Main Event Brand of the Hawk

[Raptor Jesus]

"Bane, huh? I think I heard somethin' 'bout him meddlin' with Gotham recently, but... Wasn't that long ago, was it? Certainly not... five years ago or however old you are now," Constantine replied to Ben, a little mystified by his words as he mused on the going-ons in his world. How convenient that he'd run into someone familiar with his world, even if perhaps not someone from the same world. Not that it was helping him right now... At least, in the way he was hoping.

With a breath, he raised his own cup, trying to think of what to toast to.

"To... uh, life. Or something," he murmured, uncomfortably scratching his cheek with his finger, before having a sip.

As Ciel looked around, he would find a few sights that one might note as interesting:

For one, at a nearby table, there was one patron, a rather unsavory looking man, sitting by himself, with an empty cup in his hand, calling over a young barmaid nearby to refill. Nodding, she obliges, taking a pitcher of drink and pouring it into the cup for a while, before the man suddenly pulls the cup toward himself without any warning, causing the barmaid to accidentally spill a good amount on the table.

"Aww, look at what you did! Looks like you'll have to clean it up."

"I-I'm sorry, Mister Bray. I'll get a towel right awa--"

"No. I want to see you clean it... with your mouth," the man grins, to which the barmaid looked rather unsure and even intimidated by the man. For some reason, it looked like she was even going to consider doing it for him, as she stood there with shaking legs, unsure of what to do.

...

Meanwhile, on the other side of the bar sat two rather plump looking men, talking loud enough that the group was able to hear them.

"So I says to 'em, it's my goat. I been tendin' 'em since I was just a babe. So I know my goat's in love with me. I see it in 'is eyes," the first man says, "So don't go tellin' me what's right and what's wrong. Love is what you make of it!"

"Right, right," the second man nods.

"And you know what he says to me? He says he don't give a fuck about what I think! That it's an abomination! And no one calls what I love with lil' Bessie an abomination! So that's why I hit 'em, right between the eyes with my shovel. And now I have to pay for his damages?!"

"Tch. Shoulda fed him to that goblin they say is runnin' 'round town," the second man said half-facetiously, to which the first man gave an urgent look.

"D-Don't talk 'bout that goblin so lightly! That's why they say "speak of the devil" and all that! 'Cause he shows up right when it happens!"

Lovely.

The group was free to either approach either the patron and the barmaid, or the plump men on the other side of the bar, if they so desired. Or kept conversing with Constantine to see what he might talk about. It seemed like there was something on his mind.

@Kaykay @Raptor Jesus @Otto @Minerva @Tavern

---

"Oh, is that right? Well, I'm willing to bet, if you're traveling with the Black Swordsman," Luca said to Sebastian with a friendly demeanor, before looking down at the Hollow Knight, eyes wide in curiosity before it waved at her. With a pleasant smile, she clasped her hands together, giggling almost like a younger girl. "Oh, yes, hello!" She exclaimed, waving back.

In the back of her head, she decided it was a bad thing that she had become so used to such strange sights, but at least the little knight here wasn't trying to kill her, unlike the sorts of demons Guts had to save her from back then.

"I need a favor, Luca. I need you to take care of Casca for a little while again. And these little punks," Guts said, gesturing toward Isidro and Puck, "I--"

"Say no more. Like I said, I don't wanna hear any more about your little adventure, lest it gets me wrapped up too deep into it! Buuuut in exchange, I want you to do something for me first!"

"Anything for you~"

"C'mon, come inside," Luca said, stepping away to let the group walk inside the building. The only people inside seemed to be a few other escorts, some lying in bed, writhing in pain, while others rushed around, attempting to tend to them, "Grab a wet rag from the side and apply them to these girls' foreheads. Be careful though. They're down with some sorta plague I can't really understand," she instructed, "While we do that, I suppose we could... talk about some business."

@CrunchyCHEEZIT @Raptor Jesus @Jeremi @Brothel

---

The innkeeper glared at the group, as though resenting their obliviousness to whatever was going on around here. Continuing to pack his belongings, he sighed as he answered their queries.

"This village... has become cursed as of late. It started slowly... but now, it's undeniable. Crops keep dyin', people goin' insane, there's a plague sweepin'... and to top it all off, rumors of a goblin or some sorta demon keep popping up all over the place, running around and killing," he answered.

"No one knows if the demon is the cause or a symptom of the happenings 'round these parts, but they say he has yellow skin, red eyes... and talks in rhymes. Real eerie. There are even more rumors floating around 'bout a castle that only rises at night. And a mysterious man who watches from the front door," he sighed, before crossing his arms.

"It's all hogwash to me but with everyone leaving for a safer place, I'm not gonna let superstition kill me and my business. I'll probably be closin' up shop if this keeps up..." He says, before clicking his tongue and looking at the group, "Unless... What, you wanna stop 'em?" He asked facetiously, not expecting a serious answer.

@Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Khan of the Mardu @Jeremi @Takumi @Inn​

After looking between his two options, Ciel decided to approach the patron and the barmaid. After stopping near them, Ciel looked the patron dead in the eye, not seeming intimidated by him in the slightest. Wanting to avoid causing a scene and drawing attention to himself, however, Ciel calmly began to speak with the man.

"Hello, Mister Bray, was it? I'd like to have a word with you." Ciel said as he took a seat beside him, putting on a fake smile in order to further sell this charade.

@Ver @Crow @Otto @Kaykay @Minerva @Tavern

---

"Oh, how awful." Sebastian chimed in response to the sick escorts before turning back to Luca and smiling.

"Yes, you see Miss Luca, I'm afraid that I and these other being have found ourselves in quite the pickle. We are in search for a great evil. I wouldn't suppose you'd know where to find such a thing, would you?" Sebastian asked, polite as ever.

@Ver @Jeremi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Brothel​

 

[0ttonomous]

Siegward of Catarina
@Raptor Jesus @Minerva @Crow @Kaykay @Ver @Otto @Tavern​

The inside of the tavern looked normal enough, even if to that end, it betrayed the eccentric mannerisms of the actual patrons inside, as the group would soon find out. But for now, Constantine eagerly made his way over to the bar, and then turning toward Siegward before he could order, holding up a hand to the knight. "Say no more, laddie. I got you all covered, don't worry," he said with a mischievous smirk, one that one would never think to see on him after his more fearful disposition last night, but alas, it seemed that a pint was all he needed to calm the nerves. A man needed his vices.

"Scuse me, laddie!" Constantine called out to the bartender, raising his arm, "Get me two ales, please! And four ciders for the kiddies here," he said somewhat teasingly, gesturing to Ben, Sera, Ciel, and Astolfo. The bartender nodded silently, and while he was gathering the drinks, Constantine turned toward Ben, listening to his questions. His chipper expression softened a bit as the boy danced around asking him about a man he indeed heard about before, letting out a breath from his nostrils as he produced a response.

"Aye... I just might. Gotham's never been my cup o' tea personally, but I've been there on a few occasions. Strictly for work though. Going to a city with clowns and cat burglars galore ain't my joe personally. What's it to ya though?"

Before Ben would be able to immediately respond, the bartender quickly returned with the drinks as requested. As he stood there, waiting for payment, Constantine chuckled, reaching into his pocket, not a word having to be said. A great blue glow shined brightly from his hand, easily noticeable to everyone who followed him, but evidently not the bartender, if his lack of reaction to such a magical display was any indication. And with that, he pulled out...

... some rocks.

...

"I believe these valuable coins will be more than enough?"

"Thank you for your patronage," the bartender nodded, taking the rocks without any concern, as though he genuinely believed the rocks to be coins indeed.

They didn't call John Constantine a conman for nothing.​

"Fantastic! I shall not forget this," he said in response to Constantine's kindness.

Siegward watched the British man in awe as he performed some unusual kind of Sorcery in order to pay for the drinks. As much as he wanted to praise him for his brilliance, his knighthood said that it was wrong to cheat someone like that. He refrained from saying anything, though. This was one of rare times where his desperation for more drink clearly took precedent over his status.

Sliding the drinks over to the others, Constantine raised his ale to the others. "To... uh... Hmm. Anyone got something to toast to?"

"Let's just say our own stuff, same thing six times won't cut it. I mean, we are different people from different worlds who stand for different things worth toasting to."

Ben raises his cup of cider.

"For the universe and beyond!"​

He took his helmet off and raised his mug of ale. "To our inevitable victory over evil! Hahahaha!" He would drink about a third of the ale once everyone was ready. Afterward, he would comment to nobody in particular, "Mmmm... an interesting flavor! Foreign drinks are quite exciting, aren't they?"​

"Bane, huh? I think I heard somethin' 'bout him meddlin' with Gotham recently, but... Wasn't that long ago, was it? Certainly not... five years ago or however old you are now," Constantine replied to Ben, a little mystified by his words as he mused on the going-ons in his world. How convenient that he'd run into someone familiar with his world, even if perhaps not someone from the same world. Not that it was helping him right now... At least, in the way he was hoping.

