Well, to the snowy area it is then...

After a few minutes of walking later, you enter the snowy area, and the cold hits you like the frozen food section of the supermarket. Both Perkwunos and Prihyeh are far up north, so snow and coldness like this is a normal sight, it can get as cold as 220 Kelvin (or -53 Celsius) in winter because Lancea orbits slightly further from the centre of the habitable zone, not as far as Tiberion, but also not as close to the sun as Marciu.

There are a lot of trees, just like the grove area, both deciduous and evergreen trees are present here. The ground is covered in a small layer of snow, about as tall as your feet, and of course, it's constantly snowing... even though this should be impossible since all of this is in a giant cave system. For a Threat Level VI area, everything is so peaceful and perfect, as if this section itself is the self-embodiment of perfection. 

Then... Alex feels a sensation of cold steel pressing against his neck.

"Well, well, well, look who's here." The source of the voice steps into view—a red-furred fox Shifter pointing a longsword at the young paladin's throat. Well, to Alex, this is a typical greeting from Simo. He often walks behind him and surprises him by pulling out one of the deadliest stunts anyone can do with a weapon like that. "Didn't see you for six whole months, I wasn't expecting you to last this long in the wild... and I didn't even miss you in a bit."

"Alex!" Another voice calls out, and a girl pops into view right behind Simo—she's also a fox Shifter, but this time, her ears and tail are silvery white, just like Renar. She walks over to Alex and gives him a big hug, her tail wagging side to side. "Aw, Alex, I'm so glad to see you here! I miss you so, so much!" She pulls off and swings her arm around Alex and Simo's neck (Who looks like he's done with everything right now.)

"Hi, Alex's friends, I'm Elsa and this is my brother, Simo. All three of us are from the same village in Duchy of Siika, Kingdom of Arusa. Say hi, Simo!" Elsa waves.

Simo doesn't say anything, he walks over to the rest of the group one by one, starting with Maya.

"Look at that, another one of my kind." He says, picking up Maya's tail. "You're the first fox Shifter other than my sister I've ever seen in my life, and you're pretty too. By the way, I'm not thanking you for bringing me my kin here, Alex." He shoots a glare at him, before walking to inspect Shugo.

"Is that a gun I see? A dangerous weapon for not so dangerous foe, you probably don't even know how to use it." He points at the gun strapped to Shugo's back, "And you're far from home too, prepare to get lost, Perkwunos isn't a place for amateur adventurers like you."

"And speaking of getting lost..." He walks behind Venet, "You're further from home than this Sekurian do, did you strike a bargain with a sea hag? Are you trying to find a prince to fall in love with before you eventually turn into foam and die?" It seems like Simo is referencing The Little Mermaid here, the version that's popular in Lancea is the original Hans Christian Andersen one, which is much, much more brutal and sombre than the 'edited' version we know today

He walks to Taliyah, "I've seen plenty of Dragonborns before, but you look... different. As if you're from a land far, far away, filled with bazaars, deserts, caravans, whatever Lower Sehul has. I expect you to make me a date tonight..." He gulps, that didn't sound like what he meant to say, but he has to keep his cool. "And no, I'm not asking you out, I want you to make me a date cake, it's your people's delicacy if I'm not mistaken."

Lastly, he walks to Renar. "Why are you wearing—"

"Enough, Simo! You're creeping them out!" Elsa quickly rushes to his side and lightly shoves him away. "Sorry guys, he doesn't know how to mince his words, he just says whatever is in his mind out loud like that. He did that to an entire tavern once, safe to say he got kicked out real quick. Anyways..." She clasps her hands.

"...You've seen a fire Genasi heading this way, right? He seems... angry? He's muttering about a bunch of twerps thwarting his plans." She looks at Alex, placing her hands on her hip. "Heh, that was you, right?" She grins... then she is promptly (and gently) shoved to the side by Simo again.

"Seriously, Alex? Half of your teammates are foreigners who probably don't even know the way around here, let alone fight or even use a weapon. Are you looking for a party or a funeral?" He tilts his head up, scoffing. "Just give up on getting the artefact, because you've already lost. My team is and always will be better than—AHH!"

Out of nowhere, two figures fall from the tree right into Simo, flattening him to the ground—a male Owlin that looks like Jedwiga and a female purple Tiefling.

"Hear something, Danils?" The Tiefling asks.

"Eh, probably just a wind, Liega. Which is weird, because this wind sounds suspiciously like Simo and the ground also feels like Simo." The Owlin replies, shrugging.

Maya's fox ears twitch. when she hears her son saying that they have to stick to their roots. She goes over to him when he's about to hand over some warm winter coats. "Ah! Arigato... Renar-kun!" Maya squeak as soon as she's handed hers before she stares at the rest. "Uh... Tabun... Iri tte ikimashou ka? Hai. Ikimasu-yo. (多分. 入り って いきましょう はい。 行きますーよ. Perhaps... Are you all going? Ok. I'm coming.)" She trails in the middle of the pack into the ice cave and behind her son, who seems to be second in the line.

*50 seconds later...*

"R-R-R-R-RENAR K-K-K-KUN!" Maya yells as she shivers to no end due to the awful jacket that was unintentionally handed out to her. "N-n-naze watashi ni s-s-s-son'na hidoi jaketto o k-k-k-kureta nod-d-d-desu k-k-ka?! (なぜ私にそんなひどいジャケットをくれたのですか?!, W-w-why did you g-g-g-give me such a t-t-terrible j-j-j-jack-k-k-k-ket?!)" Her fox ears and tail (temporarily revealed) become incredibly jittery as her beautiful arms are huddled around her large chest as she attempts to squeeze herself between the rest of the pack for warmth. At least, until something attacked Alex; Whilst she did extend her claws again, her terrible reaction times were enough to make her slower than Alex. But after seeing something familiar... she retracts them and stares at them in shock as she watches the young paladin interact with... "AH?! Anata wa...?! (あ?! あなたは?!)"

Quote from ACNSuphalak >>

 "Well, well, well, look who's here." The source of the voice steps into view—a red-furred fox Shifter pointing a longsword at the young paladin's throat. Well, to Alex, this is a typical greeting from Simo. He often walks behind him and surprises him by pulling out one of the deadliest stunts anyone can do with a weapon like that. "Didn't see you for six whole months, I wasn't expecting you to last this long in the wild... and I didn't even miss you in a bit."

