On entry into Halloween, it would appear that Lora is performing 'L*ne Digger' from atop the fountain. Also, the sky is purple. [Daily Candy]! Things are definitely lively, all that I can see is a moshpit of creatures dancing and having a great time~ Taking my favorite (Hob)Goblin King by the arm, I pulled him in deeper through the crowds until I found them. Cycleo, Trudy, Gillie, Edgar, Rosa, Wendel, Wilson, and Wolrietta are all dancing in a group… So we joined along, and enjoyed the performance together.
Cycleo's got some moves… It's no wonder that the girls still flock to him after all this time. He can literally spin around on one finger, as if he himself were the basketball… It's breathtaking. When the song finished, Cetilla and Penny took to the stage and began to perform 'Wonderland (My name is *lice)'. Like always, the start of the song was slow; giving us all time necessary to be mesmerized by their entrance into the scene. Cetilla was floating there above us all with her head facing the ground; her hair covering her face entirely as Penny serenaded us with her sweet melodies. When the beat kicked in, Cetilla abruptly lifted her head; causing her hair to get whipped straight back before she started to dance mid-air as she sang. The crowd? Ate it up like a five course meal.
"She's going to be the star Bandswoman if things keep up…" [Cycleo] muttered with an eye wide.
"...What?" [Wendel] shot back while suddenly beginning to twitch.
"Well, on the other hand… You definitely dazzled us with your surprise entrance into 'I Put a Sp*ll On You'~" [Cycleo] nervously laughed. To which, Wendel slowly nodded her head as she squinted while glaring at the performance.
"Really? I thought that Nero's part was..." [Rosa] let out with a baffled expression before quickly noticing Wendel's gaze and falling silent.
"Ahahahaa… Gotta go." [Nero] laughed weakly before dragging Roah away once again.
Ahh… Vana's coming up meow. She's going to perform 'Pr*blems'. I can tell. She's definitely not walking up there to play 'I Want C*ndy'. She's got a different vibe to her right now. She's simply standing up there, alone… Cozied up by her wings... Probably holding the microphone in her hands beneath them, while glaring off into the distance… It's 'Pr*blems'. Knew it. The very same moment that she began to sing, her wings extended to show off the intense vibrant colors… And many spectators suddenly began raising Candles… Eh?!
"...Are we selling Candles now or something?" [Nero] shuddered with eyes wide as he began to sit atop of a roof.
"No… But it's begun to be noted across Reygid that your symbol is that of the fire in a Lantern. Perhaps… Local vendors have tried selling Candles with the intent being for citizens to show faith in Allwe when they arrive at your festivals?" [Roah] remarked with a look of uncertainty.
"...I don't know how to feel about this." [Nero] let out as he glared at the lights spontaneously erupting amid the crowd, lighting up the grounds of the usually gloomy Town.
"Take it as a win~" [Roah] sighed.
"Want a drink?" [Nero] offered while beginning to zone out.
"Sure~" [Roah] laughed.
And so, we drank our hearts out as we witnessed perhaps… The very first sign that Reygid was beginning to recognize us as their hope. It was strange… I mean, we've had cheers and applause; but people going out of their way in advance to show us their faith? This feels… New. Brand new. Some of these Candles must be of a pretty high quality, I mean… They're not getting blown out as the creatures dance. Yes, some creatures are actually dancing with their Candles; but most are just swaying them back and forth with a hand held high. Interestingly enough… I'm one of the few people here that doesn't actually possess a Candle. My Lantern quite frankly doesn't need one… This is nice, but I'm beginning to want one for myself.
When the song ended and some of the flames began to disappear from sight, I decided that it was time to introduce our prized songs. I'll kick things off with 'Fr*ak', I'll name all of our newfound Monster Knights… We'll have Conrad and Luna play their brand new bangers, and finally; I'll perform 'Cent*ries'... Before I attempt to gamble. I doubt that I'll win, but I can't possibly sit idly by while someone else claims the title of Safari Card King. I shan't! But then again… Benji still needs me for his performance. Okay… The 'Thr*ller' comes first. Always.
"...What's Renjuoko's brother's name?" [Nero] begged the question while seeming lost in thought.
"It's Renli." [Roah] enlightened the Halloween Cat with a smile.
Barrel in tow, I stumbled up onto the stage; causing the crowd to fall silent. Not a moment later, the beats kicked in; Miscare tossed me a microphone... And Benji took to my shoulder. Game face. Scarecrows lined up behind me in a pyramid formation, and we danced our way through the crowds; forcing many to back up… Until finally, Benji screamed into the microphone… Sending chills down my spine. He's so good at this… I still don't understand why it was necessary for me tag along, the crowd would've loved it either way; but I'm having a good time. Vivian, Edward, and Robert all joined in to swirl around me as I danced, and at the end; they even shrieked alongside the beloved Benji as I held him high enough for the crowd to see. As I raised my hand, the roar from the crowd was absolutely deafening; so I guess that it was a success?
"Hello everyone~ I'd like to thank you once more for taking the time from your night to partake in our festivities. Judging by the skies, our night may have ended already; but we're still a long way from being done here. Before we continue with our fun, I'd like to take a few moments to introduce you all to some new faces around our Wailing Keep. Starting with the Monster Knights, we have a few new unofficial members choosing not to commit their lives to the Monster Knights; yet are still staying here with us for the foreseeable future… Grollicus, the Twisted Treant Prince… Penelope, the Pixie… Renjuoko and his brother, Renli; the Snow Elves of the Eva Clan… and Gayle Aldermune, hopefully; the future Countess of Vanheim. Next are creatures choosing to stay with the Monster Knights, as Monster Knights… We have a formerly lost Goblin, Goruta… A Mousekin Woodworker Scientist from Monastazia, Morris… From Reygid, the young Armadillkin Idol Candy Woman; Edith…From Nidallia, a Sable Ferretkin Knight, Ferrekin… And his daughter, the Chef; Ferreka… The Human Knights, Leeroy and Jenkins… The young Human boy Tannis and his mother; Mereeda… The Human Farmer, Willis… The Human Bard, Melodi… And last but not least, two young Mousekin coming from Monastazia; Leah and Jorn. Coming to fight by my side as Halloween Clans(wo)men, we have the Arachne Skald; Arrakanna… Four of the original Crimson Slayers who have been Cursed by Vampirism; Ritchie the Bounty Hunter Street Fighter, George the Mercenary Wizard Hunter, Serena the Finder of Lost Things Bomb Dancer, and Minny the Carrier Navigator… The two Drarke Skeleton Street Fighters, Drani and Dreni… And the two Drarke Banshees, Brani and Breni." [Nero] exclaimed with a grin as he pointed to each of the individuals. To which, the crowd seemed happy.
