Tales of Alidaire: The Struggle

[crazE]

Mai followed the girl she and her apparent allies had rescued into the bakery, feeling an instant feeling of comforting warmth and the sweet smells of bread and pasteries. As she entered and made herself comfortable within the bakery, she straightened her special uniform and repositioning her standing position into a neutral stance. She sheathed her sword, hearing the satisfying click of the hilt on the sheath cover.

The stranger revealed himself as a serpentine and bird-like creature. Mai was honestly surprised, taking a step back. This explained the superhuman leaping and skill. It was because he wasn't a human at all. Could this have been a mutation, or was he born this way?

Mai then saw what appeared to be a baker... and a gentleman? It was quite strange. He had simple baker's outfit, which matched the obvious occupation, but it all stopped there. He had a fancy outfit and a mask similar to a butterfly under the baker's attire. Mai moved some of her stray white hair out of her vision, tucking it behind her ear as her faced turned into complete bewilderment. What kind of town was this? She wouldn't be surprised if there was a man with multiple limbs or maybe even one who could teleport.

She sighed. No doubt she was sucked into something that was very important. She listened to both the bowman and the girl with the parasol tell the baker-gentleman what had happened. Then, the girl known as Alexandra turned to everyone, thanking for the rescue. Mai's eyes widened as the Noble pulled out a burlap pouch. She heard the click and clack of gold coins on one another. Although it was against her ways to cherish material possessions, this brought her to full attention.

Mai finally spoke up, her eyes meeting with the baker's. [color=#1E90FF]"I had the same feeling."[/color] Mai replied. [color=#1E90FF]"It came to me while walking through this town. I felt a deep impression that if I didn't save a girl in danger-"[/color] She motioned to Alexandra as confirmation, [color=#1E90FF]"-that my life would be doomed forever. I followed by feeling to this location."[/color] She then noticed that she hadn't shared her name either. Rude, considering that the other two had spoken up and share also. She cleared her throat. [color=#1E90FF]"My name is Mai. I have been taught in the ways of the dragon and I am skilled with the blade of the sword."[/color] With that, she nodded that she had had her say.

[Shadow]

Hikari stayed silent as the group moved inside Masquerade's Bakery, relieved to see such a friendly owner who cared about them, and more importantly, the young Noble by the name of Alexandra who managed to survive the encounter--although wounded. At the humanoid viper's remark about them going insane, however, she spoke,

"I, too, heard such voice." The White Knight glanced at Nothus, then an the rest of the group, "And this is too much of a coincidence for all of us to be insane."

She put away her rusted piece of metal she used as a weapon, relaxing from the tension point that happened mere minutes ago before introducing herself, "I'm Hikari Glow. White Knight."

[Flimzy]

The second Bin set foot in the bakery he started checking his pockets for gold. All he could find was lint and a plastic novelty Hakkero. He paused when the Vampire said something about a voice, he had heard a voice right before the start of the fight. He waited for everyone to speak before he started himself.

[color=#0000CD]"My name is Bin, I'm a wizard, and I too heard a voice [size=xx-small]Not that that's too uncommon for me[/size]"[/color] He mumbled as he glared all the delicious treats. Drooling out of the corner of him mouth.

[Masquerade]

Masquerade appeared as pensive as he could for a guy with a mask on his face. [color=gold]"Interesting."[/color] That was all he said before going behind the counter and unlocking the display case, taking out a plate of pastries, flaky and firm to the touch, drizzled with chocolate sauce. He placed them on the counter and locked the display case back. [color=gold]"Strawberry tarts with chocolate sauce. Please, help yourself. They're on the house,"[/color] the baker said, gesturing towards the sweets. He thought for a moment, putting a finger to his chin. [color=gold]"It seems that a higher power is at work here."[/color]

[color=green]"You think they could be of some use to us?"[/color] Nothus spoke harshly. [color=green]"They couldn't have saved this girl properly if I hadn't intervened."[/color] He shot a fierce gaze over the group. [color=green]"They're good people, but they're totally green."[/color]

[color=gold]"Mmm, the only green one here is you, Mr. Scaly Skin,"[/color] Masquerade quipped and laughed. He gestured loosely to the group with a hand. [color=gold]"So, they're diamonds in the rough, but they have the heart and they can get stronger. Not to mention that Fate apparently has plans for them."[/color] At hearing a huff from his assistant, he turned his attention to the group. [color=gold]"I have a proposition for you all. I can't give any details unless you agree to perform the job I assign you. This...this job will be one that changes this country. It is of the utmost significance. The fact that I'm trusting strangers with the task...well, it's uncharacteristic of me."[/color]

[color=green]"No it isn't,"[/color] Nothus retorted flatly.

The baker laughed. [color=gold]"Shut up, Nothus. Anyway, but seriously. This is no mere coincidence. You guys were meant for something...something great."[/color] He paused. [color=gold]"Are you willing to help? The reward will be greater than anything you could ever imagine."[/color]

[crazE]

Mai thought this over hard, flipping the proposition over in her head. Something set her off about it though. Was it because this man refused to tell them his part of the agreement first? Or was it because that this request was potentially life-threatening, that they might never return from the endeavor he was asking?

Mai shook her head. It didn't matter. She could take on anything this man offered. She had trained for years and years, waiting for a moment to prove herself. Whatever this man proposed, she could accomplish it no matter the odds.

