The Duke of Maltana

James: <It's nothing. But are you sure you don't need help getting to where you were going? Deserts are pretty dangerous to walk alone.>

=====

Aegis: [F-fighting skills?! I have no damn fighting skills!]

Sephira

Ari: <I figured, your pointy ears showed earlier. But like I said, I'm really glad.>

*He takes a folder out and opens it on his desk.*

Ari: <Lilith Psyche, wasn't it?>

*He looks through the listing of names for a couple minutes before looking up at Thiera.*

Ari: <...I'm sorry, but there doesn't seem to be a soldier by that name listed here.>

---

Toros

*The page soon begins to call out names in the crowd, one by one. Each group of 5-6 people stays inside for an average of 5 minutes. After a while, the crowd begins to grow scarce.*

=====

???: <Where I was... O-Oh, yeah. Where were you going?>

---

Ars Isle

*Gaius nods and leaps upwards, effortlessly flipping upside down midair and kicking into one of the monsters' chin with both legs. The monster is sent flying a few meters into the air.*

Gaius: <Your turn!>

"This is getting suspicious" Alto says darkly.

"Agreed"

*Sorelyn runs towards the monster and strikes it with lighting*

*Thiera is unsurprised.*

"Mom said she corresponded with several officials, and no one could find her name. But even if she didn't join the army, for whatever reason, she still came here."

James: <Toros.>

=====

Aegis: (I really do wonder what's going on now...)

Sephira

Ari: <Well, if you're so worried, I could report her disappearance. You have no other clues?>

---

Toros

*When there are only 4 people left waiting, the page calls them all in.*

Toran Page: <Olatell Feist, Miranda Zweinhander, Aegis Vulcan and... Bob Smith.>

*He notices Alto and Oriens standing there.*

Toran Page: <Did I forget to call you in?>

=====

???: <I see...>

*She finally notices the men searching in the distance and widens her eyes, backing further into the oasis.*

???: <...I was headed to Alda when they attacked me.>

---

Ars Isle

*The monster roars in pain as it is electrocuted, and Gaius has meanwhile managed to throw the second monster into it to join the fun. He hurries out of the sea and the sailors begin to steer the ship away from the creatures as they crash back into the water.*

"Just that she was in the last town over researching advanced magic, & that she was coming here to join the military. And yes, that would be great. Thank you!"

"We were in the very back. It'd be hard to notice us. Plus we just arrived. We're here to fight in the arena. Not the tournament though just the regular arena" Oriens states rather professionally.

"We're strong~" Alto adds.

James: <What do you suggest we do?>

=====

*Aegis walks forward to the guy calling out his name.*

Aegis: <I-if I may inquire, what exactly is this whole affair about?>

*Sorelyn stands ready to attack again if needed*

Sorelyn:< Think they're down?>

Sephira

*Ari smiles and nods.*

Ari: <You're welcome, I'll take care of that right away. It will take a while to spread the word, I suggest you stay close in the meantime. Can you afford staying at an inn?>

---

Toros

Toran Page: <Don't worry, the representatives of the Duke just want to have a quick word with you.>

*He looks over to Oriens and Alto.*

Toran Page: <Ah, I see. I think you can come inside with this group.>

=====

???: <I don't know...>

*The men seem to turn to the oasis they're at. They can still barely see them in the distance, through the desert wind, but they can make out the legs of the horses moving their way. The girl looks down at her reflection on the lake's surface for a few seconds, pensive. She then looks up at James's sword.*

???: <Are you a warrior of some kind?>

---

Ars Isle

*The serpents soon regain their senses and give chase, roaring angrily.*

Gaius: <I wouldn't say they're down... but I'm glad the ship's all right... Guys, hurry up!>

Sailor: <We're not fast enough to lose them!>

Sorelyn:< So...should I hit them again?!>

Ars Isle

Gaius: <Err...probably not. I don't really care about the fish genocide, but it could also damage the ship.>

*One of the serpents turns back and dives into the sea, leaving only one to chase them.*

Sorelyn:< You sure? I could get us enough food to last weeks. Anyway, if you can get it out of the water I'll do the rest.>

Ars Isle

Gaius: <I can try!>

*Gaius runs to the edge and is preparing to jump when the tail of the Colossal Eel that had dived blasts out of the water, wrapping around him and pulling him into the sea. The other eel notices this and dives after them, no longer caring about the ship now that they've found a meal.*

*Sorelyn runs to the edge of the boat*

Sorelyn:< Gaius! Don't worry, I'm coming!>

Sorelyn:[ Where did I leave my spear!?]

Ars Isle

*The crew stops the ship and one of the sailors nearby hurries to where Sorelyn was sitting and picks up her spear, tossing it to her.*

They both nod and enter.

*Sorelyn grabs the spear and looks down at the ocean*

Sorelyn:< This is bound to be a mistake.>

*Sorelyn jumps into the ocean*

James: <I guess you could say that.>

=====

Aegis: <Alright.>

Toros

*Inside is the palace's lobby, where the group is addressed by an old man in luxurious robes in sandy brown and golden.*

Duke's Rep.: <Greetings, youngsters. The Duke has issued the order that everyone living in the capital that possesses any kind of abilities with potential for battling be summoned here over the next few days. I welcome you as part of the first group.>

=====

*She widens her eyes, smiling.*

???: <P-Please, I have a favor to ask of you. I am willing to pay you well for your services.>

---

Ars Isle

*Underwater, she sees Gaius trying to fend off the eels with his shining punches. He seems to be almost as agile underwater as he normally is, probably resulting from his powers. One of the eels bites at him, one of its large teeth raking his left arm.*

*James cracks a wide smile at the mention of money.*

James: <Yes?>

=====

Aegis: [These fools must have made a mistake! My alchemy is ART, not combat-worthy in the slightest! Leave that to these other brutes I'm cursed to be around... Ew, is that B.O.? This place reeks of B.O.! Help me, someone...]

Oriens nodded to Alto who nodded back as if agreeing this was bad news.

Toros

Duke's Rep.: <This will be quick. Firstly I'd like to encourage each and every one of you to participate in our arena's battles and, of course, the tournament next week. And secondly, we'd like to make you an offer. The palace of Toros would like to sponsor you if you decide to do so.>

=====

???: <It is of utmost importance that I travel to Alda as soon as possible, and I would like you to accompany me.>