When the applause finally died down, I began to perform 'Fr*ak'. It went exactly as intended, except I think that Wendel forced Penny into manipulating time when she sang. It was fine… I mean, she really just made her parts stand out a whole lot more on account of everyone having a better chance to truly marvel at her vocal mastery... It didn't negatively affect the song in any way... But I would've preferred a heads up~ When the song finished, I kept the stage until the crowd died down; and made my next announcement.
"With the help of all these new creatures joining the Monster Knights, and with the help of each bloodline consisting of Reygid's Nobility… We hope to continue staving off both the Tides of Tragedy, and the Mummy Mansion indefinitely. Thanks to the support of the nobility, to ensure that we never fail in our quest of keeping both this City and continent safe… We have decided to begin hiring capable Monster Knights of varying strength. The new Monster Knights can choose to be paid in Coins, but will lack both the higher quality food and lodgings that other Monster Knights find themselves blessed with. Unpaid Monster Knights will be granted free access to armor and weapons of the highest standard offerable by this great Kingdom… While paid Monster Knights will still be granted access to armor at a discount. All Monster Knights will be given the highest priority for healing magics when wounded… And they will be partially resurrected from death should they fail in their duty to protect these lands and the creatures inhabiting them. Until all of the Dungeons plaguing this continent have been defeated, the Monster Knights will continue to fight. To help me in leading them as well as to help me with handling night to night affairs, I have chosen two highly capable Clans(wo)men. They've been by my side for quite some time, I have no doubt that many of you have met them or perhaps, had your hearts stolen by them... Not only can they both raise armies of their own, they're incredibly gifted individuals in their own right. I present to you, Conrad; the Crowliphistador Aerial Reaper King… And Luna Pratz, the Vampire Unholy Priestess." [Nero] exclaimed with a wry smile before gesturing toward the Crowliphistador swooping down from out of nowhere, while carrying Luna Pratz by his talons; allowing her to act as though she were flying beneath him.
And so… The first song that they chose was 'E.*'. It was a song for Conrad and Vana, except Luna was on stage… It was a little strange considering that I introduced them together even though they had no reason to arrive together… But it worked out. Vana began to sing from a nearby rooftop, kicking off the song. Everyone's eyes shifted to her, but I knew better. I kept glancing at the stage. As this happened, Luna casually skipped away; leaving Conrad to handle his solo by himself. The song wound up being amazing, and the moment that it ended… Conrad flew up into the air, dispersed into dozens of Crowliphistae; and then his wings formed a cocoon… Mid-air. He just… Stopped moving, without needing to continue flapping. He's literally still there, and meow Luna's like half-way through 'Glory and G*re'. The entire time, the Crowliphistae swirl around her; and the Vampire Knights keep trying to steal her attention as she frivolously walks around the fountain… Wonderful. Especially Betty and Becky's guest appearances… They came in to support Luna as backup singers, and it was seamless because they only ever appeared from within her. It was actually pretty interesting. Betty and Becky positioned themselves to be directly in the same place as Luna, and mirrored her movements almost perfectly. The result? It appeared as though Luna had a real-time delay; as if reality simply couldn't keep up with her. When she stopped… It was still trippy, and she seemed blurry… Making it impossible to attain a perfect glance at her. Seamless.
When she had finished her song, Conrad unraveled his wings as the Crowliphistae returned to him… Before disappearing from sight completely as Wendel began to sing alongside Hugo. It's 'L*vely'. I knew he'd be amazing at it… His voice is just way too underrated. And woop, there it is… The Candles have made another appearance. Even though Conrad, Vana, Luna, and the Vampire Knights worked so hard to steal the show… Wendel's always going to have the greatest voice. There's nothing that we can do to stop her meow, she's far too powerful. The emotion that she pours into each verse… It's unrivaled. That damned Weeping Angel!
"You know what you need to do right?" [Ben] scoffed. To which, he received no immediate response.
"...It's never been so clear." [Nero] grumbled as the song ended. To which, a particular Wolfenrine's snarl could be heard in the distance as a Pixie began to chant...
"Da-da-da-duh-duh… Da-da-da-duh-duh-duh...Da-da-da-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh…" [Penny] muttered while swirling around Nero as Ben casually held a microphone out into his direction.
"Some legends are told… Some turn to dust or to gold… But you will remember me!~ Remember me, for centuries!~" [Nero] began to sing from atop the roof as the Skeletons surrounding the house slowly slammed their arms into the ribcages in complete and total harmony.
"...And just one mistake… Is all it will take…" [Nero] sang with a low tone of voice as the Bands(wo)men all began to clap… Signaling even the crowds to begin clapping.
"We'll go down in history!~ Remember me for centuries~" [Nero] screamed before taking a stand. To which, Penny chimed in alongside several other Bands(wo)men as the Scarecrows began thrashing their stalks into the ground.
"Heeeyy… Yeah~ Oh hey~ Heeeyy… Yeah~" [Penny & Bands(wo)men] sang loudly, filling the Town with their voices.
"Remember me... For centuries!" [Nero] screamed before leaping onto his Broom and soaring through the skies, being joined by dozens of Banshees, Phantasms, Crows, and Bats.
"...Mummified my teenage dreams! No, it's nothing wrong with me! The kids are all wrong, the stories are off, heavy metal broke my…" [Nero] screamed before turning to Molag Dregora with a grin.
"HEART!" [Molag Dregora] roared before sending Shadow Balls flying off into various directions.
"Come on, come on and let me in… The bruises on your thighs are my fingerprints, and this is supposed to match… The darkness that you felt… I never meant for you to fix yourSELF!~" [Nero] screamed before roaring as he slowly began to descend closer to the fountain.
"Da-da-da-duh-duh… Da-da-da-duh-duh-duh...Da-da-da-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh…" [Penny & Bands(wo)men] muttered while Nero descended and continued in his roaring until his and all other sounds were finally drowned out for a split moment…
"Some legends are told… Some turn to dust or to gold… But you will remember me!~ Remember me, for centuries!~" [Nero] began to sing from atop the Fountain as the Skeletons slowly began slamming their arms against their ribcages in total harmony once more.
"...And just one mistake… Is all it will take…" [Nero] sang with a low tone of voice as he grabbed Cetilla's hand from amid the crowd.
