Decaying World [Redux]

Silvertongue moves to C4!

Silvertongue uses Trigger Command: Steal Magick! on Mistral!

. . .

Mistral has lost the ability to cast Eagle Gaze!

Steal Magick! is sealed for the duration of this battle!

Now!

Seeing the glorious opportunity to see for himself just what the runes did to this woman, Silvertongue charged forth with magic gathering at his fingertips. He slid into position despite the winds and planted his fingers on her temples. Immediately the magic drilled into the Rune Knight's head, albeit with some difficulty––a green aura surging into life around his hands, whipping around wildly as if to throw him off. The thief of spells held tight, however, smirking ever so slightly as the magic found purchase within her knowledge of spellcraft.

"Aha! Gotcha," Silvertongue sneered, attempting to steal the spell she had already displayed. In response, the green aura surged up his arms, crackling like lightning. It struck his head and he reeled briefly before quickly swiping the other morsel––for it was the only other spell she knew––and retreating. The aura that had appeared continued to assault him but as the invading magic released itself from the confines of Mistral's mind, it began to fade. Silvertongue pulled away, now clutching his own head. He rubbed small circles around his temples.

"Yeesh!" Silvertongue muttered. "That's sum awful magick ya got floatin' in yer 'ead."

The strange power began to well up inside once again. It seemed to emerge the more he fought. Instinctively he scrawled the runes as he watched his allies. They seemed much more capable than he was in a fight, but then again he never intended to be a warrior. The life of a warrior is the path I do not choose. It is the life of a scholar where my chains are lifted. I am free to be. A flash of the rune's magic channeled into the woman blocking their way. Oh how Nest longed to observe and write of this conflict and not be the one amidst the battlefield!

Nest casts Ode to Samuel on Mistral! 10 Int damage! 10 Int Damage! Chance of Bleeding! Epic trigger! 10 Int damage! Chance of Poison! 0/10 DD; 13/35 MP.

Nest waits.

Natsumi moves to D-7

Natsumi rolled forth a little bit further until she was just in range to throw some of her fire at the mean woman. She wasn't able to use her flame breath again, and that was saddening, especially since the strange woman somehow used to wind to put out her flames. Wind didn't put out flames, it was supposed to make them stronger. Nothing else would make a flame burn faster and spread farther than a strong gust of wind, especially with the sheer mass of fire that Natsumi laid out. She sniffed once, two tongues of fire forming on both of her sides.

The flames lashed out suddenly, striking the woman but not sticking to her. She couldn't make the woman burn, no matter how much she tried. It was saddening, but maybe soon she would be able to burn the woman. Burn her like witches used to get burned. The same way they tried to burn her. But that didn't work. She wasn't a witch or a simple magician with clever tricks. Natsumi's power was nothing if not simple. Fire.

Natsumi attacks Mistral (x2)! 11 Int DMG!

Silv successfully steals "Eagle Gaze" from Mistral!

Mistral is no longer able to use "Eagle Gaze"!

Mistral dodges Natsumi's basic attack [1]!

Mistral takes 11 Dmg!

HP: 95/150

Mistral is Bleeding!

Mistral evades Poison!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - Almost Free

Location: Runescryum Archives - Front Lot

Objective: Defeat Mistral, Rune Knight of the Howling Winds!

Achivement: Grounded - Bind Mistral to the ground by finishing her off with an attack of the earth element! [10 AP]

Background: ~Lady of the Vortex~

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } {S} {M} { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } {A} { } {N} { } { } D
{c} {c} { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Aeria's Hot-Blooded Surge has 1 turn left.

Aeria's ATK Boost has 1 turn left.

Aeria's Regen has 3 turns left.

Natsumi's Haste has 1 turn left.

Aeria's Protect has 2 turns left.

Aeria's Shell has 2 turns left.

Enemy Phase.

The onslaught of the enemies was pathetic.  She quickly countered Aeria's attack with a blow from her mallet, but something in particular caught her attention, and that was the sneaky thief's successful theft of one of her magic spells, one that she had been saving for the princess when she became too pesky for her liking.  Upon trying to access it, however, she realized she couldn't.  Any trace of the spell had long since vanished from her knowledge save its name.  She glanced over at the boy and grinned.  "It's the Rune's magic.  All Knights get certain blessings; there are some things the Rune won't let you steal from me, boy, so try at the cost of your life.  It'll be one less person I have to deal with," she explained nonchalantly, leaping backwards suddenly.  As soon as she touched the ground, she sprung upwards and soared towards Aeria, her whole body spinning around and around with mallet outstretched until it whacked Aeria fiercely, the Rune Knight landing effortlessly in front of the warrior once more.

Mistral attacks Aeria!  23 Dmg! CRITICAL!! (ATK)

Mistral moves to A5.

Mistral uses Violent Axle on Aeria!  30 Dmg! CRITICAL!! (ATK) [Aeria is Addled][Mistral lands in C5]

MP: 93/115

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } {S} {M} { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } {A} { } {N} { } { } D
{c} {c} { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } E
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Mistral's Haste has 1 turn left.

Mistral is afflicted with Binding Thorns for 2 more turns.

Mistral is no longer Severely Burned.

Mistral is Bleeding for 1 turn.

Player Phase 4!

