This post is to provide information on the realm-wide storyline below and will be updated as the plot changes. It is purely to highlight key participants and plot points in the story.

Basic summary

The season of Spring seems to have been completely skipped over. Tempesturo's influence is in full swing, but this time for the worst. Arthuran is melting, Eternal Lake is starting to crack open and people are falling sick due to the rising temperatures across all continents. This is just the beginning. Is this the work of Tempesturo himself, or is he being manipulated by other forces?

Participants

• Elysia, Aurora, Khory Bannefin, Wish, Victor Sage, Deanna, Quinn Redmont, Dravvin Kirk, Rahne, eliksan, Philippa Grant, Lysander Kirk, Seterios, Itarilde, Mychalyna, Evil WereBeast, Verial Akilara, Maxim Redmont, Alerion, Aursra, Layla Victoire, Madrin Kir, Terra Vale, Galenous, Thanatos, Isabella Redmont, Six, Alaina Ravenholm, Cerridwen Kirk, Sahar

Rewards

• Each post earns you 50 gold for participating in this storyline. (Posts must be over 300 words to count for gold. You can post less if you want, but no gold will be earned.)

Global effects

• Arthuran is starting to melt and the constant snow filled winds have ceased, allowing visibility of Eternal Lake and Elysia's Temple.
• Eternal Lake has begun to crack open.
• Spring has been completely skipped over and the other three continents are experiencing summer like weather which is only about to get worse...
• The increase in temperature seems to effect all beings on Aleris. While some creatures like demons may usually revel in the heat, the weather will feel extremely hot for them as well. The heat seems to adjust magically to those it surrounds.
• Stormy weather is about! Heavy rain, wind, lightning and thunder are currently ravaging the lands of Aleris.
• Tidal waves are heading to the shores of Eiler and Elved!
• The tidal waves have crashed into Eiler and Elved submerging large parts of the continent. Detailed reports can be read in Aleris' newspaper, The Chronicle, here and here.
• Rescue units from Alerion and Layla Victoire are coming to assist, bringing people to safer grounds such as Grand City's Castle and Victoire Mansion.
• After several weeks and the help of skilled mages, the water is starting to recede back into the ocean.
• On Arthuran, the snow is completely gone and two Val`nothe have emerged from beneath the unfrozen Eternal Lake. One Val`nothe has already attacked Chaliceton and the deities are working to try and divert the attention of these god-kiiling beasts to themselves.
• There also appears to be no living person on Heruin. Reports have stated that the corpses were completely drained of their life essence and this was more recently seen at Galenous' Temple in Elved as well.
• Please read the Summary on the last page of this thread. Thanks for playing!

The first thing Elysia noticed was the changes in Chaliceton, the usually snow-filled town on the continent of Arthuran. She had been standing alongside one of the few roads that ran through the village; normally this road would have been covered by a few feet of snow, marred by footprints of huskies, dog sled tracks and booted feet from the brave villagers that lived in this frigid town. However, right now that snowy path had melted and the villagers were left with a mixture of dirt and thick slush. To blend in, the Goddess of Winter wore clothes like the other townsfolk; heavy winter boots, a skirt over thick leather leggings, a layer of sweaters followed with a coat and a scarf and hat. This would have been perfect attire for visiting Chaliceton, had it not been warm all of a sudden. Like many of the other people walking back and forth through the town, going about their everyday tasks, she too started to pull off layers of fabric; first her scarf and hat and then coat.

The house roof's that were once laden with snow and icicles were starting to shed their winter blankets as well. From the slopes of those cobblestone dwellings, water that was once snow fell in a steady drip to the ground. For those not native to Chaliceton or Arthuran, one might think this was just the coming of Spring. While this may have been partially true, as Chaliceton was one of the few places on the frozen continent that got sunlight, the land had never thawed out this quickly. Something was amiss and Elysia was starting to think that this had something to do with her brother Tempesturo's, the God of Summer, "disappearance" - a secret which was hidden from many.

There was something else she needed to check on, something which concerned her more than the snow melting around Chaliceton. She left the village quickly and headed south towards Eternal Lake, not far from where her temple was. Elysia took notice that the snow filled winds that usually swept across Arthuran had completely ceased and her temple and the lake were now easily visible. For thousands upon thousands of years this lake had been frozen solid and many were too fearful to walk across the icy waters. This feeling was justified; the creatures and other dark secrets frozen beneath Eternal Lake were things to be afraid of. Though many did not know exactly what was beneath the wall of ice, they had perfectly good reason to hope the lake stayed frozen forever.