"We'll go down in history!~ Remember me for centuries~" [Nero & Cetilla] screamed before breaking out into a dance atop the fountain. To which, the crowd sang for them...
"Heeeyy… Yeah~ Oh hey~ Heeeyy… Yeah~" [Crowd] sang with vigor while Nero and Cetilla danced around the fountain.
"Remember me... For centuries!" [Nero & Cetilla] screamed before the two ran into the crowd.
"And I can't stop 'til the whole world knows my name… 'Cause I was only born inside my dreams… Until you die for me, as long as there's a light; my shadow's over you 'cause I-I am the opp-o-site of am-nesiuuUHHHH…" [Nero & Cetilla] screamed as they walked around through the crowds, trying to touch as many of the spectator's hands as they could before stopping at a nearby house's ladder as they took a sharp breath.
"And you're a cherry blossom! You're about to bloom! You look so pretty but you're gone so SOON!~" [Nero & Cetilla] sang while climbing the ladder together.
"Da-da-da-duh-duh… Da-da-da-duh-duh-duh...Da-da-da-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh…" [Everyone] chanted as they watched the pair playfully help each-other climb the ladder.
"Some legends are told… Some turn to dust or to gold… But you will remember me!~ Remember me, for centuries!~" [Nero] began to sing as the Skeletons slowly began to slam their arms into their ribcages yet again; only this time… Were joined by the stomping feet of at least 5000 creatures.
"...And just one mistake… Is all it will take…" [Nero] sang with a low tone of voice as he finally reached the top of the ladder and extended an arm down for Cetilla to take.
"We'll go down in history!~ Remember me for centuries~" [Cetilla] screamed as she took Nero's hand and hoisted herself up the ladder.
"Heeeyy… Yeah~ Oh hey~ Heeeyy… Yeah~" [Everyone] roared.
"Remember me... For centuries!" [Everyone] screamed as Nero and Cetilla roamed the rooftop, hand picking a few of the seated creatures to take a stand of their own.
"We've been here forever!~ And here's... The frozen proof~ I could scream forever!~ We are… The poisoned youth~" [Nero, Cetilla, Roah, Conrad, Luna, Molag Dregora, Wendel, Vana, Hugo, Miscare, and Mescarga] sang while gesturing around to the nearby houses adorning the Town before the ensemble finally took a bow.
...Crushed it. Cetilla ripped me into her song... So obviously; I'm going to rip her into mine. It's only fair. We had another chorus, but we totally just all sang it together; the best part about it? Cetilla and myself were both floating above the crowd throughout the entire part~ I had grabbed her by the hand, and pulled her down off the roof; and into the crowd. We were laying down, being carried by the hands of a thousand strangers... And I felt my butt get CUPPED 8 times. Not squeezed, not pinched... Cupped. To be precise; there were 27 pinches and 15 squeezes... But the 8 cuppings really got me. I couldn't figure out why so many people preferred pinches over cuppings and squeezes; and why exactly cuppings were so low on the totem pole of unprovoked sexual assault. In my opinion, a cupping is a delicate way of saying that you're into someone while also saying that you know you'll probably never get with them. A squeeze is more of an attempt at actually getting with them... And a pinch is a respectable means of saying the exact same thing, or just a flat out joke. I just.... Why wouldn't more people want to get with this?! Also, only ONE dick grabbing?! Are you kidding me?! I'm supposed to be a freaking rockstar, damn it! When the crowd finally died down, Milton took to the stage and began to perform 'F*lse Alarm'. A wonderful new song to take things away from our little propaganda moment~ When it ended, we who were seated at that particular rooftop all decided to take swigs of our barrels until someone threw up. The loser would be deemed the least capable of attaining the Booze Mongerer title. Surprisingly, Wendel was the first to gag. Something about not having anywhere for the booze to go… But I think that was just an elegant excuse. Far too convenient, wouldn't you say; Wendel?
"I can't help it… I'm not as hollow and empty as the rest of you~ I've got ambition!" [Wendel] shot back while wiping the alcohol off of her lips.
"...That was a solid comeback… Befitting of a Golem, I guess~" [Cetilla] laughed.
"I don't know… A little too stone-cold if you ask me~" [Wolrietta] chimed in with a smirk.
"Eh… We could use some reliably sturdy roads for this journey… I just hope she doesn't crack come winter time~" [Nero] sighed with a grin.
"...Are you insinuating that you'd walk all over me during this journey? I won't be your next Penny~" [Wendel] shot back while raising an eyebrow.
"Penny wouldn't survive a single footstep…" [Roah] stifled a laugh.
"I wonder what kind of song a Pixie makes when they're squished…" [Molag Dregora] muttered while seemingly deep in thought.
"No." [Nero] shot back with a terrified expression.
"Okay…" [Molag Dregora] sighed.
"Cetilla, did you get a chance to meet Draconicolia-Chrilipsilys?" [Miscare] begged the question while scratching his hay.
"She was horribly tempered, and held way too much power." [Cetilla] confessed with a bright smile.
"...So it went good?" [Nero] chimed in with eyes wide.
"Uh-Obviously? She promised me that we'd duel at least once a month." [Cetilla] shot back with a wry smile.
"Really?! She promised me twice a month!" [Conrad] gasped.
"Yeah, she offered me three times; but I decided to be responsible and save more of my mana for what really matters~" [Cetilla] explained while seeming quite proud of herself.
"Oh, your duels with Grollicus?" [Conrad] sighed. To which, Cetilla's eyes widened for a split moment.
"Pfft… I only did that once or twice, just for fun~" [Cetilla] shot back while raising an eyebrow.
"Hey everyone~ What are we talking about?" [Orianna] begged the question with a gleaming expression as she climbed the ladder with a Fish stick held in her mouth
"Just Cetilla's dueling obsession~" [Molag Dregora] explained as the flames in his eyes suddenly grew brighter.
"I would hardly call it an obsession…" [Cetilla] shot back with eyes wide.
"Oh, so did you want to cancel on tomorrow night then…?" [Orianna] begged the question while tilting her head to the side.
"A duel between you and I tomorrow? I must have forgotten all about it~" [Cetilla] nervously laughed.
"Oh… It's fine to cancel then." [Orianna] sighed while shrugging her shoulders.
"No! If you want to duel with me tomorrow, then I'm totally up for it." [Cetilla] exclaimed while patting Orianna on the shoulder.
"Wait, hold up… You're having a duel with Orianna tomorrow too?! I thought… I thought it was just going to be the two of us…" [Rei] muttered with a dejected expression.