"Alex!" Another voice calls out, and a girl pops into view right behind Simo—she's also a fox Shifter, but this time, her ears and tail are silvery white, just like Renar. She walks over to Alex and gives him a big hug, her tail wagging side to side. "Aw, Alex, I'm so glad to see you here! I miss you so, so much!" She pulls off and swings her arm around Alex and Simo's neck (Who looks like he's done with everything right now.)

"Hi, Alex's friends, I'm Elsa and this is my brother, Simo. All three of us are from the same village in Duchy of Siika, Kingdom of Arusa. Say hi, Simo!" Elsa waves.

Maya just stands in place speechless as her heart thumps wildly. Her massive fox ears stick up and her tail straightens behind her as she wags it constantly up and down. Kitsunes? Two kitsunes?! She thought there were none left in this world! And... it seems like the handsome paladin knows them... wait... These kitsunes... they're his friend? He knows them? Maybe befriending them might be easier...

"Eh? Arekksu-kun...? Korera... kitsune wa anata no tomodachidesu ka? (これら... キツネはあなたの友達ですか?, Are these kitsune... your friends?)" Maya whispers to him out of curiosity, nevermind the fact that she already using her unreadable language. Somehow though, she can already sense hostile intent from her son as she glances towards his sullen face and somewhat hunched posture; Oh yeah. He's a kitsune too just like her. Maybe that's why he's so tense about meeting his own kind. She can read his emotions as bright as day, but she can't really do so for his thoughts. What he's thinking on his mind remains unknown to her. As such, she lightly tosses a pebble in his face telling him to snap out of it whilst she aggressive gestures... but all she did was make his snarl intensify and she gasps again. What is it?! She hasn't doesn't anything wrong yet has she? Rubbing salt onto the wound is that she cannot understand once again what they're saying, so she give Renar the 'Translate for me or else' glare to counter his already sullen behaviour. It seems though that the kitsune girl is introducing herself, judging by the language she can at least pick out...

"Uh... M... Maya... M-Maya-desu..." She stutters once Elsa finishes as she gives a shivering courtesy; She's still cold as heck. Yet, she's staring at the kitsune girl; her hair, ears and tail are the exact same colour as her son's as well as her own (well, her ears and tail; her hair is ginger brown). Something told her to skip the formal introductions and just say her name. Or maybe it's because her son is warning her not to do so. She doesn't know... But the red kitsune... his attitude reminds her of Shijiro, another kitsune living with the shifters, only more brash and louder. She doesn't really like him that much. Especially when...

Quote from ACNSuphalak >>

Simo doesn't say anything, he walks over to the rest of the group one by one, starting with Maya.

"Look at that, another one of my kind." He says, picking up Maya's tail. "You're the first fox Shifter other than my sister I've ever seen in my life, and you're pretty too. By the way, I'm not thanking you for bringing me my kin here, Alex." He shoots a glare at him, before walking to inspect Shugo.

"EH?!" Maya blushes slightly when Simo picks up her tail without her consent, though she immediately withdraws it and wraps around her jacket. "Pu... puretty? K-k-kawaii?!" She stutters as she stares at him with shocked but shut eyes. Every time someone addresses her as being pretty she becomes flattered and enters a blushing state for a few minutes. Other than assuming he was flirting with him though, there was nothing else she can understand from him as she snaps back to reality upon hearing a low growl from her son. Oh yeah. Maybe she should keep up this façade just for him... "Ah! No! I have... have son!" Maya hisses at him before she immediately calms down and asks him and Elsa again. "Uh... sor...ry. Um... My son... he... like you... he... shiro (しろ, white) hairu... tail..." She points at the kitsune girl's fox ears and tail. "You... you see... musuko? My son?"

She curiously watches Simo inspect the others whilst she stands in her spot clueless. But when he got to Renar and was about to unveil his hood and his fox ears, Maya immediately wanted to intervene. "AH! Omae-!" But then the kitsune girl pulls him away, causing her to relax. Whilst she's confident that her son can survive on his own after hearing that he survived ever since he was born, that doesn't mean that she would allow someone to violate his own privacy. And then the red fox boy gets flattened, leaving Maya stunned. What on earth was that for?! But... the owl... he look familiar... does he resemble the previous owl she encountered as she fell down that cave and reunited with Alex? Is that him? "Uh... Dai... daijoubu...?! (大丈夫?!)" She turns to Elsa as she kneels down to check his pulse. "He... ok?" 

Huh? That's odd. I was expecting a sign saying 'Icewind Dale' when we all first trudged in this dangerous place. *He hears his mother complaining about being cold as he grits his teeth in annoyance* "Watashi o karakatteru no?! Sore wa watashi ga motte iru jaketto no naka de ichiban attakai no ni, mada monkuwoiu no?! Norikoero! (私をからかってるの?! それは私が持っているジャケットの中で一番暖かいのに、まだ文句を言うの?!乗り越えろ!, Are you kidding me?! This is the warmest jacket known to exist and you're still complaining?! Get over it!)" Seriously Okaa-san! Way to kick up a fuss when we should be looking out for potential threats in this cave... Speaking of which... *He rapidly scans the area with his keen eyes* There are trees in here? Are these... Evergreens? In the snow? I've never seen this before... I mean Japan has these kind of trees even in the mountains, but I've been to those regions yet. Are there any others located... in... wait... I just realised... where did Ethan come from? If he says he's not from Japan then... is there another world where these kind of trees existed? he says he and Rixi are from the same world... but he's not from Japan. Where is he? *His fox ears twitch he hears some rustling* "What the- I think we're not alone... Stay aler-"

*As Simo and Elsa appear out of nowhere Renar instinctively grips onto his katana upon being startled* What the-?! Who the hell are these guys?! And... huh? Wait... Alex knows them? Are they his former comrades or something? And... those fox ears... their tails... Wait... that girl looks similar to me... *He blinks twice before he jolts himself with electricity to snap back as he maintains a stern face; His tail also stiffens underneath his disguise as he tenses up* No... they're not kitsunes. Calm down, Raiden. They're just the fake kinds. They can't split their tail into nine can they? *At this point he also notices his mother become flattered upon mistaking them And shoots a death glare at her* Okaa-san! No! They're not kitsunes like us! Don't fall for their deceiving appearances- *He receives a pebble to the face* "OW! What was that for?!" *He gestures to her to back off from them as his mood worsens* Seriously... can't she gie a hint that I'm already backed away from them?! I'd love to help Okaa-san break away from the two of them... I mean... sure they might be Alex's comrades but that doesn't mean she can't- *Renar immediately becomes intimidated by Maya's death stare* What the- "Argh fine! Whatever!" *He translate begrudgingly to his mother about everything when Elsa introduces Simo and herself to everyone before leaning into her massive ear* "What did you say to Alex? I heard you whispering..." Also... those two... they're siblings? then again, it would kinda make sense in a way, but... they look so different from each other though... "Um... Renar. Nice to meet you I guess? Forgive this lady here but... she can't really properly speak our language... I have to take my job as her translator very seriously here." I'm not in the mood to interact with anyone else right now. Seriously are they just gonna stall us from reaching Stupid Rixi?! If that's the case I better-

