Private Solvale Hiding Amongst The Greys

[Elesis Blackstone]

Solvale - 13:15 PM

The sun was at it's highest, but the breeze carried on people who went up north through the well-walked roads that connected Solvale. Open wildlife for anyone to witness, even if grand parts of it were merely emerald blades and falling leaves carried from the nearest woods by the winds, the long distances needed to traverse from town to town were lightened by great views and the favourable weather. But even now amidst fields of flowers, one could always find themselves in the heart of conflict.

Open roads, long distances, and not a single sword allowed banditry to flourish. Such is what Elec and his handful of Lion's were tasked after, no more than a simple quest for the valiant heroes at the petition of Hardrift's people, who had many wagons and trading lines cut short with the nearby farms and towns...

That is, until things took a turn on the unexpected at finding out said 'bandits' had been in the know of the Lions, and had dared to cross paths with them.

Two wagons faced eachother, and Elesis didn't know what to expect once they all pulled down like soldiers leaving their transport and facing an equal group. Most of them could fit the cutthroat criteria easily, except the man who hid himself behind a hood and a pinch of magic within the air.

Tension was cut like a neck once the guillotine drops, with Elec holding a hand over the pommel of his sword and taking a step forth once the robed individual did the same.

"I know what you thinkin'. Stop that. There's no need to get this bloody." Elec frowned, sincere despite how much eager he was to simply let his fists speak, but that wouldn't leave a good impression on his knights, let alone the few rookies who got intertwined in a much more dangerous mission.

"That's correct, but you are misunderstanding if you think you are in a place to negotiate." The man retorted. "I'm here under sacred duty, and so are you, knight. So let's do ourselves a favor and skip the courtesies, we heard enough speeches by now. What is it going to be?"

"What are you- LIONS!" He suddently yelled as a bow knocked an arrow out, only to end on the shoulders of one of the group's furthest members.

Blades were pulled out of their scabbards, the steel resonated in tandem as they all ran to make some space, while the most devote of them chased after the knights with daggers, and soon a full-scale battle begun between the clashing and chanting from both sides.

Some of them were trained in magical arts, but they all seemed to share the same particular blueish tone to their incantations, glowing neon blue eyes repeated amidst all of them, including the hooded man.

Elesis rolled over to her side, dragging herself towards the back of their wagon as blood begun to drip down her arm. Fortunately for the ambidexterous, both of them could handle a sword just fine, and arming herself of valour, the black fox pushed herself back to her feet once adrenaline worked as a temporary painkiller to set herself back in the path of war.

"Captain!-"

"I'm fine! Focus on taking them out! but don't hesitate to end them! It's you or them!" Was his one last command, struggling between his attempts to avoid an incoming mace to the face, lifting his blade to the skies and letting divine magic turn to abjuration, shielding himself from harm.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

Chaos encircled them, as what was supposed to be an introductory lesson into the Lions' erupted into an all out fight to the death, their caravan bombarded by unknown bandits whom appeared unconcerned with the fact that they were facing off against some of the best and bravest fighters in the land. Or, at least that's what Yume had been told.

Truthfully, she was only here because someone had mentioned in passing about the purpose of the Lions' - to protect and serve those of the land, and to guard the many, with few. A purpose that she had found compelling, considering her own outlook on life. She'd ended up joining this caravan with the intent of learning more about the organisation, and perhaps getting some insight into the more protective magical abilities that she had chosen as her basis.

What she hadn't intended on, was getting herself caught in the middle of an all-out war between the Lions' and whomever this was. She ducked as another arrow flew past - nowhere near her head, but far closer than Yume would have enjoyed. Closing her eyes, she muttered the activation word again, letting out a burst of energy to knock the archer-to-be off the small mound they had found.

Well, this is...hey! Watch out! Sutāraito!

She called out again, her bracelet on her left wrist glowing a soft violet-teal hue before a burst of energy struck the sword-wielding individual who had been about to slash out at a fox-woman that Yume had seen on their travels.

That was close...are you okay? Mōshiwake arimasen... I didn't see him until just now...

She heard the twang of another bow, and cast another of the simpler spells - a basic shield around herself - that she had recently learnt, causing the arrow to divert directly into the ground at her feet. The archer had already disappeared before Yume could retaliate, and she turned her attention back to the fox-woman, before realising that the small conflict had already pulled another fighter in between the two of them.

Excuse me...you're in between me and my friend, could you move. Onegaishimasu.