But it was cracked now. A rigid zigzag of a line, faint for now, was slowly snaking its way through the length of Eternal Lake.

Part of Elysia did not want to believe Tempesturo was doing this - that he was not putting Aleris into a state of sustained and unbearable heat. If he used his powers to influence Aleris' weather too much, the whole realm was at danger and this threat stretched beyond just the snow on Arthuran melting and Eternal Lake cracking open. Tempesturo's hand had only begun to scratch the surface of Aleris. But was it really Tempesturo's hands meddling with things, or was someone guiding his hand? Had someone perhaps kidnapped the God of Summer? It is a little known fact, but deities, much like humans, are privy to flaws as well. Elysia didn't snuff out the idea that this might be happening against Tempesturo's will.

So, she was down to two options: Tempesturo was doing this himself as some sort of sick, chaotic joke or that someone was forcing him to throw the lands into panic and disorder.

One thing was for sure - she needed to see Aurora, her sister, first. If Arthuran was seeing such a drastic impact already, then Elysia was positive Eiler was experiencing similar side effects. Changing into attire more suitable for the sudden shift in temperature, Elysia headed to the island where Aurora's temple was, the earthen structure that was hopefully still shaded by a thick forest.

Not long before the seasonal anomaly

The Goddess of Spring did not consider herself a deity for she was something far more important, at least in her opinion. She was the Mother, and she did so love her children. From the smallest insect, to the tallest oak, and those who walked on two legs, Aurora cherished each and every one.

The Goddess looked forward to Spring with an eagerness that paralleled a child about to receive a new toy. Despite those who deemed Winter the season for Death and Spring of Rebirth and Life, Aurora held a different perspective regarding the balance of seasons. In the Goddess’ mind, Winter was when her sister Elysia blanketed the earth with snow and ice to prepare them for slumber, and her time, Spring, was for awakening the world with a gentle kiss.

When Winter began, Aurora took the opportunity to rest and prepare for when the snow would melt to reveal green shoots of grass waiting for the sun to provide warmth and growth, for bird’s to sing the arrival of warmer months, for the eruption of color that would decorate the landscape signaling Aurora’s return. Well sated, the Goddess had begun preparing for this very special month that would signify the end of winter.

The Equinox was almost upon them, and with that would bring her children, her followers, with offerings of pomegranates and figs, of apples and nuts and prayers not only for the change in season, but for fertility. Those who prayed to Aurora, those who knew her as Mother, would ask for her blessing with conception, with birth, and with good health to come. Aurora listened to each and every prayer as a patient mother would, and with a gentle smile upon her lips, and great love in her heart, would in some small manner, touch those who sought her guidance and blessings.

Aurora had stood in her earthen temple, her bare feet sinking into the mossy carpet beneath as she stood near her altar, one hand upon her sacred oak. “It will not be much longer before I leave my temple to give thanks for another chance at life, another time for growing and rebirth. Ah, I have sorely missed the sun’s rays.” She began tending to the saplings she would soon plant to surround her temple, small fragile stirrings of Oak, Willow, Hawthorn, and Alder, trees sacred to the goddess. In time they would grow tall and strong, new additions to the forest.

Presently

She had cloaked herself in ermine, her dark hair flowing down her back with ivy and wildflowers decorating her locks as she pushed the wooden door to her temple open, preparing herself for the still chilly weather, when but a few footsteps outside did she stop, a sharp inhale of breath had been taken.

The forest surrounding her temple should have been near barren of leaves, save for those that served as a canopy over her temple dome. Instead what the goddess saw was a lush greenness that had nothing to do with Aurora’s touch. The sun burned brightly in the azure sky, too bright, or so she thought. The Spring Goddess had to shrug off her cloak for the weather was unseasonable warm, tragically wrong. Dark brows drew together in puzzlement. Eiler was not like its cousin continent Heruin, a desert wasteland, or Arthuran, a blanket of snow and icy cold, home to her sister Elysia, but more comparable to Elved, temperate in seasonal changes. The land should still sport a chill in the air, perhaps even a light snow upon the grounds, not…this!

