Raindrop Valkyrie

Roland nodded. "So he is bothering you then. Sport, she's one of the guests. l'd like you to not make one of the guests Lord Coel invited feel uncomfortable. She is more than welcome to be here and you are off-duty. Let me handle security sport. Just enjoy yourself. Oh, and see me after. You'll be cleaning the barracks tonight." he said in a calm flat voice. lt was difficult to tell Roland's emotions, espcially while his helmet was on. He once more turned to Renee before speaking again. "Miss Vaughn, l do apologize on behalf of the Guard for this occurrence. l thought my boys were better trained then this. l must redouble my efforts apparently. l hope you and your sibling can still enjoy yourselves tonight. l know Morgan isn't the most fond of people and this must not be easy for her to deal with." This was when he noticed Lyla. "Oh, Miss Gristov... are the preparations complete? lt is strange that you are here."

Another knight showed up walking past into Sherwyn's gaze. One that was known for being a bit rambunctious but was a good soul. Sherwyn thought it was something like Reynauld. "Swifty baby, what'chu doin' out here man? Didn't Coel invite you? You should be going to this shindig not guardin' it. But l know you Swifty, you take the job with the utmost seriousness. l respect the work ethic man l do, but... you could have fun every once and awhile you know? l've never even seen ya out of that armour of yours in all the years l known you. Starting to think you're just a decoration or some shit round these parts that some mage enchanted to protect the place." he said jokingly while taking up the other spot next to the doorway. Seemed he had pulled watch for this banquet as well so... he wasn't going anywhere and Sherwyn was stuck with him. He leaned casually against the wall not remotely standing at attention. He wasn't even wearing his helmet, his wild orange mane just flowing out of his armour. He looked a bit like a lion that wanted to take a nap, more than a guard on duty. ***** A large imposing figure walked up to the other two. Renee saw the man move, as he walked right up behind Lyle. He was somehow quiet despite the armour. Probably just the noise and bustle of the preparations drowned out the sound. He put a massive guantleted hand on Lyle's shoulder, and a gruff gravely voice came through the helmet. "ls something the matter Lyle? You're off-duty sport." Lyle would recognize him as the knight-commander, one Roland Shields. A huge man in bright crimson armour, the man was imposing as hell and definitely scared all the new recruits. He was quite the gentle soul once you got to know him, and a gentle soul. But, he was quite the practitioner of tough love for the small collection of guards around. He also... generally had a weird tick... and referred to everyone as sport. "Ma'am, is Lyle causing you trouble? He is supposed to be here for the banquet and not on active duty. l hope he is not bothering you." he said, his helmet pointing in Renee's direction. He seemed to not even notice Lyla at all.

Rayne seemingly didn't notice Selia speaking immediately. There was but a blank expression on her face. No one was home. At least for a moment, but the light came on. "Oh, ye! Sure! l said l'd get you out of here so if this place is dangerous my job is not yet done!" she said brimming with excitement. Rayne was happy to have more company for longer anyway. The fortuneteller was quite an interesting person as well so she wasn't opposed to it. "So welcome aboard. You can stay as long as you like." She then realized she should probably clear it by Madante. But, she was sure he'd not say no to someone's plight. He was a pretty nice guy... probably.She didn't really know him that well honestly. She honestly wondered if he ever did anything she could remember, but she couldn't recall anything not even in any of their battles. She just shrugged, but forgot why she'd been thinking about it in the first place.

Act 1 Begins! The Dark Descends, 'neath the Wings of Terror Prologue: The Last Quiet Night. lt was just another peaceful evening in the holdings of Padstow. The stars danced happily to the music of the crickets. Lanterns lit the small collection of buildings, a warm glow of fire that was welcoming. The embers still bright-eyed and full of life. They battled with the stars for attention, a friendly competition of sorts. Twinkling lights bathed the area in firelight and starlight in the calm of the night. A lovely evening. As it had turned out, The Lord of this Manor had so happened to call for a feast for his servants and those that lived on the lands in his Estate. The tall marble building stood lonely on the hill, overlooking the lantern-lit villa, stoic as it stood brightly against the darkness. Calmary was quite the estate, almost able to be considered a castle at its size and grandeur. lt stood guard over the small town around it just the same. The vigilant keep had always provided a sense of comfort to the few who lived here in Padstow. Though, such was easy in place like this. Nestled away in the hills and forests of Draestria, Padstow wasn't an easy target for the likes of petty crooks and highwayman. Further it's denizens rarely needed to leave. The place was self-sufficient after all, they needed nothing outside of their little villa. As such, they knew peace, comfort and quiet. Something well known throughout Draestria, but even more known in Padstow. lt was a bit intimidating, even for those that had been there before. Calmary was quite the regal fort, it felt like walking into the very gates of heaven... to the very place the Arcana sat together. Entering the threshold certainly didn't help with that. Despite it's humble decor, Calmary's halls still felt otherworldly and divine. The white stone meant to mimic marble was expertly accented with all types of soft subtle colours, a rainbow of them that met the senses directly. lt wasn't haphazardly arranged however, there was a sense of purpose to it. One that had an expert touch. Perhaps... Coel enjoyed interior decorating? Regardless, lt was beautiful... and something that by all rights could be gaudy was not. lt was a time yet until dinner was ready, quite awhile. A servant had come out and said as much. Those gathered here would have some time to get acquainted, some might know the others more than others but it never hurt to have some quiet time to relax. ((pls, intro your characters~))

