Faraam swallowed. While he couldn't ignore the ominous winds coming from the village, he, too, cannot go about breaking a promise he made to the people who saved his life. Taking a seat on the dusty old floor of the temple, Faraam beckons the other two to follow suite.
"I'd recommend getting comfortable, ladies, for we are about to hear quite the long story. A tale of beginnings, both of good and evil.
A long, long time ago, when the world was young and unchained, there lived 6 powerful beings of Nature known as the Malaks. Each one of them had a name, whose order opposed their order as siblings. The eldest, Nihil , spent her days waging combat against all other creatures in the world, whether they be large animals, humans, or small insects. She believed that as long as one is alive, they have the ability to fight, for battle and proving one's self as the strongest is the sole purpose in her eyes, with the element of the world that she controlled being, literally speaking, the element of Void. Due to her actions, humanity learned the concepts of bravery and ambition.
The second eldest, Unus , was the wisest of them all. She was the one that gave the world knowledge. It was she who taught dogs their loyalty, taught birds to fly, and gave humanity flame. It is of no surprise, as Unus' controlled element over the world's nature is flame itself.
The third sibling, Duos , was a Malak who lived for love. She herself taught humanity the beauty of love, and eventually fell in love with a human male. She spent her days in quaint peace, rearing her own children and those who were abandoned by their blood parents, giving them the warmest love a mother can provide to her children. As such, her dominion over nature was the element of water, the most gentle form of nature that accepts all who fall into her embrace.
The fourth sibling, Tres , was the one who taught humanity the concept of tools and invention. Through her ideas and created tools, humanity is someday able to develop the concept of technology, beginning from the forst wheel and currently trudging forward with the creation of gunpowder and metal weaponry. Tres's dominion over nature is the element of lightning, relfecting her great, direct efficiency when aiming to create something.
The fifth sibling, Quattour , was the one who gave humanity the concept of pride and humbleness. She herself became the cornerstone that cemented humanity's eternal confidence as the greatest living beings on the world. Her dominion over nature, the element of earth, reflects her undaunting pride.
The sixth sibling, Quinque , was the one who gave humanity the concept of free will. It was she who taught humanity the value of chasing one's own ambitions, rather than any other's. Reflecting her own carefreeness, her dominion over nature is the element of wind.
The 6 Malaks lived in harmony with the creatures of the world for a long time. Until, one day, a mysterious ebing that glowed with a suspicious golden glow desecended from the heavens, and proclaimed herself the creator and ruler of all that walked the earth..."
Before Faraam could continue, however, a sharp, sudden spike of malevolence , also coming from the direction of the village, caused Faraam to jolt back standing on his two feet. Realizing what he had just done, Faraam sweat dropped and sat back on the floor with a slightly embarassed face, rubbing the back of his head as he did so.
Despite willing to continue talking, Faraam could only hope that any of the two girls could at least make a sudden decision to go back to town. The Templar just can't ignore the sudden spike of malevolence...
Sorry about that. Just got cold feet for a moment there...I'm gonna continue talking, don't worry." Faraam says with a soft smile on his face...
"Oh my Chief Godde...holy spirit, are you truly not lying? The people no longer give faith to their own diety here? How in the world do they survive any famines should they ever come?" Faraam exclaimed in shock. Sure, back in the outside world, there are people already abandoning their faith in the Chief Goddess, his patron protector, but, he has never abandonment on this scale where only two people would continue the worship.
Could this be the reason why he could not smell even a small whiff of divine air ever since arriving here?
"Out of respect, I should at least leave this temple alone when me and my brother Templars would finally get ahold of Oz on our hands...for Alainna and Opaline's sake, at least." Faraam thought as he followed the two monster girls. However, as he reached the steps of the summit itself, an ominous air blew from the direction where he came from...as in, from the general direction of the village. This sinister feeling...
Is the Chief Goddess sending him a message, or a...warning?
Faraam suddenly had the dillema of wanting to tell his two companions of the ominous sensation from the village, or if he should continue to entertain them...
The Templar's discomfort started showing in his eyes, unbeknownst to himself.
Faraam made a sigh of relief. With divine protection, he should be able to fight off the Chaos Spawns that will come out should they hear their names being called. Clutching the cross pendant of the goddess hanging from his neck, Faraam looks at Opaline and Alainna in the eye.
"Please, lead the way. I shall be with you even after we finished this story." Faraam says, his demeanor now normal and gentle, unlike the usual theatrics he has.
