Guilds Role-Play

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It is a beautiful day, around three in the afternoon, the whole of the region suffering from rather strong winds. It is warm and sunny outside, until the wind blows when it is somewhat chilly. The clouds float on by with the wind's direction, giving the blue sky a bit of variation in design. The towns and cities bustle with busy citizens, Guild Hall doors open and close as business concludes and begins for various members and of course, the streets and halls are also busy with chatter--as it would seem that although things are the same today as they would be on any other day, there is one thing that every living person has in common today.

Everyone that is willing to talk about it seems to have this feeling...a feeling of wrongness. Today feels different, somehow, in some way, though no one is certain as to why this is so. Some are mildly worried, others simply casting it off as just a weird phase. Many have approached the Guilds that are local to them, inquiring if anything can be done it. This has led everyone to realize that even magic casters have felt these odd feelings in their guts, though they seem not to know of its cause or how to make the feeling go away. Everyone has been uneasy since they woke from their beds this morning, but they day still continues on, as if the global feeling did not exist...

Kaimele

Clementina sits down in the proffered chair.  “A menu?  This is something I’d expect to see in a restaurant.”  She listens to Reese, surprised he is so open with her.  “I am sorry you didn’t get enough sleep.  That isn’t really enough time to plan anything is it?  When are you and Lord Crye leaving?”  There is a part of her that wants to go, but at the same time she doesn’t want to hinder them.  This sounds like a big deal and her healing ability will help.

