The Thief who sought Gold: Gold Dust I (Invited)

Stokbon has been kind to Stampede as he able to get a party with him. Lucky isn't something you’d use to describe this situation if you've known him. The more there are the less the gold he’ll be receiving but that isn't so bad. After all who knows? The people he might be going with could be worth note taking. The party had met when Stampede started to activate the party finder, a feature of the game to which can call upon others to take the quest with him.

When the party was formed, he took back all the bad things he thought about how this was going to go. All three are players using female avatars and it was eye candy for him but alas, it’s too soon to judge. He must see if these people can function as a good group. The first thing discussed here was of course about the job itself. Stampede explained that the watchers were having trouble with these troublesome lot of gold seekers

“Welcome aboard! The name is Stampede, thanks for responding to the party finder! Now onto business, I’ve received contacts from the sentries of Brisshal, also known as the watchers according to the notes, which they have been getting a lot of trouble with these gold hogs that have been entering the forest, attempting to grab their hands on this glittering gold that scattered everywhere in the area. As Brisshal fauna has grown hostile as you all know, rangers are quite concerned that this could only sow seeds of trouble and strife. We may need to deter and reduce the amount of chaos as possible.”

He then sends copies of the quest details to all his party members.

“With that said we also received an additional quest note from the Tertorian Guild Branch to retrieve whatever we can find of the gold and collect it. We would be given a fine sum for our efforts once this is done and the pay scales on how much gold we can accumulate since this asset was supposed to be offered as part of a dowry to begin with.” He exhales realizing why this quest as pulled up.

“While normally the watchers could have dealt with this, they don’t have the time for it as they need to manage investigations regarding to the cause of the attack or the source of what had attacked the supply caravan, believing that the imminent threat still exists within the area. Our job is just to grab as much gold dust and shards as we can and deliver it back to the Tertorian Guild as well as tell these gold hogs off to leave.”

“Speaking off, before we head out, I would like for everyone to make an inventory check for equipment and consumables. Now I know we’re only here to settle this mess down but given the fact that their recent actions could have upset the fauna and monsters there, I cannot guarantee a safe journey to one of the sentry’s outposts. This is just a precaution but as much as possible I’d like to avoid fighting.” He motioned them over to walk as if implying that they are leaving. With the doors of the tavern opening, he turned back and invited them to come.

“Alright let’s go!”

As they journey towards Brisshal, a question comes into order, perhaps the most important question they would need to answer right now.

“So let’s put it to a vote, how will you guys handle it? Disregard my opinion from the tavern earlier, I’m all ears.” As soon as the party gives out their votes, a howl can be heard nearby.

​

“As expected… get ready, let's see what you guys got!”

 

Gathering in a tavern was perhaps a trite first meeting, but it sufficed. After exchanging brief introductions with the other members of her party, she settled down to listen to @Stampede explain the situation. It was nice of him to send the original quest details, and she skimmed lightly while keeping an ear out for any unexpected information.

Such as the fact that he also had a request from the original owners of all the gold. Well, that was interesting. Cleaning up the gold and handing it back to the family would certainly be quite the herculean task on its own, even disregarding the need to keep people out of the forest. If the gold was so utterly ruined that it had essentially been ground into dust, then whatever explosion it was that caused this must have blasted the dust all over the forest. Even with people working for months on end, Claire doubted that all the gold could be safely gathered again.

When Stampede finished his explanation, he directed them all out of the tavern. He seemed the sort to be at home in the forest, much like the other green-haired ranger in their midst, @Aria. @Eileen Dover didn't seem like the kind of person to get involved in something like this, but looks could be deceptive.

She acknowledged his warning about the dangers of traveling through the woods. That was why she kept her quarterstaff at the ready. Brisshal wasn't that dangerous, but it was always better to be safe than sorry.

And in fact, it seemed quite peaceful. Claire didn't feel the need to engage in small-talk, but it looked like there was finally a question that she had to answer. While she would have preferred to let other people answer first, Claire frowned as she realized nobody else was speaking up.

