Complete Private Lake Horatio A Step Forward

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

Yume stared at the village in the tree with a mixture of awe and wonder. The place - something that she had been told was small and overly unimpressive - had left her standing in the middle of the field as she considered it. Built into the very branches of the large tree that supported its weight and structure, Oflainn appeared as little more than a connection of wood planked walkways connecting numerous buildings that were built into the branch and trunk of the oversized plant that was its centre.

She could see a winding staircase that led up the trunk towards the main level - smaller such staircases that seemed to twirl further upwards to higher points, their purposes beyond Yume's current understanding. She felt her eyes rise as she tried to take it all in, noticing that the locals appeared to be crafting some new foundation, a few levels above the largest ring of structures.

Realising that she still had a job to do, she shook off her hesitation and awe, forcing her feet to move and carry her towards the tree. For the time being, she'd be getting a close inspection of the location - and perhaps a more detailed inspection of how it all managed to stay together. She smiled at the thought, excited at the prospect of perhaps finding a new secret in the mystery of the village itself.

---

She hadn't expected to meet anyone she knew in this remote part of Astorea, but as she had entered the small tavern-slash-inn, the maid had been obvious against the few other patrons who were seated in the main eatery. Smiling broadly, Yume bounded across the open area before sliding into a chair across from Magnolia.

It's nice to see you again, Magnolia-san! Anata ni aitakatta! What brings you to Oflainn? Isn't it such a wonderful place! I mean, a village. In a tree! Who would've thought?

She leaned back in her chair slightly as she realised that she hadn't even let the maid properly say hello - nor had she truly greeted the woman properly herself, her excitement at the entire encounter overtaking her common sense. Taking a deep breath, she smiled slightly before bowing her head partially.

Yā, Magnolia-san. It is good to see you again.

@Magnolia​

 

[Magnolia]

Magnolia took gentle sips of her drink, with her gaze being glassy and empty as her mind was deepened into thoughts. Her heart was conflicted with so much chaos from the recent events. Just as the Starcalled had returned to this world, where she thought that maybe, just maybe she would manage to slowly escape from her 'lander-disguise' shell, things seemed to turn upside down.

Landers were now hostilized all over Falderen, and even if her master never showed to have any concern with them, it didn't sit Magnolia well, to have the possibility of him deciding to get rid of her if he ever figured out she was a Lander.

Her fist clenched, a bit tight as she took another sip... With her face only not shifting into anger because her expressions always had been failing her.

However, her boiling emotions were soon calmed by a familiar voice, one that made anything negative bubbling inside her to tone down before it virtually ceased.

Her eyes trailed up to Yume, and the maid stood up.

"Madam Yume." She said, bowing her head deeply. "It is a pleasure and an honor to see you once again."

An unexpected, but pleasing surprise. The question that came along with it made Magnolia raise her face. "I'm only taking some time to myself. My Master told me he will stay in Astorea for a few weeks, and he told me I could enjoy my time as I wished, until he decide to send me a magical message to meet him once again." She explained, hiding the fact that she was also taking the moment to do a few side works, most of them of underground nature.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

Her grin had faltered for only the split second, before returning to her face. Something about the way that the maid had appeared mere seconds ago, followed by the way that she had stated that she was taking some time to herself, had made Yume question the maid's purpose. Not that the question had lasted long - she knew that everyone had their quirks, and reasons.

Sōdesu ka? You deserve some time off, it's good to see you're getting some.

She slid into a seat across from Magnolia, setting her hands on the table before looking around. There were few others around, and those who were in the small eatery appeared interested in keeping to themselves. Content that they were given some measure of privacy, Yume decided to indulge in a minor amount of gossip and conversation.

I've actually been given my first...well, I'm not an official member yet, Shikashi! I'm working on joining the Lion's...Pride? I think that's the name. I always call them Lion's. I'm looking to join up with them!

She knew she was getting off topic quickly, and shook her head to force herself to focus. The excitement was running through her as she began talking - the words stumbling out faster and faster with each syllable. She was finally finding a purpose in this world, beyond simply enjoying the night's sky.