With a breath, he raised his own cup, trying to think of what to toast to.

"To... uh, life. Or something," he murmured, uncomfortably scratching his cheek with his finger, before having a sip.

As Ciel looked around, he would find a few sights that one might note as interesting:

For one, at a nearby table, there was one patron, a rather unsavory looking man, sitting by himself, with an empty cup in his hand, calling over a young barmaid nearby to refill. Nodding, she obliges, taking a pitcher of drink and pouring it into the cup for a while, before the man suddenly pulls the cup toward himself without any warning, causing the barmaid to accidentally spill a good amount on the table.

"Aww, look at what you did! Looks like you'll have to clean it up."

"I-I'm sorry, Mister Bray. I'll get a towel right awa--"

"No. I want to see you clean it... with your mouth," the man grins, to which the barmaid looked rather unsure and even intimidated by the man. For some reason, it looked like she was even going to consider doing it for him, as she stood there with shaking legs, unsure of what to do.

...

Meanwhile, on the other side of the bar sat two rather plump looking men, talking loud enough that the group was able to hear them.

"So I says to 'em, it's my goat. I been tendin' 'em since I was just a babe. So I know my goat's in love with me. I see it in 'is eyes," the first man says, "So don't go tellin' me what's right and what's wrong. Love is what you make of it!"

"Right, right," the second man nods.

"And you know what he says to me? He says he don't give a fuck about what I think! That it's an abomination! And no one calls what I love with lil' Bessie an abomination! So that's why I hit 'em, right between the eyes with my shovel. And now I have to pay for his damages?!"

"Tch. Shoulda fed him to that goblin they say is runnin' 'round town," the second man said half-facetiously, to which the first man gave an urgent look.

"D-Don't talk 'bout that goblin so lightly! That's why they say "speak of the devil" and all that! 'Cause he shows up right when it happens!"

Lovely.

The group was free to either approach either the patron and the barmaid, or the plump men on the other side of the bar, if they so desired. Or kept conversing with Constantine to see what he might talk about. It seemed like there was something on his mind.​

Observing what was happening around them, the knight sighed and brought out one of his barrel-like canteens. He would refill it with the remainder of his ale and then put his helmet back on. "Ah... yes. We mustn't forget that we have a responsibility here..." he muttered grimly. He approached the patron and the barmaid reluctantly, as he did not want to get into another fight like before. He forced himself to proceed because, as a knight, he was supposed to be an enforcer of justice. Barging in on the plump men's conversation appeared to be more useful since they talked about some kind of evil goblin, but he couldn't just stand by and let a woman be treated like that.

"Excuse me," he interjected, "let's be reasonable here. This fine young lady isn't fond of your methods, so why not let her use a towel? That'd make all of us happy, and then we can all drink to our heart's content! What do you say, friend?" It was clear that he was trying to resolve this peacefully.​

 

[Takumi]

"Bane, huh? I think I heard somethin' 'bout him meddlin' with Gotham recently, but... Wasn't that long ago, was it? Certainly not... five years ago or however old you are now," Constantine replied to Ben, a little mystified by his words as he mused on the going-ons in his world. How convenient that he'd run into someone familiar with his world, even if perhaps not someone from the same world. Not that it was helping him right now... At least, in the way he was hoping.

With a breath, he raised his own cup, trying to think of what to toast to.

"To... uh, life. Or something," he murmured, uncomfortably scratching his cheek with his finger, before having a sip.

As Ciel looked around, he would find a few sights that one might note as interesting:

For one, at a nearby table, there was one patron, a rather unsavory looking man, sitting by himself, with an empty cup in his hand, calling over a young barmaid nearby to refill. Nodding, she obliges, taking a pitcher of drink and pouring it into the cup for a while, before the man suddenly pulls the cup toward himself without any warning, causing the barmaid to accidentally spill a good amount on the table.

"Aww, look at what you did! Looks like you'll have to clean it up."

"I-I'm sorry, Mister Bray. I'll get a towel right awa--"

"No. I want to see you clean it... with your mouth," the man grins, to which the barmaid looked rather unsure and even intimidated by the man. For some reason, it looked like she was even going to consider doing it for him, as she stood there with shaking legs, unsure of what to do.

...

Meanwhile, on the other side of the bar sat two rather plump looking men, talking loud enough that the group was able to hear them.

"So I says to 'em, it's my goat. I been tendin' 'em since I was just a babe. So I know my goat's in love with me. I see it in 'is eyes," the first man says, "So don't go tellin' me what's right and what's wrong. Love is what you make of it!"

"Right, right," the second man nods.

"And you know what he says to me? He says he don't give a fuck about what I think! That it's an abomination! And no one calls what I love with lil' Bessie an abomination! So that's why I hit 'em, right between the eyes with my shovel. And now I have to pay for his damages?!"

"Tch. Shoulda fed him to that goblin they say is runnin' 'round town," the second man said half-facetiously, to which the first man gave an urgent look.

"D-Don't talk 'bout that goblin so lightly! That's why they say "speak of the devil" and all that! 'Cause he shows up right when it happens!"

Lovely.

The group was free to either approach either the patron and the barmaid, or the plump men on the other side of the bar, if they so desired. Or kept conversing with Constantine to see what he might talk about. It seemed like there was something on his mind.

@Kaykay @Raptor Jesus @Otto @Minerva @Tavern

---

"Oh, is that right? Well, I'm willing to bet, if you're traveling with the Black Swordsman," Luca said to Sebastian with a friendly demeanor, before looking down at the Hollow Knight, eyes wide in curiosity before it waved at her. With a pleasant smile, she clasped her hands together, giggling almost like a younger girl. "Oh, yes, hello!" She exclaimed, waving back.

In the back of her head, she decided it was a bad thing that she had become so used to such strange sights, but at least the little knight here wasn't trying to kill her, unlike the sorts of demons Guts had to save her from back then.

"I need a favor, Luca. I need you to take care of Casca for a little while again. And these little punks," Guts said, gesturing toward Isidro and Puck, "I--"

"Say no more. Like I said, I don't wanna hear any more about your little adventure, lest it gets me wrapped up too deep into it! Buuuut in exchange, I want you to do something for me first!"

"Anything for you~"

"C'mon, come inside," Luca said, stepping away to let the group walk inside the building. The only people inside seemed to be a few other escorts, some lying in bed, writhing in pain, while others rushed around, attempting to tend to them, "Grab a wet rag from the side and apply them to these girls' foreheads. Be careful though. They're down with some sorta plague I can't really understand," she instructed, "While we do that, I suppose we could... talk about some business."

@CrunchyCHEEZIT @Raptor Jesus @Jeremi @Brothel

---

The innkeeper glared at the group, as though resenting their obliviousness to whatever was going on around here. Continuing to pack his belongings, he sighed as he answered their queries.

"This village... has become cursed as of late. It started slowly... but now, it's undeniable. Crops keep dyin', people goin' insane, there's a plague sweepin'... and to top it all off, rumors of a goblin or some sorta demon keep popping up all over the place, running around and killing," he answered.

"No one knows if the demon is the cause or a symptom of the happenings 'round these parts, but they say he has yellow skin, red eyes... and talks in rhymes. Real eerie. There are even more rumors floating around 'bout a castle that only rises at night. And a mysterious man who watches from the front door," he sighed, before crossing his arms.

"It's all hogwash to me but with everyone leaving for a safer place, I'm not gonna let superstition kill me and my business. I'll probably be closin' up shop if this keeps up..." He says, before clicking his tongue and looking at the group, "Unless... What, you wanna stop 'em?" He asked facetiously, not expecting a serious answer.

@Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Khan of the Mardu @Jeremi @Takumi @Inn​

"From the sounds of it, someone has to at least try to." Lindel spoke up, curious about the news.

The fact that they came to get rooms only for the man to be closing up, what a pitty. Though, there was a possible opprotunity here it seemed.

"Well then?" he turned to the rest in his current group on their thoughts. He was a bit interested in what he was told, and maybe it'd get them a step closer to their shared goal.

@Ver @Yun Lee @Khan of the Mardu @Jeremi @Alex Azure @inn

 

[Ver]

To Ben, the two men raised an eyebrow, as though wondering how he'd never heard of the so-called goblin before. "Huuuh? You ain't never heard of him before? They say he's the reason the plague's been hittin' this town so hard out of nowhere! He and that supposed magic castle that only rises at night," he said to Ben, "You don't look like you or your friends o'er there are from 'round town. Travelers, I reckon? They say he got bright yellow skin, and red eyes! Like a real devil!"

"Yeah! And when he talks, he speaks in chimes!"

"No, you idiot. He speaks in rhymes."

"Huh? What... What are rhymes?"

"This is why I'm convinced your mother is also your sister."

"I still don't know what that means."

"Exactly," the first man sighed, resting his arm on the bar, "Anyway, a source of evil like that... can only do nothing but spread pestilence and curse! That's why people have been goin' mad 'round these parts. One of the townsfolk was executed earlier today; he murdered his wife, but he swears on to whatever holy God is up there that some godforsaken voices told him to do it. Not that it matters; still did it. Amazing how fucked up people can be," the man with a goat for a lover said.

