Decaying World [Redux]

They were hurting them. The mean people were hurting the nice people. It wasn't supposed to be that way. The mean people aren't allowed to hurt nice people, that was against the rules. Natsumi knew that to be true, and she wouldn't stand for it. She couldn't stand at all, not by herself anyway, the wheels were the only thing keeping her upright now. Natsumi wheeled herself a little closer, in the perfect range for her fire.

"You can't do that," Natsumi said out loud, pointing at the mean people who hurt the nice people. Natsumi knew that one of the nice people asked her to help, and help she would. "It's against the rules to hurt people who can't defend themselves. I think you two need a time out!" Natsumi tucked in her chest and took in a deep, solid breath. What came next, the two enemies in front of her could never expect.

Green fire, bright as the sun and hotter than summer shot out of Natsumi's mouth like a cone, engulfing both of the mean people in that terrible fire, much akin to that of a dragon's fire, only more tame and less volatile. In another second, Natsumi took a small flame into her hand and threw it at the one of the mean people, to put fire on the already festering burns.

Natsumi moves to F-7

Natsumi casts Dragonsbreath towards E-7! Engulfs Katherine and Yalashi! 13 Int Fire DMG! Chance of Burn!

Natsumi attacks Katherine! 10 Int DMG!

Two words: "Fuckin' shit."

Silvertongue waits.

Yalashi takes 6 Dmg!

HP: 13/30

Yalashi is Burned!

Katherine takes 21 Dmg!

Katherine KO!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - The Scholar

Location: Runescryum Archives - Foyer of Fiction

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Sorrowful Disregard~

Achievement: Librarian - Collect all three tomes in the Foyer of Fiction!

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } {A} {w} B
{b} { } { } { } {S} {w} { } { } { } C
{b} { } {t} {t} { } { } {Y} { } {s} D
{b} { } {t} {t} { } { } { } { } {s} E
{b} { } { } { } { } {w} {N} { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {E} {w} I
{ } {t} {t} { } { } { } { } { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

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

Natsumi's Haste has 2 turns left.

Silv is Immobilized for 2 more turns.

Aeria is Paralyzed for 2 more turns.

Enemy Phase.

"Such power!  I will show you the true strength of fire, young girl!" Yalasahi growled as his eyes brightened and the pages of his tome began to glow a vibrant red.  With a wave of his hand, he sent his own jet of flames outwards towards her.

Yalashi casts Streaming Flames!  Hits Natsumi!  12 Fire Dmg! (INT)

MP: 5/75

Yalashi waits.

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } {A} {w} B
{b} { } { } { } {S} {w} { } { } { } C
{b} { } {t} {t} { } { } {Y} { } {s} D
{b} { } {t} {t} { } { } { } { } {s} E
{b} { } { } { } { } {w} {N} { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } { } {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {E} {w} I
{ } {t} {t} { } { } { } { } { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Yalashi is Burned for 3 turns.

Player Phase 7!

Aeria (Fighter) *HOT-BLOODED SURGE* *CRITICAL* *PARALYZED*
HP: 9/35
MP: 1/15
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7 --- 10
Def: 8
Int: 1
Spr: 4
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Elisia (Cleric)
HP: 10/17
MP: 1/39
DD: 8/10
Atk: 4
Def: 5
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

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

Natsumi (Herald of Fire) *HASTE*
HP: 8/15
MP: 2/30
DD: 7/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 10
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Yalashi (Scholar) *BURN [2]*
HP: 11/30
MP: 5/75
DD: 8/10
Atk: 2
Def: 4
Int: 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Katherine (Archive Guardian) *KO*

Cayden (Archive Guardian) *KO*

{b} - Point of Interest [Bookshelf]
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Pull Book - Pull out the book on the bookshelf.  Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

{b} - Bookshelf
[No Occupy]

{s} - Stairs
[No Occupy]

Aeria waits.

Elisia moves to G8.

So she had asked, so had she received.  The little girl wasn't about to have the archive guardians treat them like that.  Elisia's eyes reflected the brilliant green flame as it surged out of the girl's mouth.  It was almost astonishing the amount of magical power that dwelt within such a small form.  That she could even remotely control it as she was doing portrayed a prodigal talent in the craft.  Or was there something more behind this girl's flame?  Whatever it was, Elisia wasn't exactly in the position to be asking questions.  Yalashi countered with his own spell as she had surmised, but this was just about over.  Elisia strode forth to close the distance between her and the scholar, but she was sure he would be out of the running before she even had the pleasure of running her saber through his traitorous form.

"Thank you," she whispered to the little girl, completely relieved that she had decided to take action.  Without her, they would have surely been doomed.  She was like their ace in the hole at the moment.  How well would she fair against a Rune Knight, however, if they so had the immense misfortune to encounter one?

Elisia waits.

Silvertongue felt his heart lurch forward in his chest as the geezer fired his own stream of flames at Natsumi. Struggling violently, the magical chains around him held taught and he glared at the corpse of the woman who had bound him. To think that he had promised the child he would not allow her to be hurt, and yet here she was protecting him and the others... The thief had to admit that the idea did not please him. "I'm sorry, darlin'," he whispered, "I didn' mean for ya ta 'ave to be dis strong..."

