Megathread - (Story Event) Storm Preparation | Page 4

Lucia was chosen for the task over him, couldn't say he was surprised by Astor's decision. He supposed it would be safer for Lucia to do it just in the case he would be killed on this escort to Brisshal. He didn't see eye to eye with Lucia but he still knew she was capable and intelligent which was more than enough for him since she would most likely take command of Castle Dormont's defenses while they would be away. During the entire time, Seto remained silent in a parade rest position waiting for orders by the King whom seemed to have been significantly weak from his battle in the mountains. The warrior princess moved before he could react, catching him before he waved at Lucia to help him up? Astor in response apologized but asked her to refrain from helping him, insisting her he was ok and that she should get some rest which she agreed to of course.

After the Felderan princess took her leave with Lady Cessia, Astor adressed him finally, giving him his orders in joing his Majesty on their mission to escort the Felderan Princess and to take down the Felderan Mad King

Seto

At the words of @Astor Balthas , Seto dropped to one knee and bowed in respect. Wtih his eyes closed and his right hand laying over his heart, he spoke up in an dominate and detemined tone.

"Very well your grace, I understand and It shall be done. My sword will at your's command when you need it most. I answer to no other, living or dead amongst us.

I shall take my leave than your grace and prepare for the climatic battle that awaits us. When the time comes, I shall leave my personal forces under the direct command of Duchess Lucia when she returns from the tunnels."

With that, Seto looked up slightly towards the doorway in the distance and dematerialized his body as he teleported himself way towards the exit in the distance. He decided he would leave the King to his duties as he would attend to his own.

[EXIT THREAD-->]​

 

Gwyn watched the people mingling in the room or rushing by to prepare as @Aalam Abungu spoke. It seemed they were in perfect agreement when it came to politics. It was a nasty minefield back in the waking world just the same as it was here. Nothing good ever came from it. In the end, the general greed and pettiness of people souring all the good they could have brought about with finances and the power to make changes in the world around them. It made her sick to think about and she longed for before it all.

To think there was a time where the most pressing matter was what new beast she'd track or errand she'd run. Exploring the unlocked regions of the game and watching the fog of war recede before the blazing path she cut through all that stood before her. Before her accident when Sabine's life consisted of nothing more but the next hiking group she'd been assigned or what horizon she'd climb by her lonesome or in the company of like-minded folk. They'd all had radios and phones of course, but there was never any concern. The horrors of the world were so far away and the biggest dangers were flash floods, bad water, animals getting into supplies, and mountain lions screeching like devils in the Rockies. It had always been a thrill and a world she was happy to vanish into.

Once all the political drama and revenge were sated in full? She'd go back to that. Her leg was still busted back home, but Gwyn was strong and swift and keen of sight. Sabine could use that. Could get back to why she'd clicked that skeevy email link in the first place.

The woods and the wilds sang an age-old call to worship, without gods or prayers.

She caught sight of @Claire Thalassa as Aalam mentioned her and offered the woman a wave from a distance. She'd catch up later. For now, the tremble in her limbs wasn't visible but it grew by the second. She didn't feel right in her own skin like something was itching its way out to freedom and the enclosed castle turned it into a caged animal. Something with a dripping maw all lined with teeth and restless limbs tipped by claws made for loam, not cobblestone. Gwyn was too antsy to stay. She had a piece of commissioned armor to pick up. Wings spread wind across a scaled leather hide, an arrow clenched in talons she'd have blazoned against her shoulders. She needed new gloves, sturdier to withstand her new bow now fed fat on their cruel warden's life.

There was a hunt soon and then she'd return to the real game. "Good catch, but I'll send her message later, as nice as it is to see her in good form. It looks like things are picking up around here and I need a healer, an armorer, and to visit a friend before things get heavy. Hate to bolt so sudden and all but..." Icy blue eyes slid from the half-familiar face of the mage and back to the fledgling archer. "Best of luck in the fight. Don't miss."

She didn't spare him much more time and cut away from the crowds. She had items to pick up and a few things to deliver. Better now than never, better now than later. She'd made excuses to put it off enough as it was.

[ Exit stage left. ]​

 

For better or worse Aalam saw himself liking Gwyn the girl was fun, well that and the fact that she was an archer was firmly cementing her in the people he did mind having around for more than an hour at a time. She was good people and well the game needed a few good people every now and again to deal this shit like the mad king’s assassination when it popped up. If the events that were happening now were any indication of what was to come then the world… Terra was a darker place, and a person would need a point of safety if they were to keep moving forward. Even if one of those spots was a person who he could get a drink with every now and again. Aalam did wish that he had a second more to catch up with Claire he had seen her in the dungeon come to think of it he had seen her after they were ambushed. She was a sturdy woman so for something to shake her it must have been painful, but there would be time for him to investigate that later hell; maybe she would like to come along when he ran into Gwyn after this whole war thing.