...

As Ciel and Siegward approached the man, he looked at them with a highly irritated expression, as though they were intruding on his space. Glaring at the eye-patched boy, he snorted lightly. "Huh? Sorry, I don't talk to dumb kids."

To the knight, he at least granted a few more words. "Huuuh? Mind your own business. I'm a valued customer! No one tells me what to do! What I say to this little miss here goes! Isn't that right?!" The man said in an irrationally angry manner, as though he were just personally insulted by Siegward.

The barmaid, an increasingly uncomfortable look on her face, merely hid her features behind her tray, as though unable to even look at the exchange, as though unwilling to even put her two cents in at the moment.

...

All the while, Constantine watched from afar, taking a sip of his ale, before looking over at Sera and Astolfo.

"So you gonna have a drink?" He asked casually.

@Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Crow @Minerva @Tavern​

 

[Gummi Bunnies]

To Ben, the two men raised an eyebrow, as though wondering how he'd never heard of the so-called goblin before. "Huuuh? You ain't never heard of him before? They say he's the reason the plague's been hittin' this town so hard out of nowhere! He and that supposed magic castle that only rises at night," he said to Ben, "You don't look like you or your friends o'er there are from 'round town. Travelers, I reckon? They say he got bright yellow skin, and red eyes! Like a real devil!"

"Yeah! And when he talks, he speaks in chimes!"

"No, you idiot. He speaks in rhymes."

"Huh? What... What are rhymes?"

"This is why I'm convinced your mother is also your sister."

"I still don't know what that means."

"Exactly," the first man sighed, resting his arm on the bar, "Anyway, a source of evil like that... can only do nothing but spread pestilence and curse! That's why people have been goin' mad 'round these parts. One of the townsfolk was executed earlier today; he murdered his wife, but he swears on to whatever holy God is up there that some godforsaken voices told him to do it. Not that it matters; still did it. Amazing how fucked up people can be," the man with a goat for a lover said.

...

As Ciel and Siegward approached the man, he looked at them with a highly irritated expression, as though they were intruding on his space. Glaring at the eye-patched boy, he snorted lightly. "Huh? Sorry, I don't talk to dumb kids."

To the knight, he at least granted a few more words. "Huuuh? Mind your own business. I'm a valued customer! No one tells me what to do! What I say to this little miss here goes! Isn't that right?!" The man said in an irrationally angry manner, as though he were just personally insulted by Siegward.

The barmaid, an increasingly uncomfortable look on her face, merely hid her features behind her tray, as though unable to even look at the exchange, as though unwilling to even put her two cents in at the moment.

...

All the while, Constantine watched from afar, taking a sip of his ale, before looking over at Sera and Astolfo.

"So you gonna have a drink?" He asked casually.

@Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Crow @Minerva @Tavern​

Oh something about this exchange caught Kaine's attention, even if she and Emil had silently joined those at the Tavern. Firmly walking over to the rather annoyed patron, Kaine was already treading into thin ice with her temper.

❝ Guess what, you're pissing me off, asshole. You can do whatever the hell you'd like, I don't give a damn. It's just that your annoying whining is ruining my mood to down a jug or two, and I feel fucking inclined to shove a load up yours. That sound like a good idea? I can do that myself if you're gonna continue irritating me and not cut the shit. ❞ Kaine didn't appear to mind about how the barmaid was being treated or the decency of the situation at stake. She rather just have a nice and quiet break here, but something about this guy set off her fumes already. If Ciel and Siegward couldn't go about it in their way, Kaine was sure enough gonna talk this out in her way... which wasn't going to end well most likely.

All the while Emil remained at the table with Constantine, heaving an exasperated sigh. This happened too often with Kaine around.

@Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Crow @Minerva @Ver @Tavern​

 

[Yun Lee]

Libra would nod at Lindel's words. "Yes, if a demon truly is what plagues this village...then it is our job to stop it."

Sumia gasped. "Maybe this is that great evil we can sacrifice! Pardon me, Mr. Innkeeper, but do you know where we can find this demon?"

@Ver @Takumi @Jeremi @Alex Azure @Khan of the Mardu @Inn​

 

[Kaykay]

To Ben, the two men raised an eyebrow, as though wondering how he'd never heard of the so-called goblin before. "Huuuh? You ain't never heard of him before? They say he's the reason the plague's been hittin' this town so hard out of nowhere! He and that supposed magic castle that only rises at night," he said to Ben, "You don't look like you or your friends o'er there are from 'round town. Travelers, I reckon? They say he got bright yellow skin, and red eyes! Like a real devil!"

"Yeah! And when he talks, he speaks in chimes!"

"No, you idiot. He speaks in rhymes."

"Huh? What... What are rhymes?"

"This is why I'm convinced your mother is also your sister."

"I still don't know what that means."

"Exactly," the first man sighed, resting his arm on the bar, "Anyway, a source of evil like that... can only do nothing but spread pestilence and curse! That's why people have been goin' mad 'round these parts. One of the townsfolk was executed earlier today; he murdered his wife, but he swears on to whatever holy God is up there that some godforsaken voices told him to do it. Not that it matters; still did it. Amazing how fucked up people can be," the man with a goat for a lover said.

...

As Ciel and Siegward approached the man, he looked at them with a highly irritated expression, as though they were intruding on his space. Glaring at the eye-patched boy, he snorted lightly. "Huh? Sorry, I don't talk to dumb kids."

To the knight, he at least granted a few more words. "Huuuh? Mind your own business. I'm a valued customer! No one tells me what to do! What I say to this little miss here goes! Isn't that right?!" The man said in an irrationally angry manner, as though he were just personally insulted by Siegward.

The barmaid, an increasingly uncomfortable look on her face, merely hid her features behind her tray, as though unable to even look at the exchange, as though unwilling to even put her two cents in at the moment.

...

All the while, Constantine watched from afar, taking a sip of his ale, before looking over at Sera and Astolfo.

"So you gonna have a drink?" He asked casually.

@Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Crow @Minerva @Tavern​

"Mm, yup, just gimme a sec!"

Sera spoke cheerfully, but she'd been staring at the cider in her hand for quite some time. Normally she wouldn't worry too much about just some drink, especially a non-alcoholic one, but her surroundings really made her feel overly cautious. Or perhaps that was the right amount of caution. She really couldn't be sure. Still, everyone else drank and seemed to be fine, and she started to feel a little bad for overthinking it so much.

And down the hatch it went.

Wiping her mouth and setting the now empty glass down, she settled in a seat before resting her head on her hand. She took a quick peek at the other happenings going on in the tavern, but for now they seemed to be reasonably handled.

...Sort of. Hopefully that other girl wasn't going to start a bar brawl.

"So, how're you doing, huh? Been a rough little break so far, after all."

@Otto @Raptor Jesus @Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Crow @Minerva @Tavern​

 

[Jeremi]

Morte had been super excited when he saw Luca. If all the girls looked like this then oh boy! However...

"Bane, huh? I think I heard somethin' 'bout him meddlin' with Gotham recently, but... Wasn't that long ago, was it? Certainly not... five years ago or however old you are now," Constantine replied to Ben, a little mystified by his words as he mused on the going-ons in his world. How convenient that he'd run into someone familiar with his world, even if perhaps not someone from the same world. Not that it was helping him right now... At least, in the way he was hoping.

With a breath, he raised his own cup, trying to think of what to toast to.

"To... uh, life. Or something," he murmured, uncomfortably scratching his cheek with his finger, before having a sip.

As Ciel looked around, he would find a few sights that one might note as interesting:

For one, at a nearby table, there was one patron, a rather unsavory looking man, sitting by himself, with an empty cup in his hand, calling over a young barmaid nearby to refill. Nodding, she obliges, taking a pitcher of drink and pouring it into the cup for a while, before the man suddenly pulls the cup toward himself without any warning, causing the barmaid to accidentally spill a good amount on the table.

"Aww, look at what you did! Looks like you'll have to clean it up."

"I-I'm sorry, Mister Bray. I'll get a towel right awa--"

"No. I want to see you clean it... with your mouth," the man grins, to which the barmaid looked rather unsure and even intimidated by the man. For some reason, it looked like she was even going to consider doing it for him, as she stood there with shaking legs, unsure of what to do.

...

Meanwhile, on the other side of the bar sat two rather plump looking men, talking loud enough that the group was able to hear them.

"So I says to 'em, it's my goat. I been tendin' 'em since I was just a babe. So I know my goat's in love with me. I see it in 'is eyes," the first man says, "So don't go tellin' me what's right and what's wrong. Love is what you make of it!"

"Right, right," the second man nods.

"And you know what he says to me? He says he don't give a fuck about what I think! That it's an abomination! And no one calls what I love with lil' Bessie an abomination! So that's why I hit 'em, right between the eyes with my shovel. And now I have to pay for his damages?!"

