Realm of Drageloc: Finding Our Star (IC)

[Drakel]

Moving Forward​

As the night progressed and all seven of the moons passed in sight the Captain and Lieutenant would select several of the party to take a slight shift for the night, starting with themselves. Their own eyes searching through the dark shadows that could be hiding anything within the trees as they rustled from the wind. Throughout the night movement could be heard and it was rather clear that they were all being watched. Eventually the fire of the camp died and the stressful night did come to an end as the first sun rose for the morning. A cold morning where the rays would hardly be felt through the chilling wind. Leaves staying truly strong on the trees and staying despite the strong breeze.

One by one, people rose and deconstructed their personal tents and bagged all of their items, their horses were all there though it was noted that for some of the party, rations were missing and flasks for water were torn, chewed open. 'Uka in specific had her own bags and belongings were opened with several things taken. The girl sighed and her fists were clenched as her lips pouted. Fuenté cursed silently before looking at the group and waving the metal hand. The figure already in full plate, probably with help from Valdenfa in the morning. "Don't let this affect you. We'll be at Kyrthrule long before nightfall and can restock our supplies." The armored knight's words was reassuring at most but it was quickly ended with the stern commanding tone from the captain. "We move out when the third sun rises." With that the captain sat atop the white steed again, already packed for having brought so few things.

And so, as the golden shine of the third sun came into the sight of the Silverheart mercenaries, the horses were galloping quickly and far from the three stones they camped at. This time a far quieter ride as the stress from what the captain and lieutenant both believing that they were being watched by something throughout the night was now over. Instead it was more peaceful of a ride.

The Surprises of Kyrthrule​

As the time progressed the landscape changed, from small clusters of trees or light forests around the cobble-stoned roads the Silverhearts traveled upon, they were greeted with large, long farmland and fields catering to a wide variety of critters and plants. around were many different forms of architectures, Gira Ka, Aelfensi', Dvergr, Human and more. Some magical, others made by chakra and the rest clearly made by good old fashioned hard work and ingenuity. Ahead was a a tall city, several different colored stone towers and roads of many forms all traveling towards it from all sides. Bridges, roads and more were all over the town, some existing due to pure magic or chakra and others were simply created by bridges and the tower's designs. Signs of all sorts were around as recruiters flooded the streets yelling their guild's name with enthusiasm towards everyone who dared to pass by them. Parchment flooded the streets by the guild flyers. Even the talk within the city was about the guilds' wars, the newest, biggest news about which guild does what or other talk about them. Mages Guild, Clerics Guild, Fighters Guild, Thieves Guild, Assassin's Guild, The Guild of Gira Ka, Aelfensi’ Guild, Merchant's Guilds, Farmer's Guild and so on. All sorts of names were passed around and all the different color of every building was signature towards the guild's own colors.

The overwhelming sight of it all was enough to make some crazy and even as the party walked on some bridges, below small brawls or bloody fights could be seen with the name of a guild being yelled or two. In Kyrthrule, everyone picked a side or two and there was no middle ground for anyone. No one could afford to make such a risk after all. A pure insanity of a city divided by the interests of those who decide to join the cults purely based around them and the lives they live focused solely for the very interests of the guilds they live.

On the ridge of ashland street between the "Alchemist's Guild" and "Guild of Serving Hands" yet under the "Tinkerer's Toy Shop" stood the Guild of Secrets. At the doorway stood a slim Dvergr wearing a linen buttoned up blue shirt with a thick red leather vest over it and a pair of rather fancy purple dyed trousers. His white beard was large with diamonds and gold dust within it and gave a bright blue shine. "About time ya got here. Any longer and the other guilds might've caught wind of our engagement." Yelled the small dwarf, beside him stood two tall Gira-ka in leather armor while carrying their crossbows.

