The trio of Asgardians will be able to see that Anna is currently drawing on a piece of paper, with Jake looking over it for a moment until Zacharie points them out for him. He turns to Loki, Thor and Sif.
"Ah, welcome to our store. We'll be at your service in a moment."
Anna looks up from the paper, showing them a pleasant smile.
"Though if you want, you're free to enter the store and look through wares, if you're interested in buying weapons or stat boosters."
Kumatora and Duster turn around too, and they both look a little happier.
"Thor, Loki, Sif! You found us just in time, we found the merchant that Ken Tahn's letter described."
"Oh, you're friends with one another?", Anna asks. "Then I'm guessing you're not here to shop. I'll quickly finish the drawing for you."
She returns to drawing. Meanwhile, Zacharie sits down on the ground near the two other merchants, as he's not really involved with the matter at hand.
Oliver turns to Gregor.
"Oh? ... Well, it has been a while since I've been at a feast. Alright, I shall accompany you.", he says, looking happy as he goes along with Gregor.
Edited by DevilPsyco on Dec 5th 2018 at 11:51:16 AM
In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
"Come to think of it, I see little harm in a bit of shopping myself," Sif corrects Anna before entering the shop, keeping an eye on the others while she browses.
Thor greets Duster and Kumatora with a smile before looking to Anna while she draws.
"I'm Thor, son of Odin the Allfather, at your service, m'lady. With me are my brother Loki, Sif, Duster, and Kumatora. Apologies if we came here at a most... inopportune moment."
"Hello there," Loki chimes in, waving.
"Ah, welcome. Hopefully you'll find what you're looking for, miss~", Anna pleasantly says, with Jake holding the door open for Sif. Luckily Anna's sisters are currently in the back of the store, otherwise poor Sif would probably be very confused right now.
She'll find an array of medieval weapons, some of them looking pretty fancy, others looking very sturdy too. There's a wide variety of swords, lances, axes, bows, magic tomes, and even daggers and healing magic staves.
There's also the different stat boosters, and what appears to be medicines or vulneraries.
"It's nice to meet you. My name is Anna, and this is my fiancee Jake.", Anna says to introduce them. She then smirks at Zacharie.
"And that's Zacharie, a friend of ours. He doesn't actually work here, but he's a merchant too."
"Bonjour.", Zacharie says with a chuckle.
Anna turns back to Loki and Thor, giggling.
"Oh, don't worry. A good merchant is ready to help whenever their store's open. I am gonna have to focus on the drawing for a little bit though, so if you have any questions, you may ask Jake."
She returns to drawing, looking very thoughtful about trying to remember all the details about the bandits. She wants to make the image as clear as possible, as a kidnapping is a serious deal.
Clarisse, meanwhile, has made her way back too, though enters the building next to the store, headed back for her usual spot on the roof.
Edited by DevilPsyco on Dec 5th 2018 at 12:22:22 PM
In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
Sif looks around at the shop's various wares, quietly pondering her decision. After a moment, she ultimately selects a bow that she assumed would come with its own quiver full of arrows before moving on to the medicines/vulneraries.
"Chances are that Lucas may require such medical treatment upon his rescue. Of course, if he's unharmed, they can always be saved for a rainy day, as the Midgardians are fond of saying."
Once they've finished greeting Anna, Jake and Zacharie, the Sons of Odin decide to patiently wait for Anna to complete her sketch.
While the group waits, Thor lays a comforting hand on Kumatora's shoulder and offers her a reassuring smile.
Kumatora, while showing an appreciative small smile, doesn't seem to be much less nervous.
"Alright, this is as detailed as I can make it.", Anna says. "I hope it'll help."
She shows them the drawing
◊ she's made. Duster immediately looks more worried.
"That guy looks like he doesn't mess around. And he works for this Ken Tahn..."
"They better not have hurt Lucas!", Kumatora says, getting where Duster was going to go.
"These people tried to rob me once, but me and Nicole, a good friend of mine, scared them off. They don't really appear to be very strong, but I don't know anything about this Ken Tahn, I didn't see him."
"I saw a wanted poster with that name on it a few times. Apparently he's a big deal in the world he came from, always escaping capture.", Zacharie says. Anna seems to hit on a realization.
"Wait, what if-"
"-this Ken Tahn was the one who stole the Einherjar map!?", Jake continues, the both of them having the same thought.
