Raindrop Valkyrie

Petunia immediately flushed bright red. She turned to her head to face Leonard but didn't even make eye contact with him, just kept looking down. She squeaked out a response however, one that took quite a bit of forcing. "ln... ln front of all these people. That's embarrassing... but l guess... l guess it's needed. Okay. Sherwyn can you... can you turn around or look away please..." she was still red as a tomato.

Sherwyn's voice was the more effective part of their methods for sure, further saying her name. She looked at the knight though this time he saw in her eyes recognition, not just pure blind terror. lt grounded her back in reality, giving her a way to start and try to recall. Her eyes were still darting around the room, and her body was visibly tense, but she stopped struggling and moving. "Sherwyn..." she choked out after a time. She tried to adjust her position on the ground, but she winced in pain. The jagged metal from the break of her armour was clearly digging into her side. At this point it'd probably be best to remove it but that'd not prove an easy task. Armour was hard enough getting off without it being severely damaged. She seemed to just sit there trying to process everything that was happening. "The village it's under attack... shadowy figures. They summoned something in the woods. Sir Roland is still out there! We evacuated the townsfolk but... he's still out there."

Kaede The girl grit her teeth. The heat did not subside as her attack had not hit the intended mark. lt would be much more difficult to prevail now as she would probably know about her attacks at this point. Kaede had really noticed the call for no more ins, she was playing as if they weren't in play anyway, just using catches to save herself if she couldn't dodge or was under attack from multiple angles and couldn't dodge all of them. Her anger was certainly working with her not against her though. lt was a cool calculated rage... her emotions being naturally repressed allowed her to control her anger now that it was here. And use it she did. She danced forward, using the momentum from a dodge to somersault towards where she knew another ball was, cartwheeling and picking it up at the same time. She then used the movement from this to throw the ball harder and faster than she had been before, using her biomechanics to the best of her ability. Kaede was remarkably well trained in using her body for fighting. Something she was forced to learn by her mothers, but something she was glad to have learned how to do regardless. People were not kind to her... and knowing how to properly fight was quite handy. she was applying every thing she knew to destroy her remaining opponents. Riley would be much easier to pin down with the others gone, so if they were hit on the off chane she'd only get closer and closer to her goal. Her other teammates? Kaede didn't even remember they were there. This fight to her was 3 on 1. Odds she was hardly worried about. This attack went for the closest target to her, Platinum. One of the girls from before, not that she'd remember Kaede. The speed from the throw was ungodly... after all, Kaede wasn't really that concerned if people got a little hurt... just that she would still be standing to knock Riley to the ground and ntohing would stop her. Nothing.

Luckily, it seemed there was enough magic left in that staff, the horrible gash on her side began to knit shut. Those nearby could tell just how bad the injury was... lt had bit deep into her side so far one was unsure how she'd even made it here alive. Her armour was all but befouled by the blow, it certainly would have made walking much harder and it was clear that at places it was digging into her skin enough to cause residual wounds. lt was a rough sight and one that was hardly promising for what was occurring. Petunia suddenly started awake, jolting up from the floor out of breath and ragged. Clearly startled her eyes were darting around trying to discern what was happening. She saw Sherwyn standing there and she grabbed for the tall knight. She nearly pulled them to the ground with her... either she was freigteningly strong or it was the adrenaline. Either way she still seemed to be scared out of her mind. She seemed like she couldn't manage to gather her thoughts like too much was happening at once. Coel looked to the others gathered in the in the dining hall, and put up a hand to make sure no one else would run forward. "We need to give her some space. Whatever happened she's not in a state where crowding her is a good idea. Let Sherwyn handle talking to her, they are a familiar presence. Leonard, make sure that break in the armour doesn't cause her further injury." Coel remained as calm as he possibly could. He knew that if he started to show signs of worry it'd not be long until his charges would begin to panic. Tensions were already high. Reynauld kept on watch, holding his axe. His knuckles were bright white.