How had Aurora’s magic faltered? How had the Goddess’ power been cast aside in favor of what appeared to be her brother, Tempesturo? The Mother Goddess meant to discover the cause of this enigma. She had sent two falcons out, one to Elysia’s lands, and one to Tempesturo’s temple. One to survey, and one to summon her brother. Aurora would have gone herself to Tempersturo’s temple, but she knew that soon, her faithful would come to her temple seeking answers. What kind of mother would she be to abandon her children? “Fly swift, my fierce beauties,” she whispered softly to the birds of prey. “Return to me safely and bring me the answers I seek.”

True enough, not long after she sent her birds had some of Eiler’s citizens made the pilgrimage to the goddess’ temple, frightened and concerned people who needed the loving reassurance of the goddess. Aurora stood at her altar to greet the small flock personally with a warm embrace and soothing words. “Be at ease, my beloved. I will not speak falsely that nothing is amiss, for you are not blind my precious ones. You have seen with your own eyes the signs of….Summer…,” the goddess faltered over the word, hesitating only a second before continuing on in that soft musical voice of hers. “and have felt the heat of a Sun in full force. I can promise you that whatever has transpired, it shall be corrected immediately. All will be well soon enough.”

Aurora offered cool spring water infused with honeysuckle to drink, and fresh fruit to eat, the temple scented with lavender, a cool haven for those who came seeking answers from the Goddess. With blessings, and reminders to stay strong and well, Aurora sent her children on their way, lighter of heart and less troubled in mind. Their Mother would not fail them. I hope I did not give you false hope. This had to be Tempesturo’s doing, but why would her brother abuse his powers in such a manner to such an extent? Should the days become hotter and drier…Aurora shuddered at the thought. Such widespread disaster, famine, drought…death.

The sound of wings flapping furiously, screeches piercing the forest, signaled the arrival of her falcons. The door to her temple swung open on its own accord and in flew the birds only to perch on the nearest branch of the great oak in the center of her temple. Aurora touched the talisman she wore around her neck, a combination of turquoise, rose quartz and emerald. She whistled softly to the birds, fingers gentle caressing the crowns of their heads. Turning to one, she murmured softly. “Tell me now, sweetling, has there been sight of my brother? Does he stir in his temple?” The falcon spread its wings and began to chirp and click, its head bobbing back and forth as it seemingly answered Aurora.

The Goddess frowned deeply. The fierce winged warrior had been unable to ascertain if Tempesturo was indeed within his temple. The lands surrounding in Heurin were hotter and drier than they had been in the past. “This does not bode well, my beauties,” she sighed before turning to the second falcon who trilled softly, wanting attention. “What of you, lovely? What did the visit to my sister’s lands tell you?” Aurora listened patiently as she stroked the bird lightly, her fingers ceasing their action as her eyes widened to the news the bird relayed to her. “No,” she breathed. “It cannot be.”

The very idea of the snow melting at a rapid rate was of course troublesome, but contributed to the bizarre climate change, and did not upset Aurora as much as it what else the bird ‘uttered’. The Eternal Lake had begun to crack. The Gods only knew what lurked beneath the icy prison surface. Arthuran’s surface would soon flood, drowning everything in sight. Aurora felt a tightness claw at her throat as she knew they were only at the beginning stages of a widespread disaster of epic proportions. Tempesturo. Her brother. Was he at fault, or was there some other madness to blame?

The falcons departed, leaving Aurora alone in her temple with her oak. Her solace. She pressed her forehead to the mighty tree. “We must stop this. Everything we know will be destroyed. Everyone we love.” The Goddess' emerald eyes filled with tears and threatened to spill, but when she heard the soft footsteps of someone entering her temple, she took a deep, calming, cleansing breath and turned to face her sister, Elysia.

Aurora glided over the moss to embrace her sister tightly. She held onto the other’s hands even as she began to speak urgently. “I’ve sent my bird to Heruin, to Tempesturo’s temple. She was unable to locate our brother.” Her tone changed then to one of anger. The goddess was a gentle kind soul. A Mother being who loved her children, but she was a goddess, and a goddess’ wrath could be terrifying to behold. “It this is the folly of our brother, he will answer for it! If not him and other, then whomever is responsible shall pay dearly.” Emerald orbs flashed dangerous light. “I’ll not let this world of ours suffer, Elysia. Someone will be held accountable for such chaos, but who?”

Aurora let go of her sister’s hands to once more return to the massive oak in her temple. Her fingers stroked the trunk, gaining strength and comfort. “We must put an end to this quickly, Elysia, before it becomes worse,” she turned then to face her sister, her features grave as she continued, “before our world burns.”

Spring.