With a sigh, she offered her own opinion first. "People need to be kept out of the forest definitively while the clean up is going on. Violence and intimidation are only going to be temporary solutions; people will always want to try their luck and sneak through, no matter the apparent consequence. Trickery may work but only if the ruse can be kept up for a long enough time. Making people realize that it is in their best interests to leave the forest be is the only way to make sure that they won't return."

As for how to do that... Well, Claire didn't quite know. "This gold is ever only going to be temporary. It isn't a sustainable source of income for people," she began. "Surely there's a group of some people who have left their jobs to try and quickly gain some money, but it won't last them. I believe convincing these people to return to their steady work will be possible, but for others, I have no idea."

Claire idly listened to the suggestions of the others, letting the sounds of the forest wash over her. Chirping birds, distant howling, the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot... It was rather relaxing background to her thoughts, howling aside.

Brute force and intimidation were such inelegant solutions, but if that was the consensus of the group... Well, there was always the threat that they would decide to turn her away if she didn't agree, and even the thought of that made her heart seize. No, better to just go along with whatever the rest decided, even if she didn't personally agree. At least then she wouldn't be left be-

The howling suddenly sounded closer. A lot closer.

"Watch out!" she shouted, as three wolves leapt out from the bushes. Claire darted up to the front of their group, brandishing her staff with one hand and summoning a blast of ice in the other. She snared one wolf quickly, ice growing all the way up its legs to keep it in place. She couldn't immediately see the other two, so they must have circled around to the sides or behind their party. Hopefully the others were prepared to fight.

 

So... somehow, someway, a caravan carrying choke full of gold was literally dusted by a group of dark sorcerers when the convoy was going through Brisshal. Then whether deliberately or not, the gold was scattered throughout the forest, prompting a gold fever as loads upon loads of opportunists came in droves, flooding the forest in a reckless search for gold. The surge of mining activity utterly disrupted the ecosystem as trees were cut, animals were driven away, and rivers polluted by shoveled dirt. Aria wouldn't stand for this! Her character was supposed to be a protector of the forest after all. She must answer the Rangers' call for assistance!

So... how did she accept an open party invitation again? Oh right, open the player menu, choose the appropriate Quest, party list, and... someone named @Stampede opened this one. Okay, there! She was in. Now then, onto the rendezvous points.

Moments later.

"Woah, wait... what?" It seemed she met the right party, the fellow blonde archer clad in green-themed clothes like her, the snow-haired woman with icy blue eyes @Claire Thalassa , and the uh... last party member, @Eileen Dover , anyways, "Hold up... uh..." everything was going too fast! The young man prattled on and on about the quest without giving her a chance to take in everything. Was this how the veterans do things? Were they even veterans in the first place? In any case, Aria was a complete newbie here and she couldn't follow him. She had lost him around the fifth sentence or so and was desperately trying to comprehend everything but then he already moved on to the next topic.

"Stampede..." Yes, that was his name, right? "Uh... hogs, w-what... Tortellini Guild?" Oh damn, by God...s, she was in trouble, "Uh... okay, uhm, investigate, yes... grab ah... uh... how can we grab dust?" She blinked, pausing over her words like a dumbfounded goat, "Uhm... equipment.... okay, chec-" W-w-w-wait? They were leaving already?! Come on! Ah fuck it, she'd just wing things on the go. Walking together with the party, Aria tried her best to appear that she at least understood what they were doing.

She didn't.

"Uh..." Now he was asking her how to handle things, really?! She couldn't disregard anything if she didn't even remember a single thing he said, well other than gold and hogs. "Uhm... I will..." Sweating buckets, Aria fidgeted with her fingers then gave the best (forced) smile she could muster, "Follow whatever you decide, leader!" Yep, she'd be a good girl and just tag around.

...oh what a terrible choice it was.