Aeria (Fighter) *HOT-BLOODED SURGE* *REGEN [2]* *PROTECT* *SHELL* *ADDLE*
HP: 34/40
MP: 9/15
DD: 2/10
Atk: 8 --- 11 --- 13
Def: 8
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Elisia (Cleric)
HP: 22/22
MP: 31/39
DD: 9/10
Atk: 4
Def: 5
Int: 8
Spr: 6
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

Silv (Thief Mage)
HP: 25/25
MP: 19/30
DD: 6/10
Atk: 1
Def: 5
Int: 8
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Natsumi (Herald of Fire) *HASTE*
HP: 20/20
MP: 3/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 11
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Nest (Soul Scribe) *LEKUNAI UNBOUND [1]*
HP: 20/20
MP: 14/35
DD: 0/10
Atk: 1
Def: 4
Int: 10
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Mistral (Rune Knight) *CHR +10%* *CHD +25%* *NSD -2* *HASTE* *BINDING THORNS [5]* *BLEEDING [18]*
HP: 72/150
MP: 93/115
DD: 4/10
Atk: 13
Def: 6
Int: 6
Spr: 11
Evade: 13%
Move: 6 cells

{X} - Archives Entrance
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

{f} - Fence
[No Occupy]

{c} - Coach
[No Occupy]

Aeria attacks Mistral!  13 Dmg! (ATK)

Aeria raised her shield against the powerful blow Mistral had dealt but it did nothing to reduce the shock of the sheer force she held in her hand.  When the woman leapt back, Aeria thought herself in the clear but she should have known better.  Within mere moments, the Rune Knight was upon her and the mallet was too near to dodge, and as such, she took the full brunt of the blow which knocked her out of her senses momentarily, and even afterward she could barely get a grasp on herself.  She tried to form words but nothing came out except incomprehensible nonsense escaped.  Unable to communicate, she did the next best thing and that was lash out at Mistral with her blade, letting her steel do the talking.

Aeria waits.

Elisia begins casting a spell! (1/2)

Elisia waits.

Elisia watched intensely trying to gauge Aeria's condition in order to pick the most opportune time to cast her spells, but aside from being knocked senseless, she seemed to be holding up quite well with her armor and shield aiding in keeping her safe as well as Elisia's protection spell which would most likely need renewing shortly.  Actually, it was better safe than sorry.  "O soldiers that traverse the paths of life in an attempt to perform you duties... she began to chant, the white glyph appearing beneath her once more as the light particles gathered around her, dancing about in the air as she drew upon their magical strength.

Silvertongue snorted. "No thanks, lass," he responded disdainfully, dismissing the wind-weilding woman's comment with a wave of his hand. He had no desire to reach into her head again. Not that he had the capability to anyway. Disregarding that fact, he quickly flipped to the newly filled page in his tome––the spell he had just stolen. He smirked. Oh how sweet it would be to use her own weapon against her.

Silvertongue utilizes the Thief's Tome to cast Eagle Gaze on Mistral! 10 Int Damage! Chance of Silence! Chance of Paralysis!
Remaining MP: 9/30

"The wings of the predator overhead beat, slicing through the air without cry! Tremble in fear, for blood shall spill, trapped as you are by the falcon in the dive! Eagle Gaze!" Silvertongue chanted harshly, his voice taking on an edge akin to that of the Rune Knight's. Unlike the previous spell he had utilized, this one merely formed a magical veil at his eyes. In an instant the magic had done its work and the thief of spells stood smirking. No doubt if he could learn to cast this spell without an incantation that it would prove one of the most useful spells in existence.

All it would take was time.

Natsumi drinks the Summer's Brilliance!

Int: 12

Natsumi glided away from the woman on her wheels of fire, taking care to remain in a position to resume attacking, should she need to. There wasn't much for her here, her attacks were hardly even touching the woman. Even if the flames did touch her, the woman's resistance to the flame was much too high. So she would take a step back and breathe a moment. It was enough of a pause for her to remember that strange item she found earlier. Curious again, she took it out and marveled at how it glowed. She could feel power coming through it. What if...she drank it?

Natsumi's eyes lit up, red orbs turning gold as she felt an incredible warmth flow down from her mouth and into her body. The fire around her seemed to burn even more brightly, become even stronger than before. With this rush of power, she could do it. Her legs didn't feel weak anymore. Her frailty over the years forgotten, Natsumi lifted herself up off the ground, literally floating on her wind fire wheels.

"I remember one day, before they took me," Natsumi murmured to herself, "that fire rained down from the sky. Not magic fire, true fire that burned. I think someone burned to death in that rain, and I can feel it coming again. I remember: When the Herald is taken, True Fire will rain from the heavens."

The sky turned bright, transforming from a light blue to a dangerous red almost instantly. The wind blew hard, an intense heat making the air burn as it touched skin. From the red sky, flames began to fall, setting down upon the woman that blocked their way and every other corner of the stage. There was nowhere to run, and before anyone could do anything to stop it, the whole ground was alight with fires being spread by a burning wind.

Natsumi uses her D-Ability: Rain Fire! 12 Piercing Int DMG! All cells turn to Burning cells!

DD: 0/10

Nest was already preparing his next runic compilation when suddenly there was a shift. Warm. Far too warm. A glance upward would reveal the source of the change. Flames began to rain from the sky! Nest quickly ended his barely written incantation as he stepped backward in surprise. Nowhere to run, I can't avoid that! Throwing his hands over his head for protection was the instinctive reaction.

Waiting. He could hear the rush of the flames as the wafted around him. Any moment now and he would feel the agonizing pain of burning alive.

Waiting. Never in his life did he imagine burning to death to be the way he would go. Thoughts of peacefully resting at an extreme age wrestled to his mind before erupting like the flames that would surely consume him.

Waiting.

Nest opened his eyes, not realizing he'd closed them in the first place. Sure enough, flames raged in all directions. Yet he was unscathed? What was going on?

Nest basic attacks Mistral. 10 Int damage! Nest back-steps to F4.

Mistral takes 21 Dmg!

HP: 51/150

Mistral is Silenced!

Mistral evades Paralysis!

Mistral is Burned!

The battlefield has been set ablaze!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - Almost Free

Location: Runescryum Archives - Front Lot

Objective: Defeat Mistral, Rune Knight of the Howling Winds!

Achivement: Grounded - Bind Mistral to the ground by finishing her off with an attack of the earth element! [10 AP]

Background: ~Lady of the Vortex~

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } {S} {M} { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } {A} { } {N} { } { } D
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{c} {c} { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Aeria's Hot-Blooded Surge fades.

Aeria's ATK Boost fades.

Aeria's Regen has 2 turns left.

Natsumi's Haste fades.

Aeria's Protect has 1 turn left.

Aeria's Shell has 1 turn left.

Aeria is Addled for 2 more turns.

