Returning Home

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Well, after her bedroom got scorched it was decided that she’d pack up her few uncharred remains and be shipped off to Palico. Her time to say goodbyes was cut to only a couple of short hours while everything was packed. She hadn’t been able to track down everyone however she did write some notes. But within that day she was packed up and sent off on the long journey up to Palico. The trip to Palico was uneventful, sluggish, and dull. As they traveled and crossed Heavens pass she was dismayed to feel her link upon Garrett straining. To the point where communication through the link wasn’t feasible. Yes letters were still an option…but it wasn’t like hearing his voice.

Her first thoughts upon arriving, was that her stay here was going to be a lot more tedious then she had first expected. The land was best described as a moorland, located in a mountainous region. It was a dull landscape, however wide open enough that it would suite the large drakes they were supposedly housing quite well. No cumbersome trees to hinder take offs or landings. However the dreary landscape did nothing to improve her mood.


The city was, well she didn’t think it was possible, but worse than the landscape. It was best described as an oversized prison. Everything was slate grey, while the land around them had little to no vegetation, inside the city walls was worse. Nothing grew here… The smell of steel and smoke hung heavy in the air. Palico was nothing like Lucinda had described it. She had been expecting something with a lot more life to it…not just rock and steel. Though…perhaps a rock mage such as Ilta back home would enjoy her time here. The rocks probably spoke to her more than they did for Aria.


Things didn’t brighten up until they arrived at the palace. Inside the palace was brighter and the decorating was spared no expense. Perhaps if one lived indoors all there life they might call in pleasant, and welcoming. Silas had warmly welcomed her, he was extremely curious about her phioric background. Many afternoons fallowing her arrival had been spent discussing one aspect or another on the race. They had introduced her to the other nobles along with setting up an official coronation.


Her welcome amongst the other nobles was mixed, some were amiable others went of their way to see in what ways she could mess up. She had wasted no time in meeting the drakes. In face as the weeks went by that’s probably the only place you could find her. Being separated from her home hit her harder then she expected, and frankly she wasn’t up to being the most social type of person.

As the weeks went by Aria became more and more reclusive and withdrawn. She dove into her work, creating work out regimens, care sheets, putting a full stable remodel into the works, along with instructing and training dragon handlers. The one plus side to having the fire was the fact it hatched the egg earlier then she expected, and she was able to raise it without as much worry of it burning things down. The little black drake proved to be a handful first thing….she was more than sure it ate a couple of the palace cats. In addition to this new distraction Aria had also became more sensitive to food, and smells. I wasn’t until a month had passed and certain things were not on schedule did she realize she had another distraction to worry about.


Aria was working out past the city with the drakes when the first messenger birds came. She got back to the castle and headed to see Silas. The birds had seemed tweaked. Upon her return Silas briefed her on the message and gave out the order round up the dragons and return to Nova. They were in the air by nightfall.

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She had chosen a mount to take to Nova; while her drake meant to be her mount was hatched, he wasn’t quite grown enough to support any weight. She had settled it in its own pen back in Palico before leaving, however she doubted it would keep him contained for long. Aria looked back behind her at her small flight, their numbers only 30. However 30 drakes was nothing to really balk at in terms of help. The message had just described a horde of undead seemed to be heading towards Nova, by the time they reached Nova however the threat probably would have already arrived.


The trip had been a quiet one, since being brought to Palico Aria had fallen more into a shell. The occasional order, or instruction was said but light hearted conversation was left to the others. They had been flying through the night and the first light of day broke over the horizon. The red fog could be seen below. Her sensitive nose could pick up the smell of decaying flesh and fresh turned dirt. Aria stood on her drakes back, being fairly comfortable in the air and sick of sitting. She turned to the men who fallowed her and gave them instructions. It was clear the threat had already reached Nova, however they would reach the city in the morning. Knowing that there was a threat to Nova and her connection to its ruler, she gave the order that if she split off from the group for them to continue on to Nova. She had already spoken to the second in command before they left and briefed them of the situation.