The green-haired Felis stood there like a deer in headlights as before she knew it, they were suddenly under attack by wolves. Wolves! Not even hogs or golden hogs? Where were the hogs?! Stampede didn't say anything about wolves! ...or maybe he did and she just missed it, likely the latter. "Aaaah!" Screaming out in utter frustration, the newbie grabbed her shortbow then an arrow from the quiver, nocked it... wait no, the other way around, arrowhead should be facing the enemy, not herself. Okay got it... "Fuuu-!" dropped it. Pick it up! "P-pick u-"

*AWOO!*

"Aaaaah!" Then, much unlike the cool agile Felis Ranger image her avatar seemed to radiate, Aria was tackled by one of the wolves, causing her to sorely lose her balance. "Nnngh..." Heart thumping fast, she stared at the wolf.

Green against yellow. Feline against canine.

Nope.

Then she ran, ran as fast as she could! "Hah hah! Get away from me, you mutt!" While the gray wolf chased her, hot on her heels. Ah, damn it, damn it, damn iiiiit! This wasn't her idea of thrilling fun! Curse this gaaaaaaame!

 

Eileen contemplated standing off to the side and watching as whatever sad attempt at getting a quest party together fell apart almost immediately the moment they stepped out of the tavern.

Her eyes were drawn fairly quickly to the Felis girl running around like a headless chicken, obviously startled and overwhelmed by the whole procedure. @Aria, wasn't it? Eileen snorted. Newbies, especially ones without a single clue what was going on about gaming in general, always amused her. As long as they weren't on her team. Right now, though, it was just annoying to have somebody so utterly useless. It was like being partnered with a kid. Ugh.

On the other hand, @Claire Thalassa, whom she vaguely recognized from the last encounter as the only other competent player, seemed ready from the get-go for the canine assault. Even though Claire had, technically, been the first to die last time... Well. She hadn't been too bad a partner. Seemed reasonable enough, at least.

And then there was, what, Prince Charming Wannabe? She'd have to think of a better nickname for @Stampede. He seemed eager to take up the mantle of 'leader', maybe even thought that as the only man on the team he'd have to guide all these poor damsels to victory. Eileen wouldn't have minded too much, to be honest.

"Well then," she said. "Time to earn my keep."

She pressed her feet firmly into the ground, inhaling deeply and looking at the people around her. At the wolves surrounding them. And then she started to sing.

Hidden: Crowd Control: Sleeping

She wasn't yet good at controlling who got affected by her song, though she did intend for the wolves to be slowed by the soothing melody. She focused on singing, trusting her comrades to keep her body safe as she brought a state of drowsiness to the wolves.

"Now fall off to sleep~ I'm not meaning to keep you~"

 

Fortunately @Claire jumped in front of the party to become the vanguard, it saved Stampede the trouble of finding cover. Instincts caused him to kneel down and target the nearest wolf and shoot it with a bolt from his crossbow. Another would pounce on him only to get hit by the stock of the crossbow, followed by a shot to its chest.

The weirdest thing about this attack was that most of them seemed to be going for Aria. Was it because she ran and that the hounds smelled fear? Not that wasn't it, wolves don’t usually fixate themselves to a specific target in a group. If only his crossbow can switch firing modes like how a gun would have, he’ll just have to reload faster. He positioned himself behind as she started her hymn.

“Aria!” Stampede shouted as the warning was meant for her to dodge his crossbow bolts. If she were to jump, his shot would have come through and killed the closest one pursuing her, if she did not he’d probably try to hit the wolves coming from other directions.

That’s when suddenly the wolves were starting to slow down, unfortunately Stampede seemed to be affected. He was starting to feel a bit drowsy himself, the female archer was in danger and these wolves aren’t giving her a chance to fire her arrows. “Come back… defend here” no good, he was getting affected by Eileen’s music. With his free hand, he reached out for an adrenaline pill and ingested it before he drops. Reloading and firing as fast as he can, he tried shooting down the wolves chasing Aria down. He was back on his feet as the drug seem to be working.

When the number of wolves dropped, the hunting pack retreated back into the woods. Those that were still alive and remained were shot down and dealt with.

“Anyone hurt?” he asked his party, while he would question Eileen for her crowd control, he excused himself with the fact that it was probably because she was too close to her. So basically they have a mage, a bard and two archer newbies.