Silvertongue waits.

"Owwww." Natsumi cringed as the fire hit her. It was so strange to see her element do her harm. It was something that never happened before. But that's because it wasn't true fire. True fire would never harm Natsumi. Never. This fire that the mage used smelled of foul magic. There was nothing "fire" about this flame at all. The mean mage used mean magic fire, not the true fire that Natsumi held dominion over.

"That's not fire at all! That's just stupid magic!" Natsumi returned, pouting at the mean person. "Real fire doesn't smell bad! True fire burns." With that, Natsumi held in her hand true fire, and threw it at the mean person. She saw how the flame flickered and burned, illuminating the world with it's brilliant, orange glow. Natsumi could feel the heat from her fire, and she was certain that even this mean mage could tell the difference between his fire and her fire. Any real user of the element should. If he couldn't tell the difference, he was no user of fire at all.

Natsumi attacks Yalashi! 10 Int DMG!

Yalashi takes 3 Dmg!

HP: 8/30

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - The Scholar

Location: Runescryum Archives - Foyer of Fiction

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Sorrowful Disregard~

Achievement: Librarian - Collect all three tomes in the Foyer of Fiction!

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } {A} {w} B
{b} { } { } { } {S} {w} { } { } { } C
{b} { } {t} {t} { } { } {Y} { } {s} D
{b} { } {t} {t} { } { } { } { } {s} E
{b} { } { } { } { } {w} {N} { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } {E} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} I
{ } {t} {t} { } { } { } { } { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Aeria's Hot-Blooded Surge fades.

Natsumi's Haste has 1 turn left.

Silv is Immobilized for 1 more turn.

Aeria is Paralyzed for 1 more turn.

Enemy Phase.

Yalashi attacks Natsumi! 9 Dmg! (INT)

"You know naught of what you speak, foolish girl; fire is fire any way you put it, but enough of our flame battle. It is time to perish," he stated firmly, almost scolding his young opponent as he unleashed a sphere of neutral magical energy towards her.

Yalashi waits.

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } {A} {w} B
{b} { } { } { } {S} {w} { } { } { } C
{b} { } {t} {t} { } { } {Y} { } {s} D
{b} { } {t} {t} { } { } { } { } {s} E
{b} { } { } { } { } {w} {N} { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } {E} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} I
{ } {t} {t} { } { } { } { } { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Yalashi is Burned for 2 more turns.

Player Phase 8!

Aeria (Fighter) *CRITICAL* *PARALYZED*
HP: 9/35
MP: 1/15
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7
Def: 8
Int: 1
Spr: 4
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Elisia (Cleric)
HP: 10/17
MP: 1/39
DD: 8/10
Atk: 4
Def: 5
Int: 7
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

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

Natsumi (Herald of Fire) *HASTE* *CRITICAL*
HP: 4/15
MP: 2/30
DD: 8/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 10
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Yalashi (Scholar) *BURN [2]*
HP: 6/30
MP: 5/75
DD: 9/10
Atk: 2
Def: 4
Int: 9
Spr: 7
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Katherine (Archive Guardian) *KO*

Cayden (Archive Guardian) *KO*

{b} - Point of Interest [Bookshelf]
[No Occupy]
[Trigger Command: Pull Book - Pull out the book on the bookshelf. Range: Adjacent.]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

{b} - Bookshelf
[No Occupy]

{s} - Stairs
[No Occupy]

This one wasn't a fire-user. He barely even flinched from the fire she threw at him. If that was the case, then she'd just have to keep throwing more and more fire at the mage until he finally understood that fire is not magic. True fire is the breath of life. The warmth that flows from fire is what allows life to flourish. Taking a candle into a cold and damp place will only make it flicker and weaken, or even go out. No life is found in the cold.

Natsumi held both of her hands up, two flames flickering above her palms. She brought them in front of her eyes and drew her breath from the fire. Her eyes shone gold in the bright light of the flame, her visage illuminated with what she held. "The breath of life can also take life away," Natsumi whispered, her voice barely passing the crack of the flames. With a steady breath, she blew the flame at the mage, illuminating him in that golden fire.

Natsumi attacks Yalashi! 10 Int DMG! 2 hits!

Yalashi takes 6 Dmg!

Yalashi PERFECT KILL!!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - The Scholar

Location: Runescryum Archives - Foyer of Fiction

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Sorrowful Disregard~

Achievement: Librarian - Collect all three tomes in the Foyer of Fiction!

{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} A
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } {A} {w} B
{b} { } { } { } {S} {w} { } { } { } C
{b} { } {t} {t} { } { } { } { } {s} D
{b} { } {t} {t} { } { } { } { } {s} E
{b} { } { } { } { } {w} {N} { } { } F
{w} {w} {w} {w} {w} {w} { } {E} {w} G
{ } { } { } { } { } {w} { } { } {w} H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {w} I
{ } {t} {t} { } { } { } { } { } {w} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

All enemies have been defeated!
CHAPTER COMPLETE!!