"Rei! I can still help you train tomorrow, even with Orianna's duel! Don't worry about it, I'll sweep the floor with her in minutes." [Cetilla] reassured the upset Tier 1 Catkin Banshee, while absolutely infuriating the Lionesskin Queen.
Wow… What an absolute trainwreck. Okay… So, Cetilla has a dueling problem. It's been confirmed. Honestly, I had no idea about the issue… But I'd believe it in an instant, with or without this shitshow unveiling before my very eyes. Cetilla and Orianna went into full on fight mode, but the festival's still going on. It just has… Better visuals meow. I've placed a Barrier surrounding the two of them as they fight atop a house… But the Barrier might be for show. Listen… It protects against attacks, but I don't think it protects people OUTSIDE of the Barrier. It's a faux Barrier, but it's fine. Cetilla's sticking to Wind Punches and horizontal Air Slices. Orianna's sticking to defensive measures. It's fine.
Orianna's able to protect herself in a bundle of thorny Vines. She can also grow pink rose flowers from those Vines, and it's sending me Reygid vibes. All across Reygid, especially toward the location of the previous Castle… There were Vines enveloping several buildings, and even making some roads unpassable. The Vines are still a very notable trait of Reygid as a City, they cover a lot of it; but the heart of the vines was at the old Castle. It's strange because while the Vines definitely burned alongside the mostly stone Castle, the Vines actually burned slower. Those Vines are less flammable than stone, considering that the fire didn't spread through them. The only parts of the Vines that actually burned to a crisp were the parts nearest to the castle, while the rest remained mostly intact. Now that I'm witnessing first hand the type of magic that Orianna uses, it makes sense. The family of Reygid's most well learned form of magic must be the creation of these Pink Rose Vines. One of her ancestors, or perhaps several of them used their magic to conjure the Pink Rose Vines that adorn Reygid, but there must be a reason…
It can't solely be for defense, because the Vines don't necessarily protect Reygid from anything. The Vines are so inconveniently placed that they literally block roads. We have freaking bridges and underpasses JUST to allow carriages passage through them. I suppose that if every single freaking building in Reygid was obliterated, the Vines could act as miniature walls to hide behind… Or if a side of it was overrun by monsters, then we could perhaps divide the city by using the Vines as our new border to defend… But there must be another reason. I can't imagine that one of Orianna's ancestors planned such a basic failsafe for the event that a vast majority of the City were lost. I need to ask her.
Unsurprisingly, Cetilla defeated Orianna. It was only a matter of time, as she was sticking to defensive measures… But she managed to hold out for several minutes; so I guess she proved her point? She seems to think so~ The crowd loved the show too, so it's really no harm; no foul.
"Orianna~ May I have a word with you?" [Nero] begged the question with a smile.
"...We shouldn't have fought in the middle of the festival. I sincerely apologize." [Orianna] exclaimed while bowing her head.
"Nahh… I don't care about the duel~ Please come." [Nero] sighed before taking a swig of his barrel.
"...What is it?" [Orianna] asked after coming to a stop near the edge of the Town.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"...Those Vines that you use." [Nero] muttered while glaring off toward one of the four monstrosities guarding his Town.
"What about them?" [Orianna] shot back with a bewildered voice.
"...They cover the entire City of Reygid. It's my belief that your ancestors conjured them, but I'm at a loss as to the purpose of having them." [Nero] explained with a dazed expression as he studied the monster's dance moves.
"...Those Vines are not mine." [Orianna] remarked.
"Do you know who they belonged to, or anything about them for that matter?" [Nero] begged the question while turning to face the Lionesskin Queen.
"...Rudius Reygid discovered the ability around 4100 years ago… It was such a powerful ability that not only did it kill him to cast it, but it also killed the two Holiday Clan Leaders who helped him do it… And it has both blessed and cursed my family to this very day. Those Vines embody all three of their very lives, and a great many more who had followed them. It was a great tragedy… Why do you want to know more about them?" [Orianna] explained with a disturbed expression.
"...Wow. I'd never try and replicate something that would kill me, or you for that matter… But what do the Vines do?" [Nero] asked with a serious look in his eyes.
"Well, as long as you don't want me to reproduce the ones you burned...In ancient times, we used the Vines to protect us against Dungeons. We lived in Mushrooms, the Mushrooms rarely grew taller than the Vines… Monsters would climb the Vines and fall directly back down onto Spears awaiting them, or would then need to traverse the maze while seeking their prey. Thanks to the Vines forming long walls, we were able to ambush enemies far easier than before… It worked out. Since adapting to lifestyle with taller buildings, we've abandoned those tactics and now take the fight to them. Do you think it's time to use the Vines again?" [Orianna] explained while seeming somewhat intrigued.
"...Okay, but really? All that they do is offer a wall?" [Nero] shot back while seeming quite unimpressed. To which, Orianna sighed.
"They're the Vines of Virtue. In bloom, they shoulder the Petals of Diligence. With each fallen Petal, a nearby soul is empowered to continue trying to survive. When every Petal has fallen, the Thorns of Pride will replace them… Protecting us long enough to make our stand. If the Vines are completely cut off from the Wailing Keep, then they'll all wilt and never grow back." [Orianna] explained with a tired expression before taking a sip of her bottle.
"...Wait, what? The Wailing Keep? The Vines aren't even attached to the Wailing Keep…" [Nero] shot back while raising an eyebrow.
"Incorrect. While you may have burned a large portion of the Vines connecting to the old Castle, you missed one. Just barely. It's quite damaged, but it's holding on. Vana's been spending some time every day to try and help me heal it, so has Grollicus." [Orianna] explained with a weak smile.
"...Grollicus can use Healing magic?" [Nero] shot back with eyes wide.
"His idea of healing is to wrap the wound in roots as an added reinforcement." [Orianna] sighed with an exhausted expression.
"Bet he'd make a great cast…" [Nero] muttered.
"A what?" [Orianna] begged the question with a baffled look in her eyes.
"Nevermind. Do you think we'll need the Vines?" [Nero] asked while raising an eyebrow.
"Mreh… I figured that you'd just hire some people~" [Orianna] sighed.
"Alright, well; thanks for the information. Would've appreciated it sooner~" [Nero] sighed.
"Could've asked sooner~" [Orianna] shot back with a smile before walking away.
"Hey Nero, do you have a moment?" [Renjuoko] asked while dragging his brother and mother along behind him.
"Sure, what do you need?" [Nero] replied with a smile.