---

@Elesis Blackstone​

 

[Elesis Blackstone]

125 / 125

 Lion's Pride - Squire

 

A man flew before she could even paid notice they were on their way to skewer her through and through, had it not been for Yume's intervention. It riddled her with guilt to expose herself like that, but the fact the woman was so battle-ready proved she made the right decision to tag along with Elec's group.

I am good now, thank thee!

Her hand pulled back on the dagger, flipping it over to hold it by the tip, turning the weapon into a throwable one. She counted on Yume to hold her back if needed, and in turn paid her with the same coin as she awaited for the bowman to reveal himself from the shadows it would blink in and out, only to throw her dagger straight to the chest and pin their ranger down before it could act against any of them.

The fight was quick to turn in their favour, as the chaotic nature of the exchange was something the Lions had embraced upon with their training, and the formations these warriors held broke, but never did they hesitate despite being quickly outnumbered the more they struggled.

Blood wouldn't run a'plenty this evening, save for the few unlucky that were caught in the first seconds of combat. What felt like four or ten minutes where in reality just mere seconds.

Help me hold him down!

Elec called out on his struggle to keep the hooded man on the floor after having him tackle on his attempt to flee the scene the moment the tides turned against his favour. The dirty trick he pulled was evident to most, with a dagger dug against his abdomen, the strange ceremonial blade having gone through his chestplate when he least expected it.

"Elesis, Yume!" One of the knights called, switching places with the fox girl in restraining one of the bandits. The glow on their eyes, however, had banished without a trace by the time they could notice it.

Yes!

She exclaimed, giving a glance over to Yume and nodding towards Elec as she sprinted over and dropped one knee against the cultist's neck, switching places with their captain who dropped to the side to get a better look at the stinging pain on his side. To no one's surprise that the field medic of the squad turned her attention over to the captain and rushed to his aid.

"Careful now. He's just a kid." Bitterness on his wounded voice, contempt held back but not towards his aggressor, if not to the third party that was missing out of this all...

The moment the sunlight pierced through the hood, both Yume and Elesis would get a good look at a youthful face, about seventeen years old give or take, and the glow on his eyes that washed away at this point, and with it any depth within his voice.

"How cometh they wast capable to standeth up to thee, captain?"

"Magic. A spell cast to them by someone els-Gah, careful Melinda I'm-!" He protested once the blade was removed when he least expected it. Quite certainly the best moment to do so before proceeding to patch him up now that his chestplate remains on the dirt.

The conmotion ceased entirely once bandits and teen alike were all taken down and properly restrained, yet to no one's surprise they all seemed unwilling to talk, yet if it were a curse or some form of ritual what affected them, no one could tell...

"Yume, I owe thee mine own gratitude and more. This wast all unexpected, to sayeth the least. Art thee in need of assistance?"

Elesis was quick to reunite with her savior, a troubled voice spoke and worried eyes scanned over the woman to get a better look at her conditions, despite being herself the one with an arrow dug in her shoulder, only made worse by the harsh motions she pulled earlier on.

"...Peradventure i'm the one in needeth of some"

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

Yume rushed over when called, her eyes going wide as Elesis knelt upon the captive's neck, before glancing around and trying to figure out what she was needed for. Unsure, and without any guidance, she decided to do the one thing she could do - and sat immediately upon the cloaked figure's knees, using her weight to hold him down.

Just a kid...

Yume muttered the worlds before glancing down at the figure she had sat upon. Her eyes managed to slip a glance under the cloak, seeing the boyish features of the individual they'd overpowered - and letting out a gasp and a small string of words in surprise.

Sumimasen! Kore ga itainara gomen'nasai!

Her attention was broken as Elesis provided her with, what Yume eventually determined, was a thank you. The girl spoke in an odd manner, reminding Yume of older versions of English - terminologies and phrases she hadn't heard since studying Shakespearean works in her classes, back in her high school days.

Oh...it was nothing. Nandemonakatta, truly. I just...well, we're on the same side and...it's what you do, in these sorts of situations, right?

She turned to watch as their leader - she remembered, belatedly that his name was Elec - was tended to, his wounds looking for more grevious than they likely were. Yume watched in concern and curiosity as the medic fawned over the man, slowly cleaning and caring for the wound.