Half way through the day Aria gave the signal to land and recuperate. If they were going into a battle it was best not to rush and to do it before they had reached the horde of undead making their way to the city. Aria separated off from the group to go relieve herself, as with every rider her mount went with her. It was then when she felt a sharp pain in her neither region, followed by an excruciating amount of pain in her head. Soon after an overwhelming sense of fear gripped her.


Without a main thing to focus on, and plenty to worry about, Aria took off into the woods without thinking. She darted through familiar woods and through a familiar tunnel. It was in these tunnels that she waited for the pain and panic to fade. When it did finally fade off, her own feelings of horror arouse…. Fallowed by grief. Aria stayed in her tunnels for the rest of the night and for a large portion of the fallowing morning. She found her mount who had hunkered nearby once her tears had dried and mounted up. The flight of drakes would have moved on and made it to Nova. She’d be behind the group a fair bit, but frankly with her mind ….well operating, it was at least safer to move.


She mounted up and allowed her mind to wander, she could feel her connection to Garret had strengthened again and drew comfort from that. With that she took to the skies.

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As the sun began to set a drake glided down into the barracks. She had already seen some of her flight patrolling the boarders of the city; so she was thankful that they had gotten to the city while she had been indisposed. The drake landed heavily on the ground in the middle of the training grounds. She took a deep breath, taking in the ….well what use to be fresh air. The smell of decay would linger for a while…


Aria didn’t look much different than when she had left, however something was a bit off. Her hair was left untied, with a few small braids here and there. She wore her black armor on the only addition was a black fur cloak to keep her warmer in the cooler weather. Her weapons were attached to her saddle on the drake. She had been fully planning on joining in the fight…however it would seem she showed up a bit too late to the game.


She pated the snout of the drake; she’d have to go announce she was back to Noku and find out what exactly happened. Then she would need to find Garrett…

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Diamond had took a massive beating during the battle he had in the defense of Nova. Most of the wounds he had were now healed up but was still very much out of it. The fight had been fierce and frantic when that one thing happend in that battle. Everyone had did there best when striking down the waves of the undead. His boss Melda had given him several days off to recover from the battle. As he walked about the castle grounds he spots a familure red head and a massive scaled beast. Diamond was given a very nice fur lined cloak and was keeping him nice and warm. "Well, looks like you missed the party that happend Aria. How have you been" the white haired mercenary asked. Since he had heard she left for a neibouring kingdom for some kind of teaching and diplomatic thing from what he remembered. But the white haired male felt something a bit off, like a sense of mourning. But could not put his finger on it but paid it no mind. Since it was winter and the fact there had been a massive amount of undead beings.

As the male got closer the drake seemed a lot bigger then he first thought. He had respect for those that could tame and deal with any dragon kin. Since these beasts were perhaps one of the more powerful creatures to kill man and other beasts with ease. So Diamond had respect for the dark scaled drake. "A new friend of yours" he commented to Aria about her drake.

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Her head rose as her name was called, she stared blankly as Diamond a somewhat familiar face approached. She gave a slight nod in greeting.

”I’ve kept busy”

She took her drake over to a pasture meant for the guard’s horses and took off her saddle and things before letting the beast loose to go rest. She watched as the beast got comfy before turning her attention back to Diamond once more. Usually she would have been ecstatic to see a familiar face after so long. However at the moment she felt nothing. Her expression remained blank as she watched the drake for a while until the subject was turned to the beast.

”Her and the rest of the flight; my personal mount is still too young to bear weight. I left him in Palico; however I wouldn’t be surprised if he made his way over here in a couple of days. It will be a good escape and tracking exercise for him.”

Aria turned to the saddle and began un hitching her weapons and placing them on her person. She wasn’t about to leave them around.

”Do we know who sent the red fog yet?”

