The roses. They were everywhere.
Fernand's eyes kept wandering while he followed Royale and Vivienne through the busy streets, making out the familiar symbol of a rose in many shapes and form; on signs, carved into doorposts, flyers, pottery and even tattoos. There was truly no denying it; his guides had lead them into Rosessen's territory, for good or worse. He wasn't able to shake off the feeling of discomfort ever since he learned about the name and the symbol tied to it the day before, but hadn't dared to share his concerns with the others; he didn't wish to ruin any chances and this was so far the best shot he had gotten with finding any of Bebe's relatives.
He glanced to Bebe, the Osamodian girl he carried on an arm. She was excited by the new sights and the hussle and bussle Brakmar had to offer, a feeling which wasn't mutual. He normally didn't carry her but she kept getting distracted by the smallest things and slowed down the group in the process. A good thing they left Leaf in their inn room or else he would have dealt with more wandering off and distractions than Bebe already put him through.
Other than Leaf, all of the peculiar group were present. Alys was right behind Fernand, closing the line which wove through the busy streets of Brakmar. Whereas Fernand kept keeping an eye out for roses, her own eyes were involuntarily drawn to the castle in the distance whenever she could catch a glimpse of it. The sight alone scared her… She felt drawn to that place but told herself numerous times it was the paranoia which kept forcing her attention to where the Brakmarian prince usually sat upon his throne rather than something else. The distance between her and the tall spires of the many castle towers was huge; she should consider herself safe from being seen by anyone that held a grudge against the Eliatropes.
"Starting to recognize things, Vivi?"
The quiet Xelor rose her head a little to peer from under her hood to the Sacrier which asked the question before she looked around to no longer keep her gaze down. While there was no silence around them, Vivienne didn't answer at first as she took in the surroundings before giving a small nod. Things were familiar, a little, but still familiar enough to confirm.
"Good. Means I did find the right person while asking around yesterday," Royale said after seeing the Xelor faintly nod and return her gaze down to the ground," we're almost there. Are you excited, kid?"
"Yep!" Bebe said with a broad smile before she rose a finger, stuck her chin up a little and closed her eyes to mimic a certain someone's serious demeanor," but not too excited so I won't get disappointed. Right?" She smiled for Fernand after expressing the advice he had given her several times during the last few days, seeing him and Alys smile in return before Fernand mumbled something in agreement; a child's enthusiasm was difficult to simmer down but he appreciated that she listened and tried to take the advice the best she could.
Royale grinned in response. So far the visit to Brakmar had gone pretty smoothly; she expected trouble but it had yet to find her. A good thing too... She was itching for trouble though, but the fact that she managed to lure everyone here without too much effort was already satisfying enough. "Well then, let's see if you have a reason to be excited because we're here and there will be no turning back," she said while coming to a stop and placing her hands on her hips to size up the building she stood before.
The building was massive with several stories and stood separated from any of the other buildings which crowded around it. The sign above the door gave the place a glamorous purpose but there was nothing else which gave away what exactly the building's function was; all it said was 'Peach Blossom's Dance', the name of the establishment Vivienne had supposedly suggested to them.
"You-you took us to a brothel?" Fernand asked in disbelief, the guess he made already coloring his ears somewhat red while Bebe and Alys made quiet assumptions instead. He looked back up to the sign to try and confirm his guess, yet all words left him when he recognized the rose symbol he saw all over the place during their walk here, worked into the elegant lettering; another of Rosessen's places… This was either good or bad.
"Maybe," Royale shrugged," maybe not. Sure is a fancy looking tavern if you ask me. I never gone in here before but I've always wanted to." She kept her hands on her hips as she confidently made her way over to the main entrance before she banged a black fist against the door without much grace. She pursed her lips as she waited before the peek hole of the door slid open and a pair of eyes could be seen glaring down at the Sacrier.
"State your business."
