The Mana-Verse

[Fxeni]

The Professor nodded. "Yes, yes, I could do that.  Until, until we learned, until we learned of a destination, I was trying to determine the p-possible location of the shards.  My, my initial guess was... somewhat close, as, as, as I had seen one shoot toward the north."

"Ah, that works out perfectly!" Fxeni says as he turned to speak to the king. "The good Prof will be the one to handle the maps. Could you have them delivered to his quarters on the airship?"

[Quickman]

"Of course, of course!  And, do stop by our chief medical officer.  He'll treat your wounds." The King nodded.  "We do have experience with treating fae.  Many years ago, during a siege, we had a rival goblin tribe ally with us.  We treated their wounded, and they put up a valiant fight, but in the end... they were struck down."

His voice dropped lower so as to avoid being overheard, should Riagan be in earshot. "This was long, long before my son's time.  Long before my reign.  As I pointed out before, there are exceptions, but do remember that."

[Phi]

"The entire story is confusing, seriously if I told it to you right now you might not even believe me." Sakura admitted.  "Anyway want to head back to the Mead Hall, I suddenly got my appetite back."

Pema smiled, "Yeah. I got my appetite back, too!"

"We all know you never lose appetites of any variety," Salem chuckled lightly.

She giggled, folding her hands behind her back, "Come on, Ms. Sakura. Let's eat!"

A renewed sense of confidence washed over her as she looked ahead.

[Sakura Leic]

"Right." Sakura smiled as they headed back to the Mead Hall.

[Fxeni]

"As long as exceptions are possible, I have no qualms with being cautious," Fxeni replied, taking a quick glance to the Prof.

"With that, I'll be returning to the airship to prepare for tomorrow. Thank you for your hospitality," Fxeni says to the king with a bow, then he exits the Mead Hall and returns to the airship.

(Well, insomnia or no, I should try to get some sleep now.)

[Phi]

On their way to the Mead Hall, Pema noticed Zilpher at the table, quietly drinking his Ale.

She froze briefly, hoping that he wasn't angry at her for speaking against him. She slowly stepped closer to him when he turned his head in Pema's direction.

She nervously adjusted her hat and tugged on the ear flaps, fumbling the words around in her head. She then focused her eyes on him and opened her mouth.

Zilpher raised a hand in front of her, "Ah, ah, ah, not one word, young one. There's nothing to apologize for. You were merely speaking your mind. I respect that!" He lifted up his mug, a bright smile on his bearded face.

"Huh?" Pema was shocked, "How did you know I was going to apologize?"

"Hahahaha!" He bellowed in hearty laughter, "Why, I can see it written all over your face. Your posture. Most of all, your expression: I see you've yielded to ambiguity over the matter, have you?" He took a rather large gulp of Ale.

"Y-yeah, I've yielded to anban- a-ambly... Mm-hm, to that!" Pema nodded with determination.

"You can just say you don't know the word, Pema..." Salem sighed bluntly.

Zilpher pulled out a seat next to him, "Come! Sit, Pema."

She nodded hastily and climbed to the seat, "Thank you, Mr. Zilpher!"

He regarded her with a raise of his mug, "You know, I had a feeling your passion extended beyond that of food. I've witnessed how you act towards your peers. That same, raw energy. Honestly, I'm quite relieved you did speak out. It gets rather boring if everyone shares the same sentiment, as odd as it may be to hear."

Pema smiled and swayed in her seat, "Everyone deserves to be heard. I know that now," She thought back to Riagan and raised her mug, "To Zilpher!"

He cocked a grin, tapping his mug against hers, "To Pema!"

They took a long gulp of their drink, and belched rather loudly, at the same time. The two laughed and continued their meal.

[Quickman]

((So, what now?))

[Sakura Leic]

(Start training montages on the airship when Blue gets back unless someone else has anything to add?

Oh and Fxeni it wasn't that Calien would have died it was Caien would have beheaded and killed Doll Master himself if he didn't let Riagan get the honor to do it.)

[Phi]

(Have Fxeni fire up Eye of the Tiger, so we can start the training montage between him and Pema.)

[Sakura Leic]

(Technically I did want to ask Pyritecrusher about the Schism but I don't think that's relevant anymore.)

[Quickman]

((Considering it was before his time.  I still haven't hammered out all the details yet, anyway.))

[Sakura Leic]

(Yeah I think we can move on.)

[Quickman]

The next morning, the party received their supplies and departed Gimrak, acquiring two party members; Riagan Pyritecrusher and Shuu.  Pema began her training under Fxeni, and Calien took a break from constant sewing, thanks mostly due to the Dwarven tailors who helped outfit the group with simple fur cloaks and boots.  Toshi also received a much-needed pair of pants.

With Fxeni at the helm and the Professor charting a course, the airship began the long journey to the northern lands.  It wasn't long until the group felt the icy chill of cold arctic storm fronts, and the airship lurched frequently from turbulence.  What was expected to be a few days' trip was taking longer, as Fxeni and the Professor had to navigate around the hostile weather, else their vessel freeze solid at those high altitudes.

[Dr. Wily II]

(Well, by the time you all arrive at Heimdall... It will be half-buried in snow by Freeze Master.)

[Quickman]

((All the more reason for Toshi to get actual pants! ))

[Sapphire Knight]

[So... Dumb question... But... Is it safe to assume that Shuu is part of the group now, or does he have to go through some event to be officially added as more than some NPC tag-along?]

[Dr. Wily II]

(I was initially thinking of my 2 ice Masters to further interfere with your approach to Heimdall... But I think the artificial blizzard made by Freeze Master should be enough. )

[Mr. Haxwell]

(I get the feeling Toshi might thank the frosty duo, for the snow. She should have plenty of time brushing up her Ice Style Jutsu skills; not that it would be very helpful in the coming battle, but can prove as a perfect defense for her and the others, when things heat up.)

[Quickman]

[So... Dumb question... But... Is it safe to assume that Shuu is part of the group now, or does he have to go through some event to be officially added as more than some NPC tag-along?]

*Shuu has joined your party!*

((Yeah, you're part of the group.))

(I get the feeling Toshi might thank the frosty duo, for the snow. She should have plenty of time brushing up her Ice Style Jutsu skills; not that it would be very helpful in the coming battle, but can prove as a perfect defense for her and the others, when things heat up.)

((She might be more thankful for warmer clothes because if she goes out in the snow with that bikini, her nipples would be hard enough to cut glass with.))

[Dr. Wily II]

(Mmmm... Boobie-cut glass...)

[Mr. Haxwell]

((She might be more thankful for warmer clothes because if she goes out in the snow with that bikini, her nipples would be hard enough to cut glass with.))

(Yeah, that too. But now you've also given me a new idea for Toshi's demonic form. Which I'll probably draw sometime later.)

[Quickman]

((...why do I picture spike-nipples...))

[Dr. Wily II]

(... I fear it's more than just that...)

[Mr. Haxwell]

(... a pair of drills, that could pierce the heavens... nah... )

[Sakura Leic]

(We already had Riagan in the party before this and Shu was added when Fxeni pointed out they had similar goals.)