Mystics Apprentice

The thief watched as the Yian-Ti filled his partner's drink, admiring her sleek black locks and how they swayed with her movement. She was rather pretty for a reptilian woman, though Tibarn didn't think he'd be able to get over those eyes anytime soon. A slight motion. What was that? Tibarn sat up straighter in his seat, watching as the bartender extended the drink to Daniel. Was she onto them? Did she know Tibarn was involved? It took all his energy to pay attention to the Yian-Ti alone, forcing himself not to glance in Daniel's direction. A playful grin crossed his face as he propped his elbow onto the bar, resting his cheek in his open palm as she asked her question. "Me," he said simply, as though that should be all that mattered. When she glanced back over toward the flayer he reached out and lightly brushed her hand with a forefinger. "Hey, why are you so uptight? You look as though something's going to bite you." Daniel, Tibarn thought desperately, noticing the psychic from his peripheral vision, Don't drink it. Please don't drink. Whether Daniel would hear him above all the noise he didn't know. It still puzzled him on how all this psychic stuff worked.

--Elia Cabret -- Kilkis Seres-- A frown pinched Elia's brow as she scrunched up her nose, curious as to what Henry beckoned her for. She carefully rested an ear against the door, eyes growing ever wider as she listened in. Eventually the fairy backed away, looking at the door as though it had fangs and venom. "The Source of All Life," Elia whispered, gaze shifting to Henry. "This sounds powerful, and like it will end in a mess unless we do something." The conversation inside began to wrap up, and Elia and Henry hear footsteps approach the door. Yevgeni announces that he needs to speak with Eclaire, and it is presumable that he is getting ready to leave. Elia jumped, grabbing Henry's sleeve and tugging on it. "Quick, someone's coming!" she hissed. "We can't be seen here." The young fairy slid behind a column, expecting Henry to do the same. Her eyes fall to Henry as she says, "Let's follow them tonight, when they plan to go. We can't let them get away with this." --Yevgeni Malachite -- Kilkis Seres Palace Gates-- The elf parted ways with Nergal to see to the late queen's retainer, as he'd promised to do prior to meeting with the Queenslayer. He approached the rose-haired cat woman tentatively, surprised to find her in conversation with his former pupil. He glanced to them both, golden hair gleaming in the brilliant sunshine. "My apologies for keeping you, Noble Retainer," Yevgeni said at last. "I had some other urgent business to attend to. Sadly, however, I must make our meeting brief. I have to be somewhere later this evening and must depart from Kilkis Seres shortly. Might I entrust the palace and its people to you in my absence? I feel you would be a good fit." His emerald eyes turned toward Aqua before offering her a respectful nod. "It has been some time since I have seen you, Aqua. I feared that the war had scarred you permanently. It is good to see you again, and doing well, I trust?" --Alderon Niles -- Raiden's villa with Bherna-- The king's face tightened at the mention of his pain which he endured at his daughter's loss. "I do not like talking about it," he said dismissively, tone far from warm. "But I appreciate your condolences. Now, if you'll excuse me I have a battle to prepare for." Whether mental or physical even Alderon wasn't certain. No one was quite certain what the Isopolis trials would pertain to, which unnerved him slightly. He bounded up to his quarters for a change of clothing as well as retrieve his weapon, feeling that he would be needing it. --Athena Niles -- Raiden's Rooftop-- The girl felt relatively the same, which troubled her. Did Rufus' magic work? Was she back to her old self? She held out her hands in front of her; they seemed normal enough. She then moved on to patting her head, which must've looked quite foolish to the others. She let out a small cry of joy, clapping her hands together before flinging her arms around Rufus' neck in what might've been an unbearably tight hug. "Oh, thank you ever so much!" she cried, eyes filling with tears. "You've no idea how much you've done for me." After composing herself the princess turned toward the elf and fellow human, offering them a curtsy. "Thank you, both of you. I had nearly forgotten what it felt like to be truly human." She clasped her hands in front of her, offering Rabiyu a soft smile. "I should like to see my father now, please, if you would be willing to take me to him."