Anemone "Alright, then let's get started!" the tiny mage could barely contain her excitement. This was a type of magic she'd not oft got to use so it'd be an interesting test of her abilities. Further, She would perhaps gain insight into someone else's spark. Quite the bonus to have. She was a bit scared of what she'd find in Wendy's head though. She knew all those kids hadn't exactly had great lives, but she was about to peer into one of their past. She was afraid of learning what this girl had to bear... She popped over, her ponytail swaying behind her in excitement. She rolled the marble around in her hand, the using it to continue focusing the energy. She took it between her index finger and her thumb and held it tight so it'd not slip from her fingertips. With her other hand she felt for where the base of Wendy's skull was on her neck. Once that was located, she placed the marble up against it and willed the energy up into Wendy's body. She rolled the marble back into her palm. "Okay, the magic should be in place now. l'm not really sure if it feels like anything at first... l hear it apparently feels fuzzy and warm once a connection is established though. lt should connect our minds on a limited level on it's own soon."

"Well, l'm sure Maya informed ya of the threat we face. l'm sure ya wouldn't be asking if ya didn't think ya could handle it." she said shifting her weight. She was trying to hold in her laughter at the man's response. His disappoint at the ease was hilarious. She managed to keep her face straight and stoic however, minus perhaps a small smirk. "Cause if ya can't handle it... lt's not me who's dyin'. Got that? This isn't a day in the park or surviving out in the desert. This is war, this is real battle. These aren't simple highwayman or bandits. lt's the army of Dragao. lf you're aware of that it's the only thing l need. l don't need ta check your skills, l just need bodies willin' ta fight. l don't need to know your background or where you came from... that doesn't change how ya swing a weapon and further it doesn't matter. My unit, is just people who are willin' ta pick up arms ta put an end ta Roswell." "That is all that matters. Me kickin' your ass doesn't prove anything." She said smiling. She gave him a hefty pat on the shoulder, probably with enough force to unbalance a grown man if he wasn't paying attention and caught off his guard.

move to D-10 and give Darius 1 spicy Chest Key.

Meredith closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Sure." She said painless and carefree. She wasn't really one for beating around the bush and the man handled his fear. A useful strength on the battlefield. She wasn't sure of his skills in combat but she didn't expect him to ask if he had none to fall back on, or wasn't willing to learn how to fight. So, lt was a simple conclusion really. lt'd be worth the cost... probably.

"Awwww, that's nothing. Encouragement is piece of cake when you're as cute as me! Helps l'm as sweet as cake as well. Oh and l have extra cute factor as a maid. Clearly it's a painless task for one such as myself." The maid had a smile spread across her face. Though it was just to hide the worry that had surfaced as well. Clearly, he was aware of her ability. She was prepared for that though. She'd not be surprised if others figured it out as well. ln the rest of her act she put her head on Doran's shoulder, a bit of a strain as he was quite a bit taller than her, but she managed. She whispered in his ear so that the new arrivals couldn't hear her. "You figured it out huh?"

"Chance, charmed~" she said to the prisoners they had rescued. "And don't worry you will be fine~ l don't have any real ability to fight and l've been okay so far. They've done a lot to keep me safe! Especially this fella~" she said elbowing Doran in the side.

Just follow behind Doran and move to M11

"What are you doing silly? lt's not like there's weapons hidden in the walls. Unless the people that built this place are weird. Given they kidnap people against their will for no reason... they are probably weird. Different kind of weird from you people though... Still not sure who's weirder. Probably the cult. Uuuuusually the cult." the young maid said to Doran as she followed behind the group. She wasn't really sure why they were suddenly busting down wall but clearly the person who built this place didn't put much thought into it if they left crumbling walls everywhere. Cahnce noticed Doran's wounds finally, luckily they were nothing too major, it'd be easy to will them closed. "Doran, you should really be more careful. You're getting yourself all dirty! We can't have that!" she said dusting him off. Move to N14 and boop Doran with the Healyduster.

"Good hit Cadence! They didn't even know what hit 'em!" the tiny pegasus rider bounded with energy after such a display. lt was so coooooooooool! This... this was why she joined the guard. "Oh wait, there's still bad guys! Ah! My turn then!" Rayne threw a javelin at blinding speed towards the remaining foe. "Hah! Go Go Needle!" Attack the Merc with lron Jaaaavelin! Probably Canto later lemme decide den.