"Hoo, boy. Here we go again. Why can't curisousity stay within cats, humans, and idiotically reckless humans?" Faraam thought as he wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. The beings of evil are always watching, and will hear everything related to them should someone speak of their names or tales, and will search for the unfortunate tattletale, in a similar manner to those who would speak of the name of the King of Magic. Although, unlike the King of Magic, the tattletale won't be granted wisdom, but instead be given three wishes...which are granted literally in the worst way possible, and has a catch.
Just like the Chaos-Corrupted Holy Grail of Rivia and the great pogrom that followed it can attest.
But, as he owes them a debt, Faraam cannot go back on his words of promise. If evil is to be spoken about, then a holy place of worship is needed.
"Then...if we are to speak evil through our tongues, we need divine protection. Say, is there a divine temple, or church around here somewhere?" Faraam asked both Opaline and Alainna, wanting their spiritual safety to be placed as the first and foremost priority.
Faraam raised an eyebrow. Where in the bloody hell did they hear about that accursed realm? Not even the biggest idiot would say out the name of that realm aloud. Taking a deep breath, Faraam focuses his eyes on Alainna, with a rather serious look on his face.
"Normally, I'd ask where you've heard that name. But first, let me tell you a little trivia, Lady Alainna. The...Chaos Realms aren't even dark. They are just plain evil. And thus, before we proceed, does Lady Alainna truly want to know about the abodes of True Evil? Or shall she back off and hear another tale, instead?"
(For a few days, yes. I'm really sorry for the delays. Other than being able to be online on Messnger for only half an hour's worth, I really don't have any more other free time.
I really apologize for the lateness on my side.)
A small smile decorated Faraam's face. He had always loved those eager to listen. And thus, with a dramatic walk towards the top of the hill as he takes a deep breaht of the fresh, cool air. He then faces the Carbuncle and the Bungle.
"Then I shall tell you dears about the land of War and Glory, the land known as the Northern Realms! Listen well..." Faraam takes a seat on the ground, "A long time ago, a travelling band of elves wandered the world, ever so hoping to find a land with lush greeneries, filled to the brim with animals for a hunt, and had the peaceful atmosphere for the whole year...They ventured upon lands of burning volcanoes, freezing continents, barren deserts, and eventually, a forest near the sea. One of the elves, born with a sharp sight, saw a group of wounded humans from afar. The elves approached them and gave them the aid of healing. Having recovered, the humasn were then asked by the elves as of why to their former wounded state. Alas, it appears that these small family of a mother, son, and daughter barely escaped with their lives from a nearby civil war by other humans, from the nation nearby." Faraam makes a sigh as he finished, before taking another deep breath, "The small family then begged to the elves to take them somewhere afar and safe, in exchange for the mother cooking the food, as she was a skilled cook before the war ruined her livelyhood. Hearing this, two of the main elves argued. The kind hearted healer elf suggested to take them in their search for new home, and drop them somewhere far enough from the warring nations. The other elf, the warlord, suggested to leave them to die. Then, a voting was asked, in which the healer elf got the most votes, with a 14 out of 15. The elvesthen took the human family with them, as they built a large ship to use in order to cross the sea. In a month's time, they were already sailing onto the isolated island told in the elven legends. After three months of a rough time at sea, they finally arrived at their destination. It appears that what they found wasn't only an island, but an entire continent!" Faraam says bombastically, "After making small settlement at the seaside, the healer elf sent an eagle familliar to scout the whole continent. After two months, the eagle came back, allowing the healer elf to read its memories. It appears that one side of the island is tropical, in which they are in right now. The other half, however, is a completely desolate, frozen half, in which the eagle had spotted nothing at all. After that, the elves, the humans, and their descendants lived happy and peacefully centuries, forming what is now the Human-Elven Kingdom of Tir na Lia. However, at this time, humanity had begun their colonization of the world and its unexplored edges. They attempted an invasion of Tir na Lia's seas, only to be repelled magnificiently by the powerful magic of the elves, and their powerful Warrior Mages, who is famously known to us as The Wild Hunt. The outsider humans, who knew a battle by sea was impossible to win at, chose to land their forces at the frozen end of the continent, building a nation of their own as time passed, eventually becoming the world's nation of racist humans: The Nation of Azurdania. The two nations aged war upon another to this day, hence the reason why the Northern realms doesn't have an offical name than "The Land of War and Glory". Phew, enough legends for now! Time for the geography!" Faraam took a stand as he talked, "As the legend said, one half of the Northern realms is tropical. It boasts of the world's best beaches, as I have seen so myself when my ship landed at their harbor! Pure, white sands, sky blue waters, beautiful women in bikinis-I mean, an amazing quality of seafood cooking all around, their unmatched hotels and faciltites, and best of all, their ancient temples, churches, and castles taht stand to this day, all of which are made of shining, stainless blue crystaline materials forged only by the combined efforts of ancient elves and humans, a mark of their unbreakable bond through the centuries of Tir na Lia! I'd recommend visiting their capital city, Eisengard, for the best travelling experiences!" Faraam happily exclaims, "Be sure to visit the Templar headquarters over there and tell them Faraam Kresnik sent you two. I have a friend there, after all. You'll get the best services on all areas and facilities...on the house, of course!" Faraam makes a bow.