The murmur of many voices could be heard from inside with the peek hole being open, along with some soft music and the clinking of glasses. It sounded fairly calm but then the place screamed it was luxurious; pub brawls didn't seem common here, which was a relief to most of the group.
Royale gave Vivienne a little nudge to have her speak to what was the bouncer of the place but the Xelor didn't budge, keeping her eyes down with her face shrouded and appearing either too shy or frightened to take the lead. "We've got business with Liling," Royale said after Vivienne clamped up and gave the bouncer a cheeky grin while leaning closer to the door," we're customers, if you know what I'm saying."
A moment of observation from the harsh looking eyes before the peek hole slid shut and the unlocking of the door could be heard. Royale threw an accomplished smile Fernand's way before the door opened and the tall but broad figure of the Pandawa bouncer blocked the doorway, still with that harsh look in his eyes before he stepped aside to gesture the new visitors inside. The Sacrier was quick to enter and finally catch a glimpse of what was hidden within the luxurious looking building in the outskirts of Brakmar while the others hesitated.
Fernand looked at the carved rose on the sign one last time before he swallowed and shifted Bebe his arms to follow after Royale, the unease he felt not settling. He hoped nothing bad would await them inside but with how it looked so far, he was willing to be a little more optimistic than usual. A little… he would keep his bow at hand, just in case.
Vivienne seemed to linger a little with obvious reluctance, standing a little slouched while the shadow the hood casted on her face shrouded her eyes and expression. It caused the Eliatrope to stay behind her with a growing worry, wondering if the female Xelor was intimidated by the building or the bouncer. It was her who suggested this place to them as a means to find any of Bebe's relatives; they needed her to guide them on further. Alys lightly touched Vivienne's shoulder to gain her attention before whispering her name," Vivienne?"
The gentle mention of her name and the touching of her shoulder had Vivienne nearly snap her head off her neck with a swift but abrupt turn to be able to see Alys past the edge of the too large hood, the shifting of the cloth giving away a glimpse of a frightened expression upon the pale face.
"Are you alright...?"
Another moment of hesitation before a hardly visible nod followed," Vivi is…"
"Are you coming in, ladies?" the gruff voice of the bouncer sounded, an edge of impatience tied to it but he remained polite.
"Yes, apologies." Alys stared at the bouncer that was dressed fairly formally and neat, surely to fit the impression the place wished to express, before she slipped her arm around Vivienne's shoulders to guide but also support her inside. She gave the bouncer a weak smile as they passed him before she allowed her eyes to wander, seeing the place was as large as the exterior suggested.
There were many tables along with comfortable looking sofas and piles of cushions and other kind of sitting areas; it breathed comfort. Pandala paintings and decorations adorned the place, the music just as fitting to what was the kingdom of the Pandawas. It was a tavern and though Alys wasn't certain what exactly a brothel was after Fernand seemed offended by the thought of it, she had a feeling this place wasn't one; though she could be sorely mistaken with her lack of global knowledge. Many of the waitresses wore similar attires in the Pandala fashion, including several of the women which could be found in the company of the men enjoying a drink or two. Not all were Pandawa however but it was obviously the theme of this tavern.
"Follow me," the bouncer said after the small group was inside before he began to lead everyone towards the back of the public main area of the tavern, lumbering a little because of his size yet he kept his shoulders back and chest out to not look like an Iop in a suit. He went around the center of the large hall to not disturb the guests enjoying a drink, conversation and company before taking the stairs to guide the group a few floors up.
The pleasant sounds from the main hall and various side rooms and dining area died off the further the bouncer lead the new visitors up into the tavern, the scenery and decorations staying fairly the same. There were many hallways and corridors with the same kind of walls and doors; wooden framed panels which were screened off by thick paper with various prints depicting dragons, blossoms and bamboo. It wasn't long before the large Pandawa slowed down and bowed before a closed off room with his massive paws placed together before he spoke up in a more humble manner than he had greeted the group with," many pardons, mistress. I bring customers."
"Send them in."