Her attention was pulled and diverted as Elesis mentioned her own requirement of assistance, and Yume's eyes were brought towards the woman. She glanced over the fox-girl, before noticing the blood dripping from her shoulder, exactly where an arrow had pierced her earlier in the conflict.

Uh...medic? This...fox...woman requires help! She's...she's bleeding...uhm...here, let me at least bandage it a bit...

She pulled a few strips of cloth from the medic's bag, before crossing over to Elesis. Carefully, she tied the pieces around the woman's shoulder, just tight enough to catch any bleeding that may be occurring - but not so tight as to cut off circulation. She glanced at it, before looking back at Elec's own bandaging. Her own rendition was pitiful in comparison, but at least it would work.

Sorry...I'm not really a doctor, or anything...this is kind of the best I could do...

She gave a half-bow and a look of apology as she tried to make light of the situation. She wasn't sure how grievous the wound was, but she figured that the woman wouldn't die just yet. Hopefully...

---

@Elesis Blackstone​

 

[Elesis Blackstone]

Her animal ears flickered, given that wasn't something the human ones could in the first place. That language was completely familiar to her. The language of anime, of course, something Elesis is very well accustomed to, and that proved Yume was no mere Lander but a Traveler much like herself and the captain.

Thee did act with haste, whither others would not. Haply thither is a lion in thee. But yond is not f'r me to... declare.

Her voice faltered as she pushed her hand against the arrow's shaft. Usually, it wouldn't come out on it's own, but enhanced strength proved her wrong as she ripped the whole thing out, and made a mess out of her shoulder in the process.

The word 'Medic' was all Melinda needed to turn her head over. Most knights were in one piece, and some wounded lightly enough to be able to mend the scratches by themselves, with only Elec being in need of her sacred touch. At least so she thought...

Juuust a secon- Elec stop squirming already!

It hurts more than I remember it do last time...

Elesis fell down to a knee, pushing her fluffy coat down further from her biceps to give enough space for Yume to work on it, gritting her teeth as she averted her gaze to the side while the lady worked.

A-Adequate. Worry not, melinda shall showeth thee. I appreciate t.

She felt her tone shift with the pain, her left, gloved hand rising up to gently rest upon Yume's clumsy craft. Her gauntlet was swatted away once Melinda finally showed up, frowning as she inspected the damage and the attention administered, but the scowl lasted little in Elesis's direction. A glare that spoke enough.

Yume, right? Let me help you out. It could save your life in the future.

Of course, the process was twice as fast and efficient when left on her hands, but Melinda went step by step to show Yume what she was missing, which was more than mere bandaging. Nothing she could hold against the girl, however, given she's the one with the proper tools to clean and stitch an open wound like that, let alone bandage it.

Just a scratch, Elesis. Don't be a big baby now!

She giggled, giving a pat on Yume's back and a smile to thank her with before turning her attention over to the group while Elec worked out their next move and the lions confiscated what they could find within the wagon opposite to theirs.

Worry not, Sera Melinda is dainty. T's that lady way to sayeth 'thank thee f'r keeping her breathing'

Elesis nodded, giving a quaint smile back to Yume in her attempt to lighten the mood a little.

Elesis blackstone. Squire of the Lion's Pride. At thy service, my Lady.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

The medic arrive, relieving Yume of the immediate need to be involved in the process of properly dressing the wound. Or, at least, that's what Yume had thought would occur. Instead, she found herself being slowly versed in the requirements of the medical process, overcoming the small deficiencies she had shown with her attempts. Not that Yume was entirely ungrateful - she had wanted to take a more supportive role, in this world.

Still, the last thing she was expecting was an actual field lesson on a patient who was clearly in a fair amount of pain - regardless of their attempts to overlook it. Sighing as she listened, Yume made a valiant attempt to remember everything that the medic showed her - if not for the future patients, then at least for this one individual whom appeared to be suffering for her own knowledge.

Elesis blackstone...Watashinonamaeha mayonaka no yumedesu, it's a pleasure to meet you. You may call me Yume, though.

She bowed slightly in her seated position, before raising back up and glancing about. The fighting appeared to have come to an end, for the time at least - but somehow that didn't make Yume feel any safer.

I am...looking to become a squire, with the Lions. This was meant to be an introduction into...well, what they do. Perhaps I still have a lot to learn however.