"Now then, anything else you two might wanna ask about the Northern Realms?"
(Note: It's a typo. Levant is not Faraam.
The former is a descendant of the latter, though.)
Faraam makes a relieved sigh. Looks like he isn't really in danger...for now. However, as the two monster girls had saved him, he now owes them two debts. One for the rescue from the beach, and one for the escape from town. And as by his own standards, Faraam Kresnik is a man who never forgets to settle his debts. Although, the Templar found his current situation amusing, as other people would usually be the one owing him a debt, not the other way around.
The wind blows. Faraam grew a smirk on his face as he now has everything for today planned.
Now...he shall begin his soft first touches to the hearts and minds of the two adorable persons in front of him. He shall make this one of their most long lasting memories...
"Ahhh...a hill overlooking the entirety of the area we stay in. A cliche, but forever wonderful area for sharing the best of tales! Now, dear ladies, please take a seat on the soft grass, for only the story teller shall occupy the stage on his feet." Faraam declared, in the manner of a leading actor on a stage play.
"I have the both of you to thank for my current state, and thus, I, Faraam Kresnik, shall tell you both a tale of any lands of your choosing! Which ones would you like to hear about first? Shall it be the Mist Continent? The Northern Realms? Or shall we talk about Francais, the land that resembles those you are familliar with in fairy tales? Maybe shall we start the tale of the land of the rising sun, Zipangu? Choose a land, and I shall tell what I know of it, Lady Opaline, and Lady Alainna. For I am nothing more than a mangy merchant who sells mirrors, but travelling the world and revelling in its wonders, too, is part of my job!" Faraam declares in a theatrical fashion, before bowing in a flashy way, like a knight before the queens of his kingdom.
"Stealing me under her nose? Wonder whatever could Opaline by that. I certainly don't remember pledging myself to either of them...and yet, something about the way she phrased those words felt...forboding. As of it will be a reminder of something biting me in the arse in the future..." Faraam thought, before looking around...and sees the looks of the surrounding populace.
Small beads of cold sweat started forming unseen on Faraam's back. Too many mosnters staring...if even one of them recognizes the Crimson Cross, the insignia of the Templar Order, he'd be in neck deep shite. While indeed a seperate Order from those of the Chief Goddess's Order, they are still related to each other in the same way the two sides of a coin are related. The Templar quickly turns his attention on the two monsters before him.
"Say, Lady Alainna, how about we continue our walk and continue our...chatter by then. It seems that we are...bothering the people. I'm pretty sure that two beautiful rhubarbs like you two would prefer to listen to tales whilst walking in a less populated, clear area with fresh air, am I not right?" Faraam offered, and at the same time, he prays inside his mind. Praying that the either the bungle or the carbuncle would react fast enough and accept his offer. He can't be recognized by the monster authorites. Not right now.
Considering how he was once involved in the ignition a bloody, violent pogrom in the former-monster city of Rivian, there must be survivors somewhere around the world who has not forgotten the event. Faraam knew that he must avoid unecessary attention at all costs. Especially in monster heavy towns like the one he is in now.
(For Monsterknight's Scenario)
Sasha had a small, thankful smile on her face, before handing one of the bags she has to Will.
"I need to go see someone imporant in one of the ships at the harbor. That ship with the crimson sails. A...family member of mine works there at the ship as its captain, and said family member forgot his lunch at the orphanage today, and I aim to deliver it and scold him a bit for forgetting. I would have done that a lot earlier if it wasn't the weight of my groceries threatening to tear my arms with its weight. So, Mister Will, would you kindly take one bag and walk with me to the harbor? It will be quick, I assure you." Sasha explained to Will.
(For Biocaster's Scenario)
"The Goddess's wonderful jiggling tits, man, you scared me! Ever tried to think of knocking through the door?!" Levant said, his breath now being pants. Tired, heaving pants, thanks to being surprised. However, being a Templar, he quickly recovers his composure after but a few quick breaths.