“Who is Lady Aurella de Gant?    

~~~~~~~~~~


As Jacobi looks at his key, he changes his mind about where to go.  He wants to check in with Mia first.  She is his first priority before returning this to Quinn.  And who knows, it may be useful.  He gets up and checks the train schedule.  It will be a longer ride, but the train will be here sooner.  If anyone gives his grief about his ticket, he will get them to shut up.  He is happy it is so quiet because he is not a morning person, especially when he was up most of the night.

  Gale rose early, pacing about the guilds main hall. He was eager to talk to Connor. If anyone knew what became of Dark Ascension's members he would, that and the family tomes could help him in his endeavor.
  The main area consists of a bar with tables, surrounded by four rings where there is almost always a few of the members fighting and going at it. Coincidentally, there's a betting area nearby the jobs board. Above the bar is a magical billboard displaying the ranks among the members and their rating. They have a hall in the back that holds highest ranking members photos, rankings, as well as wise sayings.
  Connor stands on a raised platform where he can look down on the four rings, one of which is currently active on this early Saturday morning. He's tired and rarely awake this early--as such, he's quite cranky. However, Guild requirement assures that someone must be present when there is inner competition within the Guild. He just doesn't understand why it has to be so damn early...
  Gale remembered the competitions, he especially remembered his father's brawls. Dynamic, explosive bouts. Often he'd watch his father push himself to the brink.
  Looking to the raised platform, Gale realized Connor's mind was on the action, and his bed.
 "Welp, only one thing for it."
  Gale took off his jacket and stepped into a ring, raising his walking stick and taking a low gaurd. An open challenge.
  Connor looks up with interest as the second ring is filled--this time with a familiar face.  Familiar how...?  It's been a while and he's quiet uncertain...  It's like it is right there on the tip of his brain.  He's curious to see who will answer the challenge of the visitor that is obviously familiar with the Rhodes way of battle.  Amon steps in, quick with his steps to accept the way.  Connor shakes his head, not surprised in the least.  Amon craves a fight--even if it would mean nothing but defeat, bruises, and blood.  The adrenaline is his goal.
  Nodding his head for his consent, Connor signals for the second battle to begin just before he looks over at the other ring with scrunched eyebrows of disapproval.  He points in their direction, "Eve, don't use your strings on the poor lad--he's far too below your league!"  
 The woman grunts with annoyance, but puts her magic away as a thin strands of red blood that had connected her and her scrawny opponent a moment before slips away and falls onto the floor.  His eyes return to the other two, curious to see how it would go.  Amon would be sure to charge him, head first.  The guy loves to grapple.
  Gale studied his opponent, he was eager. Maybe too eager for his own good. Gale adjusted his stance, leaving a false opening on his forward leg. Gale nodded to his opponent, and summoned his nimbus. Gale suspected it would have no use to deflect projectiles, but it would give him an advantage in speed.
  Amon charges, a shimmering field appearing before him and a sense of dread would make any opponent wary of a strike that hints of pain similar to a battering ram.  As his opponent dodges, Amon halts himself just at the edge of the ring and the field continues forward past the ring for some distance until it hits the wall and causes a crater.  Then, he turns to face his opponent again as one arm raises up to scratch his bald head when he speaks and chuckles with a sheepish grin, "Oops."
  Gale glances at the wall, and back to his opponent. He nods. This will not be a quick match. "Well done."
He retaliates, swiping at his biceps and temples, striking high to compromise his footing.
  Amon smirks, crossing his arms before him as Gale strikes, blocking the blows as the shimmering field before him reappears, forming a shield that was not visible before.  He raises his knee to his chest and strikes the ground with his foot, sending a shockwave out towards Gale's lower body.
  Gale leapt upwards into the air, his nimbus giving him a soft landing. Taking a moment to survey his opponent's work.
  "Do you mind a little banter?"
"Real men talk with their fists," Amon says, his hand reaching out to punch the air in front of the stranger as a blast of energy shoots forward from it, "Does that work for you?"
  Gale quickly sidesteps. He squints, and copies the man's smirk.
  Amon is about to lay another strike at Gale when his eyes are suddenly averted away from the ring and away from Gale, to his right, leaving him open for attack.  His eyes are widened in surprise what whatever it is that has caught his attention from behind Gale's shoulder.
  Gale dodged and caught the man's balance, Ilyana wouldn't be proud of a stolen victory.
  Stepping down from his fighting stance, he holds up a hand to show he must halt as Amon's eyes remain on the figure behind Gale--a man, to be precise, who had just entered the main hall from the Guild's entrance.  A startling 6ft-8in of striking ebony skin, the man wears loose plain clothing in dark matte grey and black. On his hands, he wears a set of gloves studded with steel. He possesses no body hair at all, due to a strange genetic defect found among his people--not even eyebrows. The last striking feature is his milky white eyes, that make him appear blind, but he walks unassisted.  

The infamous S-Ranked Rhodes Guild trustee is Yen Malitaest'r, and although his deeds and abilities are well known, his history and culture are not well known to those outside of his inner circle.  Amon is afraid to fight before him--when Yen watches a fight, he gets...critical and excited.  Overly excited.  It's distracting--more so than his appearance and size.  
 "Pardon, Stranger," Amon says awkwardly, "Would you consider a pause while Yen is here?"
  As Yen approaches Connor a little, he stops nearby to wink at Eve, who's battle has luckily just come to an end.  A coincidence?  Amon thinks not.  When Yen speaks, his voice is loud and full of mirth and joy.
  "No worries, I don't think I am going to get Connor's eye soon," huffs Gale.
  "CONNOR! My friend, Yen must thank you! Most pleased is I that this alluring Goddess..." he holds his hand out towards Eve before continuing. "Has reciprocated my affection." Yen pulls out a chair and flops into it, putting his feet on the corner to avoid getting too close to the rings. Connor could be picky about that.
  "However!" Yen glowers, though only in jest. "It is the Witching hour, and here you are settling me with more work as I just return? Shield, I thought we were friends." The smile on his face is still good natured. "So what is this tedious mission you endeavor to send Yen on? When as you no doubt are aware my Birthday approaches."
  Connor shakes his head, "Yen, my friend...war has struck Infinity Edge.  Dark Ascension attacked and took many...Ilyana has been sorely injured and Dark Ascension has promised to return at noon to finish what they started."
  Gale's heart stopped. He could feel a hot pain in his gut. His vision went red. His head pounded.
  "WHAT!!!!?" Gale roared.
"Three things,"  Yen says, holding up three fingers as Connor looks over at Gale with confusion, "First: Amon!  You lose points!  You lost!  Take the penalty or I'll doc you down the board myself by wooping your ass so hard that your mother will cry.  Two:"
  Yen turns to Gale, "Little justateer, my eyes weep with you and my heart will sing the hymns of your people with you."
  Connor's confusion melts away at Yen's words, not at all surprised at Yen's sudden tears that seemed to appear upon the man's mental command.  They are silent tears, but sincere, Conner believes.  He then realizes there is a mark on Gale's neck and recognizes the symbol.  With regret, he chastises himself for speaking up so carelessly.  No man should learn of loss like this.
  "I am sorry, lad,"  Conner confirms with a sad face, "Infinity Edge has been attacked.   Each guild will be sending support and I am sending my best--Yen, that's you.  Gren will be teleporting you to battle and you can take with you whom you wish that is here.
  Connor then looks over at Gale and says, "Will you wish to go home with them?"
  Gale seethed, tears blistering his eyes, he needed to get control. "Y-yes, but first, I n-need my father's tomes. My magic, it's not good enough. If I'm going to fight, I need more than a stick and some fancy footwork."
  Connor looks at him with a raised eyebrow, "Tomes?  Who's your father, boy?"
  Gale summons his strength, standing tall. He sniffs.
"Bolt Flugen," Gale stated, filling it with all the respect he could muster.
  Connor's eyes widen with recognition.  Now he knows why the stranger looks familiar.  "Woah, it's Bolt's boy!  Yen, I told you about Bolt!  He--wait.  His tomes?  All of his belongings were kept away.  He asked that I never release them outside the Guild.  I suppose I could make an exception, though...you are his kid, spitting image of him."
  Gale looked away. As much as he, missed Rhodes this is the part that hurt most, the reminders. That he was his father's son, that his father died loving him... and he didn't even know what that meant.
  "Sir, in all due respect, I would be willing to continue this conversation another time, but if we are to answer Dark Ascension's deadline, we must go and I must prepare as best I can. I will go with Yen after I have the tomes."
  Connor shrugs, "Can't send Yen until he's ready.  You'll have to work with him--he's got your tomes, too, kid."
  Yen looks a bit surprised, "I do?  We'll read the books later--I know a good wolf that needs to sink his teeth into his enemies.  Might as well let him join me.  I have swords!  I know where those are..."
  "Well, then, it seems we're off to war."
  Gale huffed, angrily. He was wading into a war with a stick. His anger, however, soon found a new direction, someone attacking his guild knows who took part of him...
  And he's going to take it back.

[ATTN: Rocket, Sonja]
--Walsh Guild Hall; 8:15AM l Quinsennterra Guild Hall; 8:30AM--

Walsh is a large, towering building that has roman-like architecture. Additionally, it is very lit with large scrolls with the Guild's symbol largely and elaborately printed on each one on every side of the building. As this particular Guild is so close to outsider populace, there are no outer walls, but rather an inner training ground instead. There are also eight doors on the outside of the building, two on each side, to allow any who wish to join easy entrance.The main hall is filled with many simple, wooden tables and a large, guild quest board where the various available quests are ready to be chosen by the Guild members.  A few members are here and there, eating, while others are packing up and getting ready for war.  The teleporters had already been in and out and Grey selected quite a few of his best.  However, there's just one thing left, and as Grey finishes up his meal and begins to send the dishes to the kitchens in the back, he calls out very loudly with his usual expressionless face:  "Yuzu."

Amidst the aroma cast throughout the main hall from the kitchens is another, more distinct odor. The smell of ash and gunpowder permeates the air around the red-headed woman sitting at one of the tables near the far corner of the room, alone. Before her is a pack of cup noodles, its contents not even half gone… among several other entirely cleaned plates, stacked atop one another. Upon Grey’s declaration, the woman pauses from her slurping and shoots a glare in his direction from the corners of her fiery eyes. With a growl, she practically inhales the rest of the cup’s contents, and stands, wiping her mouth and tossing the emptied cup into a bowl at the top of her pile of dishes, just as someone comes to take them away. This woman? The infamous ‘Heiress of Failure,’ Chitanda Yuzuki – ‘Yuzu,’ the Gunpowder Witch. She approaches Grey with her hands in her pockets, and an almost equally empty expression, though with the slightest tinge of irritation. “What?” she says.

Grey points over to a tall, lanky woman with pale skin and an expression of irritation all of her own.  She's not from Walsh, to be sure, but her mark isn't currently visible.  However, it is clear that her fine clothing is of similar make to that of Grey's, hinting at royalty.  Grey says, "Varikell is here to get you.  She's gonna teleport you so that you can deliver a message--pack your shit, because you'll be staying there."

Yuzu glances over at her charge and the annoyance in her face deepens, if only for a moment, before returning to her default state when turning back to Grey. She says not a word to him until her back’s turned and she’s on her way to gather her things. “If I get turned inside out, I’m haunting you.” Then she disappears around a corner.

She returns a moment later with the very satchel she’d arrived at Walsh with – tattered, stained with blood in places, and riddled with patchwork fixes to several holes. She approaches this ‘Varikell,’ woman. Up close was the next hint. The fragrance of a spring meadow mingled with Yuzu’s own gunpowder tang. Perfume? Of course. She stands across from the woman, satchel slung over her shoulder. “Well?”

Varikell is looking down at her nails, checking each of them for perfection.  Although the girl's clothes are simple and plain, at best, her nails are painted with intricate designs and patterns.  The nail polish is her only focus until she hears the impatient Yuzu's words.   She doesn't even look up at Yuzu as Grey hands out a sealed roll of paper that Yuzu is meant to deliver, informing her that the message is for Allas Ruoh.  After it has been given, Varikell stops leaning against the table, sanding up straight and stepping up into Yuzu's space with a swift movement.

With a fast-moving kiss suddenly planted onto Yuzu's lips, the world shifts around them, dizzying the area as their bodies feel weightless and a small, pins and needles sensation covers all of their skin.  Finally, the spinning stops and Varikell halts the sudden kiss and pulls away...to reveal the Quinsenterra main hall's entry.  It hosts sparkling color glass and a spectacular golden fountain underneath a sunroof. The tables are elegant glass with high-rise chairs and sparkling chandeliers for light that reflect the sunlight during the day and light up with candles at night.

Yuzu’s eyes narrow upon further inspection. Vanity was one thing, but the woman stared at her hands as if each nail was adorned with the work of a classical artist. She looks over her shoulder as Grey hands her the scroll, and no sooner does she turn back to Varikell than the woman suddenly plants one on her. Before Yuzu can process anything, the room around them shifts, and a tingling sensation ripples up her body.

