spirits. They say the eyes are a window to the soul, don't they?"
[11/28/2016 12:05:37 AM] Dingu: Jethro chuckled. "Sounds exactly like what you told Daniel..."
[11/28/2016 12:05:51 AM] Luna: "Yes, indeed."
[11/28/2016 12:07:28 AM] Luna: Io's eyes fluttered over towards the barkeep. Of course, she didn't know what he was doing. She was just curious.
[11/28/2016 12:10:25 AM] Dingu: "Two of your mead, barkeep!" Jethro hollered out. The bartender brought two bottled of mead to them, and Jethro passed one to Io. "Anyways, where did they all come from?"
[11/28/2016 12:12:25 AM] Luna: Io looked at the drink she had been given, but didn't drink it. Not yet. "Well, we come from a forest full of spirits like us... one of the boys that lived nearby tried to summon us. He messed it up, and this happened." She tapped her wrist lightly.
[11/28/2016 12:13:01 AM] Luna: Io then hesitantly took a sip of her drink, and retorted slightly at the taste.
[11/28/2016 12:14:00 AM] Dingu: "hm..." Jethro eyed his drink. "How about we fix that?"
[11/28/2016 12:14:46 AM] Luna: Io looked at him, somewhere between suspicion and intrigue.
[11/28/2016 12:15:01 AM] Luna: "How, exactly? Please, do tell."
[11/28/2016 12:15:53 AM] Dingu: "The way I see it, there are too many souls inside a single body, so, logically, we need to put them somewhere else."
[11/28/2016 12:17:37 AM] Luna: Io turned away, shaking her head no.
[11/28/2016 12:20:22 AM] Dingu: "There is a man, who works with the Vanguards of the End Times, who rips souls away from bodies. If the one we hunt is the Burning Man, he is the Hollow Man. He feeds on the souls and destroys them, leaving the bodies in catacombs where they never rot. They just ARE."
[11/28/2016 12:23:38 AM] Luna: Hearing this, Io simply got up and walked out, leaving her drink on the counter. She didn't want any more to do with this. She had to find the others, surely they would respect her for who she was- no, they were...
[11/28/2016 12:24:21 AM] Dingu: "I'm doing you a service. Surely, Daniel cant like ALL of you!"
[11/28/2016 12:24:55 AM] Ryushu: (why am I tempted to have made Daniel a cryomantic Tiefling instead of a hooman)
[11/28/2016 12:26:27 AM] Luna: "You know not what you speak of."
[11/28/2016 12:27:22 AM] Ryushu: (maybe he could disguise his form or something...)
[11/28/2016 12:28:38 AM] Dingu: "Do I? You, or at least one of you, has grown fond of him. How do you think that's going to effect him? Having his companion change personalities in the blink of an eye?"
[11/28/2016 12:29:43 AM] DJ: ((sorry guys I fell asleep!)
[11/28/2016 12:30:24 AM] Luna: (Uh, Io needs... somebody right now. No song puns intended. Might be a chance to get Link back in action)
[11/28/2016 12:30:40 AM] Ryushu: (what do you guys think of my idea? .w.)
[11/28/2016 12:30:57 AM] Dingu: "Just giving you the chance to live somewhat normal lives."
[11/28/2016 12:31:53 AM] Luna: Io hissed. "Normal? We have been like this for two centuries. For us, this is normal."
[11/28/2016 12:32:27 AM] Saren: (Do iiit.)
[11/28/2016 12:32:39 AM] Luna: The others could probably hear her shouting now.
[11/28/2016 12:32:46 AM] Ryushu: (Daniel is secretly a Tiefling who specializes in Ice Magic? I like it)
[11/28/2016 12:32:53 AM] Ryushu: (I even have a pic of his Tiefling form)
[11/28/2016 12:34:10 AM] Dingu: "You all want separate lives, I see it in your eyes. Maybe one of you wants to roam without being bound by the wishes of another. In a way, the less dominate beings are your slaves."
[11/28/2016 12:34:17 AM] Fro: (Hm..)
[11/28/2016 12:34:58 AM] Dingu: "And, as you put it, eyes are the windows to the soul..."
[11/28/2016 12:35:54 AM] Luna: Io stormed off, headed to a different building. Any other building. She didn't care now.
[11/28/2016 12:36:48 AM] DJ: Link had split himself off from the group to explore the town. Despite how ridiculous he looked most of the time, he sure had a way of slipping out of sight. Really he was simply exploring the buildings of Coldhelm.
[11/28/2016 12:36:52 AM] Luna: (Would totally pull the FNAF out my ass "You don't know what we've been through..." )
[11/28/2016 12:36:55 AM] DJ: (have them bump into eachother XD)
[11/28/2016 12:37:09 AM] Ryushu: (should I do my idea? And like, he's using magic to make himself look human?)
[11/28/2016 12:37:34 AM] Luna: Io ended up running right into Link, and falling over into the snow again.
[11/28/2016 12:37:37 AM] DJ: (if you want .v.)
[11/28/2016 12:37:46 AM] Ryushu: (I think I might, to make him a bit more interesting)
[11/28/2016 12:37:50 AM] Luna: (I think it's cool)
[11/28/2016 12:38:50 AM | Edited 12:43:13 AM] Dingu: Jethro finished his drink and got himself another, sitting alone at the bar. "She'll come around. I've made an impact, and that is what matters... Maybe one of her other, les predictable personalities was listening in..."
[11/28/2016 12:39:33 AM] DJ: Link stumbled forward and fell face first into the snow comically. After awhile, he pulled his face right out, leaving a nice Link face shaped indent into the white powder, "Who dares knock over the great Link Lin-!...Oh!" Link looked over his shoulder at Io with widen eyes of familiarity, "Sorry! Thought you were some common low life." he apologized as he stood up and brushed the snow off of his leather armor.
[11/28/2016 12:40:26 AM] Luna: Io stood back up, dusting the snow off of her skirt. "I-I'm sorry..." She sounded... pretty shaken up.
[11/28/2016 12:43:13 AM] DJ: Link picked up on how tense the girl was. Immediately he thought that HE scared her somehow, "Oh don't worry about it! The great Link Lingara always gets back up when he's knocked down!" he proclaimed loudly, followed by a fake yet boastful sounding laugh.
[11/28/2016 12:44:25 AM] Luna: Io tried to relax, and loosened up slightly when she saw this. She still looked sad though, not scared. Sad, and distant...
[11/28/2016 12:45:46 AM] DJ: (how tall is Io? o-o)
[11/28/2016 12:46:38 AM] Luna: (5'1". Like, really short)
[11/28/2016 12:46:50 AM] DJ: (Link is 5'5 XD)
[11/28/2016 12:47:03 AM] Luna: XD
[11/28/2016 12:47:22 AM] Ryushu: (Daniel's like 4'5")
[11/28/2016 12:47:55 AM] DJ: Link looked down at Io. While he kept his usual grin, his eyebrow raised curiously as he observed the woman. He bent down slightly so that he was at eye level with Io, "...Something's eating at you. The great Link Lingara can tell."
[11/28/2016 12:49:12 AM] Luna: "Jethro thinks he can change u-- me for the better, but what he says sounds horrible..." Io explained. Sounded like she almost said "us".
[11/28/2016 12:50:14 AM] DJ: Again, Link kept his eyebrow raised, though his grin turned into an uncharacteristic frown, "Is that so?..." Link pursed his lips in thought before standing up straight again and offering a hand, "...Want to talk about it?"
[11/28/2016 12:50:46 AM] DJ: His voice lacked the usual flare that he normally spoke with, trading that for a more gentle and quieter tone.
[11/28/2016 12:51:00 AM] Luna: "T-thank you..." Io gently took his hand.
[11/28/2016 12:51:23 AM] DJ: (Link being serious for a change wow)
[11/28/2016 12:51:35 AM | Edited 12:52:13 AM] Luna: (Io being emo for a change wow)
[11/28/2016 12:53:25 AM] DJ: Link took Io's hand and lead her to a little quiet spot in town a bit away from where he last saw Jethro and sat them both down. Link crossed his legs and leaned forward, "So...what is this about Jethro trying to 'change' you?" He sounded serious, his pupils shrinking to what would be considered 'normal' by human standards as green eyes stared straight into Io's.
[11/28/2016 12:55:10 AM] Luna: Io's heterochromic eyes stared back. "I think... I'm going to have to explain myself first..." Io said, perhaps to the confusion of Link. Did he overhear her too, by any chance?
[11/28/2016 12:57:35 AM] DJ: The most Link had heard was Io shouting, but he couldn't tell what it was that Io was yelling about. Well except now somewhat. Link continued to look at Io with a serious expression.
[11/28/2016 12:59:03 AM] Luna: "They say the eyes are a window to the soul. If my eyes are two different colors, what might that mean?" Same riddle as always. This was the riddle she was probably going to use from now on.
[11/28/2016 1:00:19 AM] DJ: "...That you have heterochromia?" Link's serious expression finally faded back to his usual grin.
[11/28/2016 1:00:37 AM] DJ: (the fact that Link knows what Heterochromia is XD)
[11/28/2016 1:01:27 AM] Luna: Io seemed to lighten up a bit too, and chuckled slightly at this. Finally. "Not quite. Two souls." Io answered.
[11/28/2016 1:02:41 AM] DJ: "...Two souls?" Link raised an eyebrow with interest, though admittedly it wasn't the WEIRDEST thing he heard nor seen.
[11/28/2016 1:02:49 AM] DJ: ...But it was up there.
[11/28/2016 1:04:39 AM] Luna: Io nodded. "Two souls, trapped together. We've been this way for a long time, so we're used to it by now. But, Jethro thinks that we should not be this way."
[11/28/2016 1:05:40 AM] DJ: "I think there's a fair number of people who probably would think the same." Link answered honestly, "I can surely relate..." he then muttered under his breath.
[11/28/2016 1:06:08 AM] Saren: (And varron's still snoozin.)
[11/28/2016 1:06:13 AM] DJ: (lol)
[11/28/2016 1:06:38 AM] Luna: "He mentioned sending me to a man who feeds upon souls and never even lets the bodies decompose. It sounds horrible...."
[11/28/2016 1:07:11 AM] Saren: -the funny thing about taverns, is that sooner or later someone starts a fight.-
[11/28/2016 1:07:17 AM] Dingu: (I thought it was implied you kill the man and take a few bodies, since the Hollow Man is evil)
[11/28/2016 1:08:01 AM] DJ: "Jethro says a lot of things." Link leaned back, resting up against the wall they were by, "I wouldn't take what he says at full value my friend."
[11/28/2016 1:08:10 AM] Luna: (Eh. Io isn't good at reading between the lines anyways)

(And she wouldn't be caught dead committing murder)
[11/28/2016 1:09:03 AM] Luna: "Thank you." Io replied, blankly. Clearly, this still hurt her. The way she saw this, Jethro was trying to "fix" her by killing half of her.
[11/28/2016 1:09:28 AM] Ryushu: (i wonder what jethro would think of Daniel if he knew he was a Tiefling...)
[11/28/2016 1:09:38 AM] Saren: -in this case, it was a brawl between the standard drunken lout and some guy wearing a mish mash of armor who's only linking aspect is the fact that said armor pieces would be considered heavy... aside from the scaled waistcloth, with an impossibly huge slab of metal that looked partially melted next to him.-
[11/28/2016 1:09:40 AM] Dingu: (just putting the souls in other bodies)
[11/28/2016 1:10:13 AM] Ryushu: Daniel, still nearby the cart, could see the fight from where he was standing and stayed clear away from it.
[11/28/2016 1:10:17 AM] Dingu: Jethro watched the barfight, eager to see the results, one of the fighters looked familiar...
[11/28/2016 1:10:36 AM] Fro: (Hrm...o3o)
[11/28/2016 1:10:36 AM] Dingu: (I might introduce a new guy I have been meaning to bring in)
[11/28/2016 1:10:40 AM] DJ: (well Link is one of the Magi which as far as lore wise, would probably be considered just as bad as tieflings XD)
[11/28/2016 1:10:49 AM] Saren: (Aight.)
[11/28/2016 1:11:03 AM] Saren: (Though I'm using this to intro Xande.)
[11/28/2016 1:11:23 AM] Dingu: (I'll see how it plays out before I introduce him)
[11/28/2016 1:11:41 AM] DJ: (Tieflings being demonic tainted creatures and Magi literally created by an evil god to do his bidding. Link could probably relate to Daniel XD)
[11/28/2016 1:11:57 AM] Ryushu: (yeah, no wonder Daniel makes himself look human)
[11/28/2016 1:12:09 AM] Saren: -The fight really wasn't any contest seeing as heavily armored man wasn't drunk and glass bottles don't do shit against heavy armor.-
[11/28/2016 1:12:40 AM] Luna: Io noticed the bar fight, and scowled.
[11/28/2016 1:12:57 AM] Ryushu: [Monday, November 28, 2016 1:09 AM] Ryushu:

<<< (i wonder what jethro would think of Daniel if he knew he was a Tiefling...)(would Jethro have any interest in Tiefling parts?)
[11/28/2016 1:13:13 AM] Saren: -hell it was ended with one solid punch to the drunken lout's face, feasible because of the armor and the force behind the punch.-
[11/28/2016 1:13:19 AM] Dingu: (Maybe... though he sees opportunity in every creature)
[11/28/2016 1:14:01 AM] DJ: Link kept his focus on Io, seeing as her well being was a bit higher on his priority list than the bar fight that was occurring nearby. The mage ruffled Io's hair, "Bah! don't let it eat ya, hun. If you're fine with how you are, that's the only thing that matters!"
[11/28/2016 1:14:33 AM] Saren: (Because people make a spectacle of bar fights when it can be feasibly resolved with one well placed punch.... that and I'm too fuckin lazy to narrate it well.)
[11/28/2016 1:14:40 AM] Luna: Io blushed slightly. "Uhm... thanks?" She smiled.
[11/28/2016 1:14:44 AM] DJ: (He probably would like Link's blood XD)
[11/28/2016 1:14:56 AM] DJ: (whatever he would use Link's blood for anyway)
[11/28/2016 1:15:11 AM] Dingu: Jethro laughed. "Well that was quite a fight! Bravo, armored man!"
[11/28/2016 1:15:29 AM] Dingu: (I'll introduce my character later. don't want to have too many)
[11/28/2016 1:15:33 AM] Saren: "... Sod off.."
[11/28/2016 1:15:46 AM] Saren: The armored man rudely replied.
[11/28/2016 1:15:49 AM] Dingu: "I'm only offering my congratulations... and a drink."
[11/28/2016 1:16:09 AM] Fro: (Lonely, I am so lonely, I have nobody, all on my own chipmunk warble)
[11/28/2016 1:16:28 AM] Luna: Io then closed her eyes, leaning up against the wall as well. She laid her wooden staff across her lap.
[11/28/2016 1:16:28 AM] Ryushu: Daniel cautiously walked forward slightly, towards the armored man and Jethro.
[11/28/2016 1:16:40 AM] Saren: "You're shiftier than a fuckin thief near a treasure chest."
[11/28/2016 1:16:45 AM] Saren: "So no thanks.."
[11/28/2016 1:16:55 AM | Edited 1:17:18 AM] Luna: (Somebody makes sense)
[11/28/2016 1:17:20 AM] Fro: (What)
[11/28/2016 1:17:20 AM] Saren: (lol?)
[11/28/2016 1:17:27 AM] Dingu: "Just an adventurer looking for help dealing with a man that has been burning villages, as well as himself."
[11/28/2016 1:17:44 AM] Luna: (Keyboard is screwy)
[11/28/2016 1:18:05 AM] Saren: The armored man rested a hand on the hilt of that slab of metal he carried. "......"
[11/28/2016 1:18:32 AM] Fro: (That was from some song I listened to when I was a kid. That and I kinda phased myself out.)
[11/28/2016 1:19:20 AM | Edited 1:19:40 AM] Dingu: "I'm venturing with some other allies. I'm Jethro, an alchemist. We've been tracking down a Burning Man responsible with the destruction of some property and bodies. He's also in league with the bandit cult Vanguards of the End Times."
[11/28/2016 1:20:26 AM] Saren: "..... Huh, did not expect finding you to be that easy.."
[11/28/2016 1:20:48 AM] DJ: Link kept his gaze focused on Io for a bit longer before sighing and looking up at the sky. In hindsight, Io was much braver than even the great Link Lingara himself in being able to admit what she was. Still...the idea of two souls occupying one being, as strange as it sounded, was not the craziest thing he had heard. But even then it sounded like an inconvenience at best.
[11/28/2016 1:21:21 AM] Dingu: "Finding me?"
[11/28/2016 1:21:57 AM] Luna: To them, it was a curse... and a gift. The two had saved each other more times than either of them could count.
[11/28/2016 1:22:09 AM] Saren: "Yeah.." and with that, the armored man swung the massive slab of metal at jethro, holding the weapon with one hand despite its weight.
[11/28/2016 1:22:51 AM] Ryushu: Daniel just watched as the armor man attacked Jethro.
[11/28/2016 1:23:23 AM] Dingu: Jethro rolled to the side, barely dodging the blow. He then unsheathed several poisoned knives, holding them between his fingers. "I'll pay you back!"
[11/28/2016 1:23:32 AM] Dingu: "Wait... do I owe you money?"
[11/28/2016 1:23:48 AM] Luna: (Pffffff XD)
[11/28/2016 1:24:48 AM] Ryushu: (-is trying to think of something that could break Daniel's disguise since he's maintaining it by magic-)
[11/28/2016 1:24:51 AM] Saren: "Nah, If you owed me money I would've simply left you in the freezing tundra with only your underwear."
[11/28/2016 1:25:11 AM] Dingu: "Been there. Done that."
[11/28/2016 1:25:14 AM] Luna: (Io might be able to. Or link. One of dem mages)
[11/28/2016 1:25:19 AM] DJ: (well I'ma head off to bed myself XD)
[11/28/2016 1:25:26 AM] DJ: (Maybe Dan and Link could have some MAN ON MAN talk)
[11/28/2016 1:25:30 AM] Luna: (G'night)
[11/28/2016 1:25:53 AM] Ryushu: (night)
[11/28/2016 1:25:56 AM] Saren: "Yes yes.." the man retorted, crouching before delivering a sweeping spin with the sword.
[11/28/2016 1:25:59 AM] Saren: (Night.)
[11/28/2016 1:26:34 AM] Dingu: Jethro jumped back and tossed a few knives the man's way. "So what did I do?"
[11/28/2016 1:26:51 AM] Fro: (Hm...)
[11/28/2016 1:27:30 AM] Luna: Io opened her eyes, hearing things, before seeing the attack. She started drawing a rune in silence...
[11/28/2016 1:27:37 AM] Saren: "Think for a second there..." The man replied, using the sword as a makeshift shield.
[11/28/2016 1:27:42 AM] Ryushu: [Monday, November 28, 2016 1:25 AM] Luna:

<<< (Io might be able to. Or link. One of dem mages)(it might be the result of an accident, perhaps?)
[11/28/2016 1:28:21 AM] Dingu: "In recent history... Cant think of pissing off anyone your size."
[11/28/2016 1:28:24 AM] Saren: )fro knows how much I love the fume ultra greatsword.)
[11/28/2016 1:28:28 AM] Luna: (perhaps. maybe she fires a rune and misses, hits Dan)
[11/28/2016 1:28:37 AM] Fro: The Mountain grabs a chair, then proceeds to throw it at the armored man.
(Your signature weapon.)
[11/28/2016 1:28:53 AM] Ryushu: (yeah, that'd probably break the disguise)
[11/28/2016 1:29:05 AM] Luna: (Yeh)
[11/28/2016 1:29:17 AM] Saren: "...." The man stayed silent, having to duck to avoid the chair shattering against his armor.
[11/28/2016 1:29:42 AM] Dingu: "Armored man, meet Mountain. Mountain, Armored man."
[11/28/2016 1:30:05 AM] Luna: Io finished her rune and aimed, waiting for the right moment to fire.
[11/28/2016 1:30:17 AM] Saren: ".... You've got to be an idiot.." He muttered. "And it's Xande.. One of the Vanguards of the end times."
[11/28/2016 1:30:32 AM] Luna: (Ooooh fuck)
[11/28/2016 1:30:44 AM] Fro: (Near everytime Xande is shown, he uses the thing.)
A table is thrown this time.
[11/28/2016 1:31:08 AM] Ryushu: Hearing Xande say he was a Vanguard of the End Times seemed to put him on edge (or would he not be able to hear that?)
[11/28/2016 1:31:09 AM] Dingu: "Well, then... Mountain, could you beat him until he is unable to move so we may question him?"
[11/28/2016 1:31:15 AM] Saren: Xande broke the table with that black slab of metal.
[11/28/2016 1:31:25 AM] Saren: (He could.)
[11/28/2016 1:31:30 AM] Saren: "He can try.."
[11/28/2016 1:32:17 AM] Ryushu: "He's allied with that Burning Man...!"
[11/28/2016 1:32:28 AM] Fro: "..." He grabs his axe, aiming the blade at Xande.
[11/28/2016 1:33:14 AM] Luna: (Just waiting for the Mountain to drive Xande fuckin' nuts)
[11/28/2016 1:33:17 AM] Dingu: (now here's an evenly matched fight!)
[11/28/2016 1:33:18 AM] Saren: "....." Xande shifted his grip on his weapon, now holding it with two hands.
[11/28/2016 1:33:40 AM] Ryushu: Daniel's hands glow with icy magic.
[11/28/2016 1:34:16 AM] Fro: He swings the axe at the ground, causing earthen pillars to erupt out; aiming for Xande.
[11/28/2016 1:35:59 AM] Ryushu: Daniel hurls an icy shard at Xande, as well; it probably won't do much.
[11/28/2016 1:36:16 AM] Saren: Xande grumbled, noting the interval between each earthen pillar's eruption before making his move.
[11/28/2016 1:36:50 AM] Saren: And the icy shard didn't do much given the heavy armor Xande wore.
[11/28/2016 1:36:58 AM] Dingu: "You're outnumbered, my good man. Just surrender and we may or may not guarantee that you live."
[11/28/2016 1:37:11 AM] Ryushu: Daniel hurled another shard, this time trying to aim for his face.
[11/28/2016 1:38:10 AM] Saren: He rolled out of the way of the pillar's, probably avoiding the ice shard as he lunged at the mountain.
[11/28/2016 1:38:57 AM] Luna: Io fired, putting a shield up between Xande and The Mountain. "MOVE!" She yelled.
[11/28/2016 1:39:07 AM] Ryushu: The shard whizzed clear past his head.
[11/28/2016 1:39:13 AM | Edited 1:39:33 AM] Saren: "Outnumbered doesn't mean outmatched, friend "
[11/28/2016 1:39:42 AM] Saren: Xande swung the sword at the barrier with all his might.
[11/28/2016 1:39:53 AM] Dingu: Jethro shook his head as he circled around the man quietly.
[11/28/2016 1:39:56 AM] Ryushu: Daniel prepared another spell; when released, it would cause a pillar of ice to erupt from the ground, hopefully hitting Xande (it wasn't released yet, though.)
[11/28/2016 1:40:30 AM] Luna: It held, if only barely. It wouldn't hold if Xande kept that kind of pressure on it, even for just a couple more seconds.
[11/28/2016 1:41:15 AM] Saren: Fortunately for Io, Xande shifted targets.. Now lunging straight for Daniel.
[11/28/2016 1:41:25 AM] Dingu: Seeing his opportune moment, Jethro lunged at the man with a dagger and went for a shallow stab between two plates of armor on his backside. it wouldn't kill, but Xande would feel a little prick.
[11/28/2016 1:41:59 AM] Saren: -by now the Tavern has been trashed beyond repair.-
[11/28/2016 1:42:24 AM | Edited 1:43:04 AM] Luna: Not Fortunately for Io, because she didn't have time for another shield rune. She darted over to the fight, though not fast enough to save Daniel.
[11/28/2016 1:42:54 AM | Edited 1:43:14 AM] Ryushu: Daniel's eyes widened, and the sheer shock of Xande now rushing at him caused him to break his focus on the spell, and he started to turn tail and try to run.
[11/28/2016 1:43:01 AM] Saren: It did prick, but adrenaline was keeping Xande from feeling it as much.
[11/28/2016 1:43:16 AM] Dingu: Jethro smiled and backed away fast.
[11/28/2016 1:43:37 AM] Fro: A boulder smashes into Xande's back.
(Acceptable?)
[11/28/2016 1:43:43 AM] Saren: (Yes.)
[11/28/2016 1:43:59 AM | Edited 1:44:20 AM] Ryushu: Daniel tripped and ended up falling over onto his face in his mad scramble to get away from Xande.
[11/28/2016 1:44:12 AM] Saren: Xande stumbled forward as the boulder shattered against his armor. "!?"
[11/28/2016 1:44:18 AM] Dingu: "Hey, Hey big armored man, guess what's coursing through your body at this very moment..."
[11/28/2016 1:44:46 AM] Saren: "Let me guess, poison..?"
[11/28/2016 1:44:50 AM] Luna: Io ran with everything she had. She managed to make it over to Daniel, pick him up and run off somewhere safe with him.
[11/28/2016 1:45:12 AM] Ryushu: Daniel seemed shocked that Io was able to actually pick him up...granted, he wasn't very heavy, but still.
[11/28/2016 1:45:14 AM] Dingu: "It might not have much effect for a while, given your stature and fighting spirit, but yes, paralysis poison."
[11/28/2016 1:45:35 AM] Saren: "Should've picked a stronger poison.."
[11/28/2016 1:45:49 AM] Dingu: "Or more daggers."
[11/28/2016 1:45:52 AM] Saren: With that Xande tossed a stool at Jethro.
[11/28/2016 1:46:17 AM] Luna: It wasn't easy, but Io had a bit of an adrenaline rush too. That helped a bit. Once they were far enough away, Io dropped Daniel and collapsed onto the ground in exhaustion.
[11/28/2016 1:46:26 AM] Dingu: "Frankly, I have just tha-" he had to duck to avoid the stool. "Everyone is obsessed with throwing those..."
[11/28/2016 1:46:33 AM] Fro: Another boulder flies towards Xande, though he's likely prepared for this.
[11/28/2016 1:46:54 AM] Ryushu: Daniel sits up as Io collapsed. "I-Io...!"
[11/28/2016 1:47:06 AM] Saren: Indeed he was, though in this case he let go of his weapon to catch the boulder.
[11/28/2016 1:47:12 AM] Luna: Io wasn't conked out, just trying to catch her breath.
[11/28/2016 1:47:22 AM] Ryushu: "A-Are you okay...??"
[11/28/2016 1:47:36 AM] Dingu: Jethro took this chance to toss another knife at Xande, filled with even more poison.
[11/28/2016 1:47:59 AM] Luna: "I-I--" She coughed. "I'll be fine... are you okay?"
[11/28/2016 1:48:11 AM] Saren: Xande brought the boulder down in time to block the knife, now tossing it at Jethro.
[11/28/2016 1:48:17 AM] Ryushu: He nodded. "Y-Yeah, but you look exhausted.."
[11/28/2016 1:48:34 AM] Fro: Mountain then rams into Xande, forcing him away from his weapon.
[11/28/2016 1:49:04 AM] Dingu: He sidestepped the boulder, but ate quite a bit of dirt to do so.
[11/28/2016 1:49:12 AM] Saren: The two rolled on the ground, engaging in fisticuffs like any gladiator would.
[11/28/2016 1:49:12 AM] Luna: Io nodded. "I'm okay."
[11/28/2016 1:49:30 AM] Saren: (I'm waiting for someone to try and pick up xande's weapon.)
[11/28/2016 1:49:33 AM] Saren: (XD)
[11/28/2016 1:50:34 AM] Dingu: Jethro got up and ran off towards the metal slab loosely defined as a blade.
[11/28/2016 1:50:42 AM] Dingu: (I was typing this as you wrote it)
[11/28/2016 1:50:51 AM] Ryushu: With the reassurance that Io was okay, Daniel got back up and looked towards the fight.
[11/28/2016 1:50:55 AM] Saren: Xande was positioned on top of the mountain, throwing a punch at his head.
[11/28/2016 1:51:02 AM] Luna: If anything, Io was freezing. She was shivering.
[11/28/2016 1:51:59 AM] Fro: He takes the blow, before retaliating by kicking Xande off; getting up to continue the fight.
[11/28/2016 1:52:28 AM] Saren: Xande grunted, landing on his back with a hateful growl.
[11/28/2016 1:53:28 AM] Saren: If Jethro were to try and pick it up, he might find that the blade was a lot heavier than Xande made it look; and that's just an understatement.
[11/28/2016 1:53:30 AM] Ryushu: Daniel hesitantly stepped forward some, trying to charge up the same spell he was trying to charge up before.
[11/28/2016 1:53:33 AM] Fro: He tries to rush Xande as he gets up,
[11/28/2016 1:53:38 AM] Dingu: He shuffled through his pockets and grabbed a strange small animal pelt. He slowly and very carefully tied it around the hilt of the blade, making sure to only touched the shaved corners. 'poison comes in many forms...' he mused, backing away once he was done.
[11/28/2016 1:54:55 AM] Saren: Xande growled, going to trip up the mountain before going to grab his weapon.
[11/28/2016 1:55:24 AM] Luna: (Can't stay awake... I should go to sleep)
[11/28/2016 1:55:31 AM | Edited 1:55:49 AM] Ryushu: Now that he's been given the time to use the spell, Daniel unleashes it, causing a spear of ice to erupt from the ground; he's trying to hit Xande with that. He might miss, though.
[11/28/2016 1:55:42 AM] Luna: (Good night)
[11/28/2016 1:55:55 AM] Ryushu: (night)
[11/28/2016 1:56:06 AM | Edited 1:57:46 AM] Dingu: Jethro hid behind the boulder that was thrown earlier. "That's it, grab the weapon you metal sack of filth..." he muttered in anticipation.
[11/28/2016 1:56:55 AM] Fro: He does, so the Mountain goes to retrieve his own weapon.
(my bad)
[11/28/2016 1:57:58 AM] Saren: And he did, however he wasn't dumb enough that he wouldn't notice the obvious added piece of fur to a sword that is mostly black in coloration to begin with.
[11/28/2016 1:58:18 AM] Ryushu: (did the icicle spear hit Xande?)
[11/28/2016 1:58:29 AM] Saren: (Was getting to that qwq)
[11/28/2016 1:58:44 AM] Ryushu: (oh okay)
[11/28/2016 1:59:57 AM] Saren: The icicle spear did infact hit Xande, actually getting lucky and scoring a nice hit in the actual folds of the interlocking plates.
[11/28/2016 2:00:28 AM] Ryushu: Daniel couldn't help but pump his fist at his success, looking quite pleased.
[11/28/2016 2:00:55 AM | Edited 2:01:12 AM] Dingu: Jethro rolled his eyes and started tying some of the same fur around his forearms. After doing so he drew more daggers. "Why wont this bastard just drop already?!"
[11/28/2016 2:01:07 AM] Saren: Some blood dribbled out the wound, albeit it was black, almost tar like.
[11/28/2016 2:01:50 AM] Ryushu: Feeling his confidence rise, Daniel stepped forward again, charging anotherspell; this one to drop a big icicle out of the sky.
[11/28/2016 2:02:10 AM] Saren: "Grrrraaaaaagh!!!" He screamed, grabbing his weapon and charging at Daniel; heedless of the daggers tossed at him.
[11/28/2016 2:02:35 AM] Saren: He was going to cleave Daniel in two if it was the last thing he did.
[11/28/2016 2:02:43 AM] Dingu: "Wait... did he grab the pelt?"
[11/28/2016 2:03:02 AM] Ryushu: "FU-" Daniel immediately stopped trying to charge the spell and reeled backwards, but ended up tripping over a rock and falling backwards, bonking his head against the ground.
[11/28/2016 2:03:47 AM] Saren: -yes, he did actually.-
[11/28/2016 2:04:01 AM] Saren: "Die you little SHIT!!"
[11/28/2016 2:04:21 AM] Fro: He looks at his axe, then at Xande. He then proceeds to throw the weapon, hoping that the blade would bury itself in him.
(ono)
[11/28/2016 2:04:48 AM] Saren: He raised his weapon, about to bring it down when the axe lodged itself deep in his backside.
[11/28/2016 2:04:53 AM] Saren: "!?"
[11/28/2016 2:05:33 AM] Dingu: "IS HE SERIOUSLY NOT DEAD?!"
[11/28/2016 2:05:39 AM | Edited 2:06:15 AM] Ryushu: Daniel promptly curled up into a ball of total fear, his arms over his head, waiting for Xande's blade to crash down on him.
[11/28/2016 2:05:53 AM] Ryushu: (oh god axe in the ass)
[11/28/2016 2:06:19 AM] Fro: "MOVE BOY!"
[11/28/2016 2:06:50 AM] Ryushu: Whimpering, he finally managed to scramble to his feet and tried to run away once more.
[11/28/2016 2:06:58 AM] Saren: (By backside I meant back lol.)
[11/28/2016 2:07:03 AM] Ryushu: (oh, oops .w.)
[11/28/2016 2:07:05 AM] Dingu: "The bristlepine pelt I placed on his blade hilt should be working..."
[11/28/2016 2:07:15 AM] Saren: Xande fell to his knees.
[11/28/2016 2:07:50 AM] Ryushu: Gasping for breath, Daniel fell to his knees after bolting out of the way, looking towards Xande.
[11/28/2016 2:08:17 AM] Saren: He was growling and snarling like a frenzied animal, before he forced himself on his feet again.
[11/28/2016 2:08:30 AM] Dingu: "I meant for it to be used earlier, a muscle-relaxing poison that drains strength...those were my last pelts... This man better have sellable armor..."
[11/28/2016 2:08:36 AM] Saren: A testament to just how fucking hard to kill this bastard is.
[11/28/2016 2:09:00 AM] Ryushu: Daniel backed away from Xande, but two failed spells in a row cost him a lot of stamina.
[11/28/2016 2:10:48 AM] Dingu: Jethro groaned when he saw his poison doing next to nothing and started tossing daggers at the beast of a man, hoping to make him into a pincushion.
[11/28/2016 2:11:23 AM] Saren: He lifted up his sword, tossing it at the mountain with what's left of his strength.
[11/28/2016 2:11:46 AM] Saren: He then collapsed face first, bloodloss and the poison getting to him.
[11/28/2016 2:13:14 AM] Ryushu: Daniel promptly flinched when Xande lifted his sword, even though it was being aimed at the Mountain.
[11/28/2016 2:13:58 AM] Fro: He sidesteps the thrown blade.
(I don't know if this is good or not..ono)
[11/28/2016 2:14:34 AM] Saren: (In this case, probably not so much.)
[11/28/2016 2:14:41 AM] Fro: (Yeah )
[11/28/2016 2:14:54 AM] Saren: (Sides he's a tank lol. Rpg wise of course.)
[11/28/2016 2:15:43 AM] Ryushu: Daniel's just sitting there, looking nervous as fuck.
[11/28/2016 2:15:52 AM] Fro: (Just...ran out of ideas is all)
[11/28/2016 2:16:07 AM] Saren: (Don't worry.)
[11/28/2016 2:16:42 AM] Dingu: (Going to sleep)
[11/28/2016 2:17:04 AM] Fro: (Dunno how to change it either)
[11/28/2016 2:17:11 AM] Ryushu: (night dingo)
[11/28/2016 2:17:49 AM] Dingu: (Now to look back on my writing as a ifall asleep and notice how much ass-pulling alchemists do)
[11/28/2016 2:18:00 AM] Saren: Thanks to sheer size, of both the mountain and Xande's weapon, the mountain wouldn't have been able to dodge it completely.
[11/28/2016 2:18:19 AM] Saren: -rather it was a glancing blow, but the force behind it might surprise him.-
[11/28/2016 2:18:23 AM] Ryushu: Daniel covered his eyes now before the sword impacted the Mountain.
[11/28/2016 2:18:53 AM] Saren: (Yes fro, he just threw the fume ultra greatsword.)
[11/28/2016 2:19:36 AM] Saren: (Still a better sword than the buster sword any day lol.)
[11/28/2016 2:19:45 AM] Fro: It grazes his shoulder, leaving a gash in the armor.