"I wanted to tell you that I've decided to join the Monster Knights in lieu of your saving my mother." [Renjuoko] declared before bowing. To which, his mother glared at him with eyes wide.
"This is unacceptable!" [Renjulia] angrily exclaimed before breaking free from his grip and ripping her son's head back up.
"Mom... I want to be a Monster Knight! Please bite me." [Renjuoko] requested with a determined expression.
"You would risk your life to protect southerners?!" [Renjulia] shot back while seeming quite upset.
"Their goal is to save the entire continent. That includes the north." [Renjuoko] replied with a snide expression.
"Don't talk back to me. You will fight in the north, and that is final. I'm sorry to have wasted your time." [Renjulia] exclaimed before turning to face the Halloween Cat, bowing; and grabbing her two sons by their shoulders. To which, Renjuoko broke free and jumped behind Nero.
"Renjulia, I enjoy your company; your family and people are welcome here… But it would seem that one of those individuals has decided to devote their life to my cause. You and I aren't very well acquainted, but allow me to make a quick little explanation on the issue at hand. I protect free will. If someone wishes to leave, then I shall help them do so. If someone wishes to stay, then I shall help them do so. If it isn't by my own doing… Then there are to be no creatures of any kind being dragged in or out of my domain. So… Think about your next choices carefully, and remove your hand from the boy's shoulder." [Nero] chimed in while gripping down onto his Broom and Lantern as the flames in his eyes began to burn more violently. To which, Renjulia's face twisted into a look of hate.
"You would dare to stand between me and my kin?" [Renjulia] asked as frost began to permeate from her fists, still clutching to Renli.
"If they asked me to, then by all means~" [Nero] shot back with a grin as the flames in his Lantern burst out around him.
"Renjulia. Stand down." [Luna] beckoned with a look of disgust as she glared down at the scene from a nearby rooftop beside Molag Dregora. To which, Renjulia's face immediately stiffened… And she knelt down onto her knees.
...Wait, what?! Luna can control minds?!
"She can't refuse me without struggle… When you've bestowed me with even greater power, she'll have no chance at all~" [Luna] confessed while seeming quite uninterested with the entire affair.
"...Twisted bitch." [Renjulia] grumbled as sweat profusely dripped down her forehead. To which, Molag Dregora choked.
"Excuse me, rat? What the fuck did I just hear you say? Don't forget… I made you. Without me, you'd still be bedridden and your sons would be selling themselves for a quick Coin… Be thankful that you've been graced with my presence. Leave my sight, and lightly stake yourself every time you deign to even think about crossing me or my Master~" [Luna] sneered before manically laughing alongside Molag Dregora. To which, Renjulia fled… And the two of them totally gave each other high-fives afterwards.
Luna… When was she tainted?! Just when… WHEN, JANUS?! WHO DID THIS TO HER?! My sweet, innocent… Luna… I've never been so deeply disturbed. Okay, never mind~ There have definitely been some worse moments… But this is still up there! It's like my idol slashed her goodie girl image and went boss-bitch before my very eyes in a matter of minutes! I don't know how to feel, okay?! Luna can control her subjects! She can control them to an even more intense degree than me, and I had no idea. I've been shoveling her all of these powerful creatures, and she's been silently adding to her roster of minions… Minions who often are also technically contracted to me! It's like… She has an even deeper hold on some of my Clansmen than I do! Luna! Be respectful with your power! Also... This might have something to do with the reason as to why some Vampires dont seem to want to become my Clans(wo)men. They wake up an immortal, realize that they've been deceived into having an eternal Master; Luna Pratz... And then get asked if they want to also serve her Master for an eternity as well? Yikes.
But really… How could I possibly play the 'lets turn Reygid into Vampires' card now?! If it's just going to mean that Luna Pratz gets an unbreakable hold over an entire Kingdom… I can't do it. It's highly unethical, and dangerous. An entire Kingdom of bloodthirsty Vampires genuinely bound by one person's whims. No room for refusal without physical pain, and absolutely no hope for refusal without immense power. Dangerous. Luna just might be the most dangerous of all my Clanswomen… And she's the god damned healer! Her greatest obstacle on the way to unrivaled power would be the poor location. This Kingdom would be terrible for thousands of Vampires to avoid sunlight in. It's a farming nation… Most of it is outside. On the other hand, after turning them… They'd have no need for regular food, and would be forced to migrate elsewhere… Preferably somewhere more shady. The Demon Kingdom would probably be ideal… They could totally ask Victor for a hookup on the freaking captive bloodbags… But god damn. I wouldn't want to leave this continent in such a state. Orpia could only feed them for so long before a civil war would erupt between those protecting the Vampires and those being fed off of. They'd need two Kingdoms at the very least. The Orc Mountains also sound somewhat shady, considering that most of the Orcs reside inside of the Mountains and not in the Canyons beside them… But how many Orcs are even left? I doubt that there are many, as there are only a few hundred here~
"Hey, halfblood~" [Sherenah] slurred as she drunkenly stumbled toward the Halloween Cat.
"How's your night?" [Nero] asked with a smile before taking a swig of his barrel.
"The booze are good… And I like Fish." [Sherenah] groaned before taking a stand beside the Halloween Cat and joining him in his glare out into the depths of Halloween.
"...What are we looking at?" [Sherenah] grumbled while seeming somewhat frustrated.
"You see that big shadow thing over there? It's one of four creatures protecting this Town from other Halloween Cats and their Clans(wo)men… But I've never actually introduced myself to any of them." [Nero] explained while pointing his Broom toward the colossal beast in the distance.
"Oooohh… Yeah I see it! Do you want to go and invite it to the party?" [Sherenah] asked with an excited laugh.
"I heard that they don't really talk… But they dance all the time, even without music." [Nero] remarked while staring at the creature.
"Who cares?! I want to get a better look at it, let's go!" [Sherenah] exclaimed while getting onto her Broom.
"...You see the size of that thing? You aren't the least bit frightened of it?" [Nero] shot back with eyes wide.
"Well… You said that they were here to protect us, right? Why would they care if we introduced ourselves?" [Sherenah] asked while seeming quite certain in herself.
"Very well~ Let's go." [Nero] sighed as he got onto his Broom and began to follow the Flame Witch.
