A Love that Crushes like a Mace.

[lukuz13]

-With the sudden warp, Luke was caught off guard, stumbling for a moment before regaining his footing only to find the new location surrounding him.
"Ah...well...that woulda been helpful earlier wouldn't it..." Luke whispered, half jokingly, yet the heart he usually put into such things was not present. Then he turned up to see Achintya, the small fearie they had split with long ago, as well as this...shadow creature, that seemed to glare him through, if one thing without eyes can 'glare'. Luke wished to greet him nevertheless.
"Achintya! Our good fearie friend... it feels like forever doesn't it?" Luke attempted a smile, again, the heart not as strong as normal. "What brings you to our little warp in the wall?" Luke began before glancing at the shadow thing. "And who's your friend?"

[Mog]

Isaac, Tianlong, Zephyre and Halt watched as Achintya took a moment to straighten his hat before speaking to them, wearing a smile of boundless friendliness that clashed with the feelings Halt was trying his best to place a cause on.
"More warriors of justice, huh?" said the faerie, "well, if any of you are having trouble following things just give me a shout and I'll uh..." The small creature shrugged. "...I dunno, empathise? Seriously, what started as an afternoon stroll through Drakengard got complicated fast."
Achintya finished the drink in front of him as the barmaid, seemingly without instruction, put another glass in front of him. None of the group listening to the faerie could really be certain, but they could swear every time Achintya spoke the rest of the bar became quieter, as if the other patrons were timing their next swig to coincide with the moment the faerie began to speak. The fluffy creatures smile widened as he turned to Luke.
"Luke von Dash! The cosmic cowboy himself! Forever indeed, I almost thought I'd never see your crazy hair again.
"Ah, thanks for reminding me, allow me to introduce you to the misfits I've picked up. In the blue corner we have-"
"Icelus" interrupted the blue horse, "I am here as-"[/b]
"Basically I beat him at poker on account of him not being able to hold the cards and now he's travelling with me in a gallant effort to perfect his skills."
Icelus chose not to bother with a response.
"And this, as he just said" continued the faerie, "is good old Ulaer, professional Wraith. Oh, the adventures he and I've had, the wonders we've seen, the beasts we've fought. The three headed dog, Ulaer, remember that bad boy?"
Talfen got the impression Achintya was enjoying himself.
"Yeah, but we met a while back and he's been shadowing me ever since."
Suddenly there was a crash from the kitchen as a few pans were dropped. From where the group were stood it made a distinct 'ba-dum-tish' sound.

[Noven]

-Talfen quickly went over the prophecies with Achintya, filling him in, before moving on to say in further detail why they had come to Oxbridge. He recalled, first, "Oh, yes... Achintya, the Weaponmaster has made me the courier of a message, he says he has finally cleaned all the blood from his walls. I do suppose that is of an, uh... interesting story to be had, regardless, we must move to why we've come here. We are to work out the location of the final seal, allowing the curtains on stage to be cast away, the real show starting, it would seem. Then that cruel fate of earlier discussion... I suppose we shall see how cruel it really is, yeah?" Talfen chuckled, wondering what truly would happen to see the gods let loose, dragons in their wake and counter. He continued, "Yes, well, regardless, the next point is that of scrounging up an army to take... take Arzoth's castle, an endeavor that I most particularly look forward to in this campaign." Talfen nodded, trying to go over in his mind if he'd missed anything, looking to the others for their input as well.

[lukuz13]

-Luke turned his head up to the fearie's admirable spirit, attempting a smile and returning his greeting before going back to his solemn air as Talfen explained what all has happened. Though happy to see the fearie unharmed and well, Luke's mind refused to function as his normal attitude demanded. As Talfen finished, Luke turned his head up to the others and nodded.
"It is good to meet you, both, that is." He managed, as Netreya spoke only a quick introduction, concentrating his attention towards his brother before turning to the fearie.
"Indeed it is good to see you Achintya, no doubt you have been off on some sort of adventure? Have you accomplished whatever it was you set out to do? Hopefully something to assist our mission?"[/i] Netreya managed, breaking his attention to Luke long enough to speak for the man and perhaps get their minds off of current events and focused on the task at hand.

[Mog]

Achintya simply rested his head on one hand and replied to Netreya with a grin.
"Not particularly, O mighty griffin king, I had a quick ride around, copped a feel of Solace and came here. I heard it was a pretty happening place. Though this Wraith isn't exactly what I asked the barman for...
"So... basically, the lot of you are going to gather the biggest army this world has ever known to fight in the war to end all war, then you're going to break some kind of magical seal to release the most powerful beings in this universe from their cells?"
Behind his gloved hands Achintya's eyes remained completely hidden under his hat's rim, but his mouth had widened into a gleeful smile. He snickered.
"That little girl must have some serious faith in you all. Or she's a foolish gambler."

