[RP] Battle Between Worlds

[Rorolina Frixell]

Fleeing the scene with a single Bodyguard, Alec took a single look back to see the remaining bodyguards confronting the bandits, turning his attention forward again they retreated to Havlad and headed immediately to the Temple of Ryoku. Once within Alec was left to proceed alone to the shrine while his Bodyguard stayed at the entrance and observed from a distance, as Alec knelt before the shrine he felt a strange connection being created within him, though he didn’t fully comprehend it he felt more physically connected to the demonic entity within. Though at first it worried him it began to ease in as he sensed the presence of Ryoku, the Guardian Spirit which though invisible to his eyes he felt it within the Temple. Taking this as a strange new ability he rose back to his feet and turned back to his Bodyguard before walking back to her as they left the Temple together.

Once outside Alec immediately felt another presence, though this one was not Ryoku, nor was it a similar presence, unable to thoroughly detect it he chose to ignore it for the time being and proceeded along the path to the next temple, before he could he heard the sound of loud footsteps behind him. Turning around he saw the same bandits from earlier, though with smaller numbers, only 4 of them left, and sporting bloodstained swords, had he been detected already?

 

[AlchemistFox]

Elae had watched as the young prince entered the temple, she had never really been in a temple like this before, nor did she really care. She had recognized him as he ran away from the bandit group, the soldier that followed him; no doubt a bodyguard, managed to make their way to said temple.
Elae landed on the top of the temple roof, her wings entering a more relaxing pose as she crouched down, waiting for the prince to exit.
She thought for many minutes, she really wanted the help of the prince; or rather the King, to help her search for Alumar. She sat there wondering how she would gain his favor.
Now that demons had started spewing out from various ex-sealed shrines and whatnot, if she were to walk up to him and going 'Hey, I want your fathers favor'. Odds are that she would be struck down there and then. This town was rather standard, stone houses and stone buildings as well as stone roads and stone pavement... She sensed a stone theme here!

Sitting there, waiting, suddenly the doors opened and the Prince followed by his bodyguard exited the temple. He seemed rather relaxed, had he gained what he looked for?
Though it was outside of her range of aura-sensing, she could see that some people were running towards the young lad, sporting bloody swords; they looked like they were a part of the bandit gang from before.
Judging by the energy used to escape, if the prince had not found a powerful spell in the temple odds were that they would not survive the fight.
Wait, that's it! If she saved him she might gain the favor of the king!.
Taking a step off the tall building, she gained some falling speed before she extended her wings, starting to glide controlled towards the group of 4 bandits.

She aims, and lands, in the back of the neck of one of the bandits, riding his fall to the cold stone ground below; hearing a satisfying cracking sound as he lands. The bandits around her tried to look at each other but where blocked by the large black feathers. In a flash of purple smoke the wings disappeared, showing the unarmed Elae. Her pointy ears, long slender tail and blue tinted skin gave one the impression of not completely being human.
All at once, the four bandits charge her, but a spinning duck later Elae stood behind the lot where one of the bandits fell to the ground as blood started flowing steadily from his side. In her hands she suddenly had two curved daggers.
The two remaining bandits charge at her at the same time, aiming a slash towards her upper body, though only air was hit at this time, Elae had spun around while ducking, using the momentum to whip one of the bandits in the face with her tail; the slapping sound echoed across the block.
Rage filled his face as he stepped forward with his sword held high over his head, though this was interrupted by a knee to the gut, using his bending forward to leave one of her daggers in his neck. The last bandit alternated looking at the woman, his dead comrades, then back at the woman; he was hesitant but he wanted revenge.
Charging her with a stabbing motion, he stopped as he noted that she had long since dodged and was holding onto the dull side of the blade with her right hand. As he wondered why the thought was overloaded by his scream of pain and agony as electrical energy flowed though the metal blade, though his arms and cooked his internal organs all at once. He fell to the ground, smoking a little.

