Dee into the Mire

[00:46] With the arrival of new faces, Nill would move towards them. Face inscrutable behind the fold of the mask, all except his mouth, which was a flat line.

"You are aware of the toll, for coming here, no?"
(Nill)
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[00:47] Yuanzi wearing some goofy-ass disguise for no real reason come to think of it, nods as Nill mentions the toll and immediately extends his arm towards the mutant.

"Fully aware. I come here with a few questions and perhaps a proposition. I will respect your traditions."

He simply waited for the toll to be taken. He knew the drill.
(Yuanzi Shaoshang)
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[00:48] Upon arrival to the cave he slowly walked down the set of stairs, as Nill would approach him he'd stand straight and nod his head.

"Of course Nill, I'm not sure if you remember but we met once before when I was with Cedar." He spoke holding out his arm.


(August)
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[00:49] Dee stepped forwards, her hand reaching into a pouch at her side. From it she pulled out three vials filled with blood. Small runes on the vials kept them chilled to the touch. Preserved appropriately! She offered them over to Nill immediately.

"I prepared ahead of time, phlebotomy's an easier method with less scarring. Here you are." She didn't know if the toll was a total thing or an individual issue. However, after running into Nettlethorn she'd prepared for this moment.
(Dee )
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[00:50] Asia was annoyed by the presence of mortals, and so many of them yet again... She sighed and stayed behind Nill.
(Asia Amara)
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[00:51] Fluttering up into the tree after the spar, she looked down at the three.

"We're in a state of...well let's say we're not particularly akin to hosting guests. State your business, sooner rather than later, if you wouldn't mind."

Her feet tapped on the wood of the tree branches, wings fluttering agitatedly behind her.
(Xian Antirrhinum)
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[00:52] picking up his bag of bones,placing his head back on his small body. This fae seemed stronger then the other one. Perhaps he got to careless, but still at least there were a few stronger beings then himself in the mire.

Eyes would snap to the new comers..more meat suits. Confused on why they kept coming here. Were they allies or foes?
(Grim)
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[00:53] He stood an watch.
(Forgotten)
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[00:53] Sniffing the air, the large Ogre looks down at the group, confused as to why a bunch of ants decided to come here.

Smarter people were talking, so he'd patient wait.
(Tagnar)
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[00:58] Yuanzi clears his throat somewhat nervously, before speaking to those who have greeted them. Truth be told, he wasn't expecting such a large 'welcoming party' so to speak...

"Apologies... I had no idea that was the current climate here..."

Although, the Fae had asked for business to be stated sooner rather than later, so after a short pause he continued.

"My friends and I here have recently lost some close ones due to a vampire I have been told goes by the name 'Vitus'. Similarly, I have also heard that people of the mire are not particularly fond of the creature either..."

He had no idea how accurate that piece of information was but he had heard such quite a few times, so he was hoping to have been right.

"I've spent a couple years studying your culture and your people, in hopes that I would be able to negotiate peacefully with you if ever necessary. I believe that now is a necessary time. I suppose, rather than asking for assistance, I would like to offer my own. The threat is too large for just the three of us, and I figured if we had a mutual enemy..."

He trailed off, gathering that they would figure the rest out themselves.
(Yuanzi Shaoshang)
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[01:01] The Lapine shifted back after giving over the blood vials. Taking a moment to straighten her dress she would glance over to Yuanzi. Well, he had done the preparatory research into the culture of the Mirefolk. Best to allow him the chance to handle negotiations.

So, her cerulean hues shifted away from her companions and instead scanned through the collection of abominations, freaks, and monsters. Her eyes widened slightly at each one sight she saw. She'd only ever seen Ogre's and Ent's before now. So, her gaze rested on Tagnar only briefly before shifting to the Mutants, so close to Human yet they just didn't pass. As if someone who'd never seen another person was asked to sculpt what they looked like.

Then her gaze settled upon the Fae, so it was these being born that brought about the Poppy flower? Fascinating, though they were so tiny. Were they really anything to be worried about. Humming softly she looked between the two of them. Yes, they spoke and held some authority which meant they were either powerful or perhaps more concerning it meant they were respected for their wisdom.