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"I see, well hopefully its not like hyper active puppy" said Diamond as he was trying to make light of the smaller drake that Aria had to leave behind. He did watch her get the saddle off and get her weapons equipped on to her. Then she asked about the red mist that appeared at the hoard of undead. "From what I understand...which is a bit unsettling for me. Is that the Goddess of Souls, Helena was the one that launched that attack. If you want full details though, talk to Anthony Garza or Lady Mysteria's new apprentice. I was busy dealing with a major problem at the East Gate...." he said remembering that fight going on with the King who had some kind of curse or power to turn into a demon of destruction and mayhem. Diamond could not fault the King as he too would have turned into a raging demon if he got punched in the balls. But instantly giving into that enraged form did worry him a bit. But he had some good people around him, he hoped at least.

"How about we go inside and get something warm to drink" offered Diamond as he did want to beat the chill of winter. Plus better place to talk to a friend at least, also eventually maybe brighten things up for Aria. Since it was very evident that she was depressed.

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Aria shrugged at the hyperactive puppy comment; she supposed Noky was like that…only more destructive with a bit more of a nasty streak. She did listen intently to the explanation on the source of the fog.

”Has anyone found her motive on sending the fog? Also do we know for sure the red fog was what raised the dead? Or was the fog something else entirely? Did you sense any CS shards or dust in that cloud?”

Aria made a mental note for each what if that popped up with that train of thought, but refrained herself from asking all the questions at once. The fact that the attacks came from a goddess didn’t seem to shake the red head in the least. What caught her interest more was hearing that Melania had a new apprentice.

”Who’s the poor sap who took that position, and I appreciate any details I can get from you at the moment.”

In reality Aria would be asking the same questions to different people for a few different reasons; she’d then form a picture of what happened from the combined explanations.

”Can you tell me what happened at the East gate?”

She blinked; a slightly confused expression seeping from her stone like masked. The reminder of nourishment made her realize she hadn’t had anything since leaving a couple days ago. She was more than likely severely dehydrated by this point. However she really should report to Noku first.

”A drink sounds nice, however I will need to send a messenger asking Noku for an audience at his earliest convenience.”

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Melda had been roaming the halls silently, as she did, glancing out each window as she passed it. Her eyes were blank, not even truly seeing the world beyond them. The battle had taken a huge toll on the high elf, her body not used to the beating it took. She'd done well for someone who didn't fight often, but she was truly lucky to have Diamond around. However, she highly doubted anyone, even him, knew her magic was as powerful as it had been. Melda wore all black, and her silver hair was down, a curly mass framing her face with her black hood drawn up to shadow it. She glanced out of the next window she passed, seeing a spark of red in the corner of her eye. She paused for a moment, looking a little closer. Her eyes widened and she scurried down and out of the castle.

When she reached the entrance to the training grounds, she slowed down, her composure returning and her face blanking out once more. She walked out towards her Guard and the Duchess, a solemn look in her eyes. As she approached them, she heard bits of their conversation. From what I've gathered it seems his name is Killian Lancaster. No one I've heard of, but I trust Mysteria's judgment. She stopped a few feet away, sighing lightly and nodding her head. She'd known when the girl left, as she had gone with the Princess. In such a short time the two girls had nearly melted her frozen heart, but had to abruptly leave, causing it to crystallize back to its original form. However a special place would remain for them both. Welcome home dear. Melda walked further and with her arms outstretched, hugged the red head. When she pulled away, she turned to Diamond, and greeted him. She wanted to apologize for ignoring him at first, but she had a feeling he would understand why.

Aria had asked what had happened at the East Gate, and even Melda turned to Diamond for answers there. She'd been reluctant to ask before, as none of the information she could have heard would be pleasant. She knew the biggest news about the king; everyone in the castle knew by now, or at least anyone with the proper sources.

