Bittersweet Candy Bowl

With Hannibal’s comment, she was so stunned by the comment, she accidentally tipped the glass all the way over spilling the contents onto the counter and herself. Hopping off the bar stool, her tail fully fluffed out and her face beet red she hurriedly shuffled towards the ladies room. She tried her best to not weave as much as possible, before slinking away into restroom to clean herself up.

He sees the girl storm off, covered in alcoholic drink.

Just my opinion, but she doesn’t seem to be very interested. All right I’ll leave you two alone, but I’m going to finish what I came to do here.

Keith turns to the bartender.

Good sir, please bring a pina colada to the girl that was sitting right here, once she comes back.

Once he made the order he stood up and returned to the place he was sitting before.

Hannibal orders another drink for Amaja in hopes that she returns.

I hope I didn’t scare that girl off…

Mumbles in his sleep.

There are no Pina Coladas here, this is not a place that carries the ingredients necessary for its creations…

Oh look, a bunny….

He runs in his sleep alittle
(sooooo its sleepy time for Ace, McCardell is in automode. Or sleep. or whatever.)

Having ordered something that was impossible to make, the bartender soon told him that they were unable to serve that drink.

No problem, just give her the softest drink you have available.

After that he whispers to the bartender.

Also… don’t let that guy buy her something very strong… she may drink it but I can tell she doesn’t like it much…

Takes another sip of his wine.

((Fuck your white knight shenanigans >:I P.S. I’m still trying to figure out the context of my post.))

Fumbling in her steps after entering the bathroom, she leaned against the wall and set her fingers to her brow trying to collect herself.

Stupid drink, Stupid boys.

Glancing around the bathroom she noticed a running spring built into the wall, she could only surmise the it was for washing your hands. Taking her time to walk over to the spring, she dipped her hand into the water and splashed it onto herself in an attempt to rinse out the alcohol. She thought about the things Hannibal had said to her, a blush streaking across her cheeks again with a slight smile pursing her lips.

I suppose he is cute, a little persistent though.

Hannibal has been sitting for a while, watching his comrades drink, chat, and depart for their rooms.

She’s been gone an awful long time…perhaps I could just take a quick peek in and out, just to make sure everything’s alright…

Hannibal strides into the bathroom after the object of his affection.

Hannibal strides into the bathroom to check on Amaja; she was surprised when she realized he was in the bathroom as well. Being as confident and sweet as he could be, he apologized for before hoping he hadn’t scared her off. In which she replies with a shake of the head but set a hand to her chest trying to make a barrier between the two. He continued to press his luck and keep his air of confidence high as he tried to console the nervous tabby making light steps in her direction which she answered with soft backsteps, till her back pressed softly against the back wall of the restroom. He smirked to himself as he set a hand over her shoulder to the wall as he leaned in close, setting his other hand to hers and lightly moving it from her chest.

Amaja looked up at him, uncertainty in her eyes but at the same time curiousity. She wasn’t sure anymore if it were the drink or if she really was interested in him, but the moment was here and she didn’t want to hurt his pride for trying so hard. As he leaned in close to her she leaned her head back momentarily before shaking her head unnoticeably to hannibal and closed her eyes as he drew near. Her body feeling like a surge went through her as their lips met.

For the next couple of hours, soft coos could be heard from the ladies room, the barkeep snickering to himself every so often during the more audible bits.

Amaja looked up to Hannibal, her mind clearing now from the drink and endorphins. Her face flushing pink as she scoots away from hannibal collecting her things and throwing her shirt over her head. She stared at him for a moment, unsure if she should say something to him or not, her eyes expressed guilt and confusion. She smiled meekly and ruffled his hair lightly before stepping quickly out of the bathroom and made her way back to the Inn

((TL;DR bangbangbang))

Hannibal rouses himself from his mostly alcohol induced drowse.

Well. That went better than expected. And…wow. I mean, WOW. Now I’ve just got to see if this wasn’t just the booze guiding her tonight.

She is a pretty sweet girl…

Hannibal, quite contented, goes up to his room to sleep the sleep of the righteous.

(…I died laughing.)

Hahaha. Looks like the guy got lucky after all. Who would have thought.