Shifting focus she saw the skeleton, now that was an odd sight. It was like the anatomy models in the classroom had started to get up and walk. Which was oh so strange to her! They must all be powerful bone magi though wait while alive they had the exact same amount of bones! Why would having no skin make them better?

Yuanzi was talking, her focus returned back to the Drakanite then it shifted to the monsters again. Though, more looking at them as a whole rather than individually. She took a small step forwards again and brought her hands down to grip the edges of her dresses him, curtsying politely.

"I am Dee Angelos and as my friend said. We're here to offer help in killing a mutual foe." Then she glided back into line with her friends. She was after all still going to let Yu handle the big parts.
(Dee )
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[01:03] Forgotten says, "Did this stupid human jus say to kill one of us.."
[01:03] Xian Antirrhinum says, "No."
[01:04] Xian Antirrhinum says, "They're after a vampire and are proposing a...mutually beneficial arrangement."
[01:04] Dee says, "Smart human, thank you."
[01:04] Tagnar says, "Big words..."
[01:04] Tagnar says, "Small. Hard understand."
[01:05] Xian Antirrhinum says, "Small ones. Hate Vampire. Ask. We help kill Vampire."
[01:05] Nill had produced the vials already offerred forwards. Waiting, and taking the one already prepared.

"Are they truly a vampire? Or merely one of your foes?"

He asked directly.

"Or do you at least know to whom they belong? We aren't mercenaries, after all."
(Nill)
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[01:05] Xian Antirrhinum says, "We, not sure."
[01:05] Dee nodded, Chaska would be proud at her talent of diplomacy.
(Dee )
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[01:06] He continue observe due to the fact that he wanted to make sure that this would not get to him that much. He stare at the humans and felt like he should try to test their strength.

"I wish to test the one with the red face thing strength.." He said because he was feeling sleepy.
(Forgotten)
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[01:06] Tagnar asks, "Ants want smash. We smash?"
[01:06] holding the small bone club over his shoulder. Those who entered, were not hostile. But looking to join in the fight against the vampire. Color Grim surprised, it was not very often people wished to join a group of monsters..

But I guess for a mutual benefit it would work. Nodding his head towards Xian, she seemed to be an important figure head here. The little time he had been around anyways that is how he saw them .

Staying silent, he continued to watch the conversation. Not too sure what to say, though he would not be against killing some vampires.
(Grim)
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[01:07] Asia wiggled her nose, though aid would be beneficial, Asia was still very much against it. She did not care for these mortals, they were nothing but kids.. Meat shields.

She would stay quest for now, but her gaze never leaving them.
(Asia Amara)
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[01:10] She nodded to Nill, and then towards the three.

"In short, the Mire doesn't make universal decisions. We cannot control the actions of our kin, only react to the mistakes they make. The Mire cannot enter into any kind of alliance.

However, if you were instead asking for the help of the Faith...

I will not order Mother's Children to actively hunt Vampires, or to work alongside you, much as they need to be slain. Some of us, especially Fae like myself do not particularly enjoy hunting alongside Mortals."

She paused and gestured to the rest.

"But if you can convince them to work with you? You will find no one stands in your way."
(Xian Antirrhinum)
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[01:16] The slender lapine listened closely to the answers and honestly? For the first time since Killian's death she felt good. Her focus shifted towards Forgotten for a moment, smiling amicable. They wanted to fight Yu? Well, hopefully Yu could wiggle out of that one or handle it! She'd no clue how strong the Monster was.

Still, her attention seemed to settle on Nill. Listening to the questions and nodding along. So, they didn't have a very mercenary culture. Strange she had almost expected that they would. As for if Vitus was a vampire or not? Well, she'd only hearsay to go by and she'd leave expressing that issue to Yu. Her ears twitched as Xian spoke and she wasn't all that surprised at the nature of the Mire. A place like this would never work very well under one leader.

