>Poof! >The sound of Melody's weak attempt to hit Patrick in the chest rings out for a moment before she continues cutting though the mage's lies.
First battle, you and her were locked in a cycle of her freezing you and you breaking free of it until you ran away and she caught you!
Second time was a chase! You fled and she kept up with you most of the time! Then you hid in a barrel only for it to get carried off right back to the garrison you escaped from!
>Finishing that she takes his hat off and places it on his face with a huff. She didn't need it any more now that she was in the shade of the trees.
Honestly... You should be thankful I put up with your nonsense! Saying she's a afraid of you... the nerve!
>For Melissa it was probably strange to see. Out was the regal poise of the Noble that walked in through the gates and now she was arguing with Patrick like she was his annoyed younger sibling or something.
>>41211848 It's alright, Melody, I'm more inclined to believe you than him anyway.
She told a more believable version anyway. BUT- >The muffled voice coming from Patrick became a lot clearer once he scooped up the hat and placed it on his head, giving it a quick shuffle so it sat right before tipping the front of the brim up. -when she and I face off again, I'll show her who Patrick Frye really is!
>So bold, he was, to claim he'll go beating around the girl's older sister when she was standing right next to him - perhaps far too bold. That said, it was his unwavering sense of confidence in himself that tended to draw people to him, Melissa notwithstanding.
You're a suicidal maniac if you're actually looking to challenge her like that, but if you go out and get yourself killed, we won't have to worry about you coming back, especially after what you did.
Alright, look, yes, I'm sorry I ruined your coming-of-age celebration and I'm sorry I burnt half the town, but come on! Did I or did I not save you from that Khezu in the cave?
You didn't even fight it in the first place, you just scared it off with some fancy tricks and ran off without me!
Alright, yes, but did it work?
... yes, it worked.
Then I'm both a genius and a gentleman and more than suitable to being little Melody's bodyguard.
You're not her bodyguard, you're her guide.
...
>Patrick stopped mid-sentence, having prepared some kind of retort to whatever statement she could come up with next, but couldn't find the words. Had she found them out? Was she going to report them?
You're a dangerous man, Patrick. You've got a tendency to lure people in with your grandiose tales and the 'Crystal Legacy' crap, only to bring them along into your kind of danger - the kind you really shouldn't be getting into, let alone convincing other people to come with you. Now, I'm not going to argue with Miss Neige on the subject, I'm sure she's got her reasons, but for the love of the Judicator, Patrick, you'd damn well better not be getting any ideas into her head.
Last Edit: Sept 24, 2017 20:10:01 GMT by Star Fall
>>41212218 >Melody rolls her eyes at his overconfidence in himself. Sure maybe he could stand a fair chance against her sister, but it's not like it's going to ever be an easy thing to do...
With all that ego weighing you down you'll just be a sitting duck.
>She mutters to herself as she listens to them both talk... then is stunned by statement Melissa makes about Patrick. >The Crystal Legacy... that was the same line that got her to go through with all of this. Sure she thought it was a little far fetched herself, but to hear someone else say it...
...
>She did hold onto some childish hope that it was true and that she'd find out for herself now that she free to do as she pleased. It wavered a bit now in the face of reality, it could very well be a lie that Patrick used to turn human curiosity into something he can use to his advantage... Or...
If anything Melissa, to be perfectly honest, I'm the one bringing him along into uncertainty.
>No. She believed that Patrick couldn't be that deceptive. Sure he would spin a tale to make him seem more grand, but she didn't think he'd outright lie about something that major. He didn't seem like that type of guy for it. >Her on the other hand, she's done little other then use him for her own means and did lie to people about what was going on. No matter what noble reputation she had and what people thought of her, all of this stemmed from a selfish need to rebel against her lot in life. Something people would have given anything to have but was not good enough for her. It was very self-serving. Making Patrick the better person between them.
That in mind, I'm more then willing to face the dangers that might come from what we're going to do.
>Melissa didn't really know how best to respond to that. For Patrick to be pulling someone along, sure, that made sense, but for someone to be dragging him around? That same free-spirited kind of fellow who almost physically couldn't stay in the same place for more than five minutes unless he was unconscious?
Right, well... at least you'll safe here for a little while, assuming we don't have another beastly incident.
Incident? The place is looking fine enough, I mean, I haven't been here for two years. Unless you're referring to me. You're referring to me, aren't you.
