Kaede

Kaede was looking at the map, thinking about where to go. As she had been told, the Dwarven Federation was in the west. She began to make her decision on where to go, and focused her thoughts to that spot on the map. With a jolt of feeling weightless, she was suddenly at her destination, hearing a panicked yell. Opening her eyes and tapping her staff on the ground slightly, she glances at the person she just startled, a dwarf with a bushy gray beard and golden eyes, she immediately grows a little hostile as she points her staff, and asks in a cold and serious tone, “Are you Jazak Forgeson?” The dwarf shakes their head, and then speaks in a gruff and gravelly voice, “No, an’ I’m not givin’ ya my name.”

Kaede, very disappointed in finding a different hero, pouts and kicks a stone at her foot, “Damn. I thought I got lucky.” The dwarf starts to get up, picking their bag back up, as they say, “Never seen a Beastman that can appear out of nowhere. Not when I was an adventurer, and not now as a traveling blacksmith.” Kaede looks at the dwarf, highly doubting this will turn into a conversation about magic. The dwarf continues, “Woul’ ya like ta accompany me, lass? I know we’re not off ta a good start, but that’s just the nature o’ Dwarven courtesy.” Kaede asks the question she needs to, “Are you headed for the Dwarven Federation? If so, do you know Jazak Forgeson?” The Dwarf shakes his head, “I may be goin’ ta home, but I dinnae any Jazaks.” Kaede sighs, and just resigns to walking with the Dwarf, “Fine, let's get to walking.”

???

He stepped up to the unconscious Sebastia, and crouched, his cloak billowing slightly as the wind blew through the plains. He turned her onto her back, and began removing the armor. He then slid her onto a slightly sloping hill, as he began making a fire pit. Sitting down in silence, he began to wait. If it began to become night, he would set a fire, but as it was, he would likely not need to. As an hour passes, he begins to hear something in the distance, a group of people. Moving into a crouched position, he began quietly moving, hand on the hilt of his blade.

As he neared, he heard the voices more accurately, “I could’a sworn there was something this direction. I saw some weird dark cut in the sky or somethin’.” Another voice spoke next, annoyed at his comrade, “I doubt you saw that. The boss doubts it too. We’re just here to double check nothing’s going on. Not fuck with anything if there is.” The first continues, “I swear on my mama! I saw somethin’!” The man quietly moved, letting the two get past, and he began following, just out of sight, but insanely close. A third voice spoke, “Huh? I smell something.” The man stopped, his hand holding tightly to his hilt. The first asks the important question, “What? Smell what?” The third voice speaks, “Might be nothing. We’re in human territory after all.” The second voice speaks in an irritated tone, “If you have nothing, then say nothing. Come on.” The man relaxes, as he heard them walking away from the area. He begins returning to Sebastia, and takes his seat again.

Jazak Forgeson

Jazak was walking, quiet. He was looking for the individual he needed, but if he couldn’t, he had a back up plan. The mountain above shielded him from the sun, but he began to think of it. Of enjoying its rays while laying beside an apple tree. Dwarven Society was too harsh on the surface, and people who enjoyed it. He kept this suppressed, but as he grew closer and closer to the store, he couldn’t help but smile at the idea of leaving this dreary and dark place. He found himself soon standing in front of the store. Knocking before entering, he called out, “Nurud! Ya ‘ere!?” He looked around the storefront as he heard the response from the back of the store, “Aye! What’s it this time, Jazak!?” Jazak walks to the counter, and calls out again, “I need ta teleport ta tha Elves.”

Nurud steps out from the back, his immaculately groomed and jet black beard swaying a little, as the mage steps up to the counter, “The Elves?” Jazak nods in response, pulling out the emblem, as he says, “Got this a minu’e ago.” Nurud takes it and looks it over, then hands it back, saying, “That emblem’s got no magic on it. Won’t do ya no good. As fer me, I’ve got a shit-ton-a orders. Ya help me, I help ya. That’s the normal arrangement.” Jazak frowns, and then says, “I gotta go now, Nurud. If ya break yer promise ‘gain, I’ll be late by a full month.” Nurud nods, understanding as he says, “I won’t lie to ya this time. That’s Elf royalty. I’d be hunted if I didn’t keep my promise this time. The’ve probably got a assassin on ya, keepin’ eye.” Jazak shrugs, not his place to judge. He’d do the same if he were in their shoes.