"Tch. Shoulda fed him to that goblin they say is runnin' 'round town," the second man said half-facetiously, to which the first man gave an urgent look.

"D-Don't talk 'bout that goblin so lightly! That's why they say "speak of the devil" and all that! 'Cause he shows up right when it happens!"

Lovely.

The group was free to either approach either the patron and the barmaid, or the plump men on the other side of the bar, if they so desired. Or kept conversing with Constantine to see what he might talk about. It seemed like there was something on his mind.

@Kaykay @Raptor Jesus @Otto @Minerva @Tavern

---

"Oh, is that right? Well, I'm willing to bet, if you're traveling with the Black Swordsman," Luca said to Sebastian with a friendly demeanor, before looking down at the Hollow Knight, eyes wide in curiosity before it waved at her. With a pleasant smile, she clasped her hands together, giggling almost like a younger girl. "Oh, yes, hello!" She exclaimed, waving back.

In the back of her head, she decided it was a bad thing that she had become so used to such strange sights, but at least the little knight here wasn't trying to kill her, unlike the sorts of demons Guts had to save her from back then.

"I need a favor, Luca. I need you to take care of Casca for a little while again. And these little punks," Guts said, gesturing toward Isidro and Puck, "I--"

"Say no more. Like I said, I don't wanna hear any more about your little adventure, lest it gets me wrapped up too deep into it! Buuuut in exchange, I want you to do something for me first!"

"Anything for you~"

"C'mon, come inside," Luca said, stepping away to let the group walk inside the building. The only people inside seemed to be a few other escorts, some lying in bed, writhing in pain, while others rushed around, attempting to tend to them, "Grab a wet rag from the side and apply them to these girls' foreheads. Be careful though. They're down with some sorta plague I can't really understand," she instructed, "While we do that, I suppose we could... talk about some business."

@CrunchyCHEEZIT @Raptor Jesus @Jeremi @Brothel

---

The innkeeper glared at the group, as though resenting their obliviousness to whatever was going on around here. Continuing to pack his belongings, he sighed as he answered their queries.

"This village... has become cursed as of late. It started slowly... but now, it's undeniable. Crops keep dyin', people goin' insane, there's a plague sweepin'... and to top it all off, rumors of a goblin or some sorta demon keep popping up all over the place, running around and killing," he answered.

"No one knows if the demon is the cause or a symptom of the happenings 'round these parts, but they say he has yellow skin, red eyes... and talks in rhymes. Real eerie. There are even more rumors floating around 'bout a castle that only rises at night. And a mysterious man who watches from the front door," he sighed, before crossing his arms.

"It's all hogwash to me but with everyone leaving for a safer place, I'm not gonna let superstition kill me and my business. I'll probably be closin' up shop if this keeps up..." He says, before clicking his tongue and looking at the group, "Unless... What, you wanna stop 'em?" He asked facetiously, not expecting a serious answer.

@Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Khan of the Mardu @Jeremi @Takumi @Inn​

This was the most depressing brothel he had seen in his life. "This is the most depressing brothel I've seen in my life." He said aloud for everyone to hear. "Ain't right seein' cute girls like this...just ain't right."

Libra would nod at Lindel's words. "Yes, if a demon truly is what plagues this village...then it is our job to stop it."

Sumia gasped. "Maybe this is that great evil we can sacrifice! Pardon me, Mr. Innkeeper, but do you know where we can find this demon?"

@Ver @Takumi @Jeremi @Alex Azure @Khan of the Mardu @Inn

Grace walked up as well and smiled at the inn keeper. "You really are in luck inn keeper. We're demon hunters you see and we seek to exterminate them any place we may found them. Our last trek however was very daunting and if we are to kill this beast we need some food in our bellies and a good rest, something that I hope you can provide for us."

@Ver @Takumi @Jeremi @Alex Azure @Khan of the Mardu @Inn

 

[Crow]

To Ben, the two men raised an eyebrow, as though wondering how he'd never heard of the so-called goblin before. "Huuuh? You ain't never heard of him before? They say he's the reason the plague's been hittin' this town so hard out of nowhere! He and that supposed magic castle that only rises at night," he said to Ben, "You don't look like you or your friends o'er there are from 'round town. Travelers, I reckon? They say he got bright yellow skin, and red eyes! Like a real devil!"

"Yeah! And when he talks, he speaks in chimes!"

"No, you idiot. He speaks in rhymes."

"Huh? What... What are rhymes?"

"This is why I'm convinced your mother is also your sister."

"I still don't know what that means."

"Exactly," the first man sighed, resting his arm on the bar, "Anyway, a source of evil like that... can only do nothing but spread pestilence and curse! That's why people have been goin' mad 'round these parts. One of the townsfolk was executed earlier today; he murdered his wife, but he swears on to whatever holy God is up there that some godforsaken voices told him to do it. Not that it matters; still did it. Amazing how fucked up people can be," the man with a goat for a lover said.

...

As Ciel and Siegward approached the man, he looked at them with a highly irritated expression, as though they were intruding on his space. Glaring at the eye-patched boy, he snorted lightly. "Huh? Sorry, I don't talk to dumb kids."

To the knight, he at least granted a few more words. "Huuuh? Mind your own business. I'm a valued customer! No one tells me what to do! What I say to this little miss here goes! Isn't that right?!" The man said in an irrationally angry manner, as though he were just personally insulted by Siegward.

The barmaid, an increasingly uncomfortable look on her face, merely hid her features behind her tray, as though unable to even look at the exchange, as though unwilling to even put her two cents in at the moment.

...

All the while, Constantine watched from afar, taking a sip of his ale, before looking over at Sera and Astolfo.

"So you gonna have a drink?" He asked casually.

@Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Crow @Minerva @Tavern​

"I think I've heard enough to work with," Ben answers as he backs away, "thanks."

He walks back to Constantine, Astolfo & Sera.

"I got a little info, Constantine, something about a yellow goblin with red eyes that speaks in rhymes. Guess green's out of fashion. And a magic castle only seen at night. Apparently the relevant incidents are known townwide, so we could get a better perspective asking around-" Ben explains, then looks at Siegward do his thing.

"... so, we're just gonna sit here and watch Siegward 1-on-1 that guy while we talk away, right? That works."

Kaine walks in.

"2-on-1."

@Ver @Otto @Gummi Bunnies @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Crow @Minerva @Tavern​

 

[Hida Tomonatsu]

Libra would nod at Lindel's words. "Yes, if a demon truly is what plagues this village...then it is our job to stop it."

Sumia gasped. "Maybe this is that great evil we can sacrifice! Pardon me, Mr. Innkeeper, but do you know where we can find this demon?"

@Ver @Takumi @Jeremi @Alex Azure @Khan of the Mardu @Inn​

Virginia perked up at Sumia's words, a wide grin on her lips as she joined in pestering the innkeeper, "Yeah, we can handle something like that, no problem! Even if it's not the thing we need to hunt down, I've got experienced hunting down goblins and demons and everything else that goes bump in the night at a castle!" Okay, well, maybe she was lying about the castle part, but come on, what was the difference that separates decrepit ruins and manor houses from a castle? Same monsters all around, right?

@Ver @Takumi @Alex Azure @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Inn​

 

[Ver]

"Peachy as can be," Constantine answered Sera with a wry smile, resting his arm on the bar, "Which means... under the given circumstances, not all that peachy, but them's tryin' times, y'know? But it's fine. I'm used to feeling knackered all the time. In my line of work, you don't really get holidays, and as far as I'm concerned, this is really just another day at the grind. Just... with way more people 'round. You get me, luv?"

When Ben returned to report what he had heard however, Constantine's smile quickly evaporated when he described the characteristics of the so-called demon goblin, features contorting slightly into an expression of exasperation as he let out a drawn out sigh. "Ough... Oof. Blimey, I can never catch a break though. That's a constant for ol' Constantine," he muttered, taking a swig of his drink, "Oh, Jason... What mess have you gotten into this time? And what did it have to do with ol' Z and Faust?" He mumbled under his breath. It seemed that, despite what he told Ben, Ciel, and Kokichi before, he was still hiding a few details concerning the circumstances of why he was here.

As for the unsavory patron, Constantine pursed his lip and shrugged. "I mean, I s'pose I could give him a mean look. Wouldn't even have to stand up. People crack better when there's more cooks in the kitchen, just like eggs."

The man in question could only give an incredulous look when Kaine spoke to him in that manner, eyes and mouth agape as though he had never been spoken to like that before. Bolting to his feet, slamming his hand on the table in anger, he gritted his teeth at her. "You... Who do you think you are?! Why, I ought to..." He began to say, before looking at Siegward and Ciel, and then turning to the others' direction, with Ben having redirected Constantine's (and perhaps Sera's as well) attention toward himself as well. He was outnumbered here in every sense, so he stopped, clicking his tongue.

"Fine, then. I don't fokin' need this anyway. I'll just drink at home," he said, silently turning around and beginning to leave with that.