Initially stunned, Yuzu’s expression of shock is quickly overcome by overwhelming aggravation, once that… process comes to an end. She scoffs and wipes her mouth with the back of her glove. “I’m pretty sure I didn’t consent to that. The least you could do is take me out to dinner, first. After all…” she says, looking around at the commodities all round the hall. “Not like you’re hurting for coin.” She shakes herself to get rid of the jittering in her spine, left over from the teleportation, itself.

Yuzu takes one step and instantly regrets it upon glancing up and seeing the crest – Quinsenterra. “I'll kill him,” she grumbles. She tosses her satchel back over her shoulder and sighs. “Where’s the recipient? Alis Rao or whatever?”

Varikell shrugs at Yuzu's displeasure as she points to the door on the far left, past the luxurious entrance.  "Dining hall.  Long, white hair, shiny golden eyes.  Can't miss him."  Then, she swiftly walks off, heading up the luxurious stairs as a suited man politely walks up to Yuzu and asks if he could take her bag for her.

Yuzu proceeds in the direction the woman had told her she’d find the contact, not even seeing her leave. When she’s approached by the man in the suit, she doesn’t even miss a beat, proceeding without paying him any mind, and returning to her usual sense of apathy.  She casually flings the door open and enters the next area, searching around for – oh. Well, the woman had been right of one thing. The man certainly did stand out in a crowd. “Subtle,” she says to herself. She approaches the man, satchel in one hand, flung over her shoulder, message in the other. “Oi. I take it you’re Allos Ro, or whatever?”

Allas turns in his seat as he is addressed, is plate now empty as Attica, the small, young girl with pink hair that sits across from him looks up with interest and even giggles as Yuzu pronounces his name wrong.  She is decidedly not like  the others in the room--most are in the finest clothing, seated with proper postures and the like.  Attica, although in somewhat nice clothing, is seated in the most improper of ways.  

Smiling with charm, Ruoh says, "Please, call me Allas.  You are, my lady?"

Yuzu takes note of the giggling kid and arches an eyebrow, though eventually her gaze falls back on Allas. “Right, that,” she says in response to his giving his proper name. “Special delivery.” She proceeds to hold up the scroll, lightly tossing it so that it lands perfectly in front of him, before shoving her free hand into her pocket. She glances around, wincing no matter what direction she happens to look. Only the finest for one of the most high society groups in the continent. But then her eyes fall back to the kid. Oddly different. Not so straight and proper, though not entirely removed from the place’s atmosphere. She glances back at Allas again with the scroll in front of him. “And apparently I’ll be here, a while, or something. It's Yuzu.”

Ruoh catches the note, opening it up without hesitation as Yuzu continues to speak and introduce herself.  He would have introduced Attica, but he recalls that the girl can't stand to be introduced.  Probably because she hates her family and it's name, but that's just Ruoh's theory.  As he finishes reading the letter rather quickly, he smiles once more, but this time with intrigue.

"Ah, a pleasure to meet you, Yuzu,"  Ruoh replies, "I see that you are the explosives that my lady Aurella ordered.  I didn't expect Mr. Grey to be so prompt.  Tell me, Yuzu, have you eaten breakfast?  We can get you something here, but if you have, I can have Ms. Attica here take you to your room."

As he gestures to the girl seated across from him, she smiles slightly and waves at her rather vigorously in greeting.

Yuzu turns her head to look down the hall while Allas reads over the message. She glances back through the corner of her eye when he mentions Grey’s promptness. Probably because he couldn’t wait to get rid of me. She seems to tune out until the mention of food, at which she snaps back to reality. Her eyes light up, bright as a blaze, and she whips her head around at the very mention of more food. She manages to regain her irritable composure, if only a bit, clearing her throat and look down before shoving her hand back into her pocket. “I’m fine, I’ll just go to my-”

A nagging feeling guides her gaze back to the kid, eagerly waving to her like someone stuck her on a flag pole. Not even certain how to process this, she grimaces before heaving an exasperated sigh. “Whatcha got?”

Attica grins, speaking before Ruoh even has a chance to, "We have cinnamon rolls and coffee and eggs benedict and milk and danishes of all flavors and chocolate milk and breakfast truffles and strawberry milk and--

"Ruoh laughs and stands and pulls out a chair for Yuzu at the table.  He also signals for a man to bring the menu by, which is promptly done, "Goodness, girl, you can't expect one to process all of that at once."

The menu is placed on the table as Attica turns red from embarrassment, "Sorry, I forgot."

Yuzu stares flatly at the girl as she rambles on about their selection of fancy cuisine. High pitched. So fast. So many words. Annoying. Painfully annoying. But she is just a… Her attention falls on Allas once more as he halts the girl. As he pulls up a chair for her, she reluctantly approaches it and takes a seat, pulling herself up to the table. “Smooth. You know I could’ve gotten my own cha-” Dead stop. The instant Yuzu sees the menu, the light returns to her eyes, along with a captivated sparkle. She beams at the pictures as if beholding the most valuable of treasures coveted by man. “Holy...”

Suddenly overpowered by her heart… or stomach… jury’s out, Yuzu’s entire demeanor changes. She hunches over the menu, burying her nose in it as she thumbs the pages with childlike awe, each one practically shone with a golden glow upon her face. “Gods! Everything looks so delicious! I didn’t know you could even do that with eggs! And who would’ve thought to combine these two things?! Man, what the hell even is this? I mean other than yummy looking, because duh. Are those blueberries?! And look at this sausage! That can’t be legal! I’m having a heart attack just looking at it, but it’s so good looking! I wanna... Gods dammit, why can’t I cook?! I wanna makes stuff like this! It’s so unfair!” So, after that explosion of words, Yuzu sinks into the menu, as if defeated by a dark wizard, and practically whimpering with her head hung in despair. “Just… just bring me something. House special. Personal recommendation. I don’t care. Just… whatever.”

Attica is giggling happily at Yuzu's amazement over the menu, her cheeks a cherry red from amusement.  She can't bury her amusement when their new guest gives up on the menu and pouts with defeat at the end.  It's just so great to see someone else that appreciates the food the way she does--even though she can't eat that much, it's still one of the best things in the universe.

Ruoh nods his head as he takes his own seat, "Alfonze, why don't you bring the 'Everything Platter' so that our guest can try a little of all that we have.  I'm sure the chefs will be happy to serve it for once.  It's been too long since they got to stretch their fingers."

The servant nods his head, taking the menu before looking to Yuzu and asking, "What beverage would you like, Ms. Yuzu?"

Yuzu picks her head up from its perch in her folded arms on the table, still looking rather pathetic and staring blankly into oblivion. “Coffee,” she mumbles.

"Very well, madam,"  The man says, walking away.  

Ruoh smiles a little more before standing up to get his own coffee.  After he has fixed it up, he returns back to find that Yuzu's coffee has already been delivered, along with a refill for Ms. Attica's strawberry milk.  She's also had her plate of cinnamon rolls re-filled, as well.  This has been a rather progressive morning, it would seem.  

"Ms. Attica, when will your recruit be joining us?"  Ruoh asks politely.

Attica hesitates sheepishly, "Um...I don't know when she'll wake up, but...she won't be coming down to the dining room.  I arranged room service for her, so I'm gonna let her eat before we try to test her to join the Guild."

"Very well,"  Ruoh says, an eyebrow raised, "We can attend to that a little later, then.  When she's finished eating, I expect you to give Yuzu here the tour after you show her to her room.  She'll certainly want a look around to familiarize herself with her surroundings."

"Yes, Allas,"  Attica says, taking a drink of her milk and then cramming a huge cinnamon roll into her mouth.  Most would say...something about the girl's improper eating habits, but no one does.  Ruo tried in the past many times, but has given up by now.

Yuzu stares at the platter as its set down before her, and angry twitch in her eye as she quietly growls and just sits there. With the speed of an elder on morphine, she reaches for a utensil and stabs into the first item there – an omelet. With a piece of the egg dish held up, she takes a bite. Suddenly, her entire face turns bright red and there’s a brief release of steam as her eyes widen like saucers and glaze over. She’s completely silent for a moment, not that she’d been particularly talkative to being with, and then- “M-m-m-…. UMAAAAIIIII!” (Umai, orうまい basically a casual Japanese word used to call something delicious) If only for a moment, her dialect returns to her and stars spring up in her eyes. She proceeds to polish the plate practically faster than the eye can see. As if she’d just stuck the plate in her mouth and pulled it out clean, only stopping once there’s scarcely a spec left on it. Once absolutely all of it gone, she squeaks out a satisfied sigh with a smile and slinks down in her seat. “It’s no Omurice, but damn that’s good.” She then reaches over, taking her coffee cup into both hands and bringing it to her mouth to much more calmly take a sip.

As she sips the coffee, she sits back up, eventually setting the cup down on the table in front of her after she’s regained her total composure, right down to her apathetic demeanor. She observes the kid, scarfing down a cinnamon roll bigger than her mouth. Then she takes another sip of her coffee and glances down the hall. “So. What, exactly, do you need blown up? And why does it require my being here, long term?”

Kaimele

Reese sighs again, "Probably tomorrow morning.  We leave for our own task upon the Lady Aurella's request."

His eyes widen in surprise, "You've never heard of her?  Why she--she's---she's one of the most reknowned Guild Masters.  She has truth sayer magic and she's a fierce, rich woman of class and elegance.  She's not a woman to cross...she's dangerous."

Good there is enough time to get her affairs in order if necessary.  "I am surprised she was here.  I got the impression that ...our... guild was at odds with Quinsennterra.  This must be an important matter."  Clementina takes a drink from her cup.  

Reese chuckles, this time with a mischievous grin, "Oh, yes.  We are certainly at odds.  Lady Aurella and Lord Crye are...not good allies, to say the least.  They have had several trysts in the past that ended with sour commentary and end of trades.  She does not like that he is making his own Guild instead of joining hers, you see.  You--You didn't hear that from me, Lady Clementine."

“Don’t worry Sir Reese, your secret is safe with me.  Since you are sharing secrets, may you tell me what is going on?  My imagination is running and I am worried.”  Clementina winks.  “I am excited to be joining the guild, although it will be my real persona, not as Clementina.  I am glad we will not be leaving immediately.  I will be able to check in with my grandmother so she doesn’t worry.”

"Oh, I see!" Reese says happily, "I'm so glad that we will have time to be properly acquainted.  I can't wait to see the real you--I have no doubt that you are just as beautiful--both inside and out.  Lord Crye sent you an invitation and he doesn't just invite anyone, you know.  Did you know that he was a General during the Council Wars way back when?  The man is a hero.  He never brags--but I think the man has earned the right to a boast every now and again."

“He has mentioned that to me already.  What about you though?  What are your abilities?  I guess that mean out little bet is off.  I did want to see if you could find me in a crowd.”  Clementina smirks.

Reese smirks in return, "I make music--literally.  I can sing, play...and music is born--dangerous music."  He pulls out musical notes from his pocket--but these are bladed...as if they were shiruken.

Clementina’s eyes widen at his demonstration.  “That is an odd, but wonderful ability, very flexible too.  Do you have to be making the music, or can you take other’s music?  I guess I can tell you that I am a healer.”

"It must be my music, alone.  However, I can make any size and various types--blades, trackers--like I gave you."  The last part is said rather sheepishly, as he admits that he was going to cheat on their bet...but it's not really cheating.  No rules were said he couldn't use his magic.  "A healer, you say?  That's awfully rare...I can see why you don't like to let it around.  You'd have recruiters from every Guild at your door."

Clementina digs out her necklace.  “A tracker you say, well that takes the challenge.  You know the reason why I chose this guild.  I believe that this one will not work me to death, literally.  Others will not be so courteous, oh and it is not snotty like the aforementioned guild .”

"Ha!"  Reese laughs, "You really are forward, Ms. Clementina.  I really love your brazen attitude.  You're going to be so much fun!"

After a short pause of finishing his coffee, he looks at her pointedly, "I know Lord and Lady Crye will be giving you a ride home--they offered a carriage to wherever you wanted to go.  I'd be happy to meet you after, or we can wait for you here at the Estate."

“I do love your company, but I have to get back.  I know my grandmother is already up.  She knows I spent the night, but I do want to talk about everything.  With the money from this job and upcoming ones, I may be able to get someone to help out too.”  Clementina smiles.  “Thank you for your company during breakfast.  I would give you directions to my house, but I won’t have too.”  She plays with her necklace.  “I will be back this afternoon to talk about becoming a member.”

"Of course," Reese says, smiling, "Should any trouble come to you, remember to break it."

After breakfast, Clementina gets her bags.  She goes to the carriage and the staff loads it onto the carriage.  They ask her for directions before helping her in.  The carriage is one of the nicest she has ever ridden in.  She begins to think about her decision.  It is the best for her.  They will allow her to grow at her pace and they understand that she still wants to perform.  They arrive at her house and unload her bags.  They offered to bring them to the house, but she refused.  She takes her bags and walks to the house.