Spring had a different meaning for soldiers, or those who had once boasted of that title. Spring was a time of life and renewal for most of the world, but for those involved in the wars of a world it was merely the continuation of battles that had been halted months before.

In winter there was almost never any fighting, and none of consequence if anything. Cold weather, terrain made even more treacherous by the coatings of ice and snow, or in some cases slush, and short supply of food made combat less than desirable for both sides of any conflict.

But Spring always came. The suns warmed the earth. Birds returned and filled the air with song. Scents of growing things, blooming flowers, and rushing rivers began to take over the senses. And as the energy of the world awoke so too did the hearts of men, bitter with rivalry and hatred. New battle plans formed, and troops once again surged across fresh green fields to spill their blood amidst the melting snow.

Those days were long past for Khory, though she still did her fair share of fighting when it was required. You can't change who you are, but you can learn new things, despite the old adage to the contrary. Since her voluntary retirement she had learned to enjoy spring for what it was, a new start. Every new spring held the chance for great growth and change, in oneself if not in the world around. She had taken joy in travelling at this time of year, no longer having to worry so much about whether she slept out of doors or not. The weather was changeable, and the nights could still be cold, but the extremes of cold were gone, and the harsh heat of summer were still months away. She liked the feeling of being "between".

This year her perfect Spring was gone before it started.

The snows in Eiler which had troubled her for months were gone overnight, and in the place of the freeze was not the gentle warmth she was expecting, but a rapidly increasing inferno! This was no desert land to suffer temperatures such as these so early in the year. It was more than unseasonable, it was unnatural! The balance of Aleris had shifted wildly, and no word could be had on whether this was the Gods doings or something of mortal device. Khory had no answers, and no real idea of where to seek, but to her it seemed ever more clear.

If this were the Gods mistake then one of two things had happened. Either the Lady of Spring had vastly failed in her work, or the Summer God had taken over untimely. Khory determined to find out which was which, and only upon answering these questions would she attempt to search for other explanations. That is, unless clearer information became available before then.

Deciding that Aurora was by far the closer of the two Khory began a journey towards the Temple of the Spring Goddess. Never much of one for faith (except that one time, long ago) she nevertheless prayed that Aurora would have the answers she sought. She REALLY didn't want to have to go to Heurin. The heat made her hair frizz.

Was it so difficult to believe that like everyone else she had dreams and hopes and aspirations? It certainly felt that way. When she and Victor arrived back at Eiler, there were a few things she had wanted to do, namely take a nice long bath and have a cup of the finest tea she could find. After that, maybe she would look into getting a job within the city again to replace her lost career at Foresight's as long as her workplace reputation had not been tarnished. It seemed like anything was a possibility and that maybe she could pick her life back up again now that Six was finally out of the picture.

However, as their ship docked at Hinewai Harbor, she knew things in the city had gone terribly wrong. It had taken her and Victor about two, maybe three weeks to travel by ship from Drybrush in Heruin to the continent of Eiler. During their time at sea, she was was somewhat ecstatic over the thought of leaving the harsh and unyielding climates of the Heruin deserts. Suffice to say, both of them had gotten quite sunburnt and Wish rather liked being pale. The hot sun was something she wanted to get away from and as Eiler came into view, she thought it would promise a comfortable and much cooler Spring as Winter had just ended.

Unfortunately, it was just as hot, maybe even hotter in Eiler. When they reached the harbor, it should have been early morning, the sun not quite up yet and the sky still purple and blue colored. Strangely, the sun was blazing in the sky, radiating heat down onto Grand City. Before getting off the ship, she looked over the edge into the waters and imagined she could just dive into the water and take a bath here, as it would be quite warm enough.

She and Victor stepped off the boat and immediately she covered her nose and gagged. The stench of fish gone bad filled the air. It was too hot out and no methods of cooling had seemed to keep the harbor seafood from staying fresh. There were barrels of fish waiting to be thrown out and no one was fishing now, having given up on the idea of selling it anytime soon.

"Ugh, that's foul," Wish said turning back to Victor trying to hurriedly move away from Hinewai Harbor now.

As they crossed into the main part of the city, Wish wanted things to get better, but they hadn't. The markets were practically closed, all manner of flowers that usually hung from window beds were dying off and people were resting against the sides of buildings too tired, exhausted and hot to do anything. Since her and Victor had been in Heruin for quite some time, the heat wasn't effecting them right away as they were used to it. The people who lived here though were definitely feeling it, and feeling it bad.