“Good job fending off the attack everyone” Stampede reloaded his crossbow. Dunno if he should be satisfied about how half the team performed, plus the fact that he can only shoot good at a closer distance, probably because he was using the crossbow. Then again there’s always room for improvement, besides if things comes to worse, he would have used all three of them as his meat shields and escape.

“Alright the outpost should be a few minutes away, we got some walking to do, Aria you alright?” He went over and gave her a pat on the shoulder. “Take it easy now, the enemy has fled. Hope that wasn’t too much on you” he grinned. In a few moment’s time the group would continue on their way.

“Well judging from the outcome of that battle, only Aria and I seemed to be the only newbies here in the party. Tho I have to question Eileen, that skill you used is a bard technique right? You could give me a warning next time when you’re going to do that. I almost shot Aria out of drowsiness.”

“So how long have you veterans have been in the game for? I’d like to learn a thing or two about those so called spells and techniques, sorcery sounds like an amusing mastery. I hope you don’t mind this newbie asking a few questions about it.”

 

Huh. So that was that dealt with. @Eileen Dover's contribution to the short encounter with the wolves was quite the double-edged sword, but it seemed as if most of it was redirected towards the wolves. Good, but Claire would rather that they didn't have to rely on it again. The brief moment when she had to yawn nearly cost her a couple of fingers when one of the wolves snapped at her before succumbing to the lullaby.

Claire had stabbed a few of them with her polearm, forming a sharp dagger of ice at the end of it to act as a makeshift spear. @Stampede did decent work in shooting down most of the remaining wolves. So, good to know that they had some people who weren't entirely useless.

She gave a glance to @Aria. Perhaps 'entirely useless' was too harsh a judgment. She had at least drawn the attention of some of the wolves, preventing Claire from getting overwhelmed. That was something.

Claire inclined her head towards Stampede. "I suppose I should take the lead, in case we run into any more unwelcome creatures. Which way to the outpost?"

At the comment about Eileen's ability, Claire gave a nod. "It was useful. But yes, some warning would be helpful next time." Hopefully though, there wouldn't be a need for it anymore. Getting into one fight after another was not what Claire was looking forward to.

While they continued on their journey, Stampede brought up a question about levels of experience. She frowned. "I don't think I qualify as a veteran. I've just been here a few weeks." She certainly hadn't felt like a veteran, way down in those tunnels. "Ask away about the magic. It's not like I know too much about it myself. I haven't put too many points into Hydromancy yet."

 

"Waaaah!!" The Felis ran and ran, adrenaline being pumped throughout her body as she was locked firmly on 'Flight' mode of the 'Fight or Flight' primal instincts. Ironically, she was unwittingly escalating her predicament as she just made herself the biggest, loudest target around. Whether the stereotype regarding mutual rivalry between canines and felines were true or not, one thing was clear, Aria was now being chased by most of the pack.

Utterly gripped by fear and panic, she was the least affected by @Eileen Dover 's song, listening to music was the last thing on her mind after all. She didn't dare to look back, the padding of paws and howls on her heels were enough signs of her impending doom. She didn't want to end up as wolf food! Please, someone do something! "Ah?!" @Stampede 's voice reached her feline ears and the first thing she did was... continue running. What did he expect her to do by just calling her name?!

Thus, the green-haired girl unknowingly became the party's 'tank' as @Claire Thalassa and Stampede finished off the wolves while the rest succumbed to Eileen's mystical tune.

---

"Haaa.... haaa...!" Moments later, she... she didn't know what exactly happened. Here she was, heart pounding, ass on the ground, wide green eyes taking in the sight of wolves. Some dead, others dozing, and the rest scramming away deeper into the forest. So... so she was saved then...? Oh, thank the Gods! "Gah... uhck..." Her legs felt as if they were made of jelly as she wobbled up, panting harshly.

"Ngh..." After all the unwelcome thrills, regret washed over her when Aria realized just how much she contributed to the party efforts. A deep blush tinted her cheeks due to mixed exhaustion and embarrassment. She hung her head down, Felis ears drooping as she dragged her feet back to the party. Heh... Stampede's praise stung her but she knew he didn't mean it.

