Revelation [Darkened Skies Event] [Fukurou, You had to see it, Scythe-Nova]

[Codex]

Only a few hours ago, Vaia had left Ketra. The young girl walked along the plains as the silent moon hung far in the sky above her. The grass swaying slowly in the soft night breeze. The sky was cloudless, so the lunar light provided the only light source the girl needed in order to make her way across the flat plains. Of course she wasn't alone. She was being accompanied by two rather odd looking individuals. A tall, slender man with dark skin and fairly noticable horns protruding from his head. The other was an armoured man, fairly menacing looking. However she seemed unconcerned by them.

Only a few hours before, they had rescued Vaia from a group of Draconina zealots who were hired to kidnap her. The reason? She didn't know, but had the intention of finding out. The only clue had been a small note on one of the Draco's bodies. It indicated their leader's name and location, but the purpose was still a mystery. It mentioned her amulet that hung around Vaia's neck, but she had no idea why. It was only a memento from her father. She turned her head back to Rylzyr and Mortum for a moment before looking down at the amulet.

The leader was apparently named Nazix. And he was located, or at least thought to be located in a place called Blood Dust Grotto. Of course that Grotto wasn't a place Vaia had heard of, neither of her companions had either. So her goal was to visit someone who may. A while back Vaia had done a job for a merchant who need protection from bandits. She had managed to escort him safely to his destination, which was actually to a smaller mercenary guild which specialized in finding bandit's hideouts and exposing them. She knew where thy were located, and was confident she could get their help finding this "Blood Dust Grotto." They usually were based in a small village not far from Ketra. Only about a night's journey...

She looked over to Rylzyr. "These guys are our best chance at finding this place. Try not to be... Y'know... Rude or anything?" She told him. Based on previous experience, she knew this Rylzyr fella wasn't the most friendly person. Especially to their other companion, Mortum. Hopefully their bickering wouldn't cost them the location of this hideout...

[Fukurou]

"Tsch!" Rylzyr stubbornly huffed as he pursed his lips and crossed his arms. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm a perfectly reasonable man." He glanced over at Vaia but was unable to read her expression due to the way the shadows fell on her face. Perhaps the girl was right; he should take extra care to hold his tongue lest they lose their chance at finding this place. But was he going to admit this? Never.

"Well," he added, pushing back the irritation that hung in his voice as best he could. "We should be arriving soon anyway. Hopefully."

[You had to see it]

Mortum thought as they walked towards their destination. He had been on edge as they walked, since they had only some idea of what resources this Nazix has at his disposal. That and he was fairly positive that Rylzyr might turn even more troublesome than he already is. He certainly hadn't expected to be caught up in some cult case yet here he was. The most troubling of all though was the girl herself. Incredibly young yet kills people for a living, uncertain parentage, focus of what could possibly be a cult, and strange hair to boot. The information raised more questions than answers.

"You're sure these people are reliable?" He asked gruffly, looking to the side for anyone following.

[Codex]

Vaia continued to walk forward as Rylzyr responded. She simply rolled her eyes out of his line of sight and didn't feel like she needed to reply. She got the subtle feeling this Rylzyr character would just do whatever he pleases. Hopefully he had enough common sense in him though, to know when to keep his rude tendencies in check.

The girl turned her head over to Mortum and noted the nervousness in his voice. She hesitated, but responded. "Yeah I'm sure. They owe me after all, for escorting a rich merchant directly into their businesses." She said with a small smile turning forwards again.

After a few hours of traversing the plains, it was rather uneventful. However, that didn't stop Vaia from turning every so often to make sure they weren't being followed... After all, this thing was much bigger then herself, and she had no idea what lengths these people would go in order to capture her. Vaia noticed lamp light in the distance. They'd finally made it. As they wandered into the small settlement, Vaia took note on how quiet it seemed. The town's buildings were all made of wood and stone, and all looked similar. They passed by a small sign. "Raven Mill" it read, obviously the name of the town. The streets were sparcley populated, but that was no surprise seeing as how late it was. It was obvious this was a small farming village, judging by the expansive plains around it, and the large Windmill, slowly looming over the town in the distance. Vaia stopped for a second, and surveyed the surrounding buildings. It had only been a few months since she had come here, so she was certain she'd be able to remember the building they liked to stay in...

