Completed Manhunt (Orion, Sei, Ethan)

[Radiant]

The White Swan Inn, 11th of Bell, 18th of Fall 513 A.V

The White Swan Inn, where fine dining and lodgings were offered at the finest quality Syliras could offer, often frequented by Knights and the upper echelon of Syliran society, and all in all a very good place to enjoy oneself, if one could afford it.

A lone blond-haired girl could be seen sitting on one of the exquisite table, reading a book. Her vibrant emerald eyes filled with wonder and imagination at whatever it was she was reading, she looked to be rather young, but she was in fact one of the Order, a Mage Knight to be exact. Sera Alicia was informed that if anyone was interested in answering the call to find this "cloaked" menace, they would come to meet her at the White Swan Inn at noon.

Alicia peered from her book to find if anyone approached her, she just hoped that potential volunteers wouldn't mistake her as some kind of young girl, she was not, she was an adult and full-fledged knight. It was just that Vanthas were indeed mostly shorter in stature compared to other sub-races of humans. Her green eyes shifted to violet in nervousness, she was always bad in "taking charge" of a party but she had no choice, it was her duty and this particular case's culprit might be a mage. You know what they say "To find a mage, you need a mage" and it just so happened she's a Mage-Knight.

Moving a blond lock from her eyes, she cleared her throat, and went back to reading her book. She was wearing her civilian clothes, a pretty blue dress, for this investigation mission requires one to be discreet. The potential criminal could spot a knight coming from a mile away if they wore their signature armor after all.

OOCAlright, feel free to make your entrance, gentlemen.

Also, do note that your weapons (Except Orion since he's a squire) must be temporarily peacebonded (tied to your body so they can't be drawn) until you leave the inn.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion had never heard of such a thing. People collapsed, people stunned, people killed, all purportedly by some cloaked figure's touch? Syliras, the city of peace, bastion of safety; how could this happen here? Orion hadn't a chance to meet with any of those who'd met this assailant, and for that he was concerned. So many people wore cloaks. That was hardly a description. If they could question these people, find out something, anything, maybe they could stop it before another person met an earlier death than was their right. Beyond that, if they were injured, he could have examined them, found what was wrong and use that to determine the source. Instead, no one seemed to have any idea what was going on.

Perhaps this group would be able to do something.

He'd seen the posting for dealing with this invisible foe, and he'd wasted no time in requesting time from his patron to explore these crimes. Happy in his initiative, she had readily granted his request. The instructions for his arrival were somewhat odd, though he couldn't really complain. Blend in. No heavy armor, nothing that screams knights. Just show up armed and ready to put this to an end.

With his sword at his side and dressed in a black pants and and a plain white shirt, Orion entered the White Swan, his usual drinking grounds. It was a far cry better than his former place, but the prices, they hurt. He drank like a poor man when he was rich, and like a rich man now that he was poor. He never did understand himself. At least there was a sizable bounty associated with this notice.

Orion took a seat at an open chair, scanning the room for anyone else giving signs they were there for the same purpose as he, motioning for a mug of ale at the same time. Orion at a bar and not drinking? Now that would be suspicious.

[Sei Tendo]

Sei pushed open the doors to The White Swan Inn, and handed his sword and dagger to a man. He stepped in cautiously. He had left his cloak at his apartment, and searched the room with his eyes for the womab described to him. As he looked around, he realized the knight would likely look like a commoner, as not to draw attention. He slowly scanned the room with his eyes, looking for a young woman that fit the decribtion given to him. He then started to wonder about the request. Peython Morothon had requested help himself, and why? For the capture of a mysterious "Cloaked" man who could cause disease(?) and/or death with a single touch. It was believed to be magecrafting or magic, and magic was forbidden in Syliras. So Sei had offered to join the hunt for this "Cloaked" man. Peython had stated that a knight would be accompanying the citizens that participated, and the reward was hefty.

Sei was curious on the information about this, "Cloaked" man and his, "Magic" touch. Why would someone even create something like that, more over why would they use it. He battled with his thoughts, and chewed his lip. It's was like a kind of.. Death or disease magic. Maybe this "Cloaked" fiend couldn't control it's power. But this thought also hit Sei with a realization. If this menace couldn't control it's power, wouldn't it be smart enough to stay away from people? He was racking his brain here, and his thoughts vexed him, and he looked for a table to sit down at. When he found an empty table, he sat and rested his chin on his palm.