On approach… The creature is… It's like a Drake, but it's purple… And has orange bone spikes protruding down it's spine, all the way up to it's forehead. Unlike a Drake… It has a mane of violet fur, and it also has similar… Smaller manes on the wrists, or where the wrists should be~ On the outer side of the wrist manes, are blades. Blades protruding from violet manes literally attached to the massive monster's arm-nubs… The ankles also have manes, but I think they may be more of a fashion statement. The legs aren't nubs with blades protruding from them, there are massive chicken-like; scaly toes with… Blade talons. I'm pretty sure that my entire body is as large as one of its' absolutely dazzling eyes. They're deep, purple eyes… But when they dilate, they can stare into your soul. I've felt it myself; gotten lost in it a few times… But I've been able to find my way back; thank Janus.
"Nero… Why is it staring at us…? I've got a bad feeling about this…" [Sherenah] muttered with a terrified expression.
"Hello, my name is Nero Miki… I'm the Halloween Cat living in this Town. Thank you for your continued protection." [Nero] exclaimed with a smile.
"WHO…" [Massive Mane Drake] roared as it leaned down closer.
"My friend, Sherenah. She means no har-" [Nero] explained with a calm expression before realizing that Sherenah had already began to flee the moment that she heard the roar.
Not an instant later, I noticed that one of the spikes on the Mane Drake's head was shining brightly before it went soaring through the skies… Leaving a trail of orange mist in it's path. It flew so quickly, that I couldn't really see it… But I heard it. The impact, anyways~ It was incredibly loud, and screaming shortly followed. Sighing, I took a moment to go and see just what wrath the Mane Drake had brought down upon us for disturbing it's dance. When I arrived at the Town, I quickly noticed that the orange spike had exploded on impact, because it was nowhere to be found; but Sherenah was very clearly laying on top of a Porcupinekin in pain directly beside the Hallowed Gate… So it makes sense. She nearly escaped, but she got hit and it exploded… She fell, landed on the Porcupinekin… A few overdramatic Flamingokins were almost hit by the falling Witch… Plus Veronica Vellisroi was on the scene, so obviously a few screams were heard; the case is closed.
"Research indicates… Absolutely nothing happened. The festival may resume as planned." [Nero] declared. To which, a round of applause was heard; and everyone got on with their night.
"Nero!~ Yet again… You've found a way to save my life. How will I ever repay you?" [Veronica Vellisroi] begged the question with a flamboyant expression before sipping from a flask.
"...Please, remind me about when I have ever saved your life?" [Nero] shot back with a tired expression.
"Ohhh, don't be so modest! You know exactly what I mean~" [Veronica] laughed.
"...Amuse me~" [Nero] sighed.
"Oh, well… You certainly saved me just a little while ago; when you helped me get the premium Bath Towel… Had I shown up to the last Women's Club meeting without one, I would've died of embarrassment the very moment that Leyla walked in the door~" [Veronica] confessed before nodding her head.
"Fine… What do you want again?" [Nero] grumbled.
"Oh don't be rude… Let's talk somewhere with a little bit more… Privacy." [Veronica] muttered while looking around for a nearby door.
...Why do I not want to be in a house alone with Veronica Vellisroi? OH! Yeah, that's right… She freaking felt me up that time when I got her the Bath Towel! Wait… We literally just talked about the Bath Towel incident… Does this mean… Veronica Vellisroi, super hot A1 Catkin MILF of the highest breed in Reygid wants to… Get with me? And have an affair… With Roy Vellisroi? Dude might be weaker than me, but he's absolutely ripped; I've seen it ALL first-paw… AND he makes way more Coin than me. On the other hand, he's the one who married into the family… So technically, SHE makes way more Coin than me; right? They're definitely the breadwinners… But I have a better outlook. I'm like a Messiah to some, or at least a pretty decent guy~ I'm running their Kingdom to some extent, okay? I'm taking a very laidback approach, but we're doing stuff.
I can't lie… I've considered it. Getting in bed with the Vellisroi's could be a good move for my future. It wouldn't only strengthen my ties to Reygid, it would solidify them. It's common knowledge that at least one Vellisroi has had a paw in running this Kingdom since the dawn of time… The people here know this, and they respect it. If a Vellisroi's in the mix, then it'll probably work out… But those tales also state that the Vellisroi's were merely helping the Reygids handle it all. Genuinely… By all accounts, Orianna is the best course for a wife… But a Lionesskin...? It's unclear if a Lionesskin could even give me a Halloween Catkin child. It could very easily just become some other type of Feline Halloween Clans(wo)men… But then again, it's still my child. I also probably have a Halloween Sealionkin child on the way… If my seed is actually as potent as the Allwessistant Dott claimed~ Wait… Was I using my [Barrier] while I screwed Sealina?! I can't remember… UGH!
Welp… I've been catnapped. Veronica successfully led me into a nearby house, and we're now sitting quietly at a table while doing our best to ignore the two Beastkin obviously boning in the other room.
"...This won't work. We need a new house." [Veronica] declared before finally taking a stand and getting up to leave.
"...What do you need?" [Nero] shot back with a serious expression while remaining seated before taking a swig of his barrel.
"Another premium Bath Towel please." [Veronica] asked with a frantic expression, having given in completely and fallen to her knees.
"...No." [Nero] shot back with a tired expression.
"Please, I'll do anything; name it. It doesn't even need to be a permanent thing, I can borrow it. I just need it once a week; every second week for 10 consecutive weeks." [Veronica] confessed while glancing up at Nero with eyes wide.
"...The Women's Club." [Nero] grumbled while furrowing his eyebrows.
"Yes. Drojani Lelkston showed up with one two weeks ago, but then showed up with yet another one just last week. I can't possibly go back knowing that a lowly BARON'S Vassal family Lady has TWO while I, THE Dutchess only have one!" [Veronica] uncontrollably wept on the ground while doing nothing to hide her frustration before continuing…
"D-D-Do you know what she said? S-She said that I must have been P-P-P-P-P-P-" [Veronica] stuttered through tears as she clutched onto Nero's pants, desperately trying to find something to wipe her face on before continuing…
"POOOOOOOOORRRR!!!!" [Veronica] wailed like an absolute child.
...Veronica needs sleep… And my pants need to be washed all over again. She got snot all over my knee… Ugh. Okay~ Taking a stand… It's time to calm the destroyed Dutchess.
"We'll find you a second Bath Towel… But you're going to pay extremely generously for it, and it's still only going to be a lending situation… And there's one other condition." [Nero] declared with a solemn expression.
"Really?! Thank you SO much! My savior! What is it?! Anything!" [Veronica] screamed in joy as she began to dance around the room.
"I'll be attending the next Women's Club meeting." [Nero] declared with a wry smile.
