RoA News

[Isaac17]

[AFTER TIME SKIP 01]

(Current Thaeyuran Time has been updated)

[From North Elmshire Forest - Demon Gate]

{Time Count - 1/50}

Kile emerged from the inn and made his way towards the square. He was expecting to meet with the others here. It had been a tiring day, and Kile was glad to finally be able to rest, at least for a while. Galen had left; the Harpy had flown to Ildega to deliver news of the group's success, and of Kile's return.

The Gold Knight had mixed feelings about returning to Ildega. He did long to see his old comrades and Lina once more. But he wasn't ready to face them yet. He wasn't ready to face her yet. His love for her had not diminished. He had suppressed it. To complicate his hidden feelings, Kile had also become fond of Lamidia, the once-human girl of fairy lineage who had accepted her fate as the Queen of Wiren.

As he continued to reflected on the two women he cared about, he remembered the words he said to Lina several years ago when he left. They were now in separate worlds. He vaguely remembered saying something to that effect to Lamidia as well...

If it's not one thing, it's another, he thought. How come everyone I, well, 'fall in love' with ends up becoming a ruler...? He couldn't help but chuckle to himself at the irony of Lina's and Lamidia's similar roles. I suppose it's better that way... How can I hope to stay with either of them...? Kile gripped part of his scarf closer to his chest. I can't. I'm not even sure how much longer I'll be able to go on. Would destroying that amulet cure me...? I highly doubt it... It doesn't take a genius to realize that most of its power is within me now.

[Bane_R_Siraneth]

[Shade from Elmshire forest North- Demon Gate]

Shade made his way into Elmshire from the woods rather quickly, quicker than he thought as he looked back to see he had walked forward faster than the rest of the group, but he at least had time to think.

I seriously have doubts about that Wes Kid... he's very blunt about his emotions and is quick to blame people not even involved with what happened to him, yet of the same race. he mentally states as he verbally sighs, hopefully loud enough to catch the attention of Kile.

[Megamanwiz]

[From North Elmshire Forest - Demon Gate]

The two managed to catch up, but still a bit far from Shade. Though they were able to see him from a distance.

"You know, I didn't have enough time to realize exactly how nice this town is." Klein gazed upon the glorious sight.

"Yeah. This is my first time here too, excluding when we first arrived for our little business. Looks more beautiful than I had imagined." Badaq then hits Klein's shoulder again playfully. "Would have been great for you and your lady to spend an evening in!"

"...I'm not going to even comment on that."

"Haha! Come now. No need to be like that." Badaq then paused and lowered his voice. "Besides that, I'm pretty sure you can feel the tension going on, right?"

"Yeah. Those two, huh..." Klein said, referring to Shade and Wes.

Klein knew by now of Wes' situation, giving how he shared it with them all after things settled down the other day. He still remembered that before going back to Ildega to pick up Lucia, he wanted to catch Wes alone if the chance ever risen. With his past experience as a demon hunter, he figures he can help Wes to some extent.

[Isaac17]

{2/50}

[From North Elmshire Forest - Demon Gate]

Wes followed behind the others. He obviously still hadn't completely come to terms with Shade. Seeing the enemy demons in action only furthered his conviction. At the same time, he couldn't ignore Shade's angelic half. There had to be some good in him, although Wes couldn't see what. As he walked behind them, however, he decided that he would tolerate the demon's presence. Wes reluctantly decided to give Shade the benefit of whatever doubt he could muster.

-------

Kile noticed the group approaching. He heard Shade sigh, as well as bits and pieces of dialogue from Badaq and Klein. Shade looked troubled, and Wes looked... well, like a gloomy child. Badaq and Klein seemed to be in good spirits, though.

As they should, Kile thought. It's about time something good happened.

Kile then waved to them as they approached. "Greetings! I trust you all camped well?"

[Bane_R_Siraneth]

Shade looked over at Kile and didn't really answer him as he walked toward the Golden Knight.

Closing his eyes, he simply drifted deep into thought as to Wes' hatred of him personally... like he were the one to have done such an atrocious thing to the young summoner.

Thinking about it as he did, it caused immense sadness within him, but he did his best to keep his outward emotions in check, the last thing he needed was for something to drive the party, as it's formed, apart.

[Megamanwiz]

Upon being met by Kile, Klein decided to speak first, seeing as no one else responded at the moment. "Yeah, everything was well. I even slept pretty good myself!"

"...So sleeping with your back on a tree trunk was comfortable? Interesting." Badaq jokingly commented.

"Hey, I can sleep anywhere! Even on a boulder if I have to." Klein said before looking back to Kile. "...Anyway, we're to meet with Lord Nylin, right? I hope we haven't kept him waiting too long."