As much as I'd like to say I was, we've got our own problems that don't completely revolve around you. An Astrolian Manbeast tribe has settled in a short ways from here, closer to the mountain, and they have a tendency to get very territorial when we head out into our usual hunting grounds. They're tearing up all the deer, rabbits and other good meat like it's going extinct - father seems to think that's what caused them to come this far out. They're like some kind of moving plague.
>Now this was more interesting. Patrick had been to quite a few places, but not Astrolia - most of his time was spent in Termina where the crystal was the most dense, across the wide open plains and in the underground caves, so he'd never really experienced much of these Manbeasts before. Sure, occasionally you'd find the odd one out, but they were a rare sight and they were, more often than not, the more human-looking ones.
And your grandfather certainly isn't what he used to be two years ago, either. Must be tough, defending the place.
That's the burden of being in an outer village like this. Father's a pretty good shot and Mother can handle herself with a blade, but once the Elder passes on there'll be no-one left here who can use magic, and we can't afford to start importing crystal for combat, we can barely afford to bring in enough to heat us through the winter and keep everything running.
>Nodding in an uncannily sage-like way, Patrick stepped forward with his arms folded and his expression one of deep thought, however deep his brain actually went. Stopping right next to Melody, he brought his hand up and placed it down on her head, putting on his typical, wide grin that usually meant trouble was on the way.
Well, good thing you just happen to currently host two of the best mages this side of Termina!
>Melissa looked troubled at first, but quickly relented. The situation was more desperate than it seemed, but as much as she hated to admit it they really could use Patrick's strength - but more than that... if she was going to request this, she wouldn't be able to hold back her more formal tone.
Miss Neige, as much as I spoke of not thrusting you into danger, we... really could use your help. If you're strong enough to willfully drag someone like this sorry lout with you on a journey then please, for my sake and that of the clan...
>Before she could finish, however, she held her tongue, drawing in a slow breath. It didn't feel right to ask for help whenever the slightest inkling of it came up, and what's more, they didn't even understand the full extent of the danger.
I can't ask you to do what we cannot, especially when we haven't got a clue how we want to handle this, but there's more that's troubling us of late.
First crazy manbeasts and now there's something else, as well? Are you sure you guys just aren't seriously unlucky?
>Melissa shot Patrick a look that would likely spell death were he to continue making light of what was going on.
Recently there have been thunderous sounds and lightning bolts appearing overhead, during the day or at night, even when the sky is clear.
Well, that just sounds like a pretty powerful lightning mage, to me. What's the big deal about that? Maybe you can ask him for help?
If that were all it was then there wouldn't be any problem! Just shut up and let me explain before I beat your ass into the ground - and don't tell me I couldn't because I don't want to have to physically remind you who it was who tossed you out of the village with your tail between your legs.
Alright, alright! So what's the problem?
We've had small scouting trips to see what's going on so close to home, I've been out there myself. Trees are toppled all over the place, snapped by the base of the trunk, beaten into pulp. Some of the manbeasts also seem to have visited, given their bloodied, unconscious bodies strewn all over the place. We've had tracks come and go of a particularly huge beast, but it disappears almost as soon as the tracks begin.
We're starting to wonder whether something has wandered down from the mountains themselves and started to make a home here.
Last Edit: Sept 24, 2017 20:20:29 GMT by Star Fall
>>41214409 >Being told the situation of the village, Melody does feel concern for the people here. She never had a personal encounter with a Beastkin before but the stories her sister told her... >"They're are powerful beings that have the traits of monsters and can even change into monsters themselves. A truly interesting opponent to face." >She didn't exactly share her elder sister's need to battle, so that just only sounded frightening to her. And they were going to either deal with a whole pack of them or something worse???
... <"Meeeeeeeeeeep!" >As Patrick pats her on the head, she does her best to keep her composer. >Best Mage?! Her!? She's no where close to Patrick or her sister's level! PATRICK WHAT ARE YOU DOING?? PATRICK STOP!!
Don't worry Melissa, we'll do what we can to drive this threat away from the village.
<"I am going to die." >She did put on an expert show of being confident though.
>>41216160 Thank you. The village, and I personally, appreciate the help.
>Naturally she was saying that particular line to Melody and not her hat-clad friend, but regardless of Patrick's old reputation he would definitely be a boon in the combat side of things.
We'll fill you in on the details a little later, for now I think you could use a bit of a rest - you look like you've been travelling a little ways.
Yeah, yeah... you could say that.
>In truth, the reason they looked a little ragged was because they hadn't really been able to properly clean themselves or have more than a couple of meals since the prison escape - Patrick wasn't quite back into top shape yet, and Melody probably hadn't gone this long without a servant providing food for her on a regular basis since she first arrived in Termina.