"It's a good thing we got here on time then." Stated the Captain bluntly towards the Dvergr ad the two stared. Shortly after the small man laughed before stroking his beard. " It's good to see you again Joan. We're glad to see you Silverhearts still require us for the secrets ever unheard. Come in and take off your helm, you don't need the damned thing here." Was all the dvergr said before walking into the small guild hall.

The knight nodded before the large metal hands grabbed the black helm, pulling it up and off the knight's head. The thin neck was visible and as the metal hands grabbed and pulled off the bindings that kept the dark brown hair up, it revealed how long it truly all was. Falling down the figure's steel plated back with slight curls visible. Turning around the soft, fair skin was visible to put those around in awe. The bright icy blue eyes looking directly into the eyes of some party members and despite her tall height, her beauty was striking and quite opposite from what was to be expected of the serious captain of the party. Her red lips was frowned as the woman looked around at each party member's face, making mental note of each. Her brows furrowed as she turned around hands clenched. "Time to see what these spies hold." Was all she said as the Templar walked into the guild hall following the small Dvergr. "Indeed, time for us all to see. Though free it may not truly be. Will money be what pays the price? Or us as their captured dead mice?" Muttered the Ranger as his eyes shifting side to side while his frown

Inside the party was greeted with a long narrow hallway with long stone pillars on the side and magical or chakra torches that glowed a bright white light, which only made the shadows darker. At the end was a flight of stairs going down and the pillars and lights following the far side of the steps down. At the bottom was another long hallway with several rooms, each with a wooden door and iron handles and hinges. Above was a visible second story with the tall pillars and blue and white light lanterns.

As the group walked into a large, tight it room with a large octagonal stone table in the middle of it, the Dvergr sat down. It had a similar design as the hallway, pillars on a second story with blue and white lights above. The Dvergr told his guards to stay outside of the room and as they walked out, closing the door behind them Joan began the conversation. "So what did you find good friend?"
"Quite a bit, though how much is revealed will depend on the price you make." was his quick respond, in which the captain frowned. "A hundred gold will be the start, old friend. Now what is it?”

The Dvergr smiled as the captain threw a small sack of the gold towards him and a nod he began to take out a scrolled up piece of parchment from the back of his vest and slid it across the table. "When it comes to the Uldinzar, it appears there are guardians that protect it from those unworthy."
"As treasure stories always do" Cut in the excited Fallen girl.
"Perhaps. Though what's interesting is that even when it is stated that there are guardians, there is no description on what they may look like. They're certainly not dragons, giants or golems ."
"We already knew the danger. To this fact, we are no stranger. If wasting time is all you do, I say we take our gold away and onto you we bid 'ado'. For others may have more to say."

The Dvergr spy grumbled to himself before looking around towards the others. "No refunds are given after the secrets are already told. Plus I didn't finish. Joan, there are artifacts that help find the star. Some of which are on that scroll." Finished the Dvergr as Joan opened it and looked at it. From above a pebble fell and hit the ground, the roof was tall and high though a second story above was still visible with the stone pillars and lights. After a quick glance Joan closed the scroll, tying it to her belt. "I see. Thank you for your time Elrik." and with that the Captain began to get up. "If I may be so kind to ask, mind if we find haven here as well, good friend? I know the rooms are below and I'd rea~ " "Why, Of course you and your friends may stay should they please. Though the thing about guilds here, is that they all make sure to have the tavern guild be well paid and well taken care of."

With a nod the Captain began to walk out, only to stop for a second by an Aelfensi' barging into the room and whispered into the Dvergr's ear. "Joan, one last thing, and this one is free of charge. A strange Dvergr has been following you around. Not sure what he may want, though don't be shocked if he confronts you." And with that the captain nodded her recognition before walking out.

As the party walked out of the room, it was easily noticed that the two Gira Ka guards were no longer there, standing outside. In fact ever since they not a single soul or esper could be found within the guild. No other sound but from the party has been made and a dreaded emptiness filled the air.

