Damsel in Distress

Spoiler

Note to authors: Notice the number of people that have reserved spots, then were never heard from again? Yeah... their spots are not reserved.

It had been a long day of interviews but they had found a team and given them instructions to meet them at midnight. For now, Halieo and Isabella were alone in their lodging. It was a large room; it had to be in order to accommodate them both. The privacy allowed Isabella to shed the rigid and exact demeanor she had been wearing all day.

"Well Hal, what is the final tally?"

"Two humans, two elves, one half-elf, one red fox, one Izzy, and one Hal. Eight in total," Hal said.

"Do you think we can actually trust any of them?" she asked.

"You want my impressions of them?"

"Start with Mr. Brawn."

"Mr. Brawn is the one I trust the most. He seems to be a fairly simple man with no extraordinary ambition. That is what makes him reliable."

"And the elf, Renn?"

"He's not an elf. He looked like one, but he moved like a predator. Elves don't move like predators, they move like dancers."

"So he's not an elf, then what is he?"

"Based on his movements I would have said Werewolf, but now that I've had time to think it over, he might be a dragon."

"A dragon?"

"Yes. Look at his application. He's got fire magic, he's a treasure hunter, and doesn't mind breaking into castles to get treasure. He also doesn't seem to care if he gets caught or not; which means he's more than capable of handling anyone those high ranking nobles send after him. Put it all together and it says dragon. Of course, I can't prove it; it's just my intuition."

"We'll keep an eye on him, who's next?" Isabella asked.

"Elowyn, assuming she can get out of prison," Hal snorted.

"A very spirited young girl."

"And very foolish." Hal added.

"Her bragging about killing a gryphon was not in good taste. Will there be any trouble between you and her?"

"Only if she tries to kill me. Shall we proceed?" Hal asked.

"By all means."

"The next one is Basil."

"I don't remember him."

"That's because he's a she. She was the one with the knife, killed a basilisk."

"I remember now. She was fairly guarded I thought."

"She did demonstrate self control. My only concern is that she's a wood elf. They don't leave their forest very often. I don't know how she'll adjust to the mountains, especially the desolation that always surrounds a dragon's mountain."

"That's four. Now for the last one."

"Aryn Dawn, and the fox River."

"I thought the fox was pretty cheeky."

"Be very careful with that fox. Unless I'm mistaken, he is one of the rare Kitsune foxes. Very intelligent, magical, and quite wise when they've matured. It is better not to offend one. It's a type of companion and should be treated so."

"What of Aryn?"

"Aryn is very careful to keep a reputation. One of those quiet dangerous types. After Renn, she's the one I would keep an eye on," Hal said.

"It's getting late. How long until midnight?" Isabella asked.

"A few hours yet, you should get some rest."

*Why thank you I think I'll take being considered dangerous as a compliment.*

Renn | Current Home

Renn grunted as he slung the saddlebags over his horse and patted the young stallion fondly. Up until a few months ago Renn had never ridden a horse, much less owned one. Then he'd tried to eat Valiant and the black stallion had kicked him right in the snout He'd taken a liking to the ornery beast and decided to keep him.

Turning in place he looked around the yard and nodded in satisfaction. There was nothing to point out that Renn had ever lived here. Everything he owned was either on Valiant's back or in his lair, half a continent away. Renn glanced toward the west, the sun a tiny sliver on the horizon. He heaved himself up onto Valiant's back and rode towards the meeting place.

*Just so the Writer's know Renn is a Royal-Blue dragon, and Royal is not a reference to their colors. They are the rarest of all dragons, and once they mature the most magical. But Renn is still Wingling, just a step up from a hatchling, and it shows in his magical inexperience.
Most people in the world follow a sound piece of advice, Don't ever get involved in dragon politics. Something that is going to be unavoidable for those travelling with Renn... for several reasons.*

Full Name: Cypher Eisenstein

Age: 19

Species: Werelion

Gender: Male

Weapons: Sword and Shield or Teeth and Claws

Skills: Blacksmithing

Magic (if any): None

Previous Experience: Ex-Blacksmith of the High Noble Cavaliers

Are you currently wanted for any crime? (Yes or No): Nope

If yes, what was the nature of the crime? (Please explain.): Erm, nope?