"Yes, I uhm... don't worry about me really." The less attention she received from now on, the better. The pat on her shoulder didn't exactly make her feel much better, she didn't want to be treated like a damsel in distress in this game, those things were for princess plays back in elementary school. She was a Ranger, protector of the forest, Qora's Chosen... or at least she thought so in the Character Creation room. Right now, she was a deadweight and knowing that hurt, a lot. "I'll do better next time."

The Felis drew into the background from the conversation, she felt she had no right to make decisions here. Was stampede a newbie? Yeah right, he shot like a pro or at least, much better than she could. Then the point about Eileen's singing ability, ah so that explained the snoring wolves. Aria was too busy panicking to listen. "Gu..." Her lips pursed when the blonde ranger mentioned about almost shooting her. That surely would help her anxiety, thanks, Stampede.

"Let's uhm..." Aria fidgeted, whispering under her breath, "Just lead me to the outpost, I'll uh..." She took her bow, gripping its handle, then took a deep breath, "I promise to not be a spineless coward next time!" She gritted her teeth. She'd try, against all odds, even if she missed every shot, she'd just keep trying until something hit!

 

Eileen rolled her eyes at @Stampede's critique, crossing her arms.

"Well, it worked, didn't it? Not my fault you got caught. Aria seemed to have no problems."

And it had worked. All offense intended, they weren't good enough to handle that onslaught of wolves, and without her bard spell they would've easily been overwhelmed. They could've just all stopped fighting and let the damn things fall asleep. If they couldn't put down their weapons for like, a second, that wasn't her fault.

Still. She huffed as @Claire Thalassa agreed with the wannabe Robin Hood prince. "Fine, fine. Let me just shout out to our enemies what my next attack is, like some crappy anime protag." Whatever.

She blinked as @Aria piped up with a loud declaration, looking very much like she'd struggled just to get the words out.

"At least you recognize how spineless you were! Props." Eileen nodded and kept walking, fiddling with her daggers. "And hey, don't worry too much about it," What was this, Eileen being nice? "You made a great distraction. Maybe you should lead instead of Claire!" There we go.

Eileen seemed the slightest bit distracted as she looked around the forest, eying the sparkling dust floating around. She wanted to grab some and pocket it, but in such a small group, she'd be noticed. She clicked her tongue and instead focused on the mindless conversation.

Making sure to keep the rest within her field of vision, Eileen contemplated her answer. "I just play when I have time. Came after the whole Astorea thing was in the ways."

She smiled, sharp and Chesire-like at Stampede. "Don't worry honey, you can ask me any question you want. I'll teach you that, and more, if you'd like~" She licked at her lips and winked, hoping to make the guy flush even the slightest.

"Muse is pretty cool. I usually choose what buff or debuff I want and then just sing or dance. Guess it's less about the song and more about intention? 'unno. Didn't make the game." She would've talked more about her skill, but her smile slipped slightly as they drew closer to the outpost.

"This it?" she asked, slightly frowning. Honestly, it wasn't that impressive. As much as she hated to do it, she looked to Stampede. "Alright, charming, lead the way." He'd been their contact for the whole thing, so he'd know what to do next.

 

“You are welcome to take the lead Claire, just follow the gravel road, the outpost isn't that far” he then turned back to aria and gave her a reassuring smile. She reminded him of himself back in the day while he was still in boot camp and boy that was a hellish process to go through in order to get where he is.

Ignoring Eileen’s sarcastic comments he put away his cross bow and stretched his arms upward before setting both hands behind his back like he doesn't have a care in the world whether or not they’d get attack next. Perhaps he was feeling comfortable being around two veterans? Or was it the fact that he knew they won’t be attacked again now that they are this close to the outpost?

“Don’t be too hard on yourself Aria, we all went through our days, they eventually brush off with success that awaits in the future” he replied to the felis, but hey at least she didn't stand there frozen in the face of danger, Stampede did not react to danger at all, he just stood there frozen trying to process what was happening. One of the most embarrassing moments of his newbie days, heck if Aria were experienced she might have a sharper instinct that he ever could, perhaps with the bow and arrow she’d fire 10 times fast than he ever could. At least that’s what he thinks but perhaps he was overestimating her potential, then again he ain't no farseer to predict her future either.