*Outside the Dining Hall* Reynauld had more or less fallen asleep standing upright as Sherwyn had expected. He was quite the lazy fellow but... lt was hard to call him a bad man. He was about to be awoken though and Sherwyn about to get a scare they weren't prepared for. One of the knights had returned from the field, but... she wasn't walking back. She was running. Heavy of breath she was running from something as fast as she could move in that armour. She was clutching her side something fierce, Sherwyn couldn't see why but, was sure that it was due to a terrible injury. She lost focus for a second, seeing Sherwyn standing there, in in that split second, lost her footing and crashed to the floor. Her armour made a horrid crescendo as she crashed into the cold stone. She was about halfway across the hall, and soon it was clear what she was running from. A giant man wielding a wicked axe peeled around the corner. lt was adorned with hellish visages, and demonic imagery. Something more than a rando bandit. He was donned in dark robes, hiding all of his form with the long flowing garment. All that was visible was the hand clutching that... damnable axe. He made to strike at the woman knight, one Sherwyn would know as Petunia. She was a young girl... the newest knight to their cause and the youngest as well. Even younger than Lyle. Sherwyn was sure he was about to watch her life be snuffed out. But that wasn't about to happen. Another axe flew quickly to block the weapon much simpler in design, but a sturdy weapon no doubt. lt was the axe of Reynauld. Sherwyn wasn't sure how Reynauld moved that fast or when he awoke, but he was there now when he was needed. Clearly, what Sherwyn knew about Reynauld was true. He might not have the best work ethic, but he was there when it counted. The wild knight pushed back the attacker a scowl on his face. "How about you fight someone who's actually got a chance, instead of picking on children? Have you no honor?" The figure merely laughed in response readied that devilish axe, but he wasn't laughing long as he rose the axe to strike sudddenly... it changed. The false face in it's design... lt's eye opened. A Bloodshot red was the colour of the eyeball, and it's pupil a deep amethyst purple. lt's sighed, one of relief... it was unsettling. The man started to scream in abject horror suddenly out of nowhere. The knights noticed... that his arm was still above his head, stopped midswing. The rest of his body was still moving and clearly writhing in pain... but the arm that held the axe couldn't move. And then... it started talking. "Time's up, our contract is complete. l will take my due now." lt said, it's horrid voice sounded much calmer than one would've imagined. The being even sounded... bored. The screaming soon stopped as the head of the axe snapped up and devoured the man's entire body in one fell swoop. lt saw the others in the room, and sighed. "Ah... l'm sorry you had to witness that." it sounded genuine, truly sorry for what had just transpired. "lt wasn't meant for your eyes. l shall leave you in peace rather than remain here for another sinner to fall prey. l sense that you are good people so, l will not let thee face the same fate." and the with those words, the axe disappeared, desolving into a cloud of ash. Reynauld stood there in disbelief... he turned back to Sherwyn. "Swiftwind, what the hell is happening?" Sherwyn wouldn't find any answers... not from within. The only person who'd have any clue would be the young knight in training, Petunia. Shewyn would have to awaken her and try. Reynauld just stood with his axe at the ready, peering around for anymore enemies to approach.

"Oh? A new spell. Perhaps perhaps. lt depends on it's nature of course. l not skilled in all magic after all, people tend towards certain crafts such is the way of things. l'm more attuned to nature than others for example. lt allows me much more freedom with natural elements, the classics perhaps... but also with potions, poisons, things of that nature." Brinda was clearly enjoying herself, which was not an oft seen sight.

"Hmmm, depends. Alchemy isn't the exclusive use... besides... Alchemy is for quacks anyway. People that can't do real magic, so they need to spend time trying to bend reality to matter. lt's a sad practice. lt is no art." she somewhat suddenly responded. The worst part was that for everyone else, they had no idea if she was being candid or not. Though, she seemed to be giving Morgan a true response. "There's better ways to brew things though, faster ways. lt would turn out that poultices and other such things don't need to stew away forever like was once thought. Areal time saver in honesty. They are only really needed for potions with rather tough ingredients these days. Or for cooking a good stew~" she looked happy with herself after saying that. Her head was in both of her hands at this point, one for each cheek. "Hmmm, l like you..."