EXPERIENCE:

+12 - First Rank Archive Guardian and Master of Scrolls, Yalashi PERFECT KILL
+4 - Archive Guardian x2
+2 - Player Phase completed less than 10
+2 - No D-Abilities used
+2 - No Player Character KO
+2 - No Items used
+2 - Treasure obtained x2

TOTAL EXP GAIN: 26

Aeria: 0/24 --- 26/24
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 2/32
Current DD: 10/10

Elisia: 0/24 --- 26/24
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 2/32
Current DD: 8/10

Silv: 0/24 --- 26/24
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 2/32
Current DD: 5/10

Natsumi: 0/24 --- 26/24
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 2/32
Current DD: 10/10

Skill Points Awarded!

+1: Aeria, Elisia, Silv, Natsumi

Achivement FAILED... [+0 AP]

The Party finds 40 Gold!

Items found:

---Torn Page x1
---Amber x1

Edit your profiles, please~ Update will come shortly.

The lobby of the Runescryum Archives remained silent as would be expected of a late night.  The reception desk was dark and tidied up after being covered in books and paperwork all day.  The shelves lining the well-kept ivory-colored walls were dusted and their contents neatened to perfection.  All the trinkets and photographs upon them were in a similar pristine condition, while the portraits and plaques on the wall above the reception desk were aligned with sickening perfection--not a single one out of place.  The windows let in the pale moonlight from the clear sky outside, and this light illuminated two forms waiting in the center of the room.  One was a tall ginger woman with long gorgeous hair and emerald eyes, freckles dotting her face, mainly on her rounded cheeks.  She kept a tight grip on a golden bow, and her fierce eyes were sharpened, honed towards the entryway from the hall leading to the archives themselves.  A quiver made of hardened brown leather held her arrows, her free hand ready to grab one and lay down any foes who might travel through that entrance.

Standing next to her was a more relaxed, shorter woman with long curly black hair with violet highlights that gleamed as brightly as her violet eyes.  Her teeth had been filed to points and her pale visage portrayed a sinister smile.  She tapped a black metal crossbow against her thigh impatiently as if waiting for action, but action never came no matter how many minutes passed.  Who would be so foolish as to escape through the lobby of all places?!  The woman blinked and her eyes widened as a young man was suddenly standing before her, scanning his surroundings looking confused.  "Hey!  Who the hell are you?!" she shouted suddenly leaping back with her crossbow drawn and aimed at the man.

"Malice, what's--" the archer spoke in concern at her companion's outburst only to react similarly when she noticed the intruder now present with them.  "What magics does he possess?!  Teleportation?  A mage of space, mayhap?" she growled, readying her bow.  "Speak, mage!  Who are you and from where do you hail?  Answer quickly lest you be rendered into naught but a pincushion of arrows and magical bolts alike!" she commanded ferociously, not faltering for a second.

The chains rattled to the tempo of his thoughts. There was nothing to be done. Two large and very strong knights stood at either side for an escort as a smaller, yet seemingly stronger knight held the chain in front leading the way. Did the others make it out in time? Could it be that all is lost? Are there no heroes? Were they only the work... of fiction?

Nest LeKunai shook his head to try and clear the fog of pessimism, only to be awarded with a backhand from the knight to his left followed by a stern command to keep moving. Nest bit his tongue to keep from reacting to the pain and moved a bit faster, but he still couldn't keep his psych under control. Is this how I die? Will my story never be told? Be sung? Be known? Am I just another nobody to be lost in the cracks of history? He tried to reign in his fear by recounting. He had made inside easy enough; not a single guard. Meeting with Aeria and Caleb was certainly a surprise, but a welcome one at that. Yet the moment they met up was when the mission began to crumble. Suddenly there were guards everywhere they went. His mind began to explore the meaning with questions like "Were we let in?" "Was it all a trap?" or "How did they know?"

However, no matter how scrambled his mind became from the fear of what had been and what would be, one thought lingered over them all. What will happen to Aeria? It rotated in and out over and over. He may have only known her for a few hours, but there was something about her that imprinted the thought of her well-being into Nest's rattled mind. He began to slip into a kind of blank trance as he allowed Aeria to dominate his thoughts, following the guards mechanically now that his body was used to it. She's important somehow. She needs to be safe. Something needs to be done. Something can be done. His eyes began to blur as his entire being began to focus on the idea. Something will be done... something... must be done!

Nest LeKunai stopped abruptly, catching the lead knight off-guard and causing him to stagger a bit from the sudden resistance from the chain. The knights on either side immediately began to yell commands, but the scribe could not hear them. Aeria needs to be safe. The thought took absolute control and Nest began to act involuntarily. One of the knights drew his sword and went for a blunt-side swing to break Nest's leg to get him to cooperate. Nest's eyes sharpened as he turned on the knight. "This is not real." As he spoke, the words appeared before him in glowing runic text. As the sword came in for the blow, the words flashed and the blade disappeared as if it were never there. In fact, it wasn't. There was no blade. The knight looked at his empty hand confused. Shouldn't I be holding something right now...? He thought, opening and closing his fists. He and the other guards looked around trying to remember what they were tasked to do, completely oblivious to Nest, before shrugging and wandering off down the hall.

