Part 2

[Inkshade]

Dred smiles "That's nice...mom's are suposed to be like that I'd imagine."

--------

"You could leave a note." Shaylin says.

-----

Rhisiart nods "Alright, fair enough." he says. "Luca, what are you going to do?" he asks his brother.

Luca looks at him oddly for a moment "I'll stay here." he says

"Ok, don't let Travis get in trouble. And keep out of it yourself." Rhis smiles and chuckles.

---------

"Oh I love family run restaurants." Freya smiles "the food always seems better."

-------

"I'm a bit worried." Avyne chuckles

---------

Caed nods "then you better let her help you." he says. he looks at Gilbert "Sorry, we just sort of went off...that had to be a bit awkward."

---------

Vortigern nods "Yes, let's." he says and leads the way out of the tent. "What sort of father is only meant to stall for another..." he thinks

[Dynamax]

"It's also related to her pain over our definitive losses. She has never gotten over the deaths of the others." Sabrel says.

--------

"I suggested that but he insists." Argus says. "It's his job after all."

----------

"As if i want any more trouble. I've had my fill for a life already." Travis jokes.

---------

"So what will you have? They have a broad menu." Honzai says.

--------

"Don't be. He'sss in hisss way asss intriguing asss you." Kurak says.

--------

"Don't be, it's a brother's duty after all." Gilbert says. "Though Saida's inquiry was quite revealing."

"Pssh...she can do better than me." Saida says.

"Doesn't man she will, and you're being hard on yourself." Gilbert says.

-------

"He's in his usual spot over by the incline, looking down at all below. Much like our leader." Logos says.

[Inkshade]

Dred nods "that's a good reason to let her go overboard..."

--------

"I guess you're right." Shaylin sighs "Some men are so stubborn about things..."

------

Rhis chuckles "No kidding me too." he waves and turns to Gregor and Phillipe "Let's go see what the other's have been doing without us."

-------

"I'm not sure...what sort of chicken dishes do they have?" Freya asks

------

Avyne smirks "That I highly doubt."

"You're not the most interesting thing on the planet Avy." Navu teases

---------

Caed nods "He's right."

------

Vortigern looks "Yes, I see him."

[Dynamax]

"It is. It's a healthy outlet." Dagren says. "Unlike my outlet."

"It'd be more healthy if you didn't misuse it." The Master says in a scolding tone.

----------

"It's his business after all." Argus says as they get to the doors. "Hope you ladies don't mind the atmosphere."

----------

"Nothing too thrilling I'd assume." Gregor says.

"So...why are you staying out here?" Travis asks Luca.

----------

"They got plenty of variety with Chicken. Practically anything you can think of." Honzai says.

----------

"That'sss a matter of opinion." Kurak says.

"He can make wingsss sssprout from hisss back and fly that way." Bazuzu says. "He isss an unconventional wizard."

---------

Saida raises an eyebrow. "You're agreeing? Interesting. i figured you'd continue the protective brother thing to a higher degree."

---------

"Let us go ask him then." Logos says. "Before he warps his way to his bed."

[Inkshade]

"What is 'it' anyhoo? You keep muttering about 'it'. Rather teasing really." Dred says

Sylph glances at Dagren's covered eye. she could smell something demonic behind it and figured this was what they were talking about.

----

"It's just a bar right? How bad can it be?" Shaylin smiles.

---------

Rhis chuckles "Yes, probably just Vanora tirelessly asking about things over here. We might want to go save everyone..."

--

Luca looks at Travis "It's boring in there..." he says "you're more interesting...." he sits and looks at the fire "Do you want to kill those women?" he asks suddenly.

-----------

"Oh my...what do you suggest?" Freya asks

-----

"Huh." Avyne nods "One of thossse typess then." she chuckles

Ulf smiles "You'll see."

-------

"I'm being honest. I know my sister. She can do better, in fact being here I bet now she'd easily find a noble or general, but she doesn't care about that sort of thing. With that in mind, you are being too hard on yourself, because she would think so. If you keep acting like that despite her efforts, then you aren't worth it. So if you want me to ever be content if she does choose you, you're going to have to prove you're not wasting her compassion." he says "So yes, I'm agreeing, but not for the reasons you'd think."

-------------

Vortigern nods and starts to Thimos.

[Dynamax]

The Master does not say anything, in fact he chooses to ignore the question altogether. However Sira had different opinions.

