Group 2: Hope Quest

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It was early the day after Adrain had...awakened. Preparations were being made the night before, and after one trip to the city for provisions, he walked out the North Gate. Once he was far enough away, he would leap through time and space to the mountain, where some research and legends led to a promise of a relic. Adrain had his suspicions, but in his visions, this item could prove crucial to defeating the beast. He passes the North Wall, where he sees a number of parties seemingly being gathered in ragtag fashion to help the cause, but they would not do. Not to be of any use to him.

The mage however was an enigma to those around. He wore a full body suit of specially made mage plate underneath a gray robe. No element of his skin could be seen and only occasionally a light of mana from the glyphs engraved on the armor would creak out from under the cloth. He wore a full mask over his head, no element of his face, eyes, or hair visible, made of a synthesized material that had the feel of porcelin but had a strong durability. The mask was at best very vaguely shaped like a hawk in form, but not with so many details or decoration to show an effort. Black boots with armor plates adorn his feet as he tread his path.

He knew that Noku made a mandate requiring licenses, and while as Headmaster in his alter self had the licenses, the shockwave from his magic would produce unwanted attention or trouble potentially. It was already a very conscious and high effort to keep his power contained as it is and concealed from most detection. As he got about three hundred feet away from the North Gate, he exhaled and knelt, gripping the sack of supplies over his shoulder as he began to concentrate energy within his body, even with concealment a noticeable magic presence emitting from him..

[Yuki D'Avranches]

Yuki had spent most of the time in the castle listening to each noble until the conversation shifted from the dream to a rumor of a piece of armor. Taking a moment, she did her best to recall the stories of the armor and made up her mind that she was going to help find that armor. After informing Gabriel she spent the next few days preparing, borrowing a small dagger from the castle armory she practiced and trained those days as hard as she could. With the permits in place she hasn’t gotten the chance to buy one so she retrained from practicing any of her spells while within the limits of the city.



The day finally came, she had taken her horse out of the stables and had asked for a few other winged horses to be ready for at least three other people since she figured that they might be other who would want to help. She had a small bag on her back that contained food rations, the magical rope that she had gotten and just a single change of clothes just in case. Her hair that day was done up in a high ponytail with a white ribbon to secure it. Around her neck was a simple necklace white gold necklace that had a small pendant on was shaped as her family crest. The rest of her outfit looked simple it was the dress that Adrain had gotten her for mid-winter it was currently pure white since she had not used any magic recently it hugged her body showing her what little curved she had but it was also been enchanted to change colours based on her magic but also acted like leather armor. On her right hand was the mana amplifier she had kept it since Adrain lent it to her but she kept forgetting to return it. Last to complete her look was a simple pair of black boots with a slight heel of course down in the boot was the dagger that she borrowed from the castle.



Reaching the Northern wall she sat a top of Aolani looking at the group of people that had gathered there seeing no familiar faces that was until she saw Melda. Dismounting her horse, she ran off towards Melda giving the woman who was more like a mother to her than her own a hug. “Thank you for teaching me Duchess Melda.” Her voice steady even if she was a bit nervous, before she ran back to her horse and mounting her. Turning her head away she had Aolani move away from the main gathering knowing that once Gabriel arrived it would be easier for him to find her if she away main group. As soon as she was away she felt a magic presence that was familiar but it was too far away to tell who it was.

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Aria couldn’t ignore the call; yes she could have gone into battle, but the other noble’s rumor of the body was more pressing. Body first, battle after. She took a deep breath as she packed her bag; more than thankful that Noku had given her his blessing. Aria had begun preparations a couple days before; mainly placing her reduction spell on some mundane supplies, along with placing her ink spell on to the wring that Garrett had given her. It would remain protected as a tattoo around her left ring finger. She’d be able to transform back and forth without worry of losing it this way. In fact she had placed the spell on all of her supplies; her body was soon covered in tattoos; from weapons, to books, to ropes, blankets, extra clothes ect. The larger items had the reduction spell placed on them to save room on her skin. Only a couple of weapons were reduced to save space, while a few were left full sized for quick access. All the tattoos on her body were arranged in an artful manner creating pretty patterns along her pale skin.