As he sat, another man entered the room, and took a seat casually at a nearby table. He ordered an ale and Sei turned back to his thoughts. He then ordered an ale as well and took a sip.

As he scanned the room, his eyes caught a young woman who would look up occasionally when someone entered, as if waiting for someone or something. He looked her over to find blond hair and light skin. She looked like a child, and she fit the description given to him. He grabbed his ale, stood, and strolled casually over to her table and sat down with a slight smile. Hopefully he was right in his assumption, as he gave her a slight nod and sat. He didn't exactly know the whole subtle approach, and he wasn't sure what to say. He looked around normally and turned to her. He played an easygoing smile, and spoke quietly. "Would you by any chance be Sera Alicia?" He asked, his playful expression never leaving his face. His flashed his eyes, and looked at the book she happened to be reading. His mind was doing back flips, and he was getting a headache, but his expression didn't change. He looked the woman over, and she had to be the one. But what was she..?

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan had heard about the woman that had been walking around outside of Syliras muttering about losing her Djed on the tenth. So it was no surprise to Ethan that a notification from Peython Morothon had arose in the city. However, seeing the message that additional people had been struck down and sicken meant that this “cloaked” person was risking the safety of a great deal of people. On top of it all, the fact that the woman had said Djed, it was probably a mage. Very few people understood the concept of Djed and its use, fewer still would state something like that. So Ethan decided to face the individual by answering the bulletin. It had not been an easy decision on his part. After all, going after someone who could drain Djed was scary, especially for someone who knew magic. Fear at the thought of dying or going insane was present and after his sparring lesson with Ser Titus, he realized just how inexperience he was. So why go after these… magickal rapists? Ethan had pondered it for a long time, and realized that if he was going to travel he needed to depend on himself, which meant that he needed to face danger, even if it scared him. After talking with Peython Morothon's representative, Ethan was to go to the White Swan Inn and meet a Knight, some place he never could have afforded. Though Ethan would have normally put on his best clothing to go to a tavern like the White Swan, instead he showed up in work cloths. He wore an old thread-bare dark green shirt with brown pants stained by working in the mud and with horses. His boots, though cleaned, had dark stains around the toe and soul, from prolonged contact with mud. The leather of the boots were also becoming cracked and aged slightly. So as Ethan walked into the bar, he looked around and saw only a few people. One man who sat at the bar looked like they meant business and was probably the Knight. The man at the bar had a scars across his face and it looked like he had gotten them from a fight. There was another couple of people over at a table, a man and… either a very young lady or girl were talking. Ethan approached the two just to hear if the man was the knight or member of the search party warning off the child from such a dangerous task.

[Radiant]

The first potential person to arrive was no other than... Squire Orion Michaels... him, the doctor squire (in)famous for his shenanigans around the city. Especially with the news about his daughter spreading among the dormitory and to the Order. Alicia frowned a bit, her eyes shifted to yellow in worry, she was wondering on why did the squire seemed to be 'destroying' his own life? Something must have happened to him, something terrible, that caused him to be the way he was. Orion immediately sat down on an open chair and ordered a drink as soon as he entered.

Alicia concentrated and flowed her Djed to her eyes, concentrating on his aura, the feeling of "concern" hit her, she closed her eyes. That was it, Orion was most likely be one of the volunteers. Even with all his reputation, the squire was an excellent doctor and him participating would be a great help should anyone is injured.

The second person that entered, he was a tall man with pale skin, obsidian hair, and striking green eyes. Alicia found herself mesmerized by his eyes, her gut feeling told her that something different was in those eyes, something that separated him from humans. Still, he approached her and asked about confirming her identity, she set the book down and smiled at him, eyes turning vibrant pink in warmth "Why yes, Sir, I'm Sera Alicia Frostfawn, an honor to see you... Sir...?" She asked for Sei's identity and nodded in acknowledgement once he gave her "Sir Sei, please take a seat". She motioned for the Kelvic to seat at the table, then lightly chatted with him, waiting for a while to see if anyone would arrive.

The third person arrived, he also immediately approached her and Sei. Alicia greeted him as well "Sir, would you like to join us?" she motioned for him to seat and asked for his name as well, when Ethan gave it to her, the Mage Knight immediately recalled something "Oh! You're the Blacksmith that Ser Titus had been talking about all day, ehehe. He was really proud of your work on his warhammer and uuuh... your endurance during his 'training session'..." Titus was famous for his extreme - but effective - drills after all, Alicia couldn't help but feel amazed that a civilian managed to "survive" it to the end. "Please, take a seat..."