He thinks, after seeing the two of them coming out of the bathroom. He takes the final sip of his wine and stands. He says to the bartender.

Seems like she won’t be coming back anytime soon haha, so cancel that order. Thanks for your services, the wine was really good.

He pays and leaves to his room.

Delilah has been relaxing much of the day, taking the time to groom herself out so throughly after spending so long on a ship. She has tried to catch some news from folk as they percolate back to the inn, but a number of them seemed to be too inebriated, too tired, or simply too clueless to give her an answer.

Waiting downstairs, hoping to catch Paulson as he comes back, she is about ready to give up when she sees the embarassed looking cat entering. She waves to her, smiling.

Hello! Do you know what…

She blinks a bit at the smells coming from the tabby, noticing the expression on her face, and tilts her head a little.

Are you alright?

Walking out of the shower, with nothing more then a towel rapped around his waist, he looks around to see where everyone is
Those showers are much too relaxing.
He looks at how wrinkled his hands are but he then notices Delilah and walks up to her
Hello sweetie.
I had my shower like you asked me to do, but I think I overdid it.
Oh hey you found a firend who is she?

Amaja stops a few paces in front of Delilah. She looked at her for a few moments before smiling softly and nodding her head, though she wasn’t entirely sure herself anymore. Which was possibly noticeable to the dancer as she fiddled with the bottom of her shirt nervously unsure whether to talk to her about what has happened or not.

Delilah shakes her head at Albert, grinning a little at her mate’s wrinkled hands.

I think you overdid it a bit… though I guess I did too, I spent hours getting all the knots out of my fur.

She blinks, then turns back to the embarrassed feline.

This is Amaja… don’t you remember her from the ship ride over?

Seeing the shy young woman fidget with the bottom of her rumpled shirt, Delilah scoots over a bit closer to her with a ready smile, her eyes warm.

Its alright… you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. But if you do, I would be more than happy to listen.

She reaches over to pat the cat on the back, looking over at Albert.

He isn’t making you nervous, is he?

Oh right I remeber her.
We didn’t exactly talk much together.
Albert retracts a bit, worrying that he might be scaring Amaja
Oh if I’m being a bother I’ll leave
He feels a quick chill go up his spine and shivers
I still… Sort of need to get dressed anyway.

Amaja shakes her head when she’s asked if Albert was making her nervous. She looked him over momentarily, before turning back to Delilah and leaning in close to her ear covering her lips with her hand so Albert couldn’t read into what she was saying. She explained to her everything that occurred at the bar, and her uncertainty on how she should feel about everything that had transpired.

((Slow post is slow :< I’m sorry it took so long)

Delilah’s face falls a bit and she gives the cat a hug, squeezing her gently.

I’m sorry… Albert, I think I need to talk to her about this. You should go up and get dressed… and if you see Hannibal around, or don’t, come back and tell me.

Delilah turns back to the quiet tabby, her eyes sad, and leads her off to one of the meeting rooms downstairs where they won’t be interrupted at this hour. Sitting down with her, she sighs.

I can’t really tell you how to feel about it… I remember when Albert and I first got together, it was out in the woods. We both thought we were going to die… so maybe it wasn’t any better for us. But we loved each other even before that. You…

It sounds like you don’t really know him very well. I don’t either.

Delilah reaches over and gently rubs her fellow feline’s shoulder.

I can’t tell you how to feel about it, but… I wouldn’t feel good about it myself. It sounds to me like he took advantage of you. I’m sorry that happened. Someone should have stopped it. Had either of the knights been there, or Lady Lieselotte, or myself, or even McCardell…

She shakes her head.

I’m sorry that happened to you.

Walks back to the showers to grab his clothes and get dressed. Soon enough he’s changed but his skins still wrinkly
I reeeally need to be more careful next time I come here.
Hmm Delilah said something about finding Hannibal.
I wonder why. Well I may as well try and find him.
Albert walks off in search off Hannibal, calling out his name

Meanwhile, in a darkened corner of the bar, a gentle scratching sound is barely audible over Albert’s echoing shouts. In stark contrast to the little leather-bound journal, which by its stains and gashes has clearly seen better days, the quill is a pure, brilliant white. Visible even in the deep shadows, it flickers across the page, while a gentle face contracts in thought above it.