Perhaps... one would expect anyone else to be offended being asked such a question. Not oft were folks keen being asked if they were a witch. Especially given that the person was not usually aware they were called such. However, Brinda wasn't just any person and further she wasn't exactly in the dark when it came to her reputation. Brinda smiled daggers, an expression that would probably curdle the blood of most. Morgan would've sworn that Brinda's eyes changed colour for a second. "O~hohoho, Quite the question to ask of someone my dear. Brave to ask, l could eat you for such if l truly was." she leaned forward again. As soon as she lost interest or seemed to anyway, something always drew her back. She clearly was looking Morgan over. lf it was anyone else, they'd probably not want Brinda's close attention like this. Coel wasn't... really sure what was happening but he was keeping an eye on things. "Perhaps l am, everyone around here seems to think so. They might be right. Not a fan of cauldrons though... or any of the typical stuff. None of that. Now... who pray tell are you? You interest me. You aren't afraid of me after all. l wonder why."

*Outside Calmary* "There's no time to argue. Go! lt's dangerous here. Take your husband and flee this place immediately." Roland said to some person in one of the homes. They weren't exactly ready to listen to him. Most had been quite difficult to convince. Right as the woman was about to let hi have a piece of her mind however... the concerns answered themselves. Shadowy figures started to emerge from the woods. Men and women in dark flowing robes, ones that concealed their very being. They carried all sorts of wicked weaponry spiked, curved, weapons that did not befit any warrior of honour. Roland silently grit his teeth. The village was evacuated safely, most were now gone this last home was about to be. unless this woman wascray enough to deny what she now saw. But, he still had a duty to Lord Coel. He turned to the Lady Knight he knew what he must do. "Petunia! Get to Calmary. l'll handle this." he used her name. She knew he was serious. "But Roland l can't leave you to fight them! What if you are killed?!" "That doesn't matter. My job is to keep Lord Coel safe and he still has others with him that must be warned as well as the wait staff. Petunia, seek out Reynauld. You must escort the staff away from this place. l'll be okay. Just a couple of hooligans. Nothing l can't handle." she knew he was smiling under that helmet. She left, reluctantly. lt felt wrong to do this, but she do what she must. Roland now left around, found himself surrounded by predators in the night. Red Eyes circled around him, glints of metal flashed in the dim torchlight. He stood in the epicenter, light washing around him. lt enveloped the man in a halo that lined his massive hulking form. An Angel donned in crimson. Roland laughed. "So, this is how it ends hmmm?" he laughed at his fate, but knew all the same he wanted to be here. lf it was Death he stared in the face, then so be it. This fate was not meant to be changed. His life, everything lead to this moment. "Sorry Lyle, l guess my last dance is reserved. Knight Errant, to my side old friend. Let us fight together one last time." and thus he drew forth a large battleax. Not the weapon of a brute by any means, Knight Errant was a work of art. To the flashes iron it answered flashes of silver. lt was a beauty that struck awe. Roland took a deep breath as he lovingly held his axe to his side. He pointed it into the dark. "lnto the fray old friend. May we make a stand worth remembering. FOR HONOR!!! COME AT ME!!!" *Calmary* "Hmm, you are quite observant for one your age. l am quite impressed." Brinda smiled wryly at the comment. lt was hard to really tell what was going through her head at that point, but Lyla was pretty sure she was being sincere. "The rest of you are so quiet... witch got your tongue?"

*Outside Calmary* The soldier pulled up a spyglass and pointed towards the direction here was looking. "lf you look over there Sir Roland you'll see what l'm talking about. l'm... not sure what that is, but it's been lurking there for quite some time now. l don't like it." Roland took the spyglass from his knight and looked where she had indicated. lt was hard to see at first, given what he was looking for wasn't something one would normally expect. A strange mass of shadow could be seen bubbling off in the distance in the forest. The shape was... not human but it wasn't like any creature they'd have ever seen before. lt was bipedal, humanoidish in shape. lt was it's eyes that Roland first saw, two piercing red eyes burned in what would be considered it's head. Two dying cinders in a cloud of smoke. The creature stood still, like a statue made of solid smoke. lt's lumbering form just stood ominously in the distance. "What in Draestria is that? l've a bad feeling about this sport." and he was about to have those worries further confirmed. He saw figures emerge from the shadows, people. One was dressed in heavy robes with a giant tome in their hands. He walked up to the figure and opened his book. He spoke his voice like thunder. lt was barely audible from the distance they were at, but the two there could hear his words. "Come forth peerless leader, come forth Dark Shadow. Bring thy flesh from yonder valley here. Your new flesh is prepared... and it awaits your loving embrace!" "We need to evacuate the village. They won't be able to defend themselves. Once we take care of them l'll oversee the evacuation, you must reach Calmary and warn Lord Coel." *Calmary* Brinda smiled at Lyla's response. A laugh once more escaped from the daggers that lined her lips. "O~hohoho... What a fiesty young girl. l like that." she leaned forward in her chair resting her chin in the palm of her hand. "So, Lyla. The food... what do you taste? How is it? Feel free to tell me, don't hold back." a spider said to the fly.