"Some things are best kept from general knowledge until stronger ties are forged with some Dred." Sira says.

-----------

"Depending on who is inside it can be quite..." Argus opens the door and sees what seemed to be a half troll/ Half giant punch out an elf in the middle of a bar fight. "...dangerous."

---------

"She's not that bad, is she?" Gregor asks.

-------

"I...I don't know. The one who actually did it likely. The sister...but if I do then it would incite a feud between Osiron and us and..." Travis looks away. "Is it worth it?"

------

"Ask for the Chef's Chicken Special. It's a family recipe you won't find anywhere else." Honzai says.

-------

"Wordsss do not do him jussstice." Kurak says.

-------

Saida looks at Caed for a while before he begins to laugh. Unlike any laugh hard before this seemed like real, honest laughter. "You...you got balls Caed. Not many talk to me like that and not care." He smiles. "You do realize I was trying to read you too right?"

--------

Thimos stands there, in quiet contemplation. How would he get to Gamuldar to get him to free his father? He was so deep in thought that he didn't hear the duo coming until they were basically upon him. "What do you need?"

[Inkshade]

"Got it. The whole, soldier of Rondar thing. Just say that next time I really don't mind." Dred says.

"I'm sure it's more than you." Sylph says

------

Shaylin watches the fight "It's not that bad."

----

"I don't know, she seems very enthusiastic about learning about this part of our heritage. She very well could be, or have you forgotten her 'Why' phase?" Rhis chuckles.

------

"No." Luca says very bluntly "In fact it'd be downright silly if you consider the facts....It'd be like...a head for and eye." he says.

------

"Mmm, alright! I trust your tastebuds." Freya smiles.

-------

"That ssso?" Avyne grins "Well, you have me intrigued."

---------

"I figured as much." Caed smirks "It doesn't take much though to realize I'm a different person when it comes to my sister."

-----

"We were wondering if you could open us a rift to the outskirts of Ammon's forest." Vortigern asks

[Dynamax]

"It's Sylph, not you. You already know." Dagren says. "I don't want her knowing too much if she is parting ways soon after we get her cousin and find her father. The less one knows in war the better sometimes. I do have enemies that would torture a young lady like her with no qualms to know our secrets."

----------

"you're kidding right?" Argus says.

Lilittan was hiding behind Shaylin...which wasn't that effective with her wings poking out.

----------

"Oh don't remind me." Gregor says. "I couldn't bring myself to tell her to stop."

--------

"But where is the justice in that? She does need to pay somehow...and not only do the laws of this land protect her but she's close to the current and future rulers of this land...and even my Prince would seek her protection." Travis frowns. "It's not right."

--------

"Good. You'll like it. It is a nice mix of a honey glaze and spices. It's very sweet, a meal suitable for you." Honzai says.

--------

"Good. I think you two would be fassst friendsss." Kurak says. "He and I grew up together. He isss sssomeone I trussst deeply."

---------

"But I wanted to know if it was blind paranoia or controlled worry. If it was the former I'd be inclined to help correct it for your sister's sake. Wouldn't want you running around half cocked arrowing people in her name after all. Glad it's the latter." Saida uts the soap down and goes under for a moment before coming out of the water, the soap washed off of his body. "Means....she's in good hands."

----------

"Cheating huh?" Thimos grins. "I have a favor to ask while you are there." He looks at Vortigern. "Ask your sister to send someone to where we buried Vadris' father. Find out if the flame wall blocking the way to that which he is sealed in still burns bright. The flame is an important part of the defense. If Vadris were to pass by the wall he'd have to pass that and the flames were made so strong that even he would burn in it, or if he father were to somehow be freed...it would keep him in." Thimos summons a map. "This is to be destroyed upon mission completion. No trace must be left. Tell her the son of Nostroth asks humbly."

[Inkshade]

"You forget that my daddy is both very powerful and protective. If anyone tried to torture me he'd slaughter them like cattle. Not to mention I have a few tricks up my sleeves too. I may be little but I can defend myself." Sylph says "But you don't have to tell me, I already have a good idea. I'm part demon and animus you know. I can smell these things."

Dred chuckles "Smell?"

----------

Shaylin looks at Argus "What, it could be far worse. I was starting to think you were taking us to a brothel or something. So this is far better than what I expected." she looks back at Lillitan and smiles "It's ok, you don't need to be afraid. Argus and I will keep you safe."