## Part 7

[1/11/2017 10:40:34 PM] Dingu: So the battle against the beast of a man was finished. The armored soldier was dead. It was now that the heroes would get their bearing and notice what kind of mess the entire fight left behind. The tavern was no more, and a few other buildings were heavily damaged in the fight.
[1/11/2017 10:42:08 PM | Edited 10:43:15 PM] Luna: Io looked at the collateral damage in distaste, her eyes darting around to make sure nobody was injured. She was still tired, and getting really cold, but she thought she could at least still help some others.
[1/11/2017 10:42:35 PM] Ryushu: Daniel went to inspect the damaged buildings, looking nervous and worried.
[1/11/2017 10:42:56 PM] Saren: (Xande died?)
[1/11/2017 10:42:59 PM] Dingu: people were collecting themselves all around. a few people in the tavern lie motionless, including the owner, with a large plank of wood protruding from his back
[1/11/2017 10:43:09 PM] Dingu: (he did, if I recall right)
[1/11/2017 10:43:29 PM | Edited 10:43:45 PM] Luna: (No, we left off like halfway through the fight)
[1/11/2017 10:43:57 PM] Dingu: (I'm going to have to do a ton of scrolling, aren't I?)
[1/11/2017 10:44:19 PM] Luna: (Not too much since this had been pretty quiet since that night)
[1/11/2017 10:45:08 PM] Luna: Io saw the tavern, and her eyes went wide. "No, nonono...." She started to panic, hurrying over towards the tavern.
[1/11/2017 10:45:39 PM] Fro: He examines the gash in his armor, looking over at the ruined tavern. "..."
[1/11/2017 10:46:30 PM] Saren: (Eh; we can say he 'died'.)
[1/11/2017 10:46:54 PM] Ryushu: Daniel, meanwhile, noticed the tavern owner laying down on the ground, with the plank of wood protruding from his back.
"O-Oh no..."
[1/11/2017 10:47:14 PM] Dingu: [Monday, November 28, 2016 2:11 AM] Saren:

<<< He lifted up his sword, tossing it at the mountain with what's left of his strength.[Monday, November 28, 2016 2:11 AM] Saren:

<<< He then collapsed face first, bloodloss and the poison getting to him.
[1/11/2017 10:47:21 PM] Saren: )I mean he ended up leaking black blood so obviously Xande isn't normal here; kinda like a spirit or some shit that you can bind to armor.(
[1/11/2017 10:48:01 PM] Luna: (Spoopy)
[1/11/2017 10:50:24 PM] Dingu: Daniel would find that the tavern owner was dead, along with the people among the wreckage. Other than that, injured people fled downwards, towards the town's exit with all due haste, fearing what was to come.
[1/11/2017 10:51:08 PM] Dingu: Jethro eyed Xande, the giant man, with a dagger ready, just in case. "How the mighty have fallen. Please stay down, for your own sake."
[1/11/2017 10:51:21 PM] Saren: "Hehehe..."
[1/11/2017 10:51:34 PM] Ryushu: Daniel knelt down a bit, looking around at all the bodies strewn about. He really didn't know how to feel about all this.
"........"
[1/11/2017 10:51:38 PM] Saren: Xande only chuckled.
[1/11/2017 10:51:49 PM] Fro: He sits down near Xande, axe at the ready.
[1/11/2017 10:52:51 PM] Dingu: "Put the axe at his neck, Headsman. Do what you do best and end his sick game."
[1/11/2017 10:52:59 PM | Edited 10:57:19 PM] Luna: Io's eyes faded to both bright blue, realizing the amount of work that would have to be done. She chased after the injured, hoping she could heal any that were straggling behind.
[1/11/2017 10:53:35 PM] Saren: "Yes yes.. End me, see how far that gets you."
[1/11/2017 10:53:44 PM] Fro: He sets the blade at Xande's neck, then rears up to swing.
[1/11/2017 10:53:56 PM] Dingu: "I wager no sleep will be lost."
[1/11/2017 10:54:18 PM] Saren: "But you'll lose your only source of information~"
[1/11/2017 10:54:25 PM] Fro: "..."
[1/11/2017 10:54:49 PM] Ryushu: (didn't all the injured people flee from here?)
[1/11/2017 10:55:05 PM] Dingu: "You really think we'll keep you alive?"
[1/11/2017 10:55:14 PM] Luna: (Uh, right. I thought they were just on their way out)
[1/11/2017 10:55:36 PM] Luna: (I'll change that if you want)
[1/11/2017 10:55:45 PM] Ryushu: (alright)
[1/11/2017 10:56:01 PM] Saren: "I don't really care, either way I'm free of this wretched existence."
[1/11/2017 10:56:53 PM] Dingu: "Too bad you're only bargaining chip is moot. There's only one trail from here. Up the mountain." He looked at the mountain. "Kill him."
[1/11/2017 10:57:05 PM] Ryushu: "........."
[1/11/2017 10:57:14 PM] Fro: He swings his axe full force at Xande's neck.
[1/11/2017 10:57:34 PM] Luna: (changed it)
[1/11/2017 10:57:51 PM] Saren: -slice!-
[1/11/2017 10:58:14 PM] Saren: There was the sickening sound of sliced metal and flesh.
[1/11/2017 10:58:24 PM] Ryushu: Daniel immediately cringed, looking away.
[1/11/2017 10:58:27 PM] Dingu: crows fly off. a thunder rumbles in the distance. dramatic things
[1/11/2017 10:59:49 PM] Luna: Io heard these suspicious noises, and stopped in her tracks, looking around. It was a dead giveaway to her; something was really wrong, besides the lives lost.
[1/11/2017 10:59:52 PM] Dingu: Jethro spits on the beheaded corpse and looks downhill to where all the civilians fled.
[1/11/2017 11:00:07 PM] Dingu: the thunder still rumbled.
[1/11/2017 11:00:14 PM] Saren: (Kekekekekekekekekekekeke.)
[1/11/2017 11:00:29 PM] Ryushu: Daniel looked up towards the sky, frowning.
[1/11/2017 11:00:47 PM] Fro: He calmly wipes the axe clean on Xande's body.
[1/11/2017 11:01:20 PM] Luna: (wait a sec where's DJ)
[1/11/2017 11:03:43 PM] DJ: (my attention is divided atm.)
[1/11/2017 11:03:56 PM] Luna: (ohai)
[1/11/2017 11:03:56 PM] Saren: Dajehmon rp lol
[1/11/2017 11:06:24 PM] Dingu: it wasn't thunder getting louder, but something else entirely coming towards the party
[1/11/2017 11:07:27 PM] Ryushu: Daniel's eyes widened and he looked around.
"I-I think something's coming our way..."
[1/11/2017 11:09:18 PM] Luna: "Celeste... Wake up..." Io quietly mumbled to herself, headed back towards the party. She was out of earshot, she thought...
[1/11/2017 11:09:21 PM] Fro: "..."
[1/11/2017 11:09:51 PM] Dingu: A large group of knights wearing matching torn banners on their back were riding towards them. Their armor was worn down and their horses scarred. they carried everything from halberds to maces.
[1/11/2017 11:10:15 PM] Ryushu: Daniel stood up where he knelt and quickly went to rejoin the others, looking nervous.
[1/11/2017 11:10:58 PM] Dingu: "The King's men!" Jethro shouted. "Get to the cart!" He sprinted towards his wagon, not checking once what he lost in the fight.
[1/11/2017 11:11:15 PM] Ryushu: "Th-The King's men...? Wh-What??"
[1/11/2017 11:11:53 PM] Saren: (I'm just waiting for that right moment when I can reveal something funny.)
[1/11/2017 11:12:21 PM] Luna: Io didn't need to be told twice. She ran towards the cart.
[1/11/2017 11:12:25 PM] Saren: Varron and Calibaan hopped inside the cart.
[1/11/2017 11:12:36 PM] Dingu: "NO TIME TO WASTE! Grab the knight and his abomination and let's go!"
[1/11/2017 11:12:46 PM] Dingu: "Where were you two?!"
[1/11/2017 11:12:56 PM] Luna: Io hopped inside as well, landing right next to Sir Varron.
[1/11/2017 11:13:10 PM] Luna: (No phone, not Sure Carton)
[1/11/2017 11:13:28 PM] Ryushu: Daniel finally scrambled towards the cart, as well, too nervous and frazzled to focus on much else.
[1/11/2017 11:13:28 PM] Saren: "Busy helping with evacuation.."
[1/11/2017 11:14:00 PM] Dingu: (DJ?)
[1/11/2017 11:17:31 PM] Dingu: (...)
[1/11/2017 11:17:38 PM] Dingu: (He's in the cart, I guess)
[1/11/2017 11:21:05 PM] Fro: (Did everyone die?)
[1/11/2017 11:21:18 PM] Luna: (I'm alive)
[1/11/2017 11:21:33 PM] Luna: (Just waiting for a good spot to respond)
[1/11/2017 11:21:35 PM] Ryushu: I'm here
[1/11/2017 11:21:42 PM] Fro: (Ok)
[1/11/2017 11:22:33 PM] Dingu: Jethro cracked the whip and his horse sped forward with the cart away from the knights.
[1/11/2017 11:22:35 PM] DJ: (I told you my attention was kind of divided :V)
[1/11/2017 11:22:39 PM] DJ: (was a bit busy)
[1/11/2017 11:22:49 PM] Dingu: (it's okay, mate)
[1/11/2017 11:23:33 PM] Fro: He starts running to keep up with the cart.
[1/11/2017 11:23:36 PM] Luna: Io held on for dear life, since she was in an awkward position and didn't want to fall off.
[1/11/2017 11:24:47 PM] Dingu: The knights sped close behind, waving their bloodied weapons and shouting "Halt, by order of the King!"
[1/11/2017 11:24:50 PM] DJ: (also idk what's going on XD)
[1/11/2017 11:25:02 PM] Ryushu: "Wh-Why are they chasing us?!"
[1/11/2017 11:25:13 PM] Dingu: (Xande died, the town was torn to shreds, and we're fleeing the king's men)
[1/11/2017 11:25:43 PM] Dingu: "They're the law, and we just destroyed a town and murdered some townsfolk... according to them."
[1/11/2017 11:26:02 PM] Ryushu: "B-But it wasn't our fault...! I-it was that fiery guy!"
[1/11/2017 11:26:35 PM] Dingu: "They don't care! As far as they're concerned, we helped.
[1/11/2017 11:26:37 PM] Dingu: "
[1/11/2017 11:26:39 PM] Luna: Io seemed to be freaking out pretty badly. "Surely we can explain!" She insisted. Poor, innocent Io.
[1/11/2017 11:27:08 PM] Ryushu: "I-I don't think they'd care to listen, really..."
[1/11/2017 11:27:26 PM] Dingu: "Ever since the death of the king, they stopped taking prisoners and they're not overly fond of talking, despite their shouting."
[1/11/2017 11:27:40 PM] Ryushu: "See? I was right!"
[1/11/2017 11:27:45 PM] DJ: Link piped up, hanging onto the cart as well. Despite everything that was occurring, he looked pretty happy, "I could slow down those guards if that might help at all~ Just say the word Jethro."
[1/11/2017 11:28:09 PM] Luna: Io listened, and sighed disdainfully. "Alright..."
[1/11/2017 11:28:27 PM] Dingu: "DO IT."
[1/11/2017 11:28:30 PM] Ryushu: [still wants to do the "Daniel is a Tiefling in disguise" thing]
[1/11/2017 11:29:02 PM] Luna: (maybe he freaks out so much he loses his disguise XD)
[1/11/2017 11:29:16 PM | Edited 11:29:25 PM] Ryushu: (Maybe XD it does require concentration)
[1/11/2017 11:29:31 PM] Luna: (Welp, time to fix that XD)
[1/11/2017 11:29:36 PM] Ryushu: (but that could be too awkward to do in the cart)
[1/11/2017 11:30:38 PM] Luna: (Bitch I'm the queen of awkward)
[1/11/2017 11:30:40 PM] DJ: "Okay! Move out of the way everyone and watch the greatest sorcerer do his thing!" Link climbed his way to the back of the cart and stood confidentially, using magic to fasten his feet in place so that he wouldn't fall out of the cart himself. He rotated his arms as if he was limbering up his arm muscles and once he cracked his knuckles, fire wrapped around his arms like a coil.
[1/11/2017 11:31:45 PM] Dingu: "ENOUGH SHOWING OFF! I DONT WANT MYHEAD ON A PIKE!"
[1/11/2017 11:32:39 PM] Ryushu: Daniel, tucked away from all the others, gasped a bit and looked down at his hands. Not now...he closed his eyes and concentrated, balling his hands into fists.
[1/11/2017 11:32:47 PM] DJ: "Geez...you're no fun.." Link muttered. He continued to grin as he started to throw fireballs at the mounted guards, laughing as if he was playing a super fun carnival game.
[1/11/2017 11:34:04 PM] Dingu: Some of the fireballs connected, and some horses in the front fell over. It slowed them down. However, they had no intent on falling behind.
[1/11/2017 11:34:11 PM] Luna: Io tried to move out of the way for Link, but the cart bumped as she did so, sending her flying towards Daniel. Uh-oh.
[1/11/2017 11:34:33 PM] Dingu: "ANYONE HAVE ANY PLANS?"
[1/11/2017 11:37:36 PM] DJ: "Just keep driving!" Link shouted. The flames around his arms had disappeared as he swung them upward, using his magic to command the roots and vines of any form of vegetation beneath the dirt road to pop upwards to catch and trip more guards. Truly, Link was breaking out almost every spell he knew.
[1/11/2017 11:38:12 PM] Ryushu: Daniel yelped as Io collided with him; that sudden strike was enough to break his concentration, and he felt his spine shudder and his skin tighten up as he shifted in appearence.
[1/11/2017 11:38:51 PM] DJ: (also it is windy and rainy here so I might disappear)
[1/11/2017 11:39:16 PM] Dingu: More horses fell over, and only a few more soldiers remained, not enough to follow. Also, given the new environment, the last few were not willing to give chase. They turned back and left the group alone to face the icy mountains.
[1/11/2017 11:39:45 PM] Luna: "S-sorry!" Io stammered, not being able to see Daniel's change in appearance from her angle; not yet, that is.
[1/11/2017 11:40:32 PM] Ryushu: Daniel immediately scooted away from her and use his arms and legs to hide the new body parts sprouting from him; the tail, the horns, the fur...even the deer-like ears and cat-like eyes.
"I-It's fine...!"
[1/11/2017 11:40:45 PM] Saren: Amidst all the chaos; the suit of armor that was Xande stood up and grabbed the helm before shaking out what looked like the severed head of a fillable dummy.
[1/11/2017 11:40:47 PM] Ryushu: (I feel like his disguise breaking just got shoehorned in here...)
[1/11/2017 11:41:15 PM] Luna: (It did. Sorry T3T)
[1/11/2017 11:41:32 PM] Ryushu: (its okay)
[1/11/2017 11:41:44 PM] Dingu: "What are you doing, Knight?"
[1/11/2017 11:41:49 PM] DJ: "AHAHAHA! That's what you get for crossing the Great Link Lingara!"
Link continued to laugh confidently at his small victory to the point of almost losing his own concentration and nearly slipping out of the cart. Luckily one of the bumps in the road knocked him back into the cart instead of out of it. So now the Great Link Lingara was sitting on his ass.
[1/11/2017 11:43:17 PM] Luna: As well as practically on top of Io, meaning pretty much everyone had gotten in a massive pileup. "Oof!" Io got the wind knocked out of her.
[1/11/2017 11:43:40 PM] Ryushu: (Maybe I can not have Daniel's true form revealed yet...)
[1/11/2017 11:43:53 PM] Dingu: (your choice)
[1/11/2017 11:43:55 PM] Ryushu: (all the hubbub in the cart could give him time to regain the disguise)
[1/11/2017 11:44:07 PM] DJ: (I'd say that would be a good idea :o)
[1/11/2017 11:44:07 PM | Edited 11:44:23 PM] Ryushu: (Eh, I'd just rather do the reveal in a way that doesn't make it shoehorned.)
[1/11/2017 11:44:19 PM] DJ: (also holy shit that wind)
[1/11/2017 11:44:36 PM] Luna: (Alright.)
[1/11/2017 11:44:58 PM] Ryushu: With all the chaos going on inside of the cart, and nobody focusing on Daniel, it gave him time to regain his concentration; his extra 'parts' were slowly concealed by magic, and soon he looked as human as before.
[1/11/2017 11:45:45 PM] Saren: The suit of armor placed the helm back on its head and grabbed the sword before making a swift exit.
[1/11/2017 11:46:07 PM] Dingu: Jethro let out a sigh of relief. "Is everyone dece-" He stopped himself and eyed Daniel for a second. He then shook his head and got off of the cart to collect himself.
[1/11/2017 11:46:18 PM] Luna: Io squirmed a bit, trying to get Link off of her.
[1/11/2017 11:46:26 PM] Ryushu: (wait, did Jethro see his real form?)
[1/11/2017 11:46:39 PM] Saren: (Because no one expects the suit of armor to be the one containing life force when blood starts leaking.)
[1/11/2017 11:46:44 PM] Luna: (Ominous glimpse, saw it coming from a mile away XD)
[1/11/2017 11:47:10 PM] Fro: (Living suits of armor are cool.)
[1/11/2017 11:47:33 PM] Fro: (I had ideas for one.)
[1/11/2017 11:47:37 PM] DJ: "Whew!" Link was ecstatic, getting off of Io as quickly as he could when the cart had finally stopped. He practically jumped out and skipped around, clapping his hands together like a giddy school girl. The hell was he proud of?
[1/11/2017 11:47:37 PM] Dingu: (Xande is living armor?)
[1/11/2017 11:48:21 PM] Dingu: Jethro patted Link on the back. "Well done. I guess you aren't just some other monochromatic fire mage, huh?"
[1/11/2017 11:48:50 PM] Ryushu: Daniel climbed out of the cart as well, looking normal.
[1/11/2017 11:49:33 PM] DJ: "Oh I'm more than a simple fire mage, Jethro. I didn't take years of schooling just to master flames." Link looked at his fingernails with a cocky smile before gazing at Jethro. His green eyes seemed to sparkle with pride.
[1/11/2017 11:49:41 PM] Luna: Io then climbed out, looking a bit weak from the fast and bumpy ride.
[1/11/2017 11:50:18 PM] Ryushu: Daniel seemed a bit woozy, as well, but quickly regained his composure.
[1/11/2017 11:50:35 PM] Fro: He stops and buries his axe in the ground.
[1/11/2017 11:51:01 PM | Edited 11:51:23 PM] Luna: Io then started to lean on her staff a bit more than usual, but other than that she looked fine.
[1/11/2017 11:51:14 PM] Saren: Calibaan stared at Link with a sweatdrop, mimicking its owner's expression.
[1/11/2017 11:51:25 PM] DJ: (I'm just imagining Link with these puppy like eyes like a child who just won a trophy or something)
[1/11/2017 11:51:33 PM] Luna: (Awwww)
[1/11/2017 11:51:39 PM] DJ: (adorbs XD)
[1/11/2017 11:52:32 PM] Dingu: "So everyone is alive and unhurt?"
[1/11/2017 11:52:44 PM] Ryushu: Daniel nodded. "I-Io, are you okay?"
[1/11/2017 11:52:52 PM] Fro: "..."
[1/11/2017 11:53:34 PM] Luna: "I'm fine..." Io answered. She looked up at him, her eyes both blue again. Strange.
DJ
[1/11/2017 11:54:10 PM] DJ: (also updated Link design I guess)
[1/11/2017 11:54:12 PM] DJ: (hooray)
[1/11/2017 11:54:22 PM] DJ: (not sure if everyone saw it)
[1/11/2017 11:54:27 PM] Ryushu: nice
[1/11/2017 11:54:55 PM] Ryushu: "That's good," said Daniel, noting that both of Io's eyes were blue, now.
[1/11/2017 11:54:58 PM] Dingu: "Varron? Calibaan?"
[1/11/2017 11:55:08 PM] Ryushu: (Daniel's aware of her having two souls, right?)
[1/11/2017 11:55:15 PM] Luna: (Yes.)
[1/11/2017 11:55:17 PM] Saren: "Hm?" Varron blinked.
[1/11/2017 11:55:23 PM] Ryushu: (okay)
[1/11/2017 11:55:29 PM] Luna: (So are Link and Jethro)
[1/11/2017 11:55:30 PM] Saren: Both were unharmed.
[1/11/2017 11:55:45 PM] Luna: (Though Jethro's pretty suspicious and thinks there's more)
[1/11/2017 11:56:01 PM | Edited 11:56:11 PM] Ryushu: (good thing he didn't see Daniel briefly lose his disguise)
[1/11/2017 11:56:23 PM] Dingu: "Good. My horse is tired. we should set up camp, and get the rest we needed back at town..."
[1/11/2017 11:56:31 PM] Ryushu: "Y-Yeah."
[1/11/2017 11:56:55 PM] DJ: (and Link is like "Oh that's nice.")
[1/11/2017 11:57:27 PM] Luna: "Alright then." Io agreed, starting to shiver slightly. She wasn't accustomed to cold weather, and was very clearly not dressed for it.
[1/11/2017 11:58:34 PM] Dingu: And so camp was made, and the group could finally rest and talk.
[1/11/2017 11:59:00 PM] Dingu: "I say from now on, we stay away from taverns."
[1/11/2017 11:59:46 PM | Edited 1/12/2017 12:00:39 AM] Luna: "I agree." Io responded, sounding just the slightest bit bitter. An odd expression from the innocent mage...
[1/11/2017 11:59:56 PM] Ryushu: "Th-That sounds like a good idea...the King's men might expect us to try and go to any tavern..."
[1/12/2017 12:00:42 AM] DJ: Link had his eye jewel, Chain, on his palm and was using his sleeve to wipe the surface. He quietly polished Chain whilst listening to everyone else.
[1/12/2017 12:00:52 AM] Dingu: "And the last two taverns we went to are now piles of rubble..."
[1/12/2017 12:01:12 AM] Ryushu: "Yeah..."
[1/12/2017 12:01:23 AM] Luna: Io nodded, solemnly.
[1/12/2017 12:01:51 AM] Fro: He's busy studying the gash in his armor.
[1/12/2017 12:02:54 AM] Luna: Io then looked around, and saw the gash in the Mountain's armor. She studied it for a second to make sure he wasn't actually hurt.
[1/12/2017 12:03:26 AM | Edited 12:03:41 AM] Dingu: "Anything serious? I'm out of remedies, for the time being, sadly."
[1/12/2017 12:04:26 AM] Fro: He shakes his head.
[1/12/2017 12:05:09 AM] Luna: Io sighed in relief.
[1/12/2017 12:06:04 AM] Dingu: Jethro paused for a moment and poked the logs in the fire idly with a stick. "I owe you all a few answers..."
[1/12/2017 12:06:14 AM] Ryushu: "Really?"
[1/12/2017 12:06:21 AM] Luna: "Oh?"
[1/12/2017 12:07:43 AM] Dingu: "as you may have figured when we executed Xande, the cursed warrior, I didn't let him give us any sort of direction to the Vanguards of the Apocalypse. That is because I have been there before."
[1/12/2017 12:07:53 AM] Ryushu: "...you have??"
[1/12/2017 12:08:09 AM] Saren: Varron blinked. "Oh?"
[1/12/2017 12:08:28 AM] Luna: Io listened intently, sitting beside Daniel.
[1/12/2017 12:12:30 AM] Dingu: Jethro got a green vial from one of his pockets and tossed it to the flames, turning them green. "There is a place far from much human contact where things that were once humans thrive. This is the home of the Vanguards of the Apocalypse. Atop this mountain they make their home. A dilapidated castle massive in scale."
[1/12/2017 12:13:06 AM] Dingu: "There are many cultists and zealots that dwell within, but only few are of true note."
[1/12/2017 12:13:51 AM] Ryushu: Daniel listened quietly, feeling more and more nervous as Jethro described the place and its inhabitants.
[1/12/2017 12:14:42 AM] DJ: Link clipped Chain back onto his collar. He leaned forward in his seat as he continued to listen.
[1/12/2017 12:15:37 AM] Dingu: "An End To All Things. That is their creed. The Burned Man you have met. He will bring the end to all physical life with his lasting flames before his ever die out."
[1/12/2017 12:16:19 AM] Ryushu: Daniel gulped a bit, fidgeting nervously.
[1/12/2017 12:17:13 AM] Dingu: "The Shadow Man sees the world as a body with a throat to slit and a corpse to bleed out. She could be watching us now, a shadow, a dagger, then death."
[1/12/2017 12:17:38 AM | Edited 12:17:46 AM] Ryushu: That made Daniel shiver nervously, and he looked over his shoulder, biting his lip.
[1/12/2017 12:18:15 AM] Luna: Io reached over and tried to comfort Daniel. "It's alright."
[1/12/2017 12:18:32 AM] Ryushu: (wait, Shadow Man is a she?)
[1/12/2017 12:18:58 AM] Luna: (Well of course, she's a feminazi)
[1/12/2017 12:19:04 AM] Dingu: "The Hollow Man. If The Burned Man is the end to the physical world, he is the end of the Spiritual one. A soulless creature surrounds himself in the souls of his victims, attempting to fill a void that will never be satisfied."
[1/12/2017 12:19:07 AM] Dingu: (yep)
[1/12/2017 12:19:24 AM] Saren: (Hollow man sounds a lot like Xande for some reason.)
[1/12/2017 12:19:27 AM] Luna: Io heard this, shivered and backed away. She looked terrified.
[1/12/2017 12:19:29 AM | Edited 12:19:46 AM] Ryushu: (ah, okay)
Daniel shivered again and huddled close to Io.
[1/12/2017 12:19:32 AM] Saren: (Probably cause dark souls.)
[1/12/2017 12:19:47 AM] Fro: (Huh. Maybe it is him.)
[1/12/2017 12:20:25 AM] Luna: Io was practically curled up in a ball. The Hollow Man was the one that scared her. Well... them.
[1/12/2017 12:20:38 AM] Saren: (Would be interesting.)
[1/12/2017 12:21:00 AM] Saren: Varron just rubbed his companion's ears
[1/12/2017 12:22:01 AM] Dingu: "Then, the most dangerous of all, their leader. The Deceiving Man. He believes the world has given him nothing but lies and untruths for eons, and will give nothing back, hoping to see the world collapse upon itself and slowly die away."
[1/12/2017 12:22:10 AM] Dingu: "He is the one who killed the king"
[1/12/2017 12:22:28 AM] Ryushu: Daniel looked shocked and afraid.
[1/12/2017 12:23:00 AM] Dingu: "The reason our kingdom is running wild with beasts. He has started a chain of events that will one day bring an end to all things."
[1/12/2017 12:23:20 AM] DJ: Link seemed a bit...bored. "Well...they sound...pleasant." he said, stretching his arms upward.
[1/12/2017 12:23:28 AM] Ryushu: "O-Oh gosh..."
[1/12/2017 12:23:48 AM] Luna: Io wasn't even listening at this point. The end of the spiritual world too... She could hardly even bear to think about it.
[1/12/2017 12:24:30 AM] DJ: "Still that seems a bit extreme over...rather silly reasons." Link said.
[1/12/2017 12:25:16 AM] Luna: Perhaps Daniel or Jethro would notice Io's compete horror.
[1/12/2017 12:25:55 AM] Dingu: "Scared of the Hollow Man, Io?"
[1/12/2017 12:26:05 AM] Ryushu: Daniel looked over at Io, worried.
[1/12/2017 12:26:16 AM | Edited 12:27:21 AM] Luna: She nodded, silently. Most of them would know why, too...
[1/12/2017 12:27:10 AM] Saren: "Perhaps you would think it so silly when you spent most of your life in the fancy academy learning magicks in a safe environment, but outside of those walls lies the harsh truths of life wizard.." Varron spoke, glancing at link.
[1/12/2017 12:28:32 AM] DJ: Link still kept his usual smiling poker face as he looked to Varron, "Perhaps. But don't you find it just a tad bit ridiculous for someone to want to destroy everything simply over something that probably isn't there?"
[1/12/2017 12:28:42 AM] DJ: His eyes seemed to flash a bit as he said this.
[1/12/2017 12:28:55 AM] Ryushu: Daniel stayed silent.
[1/12/2017 12:29:05 AM] Dingu: "The deceit is there. There is every reason to hate the world."
[1/12/2017 12:29:23 AM] DJ: "...Eh I guess you have a point..." Link simply shrugged.
[1/12/2017 12:29:35 AM] Ryushu: "W-Was the king deceitful, or something?"
[1/12/2017 12:30:07 AM] Saren: "As deceitful as any other politician or noble vying for power must be.."
[1/12/2017 12:30:12 AM] Luna: Io actually agreed with Jethro as well. She hadn't been in the outside world for very long, but she knew well what he spoke of.
[1/12/2017 12:30:30 AM] Dingu: "Not necessarily. He saw another sort of cruel thing inside the king. Fear of the end."
[1/12/2017 12:30:44 AM] Ryushu: "Fear of the end?"
[1/12/2017 12:31:07 AM] DJ: "...So what? I would assume that would be a reasonable fear for anyone." Link wasn't shy about showing his clear confusion.
[1/12/2017 12:31:56 AM] Dingu: "The King sought to find any sort of way to avoid the abyss. He hired mages and they failed. And then." He paused.
[1/12/2017 12:32:05 AM] Dingu: "He hired alchemists."
[1/12/2017 12:32:36 AM] Ryushu: "....d-did he hire you, Jethro?"
[1/12/2017 12:33:10 AM] DJ: "...Huh..." Link was about to chime in with another statement, but decided to keep quiet this time. Perhaps Varron had a point about his rather sheltered life style. A small price to pay for the current power he had achieved though.
[1/12/2017 12:33:14 AM] Luna: Io was slowly starting to calm down, though she had a white-knuckle grip on her staff.
[1/12/2017 12:33:47 AM] Dingu: "Yes, and the Deceiving Man was hired along with many alchemists from across the entire world, not just his kingdom, to find a 'cure' for death."
[1/12/2017 12:34:15 AM] Ryushu: Daniel listened intently to this.
[1/12/2017 12:35:20 AM] Dingu: "Many of the alchemists that failed were executed, and the king neglected his duties because his fear and anxiety grew stronger with every day. So the king was given a vial by The Deceiving Man, his first deception. He posed it as a cure, but instead, it was a curse."
[1/12/2017 12:35:53 AM] Fro: He says nothing.
[1/12/2017 12:36:31 AM] Dingu: "The King died that day, and in his place, something wears a crown stalks his throne room. The entire king's castle is in shambles with the exception of that single room, made perfect by mages and architects."
[1/12/2017 12:36:40 AM] DJ: "Is..that so?...Did he also execute the mages before as well?" Link asked.
[1/12/2017 12:37:02 AM] Dingu: Jethro nodded. "and the mage's halls are now near empty, being run by madmen."
[1/12/2017 12:37:32 AM] Ryushu: "O-Oh gods..."
[1/12/2017 12:37:54 AM] DJ: Link grasped at his own neck as his expression finally showed something other than arrogant pride or some other form of grinning. No...this expression was one of disgust.
[1/12/2017 12:38:04 AM] Fro: He leans back against a rock, listening quietly to Jethro.
[1/12/2017 12:38:20 AM] Luna: Io sighed, trying to picture something like this happening in her home. She could hardly even wrap her head around it.
[1/12/2017 12:38:37 AM] DJ: "Geez...good thing I got out of there when I did then..." Link said, rubbing his neck.
[1/12/2017 12:39:05 AM] Dingu: "In a way, the king got what he wanted."
[1/12/2017 12:40:17 AM] Luna: Io's curiosity was piqued. She thought she knew where he was going with this. She relaxed, ever so slightly.
[1/12/2017 12:40:50 AM] Dingu: "any questions left? I do not want to leave any of you to face such an unknown and vague threat."
[1/12/2017 12:41:04 AM] Ryushu: "...d-do they know that we're coming after them?"
[1/12/2017 12:42:20 AM] Dingu: "Xande was a servant of the Hollow Man, I believe. He may know, though he lacks interaction with the rest of the Vanguards."
[1/12/2017 12:42:39 AM] Ryushu: "I...I see..."
[1/12/2017 12:44:46 AM] Luna: This made Io anxious again, though now she was even more glad than before that she had put up that shield and tried to save Daniel. She would never forgive herself if the Hollow Man had gotten his hands on another victim thanks to her incompetence...
[1/12/2017 12:45:40 AM | Edited 12:46:08 AM] Luna: "See, Celeste? I wasn't being foolish!"