Picture (if any):

Please list all health problems or curses that you have had had in the last five years, (if any): You mean aside from my several generation blood born curse that turns me into a lionman? Well there was that thing with the pustules but a witch cleared that right up. Tasted pretty good too.

What level of education have you received?
A: Blacksmithing XVII at the High House of Israphael

In the event that you are killed during this mission; who, if anyone, would you leave your share to?
A: My Pride, Ediphos Requiem

This job is extremely hazardous and can result in severe injury or death. In the event that you are injured. Further, no payment is given until after the successful completion of the mission, which is not guaranteed. Please sign if you understand this:
Cypher Eisenstein


I ran head long into the Green Mare, my shaggy blonde hair, athletic physique and predatory stride drawing the eye of many a lady. An almost devilish smile rose onto my lips.
"I am looking for one Ms Isadora King, could one of you point me in her direction?" I asked, the slight growl on the edge of my voice seemed to frighten some of the patrons.
"Your too late. She has taken to her room with the pet of hers. I'd be more than happy to show you," winked one young barmaid.
"Thank you but i can think i can find it myself," i smiled before prowling up the stairs. A pet, i thought, dog perhaps. No i don't smell dog. Cat? No that's not either. Gryphon! A high born lady! And its coming from, i stopped and turned to face the door, right here.
I knocked the door and spoke calmly.
"My name is Cypher Eisenstein. In the name of my Pride i have come to join your quest to slay the dragon."
My speech with met with hushed whispers between woman and Gryphon.
"Should we let him in?"
"My lady he is late."
"Perhaps we should give him a chance. We haven't even seen him yet!"

*I shall leave the decision to you Griff*

"As you wish," Halieo said to Isabella. He opened the door and let the man in. He moved like a predator.

"My application," he said, handing it to Isabella with a smile. She took it and Hal moved closer to read it. They read through the application.

"Mr. Eisenstein-" Isabella began.

"Please, my friends call me Cypher," Cypher smiled.

"Do you wish to be paid for your services?"

"Naturally."

"Then, if I decide to hire you, you'll address me as you would an employer. I don't pay my friends," Isabella said curtly. Hal hid a smile.

"Yes Ms. King."

"Halieo, ask your questions," Isabella said.

"You're capable of changing into a lion?"

"Yes."

"At will, or under certain conditions?"

"At will."

"When you're a lion, do you become wild? Or will you be able to control your actions as if you were human?"

"I maintain full control." Cypher said. Halieo looked over at Isabella.

"You understand that our mission is only to return the princess? And that dragon slaying will only be done only if it becomes necessary?" she said.

"Does that mean I'm hired?"

"Yes. We'll be leaving here at midnight. Be ready," Isabella said.

Full Name: Larkinus Zephyrius or He Who Wears Many Mask

Age: 25

Species: Human and Night Elf half-breed

Gender: Male

Weapons: A basket-hilt rapier, a cutlass, and a pistol.

Skills: Well I've never missed a shot and there are few that can match my speed or skill with a blade. I can also translate ancient runes and patch up almost any wound as well as make anything anyone could possibly need from leather. I require little to no sleep and can travel for miles in a day without growing weary.

Magic (if any): I can channel fire or ice through my weapons

Previous Experience: Travel guide and performer. Some time adventurer in several notable groups. Most notably the Group that slayed the Undead Horde in the southern lands. Also has done some work as a scout in some groups and removed all of the traps in the Terror Hold of the Northern Waste.

Are you currently wanted for any crime? (Yes or No):none to my knowledge

If yes, what was the nature of the crime? (Please explain.): I can't think of any off the top of my head

Picture (if any): I may be vain but I don't tend to keep pictures.