Hai...right, they sent me here to deal with a local group who had begun making demands of the...Eel-ahd-ians?...erm, the local population...something about demanding payment for not attacking them, or some such thing. The Kishi who sent me said that I should dissuade them from causing problems for the locals.

She still hadn't quite figured out what that had meant. Her best guess, was that she had been sent to investigate and speak to whatever group was causing problems - although, how she would find them to begin with was something she hadn't considered prior to leaving. In fact, she was only just now realising the task ahead of her.

@Magnolia​

 

[Magnolia]

Magnolia blinked in a mild surprise. Yume as a Lion?

"Interesting, madam Yume. I didn't expect you to desire to join a faction, much less the Lions Pride." She admitted, perhaps thinking the woman was way too carefree-looking to join something so strict like the Lions. However, she knew she knew little about her... friend... despite everything.

Taking a seat once again, Magnolia looked at Yume, pondering about it.

"So you are with your first mission, madam Yume? And it seems to be one of great importance." Magnolia muttered, looking around for a moment, before returning her attention to the woman.

"... But I don't see other knights, madam. You... Aren't planning to go all by yourself, are you? Especially for an entrance exam, this mission seems too dangerous to go alone." Magnolia pointed out, despite not wishing to make the assumption that she was actualy going there by herself, so she waited for Yume to explain the situation fully.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

Yume looked sheepish as Magnolia mentioned that she hadn't expected her to join a faction. In fact, Yume hadn't intended to make her way into a faction to begin with. That was, until someone else had sold her on the idea, on the purpose behind it.

But as Magnolia mentioned the danger in her little quest, she felt herself perk up in response. A hesitation took to her voice, and she fiddled with her dress ever so slightly as she considered her friend's response.

Dangerous...? Watashi wa suisoku suru, I hadn't considered it could be dangerous. I just...thought I'd talk to them, and maybe try and convince them to...maybe be more friendly?

Saying it aloud, it sounded stupid. She'd expected to arrive, to have a nice conversation against...what? A group of heavily armed individuals who had intimidated an entire village enough that they had brought the attention of a protective force down upon them. Suddenly, her plan wasn't looking so well thought out.

I...may not have fully thought this through, entirely...

She gave a sheepish look towards Magnolia, trying to figure out how to best broach the next step in her suddenly-new plan. The slight smile on her face only accented her devious idea, and as she opened her mouth, she let her tone take on a sweeter ring.

Say...Magnolia-san...you seem well versed in...Korera no koto...meeting with people, and dangers and...this world...would you have any tips or pointers for me?

@Magnolia​

 

[Magnolia]

A pang of concern ran through Magnolia, but she couldn't help but understand where Yume was coming from. It was just part of her nature, and even if the Lions had to put some harsher enforcement when things went dire, a lot of them did a much more pacifist work.

"You need to take it into account, madam. What if they harm you?" She asked, serious even if her expressions didn't show it.

When requested for some tips or pointers, Magnolia paused for a moment.

"Be selfish, madam. Sometimes you need to put yourself above everyone else. Especially if you intend to stay alive to save more people." Magnolia explained. "Don't go too far for something uncertain, take the most cautious approach you can to anything, and just risk things if you are sure that it will be worth it, even if you fail." Those were the cold and true advices she could give to Yume.

That broke her stoic and caring behavior.

"Still... The best advice is to not go alone... In which case." Magnolia rested a hand on her chest. "Madam Yume, I will accompany you in this journey. I won't be able to rest well knowing you may be in danger."

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

She'd begun to fidget more as Magnolia had continued to explain why it was a bad idea to have taken this on. Yume was smart enough to realise that the maid was speaking to her rash choice to partake in a solo adventure of this magnitude, but still it felt personal to a degree.

Well...I can defend myself, a bit! I have Sutāmajikku. It's...really good for protective measures, and I've been practicing! A bit...I mean not a lot...but a bit...

Her eyes shifted down to the table as she spoke, the embarrassment clear as her face flushed ever so slightly. She knew, almost immediately, that she had just signed up for something that may have been well above her capabilities - at least, her current ones. Watashi wa tada hitobito o yūkō-teki ni shitakatta dakedesu...