Icelus sighed, and chose to interrupt.
"Achintya won an instrument that will allow him to summon the Furies, a clan of warrior spirits with few equals, on command. This will no doubt come in handy when the battle begins. The faerie, as well as both myself and my clan have also thrown our hats in with the alliance. Though,"[/b] continued Icelus, turning to the creature beside him, "even I'm not sure why."
In the parts of Achintya's mind Icelus could see there was a sudden flash of a white dress, blonde hair and a crown of flowers before it vanished, replaced with the Seer's face.

"Yeah," Achintya said to the group in front of him, "basically, I guess you're stuck with me."
He flashed them a friendly smile. Icelus sighed... again.

[lukuz13]

-Netreya glanced from the Fearie to Icelus and gave off a grin of griffin proportions.
"So he has access to yet more mysterious power? Well surely it will serve well in the not so distant future...happy to meet you."[/i] Netreya nodded to Icelus, before glancing back to Achintya. "It seems so Fearie, a great weight has been placed on all our shoulders, and we all have a part to play... perhaps even you?"[/i] He began before sighing and nodding afterwards. "So, essentially, yes that's about right." Netreya gave a glance to Luke who seemed lost in his own mind again, as close as the two where, Netreya could not predict what was stirring there.
"Regardless..."[/i] Netreya began, turning back to Achintya. "I'd say it is time we got moving... this place would be a good start I believe." he said simply.

-Looking around the Inn, Netreya found it to be fairly quiet. To the side, he saw a pair of waitresses, and a large portly barman behind the small Fearie and the shadow next to him. In a comfortable chair by the fire, Netreya could see an old man in mousey robes, muttering to himself. Glancing to a table in the place, he could see a group of three red goblins, looking at him all fearfully as if expecting his attack. Finally, Netreya noticed in the corner an elf in sky blue robes silent and appearing to avoid the other patrons for the most part. Netreya thought for a moment and approached the elf curiously and attempted to speak with them as politely as he was able.
"Excuse me, would you happen to know much of the University here? We are searching for a scholar to help us find something we are looking for. Please, it is quite urgent."[/i]

[FinlandiaWhiteEyes]

-The elf was engrossed in a scroll that seemed to be a copy of an old archaic text. He didn't deign to look up at the griffin for a while, instead remarking in a bored drawl;
"I have better things to do than shepherd tourists around. Besides, the guards aren't letting commoners in-something to do with the trouble our dragonkin Chancellor is facing. That's what you get when you let animals run a univer-" at this point he looked up and saw Netreya. His eyes widened. He did not seem afraid, but the shock in his eyes was similar to someone having seen a ghost.
"As I said," he muttered, returning to his scroll and composure, "I have better things to do. Go...go pester a guard, or something."

[lukuz13]

-Netreya gave the elf a certain glare/nod at his referring to him as a tourist, but did not have the time to argue, rather, more pressing matters where at hand. Deciding to leave the elf be, the only other prospect in the inn he could see was the old man by the fire. With a swift and almost inaudible goodbye to the elf, Netreya made his way over to the old man, unsure of how to approach one talking with themselves.
"Excuse me sir, I require assistance, and need to know some things. My... friends and I are seeking access to the University and the scholars it holds within, yet I hear there is some sort of trouble with the Chancellor... could you tell me who that is or rather what is happening with him to restrict access to others?" [/i]

[FinlandiaWhiteEyes]

-The old man shook his head, annoyed. "Hush, griffin. I'm waiting for someone." He twiddled his thumbs. "Come on Half-Elven. I don't have all century."
-One of the three red goblins tapped Netreya's foreleg.
"Perhaps I can help. The Chancellor is the elected leader of the University. The current Chancellor is a dragonkin, and it is he which shifted the university to full neutrality after the war. He's a good man, but there are some folks who don't agree with his placing us on the fence, if you take my meaning. Might get violent, so visitors aren't allowed in the University without recommendations from a senior scholar." The goblin looked at the griffin curiously. "What was it you wanted to know?" He glanced at the elf in the corner, and murmured, "I'd stay away from Levalan, if I were you. Some dodgy rumours..."

[lukuz13]

-Caught of guard by the man's rudeness, Netreya began to suspect he did not have the whole 'speaking with people' thing down yet, when the red goblin surprised him with a shed of light on the questions he had. It took him a moment to respond, after retracting his claws which came out on instinct, and relaxed himself.
"Oh...I see... yes, well that helps with who he is, thank you."[/i] Netreya stuttered a response before regaining his normal tone. "So eager to war they bring it to their own home? One way or another they win I suppose... are there no other ways inside? Or perhaps you know of a way to contact a scholar outside the university?"[/i] Netreya began to ask, before catching the goblin's own. Netreya hesitated at first, unsure of telling just anyone of their quest was wise, garnering unwanted attention was surely a way to get them killed. "The question is a personal one, I hope you understand... but it is quite important, that I can guarantee."[/i] Netreya simply said. "The elf strikes me as a harsh one...and in fact reminds me a bit of someone." [/i] Netreya chuckled a bit recalling the small similarities, before reiterating his questions to the rather kind goblin.