As Elae took a mental note of her surroundings, her aura-sensing confirmed the lack of presence of anyone that was against them. She straightened herself up, made sure that her attire and hair was nice and not damaged as she walked over to the dude with a knife in his neck.
Twisting it a little loosened it, as it suddenly disappeared from her hands instantly as if it was only an illusion.

Now feeling that she was done she walked towards the prince, hoping that she would not be struck down.
"I know this might sound weird..." she stated, looking almost embarrassed. "-But I need the help of you.. Or rather, your father." She knew this sounded weird and an odd request, but she hoped that the young royalty would at least consider it due to her current help.

 

[Valkyrur]

Lesley hated her life so far. It was uncertain, and Lesley hated uncertainty. She very much preferred a life of certainty which, at least, assured her that things would go right - most of the time anyway. Staring at the note she was putting up on the board, she shook her head. In the Summer Family, traditions overruled personal feelings.

Like it or not, she realized, she would have to stick to her instructions. It has already been three years since she was allowed to leave a life of rigorous training to be a free mercenary. Initially, she was excited beyond imagination. Next, she started to detest the change. Now, she felt like a prisoner slaving away to fulfill her sentence.

To think there was still a few more years to go before she is officially initiated into the family as a Mercenary of the Summer Family! The thought seem to echo in her head as she pressed the note against the board to make sure it would not fall off like the many on the floor.

She gritted her teeth, exerting more force on the note until it started to crumple. Stepping back sheepishly, she read the note again.

'Summer Mercenary Available!

Ask for Lesley Summer at the Dragon Tail Inn. Price negotiable.'

She had to admit, 'Summer' and 'Mercenary' put together created a rather amusing thought. Still, it seemed the name was still renowned enough to have a few people looking to hire her. Those were mostly thugs from the marketplace though, and they paid such paltry sums that Lesley could not help but feel scorn for.

Then again, she never offered herself as anything more than a bodyguard. This time would be different.

... Or at least, she hoped it would be different anyway.

At the rate she was headed, she figured it would not be long before she decides to give up. Her dwindling finances does not offer much to her case either.

Shaking her head at her own plight, she turned away from the board and left the Mercenary Guild by the side gates. Dragon Tail Inn was just beside the guild, connected by the side gate she just took. It was rather run-down, but it offers the cheapest rate in the entire city of Studia.

Entering her room in the inn, she heaved a sigh as she fell back on her bed. There would be nothing to do until someone came to offer her a job.

 

[Tipsynaruto]

OOC: Italics are internal monologue and thoughts.

Viridiania Xuxa

A cheery rhyme was in the air as Viridiania hummed and whistled an old nursery rhyme that her nanny used to sing to her. She was in a good mood. Not too long ago, she protected a village from wolves, helped some refugees in finding shelter and homes, saved a pregnant lady and her child during childbirth and pitched in at a town festival, helping with effects with her magic. Her mood could not be any better. Firophoenix, on the other hand, did not share her mood. The Astral Wolf paced and weaved between humans ahead of his charge, sniffing at them, trying to ascertain if they were going to be a threat to Viridiania. Of course, if he had been in the same plane as her, chaos and panic would ensure given his size, but Firophoenix in his current form is invisible and intangible to all but Viridiania or those of high magical powers. Even then, they would only perceive a hazy outline.

Firo... I do wish you would stop pacing about. You are making me dizzy

Huuurrrr......I too can say about your overly carefree mood. Do try and be more alert and aware of your surroundings.....