As he came out of earshot, the shy barmaid finally began to speak, a meek, soft voice escaping her lips as she did so. "T-Thank you, but... you didn't have to do that for me," she spoke, before adding on to herself, "In fact... Y-You probably shouldn't have..."

Indeed, it seemed like she was still just as worried and uneasy now as she was when the man was around for whatever reason.

@Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Gummi Bunnies @Crow @Tavern

---

"It may not be right, but that's just the reality of this world. Bad things happen, and all we can do is try to pick up the pieces from the aftershock," Luca said in response to Morte as she changed out the towel for one of the girls under her care, "These girls... They don't have anything, y'know? No family, no care... Just themselves. That's why they're in a business like this. All the men are out doing the real jobs, and the women usually on the other hand have to count themselves lucky if they get picked to be a housewife," she sighed, putting her hands on her hips as she talked, "Someone has to look out for the little fellows, y'know? Would you believe that a royal knight once proposed to have me as a mistress? He was a really nice guy, but really, that kind of life for me... Too extravagant for me!"

"I still think you shoulda went with him. Jerome was a nice guy! One of the few in the Royal Guard!" Puck piped in, continuing to idly laze on Isidro's head.

"Hurm. A life with a fancy title like noble mistress... It's a useless life if you're tied to a husband who probably wouldn't have let you go out, and a life where I can't help people... is not one worth living to me. Even if I have to live as below that of a commoner, I'll keep goin', no matter what!" Luca continued, before letting out a tired sigh as she ran a hand through her long, silky hair, "Maybe it's because I was just born into this kinda lifestyle, but... I figure hedonism gets boring after a while. Helping other people -- doing the right thing because it's the right thing -- is... something I'll always find far more gratifying at the end of the day. Wouldn't you guys agree? Certainly, there are times where you had to do what you thought was truly right over what might have been easier, right?"

"A-Ah... But I'm preaching. Sorry, usual customers don't let me get this far. They say harlots like me have no business running my mouth like that," she said with an embarrassed laugh, before clearing her throat, looking at Sebastian as he posed his question, "Hmm? A great evil? Well... I could totally say something unhelpfully whimsical like... Evil is all around us and all that, but I guess I already did something like that, eh? Ahaha..."

"But... Well," she spoke, her expression growing serious again, "My guess is you guys haven't been hearing about the legend of the night castle. Rumor has it, a goblin comes every so often and, at the whim of a cloaked man with a strange book, kidnaps innocent citizens and disappears into this mystery castle that only rises at night. Got yellow skin, red eyes, and speaks in rhymes. Those are the exact words; doesn't sound like anything from this world, y'know? Such a presence is said to have brought about this plague, but... That couldn't possibly be it."

Beat.

"Right?"

@Raptor Jesus @Jeremi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Brothel

---

"I... ugh, I was joking," the innkeeper said, rolling his eyes, truly not expecting the thought of simply vanquishing the rumored demon to come so easily to them, "Though... With your get-ups, maybe I shouldn't have. Looks like you're all ready to put someone down at a moment's notice," he commented, nodding toward everyone's armor and weapons, before looking over at Grace, "Demon hunters, huh? Back where I grew up, we called 'em crazy folk, 'cause back then, I didn't believe in shit like demons. You'd think as we went on, we'd move past such archaic things. But now... I guess I need crazy to fight crazy."

"Right now... No one knows where the demon is. He comes and goes during the night, they say, following a cloaked man who controls his every move. Buuut, like I said, they did seem to arrive at the same time as the rumors about the castle that rises in the night. If you can find such a castle, maybe you can find 'em. But really, if I were you, I'd just go the other way. Nothing awaits beyond here but pestilence and suffering. You all seem so eager to track 'em down like it's a matter of life and death or something," he commented, placing his hands on his hips.

"But in the end, it doesn't really matter. Maybe this village was fated, destined even, to die off sometime. It's a little ways from fertile soil, the water tastes like ass... Mostly people who can't afford to live better lives live here. And to think their lives would get worse with this onset of plague... It's just not right," he said, shaking his head, "Fate comes for us all, I guess. Individuals and collectives. It's all just... useless. You'd do well to just settle for where you can right now, because ain't no way you're gonna see anything brighter if you keep carving your own path into uncharted territories. The unknown is the bane of man after all, as a people who strive for understanding. It only leads to despair."

It seemed that, basically, even if the group did have money on them, he was still reluctant to give them rooms, but perhaps an adequately stimulating response to his abrupt philosophy might stir him.

"Why are you so bent on hunting down the demon anyway? Do you really have a death wish or something?"

@Khan of the Mardu @Alex Azure @Takumi @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Inn​

 

[Raptor Jesus]

"Peachy as can be," Constantine answered Sera with a wry smile, resting his arm on the bar, "Which means... under the given circumstances, not all that peachy, but them's tryin' times, y'know? But it's fine. I'm used to feeling knackered all the time. In my line of work, you don't really get holidays, and as far as I'm concerned, this is really just another day at the grind. Just... with way more people 'round. You get me, luv?"

When Ben returned to report what he had heard however, Constantine's smile quickly evaporated when he described the characteristics of the so-called demon goblin, features contorting slightly into an expression of exasperation as he let out a drawn out sigh. "Ough... Oof. Blimey, I can never catch a break though. That's a constant for ol' Constantine," he muttered, taking a swig of his drink, "Oh, Jason... What mess have you gotten into this time? And what did it have to do with ol' Z and Faust?" He mumbled under his breath. It seemed that, despite what he told Ben, Ciel, and Kokichi before, he was still hiding a few details concerning the circumstances of why he was here.

As for the unsavory patron, Constantine pursed his lip and shrugged. "I mean, I s'pose I could give him a mean look. Wouldn't even have to stand up. People crack better when there's more cooks in the kitchen, just like eggs."

The man in question could only give an incredulous look when Kaine spoke to him in that manner, eyes and mouth agape as though he had never been spoken to like that before. Bolting to his feet, slamming his hand on the table in anger, he gritted his teeth at her. "You... Who do you think you are?! Why, I ought to..." He began to say, before looking at Siegward and Ciel, and then turning to the others' direction, with Ben having redirected Constantine's (and perhaps Sera's as well) attention toward himself as well. He was outnumbered here in every sense, so he stopped, clicking his tongue.

"Fine, then. I don't fokin' need this anyway. I'll just drink at home," he said, silently turning around and beginning to leave with that.

As he came out of earshot, the shy barmaid finally began to speak, a meek, soft voice escaping her lips as she did so. "T-Thank you, but... you didn't have to do that for me," she spoke, before adding on to herself, "In fact... Y-You probably shouldn't have..."

Indeed, it seemed like she was still just as worried and uneasy now as she was when the man was around for whatever reason.

@Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Gummi Bunnies @Crow @Tavern

---

"It may not be right, but that's just the reality of this world. Bad things happen, and all we can do is try to pick up the pieces from the aftershock," Luca said in response to Morte as she changed out the towel for one of the girls under her care, "These girls... They don't have anything, y'know? No family, no care... Just themselves. That's why they're in a business like this. All the men are out doing the real jobs, and the women usually on the other hand have to count themselves lucky if they get picked to be a housewife," she sighed, putting her hands on her hips as she talked, "Someone has to look out for the little fellows, y'know? Would you believe that a royal knight once proposed to have me as a mistress? He was a really nice guy, but really, that kind of life for me... Too extravagant for me!"

"I still think you shoulda went with him. Jerome was a nice guy! One of the few in the Royal Guard!" Puck piped in, continuing to idly laze on Isidro's head.

"Hurm. A life with a fancy title like noble mistress... It's a useless life if you're tied to a husband who probably wouldn't have let you go out, and a life where I can't help people... is not one worth living to me. Even if I have to live as below that of a commoner, I'll keep goin', no matter what!" Luca continued, before letting out a tired sigh as she ran a hand through her long, silky hair, "Maybe it's because I was just born into this kinda lifestyle, but... I figure hedonism gets boring after a while. Helping other people -- doing the right thing because it's the right thing -- is... something I'll always find far more gratifying at the end of the day. Wouldn't you guys agree? Certainly, there are times where you had to do what you thought was truly right over what might have been easier, right?"

"A-Ah... But I'm preaching. Sorry, usual customers don't let me get this far. They say harlots like me have no business running my mouth like that," she said with an embarrassed laugh, before clearing her throat, looking at Sebastian as he posed his question, "Hmm? A great evil? Well... I could totally say something unhelpfully whimsical like... Evil is all around us and all that, but I guess I already did something like that, eh? Ahaha..."

"But... Well," she spoke, her expression growing serious again, "My guess is you guys haven't been hearing about the legend of the night castle. Rumor has it, a goblin comes every so often and, at the whim of a cloaked man with a strange book, kidnaps innocent citizens and disappears into this mystery castle that only rises at night. Got yellow skin, red eyes, and speaks in rhymes. Those are the exact words; doesn't sound like anything from this world, y'know? Such a presence is said to have brought about this plague, but... That couldn't possibly be it."

Beat.

"Right?"