She perked up at Magnolia's confirmation, however. She sat silently for a moment, trying to find the words to thank the woman. She had never expected the maid to join with her, in fact it had been nothing more than a happy coincidence that she'd run into Magnolia at all.

Magnolia-san...I...Arigatō. Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu.

She fell silent as she tried to figure out what to do next; between how to thank Magnolia properly, as well as how to begin on her quest to Help the People of Oflainn. Her eyes focused on the table in front of her, and her brow furrowed ever so slightly, her expression thoughtful.

Ahem...do you...have any idea where one would find a group of brigands around here...?

@Magnolia​

 

[Magnolia]

The embarrassment of the woman was unnecessary, but Magnolia didn't comment. If she intended to be affected by that, she would simply wait until she was recovered from it.

"If they desire to meddle with Yladians, it means they are hiding in the depths of the forest, so they can recon their main habitat and try to use it against them... I'd say they will fail, madam. But avoiding conflict would be for the best... So we may intercept them." She cleared her throat, finishing her drink before standing up and placing some coins on her table, a payment for what she had consumed.

Her eyes trailed to the exit, and she approached Yume. "Madam, come with me, first we need some clues of where to go... Otherwise, we will be chasing our own tail." Her words were quick, and it lacked the same overwhelming formal tone it had when they were interacting at first. Either it was because of the current situation or because Magnolia was more comfortable with the woman right now, it was hard to distinguish.

Reaching for the door, the maid pushed it open, soon taking a path that almost seemed random, but it was way too firm to be chosen by chance.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

Yume rose and followed the maid, noticing immediately the change in her behaviour. There was a determination to it, one that reminded her of her father in a way. The steady cadence of footsteps, the way in which she held herself in regard, the pure aura that radiated from her. It all reminded Yume of how her own father had attended his business meetings - a force to be reckoned with, which would not be stopped. In many ways, a tsunami in human form.

Uhm...sumimasen, Magnolia-san, where are we going?

Yume followed along behind the maid, noticing the way in which the paths seemed random, and yet somehow felt purposeful. As if the maid knew exactly where they were heading. The only clue that Yume could give, was that they were not heading out towards the depths of the forest, or if they were, it was not through the means in which she'd originally arrived in Oflainn.

Without any guidance herself, however, Yume had no choice but to follow along behind the woman - accepting her fate as the secondary for the moment, at least. Not that she was entirely complaining - she had no original ideas about what would need to be done in order to even start this task. Something that she probably should have considered before coming all this way, if she were being honest with herself. Baka.

@Magnolia​

 

[Magnolia]

Magnolia peeked at Yume, then facing forward once again. "There are rangers that scout all of the extension of Lake Horatio. They have affinity to nature and animals, that serve as eyes and ears to them." She explained. "They may already have noticed something has been off, and maybe are willing to share information with us." Magnolia said eventually nearing one of the edges of the village.

By there, a duo of rangers seemed to be preparing for another round of patrol, while two others were returning just in time for the two girls to appear.

At first, the quartet seemed to ignore them, but soon Magnolia's eyes brimmed, catching their attention before bowing in a greet.

A few of them glanced at her, and there was a momentarily exchange of looks between them, albeit no word seemed to escape from their lips, until eventually they exchanged a much longer and intent stare.

Magnolia's mouth half opened, and she nodded with slightly pursed lips, returning a deep bow to them before turning to look at Yume.

"Apparently, there has been a sudden disappearance of a family of deers they had been taking care of." Magnolia said. "Their only clue was signs of a camp, one that shouldn't be allowed there. Not according to what was concerted with the Kingdom of Astorea and the Adventurers Guild. Which can only mean it was from an idependent or illegal group."

Magnolia paused.

"Considering brigands also need to feed themselves, this may be a trail to follow, madam Yume."

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

The silence seemed to stretch and stretch, until Yume found herself bouncing between her toes in an attempt to remain silent. When Magnolia eventually turned and explained everything to Yume, the woman found herself struck silent as she tried to process everything that had just occurred.

You...but...you never spoke?

