(Event) Dawn of Preparation | Page 3

Eryl didn’t know what the entourages meant, or what the nobles were up to. Her guess was they were the fancy folk who came in before to do the main leading and throw their weight behind it all. She had heard some rumors about some higher ups coming in to handle—well whatever it was they were here to handle. To Eryl it didn’t make much of a difference. They would fight, she would swing her sword and participate, someone else would get their homeland a little bigger, she would get her cut of the gold and move on. It wasn’t that big of a deal for her anyway. It was irritating, but she guessed she just wasn’t a high enough leveled player yet.


She shrugged, “If you say so, bub.”


She took a step away from the gate to let someone else have their way, leaning against the wall. Her gloved fingers plucked an exceptionally long stalk of a weed from the ground, placing it between her teeth. It helped to have something to chew on in times like this. Her dark brown eyes stared out as some pretty looker moved to take her chance with the guard. Eryl wanted to call out to the well-shaped woman and tell her that it wasn’t any use—but then she’d have moved on and Eryl hated losing eye-candy. The young kid by her side said her piece to the guards and the dark woman said she would take Eryl in as well. The redhead didn’t know her from Eve, but she wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity.


The swordswoman’s pauldron pushed off the stone wall, “Sorry I got here a little early, Miss,” her words were casual as she flicked the stalk of the weed into the grass, “that business you asked me to take care of went a little faster than I anticipated. It should be all good now.”


She didn’t know what this little favor would cost her, and she wasn’t gullible enough to believe this came for free. She just hoped this was the start of a profitable partnership.

@Lucia Mierz @Roland Rutledge

 

Area Great Hall

When the armored man - who was actually Bradwynne - was asked to reveal his face, he hung down his head, while saying, "As much as I really wanted to, and as I also wanted to dress to something more appropriate to this meeting, I needed to adhere to the Duke's directives regarding guards, that I could not remove this armor while I am on duty. That, and being on duty in this manor day and night" - just an exaggeration, although he spends all his time in the VR space being a guard to pay off his unneeded debt that the Duke had saddied on him - "...is practically the reason why I could not travel extensively like I used to. You are right, I had experienced much more than an arrow in the knee, but this situation is much more painful than anything I had experienced before, as a former errant warrior priest." He then watched as the bird fly away. "I really wanted to be free again, just like that bird flying to where it wanted to go, and the quickest way might be this mission against the Titanius. If I wanted to be free, I needed to stand out, but the number of legends in this place, not including those who will participate in the attack, practically dimmed my chance. I wanted to be free again, so that I could continue to..." He then trailed off a bit when he remembered that she said that she was...

"YOU'RE THE STAR MAIDEN OF THE LEGENDS?!" he then incredulously said, his voice reverberating within the hall. "The one who had saved countless lives in Astorea?!" He then stared at the skies as he continued, "Do you see that, Magi Heart? I, no, we had finally found the Star Maiden!" He then stared back at Des Weiss as he said, "We would be likely to talk about the Dissonance and Titanius later, but... meeting the Star Maiden, in a place like this..." Before he finished his words, the sound of the clap of Roland reverberated in the air. "I had many things to ask you, but for now the meeting has started."

 

Area Entrance Hall

Late to the party looked like it was shaping up to be a permanent state of being for Ashiore. Such was life when she was cut off from messages and the world chat, and also spent most of her time holed away in her own little residence in Vintergard. But, word made its way over to her eventually, and thus it was quite a while before she reached the manor where this supposed meeting was to take place.

Ashiore squirmed through the crowd of people around, just about all of them unfamiliar. This was bigger than the gossip had made this sound. That was only appropriate, she supposed, given what this meeting was supposedly about.

Catching the attention of someone who seemed to be part of the staff, she smiled awkwardly and introduced herself, explaining the situation. "Excuse me, I had heard that there was a meeting to be held here about the... um, the creature in Naryu canyon. I was there to investigate and I'd like to help any way I can."

Hopefully, her sallow appearance at the moment wouldn't be too much of a distraction. It likely wouldn't do her any favors, though. All she was hoping for was to get through this without a confrontation.

@Roland Rutledge

 

Area Entrance Hall

Tagging along with @Lucia Mierz to whatever this meeting was about was a nerve wracking experience to say the least. She was well aware of the fact that eyes turned to them whenever they walked by, probably in large part due to the fact that Lucia was some sort of nobility and she was holding the hand of a small girl, whilst Luna herself was being escorted by a large white tigress. Natiri stuck close to her, growling at anybody that came even slightly closer than normal to Luna, seemingly on edge whilst she was surrounded by unfamiliar people.