@Raptor Jesus @Jeremi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Brothel

---

"I... ugh, I was joking," the innkeeper said, rolling his eyes, truly not expecting the thought of simply vanquishing the rumored demon to come so easily to them, "Though... With your get-ups, maybe I shouldn't have. Looks like you're all ready to put someone down at a moment's notice," he commented, nodding toward everyone's armor and weapons, before looking over at Grace, "Demon hunters, huh? Back where I grew up, we called 'em crazy folk, 'cause back then, I didn't believe in shit like demons. You'd think as we went on, we'd move past such archaic things. But now... I guess I need crazy to fight crazy."

"Right now... No one knows where the demon is. He comes and goes during the night, they say, following a cloaked man who controls his every move. Buuut, like I said, they did seem to arrive at the same time as the rumors about the castle that rises in the night. If you can find such a castle, maybe you can find 'em. But really, if I were you, I'd just go the other way. Nothing awaits beyond here but pestilence and suffering. You all seem so eager to track 'em down like it's a matter of life and death or something," he commented, placing his hands on his hips.

"But in the end, it doesn't really matter. Maybe this village was fated, destined even, to die off sometime. It's a little ways from fertile soil, the water tastes like ass... Mostly people who can't afford to live better lives live here. And to think their lives would get worse with this onset of plague... It's just not right," he said, shaking his head, "Fate comes for us all, I guess. Individuals and collectives. It's all just... useless. You'd do well to just settle for where you can right now, because ain't no way you're gonna see anything brighter if you keep carving your own path into uncharted territories. The unknown is the bane of man after all, as a people who strive for understanding. It only leads to despair."

It seemed that, basically, even if the group did have money on them, he was still reluctant to give them rooms, but perhaps an adequately stimulating response to his abrupt philosophy might stir him.

"Why are you so bent on hunting down the demon anyway? Do you really have a death wish or something?"

@Khan of the Mardu @Alex Azure @Takumi @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Inn​

"You're right, we didn't." Ciel stated rather bluntly to the woman, having been more phased by the drunkard's attitude than how he treated her. "Now that he is gone, perhaps you could indulge us onto who that man even was? He certainly had quite the unique personality."

@Ver @Crow @Otto @Kaykay @Minerva @Tavern

---

"A goblin, you say?" Sebastian asked before going silent in thought for a moment. "Hmmm... that does sound strange indeed. Tell me, are you aware of the name Felix Faust?"

@Ver @Jeremi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Brothel​

 

[Gummi Bunnies]

Well, that was one headache gone. It worked out, she didn't need to exert too much if the guy was going to get rowdy on her. Funny that for once, Kaine's loud mouth contributed without a violent backfire. Hearing the barmaid's grateful words, she wasn't all too surprised to hear it all.

❝ Whatever. I'm not the type of person you should be thanking, lady. The problem's gone, so it's less of a pain to be here in the first place. ❞ Kaine made it sound like she only let her temper do the talking to make it more bearable for herself to be at the bar. ❝ Besides, are you usually acting up like this? That piece of crap's long gone. ❞

A sigh of relief came from Emil, relieved that it didn't blow up into a bar fight. Here's to hoping that his friend didn't just immediately build up a bad reputation around these parts.

❝ Whew... I was worried that Kaine was going to get herself in trouble again. ❞ Emil expressed his relief, as if this wasn't the first time this went down.

@Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Ver @Crow @Tavern​

 

[Hida Tomonatsu]

"Peachy as can be," Constantine answered Sera with a wry smile, resting his arm on the bar, "Which means... under the given circumstances, not all that peachy, but them's tryin' times, y'know? But it's fine. I'm used to feeling knackered all the time. In my line of work, you don't really get holidays, and as far as I'm concerned, this is really just another day at the grind. Just... with way more people 'round. You get me, luv?"

When Ben returned to report what he had heard however, Constantine's smile quickly evaporated when he described the characteristics of the so-called demon goblin, features contorting slightly into an expression of exasperation as he let out a drawn out sigh. "Ough... Oof. Blimey, I can never catch a break though. That's a constant for ol' Constantine," he muttered, taking a swig of his drink, "Oh, Jason... What mess have you gotten into this time? And what did it have to do with ol' Z and Faust?" He mumbled under his breath. It seemed that, despite what he told Ben, Ciel, and Kokichi before, he was still hiding a few details concerning the circumstances of why he was here.

As for the unsavory patron, Constantine pursed his lip and shrugged. "I mean, I s'pose I could give him a mean look. Wouldn't even have to stand up. People crack better when there's more cooks in the kitchen, just like eggs."

The man in question could only give an incredulous look when Kaine spoke to him in that manner, eyes and mouth agape as though he had never been spoken to like that before. Bolting to his feet, slamming his hand on the table in anger, he gritted his teeth at her. "You... Who do you think you are?! Why, I ought to..." He began to say, before looking at Siegward and Ciel, and then turning to the others' direction, with Ben having redirected Constantine's (and perhaps Sera's as well) attention toward himself as well. He was outnumbered here in every sense, so he stopped, clicking his tongue.

"Fine, then. I don't fokin' need this anyway. I'll just drink at home," he said, silently turning around and beginning to leave with that.

As he came out of earshot, the shy barmaid finally began to speak, a meek, soft voice escaping her lips as she did so. "T-Thank you, but... you didn't have to do that for me," she spoke, before adding on to herself, "In fact... Y-You probably shouldn't have..."

Indeed, it seemed like she was still just as worried and uneasy now as she was when the man was around for whatever reason.

@Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Gummi Bunnies @Crow @Tavern

---

"It may not be right, but that's just the reality of this world. Bad things happen, and all we can do is try to pick up the pieces from the aftershock," Luca said in response to Morte as she changed out the towel for one of the girls under her care, "These girls... They don't have anything, y'know? No family, no care... Just themselves. That's why they're in a business like this. All the men are out doing the real jobs, and the women usually on the other hand have to count themselves lucky if they get picked to be a housewife," she sighed, putting her hands on her hips as she talked, "Someone has to look out for the little fellows, y'know? Would you believe that a royal knight once proposed to have me as a mistress? He was a really nice guy, but really, that kind of life for me... Too extravagant for me!"

"I still think you shoulda went with him. Jerome was a nice guy! One of the few in the Royal Guard!" Puck piped in, continuing to idly laze on Isidro's head.

"Hurm. A life with a fancy title like noble mistress... It's a useless life if you're tied to a husband who probably wouldn't have let you go out, and a life where I can't help people... is not one worth living to me. Even if I have to live as below that of a commoner, I'll keep goin', no matter what!" Luca continued, before letting out a tired sigh as she ran a hand through her long, silky hair, "Maybe it's because I was just born into this kinda lifestyle, but... I figure hedonism gets boring after a while. Helping other people -- doing the right thing because it's the right thing -- is... something I'll always find far more gratifying at the end of the day. Wouldn't you guys agree? Certainly, there are times where you had to do what you thought was truly right over what might have been easier, right?"

"A-Ah... But I'm preaching. Sorry, usual customers don't let me get this far. They say harlots like me have no business running my mouth like that," she said with an embarrassed laugh, before clearing her throat, looking at Sebastian as he posed his question, "Hmm? A great evil? Well... I could totally say something unhelpfully whimsical like... Evil is all around us and all that, but I guess I already did something like that, eh? Ahaha..."

"But... Well," she spoke, her expression growing serious again, "My guess is you guys haven't been hearing about the legend of the night castle. Rumor has it, a goblin comes every so often and, at the whim of a cloaked man with a strange book, kidnaps innocent citizens and disappears into this mystery castle that only rises at night. Got yellow skin, red eyes, and speaks in rhymes. Those are the exact words; doesn't sound like anything from this world, y'know? Such a presence is said to have brought about this plague, but... That couldn't possibly be it."

Beat.

"Right?"

@Raptor Jesus @Jeremi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Brothel

---

"I... ugh, I was joking," the innkeeper said, rolling his eyes, truly not expecting the thought of simply vanquishing the rumored demon to come so easily to them, "Though... With your get-ups, maybe I shouldn't have. Looks like you're all ready to put someone down at a moment's notice," he commented, nodding toward everyone's armor and weapons, before looking over at Grace, "Demon hunters, huh? Back where I grew up, we called 'em crazy folk, 'cause back then, I didn't believe in shit like demons. You'd think as we went on, we'd move past such archaic things. But now... I guess I need crazy to fight crazy."

"Right now... No one knows where the demon is. He comes and goes during the night, they say, following a cloaked man who controls his every move. Buuut, like I said, they did seem to arrive at the same time as the rumors about the castle that rises in the night. If you can find such a castle, maybe you can find 'em. But really, if I were you, I'd just go the other way. Nothing awaits beyond here but pestilence and suffering. You all seem so eager to track 'em down like it's a matter of life and death or something," he commented, placing his hands on his hips.

