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Level 2: Might and Magic


Justin OOC

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Vesper, on the verge of making some snide comment about how mages seemed pretty pointless if the monsters ate magic, was successfully distracted by Yuuki's question. She frowned slightly, then shrugged.

"Fine. Whatever. Therion can use the rest."

She went over to the front of the wagon and hauled herself up to sit alongside Ryan.

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Tori was silent throughout the entire exchange her head swiveling back and forth as each person spoke. Finally as Vesper climbed up to join Ryan she fixed him with what could only be construed as a glare before climbing into the carriage to sit beside Yuuki.

She never said a word.

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Once everyone was situated, they set out with Theo keeping pace alongside the Carriage.  "So, you're all from another world?  That sounds so fantastical as to be nonsense, but Everything i've seen of you, well it'd be even more nonsensical to think people like you were here in our world all this time."

Ryan nodded.  "We've gotten that reaction before.  It's okay man, really.  We're like any other people, wants, needs, hopes, dreams, and fears, even if some choose to not admit them."  He didn't look at Vesper, and shrugged.  "So, Tell us what's going on right now, Theo, help us to understand the world."

It was a longer than normal, and The young lord revealed that he was a Lord without a kingdom to rule.   Lords could inherit crests which granted power from their families, or be given one from a Lord of higher standing, making them their subordinate.  The third type was What Theo was, a spontaneously generated crest.   They were rare in the extreme, so much so that the common man had no idea of their existence.  They started far weaker than others, but were outside the heirarchy, and thus able to gain power much faster.  Theo had been formally recognized, which explained Siluca's presence.  Each lord upon being recognized would have a Magician assigned as their advisor, and Siluca, while young, was among the most gifted Magicians to graduate in recent memory.  

At the top of the pile so to speak were the Royal families of the the Great nations, The Albrecht, for the Kingdom of Andvise, and the Lyssos, who ruled over the Roselim Empire.   There were other nations that had their own alliances, but those two controlled two thirds of the world, all told, between them.

-------

In the Carriage, Siluca looked to the two women there, and noted they couldn't be more different.   "So you're form another world and have come to help.   So what's in it for you?"   She didn't talk around the point, but got straight to the point.   She was aware of what Theo had, and didn't, and No one worked for free, especially when they were putting their lives on the line.

"Allow me to rephrase, as I know that came out more rudely than I meant.   I can surmise you came here with a certain goal in mind, and while we're happy you were there to intervene in that battle, Trust is somewhat harder to come by here.   Still, Lord Theo is an honest man, and He trusts you, believing that your power can help make things better.  It is my job to be suspicious, and sometimes quite blunt.  I will answer any questions you have that I am able to."

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It *was* a nice carriage, and Yuuki nestled back into the seating as comfortably as possible as she listened to the mage's explanation.

"We get to pull another world back from the darkness, and we get to go home when the job is done," she began with a far away look in her eye, recalling the small lacquered box she opened with it's message and the moment it granted her her powers, "Our patron has the power to create... champions like us and sends us out to worlds like yours. I have no idea how long he's been at it or how grave the threat to... well, everything really is. Presumably urgent."

The green-haired beauty recovered herself and turned her eyes back on their hostess, "Believe it or not, back home, I'm just a simple shrine maiden for our local Shinto Shrine. I've been trained how to help people harmonize with the Kami or spirits, respect them and themselves, and thus... make the world that much better in a small way. There has always been a Ryougi shrine maiden at Sapporo Shrine, that's my Duty, that's all my life is supposed to be until I pass the Duty on, and all this... My Great-Aunts are going to be livid when I get back for being away so long."

A small little spark of rebellion worked it's way into her smile, making it that much more honest as she kept going, her words flowing easier.

"So we're here to help, Lady Siluca. Our Patron gave us six goals to accomplish while we're here, so maybe you can help us fill in the hows of accomplishing them or if fulfilling some of them would break our alliance. We don't know which of the goals he's decided will send us home. One, Protect Lord Theo from Chaos. Two, kill a Lord Jurgen Vorn. Three, arrange a marriage between a prince and princess of Andus and the Roselin empire. Four, see a new Emperor crowned, however we're supposed to do that. Five, see chaos, presumably the Chaos that Lord Theo uses to power his Crest, 'contained'. Last, and most directly related to you, my Lady, two of us must learn your world's magic."