Once all her supplies were seeped into her skin, Aria took to her peregrine falcon form. With all the tattoos that were on her body, her usual red feathers were stained mostly black; on the top of her head remained the dark red color. Her blue green eyes were a striking contrast to the dark feathers. She took flight; landing on the portal that would take her to Nova. Taking flight from there she made her way to the gates where it was agreed they all would meet. She tilted her head as she noticed someone below; the nice thing about this form was the eyesight was impeccable. The man looked odd; masked from head to toe. Curious she dropped down lower; as he bent down she caught a glimpse of his armor with familiar masking runes. She knew that spell anywhere. She swooped down with a cry and landed upon the mask man’s head; playfully pecking at the bird like mask. Aria formed a spell in her throat that would allow her to talk. Even while in her animal like forms, her illusions would at least let her form sounds. ”I hope you’re not planning on leaving me behind”

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Gabriel’s days after the dream appeared didn’t change too much, though he was worried about what the dream foretold. he wasn’t able to currently do anything concerning it. He would repeat his days while hearing the rumors and seeing people panic. Though he heard a rumor about a weapon or armor of sorts that could help defeat the dragon Gabriel was unsure if it was a wise idea for him to leave town and try to find some equipment based off just rumors.

After meeting with Yuki and hearing that she was going to try to find the armor, Gabriel made up his mind as he couldn’t let Yuki go by herself seeing how he did like his job. Gabriel spent his free time before the meeting at the wall to train slightly in his room and making sure he had all his weapons ready. Gabriel contemplated on bringing his staff since though he made an oath not to kill anymore he believed this time maybe he wouldn’t have that luxury since it was possible that the town could be destroyed if he didn’t do everything he could.

On the day of the search he left the inn with his hunting knife hidden in his sleeve, the sword Amiee bought for him on his belt, and his staff in his hand with his sack hanging from the end of his staff. He would walk around seeing a fair amount of people. Seemed like today was when everyone gathered for the siege and to help search for the equipment. Looking around when he was further into the crowd he noticed Yuki and began to walk to her “ Hello Yuki, I see you showed up as you said. Hopefully this rumor is not false.”

[Yuki D'Avranches]

Yuki smiled as she saw Gabriel she was glad he could make it, waving a bit as he began walking towards her. “Good Morning Gabriel. I did promise I was going to. As for rumor, I do pray it’s not false but then again all rumors do have a thread of truth to them.” Seeing that Gabriel was on foot she knew that wasn’t going to work given that this was a quest where time was against them for the most part since she had already saw some of the parties heading out and she didn't know how long it might take them to find the armor that the legendtold of. 


Looking around she spotted one of the stable hands and call them over asking they bring one of the other flying horse. Waiting only a few seconds a beautiful mare with a chestnut brown coat with spots of white landed near them. Her wings were white was snow with some brown feathers a complete reverse of her normal colours. Giving Gabriel a moment to mount the horse, she lend down a brush her own mane before whispering that she is proud of her.



Heading out she moved quickly allowing Aolani to take off trusting that Gabriel was following close behind. She kept her sense open as she leader Aolani towards the magical presence that she had felt earlier, not even long after she saw what looked like a falcon who seem to be on top of a man’s head who was wearing heavy armor. Steading her horse down towards the two she took a moment to realize that the magic she felt was from the man even if it seem faint with her being right infront of her. “Good Morning. Do you mind introducing yourself and your bird friend? Also did you get sperated for your group?” She said once she was close to them so that she wasn’t yelling. Taking a small moment, she turned her head to look towards the direction of Morgg knowing that this was going to be a long adventure she just hoped they made it back.

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"Of course...the standard pain in my ass shows up at the beginning of the journey. It simply wouldn't be complete, now would it?" Adrain says to Aria, holding his hand up as a small flash of light is emitted: he was far enough away from the city that it shouldn't alarm, and he had to get Aria back for the pecking. What should come to Aria's attention was the tone was different, the accent he had on Feyerlun was present, and there was a slight echo to his voice.

When Yuki approached, he turned to her. Aria would feel a brief shake. "Karin.." he starts, quiet that Aria alone might hear, but logic took effect. Of course not. This was a pupil of the identity attached to this world. The resemblance was uncanny though. The question asked, made him chuckle slightly.