Since, they're so many monsters and they'd probably end up getting killed before they could subdue anyone else. Her head tilted as she heard about the faith? Mother's Children, that must be the one called Nyx that the Headmaster and Killian spoke about. A primordial of the downtrodden?

And the immortals dislike mortals; well she didn't like anything immortal. No one liked being reminded you'd die and others wouldn't have to after all. So that was fair. She then shifted her focus back to Yuanzi. So, what was the plan now?
(Dee )
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[01:16] Yuanzi shifts his gaze between the various creatures present but ultimately looks toward Nill for now. Quickly responding to answer his question to the best of his ability.

"From what I understand, Vitus is an exile of Achyon. I have no ties with any cities, nor any particular groups. This is something I consider a threat to everyone, so I believe it only fair I similarly ask everyone if they wish to assist. I assure you, it's not purely a personal vendetta."

Of course, there was a fraction of him that may have been emotional about their losses. Though the Vampire did pose a threat to many it would seem, include some who belong to the mire. He then turns his head to Xian to speak once more.

"Of course. I know there's no... particular order structure, so I can't ask for the help of every single being that resides here..."

He paused at the mention of the faith. Was this that cult he had heard so little about? They were one of the toughest things to find information about in regards to the Mire, at least at the academy.

"I understand entirely. I would never ask or expect your faith to assist outsiders so readily. Especially not for free."

Pausing once more, he tried to think of the right way to phrase his request to get the right point across to those who were listening.

"I suppose... More realistically, if any of your people intend on hunting the vampire due to your own reasons, I would like to volunteer my help. I won't speak for my friends, but I think they would do the same for this one goal. Likewise, if we were to ever do such a thing ourselves... I would like to extend the offer to help us for any of your people who would like to see the creature dead."

Finally, he peers over behind the two fae and Nill, to see a monster who wanted to fight him, by the sounds of it. He chooses not to respond due to not really knowing how to politely decline... Or if it would even really care...
(Yuanzi Shaoshang)
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[01:23] Dee shifted around August to stand by Yuanzi. Leaning over she'd whisper quickly into his ear.
(Dee )
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[01:24] Dee whispers: The one in the back that wants a fight. If you want I'll take him.
[01:25] Yuanzi Shaoshang whispers: Sometimes they get bored if you ignore them. If it persists, feel free. If you're confident.
[01:25] Yuanzi Shaoshang whispers: What am I saying, when aren't you confident?
[01:25] Dee whispers: Never.
[01:25] Forgotten says, "Did this person with the blade ignore my challenge..."
[01:25] Yuanzi Shaoshang whispers: Exactly.
[01:25] Dee says, "No, he agreed to allow me to take you up on it."
[01:25] He notice that john woke up and was quite angry everyone was getting in his way.
(Forgotten)
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[01:26] He took a short drag off his cigarette as he moved through the crowd of monsters looking at the mortal men, who where ballsy enough to enter the domain despite his warnings to the academy on several occasions that any group bigger then two would be treated as a war party.

"You three must be really stupid." The saddened mutant had stated looking towards the group.

"I have told your people, time and time again, that the Shadowmire Militia, Pandemonium was going to treat visitors that exceed the amount of two people as a war party yet here you are... Basically a decoration of war against me in a party of three." He'd state before taking another drag off his cigarette.

"Now... You wish for our help even? The vampires are a threat but one of our people had already came back victorious against them." He'd inquire his sad face not changing much as he looked towards the members of the militia for a brief moment.nwl
"Give me three good reasons, why Pandemonium shouldn't be unleashed... On you. And tell me..." He'd state as he took another drag off his cigarette.

"Have you ever, lost a friend?"

(John Sparrow)
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[01:28] Yuanzi would pat Dee on the back, then throws a Nod towards Forgotten.

"Yep! If you wanted a challenge, this one's tough."

Damn it... He still isn't taller than her, yet...
(Yuanzi Shaoshang)
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[01:30] He would change in front of John.