She laughed, the golden sound bouncing around the carriage as it bounced over the road, "So I suppose my first question, well, aside from all the others, is how *does* your magic work here? Somehow, like I never could before, I looked at you and *knew* your power was different from Lord Theos." 

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Vesper doesn't say or move much during Theo's speech, and it's hard to tell if she's listening or not. The reality is that she is, if only because there's literally nothing else to listen TO. She'd forgotten to bring her damn phone and earplugs again.

Finally, just to keep the ball rolling, she said to Theo, "So we're supposed to learn how to use magic around here. Know any good teachers?"

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Inside the Carriage, Siluca's eyes narrowed.  "Protecting Lord Theo makes sense, as he's outside the heirarchy, he probably has a better chance to act to end Chaos than anyone else.   As for Lord Vorn, that's the Lord who rules over Lord Theo's homeland, so him being removed certainly is in line with our goals.  I have no idea how you're going to arrange the marriage you are tasked with.  The two  of them were to be married before but someone summoned Chaos to the ceremony and it took the sacrifice of both the Emperor and the King to force it back.   The wedding was called off, and Lady Lyssos returned to her Domain.   Consequently, they declared war on any who wouldn't submit to their authority.  Lord Vorn is one of her subordinates."   She frowned abit more.  "For a new emperor to be crowned, the crests must be unified, Which is also essential for truly defeating Chaos once and for all.  As for learning magic,  I can teach you what I know, but the Academy is certainly the best place to learn.   At any rate, you're looking towards at least six months to a year to learn the basics.   To answer how it works,  We have crystals in our wands that allow us to draw mana to form out spells.  It is very much an effort of will to cast spells here, so only the strong willed can become magicians."

Outside Theo shrugged.  "I am no magician, that would best be asked of her, Miss Vesper.  If she cannot teach you I'm sure she can refer you to someone who can.   It will be time consuming.  I'm told it's six to twelve months just for the basics."

It was Ryan who answered that.  "We don't really have that kind of time.  We'll have to cram on the go, because We've got to accomplish our mission In at most a year."   he wasn't that thrilled about it taking that long, but there didn't sound like too many options.

Theo looked at him.   "Why such a time limit?"

"We get Recalled, and it counts as a failure Theo, which isn't good for anyone, especially the people of this world."

"Then I will do all I can to help you."   It seemed odd to Ryan, hearing that the young Lord was offering to help him.  Still they would be helping each other.  

"We'll all just have to work that much harder, together."

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"Wait...A year?" Tori stared up through the little opening the passengers had for giving orders to the driver at Ryan's back. "I cannot stay here for a year I have finals....I have a life!"

She turns to Theo "So if we get rid of Vorn you can marry Lady Lyssos right? Thats where we need to concentrate then. Where is this place I'll go take care of his butt." she said.

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"Cannon, calm down. Did you honestly think this was going to be over in a week with the list of goals we were given? The greater the gift, the greater the price, and in *our* case,  the price is time," the shrine maiden replied, too long inured to the unfairness of life to let this confirmation rattle her, not here, not now, "At least there is a time limit. He didn't have to make that part of the system. And if the goal that brings us home *is* our learning magic, we're blessed with a tutor who can at least get us started while we work on everything else."

Yuuki shifted her attention to Siluca again with a respectful nod, "Besides, I have a feeling Vorn being a lord who rules an entire country means we can't just drop out of the sky onto him and expect it to work out even if we could. What needs to happen to put Lord Theo in Vorn's place and make it stick?"

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"Arranging a marriage wouldn't do any good She'd not have me, and if I heard correctly it's only between the prince and princess of the Kingdom and Empire, of which I am neither."   Theo answered.  "Getting rid of Lord Vorn won't be easy, he's got ten thousand men under arms easily, as well as several mages, and it's rumored he even has several magic beasts at his beck and call.  I would need my own army to fight someone like him."

Ryan just chuckled.  "You've got one buddy,  We may not have numbers, but I bet we could handle it, Short of a half dozen dragons or something outright insane."

Siluca watched as Tori went off over the time, and then fumed after Yuuki took over.  "The easiest answer is Lord Theo defeating Lord Vorn in combat, either army to army, or in a duel.   While he is quite skilled, I don't imagine he'd quite be able to take Lord Vorn just yet.  Though having witnessed your man's fighting skills he could probably handle him."  