To anyone close enough, they'd think the girl is talking to herself. Viridiania wasn't about to let Firophoenix put a damp on her mood, so she ignored him and continued on. What she was looking for was the town message board or perhaps a help board. No matter how menial it is, Viridiania was always willing to do her best, for both herself, her pilgrimage and for the people. Unfortuantely for the small girl, the town message board had a small number of assistance jobs, but a great deal of selling and seeking love partners notices. It was depressing, but nonetheless, Viridiania took the notice that requested some people to help sweep the streets near the taverns and guild due to rowdy behaviour of the patrons there. Acquiring a broom from the council, the mage went off with gusto and began to clean the street in front of the Dragon Tail Inn and the Mercenary Guild

Grrr..... How can you be doing such a task, Viridiania?! You are the descendant of the Great Magister Mage Marianna, the Marchioness of Alba Arancus! This is way below your station.

Hmmmmm..... I told you to call me Tavvy or Vi. In any case, i am serving the people.Isn't that what Royals are meant to do? So, im helping the people by making their town a nicer place. Plus, i am not Marchioness yet. Im still too young.

Firophoenix gave a resignating sigh and sat next to Viridiania. The area was rather dirty and littered with flyers, flasks, bone from meals and residue and leaves, dirt and dust. It was going to take her a while, but she had all the time in the world
​

 

[Rorolina Frixell]

Watching the mystery woman almost effortlessly dispatch the attackers, Alec was left in a state of awe. His bodyguard however was not left with similar feelings, stepping in front of Alec she unsheathed her sword and pointed it at the woman.

"I know this might sound weird..." she stated, looking almost embarrassed. "-But I need the help of you.. Or rather, your father." Before Alec could reply his bodyguard stepped in "And what business do you have with the king? State your name!" Before she could reply, Alec spoke up too "E-Excuse my my lady, if you need my father, why don't you just go and visit him?"

As he spoke, Alec felt something strange about the woman with her aura, though her wings were a clear indication she definitely wasn't human, but is she malevolent too?

 

[AlchemistFox]

OOC: Sorry for the delay... I sort of forgot that a post was made...
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Elae halted in her steps, suddenly there were an armored female between herself and the prince. Pointing a sword at her body no less!
She was not stupid enough to do something rash, though she did not like being held at sword point without reason. Though, all things considered being that this woman was a bodyguard it was logical that she would guard said body from this unknown person, one of a clear demon heritage no less.

Elae did a bow, of sorts. "My name is Elae Loren. I seek an audience with the King; I have a favor to ask." she replied to the female bodyguard. Looking past her Elae continued answering the prince. "Well, as you might note I'm not exactly completely human; so it's somewhat a problem just strolling to the gates asking to see the king... I would most likely be skewered without second thought. Breaking in, something I could do if you wish, would not exactly gain the kings favor either.." Her tail flicking back and forth during the conversation, as if she was some form of cat.

Elae took a few steps backwards. "I do not expect any service for free, my wish from the king is taking advantage of the royal connections helping me to find someone. If needed I'm willing to... return the favor~" the last words of her explanation had a playful tone to it as she had a slightly seductive look on her face.

 

[Valkyrur]

[OOC: I just realized that I never added a 'Personality' segment to my character bio!]

Yet, sleep eluded her. The day was far from over, and Lesley was not weary enough for the bed to claim her consciousness. Getting up, she paced back and forth. She made sure her pacing brought her to the windows, where she took the opportunity to glance at the Guild. It was foolish to expect a client this quick, but she just had to look.

Instead, she sees a familiar face sweeping the floor.

Viridiania. There she was again, probably 'serving the people'. The land that her family owned, Alba Arancus, was not that far from this land - which made her a sort of royalty around these parts. Couple that with her reputation as a witch of skill, the notion that she would be sweeping the streets was just a terrible mismatch.

Nevertheless, that was none of her business. Lesley sighs as she finds herself leaving her room, and out of the inn. Approaching Viridiania with measured gait, she greets the latter,"Hey."

The Summer Family, being magic-users themselves, greatly revere the Octavia Xuxa Family. Though they did not have any direct link whatsoever, the process of upbringing in the family taught of the superiority of members of that family. Which was why Lesley was thrilled to know someone from that legendary family - and the Marchioness no less!

"Serving the people again?"