Well, I'll escort you both inside. Melody, feel free to take your time browsing whatever you like, and Patrick... don't browse anything. In fact, don't touch anything.
>With that, she turned and began to lead them towards the large wooden gate. The buildings and the fenceline had a strange look about them, almost as though it were a strange mix between Terminian and Astrolian design while fitting nicely into the idea of a 'woodland hunting village'. Close to the outside wall was a horse stable for mounted hunts, though horses were an expensive commodity and they couldn't afford many, so only the best riders could claim the right to take one out.
>After that was the wide open space that could be considered the village square, though it was more of a circle really. A decorative wooden pole stood in the centre, boasting the Terminian flag as well as one below it, bearing the crest of the Royal Guard, which was bestowed unto them by General Neige herself in order to let those who would attack the village know that it was under her protection.
Wow, the place is looking even better than last time.
Exactly, so please don't fuck it up again.
Last Edit: Sept 24, 2017 20:26:54 GMT by Star Fall
>>41217720 >Walking inside the village, Melody takes in what details she can. The defences the village had, it's design, there things were placed, and so on.
...
>her eyes fall on the flag pole above the, and she can't help but frown a bit. Seeing the crest of the Royal Gaurd, that meant she wasn't truly out of her sister's reach just yet. The urgency to get out of the kingdom resurfaced, but she refused to abandon this village.
Thank you Melissa.
>At least with some rest and time to think, her and Patick can make a game plan for dealing with the problem.
>>41217740 You're quite welcome, but don't thank me just yet. After all, we'll probably be tossing you into the thick of a mess we just can't quite clean up.
>Despite what she was saying, however, the village looked to be in an alright state, all considered. By the gate were two guard towers that peered just over the edge into the woods, the same was the case on the far side of the village, as well as one each on the east and west sides. The river they'd crossed earlier turned at some point in the forest and came through the village itself, continuing to flow northwards towards Empyrean shores, and all in all the place looked in good condition.
>The path they took walked them through the central plaza where they were met by varying whispers, mostly due to the odd combination of people walking through together. They took a leftward path, moving past the village blacksmith who was far too busy grinding arrowheads to notice them, and beyond him were a few different houses of various shapes and sizes, but a faint foreign influence continued to remain all the while.
The Temple Guardians.
>Patrick's interjection was a quiet one, meant for only Melody to hear. He'd noticed her looking around at practically everything ever, so he figured he'd impart some of his actual usefulness. After all, as brash as Patrick might have been, he was a historian.
Back in the days before the three Kingdoms, Astrolia was filled by a countless number of tribes, each believing and worshipping different ideals. Some you might already know about like the Powder Kegs, who used to be called the Takkir until they invented the combustion bomb and burst out into infamy, or the legendary Dragoons who were formed from the basis of the old Drakenwing tribe before they were absorbed into Astrolia's defences.
The Temple Guardians were one of ancient Astrolia's greatest spiritual leaders, whose sole purpose was to protect and serve what was called the Great Faery Temple. Legends say that these people could harness abilities like those of old druids, that they had a connection to something far greater than themselves. Other's didn't necessarily agree, some wanted to take the temple riches for themselves, but none who tried ever succeeded.
Then, one unfortunate day, a great calamity occurred. Details are scarce on exactly what happened, but it shattered their grand temple to rubble, collapsing all entrances and killing all of the high priests who were in the catacombs at the time. Without their leaders, and without the thing they had sworn to protect, the Temple Guardians scattered across the world, intermingling with the rest of the tribes and, slowly but surely, becoming all but forgotten. They say that the temple still rests in those dangerous lands, hidden away by the curse of time.
It's difficult to know if there are any left, but those with that ancient blood often boast dark hair and pale eyes that some say see more to the world than they should, on occasion. As far as I know, there is only one clan left with that true blood in the entire world, only now they serve as simple hunters and gatherers, doing their best to make ends meet - the people of Kopatsu Village.
What are you whispering about, back there? Try to keep up, we're almost at the Elder's home.
Sorry, sorry! Just pointing out a few places I scorched here and there!
Tch...
Last Edit: Sept 24, 2017 20:33:58 GMT by Star Fall
>>41219586 >As Patrick shares with her the history of this place, and what it was connected too on a grander scale, Melody's eyes widen in awe. Much like a child on their first visit ever to a toy store. This was exactly the sort of thing she wanted to experience on her adventure.