Kaede "You have a new book for me?" Kaede asked it rhetorically of course. But, it was one of few things she actually felt... excitement for. Even through the break her her soul she was still always excited for the next book that Arturia would give to her. They made Arturia happy, and Kaede thought maybe that would be the key to finding her own. Further, while she liked reading on her own she never was able to express enough of an interest to pick out a book herself. She never felt strongly enough to make that call. Arturia could help do that for her, after all she was a friend. "Then we need to finish this quickly..." a dull ember burned in her cool blue eyes. Arturia would know that was about all the fervor Kaede was capable of mustering.

Kaede While she was happy that Arturia was with her this time around... this wasn't exactly what Kaede had in mind. Sports... were not something she was a fan of. But, she guessed she had no choice and resigned to her fate. She could get out of the game by just refusing to play but she'd rather not give people more reasons to pay attention to her that were negative, so she would have to... try. She stood behind Arturia, holding onto her sleeve. "Arturia... why did it it have to be dodgeball? l'm l just never going to have time to read?"

Rayne to D-15, Hold.

Kaede "That's fine little one... Alexis is not the goddess that has done me harm. l have no need to destroy her... but stand in my way and l'll destroy your light. Then... you will be as l." Kaede whispered to herself as the girl left. She had no quarrel with that goddess for now. But, should she in the future Kaede felt like Riley wouldn't be a problem. Not if she plucked the light from her that made her want to possess Lexi as her own. lt would unravel so easily. Light was a fragile thing after all... but a red string wrapped around a figure. lt'd not take much for it to come loose... or so Kaede felt in her broken soul. After all... she now knew how to make things within her image. She wanted to laugh at how simple it was, but... no laughter ever came. lt sat at the back of her throat a half formed emotion. lt was all she was capable of. What a cursed soul she was... a broken little doll in a broken little world. She'd tear it apart... that was all this world deserved.

Small recap of the chosen players. Lyla Gristov, The Sun. She embraces the true aspect of Fire. Gavan Fae, The Star. He embraces the true aspect of Light. Renee Vaughn, The Emperor. She embraces the true aspect of Anima. Leonard, The Fool. He embraces the true aspect of Light. Lyle Gristov, The Moon. He embraces the true aspect, lce. Blake Oswell, Death. He rejects the true nature of Wind and instead embraces his soul's aspect, Heaven. Morgan Vaughn, The Empress. They reject the true aspect of Earth and embrace their soul's aspect... Darkness. Sherwyn Swiftwinds, The Tower. They reject the true aspect of Darkness and embrace the aspect of their soul, lce. Lord Coel, the Hierophant. He embraces the true aspect, Heaven! The Arcana grows silent. The Time to speak has thus ended for now. They shall await the next time.

SlGN-UPS BE DED!!! lF YOU SEND ME SHEET NOW l'MMA PUNT 'CHA lNTO KlNGDOM COME!!! This has been a public service announcement. Thanks to those that have submitted a sheet and expressing interest in this little game of mine~ Means a lot to me. Players will be announced tomorrow on the Reborn FEF Discord! Please be around as much as you can so l can get you to pick your card as soon as possible. lf you can't be there, submit a list of your top choices to me on Discord in my PMs. See ya folks then~

Chance to L16

Throw the Poison Staff to Mayanna. Purchase a Heavy Lance for Mere. 300.

"Good to know you won't be fighting. Means l don't have to spring for your supplies, you can provide for yourself. After all, money's tight for a woman like me." She said smiling, though she couldn't really conceal the venom dripping from between her teeth. She clearly wasn't happy with a bunch more adding to her small band. Money was tight enough as it was. She needed to remember to put in an order to Anna Marie for some new provisions before they left speaking of, but now wasn't the time. "Ahem... y-you're Meredith, yes?" She heard a voice come from somewhere behind her, poor lad must've been shaking in his boots how scared he sounded. Meredith softly sighed to herself. Well, this ought to be something. She turned on her heel. She left speaking until she heard out what he had to say. She recognized him, the one who had guided them here to the city. She tried to stifle a laugh at the revelation. She was sure she gave him a lasting impression. "Yes, l would be Meredith The Undying. l am the leader of this small band of misfits. You wanna join huh?" she said looking down her nose at him. She could afford to as she was taller, and she wasn't about to let him off without yanking his chain some. She sized him up seeing how he'd react, and to get an idea of what sort of person he was. She couldn't tell a whole lot... but she knew he was afraid of her.

Kaede For now Kaede noted the activity of the girl that had "gone to the bathroom". lt was rather suspicious behavior given that it had apparently taken that long for it to occur. However, she wasn't about to make a scene over it. Now certainly wasn't the time and she had a lot of things on her plate. How would she even begin to find Kallisto? Clearly there was some way as Eden had confidence and wanted her to get close to her. lt was achievable then... how was the only answer left. For now though, she just wanted to get out of these woods.

Feel free to give Elias a nice Christmasy holiday hat.~