He did bid farewell to her however for it seemed that wanderlust or possible bloodlust had gripped the women, she seemed much more fidgety than when they had begun the conversation. That could have been expected from the King’s action and an announcement from that point. When he heard her exit comment a slight smirk work its way onto his face “don’t miss? Don’t miss!” Well damn now he had something to prove, but at least she had a little fire and would make an excellent drinking buddy. She had a little fire. Hopefully, it would serve her well no matter what operation she chose to undertake.

However there was something that he needed to see to, he could feel the cold metal of the house crest pressing against his skin. The feeling is reminding him of his duties and wiped the smirk off his face reminding him of the contract he swore. There was someplace that he needed to be for his Lord had given the order, and his word is law. Readjusting his bow on his shoulder and getting himself ready for the walk for his lord’s duchy was far, for a few second he considered downing the last of the wine in his goblet, there was no time, however. Resting the goblet down and walking away he was called, and he must answer.

[Exit thread]​

 

Ah. So Gwyn and Aalam had both made it out of the prison. She had received that message from Gwyn, but it was good to have that that visual confirmation for herself anyway. At any rate, it looked like things were coming to a head now, as people began filtering out of the square.

She gave a wave back towards the pair to indicate she had noticed them, but any catching up would have to be done later, or through messaging and voice mails. As she followed the group aimed for one of the defending walls, she gave her staff a little twirl, just to make sure everything was all right with it. In all the commotion that had happened, she hadn't had time to fix it up or find a new one to buy. But that was all right. It was a dependable, sturdy old thing. And whack to the head would hurt just as much coming from a new staff as it would from an old one. Falderen's army was about to find that out for themselves.

[Exiting]

 

Kijin took a step back from the proceedings to listen as Astor gave imparted his final orders. The war effort would see multiple fronts, some offensive and others close to home. People took heart in his courage and found despair in his grim resolve, but it occurred to Kijin that such was the paradigm of leadership.

People blame you for failure as much as they do success. It is never the solider blamed for the incompetence of the commander, after all. He watched as the streets emptied and people hurried to lock their doors or leave the city, but at the center of all the chaos, ultimately, he stood still.

What will you show me next, Terrasphere? Is this an event, guided by an invisible hand? Do the actions of players hold true bearing, or do you dangle a string before me like a cat?

I beg you, keep me interested.

The swordsman took a deep breath, then turned toward his destination. Southwatch.

Leaves thread.

 

“Underwhelmed. Can you believe it? He also has an attitude quite unique to him as well, yet I cannot find him. Worried. I feel like he will end up in trouble if we’re away from each other for too long...”

The blonde scratched the back of her head. Unbeknownst to her, she probably looked a bit too doting. “Optimistic. I am sure Kaede is fine. There was a large layer of thick blankets to deal with all sorts of portal traveling.” She tried to reassure Harveste, who seemed a bit worried about everything going on. “And you shouldn’t worry about it that much. Reassuring. Try to keep a cool head for the events to come. I am sure every help is appreciated right now.”

“Gleeful. Harveste. It is a very cute name. Cordial. On a different note, what I meant with the ‘newcomer’ term is the way the people of this land, the NPCs, refer to ourselves, the players.” She tried to explain the reason why she mentioned the term earlier and clear any confusion. Since she received no response from Quinn nor any of the green team members, Indra realized that waiting was not the best solution for their situation. The blonde brought up her chatbox system in the UI and sent a message to Quinn telling him to meet her in the eastwatch when everything would start. Once done, a quick motion closed the chatbox, her gaze returning to Harveste.

“Genuine. The name of that adorable buffoon is Quinn. But please, don’t tell him I said that.” She rested her right index finger vertically while winking. It was a ‘secret’ she shared, and given what she could grasp of the faerin’s personality so far, it was unlikely she’d share it with anyone else. “Positive. Perhaps waiting here is not the best solution to our problem. Would you like to tag along with me? Hopeful. Like I mentioned earlier, I need to buy some reagents. We could look for Kaede and Quinn while shopping for anything we need.” Should Harveste accept her approach, she would send the faerin a party invitation.

From then on, once they were finally out of the castle, Indra introduced her new acquaintance to the many shops she had connections with as a magecrafter. Some offered discounts, should they buy anything while either shopping or just checking out what the stalls and shops within Astorea had to offer. Despite the brutal events to come, everybody worked hard within the walls of the player nation capital.

Eventually, night time was looming closer. With all of her materials ready and magical tools checked, Indra gazed at the darkening sky that seemed to fit the oncoming events and the war that would unfold in a few hours. Her gaze returned down to her grimoire, a blank stare making it clear thoughts were storming in her mind. She was about to use magic — the most lethal to humans — in actual people.

It wasn’t something as natural as wielding a martial weapon, for she was very much capable of bending the world to her will with simple spellcasting words that would call upon forces of nature and strike lightning on her enemies. It wasn’t like in honeyhome, nor in the green rescue, where the enemy was a Felis. They were human. Her blue eyes gazed upon Harveste.

“Apologetic. It appears the war preparations are starting and I must go. Forgive me for not helping you find the person you were looking for. Thankful. I had a lot of fun, however. Thank you, friend. I shall hurry. The people inside these walls worked hard to make this day enjoyable. I will try my best to protect it. See you, hopefully after we're through this war!”