For a few seconds, she wondered if Magnolia was lying to her, or trying to direct her down a path for some sort of incorrect purpose. The thoughts disappeared almost instantly, however, as she realised the maid would never do that. Instead, she assumed that there was something else behind it all, some other reasoning.

Wait...can you communicate...Terepashī-teki ni? With the mind?

Sure, it seemed almost too foreign to consider. But this game brought about numerous experiences and capabilities that Yume would otherwise have considered entirely impossible in the normal frame of mind. She reminded herself of the night on the lakeside, when she danced with the stars, and how she had felt their power drawn into herself.

So...we should go check the camp, then? This is a good plan, you are very wise Magnolia-san.

She gave a partial bow to the maid, before deciding that she was ready to take action. Stepping before the maid, she gave a smile back towards her friend, before making her way down the stairwell that led to the ground below. For the time being, she would lead them through the forest a while, and protect them both should anything dangerous happen. Watashi ga suru koto ga dekimasu.

@Magnolia​

 

[Magnolia]

Magnolia looked at the puzzled expression Yume had on her face, and she shook her head at the mention of 'never speaking'. "We spoke, but... Elves can speak to other people's minds." Magnolia said, gently tracing her finger on her hair, tucking it behind her pointy ear before looking directly at Yume, with her eyes brimming softly before words slipped into the woman's mind.

'Like this, madam Yume.' Magnolia's voice echoed, without any particular direction, and with her lips never moving.

When suggested to explore the camp, Magnolia nodded. "Indeed, we should, madam Yume." She agreed, glancing at Yume taking a step forward and taking the lead, which was enough to make some of Magnolia's stiffness to fade for a moment.

Of course, that was a mission Yume had to accomplish.

Magnolia got so worried about her, that she didn't stop to think her friend had to develop the skills necessary to continue to do these missions in the future, under the cloak of the Lions Arms...

... Wait... Friend?

Magnolia paused, pursing her lips as she continued to follow.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

She had to give herself some credit, she hadn't flinched when the voice entered her head. She'd felt her eyes open ever so slightly wider, but she'd stayed her ground and smiled in response. Now, she was leading them into the woods, heading off in a direction that was quickly corrected - and continued to be corrected every so often - by Magnolia.

This place is so big...beautiful, but so big...

There was a tinge of wonder to her voice as she eyed the trees around her. It reminded her of the forests that she had visited as a little girl - overpowering, towering over her like she was nothing more than an insect to them. It was an aweing feeling that she found somehow comforting, as if there was pleasure in knowing that there was something more to the world than herself, than people.

I would've been lost within moments if it were not for you, Magnolia-san. One of these days I will have to find a way to repay you for this kindness. Watashi wa sore o chikaimasu.

The world around them was far from dead and silent, unlike Yume had expected when they'd entered it. The chittering of small insects, the crowing of numerous birds - species she didn't recognise in the least - filled the air and drove away any expectations she may have had.

It didn't take them long to find the clearing with the encampment. A small collection of tents that seemed to encircle one another in an odd pattern. Yume stopped to eye up the location, trying to figure out the best course of action.

Shall we...head in?

She chewed on her bottom lip slightly as she glanced over towards Magnolia, uncertain in her decision to approach head on. She figured the maid would find the plan dangerous, to say the least. They were unaware of whether this camp was friendly or not, and the two probably looked like easy targets for anyone of less friendly mindsets.

@Magnolia​

 

[Magnolia]

Magnolia tilted her head to gaze at Yume when she released her grateful words, and the maid shook her head- "You do not need to feel indebted, madam Yume. If I am doing this, I'm not doing it for you to repay me, instead it is..." Magnolia paused, feeling a momentary hesitation, one that nearly created a lump in her throat, and her chest itched, prickled like needles before she finally mustered the rest of her words- "... It is just because I care, madam Yume." She said, then she continued her path.

It didn't take long, however, for them to get near a camp, and Yume's considerations made Magnolia look at the camp and ponder a bit herself, before looking at Yume and trying to discern her abilities.

As far as she knew, she had magical powers, and since she didn't bear an armor, nor used any martial gear, it was easy to assume she was a spellcaster.