Quote from ACNSuphalak >>

 "Look at that, another one of my kind." He says, picking up Maya's tail. "You're the first fox Shifter other than my sister I've ever seen in my life, and you're pretty too. By the way, I'm not thanking you for bringing me my kin here, Alex." He shoots a glare at him, before walking to inspect Shugo. 

*Renar gives off a low growl as his grip on his katana tightens upon seeing Simo grip his mother's tail* WHAT THE- OMAE! GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY MOTHER! *Thankfully it didn't last long and Renar relaxes again* Thank you. I was just about to clobber you from making her embarrassed like that. Seriously- 

Quote from Wildland_Shifters>>

Oh yeah. Maybe she should keep up this façade just for him... "Ah! No! I have... have son!" Maya hisses at him before she immediately calms down and asks him and Elsa again. "Uh... sor...ry. Um... My son... he... like you... he... shiro (しろ, white) hairu... tail..." She points at the kitsune girl's fox ears and tail. "You... you see... musuko? My son?"

"Uh..." I find it hilarious that Okaa-san's still insisting on 'looking' for me... when she already knows that I'm present in her sight. What is she trying to get out of this now? I don't get it. I thought she'd drop the entire thing already now that she knows. *He glances at Venet slightly when Simo walks over to her but then immediately turns away again with a bashful look, hoping that no one else notices*

Quote from ACNSuphalak >>

 Lastly, he walks to Renar. "Why are you wearing—"

"Enough, Simo! You're creeping them out!" Elsa quickly rushes to his side and lightly shoves him away. "Sorry guys, he doesn't know how to mince his words, he just says whatever is in his mind out loud like that. He did that to an entire tavern once, safe to say he got kicked out real quick. Anyways..." She clasps her hands.

"...You've seen a fire Genasi heading this way, right? He seems... angry? He's muttering about a bunch of twerps thwarting his plans." She looks at Alex, placing her hands on her hip. "Heh, that was you, right?" She grins... then she is promptly (and gently) shoved to the side by Simo again.

*As Simo approaches Renar the latter about to slash him clean when Elsa pulls him away, saving him from causing any carnage as he sighs* Oh my... Arigato... you saved me actually... I was just about to slice your brother's head clean off there... I'll let you guys off, just this once. But I don't give second chances. *In response to Elsa; But then he turns away and blushes upon meeting her golden eyes* NO! I HAVE YURI! SHE'S NOTHING COMPARED TO HER! ARGH! "Uh... um, yeah. Of course it was. He... um... he... screwed us up when we were minding our own business, so yeah uh... we had to screw him back tenfold. And worse yet, he's about to head to Paulis and maybe raise an evil dragon of his own. We need to stop him before he causes any more chaos. Did you see the dragon egg he had been clutching?" *And then Simo gets squashed, though Renar is half amused* He deserved it, honestly. this red fox boy reminds me of Ethan's younger brother in terms of personality, but also Shijiro, since he prefers dark red too. Minus the glasses of course... didn't they say to never hurt a guy with glasses in fact?

Alex must have been lost in thought to completely miss the fact they'd walked up on Simo and Elsa... though considering they are much quieter than he, it really isn't that much of a surprise. 

His first reaction had been to flinch, but as soon as he'd realized who it was, he relaxed completely and actually laughed in spite of Simo's harsh words. "It's great to see you Simo!" He says, smiling as he gently pushes the blade away from his throat with two fingers--clearly not concerned at all, or even really fazed by the rude greeting. That's just how Simo is after all!

He laughs loudly when Elsa gives him a hug, which he returns heartily. He half extended an arm towards Simo before pulling back, quickly reminding himself that the red fox doesn't like hugs... well, not from anyone aside from maybe Elsa---so far as he's seen anyways. "I've missed you both too! It's so good to see you! I heard you guys were coming through here from some fire newts. They said you were scary though, Elsa." He chuckles, then goes quiet as Simo begins his rounds, giving Elsa a knowing look as the red fox makes his usual impression on everyone. 

Quote from ACNSuphalak >>

 

"Enough, Simo! You're creeping them out!" Elsa quickly rushes to his side and lightly shoves him away. "Sorry guys, he doesn't know how to mince his words, he just says whatever is in his mind out loud like that. He did that to an entire tavern once, safe to say he got kicked out real quick. Anyways..." She clasps her hands.

"...You've seen a fire Genasi heading this way, right? He seems... angry? He's muttering about a bunch of twerps thwarting his plans." She looks at Alex, placing her hands on her hip. "Heh, that was you, right?" She grins... then she is promptly (and gently) shoved to the side by Simo again.

"Seriously, Alex? Half of your teammates are foreigners who probably don't even know the way around here, let alone fight or even use a weapon. Are you looking for a party or a funeral?" He tilts his head up, scoffing. "Just give up on getting the artefact, because you've already lost. My team is and always will be better than—AHH!"

Out of nowhere, two figures fall from the tree right into Simo, flattening him to the ground—a male Owlin that looks like Jedwiga and a female purple Tiefling.

"Hear something, Danils?" The Tiefling asks.

"Eh, probably just a wind, Liega. Which is weird, because this wind sounds suspiciously like Simo and the ground also feels like Simo." The Owlin replies, shrugging.

 Alex waves his hands, still looking overjoyed in spite of Simo's remarks. "Yeah... that's Cezars. We were trying to take him to Church so that we can... get his situation figured out. But now we are kinda wrapped up in... well the law." He chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck and clearly realizing that he just gave Simo some ammunition. "Cezars is an Oathbreaker, so it's kind of my responsibility to make sure he is brought to justice. Even if it costs me in the process."

