The next scene we see Sarah, Albert, and Alistear sitting at a table.
Alistear: "Now that we are in a bit more of a private setting, I can discuss with you why I have gathered us here today."
An air of tension begins to fill the room, as Sarah and Albert become more attentive in their listening, prepared to hang on every word Alistear is about to say, as if their lives depended on it.
Alistear: "The Abbadon occultists are the least of our worries. Something has happened to the healing magic of the Segnales. Once very effective spells that brought warriors back from the cusp of death itself is now less effective. We are losing fine soldiers and with each passing day our wounded deteriorate and succumb to countless otherwise preventable illnesses."
Sarah: I've heard of the Segnale, but never met one before. I know they are an important component in any battalion.
Albert: "Plus, they have a great body to boot, Ha Ha!"
Both Sarah and Alistear frown at Albert, then continue their conversation. Albert looks on with a bright smile filled with immature perversion.
Alistear: "It was for this reason both the Azure and Incar order brought this situation under great scrutiny. To our utmost dismay, we may have discovered the reason why this has occurred."
Sarah: "Could it be the occultists' doing?"
Alistear: "That is not possible. Their magic is not strong enough to invoke such a damper upon magical utterances that produce the mending of both mind and body. Even the pitborn themselves that are traversing into our world do not have a sophisticated mind to collaborate their efforts to serve their master in this capacity."
Sarah: "So the inquiry is what is creating such a disturbance of Segnale healing magic?"
Alistear: "As most know, the seal Trieste made through her own life blood and death is weakening. However, no one has mentioned the dire rate at which it is weakening."
Albert's countenance starts to match the seriousness of the situation as he begins to listen with more intention.
Alistear notices this change and nods at Albert
Alistear: "...The Blood Drinker itself may be causing this blockage from the pit beyond."
Sarah & Albert: "Abaddon?!
Alistear: "Yes. If the seal placed by Trieste has weakened to this point, there is no telling whether or not Abaddon itself will break free and out into the world of Haran."
Sarah: "Trieste have mercy!"
Alistear: "This is why an investigation must occur, but only by a few who know of the dire situation. Until the prophecy of Trieste's return actually happens, it will be up to us to defend Haran from Abaddon."
Albert: "Who will participate in this investigation?"
Alistear: "I think that is obvious Albert. It will be Sarah and you."
Sarah and Albert look at each other in bewilderment
Sarah & Albert: "Uh, us?"
Alistear: "Yes, you both, and a third party member I will introduce to you shall aid you in your journey."
Albert: "This makes no sense though. There are many who are blessed with the wings of Helion and are much stronger than Sarah and I. Why not have them investigate?"
Sarah nods in agreement.
Alistear: "A reason I would give...(leaning forward) is because few know who both of you are. If word got out about the seals weakening at a drastic pace, there would be chaos."
Sarah: "It would give the pitborn too much of an opening to exploit. Panic would ensue, our defenses would fall...
She thinks for a moment, looking down with eyes open, then turns to Albert."
Sarah: "Albert, I am willing. Are you?"
Albert: "...I am not sure as to what I can do, and yet, I say it shall be so. I have promised to aid you on your journey and so it shall be. You will have my sword and shield till this matter is absolved!"
Sarah: "Thank you, Alicia would be pleased to know I have such a generous and brave warrior at my side."
Albert: "Why... thank you (bashfully)"
Alistear: "Now that you both have that taken care of, let me introduce you to your third party member."
Alistear rises and walks to the door and opens it by a crack
Alistear: "Master Valerie?"
He steps back from the door as it opens to show a dark, purple skinned woman, dressed in what seems to be very revealing clothing. Silk mixed with dark strips of linen adorn this fine lady.
Valerie: "Greetings, Sarah and Albert."
She looks both of our traverlers up and down, "checking" them out.
Valerie: "Sarah, what a beautiful face you have. Your blood flows with strong magic."
She then looks to Albert.
Valerie: and you sir, have courage running through your veins. Your blood also is rushing to a certain...part of your body. Arousal is the perfect word to describe your current state of being.
Albert: (Embarrassed) "My apologies..."
Valerie: "Ha Ha, I take it as a compliment! From blood we take to blood we give. It speaks to us Segnale as if it were our sister. From it I know what I desire to know of whatever being has blood running through them. It is my aid and weapon in battle."
Sarah: "Well met skilled Segnale. Will you be adventuring with us?"
Valerie: (With a smile) "It would be a pleasure of mine...fighting the pitborn outside these walls...but my duty here is to train Segnales in mastering their healing arts and curse skills. So no, I will not be journeying with you."
Albert: "That is unfortunate" D:
Valerie: "Do not worry my adorable knight. I will have one of my most skilled students go with you...
(She turns to the door and goes to open it, then looks back at Albert)...and she will offer just as much arousal, if not more, than I would bring. (She opens the door) Nina, please come in."
As a gust of wind would take a leaf away and bring it here to there, so does the words of Valerie carry in another Segnale matching the dark purple, silk smooth skin Valerie has. Only this fine figure has a bodacious-ness that is quiet like a moon lit sky, and yet as noticeable as her intriguing round curves. Nina's eyes look towards the floor with an non-expressive face of neither sadness or delight. Fearful, yet courageous enough to fight Abbadon himself.
Valerie: "Nina, these two will be your companions. Follow them, stand with them, and offer your arts of healing to them, while cursing any foe that may seek to oppose them."
Nina looks up at Sarah, looks at Albert, looks back at Valerie, then looks back at Albert, as if she missed something that only a second glance could catch. Nina looks at him as if something resonates with her. A deep relatedness that only can be found in two who know each other from within and without.
Valerie looks at Albert and Nina, as if to wonder if the two have met before.
Valerie: "...Ah, my apologies. Nina does not speak much. Rather shy if I might say so myself. Do not mistake this for anything other than her sharp mind and total resolution." (Nina looks to Valerie with alertness and nods, restoring a sense of duty and honor as she took her gaze off our handsome charming knight :D )
Albert: (still staring at Nina, then shakes himself out of his stare and rises from his seat) "It...it is a (gulp) pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Nina bows slightly
Sarah rises from her seat with a smile as she bows, knowing Nina's preference for silent greetings. Nina responds warmly with a smile, then returns to a neutral face as Alistear begins to speak, as if ignored this whole time (which he was).
Alistear: "So, now that we have introductions out of the way, let us discuss your first quest. (He unfolds a map and places it on the table) There is a great warrior, a woman known as Asray. She has aided the Braiken army countlesss times and now serves as a guardian and merchant to the town of Denebe.
She has the Black Wings of the goddess, and you will know when you meet her. We need you to deliver a letter to her as well as this vial of her favorite potion blend. Our traveling merchants are out on other trade routes and this particular path to Denebe is littered with Lizardmen and Water Reapers, thus being the reason why we want to send a small band of warriors, you three, to bring this important information to Asray. (He hands the letter to Albert, then gives the potion to Sarah). Please stop by the armory and skill masters before setting out on your quest. May you three succeed, for Dekaron! Trieste strengthen us!"
Laterz all!