"I never let a thief escape with my goods, but somehow, someone managed to sneak behind me and steal some money, and something important.", Anna explains to Thor, Loki, Kumatora and Duster. "If it really was Ken Tahn, then he's good. Worryingly so."
She looks troubled.
"I really hate to say it, but you might want to consider not going after Ken Tahn for revenge, and just doing as he says."
Kumatora is visibly unpleased with that idea, but nods.
"I'll control my temper if it'll save Lucas."
In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
Cue a raised eyebrow from Thor, who clearly didn't like what he was hearing, if his fingers briefly crackling with electricity is any indication.
"Are... you honestly suggesting that we give this cowardly wretch exactly what he desires, then allow him to slink away unpunished and free to torment innocent people to his black heart's content? I suppose either 'fate' will be displeased if I move against him, or a naive fool somehow believes that this unrepentant criminal scum isn't irredeemable despite all bloody evidence suggesting otherwise!"
Loki facepalms and shakes his head, sighing deeply in response to his brother's outburst.
"Just... heed my advice and tell your friends about this update in the missing Einherjar case when next you see them."
Upon overhearing Thor's tangent outside of the store, Sif clears her throat in an attempt to get Jake's attention.
"Yes, I'd like to purchase this bow and a few of these medicines."
She points out the items in question.
"I'm only making a suggestion based on my personal experience with thieves, his reputation, and the fact that he has a hostage.", Anna says. "I'm just worried that a person like him won't hesitate to harm or kill this Lucas if things don't go his way."
"I have no intention of letting him get away either, Thor.", Kumatora says, looking at him. "But as long as he has Lucas, it's better to play it safe. I don't normally go for a plan like this, you know me well enough to know that. But... after everything we've all been through, Claus and Lucas the most out of everyone, we can't take any risks."
Thor may be shocked a little out of his building rage if he notices that Kumatora actually seems like her eyes are tearing up, and her voice is choking up a little. Despite how tough she is, she's only barely able to handle this situation as it is. Duster has to give her a hug for her to be able to remain calm.
Both Anna and Jake look sympathetic towards them. It's not really visible with Zacharie, but he does share that look.
"Hey, if there's ever a situation where we can help you get him back faster, you can always come ask us.", Anna says.
Jake does look at Sif when she exits the store, trying his best to look professional.
"Ah, a Cleave Bow. Its arrows are a little weaker than a regular bow's, but it's actually very effective against armored enemies. Use it if your regular attacks won't do the trick. Now let's see... altogether, that's 1100 Gold."
"Aaaand a pair.", Ken Tahn says, sounding a little bored. Lucas, who's holding the Joker once more, looks completely confused.
"I-I don't get it. How are you this good at this?", he asks. Tahn shrugs.
"A good thief has an eye for everything."
Lucas pauses.
"Wait, does that mean you're cheating? Do you have cameras up here or some-"
A sudden angry sound from Tahn, and him raising his knife, immediately shuts Lucas up, instinctively rubbing over his cheek where he'd been cut before. The wound had closed by now, but it was still a little visible.
"I don't cheat, Lucas. Not in games at least. What I was saying is that I'm reading your body movements and facial expressions. Even the slightest twitch tells me if you're nervous or not. Don't accuse me of that again, I can't stand sore losers."
"D-duly noted!", Lucas immediately says, nodding a little rapidly. Tahn smirks under his hood.
"You may want to start challenging me to other games, or learn to be completely stoic, otherwise you'll never beat me, and you'll never get to see what I look like."
He waves him off.
"Anyhow, go back to your room. I feel like singing in privacy a little."
Two bandits come over to Lucas, grabbing his arms and leading him back. On the way though, he notices an opened door to a room that had previously been closed.
"What's in there?", he asks.
"None of your business, Lucas.", one of the two says. "Just know that it's important to the boss, so don't get any bright ideas."
Lucas nods to him, though in his thoughts, he isn't thinking of complying at all. Someone as trigger-happy as Ken Tahn would obviously have weapons in there, and this room is close to his. Not to mention that the chain for his leg is as broken down as it can be without it being visible that it was tampered with, and that Lucas' PSI has pretty much completely returned. This could be the day for Lucas' escape attempt. All he needs to do now is wait in his room until he's absolutely sure nobody's in the hallway, break the chain, leave his room (as Tahn had, over their time playing, become amused enough to allow Lucas' door to remain unlocked, which Lucas immediately knew would work to his advantage one day) and get a weapon from that room.