Amaja tried her best to keep her emotions in check, she didn’t know how to feel and Delilah didn’t help her. Unsure of how else to react she turned to face Delilah, and buried her face into her chest wrapping her arms around her as she began to cry. All of what happened was so fuzzy to her, she just wanted the night to be over so she could go on like it never happened. She chocked out a few more sobs trying to compose herself, she thinks it might have been better if she’d just gone to bed without telling Delilah as it just made her feel worse than she already did. Taking a few deep breaths before removing herself from the dancer’s chest and wiped her eyes and cheeks. She smiled lightly to her, knowing she was just trying to be there for her in such a peculiar time. Bowing shortly to Delilah she stepped by her with a wave and headed to her room, where she plopped down into the pillow, letting her emotions go and crying till she fell asleep.

((Emo Amaja is Emo :I she’ll be fine in the morning, just needs that good ol’ cry to get it out of her system))

Delilah rubs the back of Amaja’s head as she weeps into her chest, holding the cat close as she sobs, bowing her head and just letting her cry it out, rocking slowly back and forth.

It will be alright… just let it all out…

She smiles as best she can at the cat in this situation, letting her rest against her as long as she needs to. When Amaja rises, she lifts one hand to help wipe her face, but is beaten to it by the geomancer. She looks concerned, but when Amaja bows to her, she does her best to return the gesture, letting her companion leave before rising and walking upstairs herself, looking for Albert. When she passes by Amaja’s room, she hears the sound of sobbing and presses her ear to the door. Realizing that the cat had been holding back for her sake, Delilah closes her own eyes and shakes a little, her ears drooping.

Some friend I am…

Downcast, she continues down the hall, hearing Albert calling for Hannibal and following the sound of his voice. Once she finds him, she makes a gesture to be quiet.

Amaja is pretty broken up over things… apparently Hannibal got her drunk and cornered her.

She hugs him around the chest, shivering and squeezing his ribs.

I feel so bad that I wasn’t there to stop it… why is it that when people around me are in danger, I can’t keep them safe?

The dancer looks up into her knight’s eyes, tears shining in them, reflections of a dark moment in the journey before.

A single tear hits the page.

…not my place to intrude… just to record…


…oh, Amaja…

Grabs Delilah into his arms and starts to brush away at her tears, calming his voice even though he was pretty mad at Hannibal right now
None of us could of done something dear no-one knew what was happeneing.
If I were in your place I wouldn’t of been able to do much either it’s not your fault.
I only hope Amaja will feel better soon enough.
Either that or Hannibal will show and explain himself.
Holding Delilah a little closer he makes soft, calming sounds trying to ease her distress
We should just give it time for people to calm down a little then we can get this sorted out.
Remeber we still have important buisiness as well.

The dancer nods, shivering a little as he wipes away her tears, leaning against the taller knight’s chest and nestling her head up beneath his chin, her cheeks still damp as her fingers squeeze at the fur on his back.

I… I just… Princess Sunday told me, before she died… she didn’t tell me what, but I knew she was planning something dangerous… but I didn’t stop her… I could have… but I didn’t…

We were talking about confessing our feelings one night… and she finally did to Makar… then he kissed her, and went after Lieselotte…

Now Amaja gets… taken in the back room of a bar, and I didn’t stop her… didn’t warn her about what sort of person Hannibal was… what sort of person Paulson was… and Sir Makar, he was there, and he did nothing, like he always does…

She grits her teeth at this point, shaking in both rage and grief.

Never does anything! Why does he have the sword? Why aren’t you the hero of light? You’re twice the knight he is! Ten times! You and Lieselotte both…

Why don’t things ever end as happily as they do in the stories?

Delilah rubs her face against his chest.