"Now now.. Think rational... We could use them to more insight about the vampire which want a war. Also they can gather material for the Mire." He said after a few minutes he slows start to drop to the ground he fell asleep
(Forgotten)
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[01:32] looked over to the group of three. Seemed John had other ideas, Grim himself was not against helping against vampires. But he could swear he was told of a sect of vampire hunters in the mire already.

Still if John gave the order, he would not let the man down, the small skeleton would hold his bone club with two hands now.
(Grim)
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[01:35] Asia very much liked the way John was thinking. If a fight did break out she hoped that she could be of some help as well.
(Asia Amara)
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[01:36] Despite these warnings that were handed out to the academy, those warnings were not handed out to Yuanzi. He had not visited this place before, not once. He simply decided to do his research on the place first, so that he would hopefully understand them better upon any potential visits.

As John pushes through the group and speaks, Yuanzi politely waits for him to finish speaking before responding to his questions.

"Desperate, not stupid. I know nothing of your decree, since I haven't been here before. Again, I apologise for offending you. I also do not come asking for help, as I said I am likewise offering ours. Since I know we have a mutual foe."

He sighed, watching quietly as John took drags from his cigarette, he thought for a moment about his final question. It was an oddly well-timed question.

"That's exactly why I'm here. My three reasons? One, We have a mutual foe. Two, Similarly, I am not interested in losing another friend."

He paused for a moment, now turning his attention back on Xian, recalling something she mentioned earlier...

"Three, as this Fae says, the Mire doesn't make universal decisions. Even if your people hunt the Vampire, there is no guarantee that everyone in the Mire will want to help. Everyone has their own moralities and motivations down here. Our help would be unconditional. We simply want the creature gone. That is all."
(Yuanzi Shaoshang)
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[01:37] John waits for the other two to answer.
(John Sparrow)
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[01:44] Dee watched Forgotten as they well lost their interest in the fight. Honestly? The Lapine's lips pulled downwards into a small frown. Well, that was a bit of a let down. Her focus shifted towards John, listening to the Mutants words. In truth? He said a lot of things that she had no clue about. Pandemonium for instance was a word that meant nothing to her. Still, a militia wasn't hard to grasp and looking around it seemed a lot of said militia was present.

The last word though? That one was all she needed to hear. Her cerulean hues shifted over to the Mutatnt and she answered loudly. "Yes, we have. Why do you think we're risking our safety walking into a realm filled with monsters?" She then let out a sigh, bringing her hand up to cross her arms. She listened to Yuanzi's answer and then closed her eyes and took a moment to calm herself.

When her eyes opened again, "I'm not stupid. I'm very intelligentthank you. It takes intelligence to look around you and determine the ones most likely to offer real support in getting the revenge I want is this place." As she spoke she waved a hand out towards the gathered monsters. Which, were certainly more intimidating and more likely to be willing to actually risk life and limb in the hunt.

"As for three reasons?" She rose her hand and extended a finger. "The first one is that I came here willing to help your Militia." A second finger extended. "I'm a talented Alchemist, which is always helpful when you've got to get people prepared for a fight." She then tilted her gaze to the side then rose a third finger. "I didn't know about any declaration, ignorance of the law is no excuse I know but its a good reason."
(Dee )
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[01:46] Nill says, "With the mention of that rule, it is something I'd not been informed of being enforced either."
[01:47] John has been sleeping a lot.
(John Sparrow)
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[01:48] John Sparrow says, "Then you shall prove your worth in the pit. Spars, to show your strength and keep said strength for if or when I have use to you."
[01:48] John points to the pit.
(John Sparrow)
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[01:48] John Sparrow asks, "Have they payed the toll?"
[01:48] Xian Antirrhinum says, "They have."
[01:48] Yuanzi Shaoshang whispers: What did I say? All three, if we're unlucky. Strength, Respect, Blood. It seems we got unlucky.
[01:48] John Sparrow says, "Ai, then step forward, the first challenger."
[01:48] Asia spoke up to the stupid mortal girl.

"You skills are not needed her, and to assume we would need your 'help' is quite brazen."