Still, there was this strange nagging feeling at the back of her soul the closer they got to arriving, as if she were annoyed with something. But it wasn't her that was annoyed. It was almost as if she was sharing feelings with somebody or something. Maybe it was Natiri's own irritation seeping through into her? She'd definitely had a similar sort of experience before, during the whole Libertas incident, but that had stopped by now, right? Right?

Oh no...

She turned as Lucia was accepted in and seemed to take a redhead with her. A familiar redhead. Luna gasped. No way was that @Eryl Justice here of all places! "Oh! Lucia! I know her!" She gasped, grasping a hold of Lucia's arm and trying to drag her a little closer to Eryl.

"Hi Eryl! It's me, Luna!" She greeted, letting go of Lucia to wrap the redhead in a soft hug, letting go a moment later and gesturing to Lucia. "This is Lucia, my um....uh..." Well she couldn't exactly say girlfriend, could she? "My uh, partner? One of my partners?"

 

Flanst

Priscilla's expression upon looking at Seigi was not exactly one of approval. The prissy woman took one look at that messy hair, those bandaged arms, and the silly speech, before immediately judging her a person of little merit. On top of all that. Seigi did not seem to give Priscilla as much attention either. That relationship was definitely off to a good start!

Well. I have to admit a man of your stature mingles with more sorts than I had imagined. A pleasure to meet you...

It was then that Comet passed by and Roland began the meeting.

My Lady, your chair?

Nodding to Max and making a dirty look at Seigi and the dog girl that were now talking with Roland. Priscilla took her seat and said little more. She was here to supply troops and fulfill her own diplomatic connections. Such strange creatures like Titanius were Krelian and Des' specialty not hers.

Krelian

Krelian was pleased with the quick movement from political chattering to the actual meeting. Krelian was also in a good hurry to get to reveal his information and put his forces to work. Never before had Krelian faced Titanius and he had little intention to do so here. The benefit of having perfect, obedient, and very disposable help was something only he truly had.

Very well then. Livie stay put and tend to Verdi. I would never want to impede upon another houses rules.

Meetings of the blah. Much boredom.

The Krelian's took seats while Livie stood behind Verdi with her hands clasped tightly together and her default bitch face on. Oddly enough she kept herself occupied by eyeing the man the watched them from above. She picked up someone else here the moment she entered and it was laughable to the strange looking girl that these people had no such inclinations to bring him down. She began to run over all the silly reasons he may be here. Money, a crush, political, boredom, he had need of a quick place to take a dump....yada yada.

Tertus Ellania

Yes, I... I guess I am.

Now came this uh.... really hot looking guy. Saya just stuttered out a yeah and went along with it as Seigi screamed about Dissonance. This Seigi person had put her in a spot! She would just hope the confusion clears up soon. Worse, Seigi never actually fought Titanius... so she really didn't have a clue!

German speaking girl? How did Seigi know the name of a ancient tongue that Des spoke? Des told her it was called that way back but... Saya's curiosity grew.It also seemed that Seigi knew the main members of the core D.E.S. force Des created. Although... she couldn't recall hearing a Enea in that group.

Taking her eyes off the handsome studly Cain Darlite's face. Ikuro remained with a serious look even if her cheeks blushed a little. This was not the time for the attitudes these people were having. They really didn't know death did they? Then they were just like...

Real life fantasy ...legend? Striving for endless strength...noble? Sigh... Like, you guys need to rethink your mindsets a little. Just some advice. Bravery like that is only one part of what a person needs to fight those things. Des isn't old. She's 16 I think...? I grew up with her and her parents are still alive. I think you're confusing the Star Maiden's of Origin with her. And uh...no. No I don't think D.E.S comes to battles like this. They usually deal with like, small scale occurrences of Dissonance. I'm not really a member so I don't know all the details.

Roland began clapping his hands. Good, better to talk more with these people when she wasn't about to go face down a giant Dissonance again. Now she had tons of people to protect at the same time. Damn it Des, what was this plan even supposed to be? Why didn't she do it herself? Was it for fear of the monster dying too quickly and coming back? Probably. For that matter how come Krelian knew something about a creature like that more than the Star Maiden? And... why did all these questions only come to her now? This place was getting to her for sure.

Anyway, like yeah. You go tell that guy whatever you need to. I'm here to slash a Dissonance.