A question to both magic users: “I mean how does it feel like to use magic? Like what happens to your body when you use it? Do you feel weird or some sense of adrenaline?” Those kinds of questions would have obviously gave him away, he’s someone not used to fantasy setting games or rather it was his first time playing the genre in a full dive session.

“Yep, quite traditional much like the british watchtower” the building was made out of cobblestone rock that reaches upwards, as high as a third floor building would be. There they can see two rangers on horses ready to move out to scout the hills to the north while a few others were standing around a crate full of supplies and a cart that was used to deliver them here. The sentries have been busy and some of them seemed to be dispatched to other sections of the forest, probably conducting the investigation.

Rangers and sentries were dispatched in pairs, equipped with telescopes, bows and swords.

“Well this place seems to be busy… Hey! We’re here for that Gold dust job!” Stampede shouted off as a ranger holding a clipboard by the crates raised his hand and motioned the party to approach him.

“Good timing, the crate of weapons and supplies for the sentries had just arrived so I’m gonna give it to you straight, if you have read the quest then all you need is direction to the caravan, when you reach the road over there, head left and go straight, you can see the remains of the caravan there by the brook, we already given them warnings but they’re hard to convince, tell them the area is dangerous and that they shouldn't be loitering around and grabbing the gold dust. We were primarily ordered to retrieve the gold dust first but we had lost contact with our outlying towers and have currently dispatched response units to them, we’ll give your commission rewards once you dealt with those looters. The priority was the safety of Brisshal and since we don’t have enough manpower to handle those group of looters, we hired you guys instead.” He said as he starts flipping pages off his clipboard.

“Get to it now, we’ll be right here.”

Stampede turned to his party “Well you heard him, Claire… you go first.” This time Stampede decided to be the last one behind.

He whispered to Aria’s ear. “Do answer this question for me, what would you use to lure out a target you’re hunting?” To what meaning does his question entail? And why ask Aria? It shall be up to her to interpret that.

 

Just keep to the path, simple enough. Claire turned her attention away from the group chatter as she focused on keeping to the path. She did spare a second to roll her eyes at @Eileen Dover's words, not that anyone could see it. "I highly doubt wolves and bears are going to understand what you're saying."

She did a one-shouldered shrug as the question of magic usage came up again. "Tiring," she said to @Stampede. "Trying to do a big spell makes me feel like I've been running a half-marathon. But otherwise, it's not really anything special, I think."

Contribution done, she tuned out of any further conversation until they arrived at the outpost. Privately, she agreed with Eileen about the state of the place. Didn't seem like the Rangers were doing well for themselves. But, that was why they had to outsource their work to players, Claire supposed.

After listening to the explanation and getting the gist of the situation, Claire nodded. "Certainly." She took the lead, giving one brief glimpse back at the rest to make sure everyone was still there. Why they would wander off, Claire didn't know, but she also didn't know what @Aria was hoping to accomplish by running around like a headless chicken in their last engagement.

Satisfied that everything was going well--and having heard no objections to her suggestion of negotiating with the would be gold seekers, Claire started walking.

 

"Haaaa..." Aria couldn't muster up the energy to even be remotely offended by @Eileen Dover 's sarcastic quip regarding her abysmal performance. Why should she be angry? The blonde muse was telling the truth, her chicken-shit antics did make things complicated for everyone. "Sorry." The green-haired Felis simply shrugged with her shoulders slumped forward, meh, she'd just do better next time.

The -wannabe- ranger simply stayed silent during the whole conversation about magic and music and all that jazz, comfortable to just be a listener, she had no right to say anything anyway, not after what she did.

Moments later, they arrived at what appeared to be an outpost of the rangers, huh... she thought they were forest people, strange on how they had a stone watchtower of all things. Aria guessed it was just her getting the wrong idea, they were rangers, not hermits. @Stampede seemed to get everything sorted up with them, maybe he was one of them so... good, she guessed? Now they just had to go to the designated location. Something about greedy looters scavenging the remains of the attacked caravan, drive them away, okay, should be done quick, how hard could it be?