"But in the end, it doesn't really matter. Maybe this village was fated, destined even, to die off sometime. It's a little ways from fertile soil, the water tastes like ass... Mostly people who can't afford to live better lives live here. And to think their lives would get worse with this onset of plague... It's just not right," he said, shaking his head, "Fate comes for us all, I guess. Individuals and collectives. It's all just... useless. You'd do well to just settle for where you can right now, because ain't no way you're gonna see anything brighter if you keep carving your own path into uncharted territories. The unknown is the bane of man after all, as a people who strive for understanding. It only leads to despair."

It seemed that, basically, even if the group did have money on them, he was still reluctant to give them rooms, but perhaps an adequately stimulating response to his abrupt philosophy might stir him.

"Why are you so bent on hunting down the demon anyway? Do you really have a death wish or something?"

@Khan of the Mardu @Alex Azure @Takumi @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Inn​

"For someone always seeking justice, maybe it is a matter of life or death. All I know is, even if we didn't need to find rooms or to kill some great evil, I'd still be offering to help because it's the right thing to do," Virginia replied with a nod of her head before sighing as the innkeeper rambled about the depressive situation of this village. Even when a world is plentiful... there's still monsters and hardship in it. "You're wrong, you know? No one's fated to die off, and even if they were, everyone can change that fate."

A hopeful spark was to be found in her spirit as she smiled at the man, trying to reassure him in some ways, "Even if the whole world's against you, you can always change it and your place in it. Nothing binds you to a terrible existence except one thing; the loss of hope, when you just stop trying and... accept things like you do. At that point, you've already given up and resigned yourself to an unjust end, because you won't keep fighting for what is yours. Honestly, that's a lot sadder than a plague or a monster attack, seeing someone else just give up on trying for something better."

"People can be saved from illness with medicine if you put in the work to make it, and people can be healed from their injuries if you work fast enough for it. It's when you don't try to fight back out of fear of failure, just accepting hardship as reality and not believing even a miracle of your own creation can help you... That's when that thing called fate becomes fact, and that's when you allow everything you care for to rot away."

"But that's just my opinion. Sorry for rambling on like that," Almost to try and play off the rant, Virginia awkwardly laughed and waved off the topic before nodding, "Anyways, we'll get to work hunting down the demon and its cloaked friend. Just stay inside for now, alright?"

@Ver @Alex Azure @Takumi @Jeremi @Yun Lee
​

 

[Crow]

"Peachy as can be," Constantine answered Sera with a wry smile, resting his arm on the bar, "Which means... under the given circumstances, not all that peachy, but them's tryin' times, y'know? But it's fine. I'm used to feeling knackered all the time. In my line of work, you don't really get holidays, and as far as I'm concerned, this is really just another day at the grind. Just... with way more people 'round. You get me, luv?"

When Ben returned to report what he had heard however, Constantine's smile quickly evaporated when he described the characteristics of the so-called demon goblin, features contorting slightly into an expression of exasperation as he let out a drawn out sigh. "Ough... Oof. Blimey, I can never catch a break though. That's a constant for ol' Constantine," he muttered, taking a swig of his drink, "Oh, Jason... What mess have you gotten into this time? And what did it have to do with ol' Z and Faust?" He mumbled under his breath. It seemed that, despite what he told Ben, Ciel, and Kokichi before, he was still hiding a few details concerning the circumstances of why he was here.

As for the unsavory patron, Constantine pursed his lip and shrugged. "I mean, I s'pose I could give him a mean look. Wouldn't even have to stand up. People crack better when there's more cooks in the kitchen, just like eggs."

The man in question could only give an incredulous look when Kaine spoke to him in that manner, eyes and mouth agape as though he had never been spoken to like that before. Bolting to his feet, slamming his hand on the table in anger, he gritted his teeth at her. "You... Who do you think you are?! Why, I ought to..." He began to say, before looking at Siegward and Ciel, and then turning to the others' direction, with Ben having redirected Constantine's (and perhaps Sera's as well) attention toward himself as well. He was outnumbered here in every sense, so he stopped, clicking his tongue.

"Fine, then. I don't fokin' need this anyway. I'll just drink at home," he said, silently turning around and beginning to leave with that.

As he came out of earshot, the shy barmaid finally began to speak, a meek, soft voice escaping her lips as she did so. "T-Thank you, but... you didn't have to do that for me," she spoke, before adding on to herself, "In fact... Y-You probably shouldn't have..."

Indeed, it seemed like she was still just as worried and uneasy now as she was when the man was around for whatever reason.

@Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Gummi Bunnies @Crow @Tavern​

"You're right, we didn't." Ciel stated rather bluntly to the woman, having been more phased by the drunkard's attitude than how he treated her. "Now that he is gone, perhaps you could indulge us onto who that man even was? He certainly had quite the unique personality."

@Ver @Crow @Otto @Kaykay @Minerva @Tavern

---

"A goblin, you say?" Sebastian asked before going silent in thought for a moment. "Hmmm... that does sound strange indeed. Tell me, are you aware of the name Felix Faust?"

@Ver @Jeremi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Brothel​

Ben knew something was up with Constantine's expression, but he figured that tracking the goblin and the castle would deliver some answers, so he left it be.

"No barfight, that's for the best, I guess."

Ben looks at Ciel with a slightly angry expression when he said that they didn't need to aid her.

"Saving people's kind of our thing, a hero's job is never done," Ben noticed a tone shift in the woman's voice, thus came his next question. "Well, why shouldn't we help you?"

@Ver @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Minerva @Gummi Bunnies @Crow @Tavern​

 

[Raptor Jesus]

Ben knew something was up with Constantine's expression, but he figured that tracking the goblin and the castle would deliver some answers, so he left it be.

"No barfight, that's for the best, I guess."

Ben looks at Ciel with a slightly angry expression when he said that they didn't need to aid her.

"Saving people's kind of our thing, a hero's job is never done," Ben noticed a tone shift in the woman's voice, thus came his next question. "Well, why shouldn't we help you?"

@Ver @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Minerva @Gummi Bunnies @Crow @Tavern​

"Perhaps it is your thing, but it is certainly not mine, you sniveling fool." Ciel snapped back when Ben had the nerve to group Ciel with himself.

@Crow @Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Minerva @Kaykau​

 

[Crow]

"Perhaps it is your thing, but it is certainly not mine, you sniveling fool." Ciel snapped back when Ben had the nerve to group Ciel with himself.

@Crow @Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Minerva @Kaykau​

"What were you intending to do when you approached the little incident?" Ben expresses a smug expression.

@Crow @Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Raptor Jesus @Minerva @Kaykay​

 

[0ttonomous]

Siegward of Catarina
@Ver @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Minerva @Gummi Bunnies @Crow @Tavern

The friendly knight stood with wide eyes as the situation suddenly escalated. He was thinking of his words carefully, but it turned out that he didn't need to say anything at all since the man had been intimidated into leaving. This wasn't the outcome that he had hoped for, but it was still a somewhat favorable one. "Well... that certainly could have gone better..."​

 

[pdshwbwwiwwjebdfucxbsa]

"I... ugh, I was joking," the innkeeper said, rolling his eyes, truly not expecting the thought of simply vanquishing the rumored demon to come so easily to them, "Though... With your get-ups, maybe I shouldn't have. Looks like you're all ready to put someone down at a moment's notice," he commented, nodding toward everyone's armor and weapons, before looking over at Grace, "Demon hunters, huh? Back where I grew up, we called 'em crazy folk, 'cause back then, I didn't believe in shit like demons. You'd think as we went on, we'd move past such archaic things. But now... I guess I need crazy to fight crazy."

"Right now... No one knows where the demon is. He comes and goes during the night, they say, following a cloaked man who controls his every move. Buuut, like I said, they did seem to arrive at the same time as the rumors about the castle that rises in the night. If you can find such a castle, maybe you can find 'em. But really, if I were you, I'd just go the other way. Nothing awaits beyond here but pestilence and suffering. You all seem so eager to track 'em down like it's a matter of life and death or something," he commented, placing his hands on his hips.

"But in the end, it doesn't really matter. Maybe this village was fated, destined even, to die off sometime. It's a little ways from fertile soil, the water tastes like ass... Mostly people who can't afford to live better lives live here. And to think their lives would get worse with this onset of plague... It's just not right," he said, shaking his head, "Fate comes for us all, I guess. Individuals and collectives. It's all just... useless. You'd do well to just settle for where you can right now, because ain't no way you're gonna see anything brighter if you keep carving your own path into uncharted territories. The unknown is the bane of man after all, as a people who strive for understanding. It only leads to despair."

It seemed that, basically, even if the group did have money on them, he was still reluctant to give them rooms, but perhaps an adequately stimulating response to his abrupt philosophy might stir him.

"Why are you so bent on hunting down the demon anyway? Do you really have a death wish or something?"

"For someone always seeking justice, maybe it is a matter of life or death. All I know is, even if we didn't need to find rooms or to kill some great evil, I'd still be offering to help because it's the right thing to do,"Virginia replied with a nod of her head before sighing as the innkeeper rambled about the depressive situation of this village. Even when a world is plentiful... there's still monsters and hardship in it. "You're wrong, you know? No one's fated to die off, and even if they were, everyone can change that fate."