Sometimes I worry about the future our children will have… it all seems so bright, when you’re home, but sometimes… sometimes the world is so dark and complicated, and things don’t end the way they should…

Holds Delilah tighly and brushes her hair thinking about some of the things that had happened in their last quest as well
Princess Sunday was doing what she thought to be the noble thing and she wanted to help the man she loved.
Not even Makar would of been able to stop her from making that choice.
And even if you had of warned her it couldn’t of done much since they were probably drunk the whole time.
He clenches his fist a little thinking of Hannibal but also of the insults she was giving to Makar
You shouldn’t think of Makar that way dear.
He has done so much to help the worl and I could of been the hero of light just as much as he could but I didn’t because he was the one who earned that title.
I’m more then happy being Sir Albert and your love.
Albert holds her against his chest, trying to hide the fact he’s starting to well up a but as she has
And you shouldn’t think of the future that way either.
I talked to Princess Su dau as well and I’ve given my word I won’t let you get harmed in any way.
And that goes just as much for any children we whould have.

Delilah shakes her head at his words about Sunday, her shoulders tensing as he runs his fingers through her clean, untangled hair. Her fingers are still against his back, but her rage is gone, now replaced with simple sorrow with such talk of her dead friend, snuggling up all the closer to Albert’s chest, as though the warmth of his body can drive the dark memories away.

You’ll always be my hero of light, Albert, no matter what you say of Makar… I’ve known Makar for years, and… you, are a greater man than he is.

She leans up to give him an almost savage kiss, her eyes blazing.

And don’t tell me otherwise! You are the best man in the world, no matter what you think!

She sees his eyes watering and her own soften, closing them and nuzzling against his jaw, taking comfort in his embrace.

I’m sure you will be a wonderful father, Albert…

The couple stand in the hallway for several minutes, just holding each other in their arms, before Delilah pulls back slightly.

All this has tired me out. I should get some sleep, so I can wake up for whatever comes in the morning. Are you coming dear?

She slides her hands from Albert’s back to his arms, grasping his hands in her own as she walks back towards their room, already all straightened up with their things put away for the evening.

((I am going to bed at this point. Albert and Lady Lieselotte can both autoplay Delilah. I will be back at 5 pm pacific time (GMT -7))).

Feeling his legs already getting tired he is pulled along by Delilah to their room
Yes bed sounds good for clearing out our heads of today’s problems.
Hopefully tommorow will go much smoother.
Besisdes *yawns* I havn’t even done anything today expect take a long shower and I’m already tired.

(I’m not leaving but I’ve run out of things to do )

The White Mage quietly followed the group off the boat and onto the harbour and eventually the harbour master to an area inbetween the inn the bathhouse then to his office,after sometime she decided to follow the others to the bar and now she is sitting in a corner deep in thought and knows nothing of hannibal and amaja

Hannibal awakens with a start, his mind no longer as clouded as before.

Ohhh…my head….ugh.

Alright, Hannibal. You took just bagged an incredibly attractive, albeit drunk woman in the bathroom of a foreign bar. If word gets out about this, everyone will think I’m a complete dirtbag with no respect or self control.

Well, might as well just try to tackle the day with as much force as possible.

[[I’m gonna be gone pretty much all day. Hannibal’s gonna avoid interacting with everyone-especially those that are riled up about last night’s shenanigans-and if some action starts happening, Hannibal can be controlled by Paulson, Amaja, and Makar in that order.]]

After spending a bit of time in his room staring at the ceiling, Paulson realized he was not going to sleep and rolled heavily out of bed. As he walked down to the bar area, he noticed Jasmina sitting quietly in the corner by herself. He smiles as he walks over and sits beside her. Hey there, I haven’t seen you all day. Enjoying your drink?

(Just look how many things I lost while sleeping!! Anyway… )

The Lord slowly opened his eyes, quietly analising his surroundings. He was in Lieselotte’s room, on her bed, hugging her softly while his large cape were covering the two lovers. He smiled kindly, blushing a little, and kissed her forehead. It was one of the few times he woke up before her. Carefully, he withdrew his arms from the smooth contour of the vampire and sat up at the bed’s side.

After noticing he was just wearing his mashed leather shirt and the cape, he lazily looked around the room for his armor, still moveless. It was lying on the ground in front of him. He turned back to Lieselotte. She was jut using her slightly reddish undershirt, while her black cloak could be seen on the furniture beside the bed. Makar could see a hint of her fangs under her soft smile.