"Ugh, fine."
[1/12/2017 12:47:20 AM] DJ: Link tried to get himself to smile again, but he couldn't help but continue thinking what would've happened to him had he not set off on his own when he did...For that he was thankful of his own pride, assuming that he wasn't always thankful for it usually. Link looked down at Chain momentarily, "Nah it's alright Chain..." he spoke to the eye jewel.
[1/12/2017 12:48:01 AM] Dingu: "Maybe after the Vanguards, we will turn our attention to the Mages... and maybe even put down the beast king."
[1/12/2017 12:48:14 AM] Ryushu: "B-Beast king...??"
[1/12/2017 12:48:21 AM] Luna: One of them might notice Io's eyes go back to their heterochromic state.
[1/12/2017 12:48:33 AM] Dingu: "The king... now nothing more than a monster."
[1/12/2017 12:48:50 AM] Dingu: "Dead, for the most part."
[1/12/2017 12:48:58 AM] Ryushu: "O-Oh gosh.."
[1/12/2017 12:49:39 AM] Dingu: (very Dark Souls-ish)
[1/12/2017 12:51:18 AM] DJ: Link began to rub his chin. By the vacant look in his eyes, he was most likely thinking deeply about something...or perhaps he was talking with Chain internally given they both shared a telepathic connection.
[1/12/2017 12:51:58 AM] Dingu: "You all seem troubled by these Vanguards, all with your own reasons."
[1/12/2017 12:52:16 AM] Dingu: "They will all die, I assure you."
[1/12/2017 12:52:22 AM] Luna: Io was doing something similar to Link, but with her eyes closed. Perhaps the two spirits were talking to each other.
[1/12/2017 12:53:09 AM] Ryushu: Daniel likely did not have a specific reason to be troubled by the guardians, given that he wasn't exactly special, himself.