The paper of the doors and walls hardly muffled the voice which sounded in response to the bouncer's announcement. The Pandawa bowed a little deeper before he slid the doors open with a wide spreading of his arms, a gush of sweet perfume and what one could best describe as incense pouring into the hallway to welcome all who had ventured upstairs. He stepped aside to allow everyone entry after peeking into the room to make certain all was decent, patiently waiting for all to step inside before he would slide the doors shut behind them.
The room he presented was clean and organised with several neatly trimmed bonsai trees, big and small jade statues, bamboo bookcases and more Pandala paintings while a few of the paper walls were drawn open to reveal a balcony overlooking a small courtyard which was embraced by the tavern, and the view of Brakmar's volcano and many districts. A low table stood before the open doors and with it a very large but comfortable cushion upon which someone laid on their side and held a long but thin pipe, their back turned to all who entered their quarters.
The bouncer didn't say anything to the group as he made his way to the female Pandawa on the cushion before he leaned in to whisper to her with a soft murmur.
The small black ear he was closest to flicked before the Pandawa slightly turned her head to fetch a quick glance of the arrivals her manservant brought to her attention. "Thank you, sweet bamboo shoot," she said, her voice rather gentle in tone before she brought herself up to a standing. Her long black hair fell like a cascade of ink down her back till almost her ankles after she rose to her bare feet, her red kimono-like robes with the golden embroidery and floral print loosely tied around her slender form and looking like it was about to slip down from her shoulders, but it all remained in place after she swept around to formally introduce herself.
"Honorable guests," she said humbly while her green eyes fluttered over the gathered group standing before her and the bouncer backed up a little to not tarnish his mistress' first impression," my name is Liling, hostess and owner of the refined 'Peach Blossom's Dance' establishment. What brings you to my humble abode this pleasant morning?"
A silence followed, a silence which surprised Fernand until he took note of Vivienne standing quietly with her head down while Royale appeared captivated by a shiny jade statue of a wise looking Pandawa in the corner of the room, distracting her enough to not butt into things for once. Seemed it was up to him if Alys wasn't going to speak up. He looked to the Eliatrope, seeing she was having the same thought as him after she gave him a questioning look before slightly nodding; she would let him do the talking as Bebe's caretaker.
He stepped forward with a clearing of his throat before he gave the female Pandawa a casual salute by pressing a fist against the left side of his chest while bending forward. "Greetings. Pardon us for coming unannounced and without an appointment. We are searching for someone and were told that you could help us with finding them."
"You have come to the right place if it is information you seek, honorable Cra; I know many people by name, face, and more. Kings and queens, lords and ladies come to me to find whom or whatever they seek." She gave her visitors a small bow after concluding her introduction and sat herself back down on the cushion to be comfortable, her observant and inspecting eyes not ceasing with sizing up what she was dealing with. "But all information comes with a price," she said after taking a small puff from her pipe and settled somewhat," what will you offer in payment?"
Payment. This was something they hadn't thoroughly discussed with all that had occurred and that realization hit Alys and Fernand far too late. They glanced towards each other to see if either had a thought, idea or a suggestion before they looked in unison to the quiet Xelor which stood behind them. She was the one who had suggested this Pandawa to them but she never said anything about payment and thus it was forgotten about… as foolish at it seemed now but then so much was going on. They came unprepared.
Vivienne was motionless, standing completely still with her face tilted down to keep her eyes upon the wooden floor while hiding within the oversized hooded robe which Royale gave her as a gift. Not even a squeak left her; she was unresponsive and it only made the developing situation more tense for those who followed her blindly into Brakmar.
Liling watched on while no verbal answer or offers followed her question, her toxic green eyes upon Vivienne with a piercing gaze before she nodded," I see. I will have a better look at your payment later. Tell me, honorable guests… Who is it you seek?"