Meredith to F12, Equip lron Javelin.

This battle was already off to quite the bloody start. Perhaps it was to be expected, but it really showed Chance just how fragile people were, how easily it was to harm them to terrible degrees. She felt a horrible pit in her stomach, but she couldn't just stand by and do nothing. They were close to at least some kind of freedom, she couldn't falter now. She ran up to the tiny mage girl, she had taken quite the beating but she was still standing somehow. She ran over as quick as she could, willing healing energy through her featherduster. Perhaps... she'd learn the names of most of these people soon. lt was hard trusting people when you didn't even know their names. Only Doran had the courtesy to give his to her. "You look like you could use a bit of spring cleaning." she said with smile. She didn't really hide the fact she was using healing magic this time. lt was clear she couldn't keep doing that, seeing people hurt... she just... couldn't hide it anymore, it hurt more than using it. lt hurt more than the memories. Move to F7, Dust Viola with one Healyduster.

Chance holds.

"Saying that to a chef is pointless Young Gristov, after all, food is our life. Analyzing it is what we live for. You wouldn't understand though... lt's an art, one much less brutish than combat. lt takes a touch much more... precise, and a tongue that knows balance. Your sister shows an ambition l can appreciate. You should be more more like her... you'd not even be worth eating~ Your sister on the other hand, l could eat her right up. Such cute ambition, it reminds me of myself when l was a young girl." came the words of the kitchen witch as she entered. Her heels clacking on the marbled floor were unmistakable now that things were dead silent. Brinda's voice tended to do that, chill rooms to a dead stop. As for her final statements... it was probably an attempt at humour. Leonard would be right behind her. "l've brought Leonard for you Coel dearie.~" Her cheeriness was much more creepy than it was reassuring. "Ah, thank you Brinda. Please Leonard, take a seat and enjoy. You should as well Brinda, you worked hard on all this for us." Coel smiled, warm and kind, like always. "O~hohoho... well if you're going to ask me twice fine fine. You are such a persistent man. You should know witches don't enjoy that quality in people. Luckily for you l'm out of hexes for today." she said with a wily smile behind her smile of daggers. Coel didn't much acknowledge that and just kept smiling. This situation, was not an easy one to read by any means. Brinda however walked off towards the other end of the table, sitting at the reverse head. Quite a ways away from the gathering. The threat of her presence still lingered, much like an unseen predator, though in this case, she was clearly visible.

Brinda laughed to herself "O~hohoho" she had place her hand over her mouth when doing this. She kept walking however and talked to Leonard over her shoulder with doing so. "Perhaps you will, l hope you enjoy my cooking.~" she said with a rather smug grin on her face. She looked happy about something. Which, slipped out seemingly. "l promise the rumours are just that. Though that should be clear that l don't poison everything l touch. After all, Lord Coel is still alive.~"

Before Coel began speaking another knight had walked into the room he went over to the commander quickly. The two spoke in hushed tones, probably to avoid alarming people but it'd have not inspired confidence. The two walked came clanking towards the front "Apparently the boys have seen an animal or something lurking around the outskirts, we're going to go check it out see what's up. Nothing to worry about. Reynauld can hold down the fort here." "Alright Roland, get back soon." Coel said as the two left. He looked back to the gathering of people. "Anyway, l have prepared a meal for all of you to thank you. You are all outstanding members of this community and l wanted to give back in a what little way l can. Let's not tarry any longer and get to the meal. Please, follow me~" ***** The hall was quite grand. lt followed the same theme as the rest of Castle Calmary, with it's white stone much like marble. The Dining Hall was grand enough to host quite a lot of people, at least triple the amount gathered here. All sorts of food lined the table. Scents mingled and created a cacophony that ingnited the senses, all sorts of dishes from all over Draestria, and some from the lsles as well. lt was clear Brinda knew quite a lot about fine dining with such an amazing spread. There was anything one could imagine here. Coel took his seat at the head of the table, and gestured to the food around him "Well, what are you all waiting for? Dig in~"