Nodding to Comet who gave her own compliment, as usual all people ever gave her. Saya took a seat near Des and waited.

Weiss

Des Weiss said nothing as Brad spoke. In fact it was almost like she was ignoring him. Although when he finished she glanced at him and nodded.The longer she was here. The less energetic she seemed. She now very composed compared to the chipper girl giving everyone candy earlier. The battle was coming and it was time to get serious of course.

Rules can be a Schmerzen. Seeking to stand out while following the path of a normal person is contradictory don't you think? If you were a warrior priest, then you have faith in your god. Ask your god if they will guide you. Like Ella me. Surely figure out what you have to do. The strongest thing in a human being is their soul. The brighter it glows the stronger they become. You could say the opposite as well. Balance is important. Is you just being a guard your purpose? If it is. Then it is better to fulfill it than to rebel. Rebellion causes great imbalance. That can take many years to undo.

When he shouted Star Maiden at her, she tuned completely to him and the window closed just as automatically as it had opened earlier. Des shook her head and smiled ever so slightly. Pulling out a Weiss Stick and stuck it into a corner of her mouth as her face brightened up considerably. He mention ed her saving Astorea? Hmmm... the poor boy was confused.

Was? Nein nein! Hahahaha!

She laughed and heard the clap of Roland to start the meeting. It was time to begin then. People were moving fast here.

I am the Star Maiden, ja. I have not been in Astorea until now The Star Maiden's you may be thinking of are my predecessors. Ja, if you want to speak with me, perhaps later.

The short white hair turned and with a child like energy got into her chair with a plop. Finishing her Stick and politely now waiting for Seigi and Mizuki to finish their tellings. After Mizuki's though, Des suddenly spoke up. Her presence somehow carrying her soft words much more than should have been possible.

Dissonance indeed!

That matches Titanius exactly. It does sound as if it has evolved into it's final stage. That is a lästig development. It is likely a level 10. That is the strongest recorded in history. It is the level that the Star Maidens of old were said to face. Saya, this will not be like what you are used to.

This is fine!

Let me explain for everyone here. Please... listen carefully. It is a lot to take in.

Des stood up and clasped her hands together in preparation. She then would settle something that must be dealt with first. It was only fair.

Raffinierter Mann, please join us down here. I will not allow you to be removed. I need everyone to know this. The more the better. This is a enemy of all that lives and all that doesn't. If you exist it is your enemy. Either now or later. Best to be together than be apart.

Unclasping her hands. She revealed a sphere of bright white light. It rotated in her hands and lit up the room so greatly no a single shadow existed. She gently gestued above the group and waved her hand for @Rat to come down. Just as the rock surface he had made seemed to melt away in the light leaving him with no floor to be held up by. She then placed her hands behind her and spoke. She would reveal everything they needed to know, here and now.

Nun dann...

Dissonance, is a variation of what many other peoples of this distorted world of ours call the darkest of creatures. I heard some of you call them Eldritch abominations. Yes, it is said that the ancient world before the great calamity also called the Outer Gods as well. I once heard from Ella that they were considered mere stories written by a author of fiction. What you may not know. Is that the variety of such beings is great. Dissonance itself comes in two flavors. Neither as süss as a Weiss Stick.

First are the First Order Dissonance. these creatures are born beyond our plane of existence. Long ago they tore into our world and brought an end to the city that we once called zuhause. Entschuldigung, I mean our home. Those gemein monsters are the children of Nyarleith. The God of Madness and Sin. Tria, Tertoria's Goddess created the Greater Spirits that we call Arbiters. Ella, the Arbiter of Light is the one who prevents the Dissonance from freely returning to repeat that fateful day.

Then we have the Second Order Dissonance. These....

Des stopped and paused for a moment. Closing her eyes she sighed heavily. All her energy seemed to leave her and her voice grew colder. It was obvious it did not make her happy to talk about. Her disdain for Dissonance being so great.

You see. When Dissonance attacks it feeds on the souls of it's victims. After enough time... the soul of a human becomes the same as Dissonance. That is what is called Second Order Dissonance. It is that which I created the Dissonance Extermination Squad to ensure never happens.The story of the Star Maiden's of Origin. The stories, the Arbiter Ella herself had told me countless times. Spoke of how most of the city was turned into nothing but black masses of grusel.