~~~~~~~~~~


Finally the train arrives.   It is a long ride, but is better than walking.  At least this track was not damaged at all.  The train is somewhat empty, but there is a pretty little thing by herself.  He smiles and sits on the bench behind her.  

[Attn: Iris, Kennot]

As much as she felt she deserved it, she couldn't help but give a sigh of relief as the pain started etching out of her. However, as Iris used whatever power she was using, Sylmeria could feel strange pulses and flashes as she continued her work. Violent images briefly flashed through her mind. Carnage. Her hands and feet being used...to hurt. She shuddered as a particularly vivid image seared into her mind and she heard a yelp and looked to find Iris was on the other side of the room.

She flinched and found herself taking a sudden fighting stance that would be good to use his energy against him. Wait, what? Where had that come from...?

She blinked as arguing seemed to be happening right next to her. Kennot began talking to her and her eyes shot wide. "What?!" she exclaimed. "W-why didn't Ilyana tell me about this...?!"

She feels a growing pit in her stomach as Kennot finishes. She was quiet for a moment as she regarded him. "You're...going to ask me to fight, aren't you...?" she whispered in terror, beginning to shake.

Kennot sighs, "She didn't tell you because she doesn't want you to do it. Honestly, just shutting Valkyrie off isn't fixing your problems--it's just running away from it. Ilyana had to learn that the hard way."

[color:b888=#996600 ]The doctor cuts in, "Still should have given the option. Then, she could have just sent her on her way back to her Guild and--"

"Dont," Kennot says, "Ilyana did what was best and I trust in her decision. And no. I'm not going to ask you to fight. I do have an Oathbinder mage here, though. He can bind you and the valkyrie both to do no harm to Infinity Edge or it's allies during the upcoming battle--just in case. It's a precautionary measure, because I'm sure weapons are bound to show up everywhere during the chaos.

...afterwards...if you wish to have your Chi blocked...I can't stop you. That's your right, but I urge you to wait until Ilyana is conscious again so that you can at least talk to her about it before you make any decision at all."

Sylmeria visibly relaxed when he mentioned not fighting, but frowned at the last part. "That's a long wait," Sylmeria said offhandedly. "Her archangel is healing her, but her life is still quite..." She cut off again, suddenly hugging herself. "No! No! No...!" she whispered, wrapping her arms around her defensively and shaking herself. "This is you, I know it is...! Stop it! Get out...!"

Kennot sighs again, "Of course it's her. She's you, Sylmeria. She is you. Sometimes, you're going to have her abilities, like this. Look, either way. Will you let me do the Oathbinding, for now? The other stuff can be worked out later."

The anger flashed in her eyes again, a near bottomless depth of it. "She is not!" she snapped fiercely. "That thing is not me! I do not want to hurt people and...and..." She deflated. "Do what you want, but I don't see how binding me will bind...her..."

Kennot smiles, "This Oathbinder binds one's Chi to a singular promise that lasts for 24 hours. So long as you keep the promise, you'll have a normal day. If you don't, well...your magic will shut down. Every time you try to breach it. That means that even your Valkyrie will have no choice but to keep your word."

She looked at him for a moment, her mouth thinning into a fine line. "Fine in theory," she said coldly, "but she doesn't know who your people are -- I don't know all of your people -- she can't break an oath she doesn't know she's breaking..."

Kennot grins, "Oh, she'll know. Trust me. I know how your power works. And his. This will work."

"Yeah," she said bitterly, "just like I was told I wouldn't harm anyone..." She shrugged. "Just get it over with..."

{ATTN: Rocket, Yuzu, Attica, Ruoh}
—Quinsennterra Guild Hall; 9:00 AM--

Sonja awoke very well rested having slept in past her usual wake up time, 6am, by a full two hours. Despite this she was as groggy and sluggish as she ever was in the morning.  Out of the two types of people in the world Sonja was not the type that liked waking up, whether it was morning, afternoon, evening, dawn, dusk, or anytime in-between.

It always took her an hour or two from opening her eyes to being fully awake, and she hated that lag time. Realizing how late it was Sonja practically leaped out of bed, by her standards at least for it took a good five minutes to untangle herself from the cozy warmth of her blankets. As she began to stretch her muscles the inner door that connected her chamber to the adjourning room for her nurse opened.

Having heard Sonja stirring her nurse let herself in and proceeded to help Sonja get dressed and ready for the day. As suddenly as she had become tired the night before she had forgotten to layout her attire for the morning. As such her nurse went into Sonja’s walking closet and picked out a simple white dress that had been masterfully embroidered with brilliantly vibrant purple crocus blossoms. To adorn the dress she picked out a pair of elegantly styled half inch heeled white shoes adorned with inlaid sapphire and polished amethyst butterfly motifs just above the toes.

Her hair was simply put into her standard fair of long unbraided pigtails clasped in place with a couple sapphire and amethyst butterfly, the perfect match of the ones adorning her shoes. Now fully dressed a light application of makeup and just a hint of sweet floral perfume were all that had yet to be applied and soon she was slowly making her way out to break her fast.

Entering the dining hall Sonja spotted the table at which Ruoh and Attica sat at along with someone new she had yet to meet. Liking the company of the two she knew at the table she made her way over and politely asking to join them, already knowing the response would be a yes but asking anyways out of etiquette.

As soon as she was settled into her seat at the table a waiter came by and inquired as to her breakfast to which she had only to briefly think about before answering, “I will have the teddy bear omelet with the herbed cheese crepe pillow, and to drink I will have a cup of hot raspberry white tea unsweetened.”

As the waiter left to get her order Sonja politely covered her mouth with her napkin as she lightly yawned. Afterward she placed it on her lap and gave all at the table a soft smile. ”Good morning Ruoh, and too you as well Attica.” Now turning her attention to the new comer she inquisitively took her in while giving her a warm welcome and introduction. ”And good morning to you as well, my I have the pleasure of your name? I am Princess Sonja Kristine Rosenburg of Holstein, though here in the guild away from court you can simply call me Sonja.”

Despite the regalness of her name her introduction of herself held no air of superiority and in fact was said in much the manner someone would mention the weather in casual conversation. To Sonja her name and her station in life were nothing special, she merely happened to be born into such position. However to say that she did not enjoy the finer aspects of her life or that she felt no responsibility to go along with her title would be far from the truth as anyone could tell by simply looking at her.

Even in her sluggish morning self Sonja carried with her a gentle pride and soft elegance. She didn’t use her tiredness as an excuse to throw etiquette out the window as others in her shoes might have done. She sat up straight in her chair and presented herself in a manner befitting her station. For she knew at her actions, no matter how far from the courts of Holstein they happened, reflected on her family and her nation.