He clasps his hands together, rocking back on his heels for a moment before changing the subject,  "These are my friends, and they are a really good party. They are all skilled and have helped me a lot. We had a rough start, but are definitely starting to get the hang of being a team even though we haven't been together for that long..." Then the owlin jumps out and squashes him, drawing a burst of laughter from Alex again, "Looks like you've got some good friends!" He looks to Elsa, struggling to contain his laugher. "I like them already. I take it they get along well with Simo?" He looks down at the flattened fox shifter, smiling.

Then he crosses his arms, giving Simo a wry smile "No way am I going to give up on getting the artifact! My team has just as much of a chance at getting it as yours does!" He grins, "The contest is real now. Oh! but that reminds me..." He looks to the Owlin, "I met your aunt! She told me you joined up with Elsa and Simo. She was hoping to run into you, but she's back in the fey woods area. But, she's a really awesome person! She risked her life to help me find Maya." He holds his arms out to his sides, "Its great to meet you!"

"Oh! Silly me, I should introduce you all!" He proceeds to introduce each of his team mates, taking care to mention how much each of them have contributed to the team. He's not trying to be arrogant, he just wants to show that he's been paying attention and demonstrate to Simo and Elsa that he's found a good, working, team. 

"So I heard you wanted to practice dungeon delving here in the under dark. How is that going?" He says, then quickly realizes that they were here for a reason, "Oh shoot! Uh, we'll have to catch up later. My team is currently trying to catch up with Cezars and his cronies. They are up to no good and we've got to stop them!" He nods vigorously when Renar also explains the situation. 

Shugo gratefully accepts Venet's help with cleaning off the ghoul goo, before the group heads off into the snow zone. He grins at Renar, "I'll be fine, I have a coat of my own."

The elf looks thoroughly confused when the two fox folk pop out of nowhere. Though he remains unconcerned since Alex seems to be fine with them. Wow this guy is rude. He holds his usual smile as he examines two newcomers through squinted eyes. At least the girl's nice.

He maintains his expression as the rude one approaches him, not seeming offended in the slightest. "Yep. It's a gun. Since you know what it is, I don't suppose you know how to shoot too?" He says, purposefully phrasing his sentence in a way that makes it unclear as to whether or not he himself knows how to do so. The others may notice that he has thickened his already thick accent. "You must be well educated in that case. Haha, Prepare to get lost? Oh its far far to late for that. I've been lost for some time now."

Nothing this brat said to the elf phased him one bit, though he does get more and more annoyed when he insults his fellow travelers. His treatment of Maya was atrocious, and his words for Venet were unacceptable. Is this kid racist or something? Jeeze! He steps closer to the triton, still maintaining his smile. However, just as he is about to make some witty remark the girl puts a momentary stop to the onslaught of insults. Good. Shugo didn't want to deal with it anyways.

The elf gives Renar a look when the shifter bluntly states that Maya can't speak the common tongue. Why did he say that so freely to someone who is clearly out to get them? He shrugs and looks back at the white fox-girl.

He nods when Renar and Alex explain the situation with Cezars. Then the bratty fox kid speaks up again, spouting off about how incompetent the lot of them are. Which, had the brat just been referring to him, the elf wouldn't care. He much prefers to be underestimated, and most insults don't bother him, but the brat is insulting his team. That's something he can't stand.

Just as his smile begins to fade, two more newcomers pop out of nowhere, one of whom lands right on top of the bratty fox brat. Shugo lets out a sharp HAH, then snickers at the flattened state of the insult machine.

Quote from ACNSuphalak >>

Well, to the snowy area it is then...

---

 

"And speaking of getting lost..." He walks behind Venet, "You're further from home than this Sekurian do, did you strike a bargain with a sea hag? Are you trying to find a prince to fall in love with before you eventually turn into foam and die?" It seems like Simo is referencing The Little Mermaid here, the version that's popular in Lancea is the original Hans Christian Andersen one, which is much, much more brutal and sombre than the 'edited' version we know today

 

 
The cold doesnt seem to bother Venet despite her thin gossamer cloak, the sea is a cold mistress so her people are accustomed to such temperatures.

The new group is a surprise in general but its interesting that they seem to be familiar with Alex. 

Venet laughs at Simo's comment toward her. "Why? Are you a prince?" she responds, raising a brow at the shifter with a critical look in her eye. She is more upset by the notion that she is inept than the previous comment about her race however. 

Even if these people are Alex's friends they are still after the same thing they are in a broad scope so she can hardly believe her ears as some of the others just lay everything out there for this group. She looks to Shugo as he steps closer, but doesnt say anything about it. As the one of the other members of the group come down to squish Simo she does jump slightly then her lips quirk up as she tries not to smile at the sight. 

Taliyah smiles upon hearing the newcomers introduce themselves, but her expression turns frigid after Simo turned  his attention away from her. "Well I never..." She shakes herself before turning to face the other newcomers, and offers a hand to Elsa to shake. "I'm Taliyah Sarasohn. It's nice to meet you."

 

Quote from Aroc_of_Eaf >>

 Alex waves his hands, still looking overjoyed in spite of Simo's remarks. "Yeah... that's Cezars. We were trying to take him to Church so that we can... get his situation figured out. But now we are kinda wrapped up in... well the law." He chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck and clearly realizing that he just gave Simo some ammunition. "Cezars is an Oathbreaker, so it's kind of my responsibility to make sure he is brought to justice. Even if it costs me in the process."

"You WHAT!?" Danils immediately shoots to his feet, his feathers puffing. "That's my ex-boyfriend's bully! He kept mentioning that this guy won't stop tormenting him during his childhood... I mean, he cut out his flight feathers! That isn't something to be done lightly to a flying race!" He taps his beak, then smirks, and his serious expression vanishes. "I guess we all have a fair share of tragic backstory, eh?"

"Tch... I was about to duel with your team and watch all of you fail, but there is something more important to be done." Simo turns away, scowling. "I can't believe I have to team up with you, but anything is better than letting an Oathbreaker run rampant. Our duel can wait until we take care of Cezars."

Liega chimes in, "You had a boyfriend, Danils? How come haven't you told us before?" She tilts her head, her tail swaying side to side.

"It's... complicated, really, I literally can't explain everything in one sitting. Maybe he can explain it to you in more detail, he's quite famous too, you'll eventually bump into him one day." He winks.