All forms of Dissonance are attracted to chaos, despair, and general imbalance in a plane of existence. They can live anywhere because they are not truly alive. They can eat anything because they do not truly have mouths... sigh. They are störend... or disturbing to say the least. Even weather can bring them forth and they only worsen the problem. The Fade you all have been concerned about is a good example of what a high level Dissonance can do if left alone for too long.

Looking at each person in the room with a red eyed stare she seemed to relax after the gaze fell on Roland the last person. She smiled confidently and encouragingly.

This is fine!

You see the Dissonance we are facing is the final evolution of a very ancient creature that has fallen repeatedly to my friend Lady Saya. She wields a weapon that was once used by a Star Maiden of Origin. Even though she has never official resigned from her military position. It is gut. I keep the land free of Dissonance and Saya is freer to handle the more natürlich threats a land can face. Her ability to defeat Titanius with a single mighty blow in the past is legendary hmhm!

So even now with it coming back in this form. With all of us bonding together we will prevail! Especially with the stories I've heard of you all. Being unique and such. I am neugierig but that is for another time.

Hopefully you all understand what you are facing now? A Dissonance will distort your reality, it will feed on your fears, it will see any contamination of your soul and will use it against you. The brighter you burn.the purer your light, The better you will fare!

Her eyes seemed to light up with the thoughts of heroism in the hearts of the pure and righteous! Fueled by a boundless purity of justice! ...In a room where very few likely even match this ideal if any. Funny enough even though she said this. She was aware of the potentials in the room. A determined enough soul does not have to be pure... she had been through enough to see what doing things other than the norm or expected could do. If one willed for it enough and knew what they had to do. Miracles could be real...

So, to face Titanius as we have dubbed it. We will need to lessen it's power with a Anti Dissonance Field. I am able to perform that task. I need all of you to follow Krelian's plan during that time. Titanius is quite big and I will have to place the field over the entirety of the Naryu Canyon. Saya will attack Titanius at the cliff edge ahead of you all and focus on lessening the damage you take. Saya do not over strain yourself. If it dies without us following through. It will simply return.

So.... Krelian? Du bist oben? Or perhaps it is better to let this sit in your minds for a time? To digest this information my friends? I don't want your heads to explode or anything hahaha!

@Roland Rutledge @Seigi @Ueno Mizuki @Cain Darlite @Comet @Rat @Bradwynne @Aalam Abungu @Alric Stalwart

 

Area Entrance Hall

_____Kaede took another moment of waiting like she was under arrest before turning to notice none of the guard even seemed to care for her actions. Shrugging as she rose to her feet and dusted her clothing off before jumping off the other side of the gatehouse and calmly holding her dress down as she descended. Moving to brace for the shock of impact as she landing kneeling on the bridge and began walking forward into the hall. The location she would not make it past, a shame but not something she worried about all that much.

_____Eyes scanning the area as she nodded, so the events followed that route from here. Moving to the right and reaching one hand to a serving tray, the only to the server as the began to fall down, her frame moving to sweep them back up and set them standing before returning the tray and smiling happily. Waving as the maid walked off slightly blushing, that was all Kaede needed for that little event trail to get moving, turning to the head maid who was letting people in to the main meeting Kaede sighed. Numerous routes Kaede could take if she felt the desire to get in, but with Astral magic she did not fully have reason for it.

_____Moving to find a location with few guest Kaede sat down and yawned lightly. She was not going to worry anymore, the people in the meeting already started, and there was no reason to go inside and interrupt them. She herself had other things on her mind, namely relaxing as the astral mage lowered her posture and began to take a light rest in the shadows, they would be in there some time after-all and the person Kaede needed to speak with was like one of the last few to leave the room.

 

Great Hall

Though it was clear that Priscilla had been less than pleased with Seigi’s manner of dress and attitude, and though it was clear that Lady Saya more ‘battle weary veteran’ than ‘boisterous myth in the making’, Cain smiled it all off once Roland announced the beginning of their battle strategy against this eldritch form. Following the Flanst lady back to her side of the Great Hall, the midnight haired muse positioned himself on the opposite side that General Faulkner stood, before keeping quiet and listening.

Attracted to chaos, despair, and general imbalance in the plane of existence…


It will see any contamination of your soul and will use it against you…


The God of Madness and Sin…

Those were the phrases spoken by the white haired ‘Star Maiden’ that sunk into his mind the most, the Flagbearer reaching for his own throat, grazing the phantasmal noose as his eyes narrowed. So those were former ‘people’ that he fought, down in the Canyon. And for such corruption to be brought on by mere changes in weather…they were going to have to act fast to rid the world of such a threat then, weren’t they? How many of those in Western Astorea have already been claimed? How many were denied their tranquility in death and forced to hunger eternally, dragging others to madness? It…pissed him off.