It seemed that maybe Wish's task at hand would not be to find a relaxing bath or a hot cup of tea or even an Alerian job, but to heal the sick and those that needed to find rest in the unyeilding weather.

"What happened here?" she whispered looking up to Victor. "This is not normal. Spring did not pass while we were in Heruin, correct?"

Her journey from Arthuran to Aurora's temple in Eiler brought no better news. Perhaps if the heat rising was just an isolated incident on Arthuran then that would be one thing. But as her footsteps brought her through the continent of Eiler, she noticed trees were starting to wither and dry out on the once lush green lands. Small streams had already dried out and the state of Grand City was in a panic, their fishing industry completely put on hold. And the people... the people were too tired and exhausted to do anything, their strength completely sapped. She had even heard news or rumor that a few people had died from the heat already.

As soon as she stepped foot within her sister's temple, she knew the deity of Spring was distraught. Elysia followed this feeling to the large oak tree within the temple where Aurora was with her forehead pressed against it, silently praying. It wasn't long, however, before Aurora left the solace of that oak tree and went to meet Elysia, her hands reaching forward to embrace the Goddess of Winter. Elysia returned the hug and then took a step back, keeping her arms locked with Aurora's for a moment.

"I am sorry I could not bring you a season of rebirth this time around," Elysia began. "As I'm sure you already know, something is terribly wrong."

Elysia took a step back then and moved towards Aurora's oak tree as her sister spoke. At least the great, legendary oak had not started to wither here. She was pleased that Aurora had sent her falcons to Heruin because going to that forsaken, sweat hole of a continent was something she did not want to do... unless the circumstance was grave, which unfortunately it was well on its way to being so. When her sister's tone of voice turned to one of anger, Elysia went to face her once more and perhaps soothe the angered deity.

"Calm, we will restore Aleris again," Elysia said brushing a hand across Aurora's cheek - a hand which usually was as cold as snow, but now was slowly losing its touch. "And let us hope that this is not Tempesturo. Whoever it is, will return our realm to balance, by their own will... or ours."

It was by this time that Khory Bannefin was arriving at the Temple of Spring. The flame haired warrior was not yet through the doors, but Elysia could hear footsteps sure enough. On any other occasion, Elysia might have opted to linger and see who it was, but seeing two worried goddesses within room was never a good sight. Instead, Elysia smiled and nodded her head in the general direction of the temple gates.

"I must go. There's someone I must call upon to help remedy the situation at Eternal Lake. We cannot let it crack open and unleash what is in its depths. I will also try to meet with Galenous," Elysia said. "For now though, you have a guest."

Elysia moved past Aurora and towards the back wall of the temple. Instead of heading out through the front doors, she disappeared through the darker corners of the temple, evaporating as if she were a thin mist, as if she were never at the Temple of Spring in the first place.

I hate the heat. It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. I wear a long leather duster all year long for crying out loud. I wear it for two reasons, the first is I've enchanted it to ward off spells. Minor spells will bounce right off, deadly spells (depending on their strength) will knock me on my ass but I'll be alive. Also knives, blades, bullets, and other sharp pointy things don't poke through it. It's a nice thing to have around when you're constantly in trouble.

The second reason was, well, I looked cool in it. What you were expecting something like "it my father's"? I mean it's hard not to look cool in a leather duster, unless you're that kid in school who's either overweight and couldn't find one in his size, or the tall extremely lanky kid who looks like the coat weighs more than he does. Other than those people, leather dusters make everyone look cooler.

As it turned out however I never thought to put in a way for air to pass through the material, and make it more comfortable in the summer time. Maybe I should find a nice thin canvas duster for the hotter months? Anyway, Wish and I were leaving the desert hell hole that we'd had our last battle with Six in, and were headed back to Grand City. I began to notice that while we were moving farther away from the sweltering sweat pit of Aleris, the temperature didn't seem to be dropping.

I kept my mouth shut though hoping it was just my imagination, but when we finally docked in Grand City it became obvious that it wasn't just me. Fish don't smell good when they're fresh. They smell even worse when they're rotting. And worse yet, when they're rotting in summertime heat. The odor from the decaying produce at the docks, was enough for me to pull a shirt out from my bag, rip a large piece of it off, and tie it around my face from my nose down. It did little to keep the smell out, but I was grateful for that little bit.