Enemy Phase.

Mistral glanced around at the front lot which was now engulfed in flames.  The tips of her garments had little fires threatening to consume her entire ensemble but the Rune's winds put them out with ease.  If she called upon the power of the Reckoning, however, there was a chance that the archives would be destroyed.  There was simply too much fire for even the Rune's winds to handle.  Mistral sighed.  It seemed this gig was just about up.  She could feel her body tiring, and even her mind was starting to become averse to this fight.  But she wasn't about to give up.  Mistral hopped upwards suddenly and slammed a foot into Aeria's face and performed a backflip, bringing her hammer upwards and sending Aeria flying into the air.  "The wind soars beneath the dragon's wings!"  Beautiful green, blue, and pink melded together to form the hue of two glorious wings as they sprouted from Mistral's back.  She took off into the air in a split second, her target obvious.  At the pinnacle of her speedy ascent, she dove and slammed her mallet into Aeria's chest sending the helpless warrior spiraling into the ground with a crash.  Mistral landed and reared back, sending her mallet whirling through the air at a slight angle causing it to smash right into Aeria's disabled body, sending it bouncing upwards and flying through the air straight into the doors leading into the archives.  Mistral's mallet returned to her hand in a blast of wind.

Mistral uses Cosmos Kiss on Aeria!  14 Dmg! (ATK) [Mistral lands in A5]
---Mistral links Dragonheart: Plummet!  2 hits!  32 Dmg! CRITICAL!!  21 Dmg! (ATK) [Aeria evades Weak]

MP: 65/115

Mistral takes damage from the blazing flames!

HP: 39/150

Mistral uses Whirling Gavotte!  Hits Aeria!  26 Dmg! (ATK) [Aeria is knocked to I5]

Aeria collides with the Archive Doors!  1 Piercing Dmg!

MP: 41/115

Mistral waits.

{f} {f} {f} { } {M} { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } {S} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {N} { } { } D
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{c} {c} { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Mistral's Haste fades.

Mistral is afflicted with Binding Thorns for 1 more turn.

Mistral is no longer Bleeding.

Mistral is no longer Silenced.

Mistral is Burned for 1 turns.

Player Phase 5!

Aeria (Fighter) *REGEN [2]* *PROTECT* *SHELL* *ADDLE*
HP: 24/40
MP: 9/15
DD: 3/10
Atk: 8
Def: 8
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Elisia (Cleric)
HP: 22/22
MP: 31/39
DD: 9/10
Atk: 4
Def: 5
Int: 8
Spr: 6
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

Silv (Thief Mage)
HP: 25/25
MP: 9/30
DD: 7/10
Atk: 1
Def: 5
Int: 8
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Natsumi (Herald of Fire)
HP: 20/20
MP: 3/35
DD: 0/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 12
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Nest (Soul Scribe) *LEKUNAI UNBOUND [1]*
HP: 20/20
MP: 15/35
DD: 1/10
Atk: 1
Def: 4
Int: 10
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Mistral (Rune Knight) *CHR +10%* *CHD +25%* *NSD -2* *BINDING THORNS [5]* *BURN [12]* *CRITICAL*
HP: 22/150
MP: 41/115
DD: 8/10
Atk: 13
Def: 6
Int: 6
Spr: 11
Evade: 13%
Move: 6 cells

{X} - Archives Entrance
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

{f} - Fence
[No Occupy]

{c} - Coach
[No Occupy]

The pain.  Aeria could do nothing as the foot collided with her face.  From that point on, she was trapped.  The mallet knocked the wind out of her as she was sent flying, and it seemed like only moment's later when the next crushing blow made her breath disappear, never returning it seemed.  She was gasping as she hurtled to the ground, her armor and Elisia's barrier barely making the damage manageable.  And just as she was struggling to get up, Mistral's weapon came hurtling towards her once more, this time picking her up and sending her crashing into the door to the archives.  She groaned in pain and slumped to the ground.  She still had some fight in her, but this was a lot.  Her ribs were bruised and blood trickled from her mouth as she forced herself to stand and protect as she was meant to.

"A shield is not so easily broken, Rune Knight, for that would sorely defeat the purpose of one."

Aeria moves to F5.

Aeria waits.

Elisia casts Barrier on Aeria! [Bestows Protect][Bestows Shell]

MP: 23/39

Elisia casts Photon on Mistral!  11 Light Dmg! (INT)

MP: 11/39

"...you shall not pass!  No sword or spell can shatter our defenses!  Barrier!!" Elisia finished casting her spell, directing her light towards Aeria.  The poor woman's previous shields were fading, and it was no wonder at the damage she had taken.  She was thankful that Aeria had such a grand constitution and was willing to use it to protect the rest of them from harm.  The least she could do now was to keep supporting her as best she could.  Her eyes caught sight at the faltering Mistral.  Now was the time to take her down.  She shifted the defensive light and riled it up into an offensive sort, the particles swarming around her as she began to cast a new spell.  "Gathering of light particles, shine!  Photon!!"  The light swarmed on Mistral and gathered around her, condensing into a sphere before exploding violently.  "If it calls for it, I might have to unleash my ultimate spell..." Elisia muttered to herself.  So far, they were doing well, but this was one battle that could not be drawn out.  They had to escape.

Elisia waits.

Silvertongue nearly cursed as the flames rained down from the heavens, consuming the entire battlefield within seconds. He stopped himself, however, when they failed to burn him. His eyes shot to Natsumi. "Motha Eden, darlin'!" he cried out, unable to control the smiling spreading across his face. So this was the power she held! Now he understood just why she had been locked down in the dungeons with the rest of them––why the Rune Knights thought of her as a threat!

She could do them great harm.

Shifting on his feet to face Mistral, his smile twisted into a sinister grin. "Wanna cry uncle?" he chided, flipping through his peculiar tome once more to the first spell. "Nature thirsts for revenge against the wicked, ensnaring her offender in the tightest embrace; may blood sate her hunger! Binding Thorns!" Once more, a myriad of thorny vines lashed out at the woman.