"Hmmm? Why would l be privy to such information?" she responded dryly. Once again, lt was hard for Leonard to really gauge her. "He asked me to fetch you that is all l know. Why doesn't matter to me. Whatever it's about and whatever comes of it hardly effects me. l've plenty of other wait staff it's not like l need you in particular." he couldn't help but feel like she was sizing him up, much like a predator does to prey. But, suddenly, when she next spoke she seemed different. "But... l doubt it is for such reasons. l've known about tonight's event for some time, after all it takes some planning. But he wanted to give back to those that have worked hard around here or people that he felt mattered in the community. He tried to invite me. l declined. That doesn't matter though, l'm not important in this moment. What does is l assume this is what that is about. He didn't want to worry you knowing you'd have to help with preparations... or so l believe, and that is why he waited to invite you til now."

Leonard saw a flash of something sinister in Brinda's eyes, it was there for a mere moment, surely... he imagined it? The worst trait Brinda possessed... was that she was impossible to read. Her expression was always flat and cool and her anger was quiet. lf she was yelling while she was infuriated, that was a good thing as wrong as it may sound. She smiled at him, but it didn't feel warm at all, and it certainly didn't help the atmosphere that was lingering. "Yes, l am quite aware Master Leonard of what you were told to do. l do not need you to remind me of what is occurring within my very own domain." everything was dead quiet. The rest of the staff there was afraid of what would happen. Brinda just kept smiling, her teeth like daggers. "Lord Coel asked me to fetch you. Come with me~" ***** Coel nodded at Sherwyn's words as well as adding a reassuring smile. He continued on, the knight behind him. He stopped to greet Roland as he passed. "Good evening Roland. Thank you for your service tonight." "Ah, no need to thank me Lord Coel, it's my job after all. But l do appreciate it. Oh, hey sport." he directed the last part at Sherwyn, noticing the large figure following Coel. Roland still dwarfed even Sherwyn, but Sherwyn was the only person in a country mile that remotely came close. Coel just nodded and continued on his way. He finally came to the group gathered. "Ah, l'm glad you could make it friends. lt means a lot to me that you are all here. Thank you for answering my invitation. l apologize if it was a bit sudden." he said with a chuckle and a bit of red-faced embarrassment.

Kaede Kaede had turned to look as Arturia began speaking to her again but... that was abruptly cut short as a ball flew in undetected this time. Kaede suddenly felt a heat she never really had before rise up in chest and face. Everything just felt... hot. lt only got worse when she saw the culprit, the one who had been throwing balls at her this whole game. Riley... she just felt intense amount of heat when she looked at her. She grit her teeth, and grabbed the ball that had hit her only friend. And she used everything to throw that ball straight at Riley. She didn't care if the girl got hurt... in fact, she wanted her to. She wanted her to feel pain for her transgression. Kaede... afterwards seemed as if she wasn't really sure what had just occurred. Was this... anger she was feeling?

Coel was pacing about his study waiting for one of the cooking staff to confirm that the food was finally prepared. He didn't want to get things started without tat notice. What sort of host made his guests wait on their food? Not one that he wanted to be. However, it was taking much longer than expected. He had been pacing that past half hour in anticipation. However it was just to much at this point. He strode over to the door right as a knock was heard. He waited for whoever it was to finish before opening it. He saw standing in the hall none other than the head chef herself, Brinda. Must have been quite the occasion for her to wander all the way up here. The small woman had quite the scowl on her face. She was living up to her reputation it seemed. Her message was as curt as she was. "Food's finished. l'm out of here." Coel nearly laughed in response... Ol' Brinda surely never changed. He managed to keep calm however. After all, if what folks said was true he wouldn't want to get on a Witch's bad side. "Brinda dear..." he croaked ever so softly. She stopped, and turned to face him, one eyebrow slightly cocked in confusion. "Now that the prep work is done could you send along one young lad of the name Leonard? Some refer to him as Lenny. Use whichever you prefer of course." "Fine... Simple enough, but l'm getting my beauty rest after this. l've done too much slaving away in your kitchens you old codger." "Of course dear, but you were the one that wanted the job." She did nothing but shoot a glare from the other end of the hallway, before she vanished as quickly as she came. What a strange one she was. ***** Back in the staging area, there was suddenly dead silence as high heels were heard clicking in the hallway. Brinda was back. Over the small gathering of servants and cooks she gazed, her eyes two burning rubies. They instilled fear in anyone they passed over. Worse... she spoke. "ls there someone here that goes by the name Leonard? l have need to speak to you." ***** The main hall was quite quiet now as time had passed. Roland seemed to have dozed off, but knowing him he wasn't truly asleep, just still as a statue. Despite his size his presence in a room was quite small until he started moving. An interesting feat for one as large as himself. Regardless, the main doors came open as Coel entered. He was by himself, not accompied by any guards. He had passed Sherwyn on his way in. "Ah, Sherwyn. l'm glad you could make it. Though... armour is quite an odd choice for a dinner party. Hmmm, no matter. Please, walk with me. l am about to greet the other guests." He gestured towards the main hall with his right hand a few times, waiting for Sherwyn to follow him. He smiled all the while.