[Isaac17]

Wes remained silent. He crossed his arms as he awaited the Gold Knight's reply.

Kile caught a negative vibe from Shade. Something was clearly bothering him, but he could only make guesses as to what. He turned to Klein to answer him.

"Actually, he wants us to return to Ildega to inform the Queen of our success. If you're ready to go I... guess we can set out," Kile spoke hesitantly.

"Not without a farewell, however," a voice spoke from behind him. Approaching from the castle was Nylin himself, accompanied by two, armored guards. He adjusted his cape as he walked. He then extended his hands in a warm gesture. "I thank all of you on behalf of Elmshire."

[Bane_R_Siraneth]

Shade looked over at Nylin and kept his gaze to himself as he simply stated "I only do what I can, despite being rejected." as he looked about and tried to figure out what he could do next... there was a lot to do with only a little time to get it all worked out.

mentally sighing, he used the time to check himself over and make sure his stab wound from last night wasn't going to hinder him, he felt residual pain from it, but overall it wasn't that bad... he may need to keep constant magen on it until he felt no pain from it period.

[Megamanwiz]

At first, Klein was a little startled, having his thumb press upward on Kyoji's tsuba for possible retaliation. But once he sees that it's Lord Nylin, he allowed the blade to fall back into it's saya and turn to the leader of Elmshire.

"Oh. It's no problem, sire. All I wanted to do was help in some way or another."

"Same goes for me." Badaq added.

[Isaac17]

Lord Nylin looked to Badaq and Klein and nodded with a smile. The elfin lord then turned to Shade.

"... You said your name was 'Shade', correct?" Nylin spoke. "Never in my lifetime would I have ever expected to meet one who strides the lines between angel, demon... and human."

Human? Wes thought. What does he mean...? He doesn't mean this freak is part human, does he?!

"I can only imagine what hardships you face," the elf continued. "Stay strong. And remember that you are always welcome in Elmshire."

[Bane_R_Siraneth]

Shade looked at Nylin for only a few seconds.

"We stride lines that have been set in stone to begin with, it's no surprise that many wouldn't stop to think about how blurred the lines become when your judgments about a single being from a whole group end up being completely false." he stated as he looked towards the skies, several pristine and pure white clouds passing by as they barred the suns rays for only a few seconds.

Thinking back, he remembered the first time he met Kile and Ingens, how he was cast out simply because of his looks and about how the guards and townsfolk treated him... it was a recurring theme for him nonetheless, but he found solace in Nylin's words that he would always be welcome within Elmshire.

[Megamanwiz]

(OOC: My characters don't really have much to say, so my posts will be pretty small.)

--

Not having anything to contribute to the conversation, Klein and Badaq remained quiet until something happens or whenever it was time to go back to Ildega. Nonetheless, they still kept their ears open during the conversation. Klein himself kept an eye on Wes, who still seemed gloomy.

[Isaac17]

Hmph. Completely false? Wes thought. Those demons took everything from me! You fools...! For all you know, this freak could be lying! Wes clenched his fist, but said nothing. He forced himself to remember that the angelic-devil had saved the forest spirit. He tried to relax again and suppress the hatred. Even though he couldn't quite trust Shade, Wes knew that he was the only lead they had regarding the current crisis. And further more, if an angel had given him her power, he had to be somewhat trustworthy. Of course, Wes's skepticism would continue to fight back. For all we know, that's a fallen angel, he thought. He would continue to internally argue both sides before giving up and focusing on something else...

"Shade..." Kile started to speak, but he couldn't finish. He didn't know what to say to the guy.

"My father once thought that way," Nylin spoke. "Until three years ago, Elmshire's relations with anyone from the continents had dwindled. Humans, half-elves, and others were expelled from this land. But I personally believed he was wrong. 'What warrants us to banish or murder non-elves?' I asked myself. I left on a journey to prove to him that we really aren't that special. I found the proof in a man who had been cursed and lost his humanity. For short time, he too strode a fine line."

Nylin paused and glanced to Kile before continuing.

"For many reasons such as that, I have worked to improve this principality's relations and teach a message of acceptance. I live for this realm to prosper. And on the matter of prosperity..."

Nylin then turned to Wes and eyed the case concealing the young summoner's tome.

"We owe our lives to the spirit of this realm, Nelike," Nylin continued. "And I hear that this young summoner has successfully formed a bond with her. To you, I ask only that you do not betray her trust."

"Y-yes, Sir...!" Wes stuttered. The elfin ruler's gaze pierced him like a ray of truth. This elf... It was as if he could read minds. Was he that easy to read? At any rate, Wes bowed and continued. "I promise to not betray her. And I promise to make sure she's unharmed."