The Lord came closer to the vampire and hugged her warmly. He started to wisper to himself, forgeting that she could listen to him.
I guess I’ve got so used to the Lieselotte I met in my first journey that I kept treating her as my best friend…

He caressed her head gently and finished.
… and forgot to treat her as the dear wife I love so deeply.

Makar kissed his beloved’s head once more and closed his eyes, smiling softly.

(Alright, I’ll be out for the next 5.5 hours, so Lieselotte can autoplay Makar. He’ll simply stand besides her, talking to her once in an while.)

Having listened in to Amaja and Delilah, and later her and Albert (Hey, she’s a rogue, what did you expect?), Theresa was holding her head in her hands, sighing.
That poor woman… And that dumbass Hannibal. I’ll let her sleep on it before I talk to her. But first, I’m gonna have to deal with that other idiot of mine…

Yeah yeah I know I’m late. Though we were starting Monday not Sunday! My bad… now where has Lily been? Going to be bolding people I’m talking about for easy reference of those who see my post.

Well doing some practical investigation of course, leaving the children to just enjoy the night for themselves. The Princess of the shimmering lands went about doing what questioning she could, having polite cups of tea with old friends and merchants in the area. Occasional having a nice chat with a guard or two all the while with that peaceful look on her face.

But it was anything but that when she arrived back at the inn. A Heavy frown on her face. Everyone in this town was afraid. The Guards were trying to keep their serious faces on but even they were afraid. This wasn’t normal, and everyone, and I mean EVERYONE was kept out of the loop.

As the Hedgehog watched in her eyes went searching for Theresa first….spotting her without too much difficultly I hope, quickly switching to her usual reassuring smile of course “….Ah… Theresa….Hm?” she blinked for a moment at the woman’s expression sighing in an instant.

“Oh for heavens sake…I leave you children for one night and some sort of drama has already developed hasn’t it?” hands at her hips, and sarcasm in her voice~ “Ah…you can tell me about it later. Would you be a dear and find McCardell? and meet me in my room? There’s something I need to discuss with the both of you.”

“Yeah, sorry about that, but it can’t be helped, I suppose. WAAAAAY too many horny bartards in this group.” She blinks at the mention of McCardell and some kind of secret meeting. “McCardell? You mean that assassin that was blowing chunks all the way here? I think he turned in for the night, but I can wake him up if this is important as I think this is.”

Theresa goes to fetch McCardell, but then stops and turns around.
“By the way, bringing up sea-sickness, thanks for that remedy of yours. Those pills the ship had were a bit…” She blushes slightly as she recalls that incident on the boat. “Yeaaaaaaaah… You probably heard my reaction to them.”

She chuckled a bit, remembering Theresa’s little tantrum well “Pills? My dear there’s no good making excuses for yourself…. the ship had no….” Lily thinks for a second rubbing her chin, and remembering Theresa’s reaction to these ‘pills’ “… Hm..one of our lonely sailors is going to be looking for a new job once we get back I think…”

Still she gives the girl a nod..”And yes. It is that important. I have a job for the both of you… just give my door a knock once you find him…” (I think Ace/McCardell might be in auto-mode… ehn give him twenty minutes and drag him along with I suppose?)

With that Lily heads off to her room~

Paulson watched Lily and Theresa talk for a minute, and brought his hand to his chin. As he watched Theresa run up stairs and Lily head towards her room he thought for a moment.

Something is up, I wonder what it could be. Well it won’t hurt to drop by Lily’s door and listen for a bit now would it? He turned back to Jasmina and smiled, Excuse me, I seem to have forgotten something in my room. I would love to continue this chat later though.

He gave her hand a quick peck before standing up and slowly and causally making his way towards the rooms.

From out of nowhere, Paulson is tapped on the shoulder.
“Hey, playboy.”

Paulson twirls around and the tap and smile sweetly to Theresa. Hey there baby, what are you up to?

Gives her trademark sly grin. “I could ask you the same question. I saw you eavesdropping. Now, what could you have heard that would make you abandon your current little piece of eye candy?”