"Madam Yume." Magnolia said, resting a hand on Yume's shoulder before she could move away. "I may be wrong, but you are a spellcaster, right?" She asked. "... I may be able to bait them so you can neutralize them. Unless... You have a better planning." She suggested.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

She recoiled physically at the suggestion, her eyes going wide and her mouth opening. Her head had already begun shaking before she could even say a word, and as she struggled to find the right thing to say, she felt her mind racing in response to the very suggestion.

Neutralise...Bait...? Īe! I had planned on talking to them first, trying to convince them to leave!

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself slowly as she considered Magnolia's proposition. She knew that the maid was more experienced in this world, that she had a greater understanding of how things worked here. Yet, Yume hadn't considered the idea of jumping immediately towards violence.

To iu no wa...I knew that we might have to...deal with some...but, I hadn't expected to immediately...I...

She paused again, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to put together a cognitive string of words. Bunching her fists, she looked at Magnolia with a hard stare - or at least, what she hoped was a hard stare, but was likely more in line with someone attempting to look angry but actually looking childishly cute - before speaking her mind.

I would prefer to try and talk to them first...before we need to have anyone get hurt.

The sudden sound of a voice behind her forced Yume to spin around, her eyes quickly locating a man who leaned against a tree. He seemed almost relaxed, considering their current situation and what Yume assumed he had just overheard - a relaxed posture that somehow put her out of her comfort zone.

Someone say something about getting hurt...?

Her eyes dropped to the sword at his hip, causing the man to smile slightly as she seemed to hesitate. She knew that this was a bad start to her first mission, and that it was likely only going to get worse from here. Tada kokyū shite kudasai.

I am here to inquire as to whether you have been causing problems for a local village...and if so, to halt immediately. Before anyone gets hurt.

She had forced herself to stand straighter, her arms held out at her side with her palms opened and facing downwards. She gave herself some credit - there was no fear to her voice; in fact it reminded her of her father's voice, when he had spoken to his business partners. Controlled, to the point, spoken with the expectation of not being questioned. Except, that's exactly what happened.

Is that so? And who, my little deary, is going to get hurt?

@Magnolia​

 

[Magnolia]

Magnolia stared intently at Yume's answer and 'angry expression'. She couldn't lie, the woman in front of her was probably the cutest she has ever seen. But cuteness wasn't going to do any good in this situation.

But before she could answer to her suggestion, an unfamiliar voice echoed, making Magnolia turn sharply, but still maintaining her flat expression despite the surprise.

Yume's firmness was admiring, but the man seemed unfazed at first.

"Anyone engaged into illegal activities and do not comply to halt." Magnolia said, immediate and firmly. "Brigands have been quite of a trouble lately."

The maid didn't say much, allowing Yume to have room to speak herself. Magnolia, however, didn't leave the side of the woman. She firmed her feet on the ground, determined to not move an inch away or closer.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

The man laughed at Yume's response, clearly unimpressed with her attempt at instilling fear into him. She frowned ever so slightly, more disappointed with her own lack of fear-aura, than the actual situation.

The laughter stopped as he turned to look at Magnolia, however. His eyes seemed to harden slightly, and Yume saw his face twitch in response - an entirely different expression taking over his appearance as he seemed to become more tense.

Why don't you two little lasses head on off, and worry about teacups and dresses? This is no place for your kind.

Yume shifted on the spot at the man's words, her expression turning dark. She could've accepted not being taken seriously, however the insult that he had portrayed grated into her very nerves, making her far angrier than it should have.

Alright...well, if you're not willing to comply...are you the ones who have been telling the village that you're going to hurt them if they don't pay you?

The man turned back to Yume, his expression a mixture of amusement and slight hesitation. Still, as soon as he looked at the blonde woman, his ever-so-slight bit of fear seemed to melt away, leaving him confident again.

And what if I am?

Yume didn't wait, her left arm raising with the palm open and facing the man, her eyes lightening up in a soft purple highlight as she muttered the activation word beneath her breath.

Taiyō furea.

A burst of heat and a blueish wave of light exploded out from Yume, engulfing the man for a brief moment before disappearing on the air. The screaming lasted mere seconds, before the man realised that his body remained, albeit the clothing burnt to a crisp, and his skin scorched from the intensity of the wave of energy.