Please list all health problems or curses that you have had had in the last five years, (if any): None that are notable. I do smoke but that is irrelevant

What level of education have you received?
A: Varied studies on almost every topic. I also posses a mastery in leather working, skinning, first-aid, and cooking.

In the event that you are killed during this mission; who, if anyone, would you leave your share to?
A: Leave it for me to retrieve I never have been very good at staying dead.

This job is extremely hazardous and can result in severe injury or death. In the event that you are injured. Further, no payment is given until after the successful completion of the mission, which is not guaranteed. Please sign if you understand this:

Larkinus Zephyrius



Larkinus took a long drag on his cigarette before entering the Green Mare Tavern. It wasn't much to his liking it seemed to peaceful, he wondered what sort of adventurers this King woman expected to find in such a drab place. He only appreciated two sorts of taverns the dark and seedy kind or the overly lavish and loud variety. The Green Mare practically seemed like a family establishment to Larkinus. He walked up to the man working at the bar, and blew some smoke out the corner of his mouth as he prepared to talk. Larkinus removed his wide brimmed hat, and his mask as well, so as to not intimidate the man, he let his long brown hair fall to his shoulders from underneath his hat. "My good man I'm searching for a Ms. King I have a job application I believe she would like to see."

The man looked at Larkinus, studying his face, he continued washing the glass and set it down on the bar. The man gave Larkinus the once over, he silently cursed his elf-blood it made him physically appealing to both genders, he knew his muscular build and height did little to help that. "She's resting in her room. Be careful if you plan to disturb her she keeps some rather tough company." Larkinus nodded at the man and walked in the direction he pointed him in.

He knocked on the door, three taps, "I wish to speak with Ms. King or possibly an associate I have come with my application. It's not urgent but as you all plan to leave at midnight I believe it would be best if she looked at it now." He knocked again slightly harder. "I am in no way intending to be rude but please open the door if it would please you."

The door opened wide and Larkinus found a gryphon looking at him. "Sir you may in no way attempting to be rude, but the hour grows late and my master is attempting to sleep. Now this had better be important or else I'll be forced to cause you intense bodily harm."

Larkinus handed his application to the gryphon barely hiding his desire to smirk at the gryphon as he seemed furious. "I think you'll find my past experience rather impressive. I apologize for having not arrived sooner but as you can imagine I'm in high demand." He watched the gryphon study his application.

"Fine gather what supplies you need you're on the job. But, I hope you didn't expect to get any sleep tonight." He went to close the door.

Larkinus made a sweeping bow removing his hat and with a look of mischief in his eye said to the gryphon, "Kind friend I doubt I should need any at all."

I really want to get involved in this! This is so cooooooooooooooool! I am too tired now though... can I do it at the weekend?
Please save me a spot!

Full Name: Merrielle First-Laurel
Age: 19
Species: Half elfin princess, half human (sort of) pirate
Gender: Female
Weapons: Bow and arrow, throwing daggers, a pirate cutlass and a magical staff.
Skills: Skilled at fighting with weapons, magic and just kicking and punching. Quite ninja-ish. Good at magic and gets on well with animals due to her magic. Can sail a ship well.
Magic (if any): She can talk in all tongues, animal, peoples and plants, and can control water and earth (this is from her pirate and elf parentage). She can also do spells and make potions. Because she is of royal elfin line, she is quite magically powerful.
Previous Experience: Several years sailing the high seas as a pirate.
Are you currently wanted for any crime? (Yes or No): Yes
If yes, what was the nature of the crime? (Please explain.): Stabbing her husband to death the night of their wedding, stealing a horse, armour and money from the Elvin King's court, countless pirate crimes including thieving, murder, arson etc.
Picture (if any): Failed to find a suitable picture so I'm just going to describe;
Dark blonde hair down to her waist, quite curly in an almost naturally dread-locked way. Piercing green eyes and long lashes, quite bushy black eyebrows. Long Roman
nose and determined mouth, strong jaw. Very tall and slim like most elves with pointy ears. Light brown skin.
Please list all health problems or curses that you have had had in the last five years, (if any): None known...
What level of education have you received?
A: Training in all elfin magic's and in fighting.
In the event that you are killed during this mission; who, if anyone, would you leave your share to?
A: No-one.
History (wanted to include because it's rather cool): Was born the illegitimate child of the Lady Bluebell Laurel, Queen Elf, and the notorious pirate Brint First. Her mother married Lord Laurel seven months before the birth of her child and she was raised in the elfin court, much despised by all. Aged sixteen she was forcefully wed to a very minor noble, aged seventy-five. She stabbed him to death and ran away to a life of piracy at sea. She didn't meet her father until seventeen when she fought and slayed him during a battle between their ships. She is wanted by the elves, the First pirates and the navy equivalent in this world.