{Attn: Open}
--Kinley Port--

Along the water to the Sarrice Kingdom's west is a trader town through which the fresh sea air gently blows, carrying with it a pleasant oceanic aroma and the chime of boating bells from the harbor. Kinley Port is a modest, but busy little center of seaside commerce for Braeguard. The town square comes alive with marketplace chatter as merchants heartily do all they can to peddle their wares to those passing by. Walking among them is a tall, dark-haired, exotic woman in equally exotic attire, browsing merchant stands. In tow is a small boy, no older than four, similarly foreign in appearance, held by the hand as his little eyes wander about the open air market in awe. Meanwhile, held in her other arm, resting upon her shoulder is an infant girl of 1 year, sound asleep despite the noise of the town around her.

A bit later, she's on her way from the market, dragging cart with various items in it, by a rope tied 'round her waist. From produce, to livestock, to fish, and then some, the cart is entirely full. On the way to their next destination, an old man in dirtied clothes, a bright red tan, and a beat up hat, waves to them as they pass him and his produce stand. "Evenin' to ya, Miss Ryūko!" he shouts from across the way.

Ryūko nods in acknowledgment with a neighborly smile. "Kon'nichiwa!" she says in a friendly tone. Eventually they reach a small shop with a sign hanging from the overhang, reading 'Nihon Trader'. "Ā... Jirou-kun? Could you get the door for me?"

"Hai!" the young boy - Jirou - says, hopping up just to reach the nob so he can twist it to let Ryūko in.

"Arigatō. Jirou-kun," Ryūko says, bracing the door open with her body.

Jirou rushes inside. "Okāsan! Otōsan!" he shouts as he disappears into the back room.

Soon, out come a pair of people as foreign as Ryūko, though both slightly older. The man among them holds little Jirou in her arms, as the lady mercifully takes the girl from Ryūko. "Arigatōgozaimashita," the woman says as Ryūko laughs it off. "You're a lifesaver, Ryūko. I hope little Izumi didn't give you any trouble."

Ryūko shakes her head. "Ā, she's perfectly well behaved... when people are watching. She's as much a little schemer as her parents," Ryūko jokes. "But I don't mind at all. You need your rest, Jubei."

"And now you need yours," the man says. "I'll take care to put all of this away."

"You really don't have to, Ryouma. I'd be glad to-"

"Oi, oi," Ryouma interrupts. "You're not a servant. We all have to pull a little weight. You go rest. I'll take care of it."

Not one to argue, Ryūko politely bows her head with a smile and steps aside. "Arigatō," she says, walking over to a table at the far side of the shop, away from the counter. She takes a seat, and hunches over, resting her head in her folded arms, heaving out a sigh of exhaustion before reaching down to a pouch on her belt, removing it, and setting it on the table. "I did make a bit of money from the job I'd gone on, early this morning."

"Doesn't look like much," Jubei says.

"No..." Ryūko says.

"You should really look into joining one of those guilds, Ryū," Ryouma says as he walks back and forth from the cart to the cupboards and ice box, storing items. "That Infinity Edge guild isn't too far from here. A group like that could use your kind of skills. And they pay a lot better, from my understanding."

Ryūko sits up, staring at the small pouch of coppers, then  looks up to the others. "It is a good idea. I've been looking into it, and it's not far, by train. But I wouldn't want to become so busy that I'd have no time to help you with the shop, or the kids."

"I'm sure we can work something out, Ryūko," Jubei says. "But it'd have to be better than wasting your skills on chump change."

Ryūko sits back, staring up at the ceiling and pushing away from the table, humming to herself indecisively. Finally she stands from the table, approaching the stairs to the lower level and leaving her shoes on the mat. "All right, then. I'll take a train to Perta City, tomorrow morning, just to look at the guild, so I can make a more informed decision."

"Sounds like a plan, to me," Ryouma says.

"In the meantime, rest. You've been driving yourself into the ground," Jubei says. "We'll bring dinner down to you when it's ready."

"You're planning to cook for her?" Ryouma says.

"Hush, you."

Ryūko giggles at the pair and nobs, gratefully. "Hai. Oyasuminasai." With that, she proceeds down the stairs to her quarters for the remainder of the night.

The next morning, she arrives at the train station, boarding the first out to Perta City, outfitted with her sheathe, and a bag of personal belongings enough for a brief stay, in case she needs to spend a couple days in town.

Kaimele


After the list is made and the items are collected Kaimele and Elliot, the farmhand, go to town.  Once at the market they split up.  Kaimele gets the items to the market from the farm and Elliot picks up the items needed to make the repairs.  She is thankful that she had the money from the Crye’s to help offset the costs.  It does not take too long before they meet back together.

They head back to the farm and get back to work.  Kaimele looks at the sun now high in the sky.  “Thank you for your help Elliot.  I have to go back to town, but I should be back later.”  She changes out of her work clothes into something a little dressier.  Her black hair is down and brushed thoroughly.  Her makeup is minimal, nothing like Clementina.  

She walks though the city to the Crye estate, pausing outside one final time.  She knows as soon as she walks in her life is going to change.  She will be part of a guild.  Olivia sees it as a good thing.  She sighs and approaches.  One of the servants stops her.  “Hello, I am Kaimele Manistique, here to see Lord and Lady Crye.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jacobi

Jacobi was never happier to see a train ride end.  He grabs his bag and gets off the train.  It is a trek through town before he reaches the bridge to go to the guild.  He sees one of the members with a cart.  “Yo, let me help you out.”  He takes the other handle and they make it to the hall.

Jacobi drops the handle and goes up to Mia’s office.  He knocks on her door.  “Hey sweetcheeks it’s me open up.”  There is a sarcastic grin on his face.  He can picture the expression on her face.  He is the only one who can get away with a greeting like that.

As Yuzu finishes her question, a tiny voice catches her ear from behind. With a light twitch and a grimace, she glares through the corner of her eye at the new arrival. _Now what?_ Yet her expression snaps to mild surprise when she sets her eyes upon the child before them. Her gaze softens as she watches the girl to her seat. She arches an eyebrow as it places an order and greets the others. There was a… regal quality in its voice, the way it spoke. But a casualness in attitude. Yuzu can’t help but stare as greetings are exchanged, only snapping back to reality once it gets around to her. “Hm?” she says, when finally addressed directly. As the girl goes on, Yuzu’s scowl gradually returns, but she manages to twist it into something of a smug grin. _Princess. Of course. Some name, the kid has._

When Sonja stops and asks Yuzu’s name, Yuzu returns to her default expressionless apathy and props her head up against her hand, looking away. “Y’know, kid, you’re s’posed to introduce yourself before you ask someone who they are,” she says. “Other way around makes you seem self important.” Following a brief and awkward silence, she briefly glances back, only to find every eye is on her, and sighs. “But whatever. It’s Yuzu.”

Sonja scowls softly and briefly to herself at Yuzu’s words. The last thing she wanted to do was come off as self important, as despite her regal title she really wasn’t all that important, at least not yet, what with being only 12 and barely even being able to do magic. Smoothing her dress Sonja let her scowl return to a happy smile before responding. I am sorry if I offended or otherwise came across as rude just now Yuzu. Self important is not how I want to come across as I am not even all that important to the Holestein Kingdom quite yet. I have much to learn and social interaction edict is not the least of it.“

Just then Sonja’s tea was brought to the table and much to her delight after it was poured into her cup for her the tea kettle was left on the table for future refills. Taking a sip of the the tea suddenly brightened up Sonja’s morning, though it still didn’t do to much expel the morning fog from her mind. Before the waiter left he told Sonja that her meal would be done in a few more minutes. Giving her thanks for the tea and the update on her food she let the waiter go and focused her attention back to her breakfast companions. Adressing them all Sonja began to engage in some small talk, “I trust you all slept well?

Ruoh was about to greet the lady, as well as introduce his guest, but this was not necessary when Yuzu spoke, instead.  He simply relaxed, listening.  He can tell the young girl is discouraged by Yuzu's manner, but he smiles, nonetheless, "Ms. Sonja, we are quite well.  Even Ms. Attica is in bright spirits this morning.  We were just discussing the reason for Yuzu's invitation to our Guild Hall."

Turning his head to Yuzu once more, he leans back in his chair as another serving man brings him another letter, but this time, he does not open it to read it.  That would be rude.  Instead, he speaks to Yuzu respectfully, "Lady Aurella de Gant was in search of a mage with your particular skill set.  It would seem that your services will be required for a classified Guild Quest, but unfortunately, I do not have the details of this request.  Our Lady asked Mr. Grey in person and I was not present, but I'm certain that when she returns, she will clarify what request we have for you.  And of course, you will be well compensated for your time and assistance."