It wouldn't be long now.

Silvertongue casts Binding Thorns on Mistral! Immobilizes the target! Target takes 3% Max HP Damage per turn for Three Turns!
Remaining MP: 4/30

Events in these situations develop with such speed that it becomes difficult to follow and react. This encounter was no different. One moment fire rains from the sky like the cataclysmic appearance of armegeddon, then the next the one you've silently sworn to protect is pushed violently backward into a solid, yet fairly well decorated, door. Nest scowled at his own inability to have done anything. Aeria could very well have been killed in that moment and then what? No answers, no understanding of his missing memories of the archives, no respect for himself. He cursed himself for a fool, being reminded of a stanza from a poem he had always despised.

The shattered portal cold,
Turns the friend; calls the foe,
The hollow shelves from which we delve
Alas, my loss doth show!

In a moment Aeriawas back to her feet and charging back into the fray, reckless as ever. She could be a lot like Caleb sometimes. Hold on... like who?

But now was not the time for pondering. There was still a major threat between the group and freedom.

Nest moves to D4. Nest waits...

Mistral takes 1 Dmg!

HP: 21/150

Mistral is afflicted with Binding Thorns!

Mistral evades Immobilize!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - Almost Free

Location: Runescryum Archives - Front Lot

Objective: Defeat Mistral, Rune Knight of the Howling Winds!

Achivement: Grounded - Bind Mistral to the ground by finishing her off with an attack of the earth element! [10 AP]

Background: ~Lady of the Vortex~

{f} {f} {f} { } {M} { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } {S} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } {T} { } { } {N} { } { } D
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{c} {c} { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Aeria's Regen has 1 turn left.

Aeria's Protect has 3 turns.

Aeria's Shell has 3 turns.

Aeria is Addled for 1 more turn.

Enemy Phase.

Mistral moves to C5.

Mistral takes damage from the blazing flames!

HP: 9/150

The flames were getting to be too much on top of the spells cast against her. So this was how she was going to go down, or at least temporarily. The Rune's winds would not let her spirit leave her body that easily. It would be a tempest she had to cross and she wasn't strong enough. The Rune had her bound. The Head Coordinator would be damned if he was going to lose one of his Rune Knights, granted he had already lost two of them, not to death but to betrayal. Mistral silently wished to be able to speak with them again. But for now, she had to go down fighting. Rushing forward through the flame, she took to the air and spun violently until she collided with Aeria once more, hopefully keeping the sense knocked out of her. A shield that could not be broken? Mistral would see about that.

Mistral uses Violent Axle on Aeria! 30 Dmg! CRITICAL!! (ATK) [Aeria evades Addle][Mistral winds up in E5]

MP: 31/115

Mistral takes damage from the blazing flames!

Mistral KO!!

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } {S} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } {T} { } { } {N} { } { } D
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{c} {c} { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Aeria (Fighter) *REGEN [2]* *PROTECT* *SHELL* *ADDLE*
HP: 21/40
MP: 9/15
DD: 3/10
Atk: 8
Def: 8
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Elisia (Cleric)
HP: 22/22
MP: 11/39
DD: 10/10
Atk: 4
Def: 5
Int: 8
Spr: 6
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

Silv (Thief Mage)
HP: 25/25
MP: 4/30
DD: 7/10
Atk: 1
Def: 5
Int: 8
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Natsumi (Herald of Fire)
HP: 20/20
MP: 3/35
DD: 0/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 12
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Nest (Soul Scribe) *LEKUNAI UNBOUND [1]*
HP: 20/20
MP: 16/35
DD: 1/10
Atk: 1
Def: 4
Int: 10
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Mistral (Rune Knight) *KO*

{X} - Archives Entrance
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

{f} - Fence
[No Occupy]

{c} - Coach
[No Occupy]

* * *

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - Almost Free

Location: Runescryum Archives - Front Lot

Objective: Defeat Mistral, Rune Knight of the Howling Winds!

Achivement: Grounded - Bind Mistral to the ground by finishing her off with an attack of the earth element! [10 AP]

Background: ~Lady of the Vortex~

{f} {f} {f} { } { } { } {f} {f} {f} A
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } {S} { } { } { } { } { } C
{ } { } { } {T} { } { } {N} { } { } D
{c} {c} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{c} {c} { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } F
{c} {c} { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{w} {w} {w} {X} {X} {X} {w} {w} {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Mistral has been defeated!
CHAPTER COMPLETE!!

EXPERIENCE:

+18 - Mistral, Rune Knight of the Howling Winds
+2 - Player Phase completed less than 10
+2 - No Player Character KO

TOTAL EXP GAIN: 22

Aeria: 20/32 --- 42/32
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Evasion +2%!
Next Level: 10/48
Current DD: 3/10

Elisia: 20/32 --- 42/32
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Evasion +2%!
Next Level: 10/48
Current DD: 10/10

Silv: 20/32 --- 42/32
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Evasion +3%!
Next Level: 10/48
Current DD: 7/10

Natsumi: 20/32 --- 42/32
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Evasion +1%!
Next Level: 10/48
Current DD: 0/10

Nest: 18/32 --- 40/32
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Evasion +1%!
Next Level: 8/48
Current DD: 1/10

Skill Points Awarded!

+1: Aeria, Elisia, Silv, Nastumi, Nest

Achievement FAILED...

The Party finds 160 Gold!

---Emerald x1

Aeria earns the Unbroken Shield Title! [Increases DEF by 1%]

Natsumi earns the Pyromaniac Title! [Boosts chances of inflicting Burn by 3%]

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~ T I T L E S ~

I've decided to implement a title mechanic to further enhance your character and add more customization options. The title field will go beneath the name field in your profiles and you will have its effect next to it. At the bottom of your profile, you will have a Title Log that will help you keep track of all the different titles you attain. Only your active title will be the one displayed beneath the name. The rest of your titles will remain inactive and can only be changed between battles. Titles can be unlocked by a variety of means whether they be through feats done in battle or by interactions with other party members and NPCs. It's pointless to try and attain titles; all you have to do is sit back, act normal, and let them fall into your lap. Enjoy!