Ryan laughed at that, but said nothing more.   He was the one driving the carriage after all.   "So by hook or by crook he mused after a few moments.   Well, that's good to know.  At least that option is open."

Siluca continued.  "If your time is limited, I do know of someone who might be able to accelerate your learning, but it will be quite intensive, and we don't exactly have any favors we can call on to get them to help.   I don't suppose any of you have a vast repository of knowledge with you? The more rare, the better.   That is a sure fire way to get her to help."

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"Better than my idea of offering to let them borrow my phone during the duration of the training," Yuuki complemented the red head with another chuckle, "Well, assuming they accept us, how long should it take? Not longer than the three of you can get along without Vesper and I or need to prepare, I hope. Grateful as I am for you putting yourself out like this, doing as much as we can to help you and Lord Theo *is* most of the mission, Lady Siluca."

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"Okay," said Vesper slowly. "So your 'kingdom' or whatever is controlled by Lord Vorn, who I guess we all want dead, and is part of this 'Roselim Empire' controlled by the Lyssos. And you're supposed to marry the princess of the Lyssos, but you can't unless you're the prince of this kingdom."

She rubbed her temple irritably.

"What's wrong with Lord Vorn again? I feel like I missed something. Why're we all kill kill kill on his ass?"

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Siluca nodded.  "That may do it,  knowledge from another world certainly would pique her interest."   Ryan smiled  "I've got a regular phone with a ton of trivia on it, if the books don't work.   We can't give away our work phones."

"Assuming she does agree, it largely will be determined by your Will.   She could teach you in a day if you're strong enough for it, but I expect a week to a month for the basics."

Ryan nodded.  "That's pretty hardcore, I wish I could learn some new Martial Arts that fast. "   When Vesper questioned why they had to Kill Vorn, Ryan sighed.  "We have to kill him because it's a task we have to complete.  And I really think you're mistaken.  Theo isn't the one who has to get married.  He's not part of the royal families at all, So unless we're talking straight full on coup de tat on the major powers, we just aren't gonna be able to do that.   I think what it means is for us to find some way to make the wedding that was supposed to happen, happen.  That means getting the Prince and Princess back together."

Theo sighed.  "I'll tell you about Lord Vorn.   His family has controled my home for the last two generations.  His grandfather was benevolent, and our land prospered.   His Father wasn't, he was corrupt, and began overtaxing the people to keep his pet military provisioned.  This continued under the Current Lord, the people are incentivized to turn in anyone suspected of betraying the Lord, There is no safety, no surety for anyone.   His paranoia calls all into question.  He even had one of his sons slain because of 'Evidence" he was shown that his son was becoming subversive.   he's killed women, children, and oppresses the people.  At best they can hope to serve in the military to get food to live on, but  all that's done is put a heavier burden on those who cannot do so."

"Sounds like a total Bastard."  Ryan growled out.  "I'll take his head."

"You can't Ryan."   Theo answered.  "I have to be the one to beat him, to take his life, and his crest.  Only then can I rule the land and undo the damage his family's rule has wrought."
 

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"Okay then, lets look at this strategically. Theo needs to be the one to off Vorn and then we need to get a wedding going and we need to learn magic, or at least two of us do.

Right.

We go to this magic teacher first, we offer her what we have for trade and she or he, whatever, teaches two of us. While that is going on Ryan you train Theo, not that hes a slouch in the sword swinging department but just to teach him what you can so he has an edge against Vorn. Then when all the training is done. we confront Vorn finish that off and then maybe the magic we learn will help us figure the rest out." Tori spoke rapidly  to get it all out.

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Luckily The tutor I know lives within Duke Antero's domain, so we're headed to the right place.  Once we arrive I will send her a message and arrange a meeting then." Siluca smiled.  Theo spoke after that.  "I look forward to our Training, Ryan."

Ryan nodded.  "It won't be anything like what you may have had, it won't be neat and clean Theo.  I am going to teach you how to win, not some formal fighting style." 

With it settled, they continued the journey to Duke Antero's castle,which was large and a veritable fortress.  The men at the gate lowered the drawbridge to allow them inside, and indeed the town that surrounded his castle was bustling.  a great wall surrounded it, manned by soldiers.