She smiled as she glanced at Elesis' shoulder, wondering if she could have stopped such a thing from happening to begin with. She had chosen a more magical focus in her fighting style, one that focused on the defence of herself and others. Shikashi, karera wa mada kizutsukimashita... Yume knew that there likely wasn't anything she could really do in the moment, but it still bothered her - she had joined up to help defend people, and she'd failed on her first mission, with her own companions. Watashi wa yoku naru hitsuyō ga arimasu.

Do we know why they attacked us, Elec-sensei?

She turned to their knightly leader as she spoke, suddenly curious as to what even brought about the attack on their caravan. Somehow, it felt like it was more than simple banditry in this instance - the way in which they assaulted them, the glowing eyes...everything felt more important to her, somehow...

---

@Elesis Blackstone​

 

[Elesis Blackstone]

Her smile sunk into weakness. It wasn't that the assistance was unwanted, but pain isn't something she's used to. Not out of the game, not in it, and it felt like a lesson: never turn off the pain limiters again.

Even if she wasn't good at taking lessons in the first place.

The duty of a lion is not to be taken lightly, Yume. Regardless, despite the adversity, thee wast quick to react. If 't be true thee feeleth like thee can dudgeon the training, thee shouldst ponder upon t.

In proper fashion, Elesis bowed her head, hunching her back a little and resting her elbow over her lap in hopes of keeping her arm as still as possible. But the fox noticed quick enough how Yume's eyes lingered over the bandaged wound. Her left hand rised to wave at her in dismissal, both to catch her attention and to snap her out of whatever train of thought she had adopted.

We can't avoid being ni harm's way. What matters is yond we stayeth in one piece. Yet healing limbs is not outside of our capacities, so i hath heard. Worry not about t.

The knights had begun to mobilize themselves once again. As if the blues weren't enough to make them match real world police forces, they all moved in unison like one, having tended to the wounds of everyone involved in the confrontation, enemy or not, before putting them on the wagon from where they all dropped. Half the Lions were sent to escort them, and the wagon was pulled back and set on track, facing in one singular direction like a caravan.

"This isn't the first time." Elec explained, supported by Melinda to get himself back to his feet, the effort alone left him panting for a second, until the air came back to his lungs. "This group in particular has been under investigation for sometime, but they aren't exactly easy to track down, and with the situation getting worse in Vintergard we are short in hands. Priorities switch a lot when there's war at the horizon."

The frown on his face was hard to miss. But that's as far as he would go about it, given the details were blurry even for him since he stopped checking in on the situation at Camp Hope.

"Everyone get ready to leave, we'll drop by Hardrift first, then head back to Finweald. Make sure they bindings are secured and keep a dagger close if needed."

Elesis forced herself back to her feet, using her discarded sword as a stick to support her weight against it. A part of her felt guilty for not offering a hand to help Yume back up to her feet. Despite being a peer in combat, her chivalrious vision marked her as a lady. Nigh a single trace of a weapon made it all the harder for Elesis to discard that attitude.

Art thee planning to stick the whole road with us?

Despite the muteness in her voice, it was hard to hide her enthusiasm to have her along to satisfy her conversationalist needs.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

Her attention was drawn as the hand rose from the lap of the other individual and into the air. Yume listened attentively as the fox-woman spoke, the words taking a moment to register before she fully understood the point behind them. She had wanted to argue, to attempt to show that there was cause, but the words of Elec had overridden any argument that Yume would've attempted to have with the fox-woman.

Instead, she found the caravan quickly beginning its preparations to continue onwards, as if nothing had occurred. She turned her attention back to Elesis in surprise as the fox-woman struggled to her feet, before asking if Yume was going to continue on with them the entire way.

I...I hadn't considered it, but I guess I will. It's not like turning back is any safer than continuing forwards now, tadashi?

Glancing around, she tried to figure out where to help out with the preparations, watching as the knights slowly pulled their own personal gear - some weapons and assorted pieces that had been dropped in the ambush and following conflict - before making their way back into position. Without anything of her own to collect - she'd brought nothing of value on the trip, and that little that she didn't wear was stored safely away in her inventory - Yume found herself waiting patiently until the caravan was moving once more.

Falling in alongside Elesis, she tried to figure out something to say, a way to start the conversation. Her eyes drifted back to the wound a few times, before the words slipped out from her.

Sorede...how long have you been with the Lions? I hear they're all about protecting the people of the land, like a local...law enforcement...is that true?

She couldn't help the small amount of excitement that had slipped into her voice as the question continued. Excitement at the idea of learning how they acted knightly, protecting the people of the realms without judgement, without care. Ensuring the safety of those they watched over.