Following @Claire Thalassa 's lead, Aria decided she'd still only speak when spoken too and it was what exactly happened when Stamp whispered to her feline ears, "Ah... er.... food?" She answered half-heartedly, not really knowing what to say. Behind the thinly veiled virtual persona, she was a college student and fashion model damn it, what the fuck would she know about hunting?

---

Later on, the party arrived at the designated spot without any major hitches but getting here was the easy part anyway. "Yeah, keep searching! We'll find dem gold soon!" Immediately, they could hear chatters of people mixing with clatters and thuds as the group of mixed ruffians, villagers, and beggars all clamored around the area, scooping the caravan's broken remains and the grounds around it for some specks of gold dust, damaging the vegetation, soil, and disturbing the local wildlife.

"Hey! That's mine!" "Oh no, mine!" "What chu say?!" Brawls were a common sight among the ragtag group as greed plagued their minds, each time someone thought someone else found gold, they all gathered like crows upon a fat carcass, then a fight erupted, rinse and repeat. What a frustrating and utterly idiotic situation.

 

She didn't care much for the conversation they were having, simply shrugging off whatever @Claire Thalassa and @Aria had to say, whether it be apologies or snide mutters. Like @Stampede, though, she followed after their tank's lead with little objection.

She was getting bored, to be honest. Where was the gold? The vile diggers they would have to fight off?

Just as Eileen's lips parted, inhaling deeply to rant aloud for the world to hear, thudding and chattering reached them. She blinked and peeked through the trees, to the ragtag group of gold diggers. Ruffians! Beggars! Even the average villager, on hand and knee, scouring the ground. Her eyes twinkled in amusement as she watched them screech and fight for even a speck of gold. "This is what we're stopping?" she said in a mocking stage-whisper, one hand in front of her face as she practically shout-whispered her thoughts. "Those rangers are pathetic if they can't even handle this." Not that it surprised Eileen much. Not really.

She watched a little longer as a crowd brawled, punching each other to get their grubby little hands on the specks of gold. In doing so, they'd pushed it away, blending it into the dirt. Did they not see how stupid they looked?

Well, Eileen would gladly enlighten them.

Clearing her throat, she shoved past her party members, entering the clearing with a mischievous grin. "Well, well, well!" she said, voice sharp and clear for all to hear. She spread her hands out, gesturing to all the fools gathered around her. "Thank you, boys, for finding the gold for me! I'll take it from here, won't I? Please, do leave before you all make things worse, yeah?"

The stunned looks only lasted a moment before realization dawned on faces. One clicked faster than the others and charged at Eileen, lips spread in a snarl.

She sidestepped his swing, kicking as his ankle and pulling him against her chest, dagger at his throat and her other hand painfully holding his head still with the fingers tangled into his hair. "Ah, ah~!" she chirped. "I hate disobedience. So let me repeat myself. Me? I can kill all of you here, no problem, even by myself. Now, I also have backup. So you all will leave here, whether it's on your own two feet or being dragged by a couple'a sacks to the slaughterhouse to make some yummy pig feed."

Some seemed to take her threat seriously and step away, though there were still many in the clearing, watching her in a stunned rage. How long before they snapped out of it?

Before they could really come to, she'd help cement her position. Her hostage decided it smart to struggle against her grip, so Eileen decided it wise to end his life. She flipped her dagger around and stabbed it into him, watching with disinterest as he gurgled on the blade and started to collapse. One more kick and the corpse was on the ground. Eileen flicked her gaze back up to the ragtag group.

"Now, where were we again?"

A tense energy filled the air. Hadn't there been somebody against this? This... violence? Well, it had served a purpose, making the greedy pigs pause in their urges to attack. They'd think twice before taking a shot at them. And they probably would've all killed themselves without her help - she was just speeding along the process and using it to her advantage.

Who knew what would happen next, though?

[ Gold Dust PT. II ]