They were shown to a set of rooms for their quarters by the Duke's Minister, and allowed time to change and clean up should they wish.

Siluca sent her message, and after an hour or so, they were called to come to the Dining Hall. 

The Duke was an older man, his beard and hair both long and Grey.   "I see Young Theo has met some unusual companions.  Still I welcome you to my lands, and keep.   He will need you to see his goal through to the end.  I am Duke Leon Antero, and tonight I will make good on a promise I made eighteen years ago, One which will finally allow me to rest, but first, I'd hear your tale, new friends."

 

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Yuuki had had a thought before they were dismissed to prepare for the meeting.

"Minister? May I ask a favor before you depart?"

"Of course."

"My friends and I are strangers in your land and lack appropriate clothing to meet a noble like your Duke. I was taught that you only have one chance to make good first impression, so I was hoping that I might borrow something more suitable, my friends as well if they care to and can overcome their... prickliness," she explained, flashing her best smile at the man, effectively apologizing in advance even as she asked her request.

The man's eyes went up and down her black, no curves left to the  imagination outfit, coloring slightly, "...Yes. Quite. Ahem. I'll arrange for someone to attend to that for you and your companions."

"Thank you, I appreciate your understanding," she offered in reply with a deep bow and inner rush at this incredibly bold behavior and the fact that it worked.

 A maid had arrived not too much longer after that and escorted her to a chamber full of outfits and a whirlwind of trying on, selecting, and learning that her bodyglove and whips just *vanished* into elsewhere when separated too far from her person, only to come back when she needed them back if she said the magic words. Neat. The shrine maiden was *still* grinning to split her face at the whole experience of indulgence in the line of duty as the Duke made his greeting, lifting the edges of her newly-borrowed blue dress in a proper curtsey.

She looked back up to him with gold eyes and a soft laugh, "A story we will be glad to tell, Duke Antero, once you enlighten us as to what Lord Theo has already shared. I would hate to bore my host."

Spoiler

Kochiya.Sanae.full.1569457.jpg

Yuuki going native after some diplomancy, just minus the fan and frog/snake head totem things. Vesper, Tori, and Ryan get a knock on the door and a similar offer if inclined, much as Ryan gets a man servant instead of a maid. :D

 

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At first Vesper thought it might actually be kind of neat to stay in an actual castle, like from the dark ages. As the saying went though, never meet your heroes. It turned out seeing castles in music videos was way cooler than actually being in one. It was cold and stuffy and dark and smelly and just kind of generically uncomfortable. Maybe it was authentic, but it still pretty much sucked.

She checked out the wardrobe, but wasn't into the 'medieval maid' look, so she figured she'd stick with her own clothes. There was a basin made from some kind of dark, coarse metal that looked kind of like lead but was probably pewter or something. It had water in it, and some linen folded next to it. Not exactly a shower, but in a world without running water it would serve a similar function.

It still felt super awkward to just sort of...mop herself off in the middle of the bedroom. She posted Therion to keep watch outside the bedroom door. At least it didn't take long.

Vesper made her way back down to the hall then, in time for the Duke's kind of weird announcement. She lifted an eyebrow when the Duke said he'd get to 'rest,' but didn't push the subject for now. Nor did she step up to be the first to tell a story. Instead she just dug a cigarette out of her pack and lit up with a flick of her lighter. It was going to be a long night.

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Like Vesper, Tori had forgone the local attire and remained in her mech suit, after all you never knew when she might have to mount up to blow stuff to smithereens.

Then Vesper lit her cigerrette. It was as if time had stopped . you could hear a pin drop. "Ping!" all eyes were on Vesper as she took a puff then said "What?"

She didnt know why after she wasnt particularly a sitckler for the rules but something snapped and Tori in a flash was in front of Vesper pionting off back behind where they ahd just comeing to the room at the entrance

"OH MY GOD CAN"T YOU EVEN READ!" Tori screamed in a shrill maniacal voice

Spoiler

Somthing like this

Girls-und-Panzer-Kawashima-Screaming1.jpg

Following the pointing finger everyone could see the sign over the door written in curly letters  NO BURNING OF PIPEWEED ALLOWED

 

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The minister was somewhat taken aback, They didn't honestly see it as pipeweed, since there was no pipe, thinking it was something else.  