Tibarn cocked an eyebrow at the bartender and leaned in. "That's generally why someone comes into a bar, yes." Little did she have to know that it wasn't his sole intent. The brunet noticed a few things about his surroundings, one being that the Yian-Ti waiting on him seemed to be on edge and glancing at someone behind him. His guess was that it was the hooded figure or one of his affiliates, but he wasn't going to turn around to show that he was on to anything. He heard Daniel's familiar voice alongside him and realized that the psychic followed him. Good. For the most part everyone seemed to be having a good time. It was loud, drinks were plentiful, and laughter carried itself decently throughout the entire bar. This was nicer than some of the outlets that Tibarn had been to, except for the Yian-Ti and the fact that there were probably at least a handful of people in the room interested in killing them. Tibarn idly traced a finger on the countertop, eyeing the bartender serving him. "So, do you have a name, O' Fair One?"

Would Umbra take an interest in Shiva's reincarnate (whose name will likely be Solstice), since the girl possesses Shiva's soul? That would explain why some ordinary girl gets herself involved with the new cast.

What I had in mind was a young girl (equivalent to an 18-year-old, anyway) living in the north who has had far from a privileged life. She would have Shiva's appearance and soul, but she is not Shiva. She would be her own person, though I was thinking that occasionally a bit of Shiva would shine through. A fondness and trust for Eclaire even if they barely met, for one, and perhaps being one of the few to be able to create a blood seal with Maxis due to Shiva's spirit living within. I was planning for her personality and temperament to be rather different, however, potentially being more like the reckless Princess Shiva that we haven't really gotten to see. It would be very fun, at any rate, and like Elrandir suggested it may give people some closure on the queen's death. Not that a sequel is confirmed; this is just a character that I'd love to bring on board if a sequel does happen (which I very much hope does). I just can't help but muse over possibilities for a sequel in the North. I actually agree with you in that character revivals often cheapen a death. It really depends on how it's done, though, and what overall effect it has on the rest of the cast of characters, in my opinion. I do get where you're coming from. . I don't really intend for Shiva to be revived, though, so I think it would be different.

My initial thought was a brothel.

So I am thinking to perform a time skip since most people have loose ends tied. There's a few plot points I see that could further develop, but I see there's several of you that are tied up waiting for the departure, so I think it would be best to finish these in flashback scenes and move forward. My question is this: do you guys want to play the journey, or do you just want to get to the shrine of Isopolis? Aww, poor Maxis. I truly feel so bad for him. Shiva was like the one thing holding him together, and now he's just falling apart. Should Maxis survive, though, I have an idea for him in the possible sequel of Elrandir's: No worries! I'm sure that everyone understands.

I wasn't sure if you wanted to control the Yian-Ti or not, Heart, so I left the bartender's reaction blank so that you could control her, if you'd like. If we're able to seize hold of an NPC that you've created, though, let me know and I will adjust my post accordingly.

Geez, must you do that? Tibarn told Daniel telepathically. It creeps me out when you get inside my head like that. It bothered him in general that Daniel had a way inside his head, because if he could read his verbal intentions, what else could he read in there? His every thought and inner secret? Tibarn tried not to think about it most of the time. The man took in his surroundings, noticing the hooded figure that the Yian-Ti had been whispering to. Could he get them to share their secrets? Probably not, but he felt that a feeble attempt couldn't hurt. I'm going to go check these guys out, he told Daniel as he made his way over toward the bar in long strides. Join me if you want. A sideways grin cracked half his face as he slid his way onto a bar stool, meeting eyes with one of the Yian-Ti female bartenders. "Hey, beautiful. Can I get a mojito?" He slid her more coin than the drink could've been worth, in an attempt to bribe her with a tip. "Nice place you've got here, by the way. Name's Ti; I'm just stopping through." He didn't dare give his full name. Chances were that his head was worth something on one of the planets that he'd smuggled goods from, and who knew where this woman's loyalties lay?

I was going to wait for Scrap before posting since Tibarn was interacting with Daniel last, but I just fast-forwarded to Serpent's Envy and left an opening for Daniel to pop up if he went along. I wanted to help keep things moving.