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Edit your profiles, please. Update will come shortly~

The flames continued to spew smoke high into the sky.  From behind them, a loud siren started to blare out over the city.  The archives had sounded their alarm.  In no time, more knights would have them surrounded.  Aeria didn't spare a single word but began to ran.  This was what she had waited for.  Freedom.  With this opportunity she would be able to discover what exactly was going on with the Knights of Runescryum because she knew whatever it was, it wasn't good.  This was a huge conspiracy that needed to be explored.  The flames did not dare to touch her as she ran.  She waved her hand at the others, beckoning them along.  There was no time to dally.  Any second wasted could land them back in jail, or worse, with their heads 'neath the guillotine.  Elisia could barely move but she knew she couldn't linger.  She ran forward as well after Aeria who was taking off at a more than brisk pace.  She passed by Mistral who lie in the flames, burning.  However, in the corner of her eye as she ran past, she could see the woman's body begin to glow with a beautiful faint green light.  Small trails of wind could visibly be seen surrounding her.  Mistral would not die here.  Of that, Elisia was certain.

The group proceeded to run from the archives and into the nearby residential district that housed the nobility.  Castle Cordelle could be seen in the distance, and Elisia found tears filling her eyes as she glanced at it.  It had been her home for quite some time, and now she was abandoning it and everyone who had been so nice to her, a stranger given the title of princess.  She was now a fugitive and there was no going back.  The tears flew back as she ran forward.  Down the street they went until they reached Market Street where most of the businesses could be found.  It was a straight shot to the outer walls of the city now since it was the main avenue.  The gates could be seen but they were shut tight.  The alarm still blared in the distance and bright lights could be seen shining into the sky from the archives.  "Light, bring us luck on our journey and force the obstacles from our path!  Fortune's Arc!!" Elisia chanted on the run, conjuring the light around her and sweeping her hand towards the gates that now grew closer and closer.  The light streamed along the path overhead and crashed into the thick steel bars with an explosion.  A sizeable hole could be seen and Aeria took advantage of it, dashing through it with the others in tow.

There was no stopping.  Aeria had to think fast on her feet.  They were heading south.  The knights would do some research on her and realize her hometown was Averia Village to the west, a village devoid of color and life now.  That's where they would think she would be heading, knowing the knights would be hesitant to enter that desolate land.  Little did they know that she had a second home located in the southern city of Scape that was undocumented.  She didn't even know if a physical title or deed for the house even existed.  She left it looking like an abandoned house hoping to keep it as a safehouse in the case something wrong happened, and something wrong definitely happened.  That is where she would go and bring the others.  However, after an hour of sprinting which slowed to walking, Aeria figured it was time for a break.  They had put considerable distance between them and Areht, and with the knights following the wrong trail, it would be a while before they were found.

The warrior came to a stop in the middle of the dirt road.  The area between Areht and Scape was mostly coastal grasslands, beautiful plains, and small shady groves which made it difficult to hide in, another reason the knights wouldn't assume they went to the south.  It wasn't until she stopped that Aeria realized how winded she really was.  She doubled over trying to catch her breath, sweat dripping down her face.  She felt dirty and was extremely tired.  Her armor and skin was covered in grime and blood, some from her enemies and some from herself.  Her head was starting to throb with a terrible ache, but it didn't last long as she was suddenly enveloped with light which faded quickly but took the edge off the pain.  "Thank you, Your Majesty," she spoke gratefully as she managed to sit in some short grass growing along the side of the road.  "I guess we can take a moment to catch our breath."

Without a second thought, Silvertongue scooped Natsumi up into his arms and followed Aeria closely behind. The small firestarter couldn't possibly keep up with her deteriorated condition and, frankly, he felt entirely responsible for her freedom. He had made a promise, god damn it! Clutching her weakened, malnourished body to his chest, he ran as though he was carried by wings. No guard could stop him––God help them if they so much as tried!

Treading in the warrior's own footsteps, he too did not realize just how fatigued he was until the party had come to a halt. He did not double-over, however, but rather forced himself to settle in the grass. His grip on Natsumi loosened but he did not stop holding her. His eyes flicked down to meet hers. "Ya a'ight, darlin'?" he asked quietly, hoping that, despite not doing any running of her own, that she was in decent condition from the journey.

She was tired, so very tired. The amount of energy it took just to make the skies rain fire took everything out of her. Natsumi felt sick and feared moving lest her bowels empty out what little of her was left. Luckily for her, she had a guardian who alwayus took her up in his arms to whisk her away. She only hoped that it would not be to another battlefield, but to a place where she could rest.

Along the way, despite the roughness of the travel, Natsumi's eyes fluttered and finally shut, and she drifted off into a light slumber. All her life she had been plagued by night terrors, and she feared falling asleep, but it took her before she could put up a real fight. And for the first time in five years, Natsumi slept peacefully.

There was no time to think. With the wail of the sirens he was off like a flash of lightning darting across the night sky. Once again he found himself lacking in his physical abilities and scorned himself for it. And yet, he found himself able to keep up regardless.

Nest kept an eye on Aeria Gaines as they ran. They had partly recognized each other somehow; Nest with his strange compulsion to protect this mysterious woman and Aeria seeing him as a "familiar face." Scenarios played out in his mind to describe this phenomenon, and he made no effort to dispel them as they kept him distracted from the pain in his legs. Perhaps this Aeria had enchanted him with some spell? Were they both under a spell? Had they simply met in passing on some street? Familiarity may have triggered the desire to protect.

Adding additional confusion to the flames of this peculiar situation were the two other unanswerable phenomena. The power he did not have before meeting Aeria and what happened after entering that building. He tested his memory in an effort to be sure of his past. He could remember quite readily his days of youth, his long apprenticeship as a scribe, learning runic incantations. The memories blur only when he reaches the events of this day. He had entered the facility to uncover secrets; information was power after all. Scribes were usually looked over and he only had to worry about being banished from the premises, or so he thought. Come to think of it, wasn't there another reason for his being there?