Then, he could try to sneak out and threaten anyone who came across him. Perhaps even turn the tables and take Tahn hostage. The only real issue he faces is that he doesn't know if he'll have it in him to actually kill anyone here if he has to...
He enters his room and sits down on the bed as one of the bandits chains his leg to it again. The two then leave, and the wait begins...
Timefreezing
Edited by DevilPsyco on Dec 5th 2018 at 2:46:07 PM
In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
The sight of Kumatora in such an emotional state is more than enough to shock Thor out of his anger. Once he's taken a moment to calm himself, the god of thunder lets out a deep, heavy sigh.
"My... sincerest apologies for that outburst, everyone. I'm simply concerned about Lucas, want this Ken Tahn bastard to pay, and have been dealing with... other issues. Consider me on board with this plan."
He then reaches out to wipe the tears from Kumatora's eyes before giving her a hug as well.
"Lucas will be freed soon, Kumatora. I promise you this. And, heh, sorry for the unexpected hug."
Loki, meanwhile, takes a brief look around before ultimately shifting his gaze to Anna.
"So... have you ever met a blue-haired young woman by the name of Lucina, perchance?"
"A weapon truly worthy of Asgard's finest! Now, then..."
Sif retrieves a small bag of gold coins out from her pocket, then hands them over to Jake.
"It was a pleasure doing business with you, good sir, despite the... circumstances."
Edited by IchigoMontoya on Dec 5th 2018 at 7:27:01 AM
She hugs him back too, not really caring about appearances right now.
"I hope so..."
Anna, who'd been watching the both of them, needs a moment before hearing Loki's question.
"O-oh, yeah, we know each other well. We actually fought some Einherjar together less than an hour ago."
Jake takes the gold, nodding to Sif with a supportive smile.
"Indeed. I hope you manage to save your friend."
In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
While hugging Kumatora, Thor casts a glance at Duster.
"Whenever you're ready to set our plan into motion, contact me."
"Ah... Regardless, when Thor and I last encountered her, she mentioned these Einherjar you speak of," Loki says to Anna. "I would advise sharing what you've learned today with her and your other allies, should you wish to retake the Einherjar stolen by our... mutual friend, Tahn."
"Rest assured, we've overcome far worse scenarios before. One way or anything there, I don't see Lucas remaining in this coward's clutches for much longer."
With her newly purchased items in hand, Sif then takes a moment to wave goodbye to those present before departing.
Edited by IchigoMontoya on Dec 6th 2018 at 10:40:21 AM
Divine Burden
Thor is hanging around the sky of Oblivia, using his storm powers to carve large norse runes unto the sand, spelling out "ZEUS IS SMELLY"
Hohohoho !
Fallout 2? More like Fallout 2 bad.
"Will do. But for now we have no choice but to wait to hear from Tahn...", Duster says. Kumatora breaks the hug, having calmed down a little.
Anna nods to Loki.
"I will. Though if they decide to go after Tahn, I'll make sure to tell them not to do that, as to not endanger your friend's life."
They bid Sif farewell for now.
Edited by DevilPsyco on Dec 6th 2018 at 7:43:38 PM
In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
"Right. In the meantime, I shall be tending to other matters," Thor replies. "Farewell, Duster, Kumatora. May our next meeting be under vastly less dire circumstances."
With that, the god of thunder proceeds to take his leave.
"With any luck, Lucas should be freed by the time you inform Lucina and company of this Tahn charlatan's actions. Now then, I do believe I ought to rejoin my brother in dealing with other pressing issues."
Loki then walks off to catch up with Thor.
Vague Oblivia
Myth!Thor's thunderous graffiti hasn't gone unnoticed, if a nearby Nicole staring at the freshly crafted writing with an expression of mild confusion is any indication.
Edited by IchigoMontoya on Dec 6th 2018 at 11:13:17 AM
Strongest In History
Vague Oblivia
Foxy stands in the center of one of the runes, having been mere inches away from being wholly electrocuted.
"what the fuck"
"DIO is the ultimate being! The being of the future! Dare you not to rival me!"
Divine Burden
Thor appears next to her.
NICOLE FRIEND ! he yells, loudly.
—
Samsara and Emmeryn are counting gold coins, with Samsara being quite focused on it.