The text flashed again and the chains slipped into... chains? What an odd thing to think of, there are no chains here. Nest, entranced, bit into his wrist until blood began to poor. The pain seemed to mean nothing to him as he soaked his fingers in his own blood. He walked back down the hall he came from, writing upon the walls with his blood the words "This is not real" as he went. Aeria... He walked. He wrote. Aeria... The loss of blood was empowering the delirium.

Writing... walls... a girl... blood? Blood!

Nest snapped to himself and quickly checked for blood. Nothing. Strange, it felt like he was bleeding. Protect her. The thought seemed to come out of nowhere. "Protect who?" He asked himself. He scanned the room he was in... a very familiar room, when suddenly someone spoke. He only caught the tail end, a demand to answer a question.

Fumbling over his tongue from his own confusion and the sudden realization that a bow was trained on him. "Uh... sorry I don't... um." He calmed a bit and tried again. "I am Nest, a scribe. I'm here to protect someone I think, but I don't know who."

The archer lowered her bow in curiosity.  A mere scribe?  Sent to protect somebody?  Did the Head Coordinator send out the order for this?  Or perhaps one of the Rune Knights?  Was the jailbreak that major of an issue that they had to call upon someone from the outside.  Malice didn't share the same thoughts, however.  "You're full of shit, scribe!  It's about time to meet your end!" the ravenous woman hissed violently before releasing bolt after magical bolt towards him from her crossbow.  They soared through the air, their aim true.  He would be a pincushion...but something unexpected happened.  There was a load roar that seemed to be female in nature and something crashed down on the floor in front of him.  It was a female, it turned out, with long white hair held back with a headband.  She stood in front of him with a large wooden shield held out blocking the incoming bolts with ease.  She was heavily equipped, possessing both blade and rifle.  When Malice's assault was over, she stood and looked upon the scribe with her cocoa brown eyes and gave him a reassuring smile.

More footsteps came from behind the group and Elisia, Silv, and Natsumi arrived in the lobby to catch sight of the events unfolding.  The archer raised her bow once more.  "They have arrived as expected!  How foolish!" she shouted, readying herself for battle.

"Damn it!  Consider yourselves all executed because you will go no farther than this lobby tonight!!" Malice cackled, also preparing to launch some more attacks upon the group.

Aeria placed a gentle hand on the scribe's shoulder.  "Flee to safety if you must; I can cover you."  She let go and turned to face her and her allies' last obstacle in the way of freedom, sword and shield at the ready with a smirk plastered upon her visage.  

"I will be your shield."

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - The Trap

Location: Runescryum Archives - Lobby

Objective: Protect the Scribe and defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Sorrowful Disregard~

Achievement: Your Own Medicine - Inflict a negative status on the Saboteur to let her know how it feels. [1 AP]

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

Aeria (Fighter)
HP: 40/40
MP: 15/15
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8
Def: 8
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

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

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

Carrowyn (Archer)
HP: 30/30
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 6
Evade: 10%
Move: 4 cells

Malice (Saboteur)
HP: 40/40
MP: 85/85
DD: --/--
Atk: 2
Def: 4
Int: 9
Spr: 6
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

{X} - Main Entrance
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

{d} - Desk
[No Occupy]

{c} - Chair
[No Occupy]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{e} - Display Case
[No Occupy]

Players may start in rows H-J, columns 7-8!

Silvertongue starts at H7!

Without the slightest bit of hesitation, Silvertongue dashed from the now burning library over to the small girl. Natsumi. He snatched her up into his arms, ignoring the flames and heat that has enveloped her––in a way he knew she would not let her fire hurt him. The girl, as he could tell, held immense power and a mastery that even the Rune Knights would not be able to match. Despite this fact, he still felt responsible for the battering of flames and magic she had received from the Master of Scrolls in their previous skirmish. He cursed himself mentally, but the only emotion that could be seen on his face was one of concern as he cradled the poor child in his arms.

"I'm so sorry, darlin'," he crooned as they took off on their escape. The thief mage slowed, however, trailing behind even Elisia as his green-blue eyes peered straight into Natsumi's golden ones. "I'm not doin' a good job keepin' mah promise," he whispered with a frown. "Are ya alright?" he asked as they started to come to a halt, ignoring the sounds of Aeria rushing into the lobby and the bolts colliding with her shield.

Natsumi starts at I-7.

Just as before, the nice man scooped little Natsumi up into his arms and whisked her away. She wasn't heavy at all, and she knew it, so this wasn't a problem. Plus, she kind of liked being carried around everywhere, it took a huge burden off her weak legs. Not to mention the man didn't seem to mind at all. It was only a winning situation for both of them.