The party coming to a stop freed Nest from the endless loop of self-interrogation. He noticed the fire-mage was asleep in the arms of the gruff looking fellow. A curious scene, but touching nonetheless. Aeria suggested they rest and Nest realized his opportunity to seek some answers. He despised ignorance and confusion. He took a stepped toward her, opening his mouth to speak. However, as he stepped he felt the shockwave of pain and exhaustion shoot through his body. The knee buckled and he fell. A gasp cut short as he hit the ground was all that came from his open mouth. Darkness threatened to claim his vision, but he fought it off. He couldn't quite move, so he rolled onto his back and lay there. "I fear..." He spoke between gasping breaths, "I am no athlete."

"The light praises the just and righteous with the gift to walk once more and to see through the darkness! Recover!!" Elise channeled the remaining light she had used in her previous spell used on Aeria and focused it towards the helpless scribe that rested upon the ground, the energy completely drained from his form. She knelt down and placed a warm hand on his cheek before helping him into a sitting position. She remained in her kneeling position and allowed him to use her as support. "Lying down will only make things worse; let the light suffuse your being and replenish your lost strength," she advised kindly. The young man had landed himself in quite some trouble, but the fact that he didn't even think twice about helping them out meant a lot to her even though Aeria was intent to aid him as well. The princess gazed up at Aeria who was standing straight and tall now that her headache had vanished. "Where do we go from here? I noticed we're heading south."

"We're going to Scape as you may have pieced together, Your Majesty. I surmise the knights will be headed to my village of origin, Averia. They would think the Colorless Lands to be a perfect place for fugitives to hide being such a hostile and desolate place, but in fact, they have no idea I'm heading to my second, undocumented home," Aeria explained, a crafty grin plastered upon her face. Fooling the knights brought her a decent bout of satisfaction, no matter how short-lived. "We can't linger in their default search radius around the capital, though. As soon as we're able, we're going to have to move." She spared a glance to the scribe, Nest, who seemed so familiar. Her heart beat faster the longer she looked at him but she kept her gaze resolute. "I can carry you if need be, kind scribe. It would not bode well to have you overexert yourself. Exhaustion can act as the hand of death if left unchecked. You will see that I do not tire as easily."

"Says the tireless warrior who was doubled over in fatigue," Elisia quipped quickly, poking fun at Aeria a bit. She felt relieved when she caught sight of a mock angry look upon the woman's face. The light would flourish if there were more positive feelings in the air. It made her spells more effective and easier to cast.

It seemed that the poor girl had fallen asleep in their rather tumultuous journey here. Not bothering to stir her, Silvertongue resigned himself to brushing her bangs out of her face with the lightest of touches. He frowned slightly. He could not see her dreams, but he hoped, deep down, that she slept peacefully. After the day she had endured––the day they had all endured thus far––she deserved tranquility. And a bed.

Silvertongue's eyes flew to Aeria as she explained her plan to run away to an undocumented household. Although he did not offer any spoken remark, his concerns seemed to speak in the quick shift of his head to the child in his arms. Certainly she would have a bed for the girl to lie in until they recovered from the stress of escape and fighting for all of their lives. If she didn't...

Well, the spellthief supposed he could always make use of half of his particular skill set. Looking back to Aeria, however, he decided that that would likely be unnecessary. If he knew anything––and he liked to think that he did––he knew that any undocumented house such as this would serve a girl like Aeria one purpose and one purpose only: as a hideout. So surely she would have supplies and as comfy a setting as such a place could allow. Hideouts were designed to be stayed in for prolonged periods of time for the safety of the one hiding; this instance would prove no different.

Allowing himself to relax at that thought, he shifted the tiny girl in his arms and smiled down at her. Perhaps she would be able to recover from all this unscathed.

"I thank you, kind maiden." Nest could feel the magic flow throughout his body, washing away much of the pain and exhaustion like calm waves brushing away the sand. Being assisted did not sit too well with him, however, but he accepted the aid for fear of offense. From past experience he'd learned that when someone offered service, they are willing to perform and generally happy to do so. It was not the scribe's place to put down a kind gesture.

Of course, it was only then that the repeated phrase from Aeria registered within his mind. "Your Majesty." Would not that imply he rested upon the presence of royalty? He, a humble scribe? The thought made him blush and sit up a little sharply. No one of such rank should need be so concerned of such a lowly being.

Nest was grateful to have her Highness question Aeria before either noticed his facial coloring. At least, he hoped they had not. He took the time of explanation to quickly reclaim his composure, only to look up directly into the deep brown eyes of mystery herself. What was the connection? Swim into the reaches of eternity and grasp the heavens. The stars beckon, the unknown is revealed. Best to wait for now, for he found himself being asked a rather embarrassing question. True, he lacked the physical stamina of the others, but shame on him to put such a humiliating burden on such a proud warrior!

"I believe I shall manage, Miss Aeria. But I thank you for your kind offer."

"Very well," Aeria replied, nodding kindly to the scribe and secretly praising his willpower for it allotted him great strength. It was time for them to be on their way, as short-lived as their little break was. Aeria wiped some of the sweat from her brow and adjusted her armor, checking her weaponry. Hopefully they wouldn't come across anything on the road but stranger things have happened before. The group proceeded on their way, the scenery unchanging for the most part. The grasses of the plains swayed nicely in a gentle breeze that grew more and more present the farther south they traveled, and it would only be a few hours before they finally reached their destination: a small collection of buildings in the distance, most made of a white clay material with red tin roofs but it was obvious that whoever had worked the roofs was an unbelievably masterful metalworker for despite being a rather poorer metal, every roof looked beautiful. The little villa as a whole was rather eloquent looking, but it was obvious that the citizens weren't exactly the wealthiest of sorts. Aeria pressed into the village, the dirt road turning to one of cobblestone. Again, whoever did the road was a wondrous artisan--it looked just as impressive if not moreso than a road found in the noble's district in Areht.