The Duke sighed.  "I see your companions are quite different, Theo, It's fine, this time. "   Theo bowed, and even Ryan was glaring at Vesper.  They were going to need to have a serious talk.

Ryan's glare disappeared, and he bowed slightly, "My name is Ryan Church, these are my friends, Tori Canon, Yuuki Ryougi, and Vesper. We were sent from another world to help this one, and keep Chaos from being unleashed in full."   There were several gasps from the audience, and the Duke stroked his beard.  "I see.  And you chose to ally yourself with young Theo?"

"Yes, sir, we did.  We have it on good authority that he will be a Key factor in saving the world, We have an oracle of sorts, and Lord Theo will be instrumental in stopping Chaos."

"Very well, I will accept that, You all are of course my guests.   Now, with that formality handled, I invite you all to the dining hall.  I'd wanted a grand feast, but with so many, I thought perhaps a buffet best, so that you can serve yourselves and eat what you wish.  Magic has been cast to assure that everything is safe, so have no fears of that."  

The Duke Rose from his Throne, and lead the procession of everyone to the Dining hall.  Ryan stopped the other players, waiting for the others to leave.  Once they were out of earshot, he turned to Vesper, snatched the cig so fast she couldn't see and put it out in his hand without batting an eye.  "What the hell is with you?  You just jeopardized the whole thing, for a goddamn smoke.  back home you can be all the Bitch you want to be, but here in a Level, you can't.  If the duke had made an issue of that we literally had nothing to offer to offset it.   It could have damaged Theo's reputation, having such uncouth companions, before we even really get started.   Think before you do something like that Vesper.   I know it's other worlds, strange customs, but You ALWAYS ask before lighting up inside someone's home, that's true even on Earth.  Hell that was even true in  Azoth, the first level I was in.  If you need it that bad, then excuse yourself and go outside."

His inital rage vented, his eyes still had a hard edge, and he took a breath.  "Now, let's try to go in there and not screw up anything.  Whatever the Duke's going to announce, it definitely pertains to Theo, so let's not make him look bad.  Be polite, be courteous, and We can keep going.  Just everyone, be on guard.  We've got to protect Theo now, and his reputation.  We're accepted as his companions."

 

He waited to see if anyone had anything further to add, otherwise he'd lead on into the dining hall.

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Yuuki now had huge doubts that if she went off with this trainer for the next week, month, whatever, that Tori could avoid having her head stuck on a pike. She wasn't wrong, Kami help them, that was Vesper, but her people skills... A frown crossed her lips. The other two hadn't even tried to adapt to the culture they would be stuck in for up to the next year, and if they wanted to survive they'd need the locals solidly behind them. No one trusts the outsider mercenary. Not really.

Them undermining her efforts could grow to be... Irritating.

"What he said, Vesper. When we meet lady Siluca's contact, please try to avoid making a bad first impression, that's something you can't ever take back, and something you've already cost us here," the shrine maiden added, golden eyes brimming in suppressed annoyance and voice turning pleading, "Please? So these people might go out of their way to help us while we're here? We all have people to get back to, and every little bit helps."

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Vesper's eyes narrowed slightly as the attacks came in, swift and sure, from all sides. It was her own fault, she scolded herself, for forgetting how things were. For believing that any of this...game world super power bullshit really changed anything.

"And I thought California was rough on smokers," she said, deadpan, tucking the carton into her pocket.

Then she brushed past Yuuki without so much as making eye contact, going into the dining hall to see what the Duke had to say. As if it really mattered.

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Tori was red faced from embarrassment as ryan tore into Vesper she immediately realized that it was her fault for losing her cool and that he should have been yelling at her as much as at Vesper. head hanging low she followed the goth chick into the hall and as she came up behind Vesper she mumbled  "Sorry." then sat beside her.

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Once everyone had gone inside, the door was closed.  The food was good, and the wine flowed freely.  Ryan ate, but drank only water, as his eyes and senses were all geared towards his surroundings, looking for anything amiss.  There was nothing strange, just alot of lesser nobles who were enjoying themselves.  After a couple hours, the old Duke tapped on his glass, letting out a crystal clear chiming, which brought all conversation to a close.  Ryan was right there with Siluca and Theo.  