I hope my character gets included. I'm a bit worried about her being Mary-Sueish, she's not meant to be and she does have faults and weaknesses, there's just not a space for them on the form!

Is it too late to get involved?

I leapt onto the dock, leaving my tiny rowing-boat (all that was left of my great pirate galleon) to float away. It was nearly midnight and all the drunkards and criminals of the town were out. I grabbed one and hissed in their ear,
“Are there any voyages, or quests, leaving this town soon? Before morning?” I had him in a headlock, he was slowly turning purple. Realising the wretched drunk couldn’t speak, I loosened my grip a little.
“Alright, Missy, no need to be violent!” he cried, “There’s a Ms. King leaving from the Green Mare Tavern at midnight, going to rescue a lass from a dragon! Will you put me down now?” He pointed in the direction of the tavern.
I dropped him to the floor and ran off. Perhaps there was no need to be so rough with the drunk, but I had been at sea for years and you have to be rough as a pirate. Leaving at midnight! It was perfect… My brother and his crew would be in the town by first light tomorrow, ready to plunder and search me out. But I would already be away… Providing Ms. King would have me on her quest. I reached the Green Mare. I asked a bar-maid if she knew where Ms. King was.
She looked at my outlandish clothing disdainfully, “You’re not the first to have asked for her this evening… Up the stairs, third on the right.”
I ran up the stairs without thanking her and hammered on the door. I paused to catch my breath while I waited for Ms. King.
“Really, I don’t think hammering in necessary…” the woman said. A gryphon stood behind her, glaring at me.
“I’ve come to join your quest.”
“You’ll have to interview, although I must say you’ve left it rather late.” She handed me a form.
I filled it in. Some of the questions were peculiar… I wondered what sort would be on this quest, and what we would be doing. It sounded exciting!
“Hurry up now, we’ll be leaving soon!” Ms. King read it through quickly…
“Experience as a pirate? A skilled fighter?”
“Yes,” I replied, “I have slain some of the toughest in the seas- Brint First included.”
Ms. King nodded, knowing his notoriety and likely noticing the shared sir-name, “I see… And quite a bit of magical ability. It won’t help with the dragon, but we may encounter some difficulties on the way…” She came to the crime questions, “A few murders to your name.” She frowned. I wasn’t sure if she saw that as a good thing or not.
“So am I hired?” I asked, impatient to leave.
“What do you think, Halileo?” asked Ms. King.
They had a quiet conference, and then Ms. King gave me her verdict.
“You’re hired.”
“Good- now can we leave? Quickly!”

*So are we going to get on with the story or what? Renn's been waiting at the meeting place since sunset. He's getting impatient.*

It was midnight exactly when Isabella and Halieo emerged from the inn. Outside were their new hires.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we'll be leaving the city now. Quietly. Tomorrow, four groups just like us will be leaving; but only one of us can get the reward," Isabella said as she mounted her horse. "Let's get started."

"Hold on!" cried Elowyn in the distance, who was terrified by the sight of Ms. King mounting her horse. "Don't leave without me!"

The group turned to face her. Her hands were bound with rope, and her hair was in a ponytail, unlike before. Behind her, trying desperately to keep up, was the same boy from before, still carrying her hammer.
"What do you know," said Halieo, "she showed up."
After Elowyn reached the group, she fell to her knees and began to breath heavily.
"Been running... for... a mile..." she muttered. The young boy sat her hammer down next to her and rested his hand on her shoulder.