Nurud continues, smiling, “Alright, let's talk business. I’m gonna need three new brewing pots from the usual place. Once ye’ve got that order in, come back an’ I’ll get you sorted with a few more tasks. This stuff should only take a couple of days.” Jazak sighs, knowing this will be faster than walking or taking a carriage. He turns and starts heading out, “A’ight. I’ll be back soon.” Exiting the store, he sees the elf again, watching him from a distance. He closes the door, then nods his head to an alley nearby. They both head towards it, entering. After walking a small bit, Jazak speaks, “I’ve got some erran’s ta run firs’, ov’r tha cours’a few days. Then I’ll ge’ Nurud ta teleport me ta the Elven Capital.” The Elf speaks, “The Princess doesn’t want you going to the Capital. There’s heavy pro-elf movements acting at the moment. You will be going to a city near the Human Border known as Eslahil. It has far less pro-elf movements, but has a weak anti-dwarf movement. The intent is to show a unified front between the ‘Heroes of the World’ and Elven Queendom.” Jazak smiles, and says, “I ‘aven’ ‘eard tha’ name inna lon’ while. We got it af’er tha’ Human lass.” The Elf is quiet, and Jazak continues, “Don’ madd’r. Two-th’ee days, then we leave.” The Elf point a thumb as he says in an annoyed tone, “Then get to it.”

Jazak frowns at the Elf, and then starts walking, annoyed at the sheer gall of this Elf. To tell him what to do. He should stop out of spite. But no, he needs to finish this, so he can go to the surface, and see the world once again. He exits the alley, and starts heading to Nurud’s usual smith. As Jazak walks, he thinks about all the things he’ll do when he reaches Eslahil. A nice fresh and ripe apple would be nice to have. Better than rock carrot stew, at least. He remembers Lethhonel telling him a little about Eslahil, that the city is renowned for its baked goods and orchards of many fruits. He’ll need to try them all, won’t he? His mouth was already watering at the idea.

Kaede

Kaede was walking with the old dwarf, and then spoke, “Do you have a map of the Dwarven Federation?” The old dwarf looks up at her, and asks, “Ne’er been?” Kaede nods in response, as she says, “I haven’t ever been. I want to know where we’re going, I probably will be able to get us there faster.” The dwarf chuckles, “Ya look like a witch, lass, not a wayfind’r. I doubt you’ll ge’ us there fas’er, but sure. Le’ me ge’ it ou’.” He begins slinging his pack to his front, and rummaging through it. He pulls out a rolled up parchment, and begins unfurling it. Kaede watches quietly, and as he finishes unfurling, he points at a city near the center of the western Dwarven Federate State, “Agreau”. The city he’s pointing to specifically, is “Homrhi”. He speaks, “We’re goin’ ta Homrhi. It's a big place tha’ res’s in a moun’ain.” Kaede nods, then says, “Where are we?” He puts his finger on a road near the border with the Human Kingdom, on the map, labeled as the “Kingdom of Goldbrooke”. She then smirks, “Piece of cake, may I see your hand?” She holds out her own hand, and the dwarf looks at it inquisitively. He takes it, and Kaede focuses on where she wants to go on the map.

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With a blink, they were there, standing a good distance away from the city’s entrance. Looking to her right, she could see the mountain Homrhi sits within. The Dwarf yells out, “Tha’s unbelievable!” She looks at him, confused for a second, and sees him staring at the mountain. He then looks at her, continuing, “Ye’re a wizard!? Tha’ woul’a been nice ta know!” Kaede holds up her hands in a dismissive gesture, as she smirks and says, “You said I look like a witch, don’t know why you’re surprised. Probably because Beastmen do not usually get this strong.” The Dwarf nods in response, smiling, “Aye, lass! Hit tha nail on tha ‘ead there!” He holds out his hand again, for a handshake, “Name’s Grolit Anvilfury, ‘ead Blacksmith o’ Homrhi! An’ yer?” Kaede takes his hand, and shakes, “Kaede. Magus of the Schola de Arcanum.” Grolit tilts his head slightly, thinking, but he response with a smile, “Well, I’ve ne’er ‘eard o’ this ‘Schola de Arcanum’, but I’m glad ya saved me a lon’ travel. I’ll try ta find ya tha’ Jazak, as thanks. Wha’s he look like?” Kaede smiles, and answers, “I don’t quite know, but I know he is a Hero, like yourself.” Grolit nods in response, then says, “A’ight. I’ll keep an eye ou’. Come, I’ll vouch for ye at the gate. Let ya in ta enjoy tha city.” Kaede smiles and nods, accepting Grolit’s kindness.

Sebastia Rin

Sebastia looks at Clover, and speaks with a smirk, “What’s next?” Clover grins happily, “Well, your next test is beside the second mural.” She gestures to the mural of the dragons and gray cloaked figures, “A test of strength of will. Such as the brave followers of Chaos during such a time as they were needed. Shedding their flesh with no remorse, they threw themselves into the fray, protecting the entire floating isle of Aerusides. Fearless and proud, these reborn warriors, though pained by their losses, fought until they could no longer. As their fights settled, they watched the skies above, as the dark sky was set alight by a bright luminescence. Above them the Azyt Dragons clashed. Aknel Räkth-Räkthen, the Undying Dragoness; Hadrí-Hräska Níakthzair, the Royal Dragoon; Hräska-Räkthse Alví, the drunken courier; Kräuw-Hadrä Sävís-Säkth, the Avatar of Chaos. All four fought, and died that day. But they still defeated Gäläides Mirak, protecting the lives of innocents across the entire isle. Do you have the strength of will to combat that which is unstoppable?” Sebastia smirks, and responds, “I already did before, I can again.”