Quote from PyromaniIsDeadThankGod >>

*As Simo approaches Renar the latter about to slash him clean when Elsa pulls him away, saving him from causing any carnage as he sighs* Oh my... Arigato... you saved me actually... I was just about to slice your brother's head clean off there... I'll let you guys off, just this once. But I don't give second chances. *In response to Elsa; But then he turns away and blushes upon meeting her golden eyes* NO! I HAVE YURI! SHE'S NOTHING COMPARED TO HER! ARGH! "Uh... um, yeah. Of course it was. He... um... he... screwed us up when we were minding our own business, so yeah uh... we had to screw him back tenfold. And worse yet, he's about to head to Paulis and maybe raise an evil dragon of his own. We need to stop him before he causes any more chaos. Did you see the dragon egg he had been clutching?" *And then Simo gets squashed, though Renar is half amused* He deserved it, honestly. this red fox boy reminds me of Ethan's younger brother in terms of personality, but also Shijiro, since he prefers dark red too. Minus the glasses of course... didn't they say to never hurt a guy with glasses in fact?

Meanwhile, Elsa seems to take great interest in Maya, seeing that it's the first time she's seen her kind before... but she's also wondering why they can't speak the only language (nearly) everyone knows on this planet. "That's... strange." She looks at Renar, "I'm not native here, but Liega knows the way around Varti, she'll help you contact the University of Varti anthropological professors, they might have some idea on why she couldn't speak Lancean like all of us." Good thing she warns you where not to go, these professors know everything about language, even ones from Sol. Once they realise Maya was speaking a language that went extinct aeons ago with little to no information about it, these two's covers will be blown.

"Anyways, dragons!" She snaps her finger, "That Cezars fellow you met earlier did have an egg with him, and he's carrying a coffin too, hopefully that isn't for us." She chuckles, "And he doesn't look happy. There are three other assailants with him too: an Aasimar, a half-elf, and a gnome... and a bunch of winter wolves with red, glowing eyes following them." A bunch of winter wolves isn't a good thing, these are not your typical wolves, they are magically enhanced, horse-sized wolves with the ability to breathe frost and speak in Lancean. They are so smart that they're the only canines that can use tools, so they're classified as 'semi-civilised' beings instead of regular animals. 

"I can't really do much because I mainly know ice spells, I was born with magic, but that stupid magic somehow malfunctioned and now I can't even choose what spells I want to cast!" She stomps the ground in frustration, before returning to her merry self. "As I was saying, Cezars and the half-elf were having an argument like a couple about to divorce! The half-elf lady said she wanted to quit because she didn't get paid enough, maybe if we wait long enough, she will quit and we only have to fight three people instead of four, sounds good?"

Maya still cannot understand what on earth those four are saying, but judging by the fact that no one else seems to hear what she tried to ask them, she assumes that her 'question' about her son's whereabouts remains unanswered. Eh whatever. She already expected such ignorance especially considering that she cannot speak their tongue at all; it's so much different as compared to Toril or even Earth.

Quote from ACNSuphalak >>

"Anyways, dragons!" She snaps her finger, "That Cezars fellow you met earlier did have an egg with him, and he's carrying a coffin too, hopefully that isn't for us." She chuckles, "And he doesn't look happy. There are three other assailants with him too: an Aasimar, a half-elf, and a gnome... and a bunch of winter wolves with red, glowing eyes following them." A bunch of winter wolves isn't a good thing, these are not your typical wolves, they are magically enhanced, horse-sized wolves with the ability to breathe frost and speak in Lancean. They are so smart that they're the only canines that can use tools, so they're classified as 'semi-civilised' beings instead of regular animals. 

Whilst it may sound like rubbish toward the ancient fox woman, there was one word in which Elsa added that Maya fully recognises. Upon hearing that plus her son's translated description of what the 'kitsune' she presumes is speaking, she suddenly began to quiver whilst her hands are placed near the right side of her chest. If anyone were to at least feel her entire body, she would be trembling like a mobile phone on silent, as well as hear her quiet, but fearful pants whilst her tail becomes rigid all of a sudden. She glances towards Renar, who apparently is reacting the same way as she is judging by his even tighter grip on his katana sheath, since they're both the same race after all...

Wolves; The number one fear of every kitsune besides firearms and man-made fire, even when they're disguised. 

Quote from ACNSuphalak >>

"You WHAT!?" Danils immediately shoots to his feet, his feathers puffing. "That's my ex-boyfriend's bully! He kept mentioning that this guy won't stop tormenting him during his childhood... I mean, he cut out his flight feathers! That isn't something to be done lightly to a flying race!" He taps his beak, then smirks, and his serious expression vanishes. "I guess we all have a fair share of tragic backstory, eh?"

"Tch... I was about to duel with your team and watch all of you fail, but there is something more important to be done." Simo turns away, scowling. "I can't believe I have to team up with you, but anything is better than letting an Oathbreaker run rampant. Our duel can wait until we take care of Cezars."

Oh wow. *Scoffs* Another victim of Stupid Rixi. What's the deal with that idiot? I swear if he reaches the Sword Coast he might actually infect his insanity onto the actual Rixi one day and make my nightmares come true... also, back off, you stupid, fake kitsune brat. You wanna duel any of us, you need our consent. Don't just ask for a duel just because you feel like it. Besides, I'm pretty sure it's a hard no for me and Okaa-san, considering how reckless you're behaving right now. You only just remind me of my kitsune buddy Shijiro, only that he's at least more sensible and cautious unlike you...

Quote from ACNSuphalak >>

Meanwhile, Elsa seems to take great interest in Maya, seeing that it's the first time she's seen her kind before... but she's also wondering why they can't speak the only language (nearly) everyone knows on this planet. "That's... strange." She looks at Renar, "I'm not native here, but Liega knows the way around Varti, she'll help you contact the University of Varti anthropological professors, they might have some idea on why she couldn't speak Lancean like all of us." Good thing she warns you where not to go, these professors know everything about language, even ones from Sol. Once they realise Maya was speaking a language that went extinct aeons ago with little to no information about it, these two's covers will be blown.

 

*Renar fakes a satisfied nod* "Let's focus on one thing at a time first. Oathbreaker fixing first, language second." Uh... no. Thanks for suggesting that place; if anything, you're only gonna deter us even more. I don't want to imagine what will happen to me and Okaa-san if we head to that place. What if our cover gets blown first thing? What if they know that we're from a world that this one hates? Even worse, what if neither of us kitsune make it back to help our allies? And besides, that fake kitsune girl says she's an ice caster. Well hey. So am I. Except I'm duel lightning as well... Wait...