"Well, you made it," said Halieo. "Keen observation, you dumb bird," snapped Elowyn. Halieo raised an eyebrow at her.
The young boy patted Elowyn's shoulder to get her attention. She looked over to him; they were at about eye level. The boy nodded in disapproval.
Elowyn sighed and looked back at Halieo. "I'm sorry. Griffins just aren't my favorite creatures right now."
"They were before?" said Halieo.
"Well, no. It's just... at the prison..." She sighed. "Forget it, it's a story for another time. Now, quick, someone produce a knife and get this off of me."
She raised her hands up and pulled them as far as the rope allowed.

Halieo extended a claw and swiftly ran it between her hands, cutting the binding clean in half. Surprised, Elowyn stared at the Griffin for a moment. "...Thanks. You're safe... for now," she said. Halieo humored her by nodding his head in understanding.

"Who is he?" asked Ms. King, pointing at the young boy. Elowyn sighed, and picked up her hammer. "Don't worry about him."
She turned to the boy and patted him on the head. "Good job. Head back now, alright? I'll be back soon." The boy hugged Elowyn for a bit before stepping back. After looking over the group of adventurers, many of which frightened him, he turned and walked away.

"Alright then," said Elowyn, in a much more somber tone, "I'm ready."
"Hold it," said Ms. King, "if you'll remember back to your application, it was stated that you are to supply your own horse."
Elowyn grinned. "Of course!" She stepped over to a horse which was tied down by the front porch of the Inn. She pointed to it and called out into the group of adventurers, "This horse belong to any of you?" Few answered, and the ones who did gestured "no."

So she untied the horse and hopped on. "There, I've got a horse. Don't worry, it'll obey me. Animals just adore us Elves."
"How do they feel about half-elves, though?" asked Ms. King.
"What? Why? You got a problem with half-elves!?" yelled Elowyn, "We're... I'm- just- it'll obey me, alright!?"

She sighed. "Now, let's get on with this!"

Cypher

What a strange girl, i thought idly. Still that is one HELL of a hammer.
I sat up to my full height and surveyed the group.
Ms King, our most regal and enigmatic leader with her Gryphon companion. Mr Brawn with a physique to match his name. Squat and strong. Renn the elf. A most interesting character. Quite the hand with a sword by the looks of him. The strange hammer wielding girl. Basil, to the untrained eye would appear relatively harmless. To me however i could see the kind of predatory physique i prided myself on. Arwyn. No way is she some flower shop owner. No Arwyn was a name i recognised. Arwyn the Slayer. I'd have to keep an eye on that one. Then there were two faces i didn't recognise from my peek at the applications.
Must have joined after me, i thought calmly. I waited quietly for Ms King to give the word.
"So while we wait, lets play a round of who's who? I am Cypher Eisenstein. Blacksmith and well werelion." I put extra throaty growl on the last word, my predatory smirk slipping into place and even a wink for each of the ladies. This was going to be fun.

Renn Ariyal:

"Well, I'll certainly be keeping some interesting company for this trip." Renn thought wryly before he answered Cypher. "My name's Renn. and that's all you need to know about me." He said in a deadpan voice but he softened it by flashing a grin.

"That's a noble's horse you're riding isn't it?" Asked one of the ones who hadn't been introduced. "I heard the King's cousin has been moaning for weeks that some elf ran off with the fastest horse in his stable."

Renn didn't even bother to deny the charge. "Valiant was bored." He said and leaned down to pat the black's neck. Absently Renn noticed that the other horses were already starting to grow nervous in his prescence, they knew what he was.

While he waited for the others to speak up his eyes were drawn to the fox sprawled across the saddle of a cloaked figure. To Renn's eyes the fox shimmered with a faint ruby light. A red dragon had imbued the fox with magic at some point. Renn's eyes narrowed as he studied the weave. Judging by the poor job it must have been a pretty stupid dragon too.