Deciding that a group of four would be enough, not too small, not too big, for an investigation party. Alicia motioned for Orion to come over and join them, once he had done so. She put both of her elbows onto the table and cleared her throat "So, gentlemen, I'll re-introduce myself, I am Sera Alicia Frostfawn of the Syliran Order, I'm a Mage Knight" She wasn't afraid to admit that she's a mage, she was one of the order after all and it was better to reveal it beforehand lest the group could be startled if they witnessed her magic.

"Now, I'm sure all of you have heard about the... incidents that had been happening in the city... people collapsed for no reason at all, convulsing, tired, and exhausted... what's worse, we had one fatality. What is worrying is that the victims all shared the same story... a "cloaked" person was grasping their wrist and they felt like their own life being sucked out..." Her eyes shifted to yellow again in worry as she explained "If you had seen the post at the Bulletin Board, Peython believed that it is the work of a hostile mage... we are not sure, but if it is... then we need to root this problem as soon as possible, gentlemen".

She leaned back to her chair, looking down, trying to form her words so as to not fill the group with dread "In my own opinion, this may be the work of Leeching, a forbidden and evil magic. Syliras do not need Leechers here. I'm sure you gentlemen would agree. Now, I've got report that a strange... suspicious cloaked person was seen frequenting the Bittern District. We will first begin our investigation there. Be aware that if we are up against a hostile mage, I will protect you to the best of my abilities, but we need to work together..." She exhaled, at least she did this one right, she fumbled her words sometimes, especially when leading a group.

"Before we depart, any questions or concerns, gentlemen?"

OOCFeel free to ask questions or express your opinion and knowledge upon the matter. My next reply would be Alicia's response and the group setting out

[Orion Michaels]

Orion couldn't get used to it. Not the judgement, not the pity in people's eyes when they looked at him. Sometimes he would have thought that he'd contracted a disease by the worried glances and avoidance he faced. All because of Emily? Or perhaps rumors had spread of his other problem as well? He hadn't said much of anything, save for his outburst in the training grounds. Those, however, were in the early hours. Save for Fallon, a weaponmaster, and a handful of others, none others were around. Had one of them decided it was their place to run their mouths? It was all too frustrating.

Besides, there was no time to worry about it.

He'd noticed who was apparently a young woman, maybe even a child, watching him since he entered. When a couple of others found their way over to her and then she motioned for him, it became clear that he had his group. He'd have some questions to ask here, that was for sure.

Mug of ale in hand, Orion stood from his seat, making his way over to join them at her table. A child and two strangers. Neither of them appeared to be from the knighthood, but he bit his tongue, waiting until she'd finished introduction and description of the target. Orion furrowed his brow slightly at her mention of 'leeching', blue eyes studying her face for signs of worry. He'd never heard of such a discipline. It wasn't terribly difficult to put two and two together, but still...

"Sera," he began, swallowing as he tried to find the most...diplomatic.. way to go about these questions. If they were going after a mage, he didn't need his partners upset at him. "I do not recognize these two as members of the knighthood or as squires. If I'm mistaken, please, I ask your forgiveness. But, in the event hostilities break out, might I suggest we get at least an understanding of our capabilities are?" Orion paused to take a drink, wiping the froth from his lips before continuing. "What I mean is, well, Sera Lorene always tells me to take account of all your capabilities, whether individually, or in a group."

I'm somewhat surprised a knight in charge wouldn't think to do that, herself. Orion motioned to the one called Ethan. "For instance, he trained with a warhammer?" Orion turned his gaze to the blacksmith. "Do you think you could hold your own against someone trying to perform this 'leeching' on you? What do you bring to the fight?" When working with others in the Order, there was a certain level of proficiency which could be expected. With civilians, it was much harder to say.

"And you," he continued, motioning to Sei. "How about you? As for me, well, I'm Squire Orion Michaels. I can swing a sword around, but more importantly, let me know if you get wounded. I was a physician before I put on the armor. There's no sense in dying here, even if there's a handful of coin at stake."

Orion turned to Sera Alicia, a stern but composed look on his face. "Perhaps I just worry too much, but until today, I'd never heard of Leeching. I'd rather know what I'm up against, and who I'm going up against it with."

Once everyone had chosen to answer or otherwise, Orion wouldn't press the matter any further, ready to leave as they were. It wasn't his show to run. Was it her's, though?