[color=#1E90FF]"Speak your proposition,"[/color] Mai said to Masquerade, [color=#1E90FF]"Because I accept."[/color]

[Eebit]

Helena received the little purse, and smiled. It was thoughtful of [color=purple]Alexandra[/color] to give them the money, and she accepted it graciously, now knowing that she was in the presence of a highly respected member of the Royal Family. She opened her mouth to thank the girl, but was cut off as the remaining allies introduced themselves, and [color=gold]Masquerade[/color] the baker continued to speak about his theories. Helena was glad to know that she wasn’t going completely insane, despite these strange voices in her mind…

The baker took out a large plate of pastries, saying to the ragtag bunch of travelers who happened upon eachother, [color=gold][i]“Strawberry tarts with chocolate sauce. Please, help yourself. They're on the house.”[/i][/color] She took a tart for herself, savouring its warmth and flavour. [color=#407790][size=x-small][i]A well-deserved treat after a battle with street scum…[/i][/size][/color] Helena thought to herself, as she lightly finished her tart. Licking her fingers, she thanked [color=gold]Masquerade[/color] for his delicious food.

The baker seemed to be very well-versed in the ways of the world, and was now offering the group some sort of mission… He spoke of great rewards, which was something that a fledgling archer like herself could certainly use! The girl named [color=#1E90FF]Mai[/color] spoke in front of her, [color=#1E90FF][i]“Speak your proposition, because I accept.”[/i][/color]

[color=#407790][size=x-small]“I must accept your proposal as well, Masquerade. After such hospitality from strangers, it would be horrible of me to [i]not[/i] take you up on such an offer… I look forward to working with you all again.”[/size][/color]

[Shadow]

Hikari blinked. Masquerade was so generous, he was offering his wondrous pastries to the entire group for free. The White Knight couldn't help but smile as she took one of said strawberry tarts, and took a slow bite. Warmth and flavor enveloped her mouth as she ate the delicious sweet, finishing very quickly. When Masquerade offered them a "mission of utmost significance", she immediately replied,

"I accept." she nodded to the owner, As Helena said, it would be rude for me to deny, considering what have you done for all of us. Please go ahead, I'd like to hear what's it about."

[The Kakuzato]

Loresai eyed the baker carefully as he offered the sweet tarts to the ragtag group that she had gotten herself caught in. She had not partaken in such food for ages, almost literally, for she had been more focused on the energy of humans. She carefully took one of the tarts offered, and took a small bite of it, enjoying the succulent flavor that swept through her mouth. As she finished that first bite, she again took a look at the baker, her sunken-in eyes harshly looking him over.

[color=#800000]"I shall accept your proposal as well,"[/color] she said at last, giving a slight chuckle, [color=#800000]"it shall bring me more life energy than sneaking around by night as an omen." Then, as if as a secondary thought, continued, "I do also suppose it would be quite rude considering what you've done for us..."[/color]

[Flimzy]

Bin rushed over to the tarts as fast as he could, he grabbed one and shoved it in his mouth noisily mashing it.
Then, he heard the kind baker say something else [color=#FFD700]"I have a proposition for you all. I can't give any details unless you agree to perform the job I assign you. This...this job will be one that changes this country. It is of the utmost significance. The fact that I'm trusting strangers with the task...well, it's uncharacteristic of me."[/color] Of course he would help, this place was a crapshoot anyway. He finished his treat as Mai, Helena, Hikari and Loresai accepted the quest. [i][color=#0000CD]Awesome I have company[/color][/i] he thought as he begun to speak aloud: [color=#0000CD]"I, Bin the Wizard, accept this quest as well!"[/color]

[Masquerade]

[color=gold]"Excellent. As you all know, things around the city and even throughout this very country have been growing in danger for a while now, and it is the fault of our once beloved king, Albert Valentine,"[/color] Masquerade stated while trying to avoid looking at Alexandra. He couldn't, however, and noticed the sadness on her face, but she knew. She knew exactly what he meant, so it would be all right. [color=gold]"Bandit problems have never been this bad, and it is time for a change. Me and a few others are planning a small revolution. Not many people are fond of King Albert in his current frame of mind, so we shall be met with little resistance. However, we must still be careful. Tomorrow, the king is holding Alexandra's wedding reception in his castle. The plan is to first get a layout of the castle so we can know the way to properly infiltrate it. Afterwards, we'll enact the plan to...assassinate him."[/color]

Alexandra held up a hand. [color=purple]"Stop right there! That's...that's too cruel."[/color] She heard Masquerade emit a weary sigh, and then sighed herself. [color=purple]"You shall have my assistance, but assassination will be the last resort. There's something more at work here; my uncle has never thought the way he has now. He's never had a mean bone in his body."[/color]

[color=gold]"I understand. If that is what it takes, then assassination shall be last resort. In that case, we'll steal into the castle for thorough investigation. Whatever is messing with King Albert's mind might be there. Alexandra, you'll tell your uncle tomorrow after the reception that these folks saved you and that you'd like to give them a tour of the castle. That's when you guys take your notes and observations as you're getting the said tour. Afterwards, we'll draw a solid blueprint and plan our infiltration."[/color]

[color=purple]"Why not just investigate during the tour?"[/color] Alexandra suggested.

[color=gold]"Too risky. Getting caught by some suspicious castle guard would endanger the entire operation."[/color] He turned to the group and pointed at them. [color=gold]"Not a single word of this shall leave this bakery, understand? Tell absolutely no one about this. If you encounter one of the others involved in this operation, don't tell them anything. If they ARE legit, they'll understand the code. Sorry to drag you guys into something so big, but Fate's got it out for you. You've got a busy day tomorrow; you might want to get some rest."[/color] He gestured to the backroom. [color=gold]"The girls can have me and Nothus's room; we'll be up for the rest of the night making preparations for the reception tomorrow. The lone boy can sleep on the couch out here,"[/color] he said flatly and pointed at a beige loveseat sitting against the wall with two matching beige throw pillows on each end.

[b][u]Options:[/u][/b]

---Rest (Go to sleep.)
---Ask More Questions (Ask questions associated with the operation.)