Of course, the tavern! Why didn't she think of it sooner! Vaia recognized the name; plainly simple "Drowning Bandit." Perhaps it was a reference to the guild's reputation of dealing with bandits? Or simply just a name to scare off local raiders. Although she doubted it. Vaia finally turned to her two companions, who had both shared equally strange looks from the passing villagers. A mother not far from then quickly rushed her kids inside a dark house, staring at Rylzyr while doing so. Vaia simply raised an eyebrow, and looked back up at the two taller figures. "This is the place. I suggest you let me do the talking..." She said calmly, before turning. she slowly opened the door to the tavern, as the aroma of ale and other alcohol suddenly assaulted her senses. Vaia grimaced slightly. She never did like taverns.

Unlike the outside, the tavern seemed to be lively. Music was playing in the corner by a few musicians, while a few fellas were brawling with a small crowd surrounding them. Vaia herself got a few strange looks, as usually a 15 year old girl wouldn't be seen in a tavern. However her companions got more attention, and even seemed to scare off a few potential perverts eyeing the girl... Finally, Vaia spotted who she was looking for. Near the back of the crowded bar, a small group of lightly armed thugs were playing some sort of card game. She silently crept up behind the man she knew as their leader and stared at his cards. "You should play your 4" she whispered into his ear. With that he quickly turned his head to see the smiling girl staring back at him.

"Oi, if it ain't Vela! What on earth are you doing in this rathole?" He said in a half surprised, and happy tone. It was true he liked the girl, based on the small hystory he had with her.
"It's Vaia, and I'm here for a favour." She responded. He arched his eyebrow and slowly stood up as his friends closely eyed Vaia's two companions.
"And what would that b-" He stopped short, suddenly noticing Rylzyr and Mortum standing next to her. "Friends of yours..?" He asked suspiciously...

[Fukurou]

Rylzyr followed Vaia silently into the tavern, taking careful note of his surroundings. The sound of drunken merriment filled the air, creating a steady buzz of noise that would rise and fall with the sound of music and laughter. Thick, musty air intermingled with the strong scent of alcohol and sweat, giving the tavern an overall unpleasant sour odor. The dim light of the fire cast long shadows that danced against the drab wooden walls, clinking their tankards in time with there human counterparts. The mage grimaced. This was not a place he'd chose to spend his time in, but given their current situation, he held his tongue and kept his thoughts to himself. He listened patiently as the boy spoke to Vaia, staring at him with his usual stone-cold, yet somewhat irritable expression. As the boy addressed the young girl's followers, Rylzyr let out a short grunt. He couldn't help but feel a slight pang of irritation at the way the boy spoke, but he chose to stand there quietly, holding his tongue and allowing Vaia to speak.

[Codex]

Vaia would stare up at the man, and follow his concerned gaze to her companion Rylzyr. She could already see by the expression on his face he was trying his hardest to resist saying something clever. Which at least made her relieved a bit. Sighing, she'd poke him to get his attention focused on the shorter girl again. "Yeah, he's a friend, don't worry." Raising an eyebrow, he'd continued to stare at the horned man with a raised brown before finally slumping back in to his seat and staring at Vaia again. The soft smile returned. "Well then, what can I do ye for violet?" Vaia simply shook her head as it was clear he made no attempt to remember he name, before finally answering. "We're hunting down some bandits, thought you may now where they were or could at least help us." He simply shrugged in response. "Possibly, but my work aint free as you well know." Vaia nodded in response. "Aye, I'm aware. I'm prepared to give you 400 gold pieces for this job." He'd simply turn to his buddies and stare at them as if asking a silent question. She wasn't the best at reading people's feelings based on eyes, but he'd turn back with a grin. "Sounds like a deal! Got any leads?"