---

@Elesis Blackstone​

 

[Elesis Blackstone]

A smile grew up on her, her tail swaying from side to side at Yume's confirmation, her good arm reaching out for her sword to pull out of the floor and drop into it's scabbard once again.

Great!- Ehem, very well, allow me to help thee.

She cleared her throat from that brief second she broke character, climbing onto the back of the wagon they arrived in and holding out a hand for Yume to use as support.

Once everything had been taken out of the main road, weapons and arrows alike, very little trace of a fight having broken out was left on the patch of terrain they left behind. A loud snap! Followed the whine of the horses, and soon their battlefield became but a distant view, leaving them to enjoy the natural beauty of Solvale once again, with wheatfields, farms and old windmills on plain view.

Elesis sighed of relief just as Yume took the first step to starting the conversation, having been thinking about it for about five or so minutes by now, following by a grateful look on that neutral expression she always held.

Long enow to brandish a weapon and armor, not enow to needeth a blacksmith. So to sayeth, a short, fruitful period. I serveth under Sera Haust as her squire.

It made her wonder what the outcome would have been with Catherine present. She shook off her thoughts aside, leaning against the backrest.

Correct. Between our efforts and the ocassional assistance from the adventurer's guild, we keepeth astorea a safe haven. As much as t can hath called such. But, as thee just been witness, thither's still much to doth still.

It was in her best interest to be impartial and objective as possible to Yume. The excitement the girl had was matched with her own when made to talk about the Lion's as a whole. She scanned Yume once again with her eyes, hoping to get any details she were missing, but all signs in her speech patterns matched that of a player and nothing more.

What about thee? pardon mine own insolence, but thee strike me not f'r a knight but a lady who is't would not ado herself with living by the bodkin. Someone who is't may changeth the world without the needeth of a weapon.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

She stared for a few seconds at the question, trying to figure out what was being asked of her. The speech pattern had dropped for a split second, before being picked up - a sign to Yume that this person was adopting the character, rather than actually having given birth and grown into the accent and odd verbiage.

Ennani? Uh...oh, how do I fight? I...use the power of the skies, so to speak. Star-based magic, really...Sutāmajikku. I bring down the power of the very stars in the sky, to power my...spells, and such.

She really didn't quite understand how it all worked, and the more she spoke about it, the more she realised that she really didn't know how her own magics worked. Something that she realised might be problematic in the future, should she ever require a more in-depth knowledge of the system itself. Still, for the time being, she could at least bluff her way through explaining it to this individual - she hoped.

Basically, the power comes from the winds of the heavens, so to speak, and is empowered in my bracelets...

She paused to show the two bracelets she wore, first showing the Starlight Bracelet that she wore on her left wrist, before showing off the Night Sky Bangle on her right wrist.

...before I focus the energy outwards into a spell, of varying magnitude. It's...a bit of a process, but it's not so painful, truly. The hardest part is remembering the triggering words that are required to cast them.

She smiled as she finished her explanation, keeping the pain hidden away. She'd spent hours memorising those words - her own torture for having chosen to play the game without any of the in-game assists it came with. Still, she'd heard rumours that it allowed a more in-depth, more controlled experience. That, and she'd overheard from other players in the world that being fully in control was the best way to stay alive.

What about you, what are your...Sukiru? Your weapons?

---

@Elesis Blackstone​

 

[Elesis Blackstone]

'Close enough.' That's all Elesis could think of, bobing her head from side to side to herself. Not the answer she wanted, but a question she planned to ask eitherway. But it all clicked: Star magic, Astramancy... Weren't these kind of people seers or something? Maybe Yume just read her mind!

So thee calleth upon the stars to aid thee, thanks to thy bracelets yond function as catalysts.

A bump upon the road shook the wagon a little, an inconvenience that almost made her bite her tongue by accident. A minimal annoyance given the shook reminded her of the bandaged wound...

"What did I told you and Elec about letting you on the wheel..." He sighed, planting a hand over his forehead as if the headache wasn't enough that this pink menace in armor was now behind the wheel....

"Take it to Elec! He thought it would be a good idea in the first place." She scoffed, tightening her grasp upon the reigns.

"...Mine own apologies in their behalf. Sibling rivalry is a concept they can't seemeth to receiveth did rid of."

She scratched her head, brows furrowed apologetically. before her mind and focus returned once again to the topic of the bracelets, with a worrisome expression as words registered.