--------

"Yes, and even if you had she just ask why." Rhis laughs.

-----

"Well it wouldn't be exactally right to go kill her either. Punishment has to fit the crime..." Luca says "That's what mother says anyways. If those sisters had totally killed them then death would be fitting, but they didn't so there has to be something else....I don't know about the one that isn't here, but the one insides soul aches for what she did....she cares for little brother now. She's guilty about it all...." he says "when we see he sister I'll tell you what her sould says...if it aches like this one's, maybe punishment has been dealt...." he looks at the bird "Are you going to eat the head?"

----

"Oooo! It sounds wonderful. I'm excited!" Freya smiles "And what does my Honzai like to eat?" she asks

------

"Well I can't wait to meet him." Avyne says

------

"Yeah, well it's what she deserves." Caed says

-------

Vortigern nods "I will see it done."

[Dynamax]

"Then lack of confirmation will have to do." Dagren says.

"There are forces out there of great power. Your father is strong but a man alone can do only so much." Vayne says.

"Indeed, one must be careful." Rufina joins in. "We all need help at some point."

------------

"A broth...I'd never do that. That's no place for you." Argus turns and sees the Half Troll/Half Giant advance on a young boy. "Oh HELL NO." Argus instinctively charges at him. "STAY AWAY FROM THAT BOY UGLY!!"

The halfbreed turns in time for Argus' fist to strike him in the face, toppling him.

"I can take a lot of crap in life..." Argus leaps on top of the beast and begins to punch him. "...BUT NOT...KIDS BEING...ATTACKED!!!"

---------

"Well yes, there is that but...I've always been unable to scold her." Gregor says. "She has an air about her that makes it feel like it'd be an act against God or something if I did."

-----------

Travis swings his blade, slicing the head and neck off. As it flies in midair he turns the blade to the flat side, allowing it to land on it safely. "Be my guest." He says, thinking on what Luca said as he presents it to him.

------------

"He has a wide palate but tonight it's beef ribs." Honzai says.

-----------

"Alright is there anyone else we can call on for help?" Noctis asks openly.

"Not the Centaurs. Their King is still being an ass." Allarine pouts.

--------

"That we are in agreement with." Saida says.

"So...where are you from Caed?" Gilbert asks, changing the topic.

--------

"Thank you." Thimos creates the Rift. "Logos, do not go out of your way to spook them. I know you have that dark humor but you'd cause more harm than good."

"I know, I'm no kitten Thimos." Logos says.

[Inkshade]

"My daddy is more than a man. There are those who think him and his kind Gods." Sylph says.

Dred thinks a moment and looks at her "Gods huh?" he thinks about Ammon "Never had too much use for Gods myself. He oughta' look out for people like that."

-----------

Shaylin smiles at Lillitan "See? Argus has everything covered. Let's got see that that boy is alright." she takes her hand, and leads her over to him, not wanting to leave her alone, even though Argus had things covered.

-------

Rhis chuckles and smiles contently "Yes, that she does...I think it's how good she is. All she sees is the good in people most of the time. You'd have to be the devil himself to have her find no good in you."

------

Luca takes it and starts knawing on the head. He looks like he just remembered something and looks at Travis "Thank you." he says, before swallowing half of what he had been given whole. "Oh...and I didn't say it because little brother was around, and I guess it would be more satisfying to him if it were said when he goes to his side..." he swallows the other half "But he knows, and he looks proud of you..." he says, seeming to stare beyond Travis.

-------

"Beef ribs..." Freya nods

-------

"Still? Stubborn old horse..." Navu grumbles.

"It'sss commentsss like that that don't help Navu." Sireth says with a sigh "We can try sssending Winoi and sssome othersss again, but we have no time now."

-------------

"A small farming town way out at the edge of the country, where everything is mud and rock. I know, not a sensible faming place..." Caed sighs.

--------

"I'll keep an eye on him." Vortigern says "Good luck to you all, and thanks for the rift." he says, slipping the map into a pocket in his jacket. "Let's be off Logos." he says and steps through.

[Dynamax]

"Gods and men blinded by their fame and power. No offense but I've know a few self styled gods and I pray he's not like them." Jolden says.

------------

The boy however was neither silent nor phased. He just stood there, watching Argus bash his foe around angrily.

------------

"And she will see him soon." Gregor says coldly.