But then time came again where she would have to be set down behind the physically stronger types. Natsumi did not much care for getting into another fight, but it seemed there was no end to these types. If anything, she should try to find some table to hide under. But, alas, the only table here was on the furthest end of the room, right past the two new people who looked and smelled mean.

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - The Trap

Location: Runescryum Archives - Lobby

Objective: Protect the Scribe and defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Sorrowful Disregard~

Achievement: Your Own Medicine - Inflict a negative status on the Saboteur to let her know how it feels. [1 AP]

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

Aeria (Fighter)
HP: 40/40
MP: 15/15
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8
Def: 8
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

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

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

Natsumi (Herald of Fire)
HP: 20/20
MP: 35/35
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: 35/35
DD: 0/10
Atk: 1
Def: 4
Int: 10
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Carrowyn (Archer)
HP: 30/30
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 6
Evade: 10%
Move: 4 cells

Malice (Saboteur)
HP: 40/40
MP: 85/85
DD: --/--
Atk: 2
Def: 4
Int: 9
Spr: 6
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

{X} - Main Entrance
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

{d} - Desk
[No Occupy]

{c} - Chair
[No Occupy]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{e} - Display Case
[No Occupy]

Player Phase 1!

Aeria moves to C5.

"Fortunately, this shield is not without its blade!" Aeria shouted and lunged forward suddenly.  There was only so much distance that Malice could put between her and Aeria.  Aeria was on her in seconds, blade lashing through the air, aching to taste Malice's blood.  She brought her face close to the saboteur's.  "Your life is the only one ending here, do you understand?  Your archive guardians were no match for us, so what makes you think you and your compatriot will be any different?" the woman sneered, trying to get this unit's attention right off the bat to keep her from attacking the others.  Perhaps out of fear she would keep aggression on Aeria, and fear was a very valid feeling to possess at the moment.

Aeria attacks Malice!  8 Dmg! (ATK)

Elisia moves to G8.

Elisia waits.

Elisia analyzed their foes but she didn't recognize them.  They must not have been very high ranking guardians.  They actually didn't appear to be associated with the archive at all.  Who were they exactly?  There's something wrong here... Elisia thought to herself, instantly becoming distressed as she edged forward to try and get a better look at them.  They weren't wearing any emblem of the knights or kingdom.  Were they mercenaries?  Why would the knights have to hire people outside the military for defense, especially of the capital itself?  This encounter raised so many questions.  Perhaps an inquiry would be needed before her newfound allies roughed them up too much.

Silvertongue frowned. Natsumi didn't respond to him, and although he would have liked to further check in on the child, there wasn't the time. Turning his attention away from the small firestarter, he focused in on the girl with the crossbow. His frown escalated into a fierce grimace. He could see the magical aura radiating from her. After all the trouble the archive lackeys had given him, he had no desire to let her cast a single spell.

Silvertongue moves to E6!

Bursting forth with unparalleled speed, Silvertongue wrenched the first dagger on his belt from its sheathe. "Stop dat incessant cacklin'," he muttered, channeling his mana into the dagger before releasing it in the form of an arc of spiritual energy. The ethereal blade then flew at Malice, cutting right into her throat without making a scratch. True, it didn't do much damage, but hopefully she would be feeling the effects soon enough.

Silvertongue casts Silencer on Malice! 6 Int Damage! High Chance of Silence!
Remaining MP: 22/30

His body tensed as the impending razor tips of the bolts were released. His eyes closed, he knew he was a dead man... until he heard a shout and a thunk of something hitting wood. Nest opened his eyes to see a young woman with a shield before him, taking the shots. The girl spoke, which sent a painful needle-like feeling through the back of his mind that sharpened into sudden resolve. Protect her! His boy began to move before he could even process his own actions. There was something different about him, something strange. For the first time in his life, he truly felt courage; he felt... strong. With dextrous fingers her swirled his quill to form the runes as he moved in for the hit.

Nest moves to E5. Nest casts Ode to Samuel on Malice! 10 Int damage! 10 Int damage! Chance of Bleed! 27/35 MP remains.

Natsumi casts Wind Fire Wheels! Grants Haste.

Fire appeared in the air and converged south, towards Natsumi's feet. Slowly the flame spun, creating wheels of fire that lifted the little girl effortlessly into the air. Immediately, Natsumi felt the relief flow through her already-tired legs. It was so nice not having to move. She just let the fire carry her where she wanted to go, where it wanted to go. Natsumi wheeled herself forward a little, stopping for a second to get a better look around.

Was there anything or anyone she could set fire to?

Malice takes 13 Dmg!

HP: 27/40

Malice evades Silence!

Malice is Bleeding!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - The Trap

Location: Runescryum Archives - Lobby

Objective: Protect the Scribe and defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Sorrowful Disregard~

Achievement: Your Own Medicine - Inflict a negative status on the Saboteur to let her know how it feels. [1 AP] {SUCCESS}

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

Natsumi's Haste has 3 turns.

Enemy Phase.

Carrowyn attacks Silv!  2 hits!  8 Dmg!  6 Dmg! (ATK) [Silv is Petrified]

Carrowyn waits.

Malice moves to B4.