Yeah, it definitely pissed him off a ton. Some fucking edgelord who became god decided that the world sucked too bad, so added even more shit into the cesspool? Fucking eldritch dickbags need to quit this bipolar shit already. Gah, it reminded him way too much of all those little dweebs who just use their great powers for their self-interest, ruining everything for everyone else because ‘lol iz just gaem’ or ‘huehue umadbro’. Goddamn trashcan divinities.

Cain frowned, indulging a little further in his internal fury, before storing it somewhere else in his mind. He’ll save his anger for when he’s elbow-dropping that tentacle monster into a black hole. For now, his job was to listen, to think, to question.

An amused grin was shot in the direction of Rat, who apparently had taken to Spidermanning into this mission, before the midnight haired muse cleared his throat.

“A question if I may, Lady Weiss,” Cain said, “Titanius is a monster that has been slain many times in the past, but each time, it has revived itself and grew stronger as a result. Is this ability to resurrect something that’s common amongst Dissonance? Or is this monstrosity unique amongst its kind?”

He would not say it. Not the fact that he was surprised that it would take an excess of killing a monster thirty times over before they started to realize that their murder method wasn’t functioning as planned. And if Titanius was an immortal beast capable of reviving itself endlessly…

…was that what happened when an adventurer’s soul was claimed?

Unprompted, Cain smiled.
@Tertoria

 

Area Great Hall

Well, at least now she had a good idea of what the Dissonance was that everyone had been talking about. It did sound like something that would give birth to a monster like Titanius, an anomaly that seeks to destroy all life irrelevant of status, nature or origin. It certainly made defeating the thing much more urgent, and luckily the albino girl seemed to have a plan.

Speaking of the albino, Mizuki wasn't sure what to think of her. On one hand she did appear to be genuinely nice and caring, and she basically emanated spirit... But on the other Mizuki still felt like there was a lot to the girl that wasn't immediately visible. She was a person of importance and power, but still behaved like a friendly village girl (albeit one with a lot of poise and elegance).

"So miss Saya (@Tertoria) will confront the Dissonance directly while we provide support? If you can dampen or nullify the draining it will already be quite the help, since unlike the tentacles I couldn't think of a way to deal with that. Although we're still talking about something that can threaten a good chunk of a nation by itself and spread its limbs over a large area, so even with a field that weakens it we'll still need a lot of destructive power to have any hope of hurting it."

She was pretty sure that the thing hadn't even felt it when the tentacle was destroyed, or at least not as any significant amount of pain. It depended entirely on how exactly that Anti Dissonance Field would work. As for the purity that Weiss was talking about... Mizuki didn't think of herself as some kind of pure soul, but she was pretty sure that Seigi would have no issue with burning brightly. The white-haired lady certainly had a strong aura, but from the people she had met so far she had yet to see anyone who could explode with passion like the redhead.

Instead of worrying about how pure her soul was Mizuki would just take Seigi's example and once the fight began go at it with lots of enthusiasm. While the enemy was an ominous one, immense in its might and capable of taking the souls of those who couldn't oppose it, there was also the thrill of the hunt, the reason why Mizuki joined the Monster Hunters instead of some other faction with more influence.

Looking around Mizuki looked at each of the people present, her eyes glowing briefly as she gauged all their strength. The wolfwoman appeared to be calculating something, eyes slightly narrowed until she turned her head and looked at the man addressed as Krelian, wondering what his role would be. Saya would be the frontliner and Weiss would be the support, so that left...

 

Area Entrance Hall

Oh thank the fucking gods, Madison thought as Lucia drew up beside her and offered to bring her through the remainder of the entrance hall.

She motioned towards Alice, who the cursemage remembered clearly from the battle underneath the Bandit King's fortress. Madison recalled the little girl being a bit more... monstrous than looked currently, and just sorta stared as she performed a little curtsy.

Madison collected herself quick enough to offer a half-smile and a polite nod of her head. "Hey," she offered, her voice a little worn and hoarse from having to run from the road up to Roland's estate.

Accompanied by two other women she did not know the names of, the witch followed Lucia through the hall and past the stoic maid who had turned down multiple other would-be Heroic Fighters Of Giant Enemy Tentacle Monsters. She spotted @Portia Ahrens among the crowd--no doubt waiting for Alric to show up and escort her deeper into the castle--and offered the fighter a quick wave and one of those shrugs that said ha ha ha sorry I have no idea what's going on here.