"We are looking for anyone who may have known this girl's parents," Fernand began while laying a gloved hand on top of Bebe's snow white hair, the fact he felt the unease chomping down on the back of his neck making him stiff. He still had a form of payment to worry about and he hoped by the Goddess he devoted himself to that whatever information the Pandawa could give wouldn't be too expensive," we were hoping you may have heard of them or know of a lead which will reunite her with any of her relatives, if they are still alive."
"The girl is an orphan? Does she remember her parents?"
"Yes… and yes."
"What is her name?"
Fernand gave the top of Bebe's head a comforting pat as he answered, the look he held rather serious," Bebe. Her name is Bebe."
Bebe shuffled a little with her feet before she slowly bent down to grasp for one of her socks and pull it up after it had gathered around her ankle like it usually did, feeling very self conscious as the lady with the pipe looked at her with eyes which tried to peel back layer after layer. Or so it felt. Bebe fidgeted after the sock refused to remain up over her knee, causing Liling to show a faint but warm smile at the girl's shyness.
"The poor dear," she said as she crossed her legs before she patted the cushion she sat on," don't be shy and come sit over here so we can talk, little dumpling. I would like to ask you a few questions about your parents."
The uncertain look Bebe threw Fernand and Alys' way after she hesitantly took a few steps closer to the female Pandawa was met with a gentle smile from the Eliatrope and an encouraging nod from the Cra after he crossed his arms over his chest. The thumbs up and broad grin she received from Royale after the Sacrier got bored with looking at the statue and leaned out from behind Vivienne caused her to chuckle, the responses she got enough to find some courage to sit next to Liling and talk about her parents.
Liling kept her pipe deliberately away from the child to not bother her with the smoke which rose from it after Bebe came over and crawled onto the large cushion to sit, appearing to be patient as she waited for Bebe to be comfortable before she would urge her to speak about topics she had tried to ignore. "Try to answer me the best you can; it is very important. Let us start with the names of your parents. What were they called?"
"Mama and papa…"
The laughter which bubbled up after Liling stared at Bebe with surprise was an inward chuckle at first before it turned into soft laughter, causing Bebe to join in with a few faint giggles which were far too uncertain in tone. "You truly are adorable, little dumpling; I would keep you to myself if it were possible," she smiled after her laughter died off and took a deep breath," but I need your parents' real names rather than what you called them."
"Oh." Bebe took a moment to think even though she knew what the answer was. She didn't like to think or talk about her parents after that terrible storm in Bonta. She was fine with being with Fernand, Alys and even Royale, so why couldn't it stay that way? Why did she have to find family she had never seen before or could even remember? Besides, her parents weren't dead… not if she continued to believe that storm never happened... right? Her pointy ears lowered a little at the dark thoughts going through her head before she quietly said to give into the responsibility to cooperate," Bejo and Siti."
"Any family or clan names?"
Bebe shrugged with a pout; the ignorant bliss she tried to envelop herself in all these weeks to remain in denial about her parents' death began to crack a little and she didn't like it. "I don't know… Mama didn't have one but papa introduced himself as Bejo Kangean to some people who bought things from us. Most called him Bejo, mama did too."
"Kangean?" The question had a reminiscent tone to it before Liling beckoned to her manservant," bring me the records of 'K', the one with the green ribbon." She took a drag from the pipe as she watched the large Pandawa bouncer bow in compliance before he made his way over to one of the bookcases to find the tome Liling had spoken of, soon returning to her side with a rather heavy looking book which had all sorts of tags and pieces of papers sticking out from between the pages. He laid it on the low table with an audible thunk which indicated it was indeed a heavy bundle of records before he backed away to retake his place by the wall. Liling sat up a little to open the book and flip through the many pages with rapid but delicate sweeps of her fingers before finding whatever she was looking for. "Kangean… That name hasn't crossed this doorstep for many years but I have heard of it."
Fernand wasn't certain how to feel about the sudden news, his heart skipping a beat though he tried to keep himself composed the best he could. He learned the hard way that good things never lasted long and were always accompanied with something bad.