Lesley bit back her inner chiding. She could already visualize virtually everyone in her family scolding her for the casual tone she used with the young Marchioness. Cousin may get away scot-free though, she noted as she smiled, both at the thought, and at Viridiania.

 

[Tipsynaruto]

Viridiania Xuxa

Hey. Serving the people again?"

As Viridiania finished off clearing the area around her, a "in the back of my head" familiar voice called out to her. Turning to the person, Viridiania could not say that she remembers the woman's countenance, and her memory was pretty darn good. Whatever the case, she acknowledged the woman that had greeted her. Regardless of positions and what not, the woman was obviously older than her so repsect must be shown. For her, it was a slight tip of the head bow.

Greetings. Indeed, helping and serving the people is the purpose of my pilgrimage.....

Halfway through, Firophoenix scoffed in agreement with the woman.

Hrrr.... This woman has the correct line of thought, as does probably most of the people in the world. Marchionesses do not go and perform the tasks of maids and servants.

Hush, Firo.

Frowning slightly, Viridiania had to chide the spirit wolf before returning her attention to the woman. Faking recognition wouldn't be smart, so she had to take the first step and admit it.

Forgive me, but i am afraid i am unable to recall a name. I am Viridiania Octavia Xuxa. If you do not mind, may i have your name please?

By now, Viridiania had stopped sweeping. It was mostly clean already but it would be rude of her if she continued to sweep whilst talking to the woman. She appeared to be some warrior with some ability in the arcane arts. She does not why, but something about her face is familiar, but she is sure she has yet met this woman before.

​

 

[Rorolina Frixell]

Alec felt a little uncomfortable at the end of Elae's sentence though he managed to shake it off as best he could "W-well I suppose you could come with us" his bodyguard, in clear defiance raised an objection "My lord! must we travel with such rabble that only wishes to exploit you?"

Alec then looked down to the floor "That may be so, but we need all the help we can get right now if any more trouble turns up, I don't want all the burden to fall on you" his bodyguard shrugged this off "it is my duty to defend you my lord, even if it means my death. I don't need assistance from a common harpy"

Before Alec could respond he sensed something strange, though in this instance it wasn't an aura exactly.

 

[Valkyrur]

[OOC: Another curious question. Would my character be able to see the fox spirit around your character? ]

It was true that her position in the family was not anything noteworthy, hence her empathy with Viridiania's forgetfulness. Lesley thought back to her cousin again, realizing with a slight tinge of envy that her cousin would probably be more 'memorable' due to his being the direct heir to the Summer Family's leadership.

"I'm Lesley," she replied, omitting her family name as a way to spite her family - albeit subtly. Her Family's elders would never have let her off for failing to include a family name in the introduction.

"I'm a mercenary. My family are all mercenaries, and I'm sort of on a 'pilgrimage' in a sense, except I'm supposed to gain experience as a mercenary. There's still a few long years before all this ends though."

Lesley was almost wistful as she related a concise summary of her situation. She would very much rather be home with the family, working on missions together as they had once did at some point.

 

[AlchemistFox]

OOC : I hate dialogue posts... not that much you can detail in them! Not to mention I'm still a tad rusty...
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Elae could not help by twitching a little when being named a harpy... Those are rather vile creatures while Elae herself was not, at least not in her own eyes.
The rage was not really present, but one could notice that she did not like the comparison, not one bit.
"I assure you, I'm not out to harm the Prince, or you would not be standing now." she stated, clearly hinting to that she just killed off the men that took out the other bodyguards.
"Should I have wanted him against his will, I would not have stood here and asked for it." she added to her explanation, growing tired of this bodyguard.

While she understood her views on keeping anyone unknown away from the prince, she should be smart enough not to insult the one that singlehandedly saved both of their lives, and could take them as they were now should she wish.
"Also..." her voice darkened a little. "Call me harpy again and I'll show you the difference in the two of us." clearly hinting to the power difference between the two.