Following the others, she decided to keep her mouth shut and her eyes and ears open and soak up as much information as she could. Madison was experienced; but she was still considered new.

 

Area Great Hall

"Seigi Ling Ling, Sunset Sage of Seven Strikes!" Seigi introduced herself quickly to Lady Flanst. She sure liked that title!

As the chatter grew louder, Roland quickly announced the official beginning of the meeting. Starting with Mizuki and Seigi herself. The wolf being the first to speak up, making it clear that the rumors did not exaggerate.

Following after, the fledgling Star Maiden. Her words only confirming Seigi's own encounter with them, though it did leave her to wonder about a few things which Cain took mostly care of. Not to mention all this German made it hard to understand. "Alright..." With newfound determination, Seigi deemed herself done hiding!

Taking a few steps forward, Seigi spoke up clearly. "I haven't fought Titanius before, nor have I claimed to, but I did fend off Dissonance before! I have... experienced... their mind-altering abilities first hand. Say, you have an addiction? It makes you SEE what you crave for." Just like her alcohol. "Not just see. But smell, feel, taste. All your senses: Assaulted. It's drilling into your mind."

"Or scared of something? Maybe a tiny whisper of doubt at the back of your mind? Well, it'll increase its volume a hundredfold!" Just like it had done to her. "BUT..." Seigi now gave a smug-eating smile. "You can fight THAT part with Willpower alone! A strong Mind and Soul. GUTS AND EFFORT. Tell it to screw off. I... don't know how easy it is for someone with a weak mind though. Also we were under the effect of a Dissonance Field, too." Then again, Weiss said she'd put one up too!

That only left one final thing. A secret she kept close but was willing to share if it meant to stop the suffering of many. She was, after all, a Hero! "You called them of Eldritch Origin, right?" Closing her eyes, Seigi inhaled for a moment before continuing with newfound determination. "A bunch of us 'Immortals', as some call it, treat this place like a game. It IS a game, after all." Kinda rude, but maybe the NPCs were conscious enough to realize that?

"Urgh, this sounds kinda mean, but it's weird to explain, okay? Anyway! For those in the know, other player characters here." There were a bunch, after all, even if Seigi couldn't be sure about all of them. "I died to an Eldritch Abomination at the Reclamation of Pride. After my respawn, I couldn't access my UI anymore." But she wasn't here to seek some stupid pity. She was done pitying herself.

"So I have been kinda stuck in this game, not able to log out. Maybe it's a bug to this monster, in particular, maybe it's a trait the Dissonance commonly shares? What I wanna say is: Think twice about facing death, even if you were to respawn!" And with that, Seigi was done doing her report.

@Roland Rutledge @Tertoria @Ueno Mizuki @Cain Darlite @Comet @Rat @Bradwynne @Aalam Abungu @Alric Stalwart

 

Area Great Hall

Alpha was, without a doubt, completely confused as to the ongoing events. Unlike Roland, who carried himself with poise and refinement despite being a foreigner to politics populated by heritage and education from birth; and Cain, who entered with confidence and knowledge as to what he was getting himself into, stating his full delegation to the guards without a hint of hesitancy, Alphabet Chocolate was flopping along like a fish out of water. She remembered she held a title of some sort but what it was had slipped her mind completely. Was she a countess or maybe the owner of a parcel of land someplace deep in the thicket? Maybe she was the despot of some small town somewhere, completely absent yet impossible to dethrone.

Being unaware of her status in the ongoing events, Alpha did the one thing she did best: crash a party. Last time she had slithered up the stairs with an air of carelessness, nibbling on some snack that, she remembered, was awfully delicious. A thin line of drool dribbled from the corner of her lips at that fond memory before she wiped it off on her sleeve and continued to watch the proceedings from her perch atop a high tree branch overlooking one of the manor's plentiful windows.

A few familiar faces popped along: the excitable orange-haired figure of Seigi, the pink-haired motherly Comet, and several others. If she had a better view through the Entrance Hall, she would've noticed others like Priscillia Flanst and Lucia Mierz navigating through the diplomatic spectrum but, as it was, all of Alpha's attention culminated in the Great Hall where a multitude of her allies and acquaintances had gathered. What was a party but a fun assembly of like-minded friends?

The lock of the window clicked open underneath her deft ministrations as a few guards looked up at the unsuspecting Alpha.