Malice attacks Aeria!  9 Dmg! (INT) [Aeria evades Misfortune][Aeria evades Doom]

Malice sidestepped away from the sword-bearing warrior and loosed a magical bolt tainted with evil towards her, but none of her hexes attached.  She had already sustained more damage than she desired to and was bleeding heavily due to the scribe's magic.  Where had he even come from?

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

Malice is Bleeding for 3 turns.

Player Phase 2!

Aeria (Fighter)
HP: 36/40
MP: 15/15
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8
Def: 8
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

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

Silv (Thief Mage) *PETRIFIED*

Spoiler:

Natsumi (Herald of Fire) *HASTE*
HP: 20/20
MP: 27/35
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: 28/35
DD: 2/10
Atk: 1
Def: 4
Int: 10
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Carrowyn (Archer)
HP: 30/30
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 6
Evade: 10%
Move: 4 cells

Malice (Saboteur) *BLEEDING [4]*
HP: 23/40
MP: 85/85
DD: --/--
Atk: 2
Def: 4
Int: 9
Spr: 6
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

{X} - Main Entrance
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

{d} - Desk
[No Occupy]

{c} - Chair
[No Occupy]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{e} - Display Case
[No Occupy]

Aeria uses Hot-Blooded Surge! [ATK +40%][Increases Malice caused by damage]

MP: 9/15

Aeria looked back in horror as she heard Elisia make a loud gasping noise.  There in the center of the room was a stone statue.  It was extremely detailed, something no normal artist could accomplish.  There was something odd about the statue.  Where had it come from?  Upon closer inspection, Aeria's eyes widened.  The statue was none other than her fellow escapee, Silv.  One arrow lodged in his form, and she imagined that some sort of spell upon it had caused him to become encased in stone.  Aeria was sent into a blind rage.  How was she supposed to rescue him?  SHE should have been the one to take the arrow.  She neglected the magicked bolt that hit her and focused her attention on the archer.  She had to go.  A blazing red aura of hatred emanated from her form and she readied her blade.

Aeria moves to C7.

The warrior lumbered over to her new target with a flame in her brown eyes.  "You'd best be ready to pay for your actions," she snarled menacingly, getting ready to put an end to this woman's miserable life.

Elisia moves to F7.

Elisia was one of the first to witness what happened.  The archer loosed an arrow right for Silv, and she wasn't worried about that much.  She could heal a superficial wound with ease, but she started to notice that the young man's skin was turning gray as if to stone.  Much to her dismay, her assumption proved correct.  The arrow was jinxed with petrify, the arrows turning their targets into statues.  Elisia was quick to move into action just like Aeria was.  If this woman was allowed to live, then they all would be turned into a motley group of figurines.  Saber in hand, Elisia slashed at the ground sending an azure blast of energy surging along the lobby floor.  It blasted through Aeria without harming her but exploded upon contact with the archer, an azure aura lingering over her form.  Elisia grinned.  That was all she needed to lay down some wicked hurt.

Elisia uses Azure Delight on Carrowyn!  5 Dmg! (ATK) [Carrowyn is marked]

MP: 29/39

Silvertongue cursed under his breath as the arrow pierced his thigh. He could feel the magic laced within the projectile spreading through his entire being---could feel his atoms slow transmute into stone. With the last few seconds he had to still move (although doing so proved nearly impossible), the thief of spells looked over to Natsumi with a forced grin. "Sorry, darlin'," he said, his voice full of an uncharacteristic heaviness. A single tear spilled over, cascading to the ground just as he turned completely to stone.

The piercing headache that had appeared when his rescuer had first spoken seemed to be focusing him rather than distract. At the pulse of each jab of pain came an increased alertness about himself. He was calculating the field, discerning the status of the conflict. They had the advantage in position and numbe-

A whistle caught his attention just in time for him to see the arrow strike clean and true. In a moment, the man beside him was overcome with an encasing of stone, followed by the shield-bearing woman entering a fit of rage and rushing the archer. Well, so much for position advantage.

Nest moves to D5.

His hand was a flurry as he scrawled the runes. It was strange, but for a moment he felt as if he should be writing a different script... but what was that kind of thinking, he'd always used this technique. Until something rather abnormal happened. The runes began to glow a beautiful violet color as they held suspended before him, opposed to the usual black. He could feel a new power surge from those runes. What was happening? What was going on with him?

Nest casts Ode to Samuel on Malice! 10 Int damage! 10 Int damage! Bleed chance! Nest performs an Epic [-2 DD]! 10 Int damage! Poison chance! 20/35 MP.

Natsumi stretched out her jaw and put a hand to her mouth to yawn. She was feeling tired all of a sudden. All this moving around and running and fighting was putting a huge burden onto her shoulders that she couldn't seem to get rid of. Even now, as they were fighting, she saw people getting hurt, mean and nice alike. She wheeled herself over to where the nice man was, and watched as his skin turned pale and stony. He wasn't moving.