A hopeful spark was to be found in her spirit as she smiled at the man, trying to reassure him in some ways, "Even if the whole world's against you, you can always change it and your place in it. Nothing binds you to a terrible existence except one thing; the loss of hope, when you just stop trying and... accept things like you do. At that point, you've already given up and resigned yourself to an unjust end, because you won't keep fighting for what is yours. Honestly, that's a lot sadder than a plague or a monster attack, seeing someone else just give up on trying for something better."

"People can be saved from illness with medicine if you put in the work to make it, and people can be healed from their injuries if you work fast enough for it. It's when you don't try to fight back out of fear of failure, just accepting hardship as reality and not believing even a miracle of your own creation can help you... That's when that thing called fate becomes fact, and that's when you allow everything you care for to rot away."

"But that's just my opinion. Sorry for rambling on like that," Almost to try and play off the rant, Virginia awkwardly laughed and waved off the topic before nodding, "Anyways, we'll get to work hunting down the demon and its cloaked friend. Just stay inside for now, alright?"

When the group arrived at the village, Soraka decided that she would go to the inn. Brothels and taverns were not her type anyway. She followed a small group moving towards the inn.

After arriving at the inn, she couldn't help but think that the inn looked surprisingly normal. After seeing those hideous monsters back at the other village, she thought that this place would be dark and scary too. That wasn't until the innkeeper told them rumors about a mysterious demon goblin roaming around the place.

Then a young, brown-haired girl spoke up and practically gave a speech that they listened to. Soraka, impressed, said "Everyone, if you desire to purge this evil, this one shall offer you her services." She nodded at everyone and proudly showed her staff.

@Ver @Alex Azure @Takumi @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Khan of the Mardu @Inn​

 

[Kaykay]

"Peachy as can be," Constantine answered Sera with a wry smile, resting his arm on the bar, "Which means... under the given circumstances, not all that peachy, but them's tryin' times, y'know? But it's fine. I'm used to feeling knackered all the time. In my line of work, you don't really get holidays, and as far as I'm concerned, this is really just another day at the grind. Just... with way more people 'round. You get me, luv?"

When Ben returned to report what he had heard however, Constantine's smile quickly evaporated when he described the characteristics of the so-called demon goblin, features contorting slightly into an expression of exasperation as he let out a drawn out sigh. "Ough... Oof. Blimey, I can never catch a break though. That's a constant for ol' Constantine," he muttered, taking a swig of his drink, "Oh, Jason... What mess have you gotten into this time? And what did it have to do with ol' Z and Faust?" He mumbled under his breath. It seemed that, despite what he told Ben, Ciel, and Kokichi before, he was still hiding a few details concerning the circumstances of why he was here.

As for the unsavory patron, Constantine pursed his lip and shrugged. "I mean, I s'pose I could give him a mean look. Wouldn't even have to stand up. People crack better when there's more cooks in the kitchen, just like eggs."

The man in question could only give an incredulous look when Kaine spoke to him in that manner, eyes and mouth agape as though he had never been spoken to like that before. Bolting to his feet, slamming his hand on the table in anger, he gritted his teeth at her. "You... Who do you think you are?! Why, I ought to..." He began to say, before looking at Siegward and Ciel, and then turning to the others' direction, with Ben having redirected Constantine's (and perhaps Sera's as well) attention toward himself as well. He was outnumbered here in every sense, so he stopped, clicking his tongue.

"Fine, then. I don't fokin' need this anyway. I'll just drink at home," he said, silently turning around and beginning to leave with that.

As he came out of earshot, the shy barmaid finally began to speak, a meek, soft voice escaping her lips as she did so. "T-Thank you, but... you didn't have to do that for me," she spoke, before adding on to herself, "In fact... Y-You probably shouldn't have..."

Indeed, it seemed like she was still just as worried and uneasy now as she was when the man was around for whatever reason.

@Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Gummi Bunnies @Crow @Tavern

---

"It may not be right, but that's just the reality of this world. Bad things happen, and all we can do is try to pick up the pieces from the aftershock," Luca said in response to Morte as she changed out the towel for one of the girls under her care, "These girls... They don't have anything, y'know? No family, no care... Just themselves. That's why they're in a business like this. All the men are out doing the real jobs, and the women usually on the other hand have to count themselves lucky if they get picked to be a housewife," she sighed, putting her hands on her hips as she talked, "Someone has to look out for the little fellows, y'know? Would you believe that a royal knight once proposed to have me as a mistress? He was a really nice guy, but really, that kind of life for me... Too extravagant for me!"

"I still think you shoulda went with him. Jerome was a nice guy! One of the few in the Royal Guard!" Puck piped in, continuing to idly laze on Isidro's head.

"Hurm. A life with a fancy title like noble mistress... It's a useless life if you're tied to a husband who probably wouldn't have let you go out, and a life where I can't help people... is not one worth living to me. Even if I have to live as below that of a commoner, I'll keep goin', no matter what!" Luca continued, before letting out a tired sigh as she ran a hand through her long, silky hair, "Maybe it's because I was just born into this kinda lifestyle, but... I figure hedonism gets boring after a while. Helping other people -- doing the right thing because it's the right thing -- is... something I'll always find far more gratifying at the end of the day. Wouldn't you guys agree? Certainly, there are times where you had to do what you thought was truly right over what might have been easier, right?"

"A-Ah... But I'm preaching. Sorry, usual customers don't let me get this far. They say harlots like me have no business running my mouth like that," she said with an embarrassed laugh, before clearing her throat, looking at Sebastian as he posed his question, "Hmm? A great evil? Well... I could totally say something unhelpfully whimsical like... Evil is all around us and all that, but I guess I already did something like that, eh? Ahaha..."

"But... Well," she spoke, her expression growing serious again, "My guess is you guys haven't been hearing about the legend of the night castle. Rumor has it, a goblin comes every so often and, at the whim of a cloaked man with a strange book, kidnaps innocent citizens and disappears into this mystery castle that only rises at night. Got yellow skin, red eyes, and speaks in rhymes. Those are the exact words; doesn't sound like anything from this world, y'know? Such a presence is said to have brought about this plague, but... That couldn't possibly be it."

Beat.

"Right?"

@Raptor Jesus @Jeremi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Brothel

---

"I... ugh, I was joking," the innkeeper said, rolling his eyes, truly not expecting the thought of simply vanquishing the rumored demon to come so easily to them, "Though... With your get-ups, maybe I shouldn't have. Looks like you're all ready to put someone down at a moment's notice," he commented, nodding toward everyone's armor and weapons, before looking over at Grace, "Demon hunters, huh? Back where I grew up, we called 'em crazy folk, 'cause back then, I didn't believe in shit like demons. You'd think as we went on, we'd move past such archaic things. But now... I guess I need crazy to fight crazy."

"Right now... No one knows where the demon is. He comes and goes during the night, they say, following a cloaked man who controls his every move. Buuut, like I said, they did seem to arrive at the same time as the rumors about the castle that rises in the night. If you can find such a castle, maybe you can find 'em. But really, if I were you, I'd just go the other way. Nothing awaits beyond here but pestilence and suffering. You all seem so eager to track 'em down like it's a matter of life and death or something," he commented, placing his hands on his hips.

"But in the end, it doesn't really matter. Maybe this village was fated, destined even, to die off sometime. It's a little ways from fertile soil, the water tastes like ass... Mostly people who can't afford to live better lives live here. And to think their lives would get worse with this onset of plague... It's just not right," he said, shaking his head, "Fate comes for us all, I guess. Individuals and collectives. It's all just... useless. You'd do well to just settle for where you can right now, because ain't no way you're gonna see anything brighter if you keep carving your own path into uncharted territories. The unknown is the bane of man after all, as a people who strive for understanding. It only leads to despair."

It seemed that, basically, even if the group did have money on them, he was still reluctant to give them rooms, but perhaps an adequately stimulating response to his abrupt philosophy might stir him.

"Why are you so bent on hunting down the demon anyway? Do you really have a death wish or something?"

@Khan of the Mardu @Alex Azure @Takumi @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Inn​

"Heeeh...sounds stressful," Sera responded airily, only sparing a quick glance for the rather rude patron. Honestly speaking, simply the way they looked probably pointed to them being a group, considering they looked nothing at all like any of the other inhabitants of these towns. Her curiosity was piqued as to why the woman was so scared even now, but she didn't want to overwhelm the girl with questions. "Do you know that goblin or something?"
​

Siegward of Catarina
@Ver @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Kaykay @Minerva @Gummi Bunnies @Crow @Tavern

The friendly knight stood with wide eyes as the situation suddenly escalated. He was thinking of his words carefully, but it turned out that he didn't need to say anything at all since the man had been intimidated into leaving. This wasn't the outcome that he had hoped for, but it was still a somewhat favorable one. "Well... that certainly could have gone better..."​

"At least no one got hurt, right?"

@Crow @Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Raptor Jesus @Minerva @Otto​