W... wolves...? What the... they exist here?! Crap... *Renar suddenly felt his grip reach its maximum point as he shudders too; his hidden tail also tenses though aside from this he's doing his best to hide the whole visual cue* "Wait... did he... are those wolves... are they under his command or something? I hope not..." This is very bad. *He turns to Okaa-san* Even Okaa-san knows... that we both hate them so much. It's a fear that no kitsune has ever manage to overcome... If we have to face Stupid Rixi alongside his new wolf pack, the ten of us won't stand a chance at all...

Quote from Aroc_of_Eaf>>

He clasps his hands together, rocking back on his heels for a moment before changing the subject,  "These are my friends, and they are a really good party. They are all skilled and have helped me a lot. We had a rough start, but are definitely starting to get the hang of being a team even though we haven't been together for that long..." Then the owlin jumps out and squashes him, drawing a burst of laughter from Alex again, "Looks like you've got some good friends!" He looks to Elsa, struggling to contain his laugher. "I like them already. I take it they get along well with Simo?" He looks down at the flattened fox shifter, smiling.

"Auntie Jed is here!?" Danils flutters up with joy, "Heck yeah! She actually found me an adventuring group, I got paired with Liega right here, and then we eventually joined forces with Simo and Elsa! It's been half a year—"

Right as he is about to finish his sentence, there is a sound of footsteps heading towards your direction, it's a soft thud mixed with the clanging of armour.

"It's them, hide!" Simo declares, he glances around and finds a bush. Without any other words, he swan-dives into a bush, and the rest of his party and you follow suit... yes, this bush is big enough to hide ten people inside. Don't ask how.

Cezars, Radions, Laine (in her Aasimar form), and Birute walk about ten or so metres away from you, flanked by four wolves—two on each side, instead of the sharp, blue eyes they usually have, it is instead red and glowing, and they have an icy aura radiating from them. Wolves are very skittish but curious, no matter how big or small, they will run away at first, but braver individuals might lick or sniff civilised races before running away. Just like all animals, they will attack if there is really, really no other option, as in 'cornered, in chains, and have their family slaughtered right before their eyes'. This is not that either, these wolves have no control over themselves, they are drooling and their stares are blank.

Cezars drags a coffin along with him, and eventually, he stops mid-track, and so does everyone else. The fire Genasi sighs, "These brats... they are probably here too. Smell any of them?"

The wolf to his right replies in echo-y Lancean, it's the same effect when animals speak in their language, Alharisian. "No, sir—GYAHH!" And he gets Cezars' fist delivered right into his muzzle.

"USELESS!" Cezars screams, "If you find them, bring them to me... alive. Make sure each of them feels as painful as possible, or else..."

"I'm awaiting your orders, sir—OWW!" Cezars punches the wolf in the same spot again.

"Don't talk to me unless I said so!" He brandish his sabre, "Next time, this thing is going into your face next!"

"Alright, Cezars. Open the coffin already, don't waste any more time." Laine says from behind.

Cezars stomps the coffin, breaking it apart with his foot, and grabs a creature lying inside by the scruff of his neck. This creature is... odd, he's a humanoid bat with white fur and naturally red eyes, he's wearing an orange cloak, which appears to hide his folding wing inside. There is a golden ring on his right middle finger too, which Cezars pulls out

"What the heck is that thing?" Liega whispers.

"That's the true form of vampires, Liega." Simo adjusts his glasses, "They disguise themselves as humanoids, which is the form most commonly depicted in books and such. It's very rare to see them in a true form like this, they don't even show it to fellow vampires."

"Hmm... what's going on?" The vampire asks, he looks at his hand and begins panicking. "Wait, where is my Ring of Invisibility?"

"Only if you answer me first, brat. How do I access Paulis' tower!?" He slams the bat against a pine tree.

"Uhh... sorry, mister. I was sealed for quite a while and to be honest, I have no idea—GAH!" Cezars punches him in the gut so hard that the pine tree cracks from sheer force.

"Answer the question, damn it!" He roars.

"Ahh... Oww... That hurts. Please... stop it." The bat begins to tear up from pain and shake in fear.

Cezars slams the bat to the ground and stops him in the face, and again, and again, and about fifteen stomps later, he stops.

He might have gone too overboard for it because now the vampire is unconscious and barely breathing. He kicks him to the side one last time, "You were right, it was a waste of time, but at least I have this now." He shows them the ring, "Good luck with those brats, I'll head for Paulis now, and he won't see me coming." He tosses the ring in the air, sticks his hand out, and the ring lands right on his middle finger, immediately turning him invisible.

Uh oh, this isn't good, but there are two things you can do here—you can either leave Simo and that vampire behind and intercept Cezars right at the glitched area (Which might not end well for both the vampire or Simo, since it's four against eight battle), or you can help Simo and the vampire but risk Cezars going to Paulis first.

"So he's been a jerk all his life?" Alex says, sounding a little disheartened. So that means that either he actually really liked his guard friends before he got possessed by whatever darkness is within him, or he was always putting on a facade around them. "I... well... I don't know what to say." He sighs, "All the more reason to take him into custody again I suppose."

His mood shifts to positivity again once the conversation continues, then to surprise when Elsa mentions her magic going out of control, "Wait, what? When did that start?" He looks at her with confusion, then grins, "Well, you seem to be doing fine with it. I'm sure you'll get it mastered in no time!" 

He grins when Danils grows excited over hearing about his aunt, and is prepared to continue the conversation until Simo shouts that someone is coming and dives into the bush. With no time to think, and also not wanting to be the last one in the bush due to his ongoing competition with Simo, he jumps in after the shifter. Unfortunately, this decision lands him in a rather difficult location behind (and possibly under) some of the others as they all pile in. It takes him a moment to register that when Simo had said "them" that he was talking about Cezars and his cronies. As soon as that realization hits him, he briefly struggles to get a better view from the bush but then goes still as the voices come into audible range. 

Fortunately, his moment of struggle did allow him to see out, just enough to... Wait... how did these guys have enough time to bewitch four winter wolves, AND steal a coffin? Thoughts race through Alexander's head as he watches the scene unfold from behind everyone else. 

Alex shifts quietly... or as quietly as he can, doing his best to be quiet in spite of every cell in his body wanting to leap out of the bush and strangle... well maybe not strangle... but anyways, he really would prefer to attack rather than hide. But then maybe Simo would devise an ambush.... or... maybe not... Alex cringes slightly when Cezars punches the wolf. Geese, this guy should be arrested for animal abuse even if he wasn't an oathbreaker, and who knows what else. If not for everyone else being present, Alex would have jumped out at that very moment. Why is everyone just standing here? They can take these guys. Right?