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"I am not sure on those details.......but I know she was using the massive undead to cleanse the Fated from Nova" Diamond said as he knew that much from what he heard the other details not so much at all. As he then saw a look of intrest when the mentioning of Mysteria having a apprentice. The white haired male was about to answer until Melda had walked up to the two of them and answering, Aria's question. He saw that his boss was doing a lot better today though then a few days ago. Then with Aria asking about the east gate battle, Melda had stayed silent and even then. Diamond had went on ahead and saw some of what happend. "From what I......understand" looks a few times before turning to Aria. "Some crazy loon....rushed in and sacked the King in the balls. And then turned into a war demon or something like that. Striking both friend and foe I had to subdue Noku......and I had to fight him unarmed though. I was one of the few there that could stand up to the King in that state. As most of the others were fighting off the undead" Diamond did not take pleasure in what he had to do that evening.

"Right now......I don't know how the King is feeling at the moment" he said this time a bit edgy as he was not sure if the other nobles would overlook what he did. But he did prevent a lot of people from getting attacked by the king.

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Lilith was broken. Her arm was wrapped up, a sling keeping it against her chest. She had cuts and bruises everywhere. Despite washing it, her hair looked ragged. Her eyes were hollow, little to no emotion behind them. She'd been taken down by the undead, pulled in many directions, beating, bitten, scratched and twisted around. Though she had proved many wrong, fighting like she had, she still was far from strong enough to hold her own like she had attempted. If she hadn't cast her EverGreen spell at that moment, Sima wouldn't have been blinded and she never would have been pulled down. Thankfully, Diamond had saved her, but not before she was hurt. Using as much magic as she had during the battle, she couldn't even heal the little things on her body.

Lilith was crossing the training grounds, as she preferred to enter the castle that way as opposed to the front door, when she saw Aria and Diamond. There was another woman that she didn't recognize, but she didn't care. No emotion crossed her face as she walked towards the group. She was slow, her legs more than sore and unable to keep a fast pace. As she neared she could hear Diamond explaining what happened to the king. It was Louie. Louie ran up and punched the King... well, there. After that... well as Diamond said, he changed. Lilith stopped next to Diamond, giving him a thankful and sad smile for what was probably the one hundredth time since then. He quite literally saved her life. Lilith looked to Aria, her face blank once more as the smile faded as quickly as it had risen. She was happy to see Aria again, it had been so long, but Lilith would need time before she could pounce and hug up. Time before she could even express anything other than gratitude and depression. But by the looks of things, Aria wasn't doing so well herself.

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”We need to find her reason for acting; I would be asking your god, champion, why one of them would be directly interfering in this matter. Vennessa was just punished for such actions; I can’t see Helena getting off scot free….that and Zepon might be someone to talk to…the dead are kinda in his domain.”

Aria was starting to feel like the kid who tattle taled, but frankly she didn’t think crackers was actually drawing attention to important events. Aria slowly glanced over at the approaching Melda. Aria arching an eyebrow in response to hearing whom had Melanias apprentice. Her expression darkened slightly and one hand came up to rub her previously injured shoulder.

”Hmm…can anyone tell me where to find Blondie, I have something of his I would like to return to him?”

Aria blinked when she was suddenly hugged, she gave a slight one in return to the older woman. Her face remaining blank.

”Thank you”

She then listened to Daimonds explanation on the gates, frowning when she heard Noku had actually been in battle. Her frown only deepened as the explanation when further. Lilith then joined there little party, looking the worse for wear, and added on detail that sparked a reaction out of Aria. She let out a sharp whistle, calling the drake she had just set loose in the pasture over.

”Find him”

She fixed a mental image of the man into the drakes head, who immediately took off causing a large gust of wind to hit the small group. She watched the Drake go before turning her attention back to the group. Her expression solemn, the kings curse had been revealed to many.

”....Thank you for subduing him, was anyone else from the castle on the battlefield with him? As in close to him….

She was choosing her wording carefully at the moment. Noku should have had someone with him that’s job was to do what Diamond had to do. It was worrisome said person was not with Noku when the risk of transforming was so high.

”How much do you guys know about the family curse? ”

As she asked she walked over to Lilith and placed her hand on her forehead, a gold glow coming over Arias hand as it slowly spread over Lilith. Her injuries would begin to mend themselves as the wave of healing magic washed over her. At least speeding up the process of mending the broken bone. It was only a short heal but it would help.