With all attention on the Duke,  Ryan was the only one watching everything else, aside from the other Players.  "My friends, my subjects, I am old.   Tonight I announce my successor.   Many of you will not understand, but I make this choice to repay a very old debt, and I assure each of you, that I make it in my sound mind.   I name Theo Cornaro as my successor, and hereby relinquish my crest to him.   We are bound by blood, his Mother was my youngest sister, born in my father's old age.   Though young, he has gathered strong allies to him, and his cause and manner are just.  I ask you to serve him as you have served me."  

He motioned for Theo to come forward, and he did.  "Duke..Uncle.."  

"No, you are worthy Theo.  I promised I would help you, to both your mother and your father.  This is the fulfillment of that."  He grasped Theo's hand, and their crests shone brightly for all to see.  "I relinquish my crest to the new Duke."   Theo's crest absorbed the Duke's crest, becoming even larger, and more intricate.  The Duke moved aside,  "Now take your seat and proclaim the start of your reign."  

Theo nodded once, and Stood before the high backed chair of the duke.  "I am Duke Theo Cornaro, and I claim this dukedom.   All who reside are subject to my rule.  I will offer one week's grace, to any who feel they cannot serve, and so must leave the duchy, provided no one resorts to violence."   It was enough to quell the rising murmur from the crowd.  Some would certainly leave, but the mere fact he was allowing them to go peaceably made some hesitate.  Few Lords offered such generosity.

"Those who remain, I expect your pledge of Loyalty, and that you do your utmost to make the land prosperous for all who dwell here."  It was a fair expectation, and was noted as such.   The festivities resumed, abit more subdued now, and Ryan took his place near Theo, now acting as a sort of bodyguard, as Siluca stood beside him, her position as contracted mage obvious to all.   The old Duke moved through the crowd, a nod a grin, a kind word. he made his way to the three female Players and smiled.  "Well now, what are your thoughts on all of that, strangers from another world?"

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"It's an extremely generous gift, my Lord, which I'm certain he will take the best possible care of," Yuuki instantly replied, "You throw an excellent party as well. Your people are... very welcoming."

She laughed and looked away, flower scent coming on strong and flashing back to earlier in the evening. Whenever she left the, well, protective radius of the more abrasive Players, some noble or other would find a reason to strike up a conversation, something at first flattering, but all too soon turning what felt like a verbal tight rope as she strove to remain friendly without inviting... more intimate... entanglements, especially as the drinks flowed leading up to the old Duke's big announcement. She was nerving herself up to mingle once more, grateful for the reprieve. 

"Very welcoming indeed," the shrine maiden finished through a faint blush at some of the things she'd had to deflect oh-so-carefully, "But what are you going to do now? Are there places for retired Lords to enjoy themselves in peace?"

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"Magically enforced feudalism," Vesper said dryly. "What's not to love?"

Not missing the glare from Ryan and Yuuki, she quickly added, "I still don't get these crests. What are they, exactly? Why do some people get them and other people don't? Oh, and, uh, yeah. Thanks for dinner and everything. Renfest cuisine, very nice."

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The old Duke smiled.  "There is no place for me, save the small home I prepared for this day.  I won't be alive much longer, according to my doctors, so it is fortuitous that I could do this now, while I still had the strength to make it stick."

He turned to Vesper.  "I know you didn't mean to offend, you simply know nothing of our customs.  I will explain.   The Crests are part of  Seal against the forces of Chaos, and Chaos itself.   In this world the malevolence of the world , all the darkness, and the monsters spawned from it are a part of the Entity Chaos.  Roughly five hundred years ago, Great Magic was used to create a Seal for this Chaos, The Grand Crest.   With Chaos sealed, Magic itself was lost to the world, and the powers of the crest were wall.Soon though, the people felt this was too much power to rest with a single individual, and the Grand Crest was broken, breaking the seal, and slowly magic along with chaos seeped back into the world.  The crest was broken again and again, smaller and smaller parts, as various people laid claim to its powers, until we arrive at to day.  With nearly a hundred different Lords and their crest lines, They have gathered into grand nations, seeking to conquer the others, and gain their crests.   Some precious few are not part of any Line, and are Natural crests, Like Theo's.   This means he is not bound to the will of anyone.   It is also something that may yet allow him to master all the crest Lines, and bring them together to restore the Grand Crest, and Seal Chaos once again."