She made a dismissive waive with her hand. She just wanted them to either leave or die. She really did not care which at this point. They were intruding on her home.
(Asia Amara)
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[01:48] Nill says, "The toll is always on the forefront."
[01:48] John Sparrow asks, "They send you first?"
[01:49] Dee asks, "Did you see them tell me what to do?"
[01:49] Dee says, "The fae was right, I'm brazen."
[01:50] John Sparrow says, "Her name isn't Fae. And if you wish to address her by a title, it is The Bloodpriestess."
[01:50] Xian Antirrhinum exclaims, "Bloodmistress! And Asia is the one who called her Brazen!"
[01:51] Nill says, ". . ."
[01:52] Nill says, "..."
[01:54] {Won Restrained RPB against John Sparrow}
[01:54] John Sparrow says, "Next challenger."
[01:54] Dee looked across the field for a moment at John.
(Dee )
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[01:54] Yuanzi recalls his own words from not too much earlier... He told both his friends that if the three of them were unlucky, they would likely need to pay the toll, show respect, and demonstrate strength. It seemed his guess was quite accurate, as the three were indeed unlucky in stumbling upon such a large group and now it seemed that all three things were necessary to display to the Mire...

A quick glance goes towards Asia.

"We don't mean to insinuate you need our help, only that it may be beneficial. I really do come with the most respectful intentions."

Before he knew it, Dee was already showing off confidently as per usual, offering herself as John's first challenger. He then speaks with Xian.

"Apologies... Bloodmistress, was it? None of us were quite so acquainted yet."

He was admittedly a bit preoccupied with preparing himself for if John intended to test the boy's worth.
(Yuanzi Shaoshang)
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[01:54] Dee says, "Decide if the brazeness is worth the help."
[01:54] Asia Amara says, "I'll fight one if you dont want to take them all on yourself. "
[01:54] Nill says, "Tell me what you know of them."
[01:54] Cedar says, "I see..."
[01:54] Nill says, "If you would, to confirm that much."
[01:54] Cedar says, "They killed one of our friends, Killian."
[01:54] Nill asks, "Okay, and of them?"
[01:54] Cedar says, "A ghoul, I believe. One of those involved with Tia."
[01:55] Cedar says, "Er... Her capture."
[01:55] Nill says, "Ghoul."
[01:55] Dee exhaled a flush of poison into the air, smiling widely at her victory. Finally, her training coming to fruition.
(Dee )
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[01:55] Cedar says, "A mind controlled human, bitten by a vampire."
[01:55] Nill says, "Elaborate on that if you would, where Xian may better listen, with me."
[01:55] Nill says, "Ah-"
[01:55] Nill says, "That is good to know."
[01:56] Nill says, "Xian, seems we've another here."
[01:56] Nill says, "With better information on this Vitus."
[01:56] Nill says, "They came in a group, so John wishes to test them."
[01:57] Nill says, "I trust, you understand what coming in groups means."
[01:57] Nill says, "The others are being, remarkably, kind, considerring."
[01:58] Nill asks, "In any case, is there any more you know on this character?"
[01:59] Nill says, "We were recently informed."
[01:59] John Sparrow says, "Next challenger."
[01:59] Yuanzi Shaoshang says, "I wish I could say they saved the best for last."
[02:00] Yuanzi Shaoshang says, "That's probably not the case, though."
[02:00] Nill says, "But it is good to know at the least, why your friends want them dead."
[02:00] Dee watched from the side-lines as August fought. Sadly the battle with the evolved Mutant had left her... Not the best off. As the adrenaline faded her skin took a pale shade of green. Seems fighting under pressure was a lot different than sparring.

Her stomach was killing her now. Still, as she watched August fight the suspense of if he'd win or not made it even worse. Then? The Mutant took him down and her lips shifted into a frown. She waved August over to her side.

"You alright?"
(Dee )
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[02:02] John he'd nod his head a few times as he took a drag off his cigarette.
(John Sparrow)
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[02:02] John Sparrow says, "If you three wish to help with the vampire hunt, I am more then willing to take you."
[02:03] John Sparrow says, "Especially her."