With a slight bow, as per the culture from her homeland, Indra made her way to the eastwatch according to the instructions given to every player’s inbox. Once she was out of reach, the system sent @Harveste a notice that Indra had left the party. The system beep felt like an eerie and lone reminder of what was to come...

Indra has left the thread.​

 

Both the incoming message sound from the UI and the knocking of the door woke Corvella up from the table. She had been drinking and crying all day long, that tear marks formed on her cheeks. Looks like half of the capital has been evacuated already. She stood up and grabbed her shield and sword before she read the message from the King himself; an order. He and his companions are going to Falderen to assassinate the Mad King, and trusted the defense of the city on the players.

The time has come. She could imagine it all in her head, the marching of the ring-eyed soldiers. Corvella departed through the eastern gate to join the Eastwatch with few Astorean soldiers. Some familiar faces can be seen making their way to the east, or scrambling to join with the forces of the south.

The fate of the capital will rest upon us.

[Exit Thread]

 

Doting was one way to look at it, but to Harveste, it almost made her think more of a parent worrying their child would cause mischief. "You say he has a unique attitude...Dare I ask how it's particularly 'unique'? I might like to meet him."

The woman tried to help her keep calm by telling her a reminder Kaede was surely safe. She was sure that Indra was honest, especially when she'd been on that path not long before. Keep a cool head... Calm... The words had helped her wonderfully, making her smile up and nearly move to hug the woman in gratitude.

Following Indra's actions, she sent a message to Kaede that she wanted to see her before they were going to war. She was sure Kaede would go for a dangerous job, and wanted to at least be able to give her something- what it was, she made sure not to say.

"Oh... Some shopping might be a good idea. I was thinking of buying some supplies... Though I wasn't fully sure what to buy yet. If you really don't mind me tagging along, I'd appreciate it. I only know a few places in town... Now that I think about it, where was Kaede's shop...?"

The looming darkness taunted her. She'd gotten some goods- some magical aids and plants, some animal feed... But she hadn't gotten the one thing she wanted most during the trip. SHe hadn't gotten to see Kaede, or to hear from her at all. The worry was written on her face, but she managed to shirk it when Indra spoke.

"I enjoyed it too, Indra. You're a lovely person- that you'd call me a friend makes me happy." She smiled brightly, her eyes glimmering under the night's illuminescence. "We didn't find the person you were looking for either... But surely we'll find them by the end of this war. Hopefully, we'll all be able to meet properly next time, after it's over. Please stay safe, Indra. You, and your friend, too! Mister Quinn it was, right? I hope you find him, and I hope you both get through this like we all will."

With wave, she saw the change in her party and let out a deep sigh of regret. She hadn't actually gotten to send a friend request, but she memorized the name she hoped. Surely, someday, she'd get to see Indra again. And then, she'd ask her and talk to her about all sorts of things.

For example... Whether that speech method was really her, or if something was actually wrong.

[--HARVESTE EXIT--]​

 

Interrupting the conversation with Amane, a figure who loomed more than the large cat man showed up to bother the pair. Alonso's body stiffened at the presence, eyes narrowing as he pivoted a heel, gazing at the newcomer who dared to interfere. Soon though, he noticed the figure was a more desired face. The man sighed, calming down before glancing at Amane, "One moment." Esther needed such a moment. How could he even dare refuse this woman who seemed to know more than she cared to let on. Falderen was even more trusting than her as far as the Felis knew. Still, this was no place to fear or eye the giant woman with caution.

He did borrow someone else's property out of... good will? Maybe?

"Our little trip was... both pleasant and unnerving, if that strikes your fancy. For a horse who likes to do his own thing, they take well to bribes I've noticed. Unless I got lucky," he said. Shuffling a hand around his pocket, he retracted a now clenched fist and extend it towards Esther. Unfurling his fingers, the whistle rest on the wide palm without a scratch. Responsibility was a thing. No chance in hell was the man about to risk a potential beating from someone who might have the power to lay waste to anyone in her path. Judging the abilities of a NPC was no easy feat, unlike players who can just share his or her information and build type.

If the giant woman was finished, since Alonso's part of the agreement had ended, his focus returned towards his noble companion. Maybe a long conversation was needed. Despite the man's insistence on checking up on the young woman's status, he knew little of her true being. A single mission with her was not enough, and even then there was not much in the way of conversation aside from how to go about the task. Wretched instincts. Those hard to conquer mannerisms were not meant to be an easy thing to remove himself from. Perhaps Amane was annoyed by the bear of a Felis, done with his every means of existence.

Time was of the essence. Regardless of the result of his concerns, the man needed to get ready. "Look, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to send me a message. I'd rather make sure I have a friend to fall upon myself so it doesn't seem like all of us supposed nobles are against each other," Alonso noted. Maybe not the best way to word that. Regardless, sagging eyelids noted his need to get some sleep, "I'll see ya later. This isn't the only place I have things to do." Raising a hand with fingers extended, his arm forced itself to wave up and down with little regard for its quality. Granted, he was certain not to hit anyone around him.

What a day.

///EXIT THREAD///