Ripping off another piece of fabric, I offered it to Wish and just grunted my agreement to her claim of disgust. As we made our way from the harbor and into the city proper it didn't get any better. Summer had come while we were gone and it'd brought all of it's hot headed friends with it. Between the heat, the lost merchandise and the lack of food people were getting a bit volatile. Fights were breaking out here and there. I stopped a couple of them as we passed by them.

I shook my head when Wish asked about spring. "No, spring didn't pass by. It got pushed to the side and forgotten." I tried not to breath too deeply as I sighed. "We need to get inside somewhere out of the heat and out of this mess of pissed off people." I pointed with the end of my staff to the newly re-built Oak Barrel Tavern. "Lets head in there for a bit." I got to thinking about it and realized that I didn't have a place to stay any more now that I was fired from the tavern but it's large common room should provide shelter for a little bit.

Making our way to the stuffy bar I couldn't help be notice that despite the heat there were a group of men plastering fliers up all over town. As we passed them I held my hand out for one and they gladly gave me a copy. One less they had to put up. My eyes widened as I read the paper in front of me. I hadn't realized it but it stopped me in my tracks. Ignoring the questioning look from Wish for now, I motioned her on into the Tavern.

I kept my "mask" up over my face as we found ourselves a seat and ordered drinks. Once the barmaid brought them to us and way paid the extremely over priced fees. I looked at Wish and passed her the paper. Her eyes too grew wide and then a smile spread across her face. "It's not funny." I said and before she could say otherwise I added, "You really think that it's funny that despite all that's happening out there right now Alerion is looking for me?" I snapped the flier back and re-read it.

"Attention Citizens Of Aleris:" it started, "By order of King Alerion, anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of the wizard Victor Sage should go to the nearest guard and tell them what they know. Mister Sage is a person of importance to the King and he needs as much information on his location as possible. Those with information leading to finding Victor Sage will be awarded with gold depending on the amount of useful information."

What did the King want with me? I hadn't done anything. I'd been accused of drugging and raping those customers but that was dropped when they realized there was no proof. And no I didn't do it! There was the thing with me and Six, but no one knew the details about that just yet but the two of us. Of course there was the matter of the Tavern being blown up as I was leaving town with a cute fae girl who could have been mistaken as leaving against her will.

Hell, this didn't look good for me. The best thing I could do right now would be to go to the castle and turn myself in. If I cooperated maybe things would go smoother for me. Yeah, cause things always went smoothly for me. I sighed, and as if being summoned there, the door opened and four guards walked in. They held a small crystal that swayed back and forth for a moment and then stopped, as if sniffing the air and finally it drifted in our direction. "Shit." I hissed.

As the guards approached our table I looked up at them and waved my hand in an almost dismissing fashion, "This is not the wizard you are looking for." I said. The guard gave me a confused look and then looked down at his homing spell. They'd probably made it from pieces of my application to the Tavern. It was a decent spell, not a very attractive one, but it got the job done.

"Mister Sage," upon verifying that the crystal was in fact pointing at me. "We're going to have to ask you to come with us. Please." the please was tossed in there almost as an afterthought. At this point I realized I had a couple of options; I could make a break for it and run like hell, I could fight my way through the guards and use that as a warning against others trying, or I could do like I'd thought about doing and going along peaceful like.

I could tell they knew I was running through my options in my head, and they were getting nervous. Hands had been smoothly perched on the hilts of their swords ready to pull down on me should I try to run or fight. I pushed the chair back and stood, two of the swords came halfway out of their scabbards before I could get my hands up and say "Calm down! I'm coming along peacefully!" my hands up in the 'I surrender' position.

Glancing back at Wish I said, "Hopefully this won't take too long. Leave a message with the bartender with where you'll be and I'll catch up to you." I was about to say something else, some smart and charming to calm any uneasiness she may be feeling, but one of the guards poked my shoulder with his gloved hand, and pointed towards the door. "Alright guys, lead the way. Take me to your leader."

When they reached the tavern, Wish was finally able to remove the cloth Victor had given her away from her mouth. Inside the tavern it felt marginally better; at least the sun was not beating down on them. However, it seemed quite a few people were taking refuge in the tavern and soon enough this place would be came packed with sweating and stinking people. Luckily, they were able to secure a table before any of that happened.

The thought of food appealed to her on the ship back to Eiler, but upon getting to Grand City and smelling the stench of rotting fish on the docks, she seemed to have lost her appetite. Still they ordered some food and drink, though it was somewhat overpriced, and waited for the waitress to return. In the meantime, she took the mysterious flier that Victor handed to her and read it over, trying to contain her laughter as she did so.