"...Forgive my rude wording just now. I tend to get a bit...ornery when startled. Once again, I apologize. Now...shall we start our discussion with a bit of wine? Or shall it be vodka? Or would you rather prefer some dwarf-made mead?" Levant offered, remembering the courtesy of offering drinks to guests in important meetings and when having new friends at one's home.
(For Monsterknight's scenario.)
Sasha made a sigh. She felt slight relief at the person in front of her being someone who sees the situation of the slums clearly. However, the priestess then suddenly remembered something...
"Ah, then, Mister Will, as one resident of the slums to another, mind if I ask for help on a very important matter? I shall provide you with lunch on the house as payment, if you wouldn't mind, as I don't have any coin on me right now." Sasha asked, hopeful that this young man who claims to be from the slums would show the kindness of one who actually went a hard life. He might just be making up lines to impress, after all, rather than tell the truth.
(For Biocaster's Scenario.)
Levant nearly swallowed his own throat at the letter he just read. He could not believe it. Him, of all Templars, is assigned as the Envoy for Negotiations for the Drakunnia Rite of the Templar Order. Such a large job...Levant could only contemplate the possibilities.
Perhaps, he was contemplating too much, he did not see Aleksei approaching from outside the ship...
Faraam raised an eyebrow. Could it be that Lescatie's brutality had reached the ears of this nation and its inhabitants? Had he been a member of the Goddess' Order, he'd have reason to start panicking. However, he is a Templar, a part of an Order that seeks to ensure humanity's survival and submission to peace and order, rather than please the Chief God.
"Well, yes. A bustling nation, filled with all sorts of opportunites for trade, which, in turn, could have been more developed had the population been composed of lesser unthinking zealots. However, being a trader myself, Lescatie not the only place I've been to. I've been to Zipangu, the Mist Continent, and the nearly frozen continent of the Northern Realms. I would like to tell you more, but, it will take a lot of time. Would it be alright?" Faraam explained, trying to lessen the information about Lescatie as much as possible. Looks like even when in a different realm, the unlikable psychopaths of the Goddess' Order still manages to give him headaches, Faraam thought.
Faraam lets out a soft smile. Step 1 of connection establishment, done. Although, apparently, Opaline is much more clever than he had thought. It'll take a bit more effort, but, to the Templar, who had already befriended kings, criminals, merchants, and even powerful monsters, this is not going to be an impossible job in his eyes.
"It is alright, Lady Opaline. Back in my country of Lescatie, one must always remember to pay one's debt. That is one of the...national traditions. Now then, Lady Alainna..." Faraam calls out to the Carbuncle, "I accept your request.Please lead the way."
After saying that, Faraam swiftly goes to the door, and opens it, then gestures to both Alainna and Opaline to pass through.
"Ladies first, as they say in Lescatie."
(For Monsterknight's scenario.)
"Oh my, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern." The green haired holy woman waved one of her hands, the one that was not carrying a bag of groceries.
"Say, were you looking for something? For someone? I might be able to help you, if you need it. Oh, and forgive me for not introducing myself. My name is Sasha Folmoon. Nice to meet you, sir...?" Sasha extends one hand to the blond haired one, as her sign of courtesy.
(For Biocaster's Scenario)
The heroine saw the incoming rushing horse. In alarm, she quickly sidesteps to the right, gracefully avoiding the animal and its rider. However, instead of turning her attention on them, the heroine simply took a deep breath to calm herself, and continued to look for whatever she was looking for earlier.
In her case, her current goal os more important than some random jockey trying to run her over. And besides, should it come to that, she can defend herself just fine.
She is, after all, Wilmarina Nocrim of Lescatie.
(For Monsterknight's scenario)
A divine looking young woman looked in worry at the young man before her, who seemed like he was staring in empty space.
"Are you alright? Are you wounded anywhere, young man? You were spacing out just now..." The green haired woman asked.
(For Biocaster's scenario)
Levant sighed in relief as he watched Aleksei and his comrades head for the shorelines. That was one problem solved, in his opinion. Now...he must return to the cabin of the Brahmastra. If her emembered correctly, he was supposed to recieve a mission objectives document around this time of the day. And thus, without wasting time, the Templar headed for his headquarters inside his ship...
Meanwhile, along the shorelines where Aleksei was headed, a certain heroine of Lescatie was walking around, as if searching for someone. She had a look of slight anxiety and disappointment on her face as she looked around for whatever it was she is looking for.