Paulson put on an expression which was a perfect mixture of surprise and hurt. Eavesdropping? Me? No never, I believe that is you specialty dear. I honestly don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. I was simply tired, it’s been a long day I was hoping to catch some rest before heading out into the forest tomorrow.

She stirs from her sleep, licking her fangs she quietly lay in place listening to Makar’s soft breathing. A happy smile on her face, she snuggles against him for a few moments, simply enjoying the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.

I’d better get up before he wakes up. As much as I love this moment, we’ve work to be done, and he would simply wish to remain here. Besides, I don’t need the others to start thinking Makar and I are like Albert and Delilah…

She moves slowly to slip free of his sleepy embrace, gently pulling the cape back over the sleeping Lord. She walks silently to where her bag is, dressing herself while watching Makar sleep soundly. Pulling her cloak on, she gives him a sweet kiss between his ears before exiting the room, gently shutting the door behind her to allow him to remain sleeping.
Once outside, she seems serious again, any trace of the moment she had locked away in the room behind her. She starts looking for the others to discuss the plans for the day.

“Bullshit. I can tell from that look in your eye that you’re up to something. Now, here’s what’s gonna happen: You’re going to go back to your room and stay there until I come back. When I do, I’m going to tell you exactly what Lily, McCardell and I were talking about. Okay?”

Theresa clasps her hands on Paulson’s shoulders.
“Now, leave the sneaking around to the professionals, will you? With this many guards around, I’m not gonna risk you getting caught. Contrary to what you might think, I actually give a damn as to what happens to you.”

(Hm we been a bit more then twenty minutes… and Ruky is going to go and push us forward other wise so&hellip

“Hehe. Oh not that I dislike seeing you two flirt…but… we have other things to discuss no?” says the lady hedgehog as she stood at her room door, glancing at Paulson, then Theresa, giving the cat-girl a nod as she says as much herself. Noting the approaching black nosed assassin as he arrived (Auto-ed).

She does give a helpless shrug heading back into her room to find herself a seat.

“He’s free to listen in if he wants though my dear. No need to keep it a secret from him even if this isn’t his job”

Paulson grins to Lily and then to Theresa with a shrug as looks back to Lily,

What can I say, I like to know the playing field before I go on.

“*sigh* Fine. I was going to let him know, anyway.”

She takes notice of the few entering Lily’s room but instead heads to the entrance of the Inn. Peeking her eyes out of the door, she scans for nearby guards. Seeing none apart from those in the tower above, she slides the doors shut and takes a seat on a mat near the door to keep watch.

As the three entered the room and the door was closed Lily carefully pulled out a scroll from her robe, unfurling it on the small table in front of her, it naturally being a map of the area~

Her finger slid across the forest to the north, her tone quite, but serious less curious guards hear through thin walls, keen senses keeping watch for just that. “Now you already know:We need to go through here to get just about anywhere on this little quest…..but we have a little problem with guards to deal with. The fact of the matter is:There’s no way a group our size is getting through unnoticed blind.”

She leans back in her seat glancing at their little spies “Your job’s simple enough. I want you to scout the edges of the forest. Find out where the patrols are and where they’re going…..now there’s always the chance you’ll get caught…”

Lily reaches into her robe again, pulling out a small vile with two fingers and tossing it to Theresa. “… a very particular incense that I should get around to recommending to ‘Not-Sir’ Hannibal if you get my meaning heh…” A smirk slowly goes over her lips.

“If you’re spotted open it unnoticed and start playing the part of a Half-drunken couple that wandered a we bit too far from the inn for a little fun. Silly ignorant foreigners and all that. The smell with a convincing performance should be enough for them to drag you back to ‘sleep it off’’”

She waves one finger no doubt getting odd looks from all three…. well save Mister black Nose who’s likely blank faced as ever even if he likely isn’t fond of the plan. “No complaints now. You’re professionals here, lets act like it hm..? You’ve already proven you can play the part just fine after all” Lily giving Theresa a mischievous wink.

Paulson looked over the map once more and let the excitement into his voice. A secret mission? Now this is the kind of adventure I signed up for! He pumped his fist in the air as he turned to Theresa. Ready to go, sweety?