"I didn't know I was traveling with a celebrity," Wish started leaning across the table with a smile. She propped her head within her hands and tilted it curiously for a moment. "So, what did you do for this sort of recognition from the royal family? You have much to tell me, Victor Sage."

Wish, unfortunately, did not get a chance to hear any story Victor might have been able to tell her. Just as Victor had finished skimming the flier a third time, the door to the tavern opened and a group of four heavily armored guards walked in wearing the crest of Alerion. One held something out in the air in front of him which appeared to be a sort of crystal. This crystal swayed in Victor's general direction - so it was a magical homing item - and when the guards walked right up to their table, Victor gave them a dismissive wave, saying he was the wrong wizard.

A questioning brow raised as Wish looked back at Victor; did he really believe that was going to work? Apparently, the guards didn't fall for it and told Victor he was going to have to leave with them straight away. Victor stood, but Wish could also tell he was thinking about making a break for it. If needed, she would follow him, but the guards were one step ahead and were already drawing their swords.

Then just like that, Victor was leaving with them. If Wish didn't know better, she thought he was being taken against his will. This did not make her happy. And it also did not make her happy that Victor told her to leave a message with the bartender for where she'd be. Like he would be right back and everything would be peachy keen. Why was she suddenly so ticked off Victor was being taken away to the castle - away from her?

As Victor and the group of guards neared the door to leave, their waitress had come back with two bowls of stew and two bottles of ale. Narrowing olive colored eyes in determination, Wish grabbed one of those full bottles and hurled it in the direction of one of the guard's heads. Her aim was sound and because the guard was not wearing a helmet, it broke across the backside of his thick skull.

She would have gloated, maybe even threw up a little cheer, but not only five seconds after this happened did the other guard charge in her general direction. Wish didn't have time to defend herself. The guard was on her that fast, taking her by the wrist and locking her in such a position that she was backed against him, then slammed stomach first onto the table, the bowls of food flipping over. The waitress jumped back and Wish tried to kick back at the guard, growling in response, but only hit armored boots.

She was only stilled by the feeling of a blade against her throat. "Try that again and you're going to buy yourself a one way ticket to the castle dungeons, away from your friend over here," the guard said. "And believe me, that's no place for a pretty, little fae for you to be."

Wish muttered something with her head against the table and then the guard shoved her to the side. This action made her lose her balance and roll to the side onto the floor. Gossamer-like wings fluttered in irritation as she slowly sat up, trying to regain her composure. No doubt people were staring. She kept her eyes to the ground for a moment, rubbing at her wrist which was now sore and tender to the touch from the guard's abusive hold. When she finally looked up, Victor was no longer there, removed from the bar most likely.

"What the hell...?" she whispered to herself.

Why was Victor so important to them? She was going to find out, whether it hurt her again or not.

Deanna was in a foul mood. Another argument with Quinn did not improve her disposition, nor did the overcrowded Tavern with loud boisterous people. Old man Dev was cursing to himself in the kitchen as he was swamped with food orders, Jack was in a frenzied panic trying to clear tables, and Myrna and her daughter were running around like chickens with their heads cut off trying to serve and appease the patrons of the Oak Barrel. Foul mood indeed, and at this point, it was unlikely to change.

When Wish and Victor entered her Tavern, for she noticed all comings and goings, Deanna knew somehow those two were problematic. They looked like they had been through hell and back, something she was all too familiar with, as they dropped wearily into their seats and ordered, but there was something about them that screamed trouble. Myrna tended to their needs as Deanna stood behind the bar pouring drinks, keeping an ever keen eye on those within. Deanna continued to eye the duo from time to time, and as Myrna passed her, delicate nostrils flared as she caught a scent that piqued her curiosity. Fae and...hmm, what? Something familiar, but Deanna just couldn't put a finger on it. Not yet.

The shifter made small talk with a few drunken men at the bar, forcing a tight smile as she tried to appear amused by some raunchy joke they made, when the door of the Tavern opened and four guards entered. Nothing unusual about that, most City guards came to eat here for it was a popular place. What was unusual is that the armored men weaved through tables and patrons to head straight to the mismatched duo's table. Now that was interesting.

Deanna focused all of her attentions on the little scene, her eyes narrowing sharply as there seemed to be a heated discussion going on, and suddenly, the sound of steel scraping against leather. Weapons were being drawn, and the strange man suddenly stood and raised his hands in surrender. That tore it! Deanna would put up with a great deal of shit, but one rule she had in her Tavern was no weapons drawn. As far as she was concerned, all were guests in her 'home', and to disrespect her in her 'home' was grounds for tearing of limbs and bashing of skulls.