"What's she doing up there?" One of them asked, puzzled. The others just shrugged. "She's nobility, it's not our right to question it."

As she slipped on through into the room, she was completely oblivious that her stealthy mission to intrude upon the party had been discovered almost instantaneously. Perhaps it was better she didn't know, considering that she gave herself a pat on the back for a job well-done. The glee and pride she felt wasn't feigned and it was best to leave a girl to her fantasies and hollow achievements.

She went on over to the meeting with purpose. "Guys!" she shouted out, a grin on her face as she took in all the faces. "Guess who's here?!"

From outside, leashed to a tree, was Hector. Grumbling. Plotting revenge.

@Roland Rutledge @Tertoria @Ueno Mizuki @Cain Darlite @Comet @Rat @Bradwynne @Aalam Abungu @Alric Stalwart

 

Area Great Hall

So, these were the Nobles and Legends, some of which seemed benign and some of which seemed waxing bitchward. Rat smirked and listened intently, taking notes while hiding away on her little rough ledge she had created up in the darkness. She took names, jotted reminders, keeping the information vague and expansive rather than trying to capture every minute detail of any particular conversation going on. By far, Cain was the most amusing to spy upon.

The woman caught a glance from Des as well as Livie, amused that the two women seemed to have noticed her so high up. Neither seemed particularly wanting to oust her however, until Des changed her mind and alerted the entire room to her presence. A bright glow, and the random ability to melt Rat's stone perch from so far below and away? Rude, to remove Rat's perch and leave her exposed to a sudden thirty foot drop onto solid stone.

The woman twisted in the air to avoid landing on her head, legs bending, the halls echoing with an audible SNAP, CRACKLE, POP as the bones in her ankles shattered. At her feet a small pile of dirt had appeared to cushion her fall, but had failed entirely to do so. Even with the pain settings diminished as low as possible, it was not what she would describe as a COMFORTABLE experience. She fell forwards onto hands and knees, pain coursing through her.
"fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff-LOCK OF SEAGULLS!" the woman... swore...?
She summoned a staff from her inventory, and channeled a healing spell through herself, mending the broken limbs and returning herself to prime condition.

She stood, having been forced to join the party below, and looked around at everyone. Her clothing was of fine quality, but simple and baggy design, riddled with pouches and pockets. A bandage covered her left eye in a makeshift eyepatch, and a layer of dirt seemed to cover her clothes and skin. Not filth and grease and grime, as though she never bathed... rather, a light powdering of dust and dirt, as though she wore it like a protective shell. And as the pile of dirt beneath her boots began to crawl, as if a thing alive, back up her clothing and into some pouches, it became obvious it truly was a sort of... natural armor, and tool to be carried, which she proudly wore.

She had caught the tail ends of the talk and huffed, moving closer. She might as well introduce herself at this point.
"Hi, my name is Rash, thank you for being my friend!" she announced, though to those viewing through investigation mode could clearly see the name above her read R-a-t.
"It sounds like you're the Deus Ex Machina," she said, gesturing to Des.
"It sounds like you're a prissy bitch," she observed, gesturing to Flanst... "with the depth of personality and grace of a sauerkraut enema. Just the worst. I wasn't gonna say nothing, but I was made to join the party. Hiiiii."

 

Area Great Hall

Late again, late again, of course she was late. By the time she was able to slink into the larger hall where it appeared that everyone important was gathered, the discussion was already ongoing, and she didn't want to interrupt. She waited anxiously in the back, listening in as people began asking questions, sharing details. There didn't seem to be a good place to interject.

At least, until @Seigi spoke. The moment that the other girl mentioned something about being stuck in the game, Ashiore's eyes widened. She couldn't let this opportunity pass.

"Excuse me!" she called out, louder to the general hall. "I- I've also been experiencing the same thing. I had gone down to Naryu Canyon to investigate this thing, like a lot of people here. I was with another man named Morpheus. But we... we were forced to fight a tentacle after it burst through the ground.

"I don't know what happened to him. I haven't been able to get in touch. But it killed me. And when I was revived, I... looked like this." She spread her arms out to demonstrate the lifeless quality to her skin.

"And," she added, looking at Seigi, "I can't access my UI either." She performed the usual motion for opening up her game menu, closing and opening her palm again. Even though nobody could see it anyway, there was nothing there. "I can't access game messages, or my inventory, or anything. I haven't been able to log out either since that day."