Natsumi moves to E-7

Natsumi touched the stone, feeling how rough it felt against her skin, and her insides began to twist a little. She didn't know what had happened, but that archer had done something to him, and now he was cold. Too cold. She placed both of her hands on the stone and the fire followed. She could make the stone warm, but it would not return the man to his fleshy form.

The source of the dark magic was that arrow. She saw the archer shoot it at him. The fire that she was trying to use to cure the nice man flickered as some switch inside Natsumi was flipped on. Natsumi's red eyes turned gold as her burning gaze was set upon Carrowyn. From her mouth came not the voice of Natsumi, the little girl. Her voice had changed and become fire itself, her words burning the ears of whomever heard her voice.

"I will see you burn," the Fire spoke, and the fire converged. From within Carrowyn's own body, the flame rose, giving her no way to escape the wrath of Natsumi's fire. This fire was not magic. This fire was not wild. It was controlled. It was real. And it burned.

Natsumi casts Purification on Carrowyn twice! 13 Int Fire DMG! (x2) Chance of Burn!

MP: 6/30

Carrowyn dodges Purification (1)!

Carrowyn takes 8 Dmg!

HP: 22/30

Carrowyn evades Burn!

Malice takes 12 Dmg!

HP: 11/40

Malice is Poisoned!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - The Trap

Location: Runescryum Archives - Lobby

Objective: Protect the Scribe and defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Sorrowful Disregard~

Achievement: Your Own Medicine - Inflict a negative status on the Saboteur to let her know how it feels. [1 AP] {SUCCESS}

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

Natsumi's Haste has 2 turns left.

Aeria's Hot-Blooded Surge has 3 turns.

Silv's Petrify is indefinite.

Enemy Phase.

Carrowyn uses Drill Plow!  Hits Aeria, Natsumi, and Elisia!  10 Dmg! (ATK) [Aeria is Bleeding][Natsumi evades Bleeding][Elisia is Bleeding]

MP: 18/30

Carrowyn moves to B5.

"Seems as though your flames will have to burn hotter to get the best of the likes of me, little girl!" the archer shouted boldly after loosing her drilling arrow and sidestepping away from the menace that was sure to be the fighter.  Archers never did well in close combat.

Malice casts Accursed Rain on all enemies!  9 Dmg! (INT) [Aeria is Cursed][Elisia is Cursed][Natsumi is Cursed][Nest is Cursed]

MP: 73/85

Malice raised her crossbow and fired a bolt at the ceiling causing gray clouds to bubble forth into life within the building, and water drops did not descend from these clouds, but instead cursed bolts rained down upon the group.  "Writhe in pain, the agony you cause us will be paid back two-fold with this curse!"

Malice waits.

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

Malice is Bleeding for 2 more turns.

Malice is Poisoned for 3 turns.

Player Phase 3!

Aeria (Fighter) *HOT-BLOODED SURGE* *BLEEDING [4]* *CURSE*
HP: 26/40
MP: 9/15
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8 --- 11
Def: 8
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Elisia (Cleric) *BLEEDING [2]* *CURSE*
HP: 12/22
MP: 29/39
DD: 9/10
Atk: 4
Def: 5
Int: 8
Spr: 6
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

Silv (Thief Mage) *PETRIFIED*

Spoiler:

Natsumi (Herald of Fire) *HASTE* *CURSE*
HP: 8/20
MP: 6/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 11
Spr: 5
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Nest (Soul Scribe) *LEKUNAI UNBOUND [1]* *CURSE*
HP: 16/20
MP: 20/35
DD: 0/10
Atk: 1
Def: 4
Int: 10
Spr: 5
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Carrowyn (Archer)
HP: 22/30
MP: 18/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 6
Evade: 10%
Move: 4 cells

Malice (Saboteur) *BLEEDING [4]* *POISON [3]* *CRITICAL*
HP: 4/40
MP: 73/85
DD: --/--
Atk: 2
Def: 4
Int: 9
Spr: 6
Evade: 3%
Move: 2 cells

{X} - Main Entrance
[No Occupy]

{w} - Wall
[No Occupy]

{d} - Desk
[No Occupy]

{c} - Chair
[No Occupy]

{t} - Table
[No Occupy]

{e} - Display Case
[No Occupy]

Aeria moves to B6.

To think...that the Malice would grow so strongly within...

The blazing red aura that surrounded Aeria normally was surging into life, even brighter than before.  It lapped at the air around her and seemed to display a mind of its own.  Aeria growled ferociously before raising her sword and yelling loudly into the air which was not the brightest idea with the whole of the archives looking for her and her fellow escapees but she couldn't control it.  The energy was getting out of hand, and with her rage fueling her soul and stoking the inner flame, there was nothing that could be done.  Her blade surged with the same aura that surrounded her and grew larger, much larger than it had been previously.  The bright red shed an eery glow over the entirety of the dim lobby.  A sinister look plagued Aeria's visage before she raised the blade and swung it horizontally, cleaving the archer completely in half, her blood painting the floor as it sprayed out of her lower torso like a fountain.  Aeria grinned malevolently as the blood bathed over her and she relished in it, sticking her tongue out to feel the crimson warmth upon it.  The taste was metallic, not very pleasant but in her current state she didn't care.  All that mattered is that Silv's curse might now dissipate with the original caster killed.  That was all that mattered.  All that mattered...