[Mog]

Meanwhile, Icelus and Achintya were as deep in conversation as a drunken faerie and magical horse could be.
"No, no, no, Icelus, you're not getting this" said Achintya with a chuckle. "To do that I'd need the kinetic force to blow a hole in the wall, I can't make my own. Like, a bolt of lightning going through someone, it's just transferring ener-"
"No, no, no, I get that, Achintya. I meant why can't you just walk up to the gate, tell them you're some powerful mage and then tip the city over with your little finger with your uh... your other... thin-"[/b]
"Ohh, yeah, Headology. Well, you see, once upon a time that would have been easy enough, but I've figured out what's wrong now. It's you."
"Me."[/b]
"You."
"Me."[/b]
"You... Its charm lies in its simplicity and its bloody brilliance, but then you came along and sat in my soul and corrupted it. Now it's all tainted and twisted and frankly I'm a little annoyed about it."
"You made the choice faerie, I'm not particularly fond of having my reality blackened by deep shadows and shards of reflections. I can't imagine what it was like with the faces and the voices."[/b]
With that Achintya and Icelus sat scowling at one another in silence.

[Mr.Chocobo]

Ulaer coughed. Or rather, made a haunting grumble of a noise that may've been a cough, or just something used to scare small children senseless.

"How very... interesting.. you all are." The wraith's robes and armour shifted annoyedly again.
He was ancy, and wanted to do something.
He looked at the humans in the group with some amount of contempt.
'They'd better be worth the trouble.. and the smell.' Ulaer thought to himself.

[FinlandiaWhiteEyes]

-The goblin leant forward and spoke in a secretive whisper, "Important, is it? And you can't say? Well, that's alright, I guess. Well, you could ask Mervin of Caerlorn, or the High Theocrat Svayam Bhagavan for recommendations. You don't get more superior than those two; they could likely get you in and get a meeting with The Boss, if you needed one. Depends what your question is, o' course, that'll decide which scholar can help you best-lots of departments, see? Tricky characters both of them, though. And it'd be tough getting a message to 'em. I'd do it for you, but it's dangerous for goblin-folk to be in the castle right now, what with the actions of our kin in the desert. One of our mates was stabbed by a cook's assistant the other day. As for other ways in..." He leant back with a gurgling laugh. "You could always sneak in. That'd upset a few characters, though, Chancellor Da'at among them."

-One of the other goblins cleared his throat, "I'd speak to the guards, see if one of them won't do you a favour. If you strike out there, there be a fairy by the name of Bheda, she's Second Librarian, and she's in a bit of a tough spot. Help her out, and she might get word to Mervin or the Theocrat."
-"Not both, though," laughed the third goblin with a croaky laugh. That made the other two chortle.
-"No," said the first, grinning, "definitely not both."

[lukuz13]

-Netreya tilted his head to the side, in a curious fashion.
"Mervin of Caerlorn...and High Theocrat Svayam Bhagavan? Prestigious titles to be sure...perhaps they truly can help me."[/b] Netreya turned his head to the opposite side this time before asking. "Boss? Ah I see indeed...I would like to keep the specifics a secret but I suppose offering minor details is no issue. I am seeking a location, a large castle to be accurate, and hope the scholars here would help my...friends and I to find it.[/b] Netreya began before chuckling at the mention of sneaking in. "Hopefully it would not come to that...tricky characters you say? Who isn't these days I would say, there will be no need for you to take such a risk, you have done much already, and I thank you for that." Netreya offered the goblin a small nod of thanks before glancing back to Luke who was standing silently, taking in the information as Netreya relayed it across, before glancing back. "A guard you say? And this fairy...where would she be at? Perhaps we can assist, a favor for a favor yes?"[/i] Netreya managed before he paused with a cautious silence and followed with. "Not both...is there a reason or are you riddling with me?"[/i] Netreya asked, not as a threat as it perhaps came off, but more caution, being the one to gather information was still new to the proud king.

[Noven]

-"Not both, eh? What ever sort of trouble may be brewing between them?" Talfen trailed at the end, before continuing, "Well, then, we must choose with some thought if we can't be dancing about back and forth." He looked briefly over his companions, while before he could continue, Zephyre continued the thought for him.
"We should research the people before we do any tasks of aid, I do not think it would rest well if we were to be left without reply when asked of who we were to go to after completing whatever task may await us." She continued, in a warmer tone that implied some slight eagerness, "Who knows what other knowledge we may come across as well when looking about this town." Her smile had widened, in her thought, and Talfen concluded the discussion form their part,
"Quite so, it seems. Well, then, we also have to keep in mind the gathering of an army, so it would be well for everyone to keep their ears receiving of any talk or rumor that would benefit that sort as well, right?"