"But…"
There it was. Fernand visibly cringed with a rolling of his eyes and a small huff after Liling confirmed his suspicion with but a single word. All he could do now was listen.
"If Bejo is no longer among us," the female Pandawa continued," I'm afraid I only have bad news."
Bebe looked in between Liling and the others with a swishing of her tail before carefully asking as nothing else was said or done yet all the expressions she could see weren't boding well," what's the bad news?"
"That you'll be stuck with Fernand from now on," Royale blurted out with a smirk, not appearing to be all too troubled by the news but then empathy wasn't exactly her forte.
"Royale."
Bebe's ears lowered a little after Alys shushed the Sacrier with a stern saying of her name, the young girl not understanding what Royale meant at first until it fell into place. To be stuck with Fernand meant there was nobody else to care for her…. that wasn't so bad, was it? Still, Fernand and Alys didn't seem to be happy about the news so perhaps it was bad after all.
"The last I heard of an Osamodas with the family name Kangean was after he passed away from old age in the service of house Ramayan, and he only had one son." Liling nodding slightly in conformation as she stared upon the open page of the retrieved records which showed a list of many names, timestamps, and other kinds of information tied to whomever was written down," that was more than ten years ago."
"And you have nothing on the mother?" Fernand asked after pondering about the situation, stroking his goatee while he looked from the corner of his eyes to Bebe to see how she was holding up and if she understood what was being said.
"Alas," the female Pandawa said before she leaned back into the cushion," I have nothing more of worth to share when it comes to Kangean." Her calm expression turned a little harder when footsteps could be heard coming down the hallway, the paper and wooden walls and doors of her quarters too thin to isolate any sounds from outside. It wasn't long before four shadows could be seen through the white paper before the doors slid open and a quartet of people appeared in the doorway.
Everyone fell silent after the doors were slid open without much of a pardon, all present inspecting each other with quick glances before one of the new arrivals stepped forward to enter the hostess' room without waiting for an invitation or permission to come in. "Good morning," the woman said after tugging at one of her black gloves and flexed her fingers to fit it properly, carrying a smile upon her red painted lips while her golden eyes held a glint of mischief.
The woman was in the presence of three men of which one was bound and held by the other two. He looked battered with a swollen lip and eye while several scrapes and bruises adorned his busted up face and his clothes were soiled with dirt and blood, a stark contrast to his three so called companions which wore more formal attires.
The sight of the beaten up man alone caused the Eliatrope to freeze on the spot in shock, uncertain of what she was witnessing. She softly gasped in startle when a hand suddenly clamped around her arm and was given a tug, visibly flinching before she looked down to see who exactly had grabbed for her. Alys frowned at the hand which kept its fingers tightly wrapped around her arm, the confusion which welled up bringing along reluctance to look at the Cra and ask him what was wrong after she recognized the hand to be his. Fernand stood close by her, the grip he had on her not weakening while he kept his eyes on the woman that boldly entered. He was nervous from what she could tell, the way he pressed his lips together and dug his fingers into her arm giving away that something was wrong.
Liling had already brought herself to her feet shortly after the doors slid open and said with held back mock to the new arrival," I see you are still inviting yourself in."
The woman smirked at the welcome and greeting from the Pandawa before she somewhat inclined her head and laid her left hand against her chest as if she was bowing without bending forward or through a knee," only when I have wares to sell; Baron Replin Rosessen sends his regards."
"The Baron's regards…" Liling repeated before she sighed and shook her head," that makes it all better, doesn't it?" She nodded to the large Pandawa to excuse him from the room and have him return to surveying the door and anyone who wished to enter her establishment before she stepped forward to go around the low table and come closer to everyone. "I will inspect whoever you brought me after I have had a closer look at the payment of my current customers."
"I'll wait," the woman said with a nod before she glanced to the group which was still present but had grown eerily quiet, allowing herself to size up the male Cra which kept staring at her. She looked him over, at first uninterested and about to shift her attention to the woman dressed in blue next to him until a spark of recognition became visible in her eyes and she rose a brow while her confident smile grew a little.