"I am Esper...this is my pet bird Obnoxious." he says, knowing there would likely be a reaction, but when asked if he was waiting for a group, he shook his head. "Now why would I wait for a group exactly. Too many people would cause risk for others involved."

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Aria almost lost her footing when she was suddenly blinded; she beat her wings hard to keep up right. Likely smacking Adrain in the head in the process. Once righted again she blinked; rubbing her eyes with a closed talon. Damn that was unpleasant. ”Pain in the ass is right; who else would stop you from making idiotic decisions…..wait…” He sounded different; well not different…familiar? Familiarly different? Was that a thing? Her head swiveled to the side as Yuki showed up; her gaze sharply turning back down to Adrain as she caught the beginnings of a name that he should not remember. It was true….Yuki did bear a strong resemblance to his departed wife. Man she had loved to piss that woman off. She never was too fond of Karina, she found the woman to prickly and uptight. Yuki may look a lot like Karina, but their personalities couldn’t be further apart. But that aside……When did the man beneath her start getting his memories back?

She tapped a talon on Adrains head; obnoxious really? Aria changed her voice to mimic a man’s voice….well she was mimicking her father’s voice. She doubted either had heard him; but if they were playing the disguise game, why the hell not? ”Nox for short. Should a twig legs such as yourself really be outside of the castle with only scrawny guard by your side?” If she was to be named obnoxious, obnoxious she would be….throughout the trip. This would be fun.

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Gabriel smiled “Hopefully the rumors only speak the truth in this case” Gabriel said as he followed Yuki, hopping on one of the horses and tailed her. Gabriel looked at the two with a wary smile “Nice to meet you both. Esper and Nox was it? Hopefully this rumor bodes well for us.” Hopping off the horse “There's truth to your words though being in a group does have its own benefits.” looking at Nox “ Hmm seems like your name fits, though this scrawny guard might surprise you.” Gabriel was getting worried about a group like this “ Its Gabriel by the way, i’m the high priestess of Ai.”

[lucifina]

After the speech was finished and the adventurers seemed to have cleared up one of the nobles looked past the gate to see a group that was not in a hurry though they were away from the gate, upon further inspection the nobles realized one was Yuki D’Averanches. He then spoke to one of the guards to go to them and explain the situation if needed.

The guard would quickly run to Yuki standing at attention when he was facing her. “Baroness Yuki D’avranches? I was sent by the nobles near the gate. One of them said they saw you and wished for me to fill you in on the details if you did not hear them.” If Yuki agreed to the guard, he would then explain to yuki how the nobles gave a speech on finding the armor, and that due to the amount of adventurers that they were to go in groups and decide to either travel to the southern part or northern part of the Morgg and begin their search. Afterwards he would head back towards the castle to his post.

[Yuki D'Avranches]

Yuki offered a warm smile to Esper as she bowed her head. “It is nice to meet you Esper and you as well Nox. As for me being outside the castle, I want to help. The last time the crazy Goddess threaten Nova I couldn’t do much given my condition then but now I want to help." Her eyes burning with the desire to help her kingdom in what small way that she could. “I forgot to introduce myself I am Zayna.” She said taking back a little of her birth name when she was still a he, “But you can call me Yuki since it’s what most people call me.”



Bowing her head to Esper, “I understand your worries about risking other’s lives but Gabriel has a point. Having extra eyes around someone might see something that you might have missed.” A small giggle left her lips as she tilted her head to the side just a little. “So, if it’s not too much trouble I hope you don’t mind us accompanying you till we have to part ways.” Turning to look at Gabriel only to notice a guard coming up to them, looking around wondering if maybe something was wrong. Giving the guard a moment before he spoke she nodded her head wishing for him to fill them in on what they missed. Hearing the information, she nodded her head and thank the guard wishing him safe travel back to the castle. “Well it seems we are either going North or South of the Morgg. Esper Sir do you have a prefer?”

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Adrain chuckled slightly when Aria seemed to go with the scheme. If he knew her, she would try to milk it for as long as possible and as such he needed. When Gabriel mentioned benefits to a group, and the fact that Yuki seemed determined to go regardless of what he said, he exhaled muttering only such Aria might hear. 'I am too sentimental for my own good..'