Valdenfa was quick to move down the hallway to go back out. "I'm sorry captain but for now, I'd prefer to be far away. My trust in them, I disallow. In taverns I'd never be prey." And with that the elf walked up the stairs with quick haste and all but sprinted towards the taverns' bars.

The Captain sighing and shaking her head. "A pebble falls from the roof from the Tinkers' Guild's foolery and he becomes such a skittish cat." Was all the captain said with a slight chuckle before walking down. "I'll be reading this and seeing what'd be our best options. Though from what I saw we might go either be east or north from here."

'Uka smiled and nodded towards the Captain before rattling her back spines with great excitement and pointing out. "I'll be looking around." Was all the witch said before walking up with excitement, eyes full on wonder at the marvelous, colorful city around her.

 

[Luxin]

Niabrun sat his horse easily enough, but throughout the day on their approach to Kyrthrule, he was mired in a peevish and sour mental state. With how his water skins and rations had been molested during the previous night, he couldn't feel any real sense of trust with any of the members of his party, and while he longed to lash out at them, to interrogate each and every one, with force or magic if necessary, he knew it would do him no good. Even those in charge had assured them that there was something out there watching them, and as that thought settled into his mind, he let his mood slowly dissipate.

As they arrived in the city proper, the sudden clangor and sheer amount of noise and people before them set him on edge once more. Here were people from all walks of life, somehow coordinating enough to make a passing mockery of civilization while all being involved in things for purely their own benefit. For once since they'd set out, the Aelfensi' found something he could work with, as the minds of the greedy were easy things to twist and work indeed. They all wanted something, and a half-true promise with a betrayal instead of a payout was more than enough for anything he might need. Unfortunately, he wasn't given time to try and ply some less reputable skills, instead being ushered along the twisting and delightfully narrow streets until they found the inset door they were aimed to go. As the captain spoke with someone, he could only assume it was a Dvergr from the fact that he couldn't see the individual from where he sat in the group, he found his mind wandering.

The streets were perfect for his kind of fight. He didn't even have to aim if it came down to a brawl. And if he started to get charged and too many were coming at him, there were little nooks and handholds higher than most humans could reach that were easily within his grasp if need be. Escapes would be simple. He caught himself and brought his attention back to the moment at hand just as the captain took off the heavy steel helm. As her face was revealed, Niabrun simply quirked an eyebrow at the captain, not exactly surprised she was a woman, but wondering why she kept her hair long.

Upon entry to the Guild of Secrets, Niabrun found himself raising his eyebrows again, though this time more because of how fortunate he was. It wasn't just that the streets outside were tight, but it seemed that most everywhere here was. The first hallway into the building and already he could find ways to wreak havoc among any enemies that came their way. He chuckled, somewhat darkly, as the thoughts traipsed through his mind, and when they finally entered the larger room to discuss what it was the people in charge wanted to talk about only then did his mood begin to come down. From pissed that morning to positively elated just a moment before, his emotions had been on a coaster ride they hadn't experienced in some time.

As the meeting seemed to drag on, Niabrun lost interest again, once more allowing his mind to wander. He thought on how few people he'd seen since they entered, wondering about why it was, but he figured that he'd be safe from most any kind of danger while within the building. Even if not, he had a few tricks up his sleeves, one quite literally, that would keep him safe. As the meeting wound down, and people began to disperse, he found himself at a loss. He could go peruse the city some before tucking in for the night, or he could simply bed down again and wait until they truly got out into the wilderness. After all, people tended to respond to the release of raw power better when it wasn't on their doorsteps. He shrugged, then looked at 'Uka, stepping up beside her.

"So long as you keep your strange power to yourself, I'll keep you safe. There are too many ways for someone to get hurt here, and while I may not care much for others, I suspect I won't get nearly as good an adventure out of this if any of us start to die so early on." He wasn't going to ask to join her, and he wasn't going to let her simply walk freely about the city. It was, in all fairness, dangerous for any of them. As an afterthought, he pulled off the cloak bearing the Silverheart insignia, draping it by the door rather than wearing it.