"Scape. The Village of the Arts. It used to be a small settlement of artists who came out to paint the grasslands and more of the entrancing scenery south of the area, but it drew the attention of more artisans from all over the land of Aldasrune, even from the capitol itself. Before long, it became a thriving villa of expression and creativity. Of imagination and learning. The reason it looks so nice is because nearly all of the master crafters and artisans take up residence here, and their hearts lie more in their craft than in coin or jewels or gold. Their hearts are in the right place," Elisia explained as she followed Aeria along, gazing at the beautiful houses and businesses. The people they passed on the streets wore shabby clothing for the most part, their coinpurses light at the absence of money. However, it seemed to matter not for their were smiles on all faces and friendly welcomes noticing that these people were outsiders. Elisia smiled back at them. It wasn't oft that she ventured from the capitol. She in fact had never even been to Scape before. So far it was proving to be a wonderful experience. Her nose twitched as it picked up the smell of fresh bread as the group turned the corner on a side street. It was more of an alley, and the buildings they passed were the backs of market stores, bakeries, and restaurants. Metal trash cans lined the walls but the overwhelming aroma of fresh food drowned out the fetid odor of garbage with immense ease.

Aeria turned another corner onto an actual street and only went a little ways before crossing the street to reach a motley little townhouse that looked completely abandoned and uninhabited from the outside. Aeria reached into her coinpurse and pulled out a small silver key, jamming it into the lock with force--it wasn't an exact fit. She wiggled it a bit here and there, definitely not the usual unlocking of a door, but in a moment the wooden door creaked open. She looked around quickly and ushered the others inside. "Hurry, hurry," she spoke tersely, waiting for everyone to enter before shutting the door and locking it. She went to the window and adjusted the ripped black curtains so that they covered the window completely. It grew immensely dark to the point where it was difficult to see, but Aeria went about lighting a few candles and lanterns. The firelight revealed a nice little loveseat, dark green in hue and a matching armchair with golden colored feet and trim. There was a fireplace against the wall opposite the window. The mantle was devoid of any photos or trinkets. The whole place seemed rather empty, containing no personal relics of the person who stayed there. The bookshelves were empty and covered in dust. Perhaps it looked just as abandoned on the inside as it did the outside.

"Welcome to my hideout. Make yourself at home."

Magic was truly a phenomena of reality. It made no sense to the mind, yet it functioned at such a simple level that even a child could learn. With the whisper of an incantation and the weariness of an individual would flee into some unknown recess. Nest was no less baffled by the capabilities of this supernatural force than another, perhaps even more so. He played with the arcana mysteries like a kitten given a tied ball of yarn; no matter how much he bat at it, it wouldn't unravel. At least it kept his mind off of the physical exertion of traveling.

Soon they arrived. He had read and even edited tales of the village called Scape, but he had never seen it himself. Even as Her Majesty described its origin Nest absorbed the calm beauty and compared it to those words; words that did not show forth an accurate portrayal in his opinion. If they remained here long perhaps he could scribble a line or two. But for now, Aeria was noticeably in a hurry and there were questions he still needed answered. Of course it was only then that he finally realized he only knew Aeria's name. He'd have to give a proper introduction, and judging by the group stopping outside of a questionable abode, he deemed his opportunity would be coming shortly.

He was never a rich man, but neither was he poor. As such, Nest was not used to such drab accommodations. The structure was void of care and decor; noticeably an abandoned building. The scarce furniture was the highlight of the room, quaint yet a bit dusty from neglect. He moved toward the fireplace and rested his back against the wall beside it. With a loveseat and a chair to four people, he silently elected himself to be the odd man out. It was here he would hold a spell before proceeding. Nest wasn't sure himself what he would do next, so it was best to allow the others a chance to rest a bit first.

Silvertongue immediately set about placing Natsumi on the small loveseat, fluffing on the end-pillows before placing her tiny head on it. He clicked his tongue at the sight of the sleeping child. The poor girl had been through a lot in these past few hours. He really hoped she slept peacefully.

He almost turned away from her, but then thought better of it and his hands went to the clasp of his cloak. Instantly it was shed, revealing a rather formfitting black ensemble. By no means was the thief of spells incredibly muscular, but he had the sort of tone a swimmer might have had––fit and able. His bare arms crossed as he finished placing the cloak over the small girl like a blanket. He cracked his neck.

"So what's tha plan, lass?" he asked directly, eyes catching Aeria's as he hovered by the loveseat. He certainly hoped she had some sort of idea as to what they should do now.

Aeria wasted no time. In a flourish she pulled out the stolen document and cut its binding, releasing the parchment and smoothing it out over the small table surrounded by the sparse furniture. The first thing that caught Aeria's eye was the giant diagram towards the top detailing a rather horrid-looking machine of sorts. She strolled into the kitchen and searched a cupboard, producing a few knickknacks to serve as paperweights to keep the parchment open. She pointed to the machine. "This machine...according to the description of the mechanism that runs it, it appears to suck the mana straight from the planet. And then it just stores it? In some sort of battery to serve as an energy source...but what on earth could the knights be doing with that kind energy..and that much of it?" She became intensely lost in thought, gazing quickly over the vast amounts of text. Searching, searching for answers. She took note of a location for the building site. She read more and more but there never really seemed to be a purpose for that energy stated in the document. That bothered her the most. So they were amassing the energy of the planet? FOR WHAT?

"The plan is to put an end to this machine. It can't keep sucking the life out of the planet. Soon there won't be a planet to drain the life from," the warrior sighed exasperatedly. "It looks like we'll be headed north. Our destination is Trasdal in the west sector of the Tarlatas Tundra. If we weren't fugitives, we could head back to my hometown of Averia Village and head north through the Hinterlands straight to Trasdal, but I'm afraid we'll have to take a more...indirect route--one that the knights won't be expecting." She paused for a moment and went back into the kitchen to do some rummaging. She had to go through a few cabinets and drawers to find what she was looking and returned to the living room with pen and a scrap piece of parchment. She drew a crude map on the parchment.