[Sei Tendo]

Sei gave her a kind smile, and watched as another man came to the table. According to Sera Alicia, his name was Ethan, and he two would be participating in the search. She started to concentrate on something, looking at the man who had came in before Sei, and motioned him over to the table not long after. When he came to the table, Sera Alicia introduced herself. A Mage-Knight? He wondered. This was an interesting development. The Knights had given them a Mage-Knight protector. The best protection to have on a search like this. He thought. From what he knew, magic could be used for bad AND good. It could be used for long-distance attacks, and had protective properties. And seeing as Sera Alicia had to be skilled, there was brawn and brains. The Mage was clearly a Vantha, the changing eye color proved it, and to top it of, her height was proof enough. He was overwhelmed. He was nervous now, the thought of working with a knight was exciting and nerve-racking.

Then something clicked. Wait... Ethan Ironhorse?! He whipped his head around to look at the man. Ethan Ironhorse was a smith. He was known here and there for making modifications to Ser Titus, and surviving his rigorous training drills. The other man a squire. He knew the man was a squire for his weapons weren't peacebound, and looking at him more clearly, the man was the squire Orion Micheals. He was the man who had medical experience, and had lost his lover through an incident at a bar. He looked away from the men, all of whom had a reputation, and felt puny under their shadows. Orion the healer/squire, Ethan the smith, and Sera Alicia the Mage-Knight. Sei, the nobody. He was so nervous he could die, and he couldn't help but look at them through the corners of his eyes. He felt unimportant around them, but shook it off. Today he would prove to be more than a civilian. He was going to be great.

The squire began to speak, and continued after a swig of ale. He wiped the froth from his lips and continued. Sei listened as he spoke, and turned to him with an knowledgeable nod. "I'm Sei, Sei Tendo. I'm better at hand to hand, and I'm at least skilled at it. As for backup, I'll do the best I can. I won't sit back and watch you guys have all the fun." He said.

He listened carefully to the information, and was stunned when the word Leeching was metioned. "So they were grabbed by the wrist, and felt as if their life was being drained, correct? If leeching is to blame, then maybe this "Cloaked" person may be trying to extend his or her own life." He said. "I mean, I've never researched much about leeching, and that's just a theory. If the case is that being touched by him or her is the requirement, all we have to do is keep a distance. But note that this might cause a slight disadvantage for those of us without long range weapons, or skills." He theorized. It was common sense to stay away from being touched. But there was more to it than that. "Also, we should assume that he can perform leeching by touching us period, thus we have a basic strategy. If he can leech from the wrist, possibly any bare skin could be targeted, but just to be safe, avoid being touched on anything that is attached to your person," he began. "Including clothing and weapons. He said.

[Ethan Ironhorse]