"Very well then, it seems the likes of you will be under my protection." he says, leaving quiet as someone came up and interjected. It was pretty obvious to him what to do: travel to the volcano, scan the earth for tunnels leading up to the armor, then navigate a way there if teleportation wasn't possible. Regardless, when Yuki asked him for an opinion, he'd respond.

"If I were building a location to house a powerful relic, which right near the dragon it was used to defeat instead of somewhere that it was readily accessible like a logical civilization might plan for in the event of said dragon's awakening, and if I were trying to keep thieves from getting to it by choosing a dangerous location instead of a more secure facility, I would probably aim to the North away from the known civilizations and added difficulty otherwise the more accessible south might have been raided already and at a minimum better information would be available."

With that, Esper begins to channel a spell as a ring of light sizable enough manifests on the ground. It begins to glow in potency. If and when Yuki and Gabriel enter the circle the spell upon completion would teleport the party to a point on Heaven's pass as close to Morgg as possible north of the Dragon's Breath falls. Esper would wait for the group to get over and teleportation side effects, watching the volcano and when people were ready to move, he would begin to walk briskly in the northern direction of Morgg.

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”Great…Priest of love is going to protect us by subduing what comes at us with love” She flapped her long pointed wings and clacked her beak. Eager to get going. Though it seemed everyone was using fake names or at least alters for this trip….except for maybe the priest. But really he was the only one in this group that she didn’t know. Or not…apparently Yuki had another name? Well this was new information. She looked down at Adrain whom she was sitting on as Yuki said something about tagging along till they parted ways. He knew as well as she did that parting ways in a dangerous underground area; only led to trouble for all in the area. They would need to keep the two with them, if they were to tag along.

She clacked her beak in amusement as she heard Adrains muttered comment. Indeed he was; Aria would have just ported and said NOPE. Seems the two others would be coming with them. ”If he’s watching out for you two, I suppose I’ll be watching all three?” Aria did highly agree with Adrain that north was best; it would have been her logical choice as well. ”Before we go, does everyone have sufficient water? We’ll be going into a very hot dry area; there will not be any water to pull from the air. Also any porting which requires a good punch of magic and one that is not considered a normal ability MIGHT alert certain angry individuals of our exact location…just saying. ” She used a talon to scratch her head. Giving a small warning to Adrain about using his….unique ability. It might not be the wisest decision. Stealth would be the key on this mission. ”They have two flying beasts; let’s use them.” The falcon paused. "Oh would you look at that, maybe you two are useful"

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Before Adrain finished the teleport, he sighed as the magic would fade, halting the process.

"Fine...I suppose you have a point, I could vaporize anything that was a threat, but with the others I suppose there is more concern, in any case we must hurry, we have little time to waste.." Adrain says as he turns and leaps up, activating a small flight spell and propelling himself with air in the direction of Morgg.

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“I’m not sure if you heard but its believed that love is the most powerful force in the world. Though myself personally would prefer using my staff.” Gabriel retorted back at Nox. Seeing a guard walk up to Yuki, he waited for her to explain to them about what was going to happen and what they were going to do. After the explanation Gabriel listened to Esper as he began to ramble. After watching a circle appear and vanish as the two seemed to have come to an agreement Gabriel looked at Yuki and whispered quietly “ I pray this group doesn’t get into any trouble” Before mounting on the flying horse and following the redt of the group

[Yuki D'Avranches]

Yuki smiled warmly hearing that they should be his protection for the trip, even if she didn’t feel like she need much protection but the item of a knight in shinning armor protecting her did seem nice. Pushing those thoughts about she focus on the task ahead and had to agree that heading North would be they best bet. “I have enough water Nox.” Watching the magic circle appear on the ground her eyes widen in awe wondering how powerful one has to be able to perform a teleportation spell that not only carried them but others as well. She quickly snapped out of her awestruck moment when Nox spoke of them having the flying horses and them being useful. Sticking her tongue out at the bird knowing that it was kind of childish but it did bring a small satisfaction.

Leaning forward, she whispered for Aolani to follow Esper, summoning a strong gust of wing since it would take less stress off the horses and Nox to glide along the air currents instead of having to flap they wings the way. During the trip she remained silent as she listen to the whispers on the wind, doing what she could to allow those that flew to have easier less tiresome trip.