He glances at his comrades, then cringes again when Cezars begins abusing the poor vampire. Gritting his teeth, Alex grabs his sword, "I don't know about you guys but... I can't just sit here and watch." 

He proceeds to rush out, and... well is just slow enough for Cezars to get away first apparently. Maybe he was at the back of the group or something, since he'd intended to launch his assault way before Cezars ever had the opportunity to go invisible and dip out. Well, first thing's first. The vampire and these wolves need help. From what they've heard, Paulis can take care of himself. 

"Let's get these guys," Alex says, rushing forward. If they hurry, maybe he and Danils can fly ahead and close some of the space between them and Cezars. For now though, help those they can. It won't do any of them any good to let "maybe" Laine and the mercenary escape. Plus, maybe they can get the wolves on their side. He'll head straight for Laine, since she seems to be the one calling the shots right now. 

Shugo stays silent throughout the conversation with the newcomers, who seem more content talking amongst themselves than with him anyways. That's fine, there conversation is plenty entertaining to just watch. Plus they seem to somehow know more about Cezar's group than they do even though it hasn't been long since they last saw the HotHead. How in the world did that guy manage to rob a grave in such a short amount of time? Eh. Whatever.

Then the fox brat jumps into a bush...Shugo hesitates to do so, but ends up following suit as the rest of his companions do so. Are they wanting to ambush the guy? Not a bad plan... He waits eyeing the others from time to time.

He cringes visibly when Cezars punches the wolf and abuses the poor bat-man, but doesn't move to intercede. As the painful scene continues, Shugo continuously glances towards Alex and Renar expecting them to jump out to put an end to the genasi's violence. He doesn't like sitting and watching this...but he also doesn't want to be the first to make a move. However, for some reason, no one moves to do anything.

Then Cezars vanishes. Heh. Shugo doesn't need a dumb ring to do that. FINALLY, Alex decides to make a move. Seeing Alex go for the changeling, Shugo runs strait at Moneybags, drawing his dragon pommeled sword as he goes. It makes sense to deal with this lot first. After all, they can't exactly see Cezars right now, but if they can get those wolves on their side...maybe they can sniff out the jerk.

Before striking the greedy half-elf, Shugo pauses. "Are you sure they are paying you enough for this? Also, I have an offer for you. As we left to chase you lot down, the other guards put a bounty on that one's head." He gestures to Laine. "And Mr. Hothead as well." He gestures to Radions, "That one actually already had a bounty." He cocks his head, smiling. "In other words, why not help us catch them? If you do, you can have the bounties and we get them out of our hair. Sound fair?"

Deception: 8

Venet flinches at the sound of each hit as if she's the one being struck. She closes to her eyes to the sight of it. 

As the group begins to move she summons up the courage to follow, going to the bat creature and tentatively placing her hands on them as she hums a soothing tune. 

----
Cure wounds: 11 for batty

A soft sound, barely audible, with all the commotion going on the first time you would dismiss it as nothing, but then a second time, and a third. "Pst. Hey. Pst." whispers a small harengon woman, bound to a gnarled tree, she is almost entirely out of view from your vantage point, but has twisted and wrenched her way around the dead trunk despite the ropes, no sooner free, but closer to your line of sight. It is clear she has been roughed up, but her attire suggests she comes from some degree of luxury, a fine maiden's attire with ribbons and lace and adornments. She has a pleading expression, slow and steady she mouths the words "please help" quiet so as not to alert the goons.

Venet's spells on the vampire-bat thing doesn't work, it just bounces off his body. Healing spells don't work on undead,

"Cezars? Cezars!" Laine calls out, "Dang it, wait for us!" But he didn't respond, he probably wants to keep his location hidden so no one can find him.

Then, the wolves' ears twitch—three of them turn toward all of you, who are confronting them head-on. But one of them has his head turned toward a Harengon tied to a tree trunk.

"What the hell!?" Laine's eyes bulge out,  "Why are you still here?"

Quote from Rynn_Elocin >>

 

Before striking the greedy half-elf, Shugo pauses. "Are you sure they are paying you enough for this? Also, I have an offer for you. As we left to chase you lot down, the other guards put a bounty on that one's head." He gestures to Laine. "And Mr. Hothead as well." He gestures to Radions, "That one actually already had a bounty." He cocks his head, smiling. "In other words, why not help us catch them? If you do, you can have the bounties and we get them out of our hair. Sound fair?"

Deception: 19

Deception check Passed

"WHAT!?" The three of them gasp, even Radions, a feat not many people manage to do in their lifetime.

"There's no way... We... We're supposed to do this in secret, you idiots, now we're going to fail and we're going to be screwed!" Even in a cold environment, the 'Aasimar' is sweating bullets right now. She slowly backs away, along with four wolves by her side, "H-how much do you want? 500? A grand? Do you want her?" She points to the tied-up Harengon on a tree nearby. Said Harengon looks like a noble or a rich person, and being rich usually means you have some ties with the nobility anyway. Maybe they kidnap her to force some rich noble to bribe them out of their court session, but nonetheless, this actually makes Shugo's lie even more effective.

"According to my contracts with the Duchess Adelaide, if I break the contract by joining the other side, she has the right to capture me and my family and perform a lobotomy on them. Besides, I will get paid 50 million gold once my mission is complete, whatever bounty they put on them, it's insignificant." Birute says, pointing the dagger at the party, "If you don't want to be paralysed for the rest of your life, then back off!" She shouts, but it's clear that each one of them is on the verge of wetting their trousers now. And to reveal such a big secret isn't something to be done lightly either.

"WHAT!?" All four of Simo's party are surprised by the fact too. At this point, they're standing side by side with the party, but after the big reveal, they all slowly back away. Elsa and Danils hide behind Simo, and Liega is shakily pointing her crossbow.