"Not so painful implies using thy powers is painful in the first place. I wouldn't sayeth yond's recommend'd. Has't thee bethought about seeking f'r a tutor?

Maybe someone out there could help her diminish the painful sensations. Granted, Yume didn't seem to put in display any of that, so either she was worrying for nothing, or the woman was far more resilient than she gave her credit for at first.

"As f'r myself, I'm a swordswoman and a potion maker. Still but an amateur in the art of alchemy. If... I wast to beest honest, I simply cutteth things down and drinketh medicinal alcohol."

Her left hand went behind at waist level to pull out a sealed mug to put in display. Despite it looking unremarkable, the light that emanated across the wood seemed to insinuate holiness... Out of a mere drink. Once she opened the lid however, there was no such thing as a sacred beverage however. Just a lot of foam and ale.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

Yume leaned forwards ever so slightly as the flask was pulled forth, sniffing casually at it from a distance before smiling. The piece smelt of alcohol, that much was certain - and for a brief second she wondered what it would do to her here, given how it effected her in the real world.

Deciding that she'd rather not test that while in the wildlands of a foreign world, she simply decided to instead focus on appreciation - a skill taught to her through her father and family. Clasping her hands on her lap, she let her smile widen ever so slightly as she looked just past the other woman - a careful tactic in order to avoid being caught directly in a lie.

It smells wonderful...Quite Subarashī. Perhaps one day I will attend a Jōzōjo that you have created and sell from? Perhaps even a friend's discount, Hai?

She giggled at the small joke towards the end, already having decided that she likely wouldn't be partaking in any brewing, unless it was non-alcoholic. Still, she hadn't wanted to come across as rude - especially given that the other seemed intent and interested in their chosen craft.

You could probably sell lots...if you started making other things, like...potions. I've heard that those are quite popular, to the right people?

She wasn't sure if there were even any potions in this world, but it felt like the right thing to say. She figured that, at worst, she could likely excuse herself as misunderstanding a previous encounter, or perhaps a word lost in translation.

---

@Elesis Blackstone​

 

[Elesis Blackstone]

Of course not. Least thee assist me with the brewery. Discounts means moo worketh in mine own end. But thank thee f'r thy compliment, i'll giveth thee a freebie if 't be true i ev'r ope a brewery.

A warm smile spread Elesis's lips as she gave a glance back to her mug, almost satisfied with her handiwork now with a third party's opinion. She shook it a little-- The taste needed some work given last time's accident. But from mistakes one learns, her mentor taught her.

The word 'potions' escaped from Yume's lips, and the question got her to nod no sooner after she stashed her mug, curiously peering over to the blonde.

Potions art the medicine of this world. While healing methods art abundant, from magic to vials and bandages, alchemy seemeth to thrive with t's adaptability. Soak a bandage with sunblossom and thee has't two healing items in one.

As she explained, the wagons begun to slow down in preparation to cross a stone bridge, the shade over the roads but momentary, if only helpful to mitigate the relentless sunrays that, while obstructed by the wagon's design, it didn't quite fully stop it.

The sound of the river running beneath followed.

How about thee, Lady Yume? art thee after a profession? adventure? glory? what is thy reason to join the Lion's Pride, truly?

To say it intrigued her would be undermining her curiosity, her ears perked up and wiggled like a set of antennae, redirecting the attention out of herself and back to the lady.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

She considered the question carefully, wondering herself why she had come along on this little adventure. Sure, she wanted to find excitement within a game - but there was more to it than that, considering the repercussions that could come with 'finding excitement' in this game.

It took her a few moments before she had an answer, and even as she spoke, the words came out hesitantly. It wasn't that she doubted her own honesty, but rather that she was uncertain of what she actually desired from this experience - what she was here to gain, from it all.

Watashi wa suisoku suru...I guess I'm here to find some sort of purpose, really. Everyone in this world has a purpose...a reason for their life. But...Hoshi wa mada oshiete kurenai, what mine is.

It wasn't that she had avoided the question, simply that she didn't fully have an answer. For the moment, at least, she was still trying to find her way - her purpose in this world. Almost as an afterthought, she added a final statement to her commentary.

I do like the idea of protecting people, though...and that is what the Lions sound like they do - protect people, hai?