"Glad to hear it," Nylin said with a grin. He turned his gaze to each one of the individuals and spoke. "I wish you all luck on your travels. Don't be strangers. Feel free to visit Elmshire once in a while!"

It was then that Lord Nylin turned and started walking back toward the forest palace.

Kile sighed slightly and rubbed the back of his head. "Well, I guess we should head on out..."

[Bane_R_Siraneth]

Shade looked down from the sky towards Kile when he heard his name being stated, but he, too, didn't respond as he listened to Nylin talk to Wes... it was obvious to feel the Summoner's hatred for him, and it took Shade every ounce of willpower to keep his sadness constrained inside him.

though all the containment of his emotions, there wasn't enough in the world to stop him from garnering a depressed tone in his voice as he stated "Yeah, we need to pick up a few other people at Ildega castle and then we're headed to Gradaon." as he began to walk away, needing to be alone before he made his way back to Ildega.

[Megamanwiz]

Both mercenaries nodded in farewell as Lord Nylin departed. With all the uneasiness running through the group, there was close to nothing to say, as it would feel awkward if anything was spoken at all. Klein noticed Shade walking off ahead on his own. He would go say something, but he doubted that anything words of advice he had in mind would assist with Wes, as it was clear as day that the Summoner's feelings toward him was bothering him. As such, Klein, along with Badaq kept their distance and merely trailed behind the group.

During their walk, Klein realized he had the time to speak to Badaq personally now. He had many wonders as to why he was in these parts in the first place.

"Hey, Badaq? What's been going on for you lately? It's quite strange to see you in this part of the world. I would have asked this before, but we were busy with the demons..."

"Hey, that's my line!" Badaq playfully responded, but placed a more serious tone while speaking again. "...But honestly, I was looking for you. I found some info on you thanks to a person from Carridor, a tower city. This person in particular was in Ildega and said she saw you and Lucia...actually, she crossed paths with you two in the Inn, as she told me. Her name was Hildemar. Ring a bell, by chance?"

"...Hildemar? That must have been the woman we saw back at the Inn that was going to help us here. Not exactly sure why she turned it down, but I guess it was a good thing if it brought you to me." Klein said before looking back to Badaq. "...But tell me this. What happened for you to come searching for me?"

"Well...let's just say that you'll have your old job back after we finish helping Shade with these demon gates. I hope you aren't too rusty."

"...So, it's happening." Klein said, lowering his head and thinking back on his last major battle. "I'm assuming you had a run it with the old crew, eh? I can't believe they aren't dead after the fall of Raglan...they'd even chase us to these parts."

"Wait...they attacked you too? But those demons I defeated Carridor...they said they were still looking for you. All of this happened yesterday evening!"

"...No. Not the demons themselves. It was...him." Klein's words trailed off as he clenched his fist at the thought.

"...'Him'? I'm not following, Klein. Was it a..." Badaq paused as he took a better look at Klein's facial expression and looking down at his hand. He still didn't catch on...until it finally hit him. There was only one person in the world that existed that would place such an expression of hatred on Klein's face.

"...You've GOT to be kidding me, Klein. He can't be alive. He fell into an endless lake of LAVA along with the collapse of Crimson Palace burying it. No matter how strong anyone could be, dark magic or not, they can't survive from something like that!"

"Would I lie about something like this, Badaq? That murderer's returned. He attacked Shade and I in broad daylight. If Shade wasn't there already fighting when I arrived, I...probably would have lost control of my power if I fought him alone. I'm not exactly as strong as I used to be compared to a year ago..."

Badaq closed his eyes, but was still walking due to being on a straight path. "...Damn. What's going to happen now? Raglan will rise from the dead next?! This just got from worst to terrible...we won't win like this if a guy like him is roaming around. Let's not forget that he was the toughest threat of their army..."

"His main objective is me. If I can kill him for real this time...then there isn't much to worry about. When he appears, it'll be for battle. It's obvious that he attacked Ildega because of me." Klein rested his hand on Kyoji's tsuka. "...Next time we meet, I'm going to send him right back to hell."

[Isaac17]

Kile felt the tension in the air. It was clear that there was serious tension between the summoner, Wes, and Shade. It was obvious this guy wanted revenge. Kile only hoped that the group dynamic could remain stable. The Gold Knight sighed and waited for Shade to pick up a little more distance before following. He took a step forward, not knowing how to truly feel about returning to Ildega.

Wes followed after the group, still irritated at the mess he had gotten himself into. Having to side with a demon... It was still inconceivable to him. But that internal rationalization battle still waged as he tried to ignore Shade's demon side in favor of the angelic presence within him. That was the best he could do for now...

[Group to Elmshire's Teleport Circle]