When the little girl asked for his name he politely gave it to her, but it was when the girlish woman mention Ser Titus, he knew that she was from the Order. Ethan flushed with embarrassment as she mentioned Ser Titus training. He had… emptied his guts halfway through the day, and it had been a humbling experience. Yet it was good that Ser Titus spoke of him well, Ethan did not want to let down his friend. Sera Alicia Frostfawn, Fawn… even her last name described the dedicate nature that she presented. Granted Ironhorse did the same, Ethan had worked as a farrier for a very long time, but as of late he had started training to venture out of the city and collect additional knowledge of pre-Valterrian. It was then the second part of what she told him came out. For an instance, Ethan wanted to ask a great deal of questions about magic and the Order. Yet, those answers would lead to his discovery. As Sera Frostfawn, related the events Ethan hissed at the mention of Leeching. He didn’t know much about the art, except rumors and what he had read about in the book on Djed that Devandil had allowed him to read. In the book, it had called the practice magical rape, and went on about how the discipline shouldn’t just be shunned, but destroyed. Yet all she had was a report that a suspicious cloaked person was seen frequenting the Bittern District, that was a lot of ground to cover. Ethan thought about what would be an effect way of capturing the mage. He needed a few moments before answering Sera Frostfawn to think about a plan. Instead of questions about leeching or how they were going to search the area, the man with the scars on his face, Squire Orion, asked about why they were here, and then the petcher had the nerve to ask Ethan if he could defend himself against a Leecher! Ethan’s eyes narrowed, he wanted to punch Squire Petching Orion in the face. Ethan wasn’t looking for a free ride or to gain gold not earn. Yet this Squire wanted him to speak his most precious secret. If people found out, he would become a pariah in the smithing community. It was good that the other man Sei answered, because it took Ethan a little time to get under control. Sei speech gave Ethan the time to collect himself and once he was done, Sei was right in some of his assumptions on fighting this rapist. Avoiding contact made sense, as it seemed from the reports and witness that it was how this mage leeched Djed. Ethan took a deep breathe calming himself before he spoke. “Sei’s advice is the best answer to your question Orion, the only way to defend against Leeching from this mage is not to be touched. There were enough victims to make clear that this being seeks the wrist as a primary point of contact. What Sei was wrong about is that Leeching isn’t about extending one’s life.” Ethan closed his eyes for a moment, recalling the book on Djed and the brief describing about Aurastics and its use against Leeching. “To those that are versed in magical theory, their life energy is an accumulation of all their experience and potential, or to put it simply their Djed. A person without training in a magickal Discipline would think that as this… filth consumes their Djed, they would feel their life drained. The… rapist for lack of a filthier term, uses this energy to help fuel their own castings.” Ethan stopped for a moment and spoke again, “The reason why I know this is that I have spent time with Master Devandil and his books on Djed.” Ethan looked at Sera Frostfawn, “Sera, I have not attempted to learn disgusting magics. I have practiced Shielding in hopes of defense against Wild Djed.” Ethan felt his face tick at the thought of admitting he was a mage, even if he couldn’t create a permanent shield. “As for why I have no weapons, it isn’t because I left my warhammer at the door. It’s because I am the bait… See as a person who practices Shielding, my Djed as grown and become more refined. There is a long theory on it, but needless to say I look like a fat cow to the… rapist compared to the skinny young deer’s he has gone after. Now, pardon my language, but Sera Frostfawn probably looks more like a bear in the magical sense. Her Djed is bigger and stronger than my own, or I assume since I don’t have Aurastics. So even though Sera, looks to be the weaker between us two and an easier victim, the old say holds true, ‘Never waken a sleeping bear.’” “So to answer your question Squire Orion,” Ethan tried to keep the anger from his voice. “When it comes down to it, I don’t expect to protect myself against this Rapist. No, my hope is that Sera Frostfawn can help us identify the cloaked stranger, I put myself in front of them, lead them into dark corridor and everyone else ambushes the stranger. I will defend myself with a punch or two, but as soon as the stranger latches on I might as well be a babe. No, my courage won’t be used in the fight it will be used as playing the victim and providing everyone more time to subdue the Leecher, since I have more Djed. This way we control the place where we fight and the people around us, it’s the best chance to reduce the danger to innocent people, and I ask because of that, please do not tell people I am a mage.” “Now Sera Frostfawn, I understand that the people all were affected in different spots, but surely they had something in common. Did they work or live close to one another? Did they frequent a certain tavern beforehand? The Britten district is a large place, if the victims have something in similar we would know how they are being chosen. I mean this Leecher isn’t just randomly picking people in one of the main thoroughfares. Their ability to find places without Knight patrols or other witnesses means that they have to plan this somehow…” Ethan felt a bit embarrassed by the speech, and with his secret that he was training to become a mage, it wasn’t a death warrant but the pretty ladies he had talked to would certainly never look at him again.

[Radiant]

"G-gentlemen... p-please!" Alicia held out her hands and gestured for the men to calm down, especially Ethan. Eyes turning violet in panic, she was bad at these kind of situations, she should have let Wade, Titus, or Natasha lead the group instead, but they were not mages, well... Wade knew Flux but flux was not exactly "magic" like how most people viewed magic to be. Good thing the men were civilized and things settled down, Alicia gave an exhale and wiped her forehead, her eyes turning back to blue. She heard each concerns and questions being presented and would do her best in answering them.

"Well, Squire Orion, both Sir Sei and Sir Ethan had told you about their capabilities, Sir Sei is proficient in unarmed combat while Sir Ethan had been practicing with Ser Titus, it would be a good chance for him to put those... uhm... rigorous training sessions to practice, yes?" Now that was done, Alicia moved on to the next question. Everyone was concerned about the true nature of the foul magic, that much was obvious. Now this question, Alicia could confidently answered, it was a gruesome topic, but it had to be done.

"Alright... gentleman..." Alicia showed her book and revealed it to be a copy of the Treval Codex, an ancient tome written by Queen Avakalashi, first queen of Alahea. A must read for all aspiring mages. "Djed is the very basic form of everything in this world... you, me, this table, and even gods are made up of Djed. Now Leeching is..." She winced, her eyes turning rather black in fear "... a foul magic in which as wizard 'steals' djed from other sources, be it from the environment, items, or... people...". She exhaled, calming herself down, turning her eyes back to blue "Some wizards seek instant power through this forbidden method... stealing another's djed to fuel their own, then... it becomes addicting, like a drug, once a wizard leeches, he would want more... more and more and more... the cycle neverending until said wizard dies from destroying themselves..."