Yuzu catches the kid’s scowl through the corner of her eye and her face scrunches in the slightest sense of guilt. She sits back in her seat, crossing her arms and lowering her head with an eyebrow arched. “Don’t worry about it, kid. Just remember it for next time.” One of the waiters refills her coffee as she sits back, much to her surprise as he seemed to appear from the ether. Nevertheless, she reaches to the table, picks up the piping hot mug – not that it’d make a difference if it weren’t – and brings it to her mouth for another sip.

Ruoh speaks up, and she tunes into what he says with a dim stare, until she gets the gist of it all. Come that last part, her aura changes in an instant, taking on a violent, quality as she grips the mug harder and her eyes are overtaken by a rather quietly murderous glare into the dark drink before her. In fact, the drink bubbles as she grumbles through gritted teeth. “The bastard knew the details and decided not to tell me, so I couldn’t say ‘no.’ I'll kill him.”

Soon Yuzu clears her throat and glances back up at the mention of compensation. “Of course,” she mimics, setting the mug back down and sitting back. “And in the meantime? Where is this o’ so illustrious Lady of yours?”

Ruoh ignores her manner entirely, choosing only to answer her question, "She is teleporting from Guild to Guild, preparing the Guilds for war.  Since Infinity has been attacked, she is making sure that all Guilds will send some assistance.  Afterwards, she will coordinate the passage so that all assistance will be teleported.  Lastly, she'll return here to have myself and other Quinsenterra offensives sent to the war front."  

Attica crosses her arms with a pout, her mannerisms ghastly in comparison, "Yeah, yeah.  She isn't gonna let me fight, is she?  I'm as offensive as they come, but nooooooooo, I'm too yooouuunnnng.  Stupid."

Ruoh laughs a little, "My dear lady, I know you don't approve of such decisions, but you must understand that Lady de Gant must answer to your parents, should harm come to you.  It is a great risk."

Attica huffs more, her voice raising, "Guilds are risks!  That's what we do!  I'm not gonna sit around in some fancy hall and not smash things!  I want to use my magic!"

Ruoh looks at her disapprovingly, an eyebrow raised, but with a small hesitation, he calmly says, "...very well.  I will have our Lady bring you along for Yuzu's mission, whatever it may be.  I don't need to know the details to know that it's dangerous.  Does that sound fair?"

Attica looks a little mollified, but she looks at Yuzu for a second before she whispers loudly to her, "Do you really blow stuff up?  That could be fun."

Sonja quite quickly realized she didn’t care for Yuzu’s manners, or rather lack there of, but that didn’t mean she disliked Yuzu. It was far to early to decide that at this point. Before she could put more thought into this matter the conversation moved on toward that of war. This subject suddenly saddened her which caused her posture to slump slightly and a soft frown to fall upon her lips. Where as Attica was eager to help with the war efforts Sonja was simply reminded that she had nothing she could do to help.

After everyone has spoken Sonja speaks softly “At least you can be of use for something Attica. The only thing I could do is have Corona manifest herself at the expense of me possibly dying, she says it will be a few years yet before we can fully merge. I can barely make an orb of water let alone do anything with it in my partially merged state. I can’t even use my rank as a Princess to help much as I am to young to hold any real political power. I just wish there was something I could do to help…”

On that rather sad sentiment Sonja’s food arrived. It was a recipe that she had brought with her from her manner home. It was a special dish her family’s head chef made for her on the days she was feeling depressed and lonely while she was sick when she was younger. It consisted of vegetable fried rice molded into the shape of a cute little teddy bear and it was covered with a blanket made of a thin sheet of cooked egg. For a pillow was a folded crepe filled with a herbed cheese mixture that was a specialty of the guild’s head chef, back at home it had just been another sheet of eggs folded into the shape of a pillow.

Seeing the dish helped cheer Sonja up although it did nothing to way lay her helplessness. So as Sonja thanked the waiter and told him to give her thanks and appreciation to the chef Corona chimed up inside her head for the first time that day. “Sonja don’t be so hard on yourself. While it is true that you can’t directly help in this matter I’m sure there are some tasks you can help with that will me most appreciated. Besides simply practicing your control of my water magic will be a great help. Within the month you should easily be able to shoot orbs of water at people, and even sooner you should be able to manipulate the temperature of water orbs. Patience and dedication will reward you with the ability to help in the ways you want too, but it will take lots of time and practice.”

Taking a bite of the omelet visibly brightened Sonja’s face as the familiar taste brought a wave of happiness to the girl. In truth there was little in the world that couldn’t, at least temporarily, be made better for Sonja by some good food to eat. Closing her eye gleefully Sonja swallowed her bite and with out opening her eyes she ate another one savoring its taste happily.

“I know Corona its just talk of war so early after waking up put me in a bad mood and made me realize just how helpless I was with everything. I guess I should apologize for bringing such a downcast mood to the morning meal, it was utterly uncalled for after all.”

Setting her fork and knife down and wiping her mouth with her napkin Sonja opened her eyes and abashedly apologized for her words. “I must apologize for my words and more so for the disheartening and downcast atmosphere they have created. Such things are not welcomed at the morning meal. There is plenty of time during the rest of the day to address such things and everyone should start off their day in the happiest way possible. If my great sickness that plagued me for my first ten years of my life has taught me anything it is a happy morning lingers well into the day no matter what faces you. I hope you can forgive me for forgetting this in the haze of my sleepiness and hunger.”

Yuzu opens her mouth to speak, when the older of the two kids jumps in, whining about not being allowed to assist in the war effort. She winces at the tone, but her eyes narrow as the girl gets to the point of what she’s saying, and scoffs, leaning forward and resting her head against her hand once more. _Pretty eager to dive headlong into a fight, this kid. Hmph. Too complicated for my pay grade._ She stares blankly into space until the subject of the girl going on her mission comes up and she’s asked about her magic. Without looking, Yuzu snaps her fingers and produces a miniscule firework between Attica’s eyes, just centimeters from her face. “Yup.”

Then comes the other one. The younger one – Sonja – starts speaking, getting into a somber self-dialogue. _Words, words, words. Do they really start you lot that early with the ‘fluff’ thing? I swear, it’s a wonder these people get anything done._ Just as Sonja finishes up, Yuzu cuts her off and crosses her arms on the table, scoffing. “Yare yare," she says. "You." She cuts Sonja an ice cold, if subtly sympathetic glare. “Stop apologizing. You wanna help? Fine. I get that. Just… try to take off the tiara long enough to remember to be a kid.”

Attica's eyes light up with excitement at Yuzu's miniature fireworks, looking quite happy about the demonstration.  She is a bit surprised at her words to Sonja, but she doesn't at all seem bothered by it.  Rather, she just swings her legs from her chair and just listens to what is happening next as Ruoh shakes his head with a silent disapproval.

Ruoh says, "Sonja, listen to our dear guests.  You're too young for such dark thoughts.  Consider, instead, your ability to help your Guild.  Which will, through time, assist our effort in the war.  Indirect assistance is still assistance greatly needed."

Attica growls, "Aaaannywaaaay, I think the new recruits will be coming into the training hall.  I should go get Rocket so she can be seen, too.  Are you gonna be overseeing them all today, Allas?"

"Oh, yes."  Ruoh says, standing, "That certainly starts quite soon.  Thank you, Attica, I shall see you and your friend in the training hall shortly.  Ms. Yuzu, would you like to accompany us to watch the newer recruits for Quin be tested?  Or would you prefer to be shown your room?"

Sonja chuckles softly to herself as both Yuzu and Ruoh mirror the words that Corona just told her. Feeling foolish and throughly lectured Sonja proceeded to finish her breakfast with grace that match oddly with the speed with which she was eating it. As she ate she finished and refilled her cup of tea.

Wiping her mouth with her napkin and then delicately folding it on her plate. Not to long afterwards their waiter, seeing that she was done, came and carried the plate back to the kitchen. “Corona told me much the same right after I first spoke. I must admit though I don’t have much experience just being a kid, but these past few months have been helping with that. None the less I was planning to train this morning before I was aware of new recruits. If it wouldn’t be to much to ask Ruoh may I accompany you to the training grounds and redo the recruitment workout? It is good training and it will be nice to see how far I have come since I first got here a few months ago.”

Ruoh puts his chair away as Attica bounces off, promising to return with her friend.  He smiles at Sonja and nods his head, "Of course, my lady, you're welcome to train at any time.  As long as you don't mind waiting for the recruits to finish first, but we'll have tea while you wait."