Fernand swallowed while his grip on Alys' arm grew tighter. It was foolish of him to have hoped the woman wouldn't remember his face but their first meeting, no matter extremely brief, was far too fresh. She recognized him from the day before in the hallway of the inn when she followed her captain downstairs; the Huppermage Lecreft. The urge to flee screamed in his head but he kept himself where he was; they had nothing to worry about, or so he told himself. They had done nothing to provoke the Huppermage or this Rosessen guy she worked for. As long as everyone wisely kept their mouth shut and let him do the talking, everything would turn out alright.
Alys bit on her lip to keep herself from asking what was wrong after noticing the exchange of glances between the Cra and the mystery woman though couldn't ignore that Fernand was hurting her with the way he held her arm. She didn't dare to try anything to have him release her, his behavior only scaring her while Liling approaching forced her to act as natural as she possibly could.
The female Pandawa walked up to Vivienne after she brushed past Fernand and Alys and reached into the hood to cup the Xelor's chin and tilt her head up to make her face visible, examining what she could see before she tutted. "So skinny… and dirty," she said with a thoughtful hum before she released the Xelor and turned a little to Fernand," but she's worth the information I have given you, since it wasn't all that much."
The sudden confusion among the small group which traveled together was overwhelming but it surely didn't slow down the understanding of what exactly Liling was talking about.
"What? Are you-? No… no, wait," Alys stammered before she yanked her arm free from Fernand's grip with a firm jerking and quickly stepped up beside Vivienne to grab her by her shoulders and guide her a few steps away from the female Pandawa," I am sorry, but you've got it all wrong. Vivienne isn't the payment."
"Vivienne...? Truly?" Liling looked puzzled before she closed the short distance in between herself and the Xelor and pulled the large hood off with a swift sweep before Alys could stop her. Vivienne's unevenly cut hair fell free and around her face but was unable to hide her scared eyes which reflected the deep fear she felt as she gazed upon the Pandawa before her. "I know you, don't I?"
"Y-yes…" Her voice shook while she tried to make herself small in the protective hold Alys held her in. "Please, Liling, m-madam. She not for sale… no sale. Vivi free."
Liling arched her eyebrows at the stuttering pleas and ignored the dark glares she received from the woman in blue and the Sacrier close behind her while trying to place a name and a face together. "Yes… I recognize you now. Those sunken in cheekbones almost shrouded your pretty face, Vivienne," she said with a nod before saying rather casually," such a long time since we last saw each other. Did the Enutrof grow tired of you? I figured he would though it has been a few years since… you lasted longer than I imagined."
"You…" Alys could hardly find the words as she was too appalled by what she was hearing," you're the one who sold Vivienne to that toymaker?" The look of surprise Alys received to her question caused the Eliatrope to waver in disbelief and disgust, the nonchalance Liling was handling the situation with and how the new arrivals watched on without looking phased in the slightest made the whole situation surreal.
"Why yes, she was one of my wares," Liling answered honestly before she cocked her head slightly to the side and brought her pipe closer to her red lips," didn't she tell you beforehand?"
Fernand only needed to take two broad steps forward to take his place next to Alys, the glare he gave Liling one which could kill though he shot Vivienne with as much harshness when he glanced her way. "She forgot to mention that," he grumbled with venom in his voice, already surrendering himself to the fact that they got themselves into trouble again though this time he was very uncertain as to how it would end and if it could be saved. If it were to go downhill, he hoped by all the forces in the Krosmoz that the Huppermage would stay out of it.
"My knowledge comes from the sales and trades I make. All these names and faces I have memorized..." Liling turned around to walk back to the low table upon which the heavy book still laid open while watching Bebe quickly shuffle to her feet to keep her distance. "Servants, laborers, lovers of the night…" she said with a dramatic wave of her arm before glancing back over a shoulder to deliberately ignore Bebe's attempt to return to Fernand and the others, having no quarrel with the young girl but with the ones who weren't going to uphold their end of the deal," you seek it, I have it."
