Roleplay

[center][font=courier new]5. [b]MAZON[/b] and [b]AUTIOT[/b] request further elaboration.[/center] ----- [columns][center][color=transparent].............................[/color] [font=Courier New][size=5][b]SIN[/b] [img]https://i.imgur.com/rCFSUTt.png[/img] [b][color="#5285E9"]VIRTUE[/b][/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/zIxck9E.png[/img] [b][color="#D64646"]WRATH[/b][/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/LmTwFgU.png[/img] [b][color="#9972E0"]KINDNESS[/b][/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/QdR8LBm.png[/img] [nextcol] [sub]Wrath immediately snaps at Mazon, baring razor sharp teeth that glint in the wan light of the tent. "[color="#D64646"][i]What the hell do you think we're doin', huh? My soldiers aren't here to play dress up and lollygag 'round until the world collapses 'round us you—[/i][/color]" Kindness drapes a hand over her mouth and reigns in the small Nocturne, offering an apologetic look as Sin awkwardly rewords Wrath's impassioned rant. "[b][i]What she meant to say was that the logistical side will be handled separately. You all have a greater goal whose importance far exceeds the petty technicalities of battle— if our suspicions are true, you are our trump card.[/b][/i]" The Wildclaw sighs and runs a hand down his face as the mention of Croswell once again enters the conversation. "[i][b]Scions. You are the Scions, even we aren't entirely sure what that means but we know that there is a relation to the gods. The arcane city is notorious for being secretive and distrusting, so we don't know for sure what they have planned for you. Though they claim to be on our side, they've revealed precious little. If it's proven that you are in fact the chosen ones, then...[/b][/i]" There's a beat as he looks over to Virtue who gives a slight nod. "[i][b]You may be tasked with finding The Augur.[/b][/i]"

Katharina doesn’t know what to make of the company she’s found herself in, and was bristling angrily as she was herded into a tent with the others. She’d been flying for days now, and was looking forward to getting some peaceful sleep without worrying about human ambushes. But as soon as she touched down into the camp of the eye of gods she was escorted to a group of dragons waiting there. If this was how travelers were normally treated here, she wasn’t going to be the one to ask, and spent her time sizing up the others, her eyes lingering on those wearing more armor.

She lets the conversation pass her by, feeling out of place in her mirror form, too large in the tent and vulnerable. She’s been around humans for too long, and hates the shame licking in her belly. It’s not until the wildclaw leader begins to read aloud the letter does she finally decides to speak up, becoming impatient with how confusing and mystical this all sounds. Katharina shifts back into her dractare human form and immediately feels foolish, searching for a hint of a reaction from Wrath before stepping forward.

“I’ve already been chosen by the gods,” Katharina snarls, her fathers’ sleeping faces in her mind, “If these scholars in Croswell want to challenge my abilities I will gladly face them.” Her hand tightens around the hilt of her sword, and she narrows her eyes at Virtue.

“And I wish to see these large crystals myself, to make sure they are the source of my visions from the old gods. I’ve met those who have promised the gods blessings for ‘aid.’ Nothing but tricks meant to lure fools in for the slaughter.” And she was a fool, a few years ago when she left the safety of her small village. She could feel the back of her neck heating up as she remembers her naivety and she crosses her arms tightly against her chest, glaring suspiciously at the leaders. She doesn’t care about the talk of the Shade, or Scions, or Augur until she sees the proof for herself- only empty words, if not a clever scheme.

[columns] [center][font=gabriola][color=FEE366][size=6]Seraphina[/size][/color][/font] [img]https://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/406438/40643781p.png[/img][/center] [nextcol] ----- Seraphina was only half-listening to the conversation, not really caring much about whatever the gods had planned for her when she had a pouch filled with money right there in her hands. She opened it up and poked around inside to estimate how much she had on hand. The quick answer was clearly a lot, much more than she was willing to do the math for, so she figured passing out the money would be less a calculated measure and more just randomly handing it out and hoping everyone had enough to buy whatever they needed. And if not... perhaps she could give herself a little extra to keep on the side in case anyone found themselves coming up short. It made sense to her, at least. She tucked a few coins away within her own belongings, what she hoped was a fair amount, and then turned to face the others, who were... still talking about the situation at hand. Right. Interrupting that would... probably be a bad idea, since this was important information. She decided she could pass the rest out once they left to go roam the settlement. "Well... I don't know much about this whole being chosen by the gods deal, but.. if it is true, then surely we shouldn't have a problem with any challenges we are forced to face? I'm strong, and we're likely even stronger together, or... something dumb like that." She huffed out a breath, her pale eyes awkwardly glancing around the tent at anything but the others. ----- [/columns]