Yuzu huffs and folds her hands behind her head as she stands from her place at the table. “Thanks, but no thanks,” she says, picking up her bag and slinging it back over her shoulder. “I’ll just go to my room, ‘til I’m needed. I like to keep to myself.”

"Good day to you, Ms. Yuzu," Ruoh says politely in farewell, "Please, let Attica know if you need anything at all."

Attica salutes on the top of the stairs, "Let's do this, Explosion Lady!"

Kaimele

The two servants are quick to escort Kaimele in, though they do look a little confused. When they allow her into the main lobby they ask the reason for her visit politely and patiently.

Kaimele tucks a lock of hair behind her ear.  “They were expecting me for an appointment regarding their guild.  If now is not a good time.  I can come back later.”  She is surprised that they do not recognize her at all.  Then again stage makeup goes a long way.

After about ten minutes the servants return with a beverage tray and a smile. After a brief reassurance, they offer her a drink and escort her to a study. There, she will find Reese, Lord Crye, and two young girls that look like twins in their early twenties with brilliant, purple hair and glitter on their pale faces. "Hello! " Lord Crye greets her enthusiastically," Meet the Ryver sisters! Ladies, this is Kaimele! "  

Kaimele takes a teacup and from the beverage tray and follows the servant to the study.  There she is introduced to two young ladies.  “It is a pleasure to see you.  I hope I am not interrupting anything.  Ladies, it is a pleasure to meet you too.”

"Not at all," Reese says, patting the chair next to him, "I was just talking about you."

Kaimele smirks at the girls and thanks Reese as she sits down.  “I don’t know what they have told you, but I am innocent I swear.  Are they potential members too?”

The two girls hold out their hands at the same time, showing their twin marks. They smile and the one on the left winks, "I'm Kyana and she's Lisara. A pleasure. We're happy to have you join us."

“I have to admit, I did a lot of soul searching.  Any guild would have wanted me for my ability.  I know that this one is the perfect fit for me.  After talking with Lord Cyre and knowing that he understands my requirements.”  Kaimele leans forward and examine their marks.  “So, what do I need to do?  Are there any papers to sign, or any test to do?  Don’t worry my grandmother knows where I am.  She is probably overseeing the minor repairs needed on the farm.”  

Lord Crye says, "So you are... Absolutely certain you wish to join?" Reese smiles, "of course she is!"

“This is a life changing event for me, so I am a little nervous.  However, I am ready to join this guild.  It is the best one for my personality and ability.”  Kaimele answers him.  “My brothers will give me some lip, but they will just have to deal with it.  Grandmother is thrilled, and she wants to meet both you and Reese.”

"Excellent. Well, Kyana will mark you after our meeting. She can do any color, size, and location. Until then, we were discussing if our mission that we have from Lady Aurella. You in? This quest is optional, you know."

“I have not heard any details of it, only that she was here.  It must be a very important mission.”  She pauses for a minute then looks between Lord Crye and Reese.  “Do you think it is too dangerous?  My brothers taught me to use my fans as weapons.  Although I have not used them in battle.  I am a tomboy at heart.  My ability is not all that strong, but I do know my limits.  I would like to help if it is not too dangerous.”

She looks over at Kyana.  “I cannot wait to get the mark.  I have an unusual request, but I am not sure if you can actually do it.”

"Well, Reese here will keep you safe, no worries. We are gonna... Get this.... Blow up the da guild hall!" This last part is said with excitement.

“DA?  Why are we going to blow up another guild hall?  Wait, I vaguely remember Loren mentioning Dark Ascension.  He said ‘if I ever got approached by them, to run away and tell him so he can kick their asses.’  I take it he wasn’t just being overprotective then?  What about the members there?  Will we have to fight them?”

"They'll be almost empty when we get there," Reese says, "So we will be taking it out while they are at their lowest count. Their guild has been abolished because they haven't been behaving themselves."

"Indeed, they've been rather nasty," Lord Crye says, "I can't say the council is pleased with them. So, when Lady Aurella asked if we could destroy their base, we got consent. Without a base and all their supplies, they will be pressed for recovery if they choose to retreat again."

Kyana scowled, "What were they thinking, anyway? They are severely outmatched..."

“Sounds easy enough, especially if we will all be there.  I am in, so when so we leave?”  Kaimele gets a smile on her face.  “So what is our relationship with Blazing Swords?  I usually ask them to help with my fans.  Will they still do that for a member from another guild?”

Reese looks at the twins, who seem rather nervous, as well, "Well, actually, we were going to leave in the next couple of hours, after the battle at Infinity Edge has begun. Then, we just wait for Lady Aurella to arrive with her explosives expert and we head on over to cause some mayhem."

Lord Crye nods his head seriously, "Mmm, yes. And as far as maintaining your blades go, I'm sure that Swords could do it, but if not, we could always ask Ferrum--they help all sorts of other Guilds with weaponry and armor. In the meantime, we can show you to a temporary room for our Guild Quarters, where you'll be able to stay when you haven't the chance to get home. We'll also have the girls help you with your mark and allow you to get acquainted with the guild members here. Sound like a plan?"

“That sounds perfect.  My fans are fine for now.  I cannot wait to meet other members.”  Kaimele looks at the girls.  She is still a bit nervous about getting the guild mark.  She hopes they don’t mind her unusual request or location.  “Shall we ladies?  It appears our time may be limited.”

Lisara smiles, "Of course--follow me! Your room is next to ours."

The twins stand up, one following the other out the door as Reese winks at her and whispers, "Still beautiful--I knew it." After the walk up the stairs and towards one of the many guest rooms, Kyana stops and points, "This is our room. This one is yours. You'll have a lot of space for clothing and all sorts of things. I'm the Markist, by the way. What did you want for yours? I can add it for you in your room."

Kaimele blushes when Reese winks at her.  She follows the girls upstairs.  It is in a completely different are than she was in last night.  They stop outside the room and Kyana tells her that she is the Markist.

She opens her door.  “Well let’s get it done.”  She motions for Kyana to come in.  “About the tattoo, I have an unusual request.  If you cannot do it, let me know because it may determine the location.”  Kaimele sighs.  “I don’t know if you have heard of Clementina.  So far only a few people know that I am her.  I want to keep it that way.  So if there is a way you can make the mark invisible when I am dancing, please let me know.  I will let you pick the location as well.”

Kyana's eyes widen in surprise, her hand moving to her lips in surprise. "Y-you're her?! You're the Clementina!? OH MY GOD. Can I have your autograph?!"

Hearing her sister's squeal, Lisara comes in from her own room, tilting her head with confusion. "...Is everything okay, sis?"

Kaimele laughs lightly.  “Yes, you can have my autograph, but tattoo first.”  She looks up at Lisara.  “Don’t worry, I just found out your sister is a Clementina fan.  Come in and close the door.”  She puts her hand on Kyana’s shoulder.  “Yes, you can tell her.  I know you probably would anyway, but please keep it in this room.”

Squealing, Kyana whispers frantically to Lisara, "She's Clementina!"

Lisara laughs, shaking her head, "Girl, you got a great joke. So where is she getting the tattoo."

"Oh, I am thinking maybe...what about on the right side of your neck? Or maybe...hmm...maybe on the front of your right shoulder?" Kyana says, uncaring that her sister doesn't believe.

"Why not put it here," Lisara asks, pointing to Kiamele's forearm, "On the bottom side?"

It doesn’t bother Kaimele that Lisara doesn’t believe Kyana.  Based on her pointing out places the tattoo should go, she must be able to fulfill the requirement.  “Kyana, how about the top of the forearm.  That way they will go with the fans.”  Kaimele takes one out and opens it carefully so she doesn’t injure anyone.

Her eyebrows raise at Lisara.  “And make it colorful, we are an artistic guild, not a drabby one.  Or make it an iridescent metallic.  You are the Markist expert.”

Kyana smiles, "You got it!" With that, she places her hand over Kaimele's forearm and closes her eyes. She concentrates, breathing evenly and slowly as Kaimele begins to feel a tingling on her arm. After a few more moments, she removes her hand to reveal a star outline formed by musical notes, decorated with hues from reds to purples to blues. The width of the star is about two inches wide. "How's that?" Kyana asks, tilting her head. "I can change it. And the size! I can make it bigger or smaller, your choice."

“Wow that didn’t hurt at all.  It is perfect.  You can teach me how to make it disappear later.  Now we have a mission to prepare for.”  Kaimele examines her arm looking at all the colors closely.  “Thank you so much Kyana.”