"Slavery," Royale growled.
"It is such a foul word," Liling sighed before she begrudgingly nodded and lowered her shoulders a little," but yes, it is a term for it. However, let us not stray away from the current matter since I have other business to attend to. I have shown you kindness and have given you the information you sought. I therefore expect payment. If it won't be the Xelor, it will be coin… or someone else of your party."
Royale was quick to answer for everyone after she pushed herself forward to take a stance in front of Vivienne and jabbed a finger towards the Pandawa while a wicked grin adorned her dark complexion," we aren't giving you anything, you monochrome witch! Except for a firm beating and you won't look so pretty as that guy over there or Vivi's previous master once I am done with you." For once her line of thought was in sync with the others though only she expressed roughly with a certain boldness.
Liling didn't sigh or blink at Royale's threats but instead turned a little to the Huppermage and her two men while taking a long drag from her pipe. "Lecreft…" She slowly blew out the smoke before she spoke," I will forgive your unannounced entry if you deal with this appropriately. If not, all damage caused to my property will be forwarded to Replin; I'll make certain he hears of any failure."
"As expected from Rosessen's mistress; you truly have the baron wrapped around your finger," Lecreft said, her voice not holding a hint of mockery or jest but instead sounded fairly respectful and praising while she inclined her head. She swiftly straightened up to turn to the group which huddled together and prepared themselves for whatever may come, saying with a commanding voice after she stretched out her arm and motioned for the new targets," men. Seize them."
Weapons were drawn rapidly before the bound captive was shoved back and the two uniformed men pushed themselves forward to obey the order from their corporal, their swords held ready before the sharpened blades slashed through the air to break the group apart and divide them. Yet instead of hitting nothing with feigned blows, the sharp edges met the fluctuating surface of Alys' shield in unison. The privates were forced back in surprise at the unexpected development, looking at the woman sitting kneeled in front of the Xelor with a strange shield before bloody hands appeared from behind the peculiar shieldmaiden and wrapped around one of the swords after crossing the distance with long tendrils of black and red.
"I'll be taking that!" Royale sneered with a wild look in her blank eyes, the four blood shaped arms which sprouted from her back pulling at the sword she managed to get a hold on before it was pried from the private's grip and flung away, the ripping of paper and the clattering which followed indicating the sword had ended up somewhere in the hallway after it tore through one of the walls. The private looked rather offended after he was deprived from his weapon so easily before he threw himself at the Sacrier to take her on the old fashioned way; with bare fists.
Fernand had ducked away behind Alys' shield with Bebe and Vivienne pressing themselves against his back to find shelter behind the shield, using the cover to release several arrows at the remaining private which kept his distance to try and reflect the incoming magical projectiles. Liling and Lecreft had backed away to the other side of the room to let the situation unfold on its own while the bound captive had scampered off to try and be safe behind the jade statue Royale admired earlier; at the moment it was two versus two if one weren't to include the shielding, a fair fight.
As expected; they were fighting back. The female Huppermage didn't seem bothered by the confirmation of her guess, having expected such; it was a normal reaction towards most attempts of apprehensions and the outcome was most of the time the same too.
"Rookies?" Liling asked after scowling at the hole in one of her fragile walls before receiving a confirming nod in return while the fight continued on.
"The captain won't send more experienced privates with me for a mere drop-off of goods," the Huppermage casually added," though I'll admit this is a rather embarrassing display." Cra, Sacrier, Xelor, Osamodas and… Feca? Lecreft watched on to assess their opponents while she kept close to Liling to serve as a bodyguard if needed, peering through the raven black strands of hair which partially fell before her eyes while the odd shield of the woman dressed in blue received most of her attention. That was no ordinary Feca shield, she was positive of it. She wasn't intimidated by an under dressed Xelor or an Osamodian child, neither a Cra with a flimsy bow or a Sacrier which couldn't keep a hold on their senses for she had faced far better and more impressive adversaries but this Feca was new, and different.