## Part 8

[2/19/2017 9:03:50 PM] Dingu: Jethro was the first to wake. He got out of his cart and noticed the nip in the air. The mountains at this time of year were a bit warmer than usual, but could still chill to the bone with a strong gust of wind. He looked at the others, all snug in their tents and shook his head. Instead of going to each one individually and waking them up or shouting, he grabbed a small vial with black powder inside and tossed the contents into the fire, creating a loud pop that would ring through everyone's ears.
[2/19/2017 9:04:38 PM] Saren: -a dog whimpering was heard, then a rock was chucked at Jethro.-
[2/19/2017 9:04:47 PM] Luna: "Aaah!" Io yelped, waking with a start and covering her ears.
[2/19/2017 9:05:00 PM] Ryushu: Daniel, who wasn't the heaviest of sleepers, immediately jolted out of his sleeping bag(?) with a screech, looking terrified.
"WHAT-"
[2/19/2017 9:06:20 PM | Edited 9:07:05 PM] Fro: His head jerks up at the sound.
[2/19/2017 9:07:19 PM] DJ: Link was strangely no where to be seen. Well it would've been strange, but the mage was making a habit of being gone during the morning hours only to return when the sun began to poke over the horizon. The sound of the fire popping loudly did not go unnoticed on his ears. Soon a blur of black, white, and green emerged quickly from the shadows before skidding to a stop, "What happened?! Are we being attacked?!" Link's head swiveled this way and that like an alert bird.
[2/19/2017 9:07:44 PM] Ryushu: Daniel was sitting up and hugging his knees, still trying to calm his racing heart.
DJ
[2/19/2017 9:09:08 PM] Saren: Varron walked out of his tent, grumbling and glaring at Jethro.
[2/19/2017 9:09:11 PM] DJ: (causal reminder that new Link was an owl before he was a human XD)
[2/19/2017 9:09:41 PM] Luna: Io scooched over to wrap her arm around Daniel.
[2/19/2017 9:10:01 PM] Ryushu: Daniel leaned against Io a bit, trembling slightly.
[2/19/2017 9:10:31 PM] Fro: He stands up, sounds of bones popping as he limbers up.
[2/19/2017 9:11:09 PM] Luna: Io patted his shoulder, though she was shivering slightly.
[2/19/2017 9:11:31 PM] DJ: Link's round green eyes eventually fell upon the fire...and then to Jethro...and then to Varron...and then to the fire again. Link straightened his back and smoothed out his jacket, "Ah...fire....I knew that."
[2/19/2017 9:12:34 PM] Ryushu: "Gods...I thought we were under attack or something...!"
[2/19/2017 9:13:47 PM] Luna: "It's alright, it's alright..." Io glared at Jethro through the opening in their tent. It seemed she was still a little sore about the conversation they had back in town.
[2/19/2017 9:18:32 PM] Dingu: Jethro rubbed his head where the rock found its mark. "We're not under attack. I just wanted us all fully alert when we woke up instead of wasting time in a drowsy stupor." He said to them all. "Now let's start packing up. The hardest part of the journey is just ahead, with plenty of harsh terrain ahead of us. Copper and the cart can climb it, but just barely."
[2/19/2017 9:20:08 PM] Luna: Io sighed, standing up and stretching.
[2/19/2017 9:20:48 PM] DJ: "So when we get close enough, will we have to carry our things?" Link asked, putting his hands on his hips. Chain, his eyeball jewel companion, lowered its eyelid in a sort of inquisitive glare as if it was wondering the same thing.
[2/19/2017 9:21:39 PM] Dingu: "There's a steep rocky incline a mile from the castle, so yes." Jethro nodded
[2/19/2017 9:22:14 PM] Luna: Io noticed Chain as she stepped out of the tent, and stared for a moment. It seemed to be the first time she had actually realized Chain was more than a jewel.
[2/19/2017 9:22:26 PM] Ryushu: Daniel gets up and starts packing up his things; his rat is on his shoulder.
[2/19/2017 9:24:12 PM] DJ: "Oh boy...I await with baited breath..." Link said with a grin as his voice dripped with sarcasm. He walked past Jethro to the cart and gathered up his own bedroll and a small pouch, all that he had to his name.
[2/19/2017 9:27:02 PM] Dingu: "I just noticed you pack rather lightly, Link. That'll be good for the journey ahead."
[2/19/2017 9:27:46 PM] DJ: "Oh?...Well the great Link Lingara doesn't require much for travel!" Link said proudly.
[2/19/2017 9:27:50 PM] Luna: Io packed up what little things she had, putting them in the satchel that hung at her side. She held her staff in her hand, as well, before taking something else out of her satchel with her free hand. It was a strange, pear shaped fruit.
[2/19/2017 9:28:34 PM] Dingu: "That pride, on the other hand, will not be useful."
[2/19/2017 9:29:04 PM] DJ: Link didn't retort with anything witty, but merely just gave Jethro a half lidded stare combined with a smile.
[2/19/2017 9:29:21 PM] DJ: He forcefully shoved his bedroll into the cart.
[2/19/2017 9:29:30 PM] DJ: (Link got pissed XD)
[2/19/2017 9:30:01 PM] Dingu: Jethro raised an eyebrow to Link's silence. He thought insulting the mage was impossible.
[2/19/2017 9:30:02 PM] Ryushu: Daniel had his bedroll packed too, and his satchel slung over his shoulder.
[2/19/2017 9:30:19 PM] Fro: He dusts his armor off and slings his axe over his shoulder.
[2/19/2017 9:30:26 PM] Luna: Io started peeling her odd fruit, absentmindedly.
[2/19/2017 9:31:46 PM] DJ: Link's silence definitely proved Jethro wrong with that. Either way, the mage resumed his spot on the front of the cart, plopping himself down on the "passenger" side. He was not so gentle getting on either, causing the cart to shake slightly the minute he had dropped himself.
[2/19/2017 9:33:50 PM] Luna: Io hopped in the back once more, using her staff to help herself in.
[2/19/2017 9:36:22 PM] Dingu: Jethro took his spot on his part of the cart. Despite Link's specialty with pyromancy, he's was quite skilled at giving the cold shoulder. He looked back to make sure everyone was aboard and that his cart's contents were still in one piece. His potions were getting more scarce, he noticed, as there was now room for the people inside to actually sit comfortably. "Is everyone ready?"
[2/19/2017 9:37:12 PM] DJ: (ooooo!)
[2/19/2017 9:37:24 PM] Luna: Io nodded her head contently, taking a bite of her fruit.
[2/19/2017 9:38:01 PM] DJ: Link crossed his arms, but finally found his voice to speak, "I have all I'll need."
[2/19/2017 9:38:42 PM] Dingu: (I love wordplay. it's best play)
[2/19/2017 9:39:21 PM] Ryushu: Daniel had also climbed into the back of the cart.
[2/19/2017 9:39:23 PM] DJ: (that was beautiful'
[2/19/2017 9:40:37 PM] Luna: Io was leaning up against Daniel, noticeably cold. She offered him a piece the odd fruit she had.
[2/19/2017 9:41:22 PM] Ryushu: He looked at the fruit in confusion.
"What is that?"
[2/19/2017 9:42:18 PM] Luna: "It's called Niko fruit. It grows where I live. Do you want some?" She asked. The piece was a wedge, but had an odd pear shape to it.
[2/19/2017 9:42:32 PM] Ryushu: "Uhh...sure!"
[2/19/2017 9:42:37 PM] Dingu: "Executioner, knight, are you both content with walking?" Jethro asked. despite there being extra room in the cart, there was still not enough room for a fully armored knight or a man large enough to be called a mountain unironically.
[2/19/2017 9:43:25 PM] Luna: Io handed Daniel the piece, a smile on her face.
[2/19/2017 9:44:01 PM] Ryushu: He took the piece and nodded.
"Thanks," he said, and took a bite out of it.
[2/19/2017 9:44:29 PM] Luna: It was really sweet and tangy, and was really juicy as well.
[2/19/2017 9:44:36 PM] Ryushu: "Oh wow, that's good...!"
[2/19/2017 9:44:57 PM] Luna: Io beamed. "Thanks!"
[2/19/2017 9:45:15 PM] Ryushu: "No problem...!"
[2/19/2017 9:45:56 PM] Luna: Io leaned up against him, contently. She was pretty cold, unsurprisingly; she hadn't gotten a chance to get warmer clothes back in town.
[2/19/2017 9:46:34 PM] Ryushu: "You cold?" he asked, wrapping an arm around her.
[2/19/2017 9:47:01 PM] Luna: "A-a little..." Io admitted.
[2/19/2017 9:49:37 PM] DJ: Link luckily had his collar fluff to hide his now reddish nose in as the cold was now starting to set in on him. Not that it bothered him that much as his outfit seemed to consist of a mixture of leather and fur, though his cape seemed to be made out of feathers. On that note, his cape flopped about with a good amount of weight to it, so keeping warm didn't seem too much of an issue for the mage. IT was a wonder that he wasn't sweating in the warmer climate, though he was probably using some form of magical bullshit to negate the heat.
[2/19/2017 9:51:36 PM] Dingu: As Jethro got the cart moving, he looked over at Link and decided to loosen some of the tension. "What I said seems to have offended you." He noted bluntly. "I'm no stranger to doing that, but with you, given what was said the night before, I thought it wasn't possible."
[2/19/2017 9:53:09 PM] DJ: "Offended? Me? Naaah..." Link waved a hand dismissively as he lied about his true feelings, "The great Link Lingara does not get insulted that easily. Much less let it show." Link's emerald gaze averted to the side, away from Jethro as he said that. Sure, Link could say that he wasn't offended, but he sure had a poor way of hiding it through his body language.
[2/19/2017 9:55:01 PM] Dingu: "Your lack of eye contact says otherwise."
[2/19/2017 9:58:08 PM] DJ: Link winced a bit, muttering a curse in his own tongue under his breath, "...Okay, perhaps the great Link Lingara can be offended...sooometiiimes." Link moved his head so that he was facing directly forward as he looked at Jethro from the corner of his eye, "...But worry not about it, Jethro. My pride is unbreakable regardless whether it's "helpful" or not." Link seemed to lightly mock Jethro's voice when he said the word 'helpful'.
[2/19/2017 9:58:56 PM] DJ: (decided to try and make Link the proper little shit he's supposed to be :o)
[2/19/2017 9:59:05 PM] DJ: (had some practice XD)
[2/19/2017 9:59:39 PM] Dingu: Jethro narrowed his eyes at Link when he started mocking. "And here I thought I was about to apologize. How silly of me."
[2/19/2017 10:01:34 PM] DJ: Link simply stared forward still, his smile actually fading from his lips momentarily like he forgot he was with company. The façade was only gone for a few seconds before his grin came back...but within those seconds...well...it may had been hard to tell, but he did look slightly hurt, or maybe just a bit miffed. Whatever it was, he seemed intent on hiding it under a smile for a while longer.
[2/19/2017 10:02:05 PM] DJ: (Link is like "I don't care!....I care immensely.")
[2/19/2017 10:02:37 PM] Fro: (He must've realized that his mocking cost him an apology)
[2/19/2017 10:02:45 PM] DJ: (well Link isn't stupid XD)
[2/19/2017 10:02:59 PM] DJ: (but like a teenager, he also tends to get mad and not think)
[2/19/2017 10:03:32 PM] Fro: (Guess all the wisdom of an owl didn't follow his humanization)
[2/19/2017 10:03:43 PM] Dingu: (ooooooooooh)
[2/19/2017 10:03:58 PM] DJ: (oooh u mutha fucka)
[2/19/2017 10:04:00 PM] Fro: (But don't mind me)
[2/19/2017 10:04:01 PM] DJ: (don't tell him that!)
[2/19/2017 10:04:03 PM] DJ: (He just might cry!)
[2/19/2017 10:04:34 PM] DJ: (He'll hide his hurt under "Well the whole wise owl thing is mostly a myth...")
[2/19/2017 10:06:47 PM] Fro: (You may continue the rp)
[2/19/2017 10:07:30 PM] Dingu: "Pride is often a shroud hiding insecurity." Jethro said, sounding like he was reciting a proverb. "Just thought I would share that."
DJ
[2/19/2017 10:07:43 PM] DJ: (also have some bird faces)
[2/19/2017 10:07:46 PM] DJ: (anyway!)
[2/19/2017 10:10:24 PM] DJ: Link didn't respond, though he did look at Jethro for a split second without turning his head before focusing on the road again. The mage let out a sigh through his nose and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his legs and propping his head up with the back of his interlocked hands. It was clear that Link was listening to what Jethro was saying, as well as not caring for it, but he listened none the less.
[2/19/2017 10:10:53 PM] Luna: Io turned around to glance at him, innocently and curiously.
[2/19/2017 10:18:32 PM] Luna: (Did I kill it?)
[2/19/2017 10:18:42 PM] Fro: (Nope)
[2/19/2017 10:19:07 PM] Fro: (Just not much I can do when my character usually doesn't talk.)
[2/19/2017 10:19:12 PM | Edited 10:19:41 PM] Dingu: Jethro started to concentrate on the road more. "In case you all are wondering, this path will be taking us to a forest that is not too far from the castle. That is where the Shadow Man likes to hunt."
[2/19/2017 10:19:50 PM] DJ: "Oh goodie.." Link finally said, though his voice had a hint more of relief to it than he intended. Probably because the tension finally broke due to the subject change.
[2/19/2017 10:19:59 PM] Saren: "Remind us what the shadow man is again?"
[2/19/2017 10:20:39 PM] Luna: Io tensed, nervously. Very nervously.
[2/19/2017 10:20:54 PM] Ryushu: Daniel could feel her apprehension and leaned against her slightly.
[2/19/2017 10:20:56 PM] Dingu: "She is one of the higher members of the Vanguards. She believes the world will end quietly, with a knife in its back."
[2/19/2017 10:21:28 PM] DJ: "And they call her the shadow "man"?" Link said with a raised brow.
[2/19/2017 10:22:18 PM] Dingu: "It's to fit the nomenclature of higher members."
[2/19/2017 10:22:38 PM] DJ: "...Fair enough." Link said, leaving it at that.
[2/19/2017 10:24:25 PM | Edited 10:24:49 PM] Luna: Io shivered.
[2/19/2017 10:24:36 PM | Edited 10:25:09 PM] Dingu: "Burning Man, Hollow Man, Deceiving Man, Shadow Ma- anyway, she will pick us off one by one without any of us even knowing the absence. Keep each other close." He looked back at Io and Daniel. "Good idea, you two." He said, noticing that they were huddled together. "But her ability lets her become your shadow. You wont even notice you're holding a dead body."
[2/19/2017 10:25:39 PM] DJ: "Ha!" Link let out a short laugh, trying to disguise his nervousness, "As if the great Link Lingara would let an assassin do him in!"
[2/19/2017 10:25:48 PM] Fro: "..."
[2/19/2017 10:25:48 PM] Ryushu: Daniels eyes widened and he huddled up even closer to Io.
[2/19/2017 10:26:04 PM] Luna: "Link...." Io muttered. "It isn't that simple."
[2/19/2017 10:27:04 PM] DJ: Link looked over his shoulder to the back of the cart, "Ah...of course it isn't...but I haven't been taken down by an assassin yet, and I don't plan for that to start now."
[2/19/2017 10:28:29 PM] Dingu: "her weakness is that of a famous assassin's. She wants you to know who killed you. She'll taunt you before and after you die. Just to make sure you heard her."
[2/19/2017 10:31:42 PM] Luna: "A-alright." Io answered, her voice shaky.
[2/19/2017 10:31:51 PM] Saren: "Huh.. This will be a pain."
[2/19/2017 10:33:07 PM] DJ: Link almost broke out into laughter again, "Is that so?! Well then..." The mage's eyes flashed with confidence, "I'll make sure she'll taste flames for her mistake." With that, most if not all of Link's pride and bravado had returned with full force as any doubts of his capability to handle this "Shadow Man" had been tossed out the window.
[2/19/2017 10:37:30 PM] Fro: "..."
[2/19/2017 10:37:52 PM] Dingu: "In other words, her weakness is pride."
[2/19/2017 10:38:31 PM] Fro: "..." He tilts his head to the conversation. Glancing at Link before turning his head to refocus his attention on the path.
[2/19/2017 10:38:50 PM] DJ: "It wouldn't be if she saved her gloating for after she stabbed someone." Link muttered with a grin.
[2/19/2017 10:40:12 PM] Luna: "Speak for yourself...." "Calm down Airion..."