"No, no. Let me teach you, now." Kyana says seriously, "I made it, but I could forget...I have a lot of marks to keep up with, ya know? But I'm the only one, other than you, that can activate or deactivate it."

Lisara has left, now bored from the whole thing, though she does comment that it's pretty before she makes her exit.

Taking her three central fingers on her right hand, Kyana placed the tips of them on the skin within the star’s empty center and says, "To become a dancer." The mark vanishes from sight. She speaks again, and when her next words are spoken, it reappears, "To become a star sound."

Kaimele holds up her arm and watches Kyana intently.  “That seems simple enough, let me try.”  She places her fingers as instructed and laughs as the mark disappears.  “To become a Star Sound.  Oh Kyana, thank you so much.  Now I can be a proud member and still be Clementina.”

"Absolutely," Kyana replied, "I had wondered why the Guild Master had asked me to give you permissions for that...now I know! He didn't tell us who you really were. Here, Lisara and I were wondering how he knew you and where you came from, since we'd never met before. I doubt you'd remember me, but I was at the party that we had here."

“Oh no, you must think of me as rude.  It is just I met so many people last night, and it is impossible for me to remember everyone.  I am glad to meet you again.  I should have known there were other Star Sound members there.  Well it is nice to meet you as Kaimele.  It will be nice to know you on a personal level.”  She finally sits down.  “I am both excited and nervous about this next mission.  What other abilities do you have?”

As a markist, this is pretty much most of my ability, "Kyana says, "I've provided the marks for other Guilds, but this is the first I've wanted to join. Almost joined Quin, but Lady Aurella scared the shit out of me." She laughs a little at the last, "Anyway. WIth the mark on you, I'll know immediately if you ever die or hit critical health. That's about it. However, I'm pretty badass with a sword." Lisara wanders back in as she is explaining the rest, another glass of cool tea in her hands, "Oh, yeah, she's good with swords and axes. I prefer hammers, myself." Handing her tea out to her sister, her hands flash with purple light as a giant, crystalline looking war hammer appears in her hands, longer than she is tall. She holds it out for Kaimele to see.

“Well it is nice to know that you guys have some experience.  My fans are my weapons, and I am also your resident healer.  I am not that strong yet, so don’t feel like you need to test me.”  Kamiele smiles.  “I am glad there are other females in the guild too.  I haven’t had a chance to hang out with the girls.”

"Girl," Lisara says as the hammer disperses, "You have no idea....we don't get to hang out with girls much, either. We kind of live out and away from other people, in general. That's why we were looking for a guild in the first place. Anyway, welcome. Why don't we go down and help with the preparations for the fight?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jacobi

Mia is in her office, but she's not doing paperwork. Instead, she's picking out a bunch of people to send over to the war. She's gotten ten, now...but there's still so much to do...and she'd really like to get in five more. As Jacobi enters upon her permission, she looks up and smiles, "My man! What do you think? Should I send Jentra off to battle?"

Jacobi walks into her office and scratches his chin.  “I think she is a good selection.  Ohh where are we going?  Did something go down when I was gone?  Where are we going?”

"Oh!' Mia facepalms, "Bitch, I didn't even think. D-A attacked I-E, so now we gotta go defend this shit up. I was surprised when lady Aurella asked me...but she's offering me that embassy I wanted in her back yard, so I'm doing it. You want in? I'm gonna fight these fuckers myself."

“You know I want to put the hurt on those assassin freaks.  I ran into some of those assholes while playing delivery boy too.  Oh and all the packages are in their new homes.”  He punches his hand.  “So when are we leaving?  Who are we taking?”

Mia grins, "Jacobi, my friend, we are going to have so much fun. I plan on dragging Jentra, myself, Regis, Raine, Besker, and Mort--they are bringing their recruits they are training, so that'll add a lot in there. That leaves us at...twelve total. Pretty good number...still, we should find three more."

Jacobi begins to laugh.  “Oh sweetcheeks, you know with me, that is enough people.  If Lady Foo Foo asked for our help, you know she asked others as well.”  He pulls out the compass and throws it up in the air.  “At least I will be able to give this back to her.  And to think I was going to drag my ass to Quin before coming here.”

Mia laughs aloud, leaning back in her seat and propping he feet up on the desk, "Alright, point made. You got it. Why don't you go boss those babies around and get 'em ready for war. Then we'll head out with Gren. He'll be here at 11 am to get us."

“You know just how to put me in the mood.  Don’t worry, I won’t hurt them.  Today is going to be a good day.”  Jacobi mock salutes her and leaves the office.  “Oy, first I need some food then we kick some DA ass.”  He bellows as he walks downstairs.

{ATTN: Attica}
--Quinsennterra Guild Hall--

Yuzu sighs at the kid's pet-name for her and slowly follows, one hand in her pocket. "Yuzu, kid." On the the way to the room, her eyes drift about the halls to catch passing glimpses of countless portraits of figures in regal attire, holding their noses high. Even the frames are extravagant, and shimmer in the daylight. She sneers and looks straight ahead. As they pass others, Yuzu can feel eyes burning holes into her from the side. Here, in the most prim and proper place on the continent, roams a woman with the smell of gunpowder, and smudges of soot upon her. Passing by, her body temperature makes her presence immediately known as the halls get warmer from her mere presence. Helped none by the gradually intensifying scowl upon her face.

---

{ATTN: Open}
--Gir'ratown, Quinsennterra Guild Hall--

As the sun shone down on Gir'ratown, this peaceful morning, a carriage rolls in. Aboard is a young lady, looking over the rolling cotton fields and silk farms, leading into town. As they cross through the gate, the clip clop of hooves on the cobblestone streets meets the air, mingling with the chatter of peoples carrying on about their routines. Soon the carriage comes to a halt and the lady departs. She sports a magenta sun hat, the brim of which is pulled down over the upper half of her face. Her skin is an off lavender color, and the corners of her mouth are curled into an impish little grin as she makes her way to the driver, handing him a few silver coins. The elderly man's eyes light up and he bows his head to her as she politely waves to him, on her way. "T-thank you kindly, madam. Gods blessings upon you."

The woman giggles. "Think nothing of it, dear," she says before disappearing into a small crowd.

On her way she passes a gilded water fountain, and spots of lush greenery with masterfully crafted stone benches, upon which people have stopped to converse or feed chirping birds. More than one pair of eyes fall upon her, thanks to her unique pigmentation. But soon those gazes find themselves just as fixated on her elegant, beautifully woven attire - an amaranth dress, with raven black embroidery, and plum-colored ribbons with a fine sheen, all complementing her lavender skin. In her hands is a small basket, filled with sewing supplies. Her tiny smirk stretches ever wider as a woman leans to whisper about her into the ear of her friend.

Soon she arrives at her destination - Guild Hall of the finest guild in the land, Quinsennterra. She enters, her hat still pulled over the upper half of her face. "Good morning," she says to a butler in a demure tone, looking around at the fine halls, decorated with marble statues, vibrant portraits, and the plaque of the guild's beautiful crest. "Dear me. It truly is as they describe. Refinement and beauty at its apex. Simply incredible." She pauses and giggles to herself.

---

{ATTN: Open}
--Perta City, Infinity Edge Guild Hall--

A train arrives at the station, just on the fringe of the Perta City, whose lakeside air is humid and filled with the squawking of gulls, all too familiar to the foreigner stepping out with her belongings. The sun beams down intensely on the town, and Ryūko shields her eyes from the light, after spending so long aboard a passenger car. "All right, then," she says, heading towards the town bustling, crowded city.

As she navigates through the sea of people, she stops and beholds a rather conspicuous building on a hill at the far end of town. "Ā, they've certainly made it easy to find."

On her way, she passes by several familiar sites, not to Kinley, but to her own home country. Many of the waterside towns were like this - compact and filled to capacity with people, all going in different directions. On every narrow street there seemed to be a stand selling odds and ends, from elderly women selling jewelry or clothes they'd made, themselves, to men selling small portions of specialty foods. But the busiest were those nearer to the lake, just like Kinley, selling their fish, or rides on their boats. Larger boats transport goods, to and from that Valoria guild, across the way. No matter where one turns, all those in sight are busy, in one way or another.

Eventually Ryūko makes her way through the madness of people, all packed in like sardines, ascending a modest dirt road up the face of the hill in the distance. When she at last visits the Guild Hall, she turns around, casting her gaze upon the breathtaking view the hill has over the city, and the lake, the sunlight just kissing the surface of the water. "Beauty like this can exist anywhere in the world, it seems." Then she turns herself and walks inside, looking around.

"Oha- Ā... hello?" she calls out upon entering.