"Alex! Just... just run! It's not worth it! You have no idea how far Adelaide will go! Please!" Danils calls out from behind. Well... this situation is somewhat funny in a way, both groups are scared for their lives—one of them doesn't want to fail Adelaide, and the other is afraid of what Adelaide will do to them once they realise they are the ones who ruins her plans

For Shugo and Mira (Noble and Courtier backgrounds)

For Venet (Triton race)

Alex pulls up short, sword still gripped firmly in hand. He keeps his eyes fixed on the three in front of him, not wanting to let another out of his sight. Then Laine starts trying to buy them off, which results in Alex gripping his sword even tighter and clenching his teeth. Does she seriously think he's that low? His gaze flicks to Birute when she starts talking... of course it's just about how much money she'll get so that's no help for his temper. Wait, does she actually have a family that she cares about? So she does have feelings after all... Unless she's just throwing that in to try and dissuade him, and she really just cares about herself. 

It seems to take him a moment to register that Simo's team has backed off, and he tilts ear towards them when Danils tells him it's not worth it. How can he say that? Who cares about Adelaide? He might have already made an enemy of Elmars considering everything that's gone on with Cezars, so at this point... Well someone's got to do the right thing. Even if following the law or whoever is in power is right, sometimes going against them is also right. 

"I'm not running," he says through clenched teeth. "I don't care who's footing the bill, what they are doing is wrong. They've proven time and time again that they have no concern for the welfare of others, heck, Cezars has literally threatened to MURDER us. I can't just let these people walk away." His eyes dart over to the Herengon woman, "And what are you doing with her? You know what, I don't even want to know." He shifts his voice to a gentler tone, "Don't worry ma'am, we'll get make sure you get to safety." Then he turns his full attention back to the other three, "Radions, do your other comrades know about this? Or are you a traitor just like her?" He nods at Laine, "If she even is a traitor. Maigures seems to think you aren't the real Laine. Is that true?" 

He shifts his blade, lowering the point slightly so it's more level with the people he's pointing it at, "As a paladin I answer to God first. I don't care what the consequences are for myself, but if the rest of you don't want to get involved I won't blame you." He adjusts his stance, "Now, are you going to surrender, or are you going to make me fight you? I would prefer this end peacefully, and I would also appreciate it if you spilled your whole plan. Especially concerning Paulis and where the dragon's egg is."

His eyes glow as he prepares to cast whatever spell necessary to even the playing field...  if that's possible. Clearly, he is ready to fight if necessary, even if Simo's team AND his group decide its not worth it. These people have crossed too many lines, and he is not just going to walk away just to save his own hide. Especially since they are scared silly at the moment and they have a hostage. 

Shugo grins widely as his scheme unfolds.  Adelaide eh? Nobles don't scare him in the slightest...even if he should step lightly around them... Heheh. These fools have just given him more information to leverage and twist into his design. "So you threw your lot in with that woman eh? Ooooooh that was not a wise move." He shakes his head in mock sympathy. "Well, no need to switch sides as you say. It's not as if you could have turned in your little friends here anyways seeing as you have a bounty of your own." He puts his hands on his hips, which looks very awkward seeing as he is still holding his sword. He continues speaking with the voice of a King who expects his orders to be carried out no matter the cost. "These are my demands if you wish to lessen your punishment. And no, I do not want any gold. I have plenty of that at home." He says dismissively, "You will release whatever hold you have on those poor wolves, you will also release Mr. Batman, and you'll throw in Miss Bunny as well. On top of this, you will answer any questions Alex, myself, and the rest of my party have." He fingers the dragon head engraved on his sword's pommel. "If you cooperate, I will speak with the guards before the trial and they will remove your bounties. You know how much that will reduce your sentence right? If you choose not to cooperate, well firstly we will fight you, then we will haul you all back to the camp and collect your bounties. Then for good measure, I will use my connections to contact Dutchess Adelaide and explain to her how you all decided to retaliate and were even mistreating her sweet...hmm nephew if I recall, Cezars. You did sell him to a dragon for free passage over a chasm you know. That could have been very dangerous." He continues to grin at them. "You do realize that you are technically the ones at fault here if her plans are ruined. You were stupid enough to get caught in this situation. So, If I report your incompetence, I might even get in Adelaide's good graces. Now, I do realize that you telling us her plan to lessen your sentences sounds like a bad move, but right now it's your only option. You can start by stating what Adelaide wants from you. Depending on what it is, we may be able to find some middle ground."

I don't even know what's going on right now... *Renar cringes as he witnesses Cezar's unnecessary brutality over the poor bat* I hate this guy... I normally hate vampires for their bloodlust, but Stupid Rixi, he's on a new level of hate. I actually feel sorry for him... What do we do...? Those wolves are gonna devour me and Okaa-san down if we fight them... and... damn it! Stupid Rixi turned invisible?! And... wait... *He glances at the new Harengon* when did this bunny lady get here?! Whose side is she on as usual- Oh wait... they captured her? For what?! These bakas... Also, Shugo wants to us to join their side? What?! This guy must be insane! Unless if he means... *Confused face as he processes everything whilst the rest banter* I... someone help my nine souls please; I can feel them leaking out of my spares bottles and heading to the fox realm... I wonder if Okaa-san understands what's going on right now...

There are also so many things neither of us kitsune know about, yet, they have to hurl this blind in our faces right when we're in the midst of trying to solve something. But this Adelaide person seems to be a big deal to them... why is that? Does she and Stupid Rixi have a connection somehow? Why are they all so scared? That fact that they're against us joining their side must be a massive threat for them too. I swear this peaceful world probably isn't a safe haven for us kitsunes anymore now that we're already embroiled in this mess... Oh yeah. The wolves. *Renar continues to shudder* How long until we get out of their sights?! I can't even think straight as of this!

"I've... I-I-I've got nothing to say..." No questions, no banters, no whatsoever after struggling to take everything that was being hurled at my face... I'm gonna stay silent for the time being and the others pull the reigns. I'm more worried about Okaa-san right now... *Renar keeps in the back with his trembling mother, trying to see if they can find a way to sneak past the pack without causing a fight* I just really hope Shugo and Alex know what they're up to... 

Mira blinks in disbelief. They're just standing there letting things play out. Where is the action? Where is the decisiveness? Time ticks by and with every moment's hesitation your option to succeed dwindle.

Fine, that's ok that's ok. Time is slipping away from her too if she waits for them. Somehow, she's gotta take matters into her own hands...

Hands! That's it!

Capitalizing on everyone's various distractions she Subtle metamagic casts Mage Hand and prays no one notices that with it tries to rummage around on the ground nearby for a sharp rock, which the spectral ghostly hand brings over to her. As she starts to slowly work on cutting the rope. 

Keep them distracted long enough, random travellers, she thinks, cursing softly under her breath about getting into this situation in the first place.