>So Astrolia had that much going on within it's borders? Almost like a repeat of the history of the Three Kingdoms... how was the temple really destroyed? Would it ever be found out? Or was it just looking for someone to find out.
>The lore of the world, the sights, the next sensations and feelings. It was almost hypnotic to listen to and learn about. >It was only when Melissa shouted at Patrick did she actually become aware of the world again.
>>41220609 >It wasn't that much further before, as Melissa had mentioned, they arrived at a particularly large building that served at the home of the village Elders, as well as something of a tribal courthouse. This is where the large feasts were had and celebrations were hosted, so it was more of a communal location than it was the typical 'large Lord's manor' you'd see in most Terminian villages and towns, which made it a very different place culturally than most that fell under the country's rule.
This is my stop for the moment, I need to head inside for a little discussion about your involvement in all this. Meet me here in a few hours and I'll take you to the inn, hopefully I'll have some good news along with this whole mess.
You sure you trust me on my own like this? >Naturally Patrick added a little bit of sarcasm to that statement, but Melissa was ready with a particularly blunt reply.
No, I don't, but given that there aren't any other mages here than both of you and my grandfather, and you're the only one that uses fire, I'm pretty sure I'll know if you fuck something up.
... point taken. So. Guess we'll just go for a wander then.
You do that. Melody, please ensure Mr. Frye doesn't get you or anyone else into some kind of calamity, would you?
Last Edit: Sept 24, 2017 20:41:17 GMT by Star Fall
>>41223970 >With a raised brow at the notion of Patrick being a slave, Melissa gave them a polite nod as she turned toward the gathering hall, opting to take her leave to get it over and done with so some action could actually be taken, rather than the village sitting there and pondering all the while.
>As she disappeared into the building, Patrick opted to step forward, looking across at Melody with his own questioning look.
Slave? Really? You know that I could run at any time and it wouldn't really change my situation, right?
>Folding his arms across his chest, as true as those words were it would make him a pretty ungrateful jerk for doing it, especially since it would leave Melody out in the wilderness all alone. Not only was he the sort to backhandedly slap those who helped him out, he was also the sort to keep the promises he made.
I guess you do have those wishes. Which actually technically makes me one of those Genies. Too bad you can't put me in a bottle, huh?
>>41231688 >The girl chuckles at Patrick responds to her comments.
Hey, you've gotten to gloat for how long now? Let me have my quips here in that. And you could run, but you'd feel guilty wouldn't you?
>A bit of fun at his expense, good natured fun, not like when she's mocking stuffy noblemen. Patrick's been good to her so far after all. The remark about genies though makes her hum in thought.
And well it doesn't have to be a bottle, I've read a comical story about one being sealed in a soup can instead. Probably other ways to do it too like saaaaaaaay... Chains or leather straps? You've had personal experience with those, seemed to work to keep you where you were right?
>Until she set him free that is. Though as fun as bantering with him would be, they should tend to other things while Melissa is busy.
Anyway, wanna get set some supplies and such while we wait?
>Though she wasn't' sure what to get for this particular venture, but food and water were always a must.
>>41232090 >Chains and leather straps?! Just what did this girl read in her spare time? And what was all this assuming he knew about that sort of thing!? Had he taken to adventuring unbeknownst with a pervert of some description? Not to mention the fact that she was far too young!
... just stick to the soup can. Please. For my sanity.
>Thankfully she dropped the topic as quickly as it came, so either it wasn't something she was thinking particularly hard about or there were other things on her mind. Either way, it was a welcome change and it motioned on towards his own pans for this little escapade anyhow.
Actually, for now I've got some plans to turn you into the person those people actually think you are. After all, you're a proud member of the two most powerful mages in the village!
Which was probably a lie. I've got a feeling the old man could out-duel you right now whilst suffering from horrendous arthritis and a dodgy hip.
>>41232097 >She had a inkling that he misinterpreted what she meant by that. Being the goof he was, she shouldn't have been surprised by that. >Though that train of thought went out the window when Patrick mentioned the whole "Two most powerful mages" shtick again. At first she sputters indignantly when he says that the village elder could beat her in a magic duel.
T-that's not--
....
.................
Yeah, you're probably right...
>She sighs in defeat. For all the all the talent and power and figure her sister had, Melody had none of it. All she'd be able to do in that situation is pelt him with pelt him with snow and hope it got his arthritis to act up enough to surrender.
...How are you even going to do that anyway?
>She tried over the years to get better with her magic, but never seemed to work at all. She always came up short of actually doing anything significant.