Spirits chattered back and forth in Io's mind. She just sat there with her eyes closed.
[2/19/2017 10:40:27 PM] DJ: ("I can get away with it because I have POWER!")
[2/19/2017 10:44:11 PM] Luna: (Point taken)
[2/19/2017 10:50:24 PM] DJ: "...So how much further until we get to these woods again?" Link asked, mostly to keep the conversation going so that they weren't traveling in complete silence.
[2/19/2017 10:52:14 PM] Dingu: "That's the best part. We'll be there at nightfall."
[2/19/2017 10:53:39 PM] Ryushu: "Nightfall? Is that really safe considering we're going against an assassin who can use darkness to her advantage...?"
[2/19/2017 10:54:11 PM] DJ: "...Oh....good." Link said in an oddly monotone manner. No...he wasn't entirely scared of the idea that it would be night, he could see well enough in the dark for that to not be an issue...but the fact that they would end up in the Shadow Man's territory at that exact time...Link had to question if Jethro had this planned out or if Jethro just didn't care.
[2/19/2017 10:55:25 PM] Dingu: "This mountain was chosen for a reason. Only one path up and down without fearing rockslides and avalanches."
[2/19/2017 10:55:47 PM] Fro: "..."
[2/19/2017 10:56:09 PM] DJ: "Well at least that won't be an issue." Link commented.
[2/19/2017 10:57:42 PM] Dingu: Jethro nodded. "There's a trick to defeating her, though. Don't worry. You all will not be left in the dark." He hinted.
[2/19/2017 10:58:20 PM] Ryushu: "...one of us is gonna have to be bait, is that it?"
[2/19/2017 10:58:42 PM] DJ: "...Funny." Link stared at the road.
[2/19/2017 10:59:27 PM] Dingu: "Of course not. Bait against an assassin like her would be pointless."
[2/19/2017 10:59:46 PM] Ryushu: "Thank Gods..."
[2/19/2017 11:06:30 PM | Edited 11:07:22 PM] DJ: Link began to tap his boot on the foot railing of the cart in silence. He couldn't really think of anything to talk about in particular...Link found himself actually taking a good look at the people he was traveling with, aside from Jethro of whom he had grown accustomed to oh so very much. It wasn't that Link was unaware of the rest of their party, but he never really stopped to pay attention to any of them, except maybe Io at one point. Hell, he barely knew anything about the big guy walking alongside the cart, and perhaps he kept his gaze on The Mountain a little bit too long.
[2/19/2017 11:10:58 PM] Luna: Io took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She had a bad habit of being tense when both spirits were active...
[2/19/2017 11:12:45 PM] DJ: Link decided that he was now bored with sitting in the front and decided that NOW WAS A GOOD TIME TO CRAWL INTO THE CART.
[2/19/2017 11:13:14 PM] Ryushu: Daniel was mostly silent.
[2/19/2017 11:13:49 PM] DJ: (Link's just like "I go now. Good luck everybody else")
[2/19/2017 11:14:11 PM] Dingu: Jethro looked back as Link made his way to the back of the cart, pouting a bit. "Now who is going to keep me awake with their banter?"
[2/19/2017 11:14:46 PM] DJ: Link poked his head out from the back, "Aw~ Missing the great Link Lingara's company already?"
[2/19/2017 11:14:52 PM] DJ: (well that was quick! XD)
[2/19/2017 11:14:54 PM] Luna: Io noticed this and scooched over, to make room for Link. She glanced at Jethro, with somewhat... Apologetic eyes.
[2/19/2017 11:19:32 PM] DJ: (waitin for Jethro's reaction .v.)
[2/19/2017 11:19:44 PM] Luna: (saaame)
[2/19/2017 11:20:02 PM] Fro: (DINGU COME BACK)
[2/19/2017 11:20:04 PM] Dingu: (okay okay)
[2/19/2017 11:20:12 PM] DJ: (lol XD)
[2/19/2017 11:23:08 PM] Luna: (Merrrr)
[2/19/2017 11:24:14 PM] Dingu: "Don't mind me. I'll just sit here, with my eyes on the road, mouth shut. You all probably think I talk too much anyways." Jethro sighed. "What I say also takes a while to truly understand. We're hunting a cult and saving the world by doing this. And... I'm dragging you all along the way. Maybe you'll die." Jethro caught himself talking again. "I'm ranting... forgive me."
[2/19/2017 11:25:15 PM] Luna: "It's alright..." Io answered, blankly.
[2/19/2017 11:25:48 PM] Ryushu: Daniel really wasn't sure wht to say.
[2/19/2017 11:27:23 PM] DJ: "...I don't think any of us will die." Link said before retracting himself back into the cart to...funnily enough, spend some time with Io and Daniel. Why did Link want to do this? Because the mage was bored with staring at a road for hours.
[2/19/2017 11:28:28 PM] Luna: Io waved to Link, in a friendly manner. Though she still rightfully seemed uptight.
[2/19/2017 11:28:58 PM] Dingu: (So yeah, Jethro is depressing as hell)
[2/19/2017 11:29:09 PM] Luna: (Lovely)
[2/19/2017 11:30:29 PM] DJ: (...that made me feel bad ;v;)
[2/19/2017 11:31:15 PM] DJ: Link looked Io and Daniel over before flashing a wide and toothy grin, "So~ What are you two up to back here?"
[2/19/2017 11:31:42 PM] Ryushu: "Uhh.....n-not much..."
[2/19/2017 11:31:46 PM] Luna: "Not much, I'll be honest..." Io answered.
[2/19/2017 11:31:59 PM] Dingu: "Probably cuddling again." Jethro mentioned, then got back to his driving.
[2/19/2017 11:32:21 PM] Ryushu: "........."
[2/19/2017 11:32:58 PM] DJ: "..." Somehow Link's smile got even wider, "Cuddlin' eh~?"
[2/19/2017 11:33:03 PM] DJ: Link was about to be that guy.
[2/19/2017 11:33:20 PM] Ryushu: "P-Please don't.."
[2/19/2017 11:33:21 PM] Luna: Io... Just stared at Jethro questioningly. She either didn't understand what he meant or why he even bothered. And then she stared at Link, even more questioningly.
[2/19/2017 11:33:41 PM] DJ: Ooh...Link was going to be THAT GUY.
[2/19/2017 11:33:58 PM] DJ: "So~...Two little lovebirds eh~?"
[2/19/2017 11:34:17 PM] Ryushu: "N-No...! W-Were just friends...!"
[2/19/2017 11:34:25 PM] Dingu: a chortle could be heard from the driver's seat
[2/19/2017 11:34:30 PM] Luna: Io didn't answer. She just stared.
[2/19/2017 11:34:49 PM] DJ: Link pretended to wipe a tear from his eye, "My my they grow up so fast~ I still haven't been able to find one to call my own..."
[2/19/2017 11:34:54 PM] Luna: While tilting her head to the side like a confused dog.
[2/19/2017 11:35:19 PM] Ryushu: "W-We're just friends...!" Daniel repeated, blushing hard now.
[2/19/2017 11:35:47 PM] Luna: Io couldn't help but chuckle at Daniel's face.
[2/19/2017 11:36:06 PM] Luna: (I can imagine he'd lose his concentration this way...?)
[2/19/2017 11:36:31 PM] Ryushu: (He might...hmm...)
[2/19/2017 11:36:34 PM] DJ: Link then looked in a tiny mirror, "Ah but...I guess I might've found one to call my own already~..Myself!"
[2/19/2017 11:36:53 PM] Ryushu: He bit his lip and trembled; his face suggested that he was trying to focus hard.
[2/19/2017 11:37:09 PM] Dingu: "DO NOT TOUCH THE MIRROR I HAVE BACK THERE, MAGE!"
[2/19/2017 11:37:39 PM] DJ: Link held his hands up and backed away from the mirror, biting his lower lip and trying to look innocent, "Ooookay then."
[2/19/2017 11:37:40 PM] Luna: "Daniel? ...Are you alright?"
[2/19/2017 11:37:49 PM] Ryushu: "I-I'm.....f-fine...."
[2/19/2017 11:38:14 PM] Luna: "What's wrong? Please... Tell me."
[2/19/2017 11:38:27 PM] Ryushu: He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
[2/19/2017 11:38:36 PM] Luna: Io didn't seem to fall for him playing down what was going on.
[2/19/2017 11:38:37 PM] Ryushu: (keep making him break his concentration! >83
[2/19/2017 11:38:43 PM] Luna: (Of course.)
[2/19/2017 11:39:35 PM] DJ: "Anyway! Don't need to hide it little ice wizard! You must admit your love, embrace it! You know...like the great Link Lingara!" Link puffed out his chest.
[2/19/2017 11:39:36 PM] Luna: "You seem nervous... Is it because of the Shadow man... Or something else?" The subtle bumping of the cart was pushing Io towards Daniel.
[2/19/2017 11:40:42 PM] Dingu: "I think I'll save my lecture on how dangerous and vile love can be when Link shuts up... may be a while..."
[2/19/2017 11:41:35 PM] Ryushu: "N-No, I'm not in love with her! A-And i-it's not the Sh-Shadow Man...!"
The feeling of Io being bumped a bit closer to him by accident, and Jethro spouting his own thoughts on 'love' didn't help. He let out a yelp as his body seemed to let out a very brief, faint spark of light. Immediately, he tried to scamper away from Io.
[2/19/2017 11:42:00 PM] Fro: (That's hurtful ;3; )
[2/19/2017 11:42:12 PM] Fro: (the shiiiiip )
[2/19/2017 11:42:22 PM] Ryushu: (especially because you're tempting me to have given Daniel a fucked up backstory)
[2/19/2017 11:42:44 PM] Dingu: Jethro could feel that's something was off, he kept an eye on the three in the back, but decided to remain silent for now.
[2/19/2017 11:42:52 PM] DJ: "Oi!" Link looked over his shoulder, his head turning pretty far to look at Jethro's direction from where he was, "Love can be a beautiful thing if done right." Link's head swiveled back to the front, "Guessin' you haven't experienced the right kind of love before..." the mage muttered under his breath.
[2/19/2017 11:42:55 PM | Edited 11:44:00 PM] Luna: Io seemed shocked, noticing the little spark. "Daniel!"
[2/19/2017 11:43:33 PM] DJ: Upon seeing the light come from Daniel, that made Link shut up for once.
[2/19/2017 11:44:04 PM] Ryushu: Shockingly, there was a long, slender tail now poking out from underneath the cryomancer's outfit; he had scooted towards another corner of the cart (or at least, was trying to).
"D-Don't look at me...!"
[2/19/2017 11:44:55 PM] Dingu: Jethro, upon hearing this, looked and could see the tail. "Interesting..."
[2/19/2017 11:45:21 PM] Luna: Io didn't seem to understand, but she didn't see the tail just yet either. "What's gotten into you?" She asked, concerned.
[2/19/2017 11:45:48 PM] DJ: Link raised a brow, his usual smile faded into a small line as he looked on. This was...a rather interesting and very sudden development.
[2/19/2017 11:46:28 PM | Edited 11:48:08 PM] Ryushu: Daniel promptly grabbed the tail and hugged it to his body, trying to hide it, but it was too late; horns were starting to sprout out of his head, as if they had been cloaked by magic before, as was a pair of deer-like (or maybe rat-like) ears. He looked at the back of the cart, and then back at the others.
[2/19/2017 11:48:06 PM] Dingu: "Very interesting."
[2/19/2017 11:48:28 PM] Ryushu: Whatever he really was, the transformation had finished, leaving behind something that was decidedly non-human.
[2/19/2017 11:48:28 PM] DJ: "...You too?" Link blurted out before coughing quickly to recover, "Ah, mean...interesting...why-..Uh...have you been hiding that this whole time?..." Link asked. It was a legitimate question on his part.
[2/19/2017 11:48:32 PM] Luna: Io just stared. Not bewildered, not scared, just... Surprised.
[2/19/2017 11:48:44 PM] DJ: (Low-key Link no you're a fucking owl)
[2/19/2017 11:48:48 PM] Ryushu: "D-Don't look at me...!"
He looked at the back of the cart again, as if planning to jump out.
[2/19/2017 11:49:03 PM] Ryushu: He was a Tiefling this entire time, it seems; not a human. It was a disguise. A lie,.
[2/19/2017 11:49:34 PM] Luna: "It's okay, Daniel. You're okay." Io reassured him, with a soothing tone.
[2/19/2017 11:50:12 PM] Dingu: "Huh... I remember seeing your kind before... at the castle..."
[2/19/2017 11:50:41 PM] Ryushu: He stiffened up when Jethro spoke; he knw how bad of a reputation Tieflings tended to have.
[2/19/2017 11:50:47 PM] Ryushu: He had experienced it firsthand, plenty of times.
[2/19/2017 11:51:04 PM] Dingu: "I felt sorry for them. One of the reasons I left."
[2/19/2017 11:51:22 PM] Luna: Io opened up her arms wide, as if showing acceptance.
[2/19/2017 11:51:57 PM] Ryushu: He refused to go near her.
"........."
He started to climb out of the back of the moving cart.
[2/19/2017 11:52:34 PM] Dingu: "They were used as target practice. Brought up to the castle in hopes of a safe sanctuary."
[2/19/2017 11:52:50 PM] Luna: "No! Don't! You'll get hurt!" Io insisted. Jeez, she had a way of acting motherly when she wanted to.
[2/19/2017 11:53:09 PM] DJ: "...Oh woa!" Link seemed to jump into action fairly quickly upon noticing that the tiefling was attempting to do something...well...stupid. No. Only the great Link Lingara was allowed to do stupid stunts like that! Link reached out to grab Daniel, rather by the robe or by the tail, whatever part he could reach first.
[2/19/2017 11:53:29 PM] Ryushu: He let out a yelp as Jethro's hand latched onto his tail, dragging him back inside.
[2/19/2017 11:53:38 PM] DJ: (..Link)
[2/19/2017 11:54:02 PM] Ryushu: (He's refusing to believe that he's being accepted for his species lol)
[2/19/2017 11:54:17 PM] DJ: (Link grabbed him :V)
[2/19/2017 11:54:18 PM] Luna: Io moved to catch him, but ended up just flopping and cushioning his fall. Woops.
[2/19/2017 11:54:19 PM] Dingu: "Many other creatures of the same nature shared a common fate... I should stop talking."
[2/19/2017 11:55:20 PM] Ryushu: "Why...are you-"
He tried to pull away from Link.
[2/19/2017 11:55:38 PM] Dingu: Jethro made the command decision to stop the cart.
[2/19/2017 11:56:00 PM] Fro: He looks at Jethro, curious about why it stopped.
[2/19/2017 11:56:22 PM] DJ: "Because only I'm allowed to do stupid shit." Link said in a tone that was very uncommon for the monochromatic mage. With that, he forced Daniel to sit his ass down and climbed his way to the front of the cart to join with Jethro again.
[2/19/2017 11:56:23 PM] Luna: Io got back up, slowly. "Hey, it's alright." She reassured Dan.
[2/19/2017 11:56:53 PM] Dingu: He got up and walked to the back of the cart.
[2/19/2017 11:56:59 PM] Ryushu: "You don't understand...we're demons. We born with darkness inside of us; why do you think I've been trying to pose as a human?!"
[2/19/2017 11:57:14 PM] Fro: He walks to the back of the cart.
[2/19/2017 11:57:52 PM] Luna: "Don't all creatures have some darkness inside of them? Come on, it's nothing to be ashamed of." Io explained.
[2/19/2017 11:58:14 PM] DJ: (Link moves to the front and everyone moves to the back XD)
[2/19/2017 11:58:36 PM] Dingu: He made eye contact with Daniel. "remember when I told everyone that I used to be part of an omnicidal cult and they didn't kill me?"
[2/19/2017 11:58:48 PM] Ryushu: "I've been posing as a human because everyone will be after my hide, otherwise...!!"
He looked over at Jethro.
[2/19/2017 11:58:57 PM] Ryushu: (tbh I don't remember that)
[2/19/2017 11:59:02 PM] Fro: (same)
[2/19/2017 11:59:56 PM] Dingu: (He told everyone that he knows about the cult because he was a part of it)
[2/20/2017 12:00:04 AM] Ryushu: (ohhh, right!)
[2/20/2017 12:00:26 AM] Dingu: "Do you think we're petty enough to hate you because you have horns and a tail?"
[2/20/2017 12:00:59 AM] Luna: "Well, here you are; you're fine now." Io pointed out, before sharply glaring at Jethro.
[2/20/2017 12:01:01 AM] Ryushu: "Almost everyone else I've met before learning the Polymorph spell was, so..."
[2/20/2017 12:01:43 AM] Fro: "..."
[2/20/2017 12:01:53 AM] Dingu: "we aren't everyone else."
[2/20/2017 12:02:04 AM] Dingu: "And I do not like being deceived."
[2/20/2017 12:02:22 AM] Ryushu: That made Daniel back away from Jethro, or at least try to.
[2/20/2017 12:03:33 AM] Luna: "Actually, Jethro has a point. We're not normal either." Io agreed. "But some leeway should be given." Io passive aggressively answered Jethro.
[2/20/2017 12:03:59 AM] Ryushu: "This shouldn't have happened..."
He was still gripping his tail.
[2/20/2017 12:04:12 AM] Fro: "..." He reaches out towards Daniel's head.
[2/20/2017 12:04:43 AM] Ryushu: Instinctively, he cringes away from the Mountain.
[2/20/2017 12:04:59 AM] Fro: He gently pats him on the head.
[2/20/2017 12:05:07 AM] Dingu: "It did happen. Nothing you can do about it. I accept this form, but I expect honesty from here on."
[2/20/2017 12:05:11 AM] Ryushu: "I-I'm sorry...y-you shouldn't have been able to find this out at all..."
[2/20/2017 12:06:02 AM] Ryushu: He stiffens up when the Mountain pats his head.
[2/20/2017 12:07:14 AM] DJ: Link meanwhile was simply waiting at the front of the cart, looking at his own nails and occasionally muttering something, keeping his mouth rather close to the eye jewel on his collar. He was most likely talking to it as he usually did when he had some time alone.
[2/20/2017 12:07:38 AM] Luna: "It's okay Daniel. Hey, it means we're not too different after all." Io added, and she had a point... But wait, she never mentioned any of this to Sir Varron or the Mountain... shit.
[2/20/2017 12:08:16 AM] Fro: "..." He pats Io on the head as well.
[2/20/2017 12:08:32 AM] Ryushu: "..........."
"I'm not sure I want to go to that castle now...if what you said about them abusing Tieflings is true..."
[2/20/2017 12:08:58 AM] Dingu: "then you should avenge them."
[2/20/2017 12:09:21 AM] Ryushu: "....maybe I should..."
His ears perk up slightly.
[2/20/2017 12:09:49 AM | Edited 12:10:17 AM] Luna: "Huh?" Io ducked, as if confused by the Mountain. Instead of the other way around.
[2/20/2017 12:10:00 AM] Dingu: "And you'll be the last thing they see as a threat, too."
[2/20/2017 12:10:56 AM] Fro: "..." He shrugs
[2/20/2017 12:11:12 AM] Ryushu: "....I will...?"
[2/20/2017 12:12:01 AM] Dingu: "Sure. just another creature, they'll think."
[2/20/2017 12:12:07 AM] Luna: Io didn't know whether she should be surprised or not that the Mountain asked no questions to either of them.
[2/20/2017 12:13:34 AM] Ryushu: "But...I'm just a cryomancer, and even then I'm an aberration by Tiefling standards; I can't stand heat..."
[2/20/2017 12:15:30 AM] Luna: "We all have our oddities. It's alright." Io reassured Daniel.
[2/20/2017 12:15:57 AM] Ryushu: "....I.....I guess we do...."
[2/20/2017 12:16:26 AM] Ryushu: (He's still not used to the idea of being accepted for his species lol)
[2/20/2017 12:16:34 AM] Luna: (Makes sense)
[2/20/2017 12:17:05 AM | Edited 12:17:28 AM] Dingu: Jethro got back to the front with Link. "Hey, look at it this way. If we'll accept Link, we'll accept you."
[2/20/2017 12:17:11 AM] Luna: (Io's still getting accustomed to being around physical beings instead of spirits)
[2/20/2017 12:17:36 AM] DJ: "Huh?" Link looked up as if he was snapped out of sleep, "...Oh right! Yes! Of course!"
[2/20/2017 12:18:06 AM] Luna: Io couldn't help but snicker at Link. All in good humor.
[2/20/2017 12:18:17 AM] Ryushu: Daniel still seems relatively guarded, but says nothing more. He's just glad they're not making any stops into villages.
[2/20/2017 12:18:35 AM] DJ: (and then Link turns out to be an evil owl man)
[2/20/2017 12:18:41 AM] DJ: (kek)
[2/20/2017 12:18:54 AM] DJ: (anyway I need to go to bed cause I need to get up early tomorrow for bwekfast!)
[2/20/2017 12:18:54 AM] Ryushu: ("Hoo hoo HOO! HOOT!")
[2/20/2017 12:18:55 AM] Luna: Io wrapped her arms around Daniel, trying to be comforting and likely not helping.

## Part 9

[2/21/2017 7:56:11 PM] Luna: Io: faints. Poor midget mage.
[2/21/2017 7:56:27 PM] DJ: Link: SCREEEE- ...Oh shit.
[2/21/2017 7:56:31 PM] DJ: Link: Io?!
[2/21/2017 7:56:39 PM] Luna: Io: xnx
[2/21/2017 7:56:50 PM] DJ: Link: Oh no..nononono. You weren't supposed to see!
[2/21/2017 7:56:54 PM] DJ: Link: FFffuck.
[2/21/2017 7:56:56 PM] Saren: Lol
[2/21/2017 7:57:01 PM] DJ: Link proceeds to drag Io back to camp in human form
[2/21/2017 7:59:07 PM] Luna: Meanwhile, in Io's mind...