-------------

Travis looks at him annoyed. "Ok either you're talking funny or...you know something I don't."

------------

"It's just a craving i'm having." Honzai says.

------------

"No, i think you got it right." Raika says. "The bastard won't help then he's no better than who we're fighting."

-----------

"Ehh, nothing to worry about, things still grow right?" Saida says.

-----------

Logos nods and follow silently.

[Inkshade]

"My daddy isn't some self absorbed power house putting himself on a pedistal." Sylph says with som irritation "He's gained his reputation through his acts. He's acctually too humble if you ask me."

Dred chuckles "Easy kiddo', no one's dissing your pop."

----------

"Are you ok? That man didn't harm you did he?" Shaylin asks the boy, and follows his gaze "Oh Argus...the boy seems fine don't kill him...just teach him a lesson..." she mutters.

----------

Rhis frowns "If she should he would melt in her purity." he says "I am lucky, I have two women close to me who the devil wouldn't be able to look in the eyes, so I will know him should he come." he says with a light smile, with hopes of lightening the mood.

--------

Luca looks at him and stares a moment "Oh right...you wouldn't know...I'm so used to my brothers knowing I've forgetten others don't know I see the dead...well, souls really..." he says "My father is what most call death, and so I can see souls of the departed, as well as the living. It makes it easy to judge people..."

-----------

"Do you have that craving often?" Freya asks "Or are you an any meat will do guy?"

-------

Navu nods "Exactally. I'd understand if he didn't like our tactics, but he uses some of the same as ours! It's just racism if you ask me."

Sireth sighs.

----------

"Enough to keep us alive. Not enough to do much for profit, and so debt piles up." Caed sighs.

---------

Vortigern looks around at the edge of the forest "Here we are...and there's the path. If we follow it, we shouldn't have any problems." he says to Logos. "We should get there before morning, unfortunately the path is a bit-" he stops, seeing something move near the path. it was a dark figure that walked towards them a bit, and then stoped.

[Dynamax]

"I though I made it clear that my intent wasn't to say he was." Jolden lets out an annoyed breath before getting up and walking out.

Dagren looked annoyed by this.

---------

"The boy is no mere child thank you." The boy says. "In fact my youth is only in the flesh."

Argus stops and turns around. "What?"

-------

"I'm afraid I mean Vadris." Gregor says. "You don't know him like I do. All the humility you see is merely an act. I've seen his true face...he tried to use me as a kid you know? Wanted to have me become his pawn to find a way of using the other side to get what he wants. Now he targets Vanora...and you through the King."

-----------

"Option b." Honzai says.

----------

"No...it's hatred of what happened. He still blames outsiders for the death of his brother." Noctis says.

---------

Logos growls angrily. "Identify yourself."

[Inkshade]

"Hmmm..." Dred says "Takes things like this a bit personally I see..." he gives Sylph a look

"What? I was defending daddy." she snaps at him

"I didn't say a word."

-----------

Shaylin looks at the 'boy' and smiles "Oh? I'm sorry then. Regardless, Argus I think you've made a clear point."

-----

"That will not happen." Rhisiart says "I shall not allow it. And neither will my father." he says firmly, and then an odd thought crosses his mind "Do I....put too much faith in him?"

---------

Freya smiles "Well that's good. It sure makes things easier for me when I try to cook you something."

------------

Navu hums "Well that's all well and good but find the ones who did it, blame them and help the rest of us win this war."

------

The figure shifts and chuckling can be heard. "It took you long enough." he says, in a friendly tone, as if the three where old friends who hadn't seen each other in ages.

"You didn't answer him." Vortigern says. He looks at the man. He couldn't tell because of mist from the forest, but he seemed to be in black armor, with some sort of feathered helmet. "Identify yourself or-"

The man chuckles, his sword was planted in front of him and he leans forward on it "Or you'll be forced to use force? That's funny, because you teleported in, not me." he laughs. "Well, you want to take the fast route or not? We can't keep mother waiting all night." he sheathes his sword and holds out a clawed hand. a green light appears above it and hovers in a little ball. It illuminated his figure, revealing that what had appeared to be armor was really his body itself. "There's business to be done....Vortigern right? I can never remember What Vito's grandchildren are called. I hardly remember my brother's names." he laughs "Well, come along boys." he turns and faces the forest. he holds out the light to it and the trees start to part.

Vortigern frowns, unsure what to think.