"...But you're a man?" [Veronica] shot back while tilting her head to the side.
"...But I'm a Witch?" [Nero] shot back while tilting his head to the side.
"...True. Alright, fine~ Who knows? Maybe no one will care if it's just this once." [Veronica] sighed.
And so, that is how it was decided that I would join the Women's Club. I'm excited. I'm expecting some sort of dousing hot tea to be spilled from start to finish, and I'm all in. I'm totally ready to spill some tea on a few of my own if it means learning something about all these nobles whom I'm having an increasingly difficult time trying to remember. Also, Veronica's not trying to get in my pants. She wants to get into my wardrobe. Yep. I'm going to let her borrow one my towels. I have a towel. It's special.
"So… Are you two going to join us?" [Bearkin Drunkard] muttered while sloppily pointing a finger toward the opposite side of the room before abruptly falling over and passing out. Moments later, a rogue Foxwoman got dressed insanely fast before rushing out of the door whilst attempting to hide her face.
"...You know her?" [Nero] begged the question while glaring at the now open doorway.
"Afraid not… I tend to spend my time alongside others with at least a modicum of class; that one could never tango with a Cat of my tier." [Veronica] sneered as Celine poured her a glass of Wine.
"...When did Celine even get here?!" [Nero] spat back in utter disbelief.
"...When was I not here?" [Celine] begged the question with an innocent smile.
Celine's frightening. She most certainly was not here with us for the first house, and she wasn't here a minute ago either… Yet she managed to get in without making a sound, and carries bottles filled with incredibly expensive Wine at all times… AND the glasses required due to them. It's immaculate work. I simply can't sit back any longer. What Class is Celine?!
"Celine… I must ask; what Class are you?" [Nero] begged the question as the flames in his eyes began to swell.
"Thanks to you, the working one." [Celine] replied with a smile before taking a bow.
"Love that, but for real; what are you?" [Nero] shot back with a wry smile.
"It's fine love, if he really wants to know… He has other means of figuring it out." [Veronica] chimed in before taking a sip of her Wine.
"I'm an Alchemist Trickster." [Celine] confessed while holding her bow.
"Interesting… So the Wine's fake?" [Nero] begged the question while tilting his head to the side. To which, Veronica did a literal spit-take before glaring at Celine with all the attention that her drunk self could muster.
"No… The Wine's real; but the Whiskey is another story." [Celine] explained with a smile.
"...What are you insinuating?" [Veronica] shot back with eyes wide.
"Roy had me take an oath to always convert Gold Coins into Wine for you; as you desired… But he's also forced me to always use Silver Coins on his Whiskey; so that I could later cast tricks on the bottles and have them fake a more luxurious brand. It's all in an effort to save on expenses due to the newfound stress of paying both the workers and for the defense of Reygid." [Celine] explained while holding her head high.
"...How unexpected. I had no idea that our situation had gotten to such a low point… This conversation has been quite helpful. It seems that there are other matters which need my attention; as I'm sure there are for you. Nero, please don't forget my towel." [Veronica] exclaimed before taking a stand and leaving.
...An Alchemist Trickster sounds like quite the interesting combo. I have no idea what a Trickster really entails, but the Alchemist part is highly convenient. Come to think about it… Why didn't Cetilla simply ask Celine to convert her Coins? She wound up making use of Clive's abilities after the Mummy Mansion if I'm not mistaken… I'd like to know the answer. I wonder where she is? Ah… She's on the stage. Currently dazzling thousands with her voice, she's singing 'PRIM*DONNA' alongside Vana. Also, she's glammed up in a glittery dress, covered in rhinestones... Borrowing an outfit from Clive?
Taking a seat on a nearby rooftop with Hugo, Gillie, Lora, Betty, and Lucius… We watched the performance while chomping down on some Fish. Lucius offered me a bowl of… Something. Mary's probably getting tired, but it tastes good. As we ate, the topic of conversation was exactly who did we reckon would be the last critter standing in the event that all hell broke loose when the Mummy Mansion opened. Hugo figured it would be Vana; since she's actually quite old already… She probably wont be dying any time soon. She has experience with living a fairly isolated life, and she has hundreds of followers back in the Forsaken Isles; weak or not. Fair enough. Gillie believes it will be Chiffona-Cya-Macaroon. She's already quite experienced, having lived a long life as well; she's recently been blessed with Immortality… And most of the time; she's not really alongside us. She's not going to suddenly die the moment that we fall; so it makes sense that she'll outlive us all. Lora's more focused on Gluttatosk's pets. Those two freaking Potamin Crabs which Evolved all the way into becoming royalty? Yeah, those guys. Those guys sit downstairs in the basement all the time; practically no one aside from genuine Monster Knights even know that they exist as they weren't even creatures naturally presiding in the Lost Kingdom and quite frankly; they never appear… But they've been steadily gaining power. Gluttatosk keeps feeding them, and it's working. Neither I, nor Lora know the exact details of just what treacheries he's been committing in order to achieve their rise in power, but they're rising quite fast. They'll make it out there on their own if they dont get noticed during the attack, which is likely if Gluttatosk continues not bringing them outside to fight. Betty believes that it's definitely going to be Leoric Eldenheim; since he doesn't live with us any longer; and he's living safely within Vanheim to boot… Which makes sense; but like… Is he still one of us? I guess… Mreh. Lucius believes that Grenda will outlive us all; whilst protecting her sanctuary on the Forsaken Isles and to be honest… Same. The Forsaken Isles aren't that bad, okay?! I can't freakin wait to start my vacay down there! Winter break's going to be the BEST this year; we're going to have a training week montage, a beach day or ten, a special island festival, and a whole lot of war council meetings!~
The song ended awhile ago, but I can meow see Cetilla in the crowd. Flagging her down with nothing but a simple hand-wave proved to be quite the challenge, but eventually; she noticed me. It only took 3 songs of me waving my hand alongside a a ridiculously long conversation, and a simple gesture toward a particular Crowliphista~
"Hey~ What are you up to?" [Cetilla] begged the question with a smile after floating toward the rooftop.
"We've moved beyond debating how doomed we are; we're now questioning which of us is the least likely to go down with the rest of the ship." [Nero] explained with a sigh.
"I cant lie… The conditions aren't ideal. We needed this time to train now that we've got our finances in order… But it seems that we might be too late." [Cetilla] groaned before taking a seat.
"On another note, why didn't you ask Celine to convert your Coins for you?" [Nero] asked with eyes wide.