 

Area Inner Courtyard

Roland eyed @Ueno Mizuki as she described the encounter. It was about as bad as Roland had expected. It's ability to everyone's stamina was likely going to be the key factor in the upcoming battle. With a grunt he added,

While I did not find the beast to fight I did scout Naryu Canyon, where I encountered what seemed like a normal player. This turned out not to be true as it was, my guess, an illusion created by the monster itself, which faded away along with most of my and my party's strength...

Taking a deep breath he turned towards Weiss who stepped forward next, casting a spell that sent Rash flying from the ceiling. With a sigh, Roland waved his guards down, sending a clear but silent instruction to @Seul and @Aalam Abungu to not kick the girl out *yet*. After-all it'd be too distracting, as Weiss entered into a long explanation of the creature, and its history. Roland nodded along, barely paying attention to any of the follow up questions as he tried to grasp his head around what they were dealing with. Placing his hand upon his chin, he barley listened to @Seigi's story until she mentioned being locked out of her UI.

Confused he looked at her with a blank stare as he tried to comprehend what that could mean. Even @Alphabet Chocolate's flamboyant entrance, did little to stir him as he stood frozen in thought. In fact it wasn't until @Ashiore Evretto chimed in seemingly confirming Seigi's tale that Roland's mind finally lurched forward into action.

That can't be healthy. Your real life body can't stay connected to the game for a prolonged amount of time. Do you have any friends or relatives in game we can message for you, and tell them your predicament? They will likely need to disconnect you from the game manually...

He paused, eyeing the NPC's around him, they'd likely not understand where the conversation had just turned too. To them this was already a conflict of life or death, to the players, however, this became significantly more dangerous. With a flick of his hand, Roland motioned to his nearby butler. "We will need everyone informed of this, please go to Edna and allow any who can, to enter into the inner courtyard." With a curt nod, Roland bowed to his guests.

I apologize, I know several of you may be confused by what was just stated, just know that it means we adventurers are much more at risk than I thought earlier. As such, I must ask we move this meeting to a larger venue so that everyone may hear. I think, this is something you hinted at earlier, correct Mrs. Wiess?

With that, Roland through open the large double doors of the Great Hall that lead directly into the Inner Courtyard. It would only be a few feet worth of travel, but the area was much larger than inside, so that a crowd could form if needed. In front of him a butler walked forth proclaiming loudly for all to hear, "Per the Duke's orders, any and all make their way to the inner courtyard. I repeat per the Duke's..."

((At this time anyone can enter the Inner Courtyard regardless of rank/nobility))

 

_____Kaede did not like the turn of events, black eyes opened as the doors moved. The orders from the duke, the words he spoke all lined up with her worst fears. Clicking her tongue Kaede closed her eyes and went back to relaxing, should she move things would only get worse, her attempts to alter events lowered the more she tried to take part in the dangerous battle to come. So many lives would be lost, so many would respawn, but the death still held weight on the soul. Frame shifting with unease as she simply chose to listen to the others before her voice resounded.

”The others need your aid, even if it may kill so many later… You know this to be true, so why do you not go over and try to assist them. A few deaths over thousands is the best hand you will get…”

”There is always a path without death, I have proven it once and will do so again. Now unless you needed me to predict some future massacure for you to gain power with, leave me alone.”

”Now is that any way to treat a woman you slept with Kaede Hoshi? I am trying to tell you that even I CAN’T see a path without some death due to this battle. But if you chose to sit idle most if not all paths lead to more deaths. They need strength, not just in mind, or body, but power. That is something you seem to have gained quickly since your arrival so aid them!”

_____The conversation within her mind ending just as quickly as it began. The woman’s voice, her words lurking in Kaede’s mind as she grumbled and rose to her feet moving to the great hall. Her hand waving around slowly as she sighed and found a spot on the edge of the area near Weiss Her hand converting to cosmic form as she began spinning a small star in her hand with a light sigh. The magic was still dangerous to use in large forms, but maybe it was her disbelief that such a magic was at her fingertips.

_____A small wave to @Ueno Mizuki and @Luna Avalbane as Kaede got ready to listen, and make sure she did not accidentally throw the small ball of pure energy at someone and blow them up. Last time she did that was very messy and, if she did so in a place like this she was sure to get escorted out without a second question or glance. One person however kept Kaede’s focus as they seemed to have an air she greatly felt unease about. Her gaze, however did not show that person as she kept her focus moving every so often. She was always more of a ‘take action’ type, or maybe her failure not long ago had her really wanting to prove she could do so much better.