Alys kept the shield up to provide cover for everyone behind her before she rose her free hand to draw a circle of Wakfu next to Fernand to conjure a Zaap and summon another one in the far corner of the room, keeping them open with a focused expression. "Use this," she said after nudging the Cra with a shoulder to gain his attention while indicating with a nod for the private which kept reflecting Fernand's shots, hoping she could offer an escape from being pinned down.
Fernand looked at the Zaap before he tried to calculate the distance between his opponent and the small portal further away, only needing a second to make the right calculation before he rose up a little on his feet and pulled the bowstring back with fast pulls to release several shots into the Zaap from a certain angle. The arrows took the private by surprise when they came from a completely different direction than he anticipated and quickly backed away to not get shot in either of his feet, lowering his guard.
Taking the chance after distracting and disorienting the man in service of Rosessen's militia, Fernand was quick to bring himself up to his full height and draw the bowstring far back to materialize a frost arrow, aiming over the edge of the Wakfu shield before releasing the arrow at the stumbling private. The arrow hit the floor with a crackling sound, a small explosion of ice and snow bursting free from the impact before it froze over the floorboards and packed together around the private's boots while locking him to the spot. The thick ice continued to creep up his legs, not giving away when the panicking private hammered the forming ice with his sword before it encased him up till his shoulders.
One down. Two more to go.
"I-I'm stuck!" the private called out with a certain despair, unable to squirm himself free while he stood frozen with an arm and his sword held up high but he received no response or aid from any of his companions. His corporal's eyes were on something completely different than his embarrassing defeat and his fellow private was getting a good beat down from the crazy looking Sacrier.
Lecreft was fixated upon the small Zaap which appeared out of nowhere and unleashed a hail of arrows at one of her men, staring at it before she slowly turned her head to look at the small group hiding behind the shield, her lips slightly parted in awe but also thoughtfulness. The Feca.
Fernand grabbed for Vivienne's arm to pull her close and look her in the eye after he managed to immobilize one of Rosessen's people before he sternly spoke with a lowered voice," I'm not done with you yet, so you better stick close to Bebe and get into the hallway without screwing this up. Got it?" Her frantic nodding and quivering was enough of an answer to Fernand; he would have to trust her on keeping Bebe safe or at least away from the fight. There was an opening and he didn't want it to go to waste. He gave Vivienne a firm shove towards the open doors before snatching the back of Bebe's tunic to peel her away from him and push her after Vivienne before shouting," get going! We'll be right behind you!"
Bebe scrambled up to her feet and dove past the Xelor to make a break for the open doors, soon disappearing from sight while Vivienne was much slower. Royale was still enjoying herself and kept her adversary well occupied in the close quarter combat they got tangled up in rather than allow him to go after the child and a defenseless ex-slave.
"We have to go," Fernand urged the Eliatrope after making certain Bebe and Vivienne were out of the room and not followed by anyone," we can't fight that Huppermage and I honestly don't -" He winced when Alys crashed into him with a cry of her own, the shield she kept up and formed from her own Wakfu rippling and crackling with visible sparks and embers where a strange long but thin blade was pressed against the fluctuating surface. The sudden weight of the Huppermage and the impact of her attack against the shield literally knocked Alys off her feet and onto the floor and Cra.
"Finally. An Eliatrope," Lecreft said with large golden eyes of amazement which reflected the bright shine of the different kind of forces which had clashed with her surprise attack, her peculiar weapon fluctuating in shape and a multitude of colors as she kept it against Alys' shield. She pressed with a high-heeled foot against the shield's surface to keep Alys and Fernand pinned while she leaned over it to be able to see the female Eliatrope, the look of amazement slowly fading to turn ice cold and serious," you'll regret you set foot in my city."