The Malice hungers and desires to consume more and more, its vessel gaining the strength to feed it!  Aeria aims to sate the frenzied energy by unleashing Malice Cleaver!  22 Piercing Dmg!

DD: 0/10

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

MP: 17/39

Elisia shrunk back a bit as Aeria completely lost it.  The amount of gore she witnessed in this single moment was more she had ever witnessed in her life, or at least what she could remember of it.  What had happened to the brave warrior?  Elisia shook her head; this conflict needed to be over.  She called forth the light to surround her, channeling it quickly and sending it over to the remaining enemy, Malice.  The light began to condense and form a concentrated sphere around the woman before exploding violently as it always did.  "That should do it," she whispered adamantly to herself, letting the light disperse instead of keeping it around.

Elisia waits.

* * *

Carrowyn takes 22 Dmg!

Carrowyn PERFECT KILL!!

Malice takes 5 Dmg!

Malice KO!

Nierday, Gallion 3 . 1961 - The Trap

Location: Runescryum Archives - Lobby

Objective: Protect the Scribe and defeat all enemies!

Background: ~Sorrowful Disregard~

Achievement: Your Own Medicine - Inflict a negative status on the Saboteur to let her know how it feels. [1 AP] {SUCCESS}

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

The Scribe has been protected and all enemies have been defeated!
CHAPTER COMPLETE!!

EXPERIENCE:

+8 - Archer x1 PERFECT KILL
+4 - Saboteur x1
+2 - Player Phase completed less than 10
+2 - No Player Character KO
+2 - No Items used

TOTAL EXP GAIN: 18

Aeria: 2/32 --- 20/32
Next Level: 20/32
Current DD: 0/10

Elisia: 2/32 --- 20/32
Next Level: 20/32
Current DD: 10/10

Silv: 2/32 --- 20/32
Next Level: 20/32
Current DD: 6/10

Natsumi: 2/32 --- 20/32
Next Level: 20/32
Current DD: 10/10

Nest: 0/32 --- 18/32
Next Level: 18/32
Current DD: 0/10

No Skill Points Awarded...

Achievement SUCCESS!! [+1 AP]

The Party finds 26 Gold!

---Golden Nugget x1

Edit your profiles, please~  Update will come shortly.

The dim light faded and the aura surrounding Aeria dissipated completely. The taste of blood quickly overwhelmed her senses and she spit it out, or at least whatever remained in her mouth, for the rest surely found itself in her stomach. She fell to her knees and thought she was going to be sick. The sight of the archer's intestines lying in the pool of blood around her severed form did nothing to aid her nausea. Her arm pressed against her stomach and she held her breath. She felt like she was going to hurl. She heard footsteps running towards her and the warm encompassing light that could only have come from one of the princess's spells. The nausea dissipated but she still didn't know how to feel about her actions.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Aeria said embarrassed as she managed to stand. She threw her eyes over to Silver only to see the man standing there not completely encased in stone. The stone had slipped off of his skin like liquid and puddled on the floor before evaporating in a gray mist. He was completely fine and Aeria smiled. Her gaze then fell on the mysterious man that was under attack by the two they had slain.

"You're welcome, Aeria. I-is everything all right?" Elisia questioned the brazen fighter who had just unleashed a power she had never before witnessed.

Aeria merely nodded and gave her a reassuring smile before treading over to the man. "Have we met before?" Aeria said, reaching out her hand for a shake with his. "You must have one of those familiar faces. I'm Aeria Gaines. What on earth did you do to wind up in a situation like that?" she launched her inquiry with such casualty. She felt so comfortable just talking to him for some reason.

The woman's rage channeled into an immense power that overwhelmed one of the two foes. Blade flew and blood was spilled. Nest quickly averted his gaze as the gruesome scene intensified. His stomach caught in a knot as it tried to release its contents, but Nest caught a hold of himself. This is who I am to protect...? Keeping his gaze off the gore he watched Aeria, before she came and spoke to him; a little too casual for one splattered with blood.

"I do not believe we have met, but I also feel as though I have seen you before." He took the hand and shook it firmly. "I am Nest LeKunai, a humble scribe. As for what transpired before your arrival... I..." His face sharpened as he tried to recall. What did happen? "I entered this facility, but beyond there I seem to have forgotten. Last I recall I was standing here being questioned by those two."

As the arrow lodged within his stone thigh dissipated into nothingness, Silvertongue slowly felt life return to him. His flesh started to return to him, starting with his eyes, which still watered until he realized the battle had ended. His gaze fell to Natsumi and the flames that burned about the lobby. Damn, he thought, smiling like a fool as the stone cracked and shattered, falling to the floor before liquifying and disappearing. Although he felt incredibly stiff, he forced himself to survey the others; they were okay. His eyes returned to Natsumi. "Today's just not mah day, eh darlin'?" he chuckled as lightheartedly as possible.