Now...I will ask only once more, you will cease any illegal operations in this area, and return to whence you had come from. You are not welcome here, under the orders of the Lion's Pride.

She didn't quite have the authority to say that, or at least she wasn't sure if she did. Still, it felt right in the moment, and the Lion's had sent her. She glanced over towards Magnolia, making sure that the maid was okay and out of harm's way, before turning her attention back to the man. She could see his hand reaching for the now-scorched sword at his hip, the weapon barely holding on with most of the leather burnt away from her assault.

@Magnolia​

 

[Magnolia]

Magnolia's wariness only grew at the man's mockery and words. She didn't allow his words to affect her emotions, but that was different to Yume. The maid didn't interject, waiting patiently to see what the woman would do to proceed and face that challenge before her-- And it was with a straightfoward questioning.

The maid braced herself, even if subtly, ready to charge in case the strange man decided to tackle her friend.

However, there was barely any time to think about it. As soon as the aggression raised, Yume was quick to engulf the man with a cosmical fire.

Magnolia stepped back, bracing herself once again and frowning while listening to the earpiercing scream from the man, that made her feel a bubbling excitement inside of her, even if her expressions continued to stay flat, until the flames lowered to reveal a scorched man.

Yume's gaze turned to Magnolia, and the maid returned it with a brief nod, only for the man to still show some sign of fighting.

"Madam Yume, watch out." Magnolia warned, slipping her hand into her dress and pulling a single throwing needle, swiftly sending it flying toward the wrist of the man, piercing it before he could have a proper grip of his weapon.

"Bring him down-" She spoke.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

The snapping sound of something travelling through the air, only to impact with flesh pulled Yume's attention back to the figure before her. A needle had embedded itself into the man's forearm, confirming to Yume that Magnolia was not nearly everything she appeared to be.

Arigatō, Magnolia-san-

She was interrupted as Magnolia redirected her attention back towards the man, who appeared to still be approaching. His expression - where the skin wasn't scarred and blistered - had turned into a harsh scowl, the expression causing a sudden bout of fear to bubble into Yume's stomach.

Stay...stay back. I don't want to have to...to hurt you more...

She raised her arms as she stumbled backwards, her mind racing as she tried to figure out what to do. She had kept her power lowered even as she had cooked the man alive, expecting to cause a small amount of pain - and perhaps a bit of long-lasting damage - but not intending to kill him. She'd simply wanted to reveal to him that she was dangerous, and that this was no place for him to be anymore.

Instead, he appeared more enraged by the actions Yume had taken. As she scuttled backwards, she called out the first spell that had popped into her mind, forcing a barrier of yellowish-white colour to erupt between herself and the approaching man, watching as he slammed into it hard enough to cause his nose to crack.

Ashurionbēru! St-stay back! I don't want to hurt you anymore than I have already! You just...you just need to leave the people here alone!

Her eyes shifted to Magnolia, a tinge of fear in them, at what was happening. The entire situation had gone from bad to worse, and for a moment she wondered if she'd made a mistake coming here.

@Magnolia​

 

[Magnolia]

The man was resilient, Magnolia could give him that. It was rare the occasions where one would continue to fight back after being engulfed by cosmic flames and have their wrist pierced by a throwing needle.

"You are very welcomed, madam. But stay aware." She warned, and now knowing the potential Yume had, Magnolia had the freedom to avert her attention from the hostile man, to instead have a gaze on her surroundings.

There was a rustling, one that her peripheral vision snatched, and then Magnolia understood why the man was so inclined to keep fighting.

"Madam!" She called, with her voice raising a bit of its tone before she nearly leaped on the woman's flank, throwing her shoulder forward to use her dress' pauldron to deflect an incoming bolt, snapping it while she felt the pressure on her shoulder making her stumble back slightly, only to bump on Yume's back, but hooking her arm on the woman's to recover both of their balance before letting it go.

"We are surrounded." Magnolia muttered, moments before several figures appeared from behind the tree lines, ready to ambush them.

The maid pressed her back against Yume's, tugging a throwing needle at each hand and adjusting herself to a protective position.

@MayoYume