[center][font=courier new]6. [b]KATHARINA[/b] challenges [b]THE FOUNDERS[/b].[/center] ----- [columns][center][color=transparent].............................[/color] [font=Courier New][size=5][b]SIN[/b] [img]https://i.imgur.com/rCFSUTt.png[/img] [b][color="#5285E9"]VIRTUE[/b][/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/zIxck9E.png[/img] [b][color="#D64646"]WRATH[/b][/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/LmTwFgU.png[/img] [b][color="#9972E0"]KINDNESS[/b][/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/QdR8LBm.png[/img] [nextcol] [sub]Vision sharper than any blade narrows in on Katharina's slightest movement, and Wrath doesn't hesitate in drawing her weapon and standing between Virtue, Kindness, and the Eleven. Her eyes flash with malice and excitement, if they were to battle here, she would welcome the fight. "[color="#D64646"][i]Watch yourself, snowback, I've got an army that doesn't believe in your damnable gods or spirits, itchin' to stain the ground red.[/i][/color]" "[b][i]ENOUGH.[/b][/i]" Sin turns to Wrath and bares his teeth in challenge. "[b][i]You will wait outside and bring no further disrespect to our cause. Leave before I MAKE you.[/b][/i]" The two face off for what feels like eons, neither willing to relent. Only at Kindness' soft touch does Wrath finally fold, kicking over a chair like a petulant child as she stalks outside the tent with her Gaoler companion trailing close behind. The Wildclaw then turns to Katharina, mild irritation glimmering in those frigid eyes. "[b][i]Wrath acted out of line, but you would do well to watch your tongue. Relations are fragile as is, causing unnecessary tension and aggression wherever you tread will bring you more grief than victory.[/i][/b]" He massages his temples, as if feeling a headache coming on, and Virtue pipes up, clearly perturbed by the events but trying desperately to hide it behind that motherly calm she attempted to exude. She seems confused as to the nature of Katharina's demand, wondering whether or not the Mirror dractare had not seen the enormous looming crystal jutting out from the heart of the camp. "[color="#5285E9"][i]You are well within your rights to ask for proof, though I'm not sure what more we can give. Once this meeting has adjourned, go to the Cairn and speak to Eden, she may be able to give you more insight into your visions.[/i][/color]"

Katharina nods briskly at Virtue, scowling at the floor. She feels shame lick at the back of her neck, cursing herself for being a small clan outsider accidentally stumbling into something clearly much larger than herself. She's too used to speaking plainly, at snarling at others to move out of her way than whatever this was. She thinks of her great aunt and wants to sink into the rock. "I... apologize, if I offended," Katharina grounds out, refusing to look up, "This is just hard to believe."

[center][font=courier new]7. [b]KATHARINA[/b] offers an apology.[/center] ----- [columns][center][color=transparent].............................[/color] [font=Courier New][size=5][b]SIN[/b] [img]https://i.imgur.com/rCFSUTt.png[/img] [b][color="#5285E9"]VIRTUE[/b][/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/zIxck9E.png[/img] [nextcol] [sub]Virtue's eyes grow sad and she glides over to Katharina, practically shoving Sin to the side before he can speak. He glowers and retreats to the tactical map located in the center of the table and begins to observe it passively while his Banescale companion reaches over to the Mirror and gently touches the bottom of her chin with her index finger so that the two can make eye contact. "[color="#5285E9"][i]Your apology is heard and accepted, and I apologize on behalf of Wrath's outburst, hearts have already been soured by time and loss, it's only natural that you be wary. The world as we know it is being thrown into turmoil, and disbelief is an expected side effect of such a thing.[/i][/color]" "[b][i]We've told you all that we know, if you need more information, go speak to the disciples at the Cairn.[/i][/b]" Sin's voice is laced with ire, and Virtue looks over her shoulder at him, sighing. She turns to the Eleven, brows furrowed. "[color="#5285E9"][i]It may be best for you to leave for the moment. It seems we have much to discuss. Look for Kindness if you require direction, he should know the grounds as well as I or Sin.[/i][/color]" With that, the Banescale gently ushers them out. If one were to glance behind at the tent flaps as they fluttered close, they could catch a glimpse of the Wildclaw sitting at a chair with his head in his hands, speaking in hushed but tired tones to Virtue.

[columns] [center][font=gabriola][color=FEE366][size=6]Seraphina[/size][/color][/font] [img]https://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/406438/40643781p.png[/img][/center] [nextcol] ----- Once they were ushered out, Seraphina lightly tossed the pouch in her hands, figuring now was as good a time as any to hand out the goods. "Hey, I've got a bit for everyone!" she said with a slightly awkward smile, looking a little strained at all the social interaction. "And while we're at it, uh. I suppose we can get to know each other, right..? I'm Seraphina." She silently prayed that she wasn't making a fool of herself right now, initiating conversation had never been her strong suit. ----- [/columns]

"Hello, Seraphina. My name is Mazon. It's nice to meet you," Mazon said. "Oh, and this is Eiko," she adds, gesturing to a tiny Floracat at her feet.

Vida breathed a quiet sigh of relief as she left the tent, revelling as the sound of wind over stone replaced the raucous din inside. She’d tried to block it out as best she could, but they were just so loud - the clashing steel of Wrath’s furious tones, the cracking glass of Sin’s frustrated snarls, the grinding stones of Katherina’s shame...she had never been happier to be kicked out of a tent in her life.

She startled at the sound of another voice and spun around to find the source: a skydancer fiddling with a pouch of coins. Her voice was quite loud now that Vida knew to look for it, and if she strained she could pick individual thoughts out of the noise.

“Hello Seraphina,” she said quietly, trying to remember the manners she had been taught. “My name is Vida. It is very nice to make your acquaintance.”

Her next words were on the tip of her tongue - I think that you are doing a wonderful job - but she swallowed them after a moment of thought. If these people were to keep her around, it wouldn’t do to scare them off so early.

[b]Behrad[/b][emoji=plague rune size=1] Behrad had been standing at the back of the tent watching as the tension grew. He felt no need to join the conversation, his flippant attitude would probably make things worse, knowing his luck. Now however, he stared excitedly at the full pouch of coins in front of him, like an animal locked on to prey. He slid closer to Seraphina wearing a sly smile, as he continued to eye the coin pouch. "The names Behrad, it's lovely to meet you lot." he spoke with confidence. He was physically exhausted, and honestly felt like taking a nap, but the idea of getting valuable coin was enough to bring him from his stupor, for the time being at least.