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She felt Aria hug her back, only slightly. She did not expect much of the younger woman, but regardless, Melda cared for her. She nodded to Aria's thanks, hoping she knew that she could talk to her whenever she needed. When Diamond began explaining what had happened, another woman entered their group, adding a name to the story. She didn't know this woman but had seen her in the battle; she looked like hell. The name Louie did not ring a bell to Melda, but Aria seemed to know it well. She sent off her beast to find the man, and asked a question Mel herself could not answer. She didn't know the King well, and was not with him when that happened. From what she could tell, the blonde elf had been there, but Melda doubted she was close to Noku, Melda would have seen her by now.

From what has spread through the castle, it seems any time His Majesty gets injured, his mind alters to something unnatural and he knows not friend from foe... That's all thats spread so far. Melda looked at Aria curiously. She had not known it was a Family Curse, and wondered what Aria knew about it; not long before she was nearly put to trial by the King, what intel could she have on him?

Melda watched curiously as Aria moved to the younger elf and healed her lightly. It looked like she had needed it, and one could see a slight change in her eyes as a bit of life returned to them. Melda looked kindly at Aria when she pulled away; the woman cared far more for people than she let on. She only hoped Aria would remember who her friends were if things got bad. Melda knew not why, but she could tell something bothered the woman.

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"I will go to the temple here and see if I can find a way to speak to Mylee. No one really has spoken to me on that matter. If need be I will go find Zepon myself and speak with him" said Diamond as he knew that he had to get to get to that matter shortly. But was surprised to see Lilith up and about a bit but her arm was in a sling. She had been through the ringer. He was going to say something to her about going and getting some rest back at her home or something. But Aria spoke about something and felt a massive gale from the Drake. As the redhead gave it some kind of command to her companion and after that. She thanked him for fighting and trying to subdue the king and it was not an easy fight in any reguard. "That I can not tell you, On top of dealing with Noku I was also directing some of the soldiers there. Since the morale dropped like a rock. I thank the path of being a mercenary to lead men" he said and then figured that Lilith would have had a better idea on that. Since it was a hectic place with all of the chaos of war going on around them.

Then Aria asked about the family curse and Diamond just raised an eyebrow to it. He did hear things since he was with his charge Melda. She answered the question and the white haired male watched Aria as she was using a healing spell on Lilith. "Its something I am not prying into...since its not my place to know these things at all. I know just as much as my boss here" said Diamond as he pointed his thumb over to Melda. "Lilith if you like, I can use the last charge I have on this diamond here and heal you back to full strength" he offered to the blond haired elf. Since she looked like crap at the moment.

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Lilith watched as Aria sent her companion away to find Louie, and not for a moment did she feel bad for him. Louie started a riot in the middle of a war, making it far worse than it had needed to be. She also nodded along in agreement for thanking Diamond. If not for him, the King would have trampled everyone, undead or not. When Aria asked who else was present, she knew it was her turn to answer, as Diamond had only been there at the end. It had started out with only myself, the King, Louie and Finn. She had learnt the name of the nobleman later on. Then came a woman I cannot identify, but have never met, and Sima. She shrugged lightly. I don't think anyone close to him was there, unless he's close to Finn. Her voice was hoarse as Aria came up to her and cast a small healing spell. She felt it flow through her, taking away some of the aches in her body. When Aria removed her hand, Lilith took it in her good one. Thank you. This wasn't the first time Aria had seen Lilith worse for wear, after healing the Fallen Angel, she kept passing out, Aria had taken care of her then as well.

The question of the Curse arose and Lilith knew little to nothing. She looked to the white haired elven woman as she spoke, describing what Lilith had seen during the battle. The king was punched by Louie, and from then on he snapped, tearing about. I know about as much as she does. He turned into a monster... I mean he was pretty angry before, ranting as he attacked the undead, about various problems in his kingdom, but that... that was completely different. It felt demonic. Lilith shuddered.