 

[Tipsynaruto]

OOC: Considering your magical heritage, i'd say yes, but as a slight heat haze. Yknow.... you'll see him in a vagely wolf like shape, but you'll see a slight glass like distortion of whatever is behind him rather than colour... perhaps maybe see a slight smoky look inside the shape. Only top tier mages can see him completely, numbering in the tens.

Viridiania Xuxa

"I'm Lesley, I'm a mercenary. My family are all mercenaries, and I'm sort of on a 'pilgrimage' in a sense, except I'm supposed to gain experience as a mercenary. There's still a few long years before all this ends though."

Well met Ms Lesley...

Viridiania found it odd that Lesley did not state her family name, but everyone was entitled to some privacy. If she wishes to censor out her family name, then so be it.

It is with such great fortune that i meet someone that has a similar goal as me. Similarly, i have years ahead of tempering before i am able to return as well. let us hope both our journeys will smooth sailing no?

By this time, Firophoenix had left his spot behind Viridiania and had pawed himself over in front of Lesley. In his spiritual form, he stood at a similar height as a horse and right now, stared straight into Lesley's eyes with his own crystal teal spirit eyes. His nose twitched as he sniffed the human, testing for her threat level towards his master and generally sizing her up.

Herrr....... This little one has some powers.....Potentially a formidable human warrior.....

Firophoenix muttered to Viridiania before narrowing his eyes, probing.

​

 

[Rorolina Frixell]

OOC: Small post is small

"You believe threatening us will grant you any favour? I am not one so weak that i'd put my own life above Prince Alec's and if you have nothing more to add we shall be taking our leave of you" turning her back on the woman, Alec's bodyguard motioned him to turn around and leave her. Having no reason to speak with her they both left her there, though in Alec's case somewhat reluctantly to turn down help.

As they began to leave the village Alec felt a strange aura again, were they being followed or was his aura sensing making him paranoid?

 

[Valkyrur]

[OOC: I'm imagining something along the lines of a target in Assassin's Creed's Eagle Vision, lol. 'Locate your target in gold'!]

"Yeah," muttered Lesley in a halfhearted manner. She was homesick, but on second thought, coming back home would throw her back in the family politicking. Her parents would be pressing for her to do well, and all. Sure, the missions would be an everyday thing and it would be fun, but who knows how her other family relations would behave? She wasn't that close to her cousin either, so it was just as good as considering her a standalone member.

She looked back at Viridiania and almost gasped. From beside the girl emerged a strange mass of energy. It appeared vaguely like a wolf, but Lesley could not confirm that considering the distorted view she has of this creature. Whether or not it was hostile is another matter.

The creature stopped in front of her, staring into her eyes. It was a tall being and it seemed to be sizing her up... And also blocking her view of Viridiania.

"Uh," she began, awkwardly. "Are you seeing what I'm seeing? There's something between me and you, Viridiania."

 

[Tipsynaruto]

Viridiania Xuxa

Viridiania was deep in reminising thoughts of her family and her servant friends, especially Meo, her nanny. Despite all the front and bravado she may put out about her responsibility as a Marchioness and her duty and pilgrimage, most girls her age would stillbe playing with dolls at the school yard with other girl's their age keeping them company. Viridiania is out about in a foreign country with naught but a spirit woulf to keep her company. The fact that nobody can see him makes many that see her think she is touched in the head.

"Uh, are you seeing what I'm seeing? There's something between me and you, Viridiania."

Viridiania blinked quickly from her daze and turned towards Lesely. Indeed, in front of her sittin on his haunches was Firophoenix, staring at the mercenary with his teal eyes. She could swear that she smelt smoke from how hard his eyes was drilling at her. She did not even notice when he had left her side

Ah!

Herrr....... This little one has some powers.....Potentially a formidable human warrior.....

Hawawawa..... Firo! Don't do that! You are making her uncomfortable!
C'mon.... Don't force me...