Tibarn did not wait for Daniel's reply, instead striding out of the doors and venturing in the direction of the bar. It amazed Tibarn by how much went on in the space station. Trades, merchants, medicine, and even art stands were visible as he passed through. There were even some shadier businesses that Tibarn had learned long ago to steer clear from as far as he could. From the corner of his eye he spotted Adamina disappear into one of the shadier parts of the space station, causing the brunet to let out a shudder. "Fresh eel!" cried a merchant in his face, shoving a plate of something disgusting under his nose. He frowned, waving the merchant away like an annoying fly as he continued on his merry way. Things started to tone down slightly as the armorer's loomed into view. These merchants weren't quite as demanding, and instead of screaming in your face they would instead smile and ask if you were interested in taking a look of their wares. Tibarn actually did; one man had a lovely set of throwing knives available, but he hadn't the time or money to stop. He smiled and waved, muttering an apology before moving on. The Serpent's Envy was packed. Tibarn had to practically flatten himself against the wall moments after he entered. He let out a long sigh, eyeing an empty seat at the bar itself as a lizard lady poured a group of rough-looking men drinks. "So," he uttered under his breath, possibly to Daniel if he were present, but mostly to himself. "Where to first?"

What I would do is go through a pattern book at the fabric store and find something that looks the most similar to it. You may have to get separate patterns for the top and pants. This can serve as a base, and from there you can make subtle alterations. Personally I would suggest getting jeans that look like Riku's and just alter those, if necessary. It'll be much easier and probably be cheaper. Good luck!

I was the last one to post, so I'm waiting for the others before doing anything more.

--Elia Cabret -- Kilkis Seres, approaching palace gates alongside Henry-- The raven-haired fairy slowed once they departed the meeting room, allowing Henry to catch up. She turned around as the dreadnaught spoke, tears streaming down her elegant face, nose reddening from her sobs. "I don't blame you for what happened, Henry," she murmured, wiping at her eyes with the back of her arm. "You did what you thought you had to. You tried to save my sister in the only way you could, and for that I must thank you." She was silent a moment, seeming to teeter on whether to speak or not, until she finally added. "If you can communicate with my sister, could you relay a message to her for me, please? I never did get to say goodbye. Please . . . please tell her that I love her, and I miss her something fierce." At this she tore her face away, unable to look at Henry any longer. "What's more is that Yevgeni really is behind all of these atrocities, and he probably has even more planned. We should warn everyone. Maybe we can get him behind bars." Of course, Elia didn't realize that no one would likely listen to her, a young fairy with a heritage that was far from noble. They would likely group her with the conspirators and drive her out of the kingdom, or perhaps even lock her up. Life was too cruel sometimes. --Yevgeni Malachite -- Kilkis Seres meeting room with Nergal-- The elf pinched the bridge of his nose as Nergal explained himself. He didn't wish to admit it, but inwardly he felt what Henry spoke were true, though acknowledging such would do neither of them any favors at present. He fixated Nergal with his emerald gaze, his expression weary. "No need to apologize," he said at last. "Their audience could not be helped. It was only a matter of time before the human managed to find his way in here to speak with me anyway. Might as well make it official." He then addressed Nergal's second matter, the Source of All Life and their disagreement that had taken place only moments ago. "I won't deny that I don't like what just happened here," he said. "You knew that I didn't wish to reveal any connection between myself and the Queenslayer, yet you chose to make yourself known against my wishes. As for you speaking out of turn"--he drew in a breath--"it was unnecessary and condescending, whether you choose to apologize for it or not. We are friends, Nergal, yes, and you have done me a great service, but I do not see how you can support me one minute and berate me the next. You knew which path I chose to tread the moment you struck an alliance with me. If you had a problem with it you should've spoken of it then. Taking the side of enemies against me will do you no favors." It only shakes my trust in you, Yev wanted to add, but felt that now was not the time to admit to such. The situation between them went from bad to awkward rather quick, and he dared not add anything more that would weaken their bond further. It surprised him when the Queenslayer brought up Soren and himself, eventually leading to the late queen. His gaze fell. What was Queen Shiva to him . . . . Did he tell Nergal? Did he trust him enough? "Queen Shiva was many things to me," he said quietly. "Our relationship is . . . complicated, to be certain. However, I never truly wanted her dead. I had to keep a promise, which sadly required her to step down from the throne." The blond shook his head. "But what does this matter? What was the queen to you? From stories I've received, it seemed as though you were rather . . . delighted in taking her down." If this was the moment that Yevgeni was meant to bond with a friend, he failed miserably. No amount of warmth exuded from the elf, nor was he particularly approachable. And yet his next words held promise, even for the two friends whom were at odds. "But yes, let us make our move to Isopolis and claim this Source of All Life, where we each will be able to seek what it is we greatly desire. I would much rather put all of this behind us, if you would, Nergal." It was then that he remembered the queen's retainer waiting for him outside; he couldn't just leave her hanging, could he? And yet the hour grew late. "I must go inform the retainer Eclaire that I won't be able to meet with her just yet, and then we can leave, if you're ready." --Alderon Niles -- Raiden's Villa with Bherna-- The king's frown only deepened as he surveyed the pages that Bherna presented to him. "You are saying that this would've cured her?" he repeated in disbelief. Now that everything was gone--his world, his lover, his daughter--he would finally find the cure that he sought for so long. Alderon would've laughed at the irony if he found the situation less grave. Instead he let out a prolonged sigh. "And these ingredients are attainable, I would assume?" he asked, running his thumb along the worn page. He slammed the heavy volume shut, stowing it under his arm and clapping the young woman on the shoulder. "It brings my heart joy to know that there are young fey such as yourself that would care for an old man and his daughter so." Alderon proffered her a smile. "Thank you for sharing this with me. Should we indeed succeed in restoring my world and beloved daughter, this will doubtlessly be very useful." Meanwhile Raiden's study was filling with those preparing for the final journey. Once everyone gathers they will be ready to board their flying vessel of choice and be off for Isopolis.