Lilith turned to Diamond when she was addressed, feeling a little better since Aria sent the magic through her, her face a little less pale. She blushed at his offer, another sign of life in her body. Oh I could never let you do that. Don't waste that on me. Once I rest a bit more, I will be able to heal myself, don't even worry. She raised her good arm and patted his shoulder. But thank you. Her words of thanks were heavy, once again thanking him for saving her life. She knew she probably seemed over dramatic, thanking him so much, but she'd never been so close to death... So many things unfinished. She had a new view on how things had to get done, and a second chance to do them all because he had shown up at the right time.

Aria, how was your trip? I never got the chance to say goodbye, but I heard through the Guard... Oh, and congratulations on becoming a Duchess... Lilith smiled again, having found out about it through the rumours of the castle, working where she did. She hadn't seen Aria in quite some time-- not since she visited the restaurant, but she hoped that her new position was going well.

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”Ok, Daimond if you go to Zepon bring someone who can give a good distraction and or make a really bright light. Also find out what said consequences will be from Mylee before you accept anything, cause they usually are a bitch. Just warning you from experience…If you like I can go with you.”

She could tell him how to contact Mylee, but she figured that would be best figured out himself.

Aria listened to their explanations on what happened with Noku, a deep frown etching on her face. She looked at each one of them in turn as each of them gave their version of what happened. She summed up her opinions on the three, debating what course of action to take next. It bothered her that Noku didn’t have the person who was appointed to sedate him around, that or they failed to do their duty, especially in such a high risk situation. She waved her hand off at Liliths description of Noku being angry before.

”His rants are one of his more amusing qualities, ranting while lopping some heads off its fairly therapeutic.”

Aria trusted both Lilith, and Melda, Daimond had proved to be helpful even if she did not know him as well…but with the case being as it was…well she was going to have to accept the consequences for this one. There was a soft but almost unnoticeable glow in Arias eyes, and for a quick second symbols on the ground appeared around the group as a silencing spell was cast just for the moment.

”I need you three to do me a favor about these rumors, rumors that the king is a monster is not good for the kingdom……nor him. Please start spreading that Caster escaped her imprisonment, as revenge she decided to cause a little chaos and targeted our majesty in the middle of a chaotic battle, along with anyone else she might have decided to have a little fun with. With a fight like that I’m more then sure there were a few deserters or runners who will love to jump on that excuse to explain their behavior. With how much the gods have been interfering this year it will be a plausible thing to have happened. I know there could be a better excuse however we need to start this quickly. You can alter the rumor a bit, but I want it so we don’t know which version is true. I want it so convoluted that the truth is lost.”

She scratched the back of her head in thought; catching the questioning looks of her three friends on the curse.

”While my silencing spell is up, I want you three to know the king isn’t a ‘monster’ at least not as I define it. He loves his kingdom, so much so he put himself at risk to defend it on the front lines if he was with you guys. Especially knowing if he got hurt that would happen…A monster is someone who while in sound mind goes after the innocent and causes destruction. However you are right, if the king is injured, or if I am, the curse is activated. Thing is once people find out about the curse the ones affected by it are instantly assumed to be monsters….I want you all to think about how you would feel about having that label placed upon you…when the curse is activated your mind is completely consumed by the trigger. Noku’s is pain, when he’s in that state all he knows is pain. It’s torture. This information does not leave this circle, is that understood? Noku needs people who are loyal to him and can protect him, which is why I want these rumors to spread.”

Aria rose an eyebrow as Lilith and Diamond talked about more healing.

”Lilith did Grumpy guard not tell you, over healing is bad. Especially if you’re prone to getting injured, it’s best to only do it in small bits, even more so with long lived species. Humans can get away with it possibly but what you doing is pumping magic into a person’s body to speed up the natural healing process. For one thing it’s unnatural, eventually your body is going to put up a resistance to it. Another reason is since you are pumping in foreign manna, you are increasing the person’s risk for mana corruption. Once you get over any life threatening or severely debilitating injuries, its best to let the rest heal naturally, or add lunar paste….speaking of plants, once your better Lilith can you please find some numbing root.”