Firophoenix didnt budge however and sat there, even inching forward another centimeter. The exasperated Viridiania had to pull out her trump card

Mouuu! Nick! Back Nick! Down boy!

Firophonix physically flinched, his fur suddenly standing on its ends before his head slowly turned towards Viridiania.

NRGH! That is dirty pool Viridiania!

Ignoring the indignant tone in his voice, Viridiania folded her arms and tapped her foot as if waiting.

We'll play that later. Now back to my side.

Of course, being wolf and admitted subservience to the Marchioness, Firophoenix couldn't resist the urge and pandered back towards the girl's side and back by her side. Viridiania quickly bowed in apology to Lesley.

Much apologies Ms Lesley. That was Firophoenix, my spirit wolf, guardian and companion. He has a less than..... trusting disposition, so sorry for the confrontation just then. He is the reason why my family has allowed me to be alone. On a different note.... you must possess a high magnitude or potency for magic Ms Lesley. Most average and even medium class mages are unable to detect Firo, and yet you are able to actually somewhat see him.

Viridiania was now more surprised and in awe, her eyes sparkling. Maybe this woman was a very adept mage and could perhaps teach her some things or give her a bit of pointers?

​

 

[Valkyrur]

So there was a spirit wolf. Lesley was downright impressed hearing that from Viridiania. It almost felt as if she had discovered a major secret that could help her excel in her magic - except it won't. For the family to allow her to travel alone just because of this wolf says a lot about it's strength. Although she have had experience dealing with some other spirits of nature, Lesley decided her curiosity will not be enough to compel her into battle against this one.

"On a different note.... you must possess a high magnitude or potency for magic Ms Lesley. Most average and even medium class mages are unable to detect Firo, and yet you are able to actually somewhat see him. "

A wave of happiness flowed through her. The wave was halted before it reached her head though. It was far too full with memories of how her family never praised her much, nor did they recognize that they all had magical potentials that far surpassed the average class- and sometimes medium class - mages. So to have these words coming from someone else, and the Marchioness no less, was something Lesley highly valued.

Still, she had a personal code of humility. As unwilling as she was, she decided she had to reveal her family name now.

"Well, I guess that's a birthright of a Summer Family member. I forgot to mention that earlier," Lesley didn't 'forget' as much as she 'decided not to'.

"Our family is generally gifted with the ability to wield strong magical powers. We use these abilities to support our Mercenary business. Be that as it may, I'm not one of the stronger members, so I omitted my name earlier. I thank you for you kind words. They're probably the best I've ever heard so far."

And she wasn't exaggerating, unless the overused 'good' is a better praise. That, in fact, was essentially the only praise she got. Others include 'okay', 'keep going'. It wasn't as good as 'good' though.

 

[AlchemistFox]

OOC : Im sorry it took so long for me to post, I will try to be more active now that the thing that ate my time is done with ^^
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Elae was not about to be blown off and stay that way, well, she did like one of the meanings of the sentence but that did not relate all too much in this context. As soon as the prince and bodyguard rounded a corner Elae manifested her wings, a few flaps later she found herself on a rooftop; completely leaving the bodies behind.
She really wanted the king’s favor, or more she needed it as she had already used quite the time to search for him herself; she needed more eyes on it.

Having been close to the prince, she had already gotten the unique… taste… to his life-force, there were a slight demonic tint to it, or was she just getting rusty? She was not completely certain but whatever it was it was a rather special scent so it should not be hard to follow…
Though; this possible demon side, what could it be? Could he be camouflaging his other side? Did he feel Elae’s presence? If he indeed were a higher ranking demon, or half, why did he just not take care of the guards himself and what was he doing in a holy temple of all things?

Elae thought about things like this as she skipped from rooftop to rooftop as silently as she could, wondering if she should confront him with it or just leave it. In any case for now she waited as she thought about what would be a good way to gain his trust without seeming too conspicuous.