"I just wanted to try and build additional business connections for worst case scenarios~" [Cetilla] sighed while shrugging her shoulders.
"...Fair enough." [Nero] shot back while squinting his eyes.
"I can be quite responsible when I want to~" [Cetilla] added with a smirk.
"Okay, now we're pushing it." [Nero] laughed.
"Well, with your whole freedom act; who knows? Celine could very easily quit her job, and leave me without an accessible Alchemist; it only makes sense to plan accordingly~" [Cetilla] explained before taking a sip from her barrel.
"You've begun to carry barrels as well, have you?" [Nero] begged the question with a grin.
"Life's too short to spend it sober. In our line of work, I dont intend to go with dry lips another moment ever again!~" [Cetilla] declared with a proud expression while holding her barrel high. To which, cheers arose from the crowd; completely overshadowing Wolrietta's performance of 'Sp*oky' for a few moments.
I swear… These people will cheer for anything if it's coming out of Cetilla's mouth… Is that why they call her the Dutchess of Doom? Everyone likes her so much that they completely ignore the error in her ways, instead choosing to pay them the highest levels of respect possible?
"Cetilla… I enjoy having you on my side." [Nero] confessed before taking a swig of his own barrel.
"Me too… You want to go do something crazy with me?" [Cetilla] begged the question while tilting her head to the side.
"...Kay." [Nero] sighed while shrugging his shoulders.
And so, Cetilla and I have ditched the festival… The Wailing Keep… And now, we're flying toward the Beach. Hah… I can still see the Elven Councilman struggling in the Ocean. Oh? We're going in. We're stripping down, and we're going swimming… Thankfully, I have shorts. Cetilla also apparently has a bikini; so that's cool. Great. Now, I can see just how flat Cetilla really is… But also; wow. She's wearing a LOT of marbles.
"Cetilla… Is this a good plan? Diving into the open water whilst heading toward sea monsters potentially capable of destroying this Kingdom as you carry tons of insanely valuable items strapped to your exposed body using nothing more than some twine?" [Nero] begged the question while casually riding his Broom above the water allowing himself to dip his feet.
"...Nero; you're going... To need to go... Under the water... At some point!" [Cetilla] shot back with a hysterical expression in-between each breaststroke.
"I like your... Hair better when... Dry." [Nero] muttered while glaring at the Dutchess, pausing each time her head submerged back into the water.
"I like your face... Better when... You don't speak!" [Cetilla] screamed as she continued to swim.
"So… We're just out… Here scouting the… Waters?" [Nero] begged the question with a tired expression as he continued to casually fly toward the Elven Councilman.
"No, I'm here… To train, and… You're here to… Protect me." [Cetilla] explained with a frustrated expression as she continued to swim.
Ahh… The good ol' fashioned shield. It's true. I come with a first class Barrier. It's one of my more sophisticated of abilities; it comes with many forms and it's incredibly powerful… If I have MP. Sadly… I don't. I'm like flat out. I've already learned my lesson with the freaking bathtub; I'm not trying my luck again right meow. Snatching the Dutchess up and out of the ocean, I placed her onto my Broom; and brought her back to the Beach. After explaining to the now frustrated Dutchess about why exactly I can't be the one to protect her… She dejectedly joined me in my return to the Wailing Keep, but on arrival… She decided to pass on the gambling and festival. She's going to sleep, and quite frankly… Same. It's been wild, but I'm exhausted!~ I almost died tonight, and now that I think about it… My haki's not repelling the tides any longer. It's either the Councilman, Roah, Gluttatosk, or a combination of them all. But one thing that's certain is that It's definitely not me. My MP is too low, I'm probably not even appearing very powerful… But hopefully Conrad being pledged to my side counts for something~ Roah said that he could basically see the might of the creatures within the Wailing Keep and perhaps Halloween whenever he glanced at me or at the Wailing Keep; it's like we're all connected but once upon a time... Goddin Village Neith Sama told me that my overall strength was definitely influenced by my total MP… If almost everyone's at the festival, then I should maybe be fine even if my MP is on the lower side?
Before I head to sleep, there's one final thing that I definitely cant NOT do. Skipping the Safari Card King Tournament is generally fine, but THIS cant be missed. Immediately after leaving the Wailing Keep, I began to survey the nearby grounds. After a few minutes… Right near the back side of the Wailing Keep, is one Vine that actually reaches a part of where the old Castle was. I can tell, because there's still some rubble around there; we really haven't gone to any measures of cleaning it up… But I frequently see children playing in the rubble, so it doesn't seem to be a problem. It's probably like a freaking park for them. Some place to climb and play in within in a farmer's nation without encountering too many adults or getting into trouble. It makes sense. The orphans at the Wailing Keep are accustomed to having a forest to play in, but now they're being faced with a City. It's probably sort of frightening to be thrown into a whole new world, and they already have so many friends at the Wailing Keep that there's not much reason to meet more in the City. This demolished and unsightly Castle is far more ideal.
So… The Vines stem downward, into the soil. Makes sense. I guess… The easiest method would be to take the underground Dungeons and search from there? I feel like I might get lost and pass out somewhere, but it's not like I'll die down there. There shouldn't be any reason to worry. I'm not the star haki producer of the Beach right now, so it's fine. Okay… Let's try to do this quickly. Throwing down small Pumpkin Bombs worth the agreeable pricing of 10 MP each, I lit up the path that I followed in order to hopefully find my way back, while flying at high speeds through the Dungeon. It was quite the ominous place. Bones still riddle these Dungeons, but I cant seem to find any full bodies of bones. It's like they were separated… Wait a second! PLEASE! Tell me that these bones do not include my companions…
Molag Dregora… Whenever you have time, please lead the Skeletons through these Dungeons in an attempt to recover every single bone left down here. I'd like to see if we can raise any more undead out of their remains, and just what they'll have to say about their deaths. Bring the bones into the Throne Room. After a considerable amount of time spent searching the Dungeon, I gave up; began to return… And later found that my Pumpkin Bombs didn't last as long as I had prayed. It's my fault for being so cheap… But I don't overly care. I'm willing to spend the day in these Dungeons, because I found one of the Jailors' rooms. It has a bed, blankets, a table, and a SLEW of different torture devices!~ I see a Cleaver, a set of varyingly sized Knives, a Whip, several different ropes, a pile of chains, a box filled with handcuffs, another box filled with legcuffs, a third box filled with huge nails, a freaking Guillotine, and a dirty old Mirror to ensure that you still need to look at the monster you've become when the day's finally done. Splendid. Good morning~