It was around this point she had let her silencing spell fade. Her expression darkened more when she asked how her trip was. In a very flat voice she answered.

”It’s like a prison. There’s little to no life there, all steel and stone. King Silas is nice enough he see’s me more as a tool than anything else. He’s pleased with the progress I have made with his drakes. As a new duchess that’s fated you can imagine my greetings were mixed. If not for being given the job as the head dragon trainer for the Palico army I would have gone mad. All the drakes you see here are under my command at the moment. Which is why I need to go speak to his Majesty to see how long he wants us here.”

Aria began walking towards the castle, the training grounds had fallen into darkness. She expected the group to fallow along.

”I do apologize for leaving abruptly. His majesty was worried for my safety after the room above mine in his castle burned down and collapsed into mine while I was in it. Seeing how many close calls were happening to me he thought I should be sent to Palico immediately. I didn’t get to say good bye to many people…”

As they came into the castle into the light, a couple of bruises could be seen on her face. Her skin was certainly paler, for someone who missed the fight she certainly looked like she had been in it. The scar that blazed across her face was ever present. Her eyes were slightly bloodshot from crying earlier that day.

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Melda listened quietly as Aria and Diamond made plans; She could not interfere with Diamonds trip to talk with Mylee or any other God— He may work for her, but in regards of more important things, she help no reign. She then listened to the younger elf - Lilith, she’d heard Aria mention — describe who had been at the Eastern Gate. She had to agree with Aria, the Kings rants were entertaining, but she wouldn’t know about the “lopping heads”.

Melda remained quiet still as Aria cast a spell, having a feeling she knew what it was. Upon being asked to halt the rumours about the King, Melda nodded approvingly. Yes, it would not be wise to let those rumours run wild. Things are already becoming a pain in the ass. Melda waved her hand in exaggeration, knowing the King had more than enough to deal with. Aria went on to speak of monsters and Melda listened curiously, wanting to learn more about how her head worked. She cocked an eyebrow curiously. How did Aria know so clearly what Noku felt? How he reacted? She wanted to question it, but with limited time on the silencing spell she knew it best to wait for another time.

Melda turned her head towards Diamond as he offered to heal Lilith, curious as to why he would offer. Sorry to interrupt, but how do you two know each other— actually, how do either of you— who are you again? Her tone wasn’t rude per-say but it was curious and a bit more sarcastic that she may have intended.

She turned back to Aria and nodded sympathetically. Yes, I’ve been to Palico once, and though it has it’s perks, I definitely prefer it here… though I never said that. She smiled slightly.

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"I'll talk to you later once I do talk to Mylee" said Diamond as he crossed his arms on the matter of the gods. Even he was not sure if he could get in touch with Mylee at all but he had to try. Beacuse the massive amount of undead was something that could not be hidden by the gods. But as he thought on that Lilith did some talking and then the barrier was brought up to make sure that there conversation would between the four of them. She then went into talking about the king and his curse. And a few other things "I am going to sit myself out of spreading rumors. That just does not sit well with me at all. Even if its to use evil goddess as a scapegoat, but I will do my best to try and spread some more positive things about Noku. He's gotten some respect from me since he went to the front lines himself to defend his home and people. Most other kings would just sit back all of the way back and let his men do the fighting" he said and then was back to silence and then he heard Aria chastise him a bit on overhealing and he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly on it and nodded his head on that matter.

As it seemed that it got a rise out of the blond haired elven woman. Then his boss Melda butted in and asked how he knew Lilith. "I saved her from getting killed by several zombies at the east gate, her name is Lilith Harmonia. I think you work for the guard" he said first looking at Melda and then to Lilith. Diamond did feel a bit bad for Aria about her time in the other country. Being cooped up like that, it would drive anyone insane. None the less he followed everyone in and Diamond saw the bruses on Aria's skin. The mercenary did remember saying that she and Noku were linked by the curse and he put two and two together. There was some guilt in his mind that he might have caused some of those himself unintentionally.