...how did things go... at... home ?
After the war ? They went smoothly. The world is healing slowly and the Sheperds are in a state of semi-retirement. Most of us are training and sometimes called to go deal with bandits though.
Aw... if there are bandits... then...
Human nature is complex, isn't it ? But then again, everyone being nice would be weird. And so far, there are no large scales conquerors or invaders and villages are safe.
Good... and you do live... in one right ?
Yep. With Donnel. It's a nice, quiet place... not really close to the capital itself but that's alright.
Fallout 2? More like Fallout 2 bad.
"Yeah, I hope so too. We'll see you later.", Kumatora says, trying to sound tough again but still having some trouble.
The group then bids the others farewell, after which Kumatora and Duster spend a little bit more time talking to Anna, Jake and Zacharie. Eventually though, they leave as well.
In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
"Jesus!"
Nearly jumping out of her skin at both Myth!Thor's sudden appearance and... enthusiastic greeting, Nicole takes a moment to compose herself before replying.
"Hey there, big guy... So, unless I've forgotten literally everything I know about Nodic runes, did you more or less just write 'Zeus smells' in big-ass letters with lightning?"
Divine Burden
GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF THE RUNES ! YES ! I HAVE MADE LETTERS DEPICTING ZEUS AS SMELLY !
Fallout 2? More like Fallout 2 bad.
Strongest In History
Vague Oblivia
Foxy hops over the... lines of the runes, "exiting" it before heading to Nicole and Myth!Thor.
"so that's what that is"
"DIO is the ultimate being! The being of the future! Dare you not to rival me!"
"Huh... I thought it was gonna something a little more profound, but whatever floats your Viking ship, dude," Nicole answers, shrugging. "Better hope Zeus isn't in a wrathful, smiting mood when he finds out about this, though."
Cue Foxy, eliciting a raised eyebrow from the Arcane half-dragon.
"Talking fox robot dressed like Captain Hook... Eh, I've seen weirder."
"Man, what kinda crazy-ass mascots have they been whipping up at Chuck E. Cheese nowadays?"
Edited by IchigoMontoya on Dec 6th 2018 at 11:48:27 AM
Divine Burden
THE OLD MAN CANNOT SMITE ME ! FOR LIGHTNING IS ALSO MINE TO COMMAND ! he boasts, before looking at Foxy and looking confused.
WHAT MANNER OF DEFORMED CREATURE HAS DARED TO GIVE BIRTH TO YOU ?!
Fallout 2? More like Fallout 2 bad.
Strongest In History
Vague Oblivia
Foxy freezes for a second.
"I actually have no goddamn idea"
He scratches his head with his hook.
"DIO is the ultimate being! The being of the future! Dare you not to rival me!"
"Yeah, but could you stomach all the egotistical rants he'd hurl your way? Ah, what am I saying, he's probably just gonna laugh off your Nordic graffiti once he finds it," Nicole says to Myth!Thor. "Anyway, this... freaky pirate fox-looking dude is a robot, not some mythological beast."
Her gaze flickers to Foxy.
"Uh huh... so, what's a mechanical fox in pirate gear doing around these parts?"
Divine Burden
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHHAA ! YOU ARE NO MAN BUT I LIKE YOU !
He waves his hand dismissively when Nicole says the difference.
AS THEY SAY : THE FROG'S POISONOUS BREATH MAY NOT AFFECT THE SPLENDID COLOMB AS IT SOARS OVERHEAD !
Fallout 2? More like Fallout 2 bad.
Nicole bids farewell to the departing Anna and her sisters, then spreads her dragon wings once more before flying off.
Thor (once again, sans cape), Loki,
and Sif
arrive at the area of NLA where Anna's shop is located just in time to notice Duster and Kumatora questioning Anna herself. Unsurprisingly, the Asgardian trio approach the scene.
"I suppose that must be the aforementioned red-haired merchant Lucas's foolhardy captor mentioned."
"Whoever this Ken Tahn might be, he'll soon come to deeply regret ever laying a bloody finger on Lucas, I assure you."
"Personally, I still believe that the nameless blonde lad might be the self-proclaimed criminal mastermind we're looking for, or at the very least, one of his cohorts."
Beat.
"Okay, perhaps that theory might be a stretch, but far stranger happenings have actually occurred here before."
Edited by IchigoMontoya on Dec 5th 2018 at 2:39:14 AM