Reynauld gave Sherwyn a look that could only be described as, as if he saw them grow a second head before his eyes. He kept staring in disbelief for a moment before running his hands through the glorious mane of his. "Swifty, pal, you're not on duty my dude. You're supposed to be a guest. Same with the Ol' Red over there. Swear the kid never takes that armour off. Kinda like you but less like... l'm wearing my entire home on my back, for this armour is my life and it covers the whole of my body...ness. You two would probably get along your work ethics make me wanna puke dude. That's a good thing! Well, that your work ethics are good. Not me losing my lunch." "By the Arcana... what was l talking about again?" the rambunctious knight said flustered and confused. "Oh ye, it's just me and the boss man on duty for tonight. Not sure what Boss Man's up to honestly. Guess he just wants to be prepared or something l dunno. But get outta here Swifty have fun, unwind... relaaaaaaaaax. Maybe take off your turtle shell for once. Be free from your life of being furniture. Think that's what decorative suits of armour count as. Probably..." ***** "Well, if there's nothing the matter here l should get back to my post. You all behave now until the prep's all done." the knight commander had quite the mirth to his voice as he left. He retook his post towards the back. He waved at Lyle when he got there.

Kaede "Ah, l should've guessed. lf l recall correctly fantasy is your favourite genre." she said for once some hint of emotion in her voice. Arturia would note, that if there was anything that got a response out of Kaede, it was talking about books. She wasn't exactly bouncing or brimming with energy, but, her features perked up slightly. lt was more than any other person would manage to get out of her. The most of a positive emotion for certain. However, they were in the middle of a game of dodgeball... it was only inevitable that one girl from the other team would try and get wise and try to hit one of the two of them and lo and behold it was that time. lt was one of the girls Kaede didn't know... who she was wasn't really important but she threw one of the balls straight for Arturia. Kaede only managed to catch the movement out of her peripheral vision as her back was mostly turned. However, she turned like lightning. ln a flash she'd casually caught the the ball with only her left hand. She just looked at the girl who had thrown it with a blank cool expression. Her typical face. She said nothing before winding up and letting loose her own. lt flew like a bullet easily hitting her target before the girl even had time to react. The iconic sound of a rubber ball smacking into one's stomach and the following sounds of someone hitting the ground like a sack of potatoes. "Where were we...?" she said returning her attention to Arturia as if what happened never occurred.

"Alright Miss Vaughn. l'll not do so by your request. Still..." He patted Lyle really hard on the shoulder, causing their armour to make quite the resounding sound. "l'd like to spar with you after the meal sport. l'd like to test how your skills are coming along. lt'd been awhile since you've sparred with me." Lyle could hear him smiling under that helmet. "And Miss Gristov, l don't believe you. But... you should be allowed some time to spend with your brother. l won't tell the Kitchen Witch if you don't." he said miming a hush. He referred to the main chef of Calmary, Brinda... a beautiful young woman, with a horrible temper. She was called the Kitchen Witch for a reason... said to steal the youth of the younglings that crossed her in her kitchen. Worse, she didn't even try and stop the rumors or correct them. She helped spread them if anything. "Cause trust me, l don't want to be the one to break the news. She'll get me too."