*recommendation.

That's relieving to hear. I bought a Wii U and felt that it's life span was cut short, and only a handful of its games were really worth playing to me. There was a lot of garbage released for that console. And, like you mentioned, the stupid gimmicks were just way too much. I'm so glad to hear that the Switch is improved. I used to be a huge old-school Nintendo fan and really missed what Nintendo used to be about. I should really give the Switch a try. Thanks for the recomm...

Ohh, yes, I've seen that one; it looks absolutely amazing. I don't have a switch yet, but between Octopath Traveler and FE Three Houses I'm tempted to get one. I just fear another console like the Wii U.

What is the sprite RPG? I'd love to check it out.

"A walk, huh?" Tibarn frowned at Solomond's suggestion, not particularly liking what he may have been insinuating. Was he suggesting that he was drunk, or nearing it if he continued? Regardless, the tall man rose from his seat and stretched. "I'll go with Daniel," he announced, not giving the psychic any real say in the matter. "I have a way around bars, and gathering intel's my thing." Tibarn grabbed Daniel's forearm and gave it a tug. "C'mon, Psycho; let's go gather hidden knowledge!"

So, for instance, if Tibarn goes for a walk do I get to invent his surroundings and what he finds location-wise? Or should I refer to him leaving and you describe from there where he is/can go? Forgive me if I'm being redundant; I read both ways in your message. Having said that, though, I think Tibarn is going to suggest going with Daniel. With his charismatic demeanor he could possibly score something.

These were both points that I wanted to bring up as well. I wasn't sure where to take my next post because I wasn't sure how much creative liberty we had. Also, I know that Sabre works a lot and has a rather full schedule, so I'm hoping that waiting around for just a bit for him to catch up would be permissible.

Yevgeni professing his undying love for Nergal, frowns as he squints at the script. "Oh, wait. Wrong character."

Tibarn removed his feet from an empty seat at the table to make room for his comrade, eyeing the poster with skepticism. "That's a lot of moola," Tibarn commented mildly, placing down his drink so that he could peer more carefully at the poster provided. "I'm not into danger and sticking my neck out where it doesn't belong, but that indeed sounds promising." Imagine what we could do with all that money, Tibarn thought idly to himself. The reward was generous, though he did question the honorability and reputation of the rewarder. The brunet leaned back casually in his seat. "Do we have any kind of guarantee that this reward is for reals?"--he placed his hands behind his head--"Do we get a down payment?" He glanced over at Eclaire, the cat woman he barely knew, to Daniel with all of his psychic glory, and finally to the head of the medbay, Adamina. His stomach felt ill as he brought his gaze to the Loft, considering how many times she had to treat him for either drinking too much or dealing with some PTSD. The thought of putting his life on the line for this mission didn't sound particularly appealing, but that prize money certainly did. He was curious to hear what his crewmates would think.

I could imagine Raiden, Alastor, and Alderon dancing barefoot on a table together.

Stats and appearance added. Oh no! . The good news is that Heart may open this back up later. It's also a trial run, so maybe you can join the later RP. Sorry!