She listened to the suggestions made by the group and nodded "I do not know the exact nature of this magic as I have no experience nor do I wish to dabble in it. But it's likely that the leecher must made physical contact with the victim to drain them, if this magic is used to fuel... then this wizard would most likely have other disciplines as well, disciplines that he used leeching to fuel it" Alicia realized she had been referring to the cloaked person as "he" and promptly apologize "A-ah, I... i don't mean to be rude, i-it just came to me to refer somebody I don't know as... uhm... 'he'." She exhaled, she hoped she didn't make a bad impression. "Anyways, we must be very careful... who knows, that person might be a reimancer or projector as well."

Now it was the last one, concerning the culprits' whereabouts. "The Bittern district is mostly inhabited by... forgive me... poor people. They don't have a lot of luxury there and it is the most suitable place for... questionable individuals to be. Yes, I have made a list of apartments that are suspected to be inhabited by the leecher... there are about hmmm..." She took out a map of the Bittern Distict, some of the locations had neat circle marks on it "Five of them... the plan would be us investigating each apartment one by one... though we can split up to make it faster, but I do not recommend it, the mage could pick us off one by one..."

"So gentlemen? Shall we depart?" She would wait for anymore questions or statements from the group, if none, she would stand up, pay for her meals - and treat the rest of the group should they ordered someting - and made her way out of the Inn, motioning for the group to follow. *Sigh*... I look like Isabelle Belmont... She felt nervous, she was the shortest of the group and the only female, combined with her dress, she was the perfect image of a rich nobleman's daughter being escorted by her bodyguards.

The group departed, making their way to the Bittern District, eventhough this was supposed to be a safe city, it was not entirely immune to the hands of evil.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion's lips turned up into a smirk as both men explained themselves. Wasn't this just rich? This Sei fellow, well, he seemed alright. Simple in his approach to things, but alright. No offense taken at his questions, just a simple answer and some theories about their foe's use of magic. Still, an unarmed man against a target who could sap one's life force...what use could he be, but as bait?

Which seemed to be exactly what Ethan's plan was.

A plan which Orion couldn't even begin to agree with.

The squire had simply asked if they could defend themselves. He'd never worked with either man, and he was hardly aware of what talents they possessed, if any. But this man, he reacted as though Orion had asked him his deepest of secrets, hostility in his words. Orion wasn't going to be making any friends today. "That's the stupidest things I've ever heard." He crossed his arms, shaking his head. He'd planned to remain quiet, he really had. But when he heard this man's plan, he just couldn't bite his tongue. Orion didn't care what magics he wielded. He didn't at all. He just wanted to know who could do what, if anyone was truly able to stand up in a fight. It seemed his resolve would be more than tested.

"Are you trying to play the noble hero who sacrifices himself for the greater good or something, Ethan? I appreciate your spirit, though I'm not a fan of your attitude," he replied, cool blue eyes staring down the blacksmith. "We're working under Sera Alicia here. She's the expert. So before you go . . . go putting yourself in unnecessary danger . . . there's a time and a place for that. But its' not here. You would put yourself, unarmed, directly in harms way, fueling the magic of someone who, as Sera Alicia says, will likely have another magic? I'd rather the only body taken to the mortuary that of this leecher, whomever they may be. So instead of scowling at me and getting all defensive, take a step back and get your emotions under control." Orion could be such a hypocrite at times. The pot and the kettle were clearly in disagreement here.

His part said, Orion turned to Alicia and listened to the rest of her explanation. He'd have to try and trust in her, despite her lack of command of authority. One wasn't knighted on a whim, or so he believed. "I would agree it best that we don't split up, Sera, though, if four people set upon an apartment at once, it may raise some suspicions, will it not? Do you have a plan for how we're going to go at these rooms?" Orion leaned over, looking at the map and the various circled apartments. He'd had a bit of fun in this district in the past, but he'd treated more injuries suffered by its residents than he could recall. It had been some time since he went there in anything but armor.

Once everyone was ready, Orion finished his drink and stood, heading with the group towards the Bittern District. He was nervous, though he did his best to hide the emotion. He'd expected to be the least equipped to deal with this issue, but other than Alicia, none of them sounded like they really stood a chance. A prayer for a little luck probably couldn't have hurt any of them.