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"They're divided, but they are bound by contract to serve the various lords.  I imagine they'll have more to say should anyone actually get close to pulling it off, but thus far, No one is that close.  The Ruling Families of the Empire and Kingdom have the best chance at it.  Understand there were over a thousand Lines before, now there's just over a hundred.  Most of the remainder were subjugated by those two Lines and their allies."

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Yuuki had needed a moment and a quick sip of her beverage to get over the fact that their host had just announced the fact he was dying. The debate on magic theory provided a welcome distraction, weeding out momentum from it's dark sister.

"Was 500 years ago the first time Chaos was sealed? Or is this a cycle that's repeated over time?" the shrine maiden asked, thinking back to the stories she'd been taught growing up, the mangas she had enjoyed Before.

 

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Ryan, who had come over by them from his position closer to Theo nodded.  "It does seem so, That said, we're not bound by this world's rules.   There's a better than even chance that if you learn the magic, then you'll still be capable of using it when we leave.   I can still use some of the Sword and Martial Arts I learned in Azoth, so That's all i've got to go on."

The Former Duke seemed quite intrigued.  "Other worlds, are you each from a different one?"

He smiled at Yuuki,  "To answer you, It's the first time that it is recorded that Chaos was sealed, but no one is truly sure regarding Antiquity here on this world, there is evidence of a massive cataclysm, actually several, which destroyed any historical records from before the Sealing."

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"No, my Lord," offered the shrine maiden with a shake of her head and a new wave of floral scent at her amusement, "Much as it may not seem so at times, all four of us are from the same world. Earth, we call it. Our patron just sends us to multiple worlds in need. Vesper, Cannon, and I have been to one other so far. Our more experience member has been to... Two, I think?"

She glanced over at Ryan, golden eyes questing for confirmation and getting a nod back.

"Any time I have to spare, I'll be glad to spend sharing what I've seen. It's the very least I can do in return for your hospitality, support, and the loan of a more appropriate dress," she finished with an appreciative smile and a sip of her drink. 

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The Old Duke smiled, "I'd like that."

The festivities carried on well into the night, and while Ryan took up a post as Theo's bodyguard, much to the annoyance of the Ducal guard, He quickly showed his own skill in a series of matches the next couple of days, enough that the resistance to his posting, as Theo's Champion dissipated.  None could match his skill with a blade.  

It was the third day after Theo's ascension, and Siluca finally came to the Trio of Otherworldly women on one of the balconies of the Keep, overlooking the lands to the East.    "I've made contact with my friend, and she's agreed to meet with you.   It's several hour's ride from here, but I've arranged a carriage, if you want to come with me, we can go see her.  I will be accompanying you today, as Ryan's staying with Lord Theo.  He asked me to give you this."   She produced a cellphone, and handed it to Yuuki.  It wasn't one like the ones they had from the GameMaster, "He says it's got alot of books and trivia on it, it might be handy."

She looked to them, and smiled.  "Unless any of you don't wish to come along."

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"Yeah, I'm not much into all this mumbo jumbo stuff and since Ryan got the info trade covered I think I'll pass." Tori said with a smirk "Plus there's still plenty to sample from the kitchens." Tori produced a maple covered donut (or what passed for them on this world) and devoured it in three un-lady like bites.

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Yuuki's smile grew ever-so-slightly strained as she pictured them returning to the Keep in ruins with a non-cholent Tori perched on the rubble having provoked a king or something.

"Enjoy and try not to start to many fires while we're gone, Cannon," she replied with a hint of a laugh, tucking the barter phone into her pack. Her eyes skimmed over it's contents in yet another 'final' check. Rations. Seed packets. Water. A blanket. The dress from the party, carefully cleaned and wrapped in oil cloth after the discovery it was a gift, not a loan, just in case she needed it again. Two whips in place on her hips. Bodyglove back on in case of trouble.

"Well, I'm ready as I'm gonna be, Lady Siluca," the shrine maiden concluded, glancing over at her fellow student for the next however long this took, "Vesper?"

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Vesper was in the same long black dress she was wearing before, and of course devoid of weapon or tool. Well, devoid of visible weapon or tool. There was a chill in the room that intensified as one got closer to her, and a rustle in the small objects near her that couldn't entirely be explained by a movement of air. The Therion was nearby, looming over everyone, waiting for the order to slaughter.

She rubbed her cheek sleepily, then shrugged.

"Okay. Probably more interesting than hanging out around here all day. Lets go."

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