Clover smiles proudly, then waves a hand, “Enter, oh hero! Enter the door and face the impossible once more!” Sebastia walks to the door that was appearing, and enters as it opens with her approach. She finds herself on a battlefield. Broken banners lay scattered all about, and the sun is halfway below the horizon. Three dragons lay dead on the ground; one with red and orange scales, its wings ripped to shreds; one that looked to be undead of some kind, yet remained still; and one with flaming wings that were still burning. A blot in the light of the sun catches her attention immediately. A figure, with a draconic tail swishing, horns poking up from her head, and a spear and shield in hand. The figure turns to face her, and she sees her ready herself to fight. Sebastia draws her sword, and readies herself as well. The figure suddenly sprouts wings, and takes to the sky.

Sebastia watches carefully, as the figure flies overhead, and folds her wings on her back, dropping like a rock towards her. With a quick parry, she barely manages to dodge the spear and shield. Slashing forward, Sebastia sees the shield come up to block her. As the shield blocks the strike, Sebastia realizes this figure is properly formed. Her deadly red eyes pierce through Sebastia, and her flowing black hair takes with the breeze. Clashing for a few minutes in the same fashion, Sebastia goes on the offensive, seeing her chance as the Dragoness is standing on the ground, rather than flying.

With a clash of steel on steel, she realizes she hit the shield, and she tries to dodge, as the spear pierces her leg. Stumbling, Sebastia backs away, raising her sword to a defensive posture. The woman laughs, and charges forward, being extremely aggressive. With each stab and swing, Sebastia can feel herself being overwhelmed, but she does not surrender or give up. She slashes forward during a backswing from the enemy, and causes her to have to suddenly adjust, or get a large gash in her side. The woman backs away, clearly annoyed, she yells out her frustration, and charges forward again. Sebastia, despite her injury decides to start acting more aggressively as well, and jumps to the side, slashing to her left as she does. The Dragoness barely blocks the strike, and turns to stab again. Already off balance, Sebastia does not have the time to dodge again, and her other leg feels a stabbing pain through it. Standing despite the pain, she turns to face the enemy, who is now behind her. As she now was facing the direction her back had been, she could see a white figure approaching in the sky, its white wings flapping with urgency.

Sebastia realized her goal was not to win, but to survive until that dragon arrived. She returns to a defensive posture, and begins parrying the spear, letting the shield hit her. This clearly was starting to infuriate the Dragoness, who feints, and pierces one of Sebastia’s shoulders. Taking this opportunity, Sebastia grabs the spear, thrusting her arm forward, despite the spear in its shoulder. She feels her strike connect, and the Dragoness backs away growling in anger. She speaks, and though it is in a language Sebastia does not understand, she seems to understand the meaning of the words, “Bastard. I’ll kill you and then I will kill your family. All of the puny races shall be purged.” Sebastia grows far more angry, but keeps a cool head, as she pulls the spear out of her shoulder, and throws it to the side, raising her blade again, ready to keep defending, despite starting to feel dizzy and weak.

The Dragoness launches forward, roaring at her, and dropping the shield. Sebastia points her sword forward in response, but the Dragoness stops, and starts circling, clearly not suicidal enough to jump on Sebastia’s blade. A loud roar comes from above, and then a crashing as the white dragon lands beside the three dead dragons, nudging them slightly with its nose. In a moment of distraction, the Dragoness launches at Sebastia, slashing her chest, and getting through the armor like it was butter. Sebastia looks forward as she is knocked backwards and to the ground. Blood stains the Dragoness’ fingers, which now look like claws. Seeing her inevitable death and failure, she closes her eyes, accepting her loss, only to hear the Dragoness scream in pain.

Sebastia opens her eyes, to see a fire spreading over the Dragoness, who keeps screaming and backing away, trying to pat out the flames. A footstep could be heard beside her, and Sebastia looks, finding a woman in light gray, with white draconic horns, and a white draconic tail. She crouches, and places a hand on Sebastia, speaking, “Oh beautiful Material, save this soul her pain, and allow her to live this day.” Sebastia feels her pains fade, and even sees one of the more grievous leg injuries close. The white Dragoness coughs up some blood, and then stands, stepping towards the burning Dragoness, who manages to put out the fire. The two begin transforming, turning into dragons. They launch into the sky, clashing, and freezing in place. Sebastia realizes the test is over, and begins getting up, believing she has still failed.

She closes her eyes, taking a second to breathe, and then opens them, finding herself on the floor of the main hall. Clover speaks, smiling, “You succeeded in your test. Would you like to rest before continuing?” Sebastia starts to get up, “That depends on what is next. Another combat test?” Clover shakes her head, “The finale has just finished. A tale of sacrifice, are you capable of the same choice as him?”