"Okay, look here. We're going to head back towards Areht, but we're going to keep to the east coast. There aren't any major cities, just small nameless towns and villages. Our goal is the Valdeer Highlands, the mountain range to the north of Areht. Yes, it takes us back into the knights' search radius but keep to the path we're taking, we should evade detection, but it will require us to leave here soon and make sure to head through the radius quickly. It means no stopping once we enter this field." She drew a wide circle around Areht. "If we come across aggression from knight scouts, we'll have to kill them. No mercy." It pained her to say such a thing but to leave a scout alive would be folly. Their location would be revealed and they would be caught before they even reached the Highlands. "The Highlands are going to be immensely tough to traverse and may take a few days to get through, but the most troubling feature they possess is Fort Spyria nestled deep within the range and blocking the only main mountain path leading to the tundra. We could take our chances with the wilderness, but that is about as bad a route as going through the main thoroughfare of the fort. If we can somehow manage to disguise ourselves, we may just make it through unscathed. I think that is our best option." She drew a line from the triangles that served as mountains and led it to the north. "The eastern tundra town of Beltrus will offer us short relief but after passing through the fort we will have to make haste to Trasdal. We will gather supplies in Beltrus and promptly cross the tundra leading to the Hinterlands. The icy woodland is much easier to handle than the tundra so any ease that can be given to us, we must take."

"And that's when we head north to Trasdal and destroy the machine," Elisia concluded as she listened and looked on. She was impressed at how knowledgeable Aeria was of the land and how quickly she drafted this plan. "It's bound to be heavily guarded. I wouldn't be surprised if a Rune Knight or even two were present. We will need to be steeled for a fierce battle," she stated solemnly, bringing her hands to her heart. She looked at Silv first, and then glanced over to the mysterious scribe, Nest. "Are you all okay with this? If we are to be called doomed, we may as well make the best of our doomed lives and do something meaningful. Perhaps we can prevail in the end and be victorious. To save the world, 'tis something you'd only expect to do in a storybook or in a dream."

Silvertongue frowned when he did not receive an immediate answer. Given the circumstances, he figured Aeria could respond promptly, but he made no other gesture to show his frustration. Instead he waited and when his question had found an answer, his eyes fell back to the sleeping form of Natsumi. Traverse the tundra and destroy a heavily guarded machine? The child could hardly walk on her own, and even with her power of flame the icy wastelands of the north would prove an arduous journey for her. It might even be suicide. Did Aeria and Elisia seriously expect Natsumi to come along with them?

Yes, he realized. Although he hated to admit it to himself, there really was no other choice. The small firestarter had been imprisoned much longer than any of the others––the knights were probably running themselves ragged searching for her alone. She was their biggest threat. Not the pesky warrior who poked her head where it didn't belong, the traitor princess, the enigmatic scribe who had appeared from nowhere. Not even he himself––just a lowly thief in their eyes. But Natsumi held power. Immense power. Leaving her here was almost worse than taking her with them on this journey. The knights could find her or she could starve alone. Cold.

That would be breaking his promise.

The young thief of spells turned his eyes away from the sleeping girl, lip caught between his teeth. As much as he did not wish to take her along on this trip, he had no choice. Her coming along was inevitable. And he, himself, could not just leave with her anyway––together he might have been able to get her out of the archives, but alone he could not defend her. The two of them would have to be in it for the long haul. He just hoped that the young girl could understand.

"I don't like et," the thief muttered, "but I don't s'pose there's any choice in da matta." He looked up to Aeria first and then Elisia. "I jest hope we can stop da damn ting."

She stirred. Natsumi sensed that her body was no longer in motion. She sniffed once, shifting around before pushing herself up into a sitting position, her legs tucked neatly beneath her. Natsumi rubbed her eyes and flattened the hair on top of her head, the rest of the incredible length left in tangles. Her eyes were only half open, but she could still see what was around her, somewhat. Natsumi yawned adorably and stretched her arms out, loosening her tiny arms.

The first thing Natsumi noticed was that the other three were talking about something together. Wait, no. There was another one, one who wasn't in the cell previously. That was so odd. Natsumi tilted her head slightly and closed her eyes, trying to remember what happened in the archives. For a moment it appeared that she had fallen asleep again. Natsumi swayed a little bit but soon caught herself and opened her golden eyes completely. She remembered the fourth one now, but not his name. She didn't know anyone's name, and no one knew hers.

Natsumi sniffed again and brought her hand up to her face to rub her nose. Right afterwards, her stomach made a strange noise, but Natsumi practically ignored it. Not a word escaped her lips, but she did rub her throat a little bit. It was a trick she had developed to tell her body that it wasn't hungry. That trick soon turned into a habit, and was probably half of the reason why she was so thin.

Nest watched as the warrior rushed about in preparations for her presentation. A moment and then information was washing over him like waves crashing onto the shore. A machine that was draining the very life of the planet? Come to think of it, he did remember the lackluster the world had been experiencing. Of course! That's why he was at that facility! How could he have forgotten? Nest had gone in hopes of learning more. But the plan hadn't gone well... captured before he could assist them.

Them? ... Caleb? A sharp pain shot through his mind at the thought of... hm? It was there a moment ago. A name? What was it?

The sound of paper hitting wood sparked him back into the here and now in time to hear Aeria state that they would need to kill any guards without mercy. A chill shot through Nest's spine at the thought. Further discussion divulged a plan to traverse the gods-forsaken regions in hopes of destroying the aforementioned machine. A quest. It was a quest the likes of a- "storybook or in a dream" the other woman stated, in sync with his own thoughts. A mild grin gleamed at the thought of the heroic tale of Nest LeKunai! To think he could be apart of such an episode as the heroes of yore! But alas, the scribe knew his weaknesses.

"I fear I could not partake in such an ordeal. And yet..." He paused as a familiar drive returned. Protect her. Gone were any thoughts of it being some kind of passing chivalry in a moment of danger. "And yet I feel compelled by some force to embark." At the latter statement he spared a glance toward their unspoken leader. There were few other possible answers at this point. He had been enchanted in some way, but by who? And why?