She gave a half-shrug, before glancing around them again. The shade had overcome them as they reached the central aspect of the bridge, the clattering of the wheels loud against the otherwise quiet area. The few voices that spoke, seemed to do so in an almost hushed way - perhaps Yume was imagining it, but she felt like there was a tension over the group as they made their way across the bridge.

Everyone seems so...tense. Do you think someone else will try to ambush us?

There was more curiosity to her tone of voice than fear, as if she wondered at the possibility. She doubted they'd be attacked twice in one day, but one could never be too careful. She kept her eyes scanning the far side of the bridge, trying to watch for any movement that would signify any danger.

---

@Elesis Blackstone​

 

[Elesis Blackstone]

It was now that the fox felt at her sharpest. To find Yume taking longer than usual to answer meant the question wasn't simple to work with. That much she knew prior to asking. The hesitance came unexpected though, but she lended her ears for a little longer before coming to assumptions. A little smile of approval found her nodding once she commented on the Lions's purpose.

Thee shall not findeth the answer in the skies, Lady Yume. Only thee knoweth what thy purpose is. And if 't be true thee don't, then thou art not meanteth to knoweth yet and thy concerns art unfound.

Elesis didn't found wisdom in her own words, if only common sense. The greater picture sometimes is out of reach for a reason, and people who claim to see it are often blinded by a mirage of their own making. It's pointless to struggle against the river. Following the flow usually opens other opportunities to slide out of it, if that's what one wanted to do.

Thou art not a lion yet thee did protect me. Did save mine own life. I believeth t doesn't taketh one to bear a badge and beest did clothe on blue to protect others. But t doth take commitment to followeth a cause. Is yond what thou art looking for, Lady Yume? A cause?

Silence followed, her own words came to a halt before she could conclude them, however lenghty they already were. Yume wasn't in the wrong train of thought to believe danger lurked ahead. Or rather, an omen.

If she were to glance behind them and upwards she would find predatory birds circling around. Reapers, usually nothing to worry about for their group, but they were strangely passive. And out of place compared to the rest of Solvale itself. As if they had been tailing on them despite knowing full well that's not their role in nature's pyramid

These art not native to this area. Something afeard those folk enow to wend this far from their mountains. The reports from camp desire has't been a growing import f'r every lion, but we can't sendeth everyone to the front.

There were too many keywords she had to explain and so little time to. The wagons sped up, all four horses pulling without abandon to pick up the pace yet again, albeit their rhythm grew progressively faster, as if to leave the reapers and more behind them. The shade felt strangely dangerous compared to the sunlight.

The farmlands had begun to show up, along windmills, fences and crops, as if to give respite to the knights's tense shoulders. But not much to Elesis's own.

We both did join at hard times...

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

She glanced upwards at Elesis' mention of the answer in the sky, her eyes moving unconsciously towards the stars that were not so apparent in their appearance, during the day. She knew that the other was telling her not to look for answers in the unknown, not to look for small little glints in the stars - probably thinking that she was engaging in some sort of weird astrology fad. There was no way for Elesis to realise that Yume looked for actual signs, actual meanings in the horizon above them - and that it did indeed give her answers, when it deemed itself right to do so.

Before she could argue, however, the topic turned. The tone took on a darker edge, a more mature edge. A realisation and recognition of the ever present danger that seemed to hover over the land around them. Yume had heard about an encounter - some sort of war - going on between two nations. She had heard that it effected everywhere, from the far corners of the world. She had not, however, seen it in person - and hoped not to, given the opportunity.

Kurayami wa watashitachi no mawari ni arimasu. We fear that we cannot see...that which hunkers in the dying light, a shadow beneath, waiting to strike. Fear, fear, ever fear, don't go out into the night.

She mumbled the words beneath her breath. She had no idea why it had occurred to her then and there, why it felt so familiar even though she had no memory of hearing the words before.

I just did what felt right...in the moment. But if that is what the Lions do...then that is what I want to do.

She had no idea whether she was fully committing herself right then and there. All she knew for sure, was that she wanted to protect people - something that she couldn't do in the real world. Something that she had found inspiring, ever since she started her world of gaming. It called to her, as if a yearning. Sō suru chikara ga areba,-sō shimasu.

---

@Elesis Blackstone​

 

[Elesis Blackstone]

Despite the voices of others whose shoulders dropped a little, golden eyes and furry ears were all onto Yume. The woman almost set in a trance of her own doing with just looking at the skies, and it wasn't because of the Reapers themselves, or her reaction would have made much more sense. It made a cold run down her spine for one reason or another she couldn't understand. Either her body had some kind of foresight or her gut was right, because no sooner after the mumbling snapped Elesis straight from her hunched posture. The benefit, or perhaps curse, of having such heightened sense in her favour.