Vaia would then go on to explain the entire situation to the man, and show him the note. He'd study it carefully, seeing the name at the bottom caused him to scoff. "Nazix is a well known bandit around these parts. Damn lizard's even raided our caravans every once in a while. We've never been able to peg him before, but thanks to this note we no exactly where his little operation is." He smiled, laughing to his companions as they chuckled. "Blood Dust is right next to Sevenfell lake. Well hidden by the trees and rock outcrops. Odd, we've searched that place before and found it empty. Wonder why he's there now..."

[You had to see it]

Mortum remained silent as he absorbed all of the information. He was surprised by hearing they were just bandits considering the strange tone of the letter that had led them there. Everything about this felt strange, like something much larger was at play. It was just as likely that Nazix just happened to be mad, which would explain the entire thing, but that sounded wrong. No matter, when they found Nazix he would be subdued and interrogated and Mortum could go on with his life... or death, more accurately. He glanced at Rylzyr and saw how clearly uncomfortable the mage was in the tavern. He would have to keep a close eye on him during the confrontation with the bandits. As he looked at the girl, he wasn't sure how well Vaia could handle herself. Nazix seemed like he was well equipped, and his men were tactically sound so the fight would be no easy task.

He looked toward the man as he finished talking."Could you tell us about the capabilities of this bandit group? How they operate, usual equipment, that sort of thing." Any information would be useful going into this fight.

[Iridescent]

Corin had been part of the group playing card games, but truth was the dark-haired man hadn't been paying all that much attention to the game itself. For one, strategy and keeping a poker face simply were not his strongest skills, he was far too direct for that, and second; it had been too long since he got to do something that really got his adrenaline going. He was getting antsy, restless. The alcohol helped somewhat and there was one lady in this village who seemed far from displeased by his presence, but if Corin had wanted to settle down, he'd have done that long ago.
He wasn't really part of this group. Roughly two weeks ago they met, during a raid on a bandit camp in which he had been involved, something of which they had not been notified and well, it all went pretty well from there, so he had decided to stay here for a brief while, but the itch for something more intense than just some disorganized bandits was growing.

He, too, was a bit surprised by their sudden company. Unlike the leader of the group, he had no idea who the little girl was nor who her peculiar friends were.
He comfortably leant back in his chair, pint of ale in his hand, and listened to the unfolding conversation, a mixture of mild amusement and curiosity on his face.
However, when the subject of the conversation shifted from introductions to what seemed like mercenary work with a hint of mystery attached. His light eyes looked more focussed now, more intense.
"Who cares why he's there now," Corin said laconically and briefly flashed a grin. "Won't be there for long."
Unless Nazix was sly enough to sneak away before they found him, there was zero doubt in the battlemage's mind that they wouldn't be able to wipe the floor with him.

One of the girl's companions started asking questions, and Corin studied him briefly. As much as the girl had been doing most of the talking up until now, so far this guy came across as the brains of the operation, or at least the one with the most tactical knowledge.
He shifted in his seat. The casual attitude from earlier was now replaced by an interested one.
"From what I've gathered in the brief time I've been here, he doesn't deviate too far from the usual modi operandi," he said, probably speaking before his turn, but technically the leader of the thugs wasn't his boss, and he had heard a few things about Nazix, "only attacks with proper back-up, has both swordfighters as well as archers, knows when to retreat."
He spoke those last words without even bothering to hide the disdain in his voice. Corin didn't like cowards much.
"Bloke also apparently has the habit of changing strategies pretty quickly when he needs to."
He took a sip from the pint of ale and looked at the three. A little girl inquiring about a bandit and traveling with what seemed like a guy who'd seen his fair share of battles, judging by the way he spoke, and a man who was - if Corin guessed it correctly - X'zyri. All of this together was unusual. And all of it reeked of adventure. They had Corin Darbon's undivided attention.