"What the heck was that?" "Sorry! I didn't mean to-!" "Not you, that thing! What was that thing?!?" "I couldn't have been.... Link! It must have been him."
[2/21/2017 9:04:45 PM] DJ: And then Link proceeds to deny fucking everything
[2/21/2017 9:05:49 PM] DJ: XD
[2/21/2017 9:06:16 PM] Luna: XD
[2/21/2017 9:06:31 PM] Luna: Io's eyes fluttered open. "What...?"
[2/21/2017 9:06:56 PM] DJ: Io would be back at camp like nothing had happened.
[2/21/2017 9:08:12 PM | Edited 9:08:43 PM] DJ: Link of course was missing again, as it was the early hours and typically he wouldn't have returned until the sun's rays were stretching across the lands.
[2/21/2017 9:09:37 PM] Luna: Io then sat up, slowly. "...Link? Liiiink?"
[2/21/2017 9:12:11 PM] DJ: Link was fairly quick to emerge from the trees as if he hadn't strayed that far from the camp upon hearing his name. A very human and normal looking Link made his way to Io, "You called?" he softly whispered as to not disturb anyone else.
[2/21/2017 9:12:20 PM] DJ: (Well I guess an rp just happened lawl)
[2/21/2017 9:17:43 PM] Luna: (looool)
[2/21/2017 9:18:06 PM] Luna: "Yes. What... Happened back there?" She asked, softly and nervously.
[2/21/2017 9:18:19 PM] Fro: (.3.)
[2/21/2017 9:18:46 PM] DJ: "What do you mean "back there"?" Link tilted his head as he couched down next to Io.
[2/21/2017 9:19:08 PM] Luna: "I saw you... But you looked... Strange..."
[2/21/2017 9:20:39 PM] DJ: Link raised a brow. He tried to play it off as if the events didn't occur, maybe he could convince Io it was just a dream, "Not sure what you mean, perhaps maybe you were just dreaming?"
[2/21/2017 9:21:18 PM] Luna: "That can't be it.... We-- I don't...." Io stammered, not buying it.
[2/21/2017 9:22:34 PM | Edited 9:23:02 PM] DJ: "...Or maybe the dark was just playing tricks on you. I know sometimes it does that to me and I think I see things that aren't really there." Link said in a low but gentle voice as he tried to keep his usual tone hushed.
[2/21/2017 9:22:49 PM] Dingu: Jethro, being as nosy as he is, was overhearing the current conversation.
[2/21/2017 9:22:53 PM] DJ: (when you can't spell "too" and "to")
[2/21/2017 9:23:13 PM] Luna: Io shook her head, confusedly. "This makes no sense..."
[2/21/2017 9:23:45 PM] Dingu: "Seems like no one is truthful about who they are these days."
[2/21/2017 9:23:58 PM] DJ: Link simply shrugged, "Who knows. There's a lot of things that don't make sense."
[2/21/2017 9:24:37 PM] Luna: Io gave Jethro a bit of a glare. After all, she had told him the truth when he had asked.
[2/21/2017 9:25:12 PM] Luna: Then, Link's comment calmed her down a little. "I suppose. I have no room to talk." She chuckled.
[2/21/2017 9:28:52 PM] DJ: Link nodded, standing up again and flipping his cape, "Anyway, I wouldn't worry about it...whatever it was that you saw." With that, Link simply returned to where he had laid his sleeping bag down, though he did pause...all three of his eyes looking in Jethro's direction before Link plopped himself down onto his bed roll, not even bothering to cover himself with a blanket.
[2/21/2017 9:30:12 PM] Luna: Io then wandered back to her bedroll, not going to sleep but instead just... Daydreaming, staring blankly upward.
[2/21/2017 9:31:24 PM] Dingu: "Rough night, Link?" Jethro inquired, sitting a few feet away on a fallen over tree, sharpening a knife.
[2/21/2017 9:33:21 PM] DJ: "Could say that." Link rolled over so that he was facing Jethro, "...Though...I'm sure my absence definitely hasn't gone unnoticed the other few nights either...has it?"
[2/21/2017 9:34:07 PM] Dingu: "You would be right. You certainly love your strolls."
[2/21/2017 9:38:41 PM | Edited 9:39:20 PM] DJ: The bottom half of Link's face was buried in his white fluffy collar, but there was no mistake that the corners of his mouth were upturned as they usually were. "Early morning is the best time for that I think." Link said. All three eyes were locked onto Jethro, "...Quite a strange group you've got yourself here."
[2/21/2017 9:43:19 PM] DJ: (Link is literally just sitting there waiting for Jethro to be like "So what secret are you hidin from me?")
[2/21/2017 9:45:05 PM] Dingu: "Yes. It is. An executioner, a knight and his loyal lyncan pup, A forest girl with strange eyes, a tiefling, and one snarky, monochromatic mage with his own little secret."
[2/21/2017 9:47:57 PM] DJ: "And an Alchemist who use to be apart of some cult if I remember correctly." Link dug into his ear with a pinkie finger, "...Honestly, any secrets that the great Link-...I... have, is hardly anything important to share."
[2/21/2017 9:48:22 PM] Dingu: "It's enough to make Io a sputtering mess."
[2/21/2017 9:48:46 PM] DJ: "Io is easily startled." Link answered.
[2/21/2017 9:49:17 PM] Luna: Io was still just laying still on her bedroll, staring up at the sky. It was hard to tell if she was listening or not.
[2/21/2017 9:51:00 PM] DJ: "...Though I guess it is kind of silly of me to keep up with this after finding out we have a tiefling of all things in our midst." Link muttered, his smile fading into a small frown.
[2/21/2017 9:51:41 PM] Dingu: "A fair point."
[2/21/2017 9:53:11 PM] DJ: "...Though I would think you of all people would understand why I can't simply share such things." Link pointed out.
[2/21/2017 9:53:30 PM] Dingu: "...Another fair point."
[2/21/2017 9:54:28 PM] DJ: Link rolled over to his other side, "At least we can agree on something then."
[2/21/2017 9:54:51 PM] Luna: DJ - Today 8:48 PM
> "Io is easily startled." Link answered.

(I'm surprised Jethro wasn't like "Startled by what exactly?")
[2/21/2017 9:55:56 PM] Dingu: "But if this is something that will cause us trouble in the future... remember what I said to the tiefling. I do not like being deceived."
[2/21/2017 9:56:13 PM | Edited 9:56:38 PM] Dingu: (the best ideas come right after you need them)
[2/21/2017 9:56:43 PM] DJ: "Oh...I doubt it'll be trouble for you." Link said, "...it's me I'm more concerned about."
[2/21/2017 9:57:03 PM] Dingu: "you?"
[2/21/2017 9:57:07 PM] Luna: (Shit I shoulda said it earlier sorry TwT)
[2/21/2017 9:57:27 PM] DJ: (lol that's okay XD)
[2/21/2017 9:58:30 PM] Luna: Io then quickly glanced back at them. As if she had been listening the whole time.
[2/21/2017 9:59:14 PM] DJ: "...Whoops. Guess I said too much on that." Link chuckled a bit before sighing and rolling back over to face Jethro, "...Let me ask you a question...how familiar are you with old deities?"
[2/21/2017 9:59:53 PM] Dingu: "Not overly fond of them. Never have been."
[2/21/2017 10:00:31 PM] DJ: "Oh?.." Link sat up, raising a white brow with interest, "And why would that be?"
[2/21/2017 10:00:38 PM | Edited 10:01:15 PM] Luna: Io's glance turned into a scrutinizing look in Jethro's direction.
[2/21/2017 10:02:28 PM | Edited 10:02:53 PM] Dingu: "Look around you. a kingdom in turmoil. Kings going mad, and a cult that wants to end the world may just have the power to do so. Where are our deities?"
[2/21/2017 10:03:15 PM] DJ: "...Dead. Assuming one of the gods managed to kill them all." Link answered a little too calmly, "...Or they don't care."
[2/21/2017 10:03:21 PM] DJ: "...Or are directly responsible."
[2/21/2017 10:04:06 PM] Dingu: "One thing the cult and I still agree on is that if they aren't dead already, they should be. Even those who exist outside of time must meet their end."
[2/21/2017 10:05:21 PM] Luna: Io turned away, wounded by this. She had come along because she was willing to help.
[2/21/2017 10:06:22 PM | Edited 10:07:07 PM] DJ: "...So...another question then...a bit more...hypothetical...if there was, say...an entire army created by a god meant for the sole purpose of causing chaos and destruction...having enough power to even become demi-gods and replace the one who created them in the event something were to happen...would they too need to be destroyed?" Link's eyes narrowed as if he was studying every move Jethro made.
[2/21/2017 10:09:32 PM] Dingu: Jethro stopped sharpening his blade and approached Link, kneeling down beside him, his knife hand close enough to link to cause some worry. "Hypothetical? Though I should give an answer, should I, to this 'hypothetical' question?"
[2/21/2017 10:10:12 PM] DJ: "...Only if you want to." Link said.
[2/21/2017 10:10:12 PM] Luna: Io curled up in her bedroll, trying to get some sleep, but she just couldn't. Link might notice the defeated look on her face.
[2/21/2017 10:10:28 PM] DJ: Link was too focused on watching Jethro right now to notice anything else.
[2/21/2017 10:12:34 PM] Dingu: "We were created by gods for entertainment, pawns in their cosmic game of chess. If I were to meet one of these demigods, created for the singular purpose of wanton destruction, but not causing wanton destruction... I would call them friend."
[2/21/2017 10:13:29 PM] DJ: Link raised a brow, "Oddly accepting of a nearly extinct race. Though I guess I should've had more faith after seeing how you handled the tiefling."
[2/21/2017 10:15:20 PM | Edited 10:15:52 PM] Dingu: "You should have. I do nothing but condone defying our creators." Jethro leaned in closer to whispering distance. "And I have grown somewhat fond of you, no matter what you are, you are still my friend."
[2/21/2017 10:17:49 PM] DJ: Link was visibly surprised, if almost touched. He placed a hand over his own heart and tilted his head slightly, "That..." Link cleared his throat, "...the great Link Lingara appreciates it..." The mage smiled warmly to Jethro, the complete contrast to the suspicious gaze he was drilling into the alchemist prior.
[2/21/2017 10:17:54 PM] DJ: (OTP)
[2/21/2017 10:17:59 PM] DJ: (You've done it now)
[2/21/2017 10:18:17 PM] Luna: (Meanwhile Io is just crushed)
[2/21/2017 10:18:57 PM] Dingu: (Teehee)
[2/21/2017 10:19:02 PM] Dingu: (And Oh no)
[2/21/2017 10:19:07 PM] DJ: (oh no)
[2/21/2017 10:19:24 PM] DJ: (Someday Link will reach demi-god status)
[2/21/2017 10:19:32 PM] DJ: (AND WE WILL GET HIS CHILDHOOD FRIEND BACK!)
[2/21/2017 10:19:47 PM] DJ: (...or he'll cry forever)
[2/21/2017 10:20:02 PM] DJ: http://i1.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/facebook/000/012/073/7686178464\_fdc8ea66c7.jpg
[2/21/2017 10:20:51 PM] Luna: (Io and Link can cry together)
[2/21/2017 10:21:00 PM] Dingu: Jethro patted Link on the head and got up. For the first time in a long time, he wasn't a total paranoid wreck.
[2/21/2017 10:23:28 PM] DJ: Link continued to watch Jethro, even Chain's gaze tracked the alchemist's movements still. Once Link considered himself satisfied however, he flopped back down onto the bedroll with a content sigh. Funnily enough, Link felt like a huge weight was actually lifted off of his chest.
[2/21/2017 10:23:40 PM] DJ: (and maybe Link will stop saying he's the great Link Lingara)
[2/21/2017 10:23:45 PM] DJ: (...but probably not)
[2/21/2017 10:25:32 PM] Dingu: (i'd be disappointed if he did)
[2/21/2017 10:26:06 PM] DJ: (then the great Link Lingara will continue being great!)
[2/21/2017 10:26:13 PM] DJ: (For his harem!)
[2/21/2017 10:26:15 PM] Dingu: :T
[2/21/2017 10:26:32 PM] Dingu: (which Jethro may or may not have joined)
[2/21/2017 10:26:32 PM] DJ: (snort :3c)
[2/21/2017 10:26:35 PM] DJ: (Jesus)
[2/21/2017 10:26:45 PM] DJ: (Link gets shipped with everybody it seems)
[2/21/2017 10:26:51 PM] DJ: (Even in pokemon)
[2/21/2017 10:27:10 PM] DJ: (like seriously XD)
[2/21/2017 10:28:10 PM] Dingu: (Chain has a lot of character the way you draw him)
[2/21/2017 10:28:31 PM] DJ: (ty ^^)
[2/21/2017 10:28:43 PM] DJ: (Chain is literally Link's eyes beyond what he can normally see.)
[2/21/2017 10:28:44 PM] DJ: (As in)
[2/21/2017 10:28:49 PM] DJ: (detach chain...slide him under a door)
[2/21/2017 10:28:58 PM] DJ: (also Chain acts as more of a voice of reason)
[2/21/2017 10:29:09 PM] DJ: (When Link says "yes!" Chain is there to say "Link no!")
[2/21/2017 10:30:31 PM | Edited 10:31:52 PM] Luna: Io let out a sad, sad sigh as she turned over in her not-actual-sleep.

(Time to test this eye beyond Link's eyes. Wink)
DJ
[2/21/2017 10:32:32 PM] DJ: Link stirred a bit, glancing down at his little friend on his collar. At first he just let out a huff, but then he slowly sat up as if giving into some form of persuasion, "Alright, alright, I'll go see what's wrong..." Link didn't so much walk as he did scoot over to Io, "Alright...what's going on in this neck of the woods?"
[2/21/2017 10:34:14 PM] Luna: "Hello Link..." Io answered, half-heartedly. "I heard the two of you."
[2/21/2017 10:36:36 PM] DJ: "...You did, huh?" Link's brows furrowed. Not because he was mad, oh nononono, Link was more concerned, "...Yeah...sorry I...sorta lied to you. Ya know...about what you saw in the woods." Link was under the impression that, that was the reason Io was upset.
[2/21/2017 10:39:52 PM] Luna: "I had my suspicions... What was that, anyways?" She asked, seemingly not upset about that. As if she had known all along.
[2/21/2017 10:42:31 PM] DJ: "...Well...that was what..." Link clicked his tongue, looking over his shoulder to see if anyone else was awake, of course Jethro would probably hear, but Link hardly cared at this point after their little talk, "...that's what...a magi looks like." Link observed Io. He had doubts that she even knew what that creature was.
[2/21/2017 10:42:50 PM] Fro: (.3.)
[2/21/2017 10:42:57 PM] Luna: "Magi?" Io seemed intrigued.
[2/21/2017 10:43:05 PM] Dingu: Jethro was overhearing as usual, sharpening a second knife.
[2/21/2017 10:45:35 PM] DJ: "..." Link sucked in a breath and sighed with some relief. At least if he told Io, Io had no experience or prejudice to go off of, "The magi...uh...they-...we were a race of creatures created by one of the older gods. He...was trying to create an obedient and powerful army to over throw the other gods and goddesses so that only he remained. At least as...far as I understand it."
[2/21/2017 10:47:07 PM] Luna: "Hmm. I see.... And you're one of them." Io seemed to be thinking quite deeply.
[2/21/2017 10:48:24 PM] DJ: "..Of course after he was sealed away, the magi gained free will, and yet most of them chose to remain faithful to their creator which caused a lot of hatred and prejudice. So...you probably can guess why I never told you...or Jethro...or really anyone about it." Link rubbed his nose, trying to appear unphased.
[2/21/2017 10:49:04 PM] DJ: "...Anyone who even still remembers the magi would kill me on sight despite me not being..."one of them"."
[2/21/2017 10:49:45 PM] Luna: "Well, I've never seen you spreading hatred and prejudice. You're not like the others then, huh?" Io smiled, as if she had found a new friend.
[2/21/2017 10:50:09 PM] DJ: "...I was just perched at the wrong place." Link admitted.
[2/21/2017 10:50:23 PM] Fro: (He's just comedically loud. And that's what I like about him! :D )
[2/21/2017 10:50:31 PM] DJ: (YE!)
[2/21/2017 10:51:01 PM] Luna: "It makes sense. Odd how you told me it didn't." Io chuckled.
[2/21/2017 10:51:34 PM] DJ: "Eh?" Link looked at Io with a raised brow.
[2/21/2017 10:53:07 PM] Luna: "All "There's a lot of things that don't make sense!" " Io's impression of Link wasn't that good...
[2/21/2017 10:53:27 PM] DJ: "...Well it's true still." Link said.
[2/21/2017 10:54:14 PM] Luna: "...Hm. I suppose so." Io agreed. She had cheered up pretty nicely, but it seemed like Link was never the one she was upset with.
[2/21/2017 10:56:45 PM] DJ: "...So I hope you're happy with that history lesson." Link patted Io on the head before scooting his way back to his own bedroll.
[2/21/2017 10:57:43 PM] Luna: Io nodded, happily.
[2/21/2017 10:57:45 PM] Dingu: "Good to see everyone getting along." Jethro noted.