It almost made her wonder if this really was a player or a 'Lander' as they were called, with how little she could understand. But she doubted japanese was a dialect spoken in this world in the first place, so logic took after where her instincts missed.

Lady Yume..? we art right by Hardrift's entrance.

Her concern palpable within voice and expression alike, even as the woman justified herself as doing what had to be done-- What felt right in her eyes, a shared sentiment that couldn't be put in words as the wagons fully stopped through the dirt-road leading straight into Hardrift. A far bigger town than one could expect, yet it's thriving nature only made it a greater target with what little security one could find around in the form of local guardsmen that were nowhere near as armed as the Lions themselves were, or trained for that matter of fact.

Alright everyone, thirty minutes! Starcalled who want to log out can do so right now! The rest of you, go stretch your legs a little, Elec's orders.

Very well. If 't be true thee wish to beest a lion to protect others, then i'll standeth by thy side and mine own blade shall serveth as thy shield.

A proud smile and an outstretched hand lended out to Yume to help her back to her feet, yet the symbolism of it should be crystal-clear for the stargazer. A sign of camaraderie rather than a mere gesture. If Yume wanted to go down the path of a Lion, then she wouldn't be a lady no longer in her gaze.

She would be a shield-sister to her.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

The call out shook Yume from her thoughts far more than the conversation had - the direction for Starcalled to log out, should they desire to do so. Yume found herself somehow surprised, and unsurprised, that such a command would be common in these lands. She had known that there were other players, of course, but to hear it brought upon so casually somehow felt...out of place.

In her shocked state, she found herself facing a proffered hand, meant in respect and companionship. For a brief second, she paused, considering everything. Slowly, she accepted the hand in her own, giving it a soft squeeze.

Hai...I'm fine. Just...

She shook off the cloudiness that seemed to hover over her mind, deciding that for the moment she needed to focus on everything going on here, in the moment. Belatedly, she smiled at Elesis as she realised what the woman had said, the core to her words.

I would be...Kōeidesu. Truly, that means a lot...to have you alongside me. I look forward to standing together, for...Tadashī koto.

She had nothing else to say, as she looked around the village. She was truly honoured to have been accepted by another so willingly, so quickly. It warmed her heart in ways she couldn't quite explain; she only hoped that she would never prove that acceptance to be a flaw.

This village reminds me of a place I've been once before...it's calm. Quiet.

She wasn't entirely sure if there was more to this journey, but she'd made it this far - which meant that she would see it to the end, no matter what that end would be.

---

@Elesis Blackstone​

 

[Elesis Blackstone]

Lions mobilized themselves in unison, but the group couldn't be simply compared with a true military force. They all wore their hearts at their sleeves for eachother, and the camaraderie displayed by each of them showed. Not all of them were Starcalled. They had just left behind a battle that could have ended wrong by all means, and a shadow lurks over Astorea as a whole.

And yet there you have them. Some smiling more than others, some chit-chatting and others heading deeper into the town's market, others helping to keep the criminals on check, and even Elec didn't skip the time to converse with their pinkette driver, despite theirs being the most serious of expressions.

Elesis took her gauntlets in account when it came to squeezing Yume's hand, a cheerful smile had her break character for a second, quieting down to a mere curvature on her lips just as she made herself acquainted with her friend's words.

Me and every lion hither, Yume. I has't nay doubt thee shall maketh t into the lion's pride. I'll wait f'r the day we can fight together again.

It wasn't her right to say who could make it in or not, but the strength of spirit in Yume was enough to sit to rest any doubts she could have, and certainly anyone who were tasked to test her would see the same and more, probably.

The fox's hand let go of her peer once they both made it out of the wagon, and her focus went towards the stranger faces of the townsfolk, as mobilized as their own forces, but with daily activities as their priorities. Even from here one could hear wood chipping within the sawmill. Crude, magic-powered, but still an improvement considering the rest of the villages around Solvale.

T sounds like peace. Some unaware, others too busy to care f'r what's out of their control. Yond's how t hath felt mine own first time hither, too. How about we first unwind a dram and has't a drinketh? mine own shoulder would forsooth appreciate t.

[End]
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@MayoYume