"Jack," she grabbed the young boy as he was rounding the bar corner. "Watch the bar, boy. I'll be right back." Deanna did not wait for a reply, instead she placed one hand upon the bar counter and vaulted right over it and the heads of the two drunk men before her. The shifter landed lightly on her feet, her features twisted in a scowl, but there was no mistaking the hellfire in her eyes. "YOU DARE DRAW STEEL IN MY TAVERN!" Her voice carried like thunder across the Tavern room even as the guards prepared to depart with the man in the duster.

She was prepared to storm after them and shove their swords where the sun didn't shine when Myrna gave a little shriek as the fae grabbed one of the bottles of ale and quick as a whip, threw it at one of the guard's unprotected head. In a flash, his partner grabbed at the fae, more steel bared and pressed to her throat while he growled some lame attempt at at threat at the her. Gods be damned! If there was anyone going to cause violence in her Tavern it would be Deanna! She was boss here! "ENOUGH!" Deanna leaped onto a table top and bounded from one to another as Wish was tossed to the ground.

The guard with the drawn weapon was the first to go. Deanna was dimly aware that the room grew silent as the patrons of the Tavern ceased all activity to watch the show. Though Deanna had only started running the Tavern, those who frequented the Oak Barrel often enough were already familiar with Deanna's temper and bestial nature. The shifter was a blur of movement as she grabbed at his wrist and twisted it, an audible crack was heard as bones broke and pushed through skin and armor.

The guard gave a scream as his weapon fell with a clang to the wood floor, but his screams were short lived as Deanna wrapped her hands around his head and gave it a sharp twist. She didn't bother to wait for the body to hit the floor when the second guard gave way to attack her. "Not bloody fucking likely, pal." She snarled as she reached for the larger man with outstretched clawed hands.

Inches long wicked black claws sunk easily into armor and found the skin beneath. Deanna bared her fangs as she dug through flesh, bone and tore at the metal that failed to protect him. He fought, she gave him that, but in the end, a human male was no match for the shifter and after several long seconds, Deanna has the man's still beating heart in her hands. Blood poured from the gaping hole in his chest, and as his eyes rolled back in his head, Deanna gave him a vicious kick and watched with wicked delight as he slumped to join his brother in arms.

"Assholes," she muttered as she tossed the heart behind her and wiped blood and gore on her apron before tearing it from her body. "No fucking respect, none I tell you!" She whirled on the heel of her booted foot to glare at the the open-mouthed patrons and staff. "What?!" She snapped. "Go back to your business. This was just a minor inconvenience. Myrna! Give everyone a round of drinks. One round!" The shifter didn't even look at Wish as she reached down to where the fae was and yanked her to her feet. "Jack, Dev...take this trash out and clean up what you can, if you would be so kind. I'll be right back." She barked her command to her loyal staff before letting go of Wish and striding out of the Tavern to go after the other two guards and their 'guest'.

She could hear the door open behind her and rolled her eyes as she stormed off in the direction of her companion and his escorts. She knew damn well the fae would follow, and she wasn't about to stop her. It wasn't her friend she was after, but the guards. No one entered the Tavern in such a manner, caused such a disruption, and didn't even bother to pay! She quickened her pace, not bothering to rush, for she planned on savoring this moment. It wasn't long before she caught up to the trio.

"Hey! You two tin canned pricks!" She shouted out, knowing they would turn. She idly glanced at the man whose trail reeked of magic. Mage. Deanna couldn't abide by them, but whatever issues the City guards had with him were not her business. Amber orbs glowed with inhuman light as she jabbed her forefinger in their direction. "I don't give a shit what you want with the mage, but you two are going to pay for the bullshit you pulled in my Tavern." Deanna strolled forward with purposeful intent...beating the life out of those two. "You WILL pay for damages. You WILL apologize to me and to my customers and staff." Deanna smiled sweetly then. "If you don't, well then...I'm sure I'll fine some way for you to compensate me. Your heads will do nicely. You're choice, boys."

Deanna noted out of the corner of her eye that Wish stood somewhat nearby. The chick had balls, she'd give her that much credit, but Deanna would soon deal with her and her friend once she took care of the Moron Twins. After all, it was because of Wish and Victor that the trouble started, and Deanna meant to see them pay as well.