Adel listened to their introductions. Hearing Tala talk about her home land reminded her of the deserts to the south, not that she had ever been there only the stories speak of a dry place that is 'hot to boot'. Amando's introduction was no surprise, short and sweet.

'I am glad I am not the only one who does not want to lose today.', Adel thought to herself, a flicker of a smile on her face, 'It is good to see someone as determined as me.'

Then Kyle started to speak a little of his background. Looking him over again Adel remembered why she never took an interest in finding anything out about him. He had a build of a acrobat, which at first she found intriguing, but it turned out that Kyle had a thing for books and not for combat.

She was surprised to hear that there was a land like the one that Kyle described. If she ever found herself in Kyle's homeland she made a mental note of stopping to give them a little... education in the matter of what exactly heroes could do.

Then it was time, so she felt, to introduce herself formally, "My name is Adel Elissiah. I grew up here since my childhood, honing my skills. It is true what they say I am ruthless and aggressive. I participated to move on out of this place already, I have a need to see the world outside of Brightwall."

Adel looked to Kyle and continued talking, "Well Kyle you are just a kid and I don't know what the hell inspired you to take part in the games this year. But look at it this way, you were good enough to be put on a team while many others now await hopeful for next year. Have some confidence in your abilities, however untrained they might be."

She was not one for uplifting talks, Adel just hoped she was not to hard on the kid. While both ruthless and aggressive she still cared about others... well at least enough to extend a hand to a teammate. But if she got stuck here another year because of this child in training Adel would spend that time training the hell out of him.

Finally platters of food were set in front of them, along with some honey mead. Having a swig of the mead revealed a light cinnamon aftertaste, they must have brought out the good stuff to celebrate such an occasion.

((Sorry for not replying! All this Christmas stuff has been pretty insane. Well keep this RP going as much as you guys can over the holidays, I will be posting in full force after I get back from visiting family (though don't expect me to be totally inactive!).))

[Haha, the holidays are kinda hectic :lol: Hope you have a great time with your family Isaac :yes:
And MERRY CHRISTMAS EVEREHBODEH!!!! :squee:]

Tala found it funny how the teen just suddenly stood up to greet Armando. Maybe it was because he was nervous. Armando was quite intimidating and his looks demanded respect. But it was still amusing to the woman and she couldn't help but laugh a little. Then Adel introduced herself and also gave Kyle what were surprisingly some words of encouragement. Tala smiled and looked from the green eyed woman back to the youngest of the group. She agreed with Adel in that if Kyle was allowed to move on to the next couple of challenges then he must have skill. If not, then an incredible amount of luck.

The purple eyed warrior would have added something else, perhaps a word of advice or a teasing joke, but the arrival of warm, delicious food captured her attention. Saving drink for later, Tala went for the grilled fish first and grabbed a loaf of bread to put on her plate. No words could describe how happy the starved woman was at this point.

As Armando looked at Kyle's out streaked hand it wasn't coldness that gripped him, just awkwardness. "What is with this kid. I'm trying to be unnoticed." Armando thought as he quickly shook his hand half-heartedly and diverted his attention to something near his ankles. But after Adel's introduction and talk at Kyle, he felt as if maybe he should have some sympathy on the boy. After all, he could read, something Armando found quite difficult at times. Not many settler's could read in the first place, it was only through the guild that Armando had started to learn. And that he only used if he had to. With the arrival of food, Armando's attention went straight to the mead. "Ummm.... delicious," he thought as he guzzled down two large pints and reached for a third. After his erratic chugfest with the first two, he lightly sipped on two more (aka reach 4) while he began to eat with the group.

Galavan rubbed his right shoulder with a groan. "Man, that guy really did a number on me." He complained to himself as he walked through the decorated and eventful town of Brightwall, having just finished his fight. The man he had gone up against was a giant of a brute, and deadly in swinging that huge mace of his around. Luckily, his downfall was being slow. But even so, Galavan swore he'd hit the guy at least seven times before he went down. With a gun, of course. None other than his trusty pistol. An Iron Flintlock to be exact. Not the best weapon, and since he had to reload it each time he shot, it called for a pretty desperate battle. But, though his pistol got damaged to the point of being useless and his shoulder banged up from that surprise mace attack, Galavan had still managed to win the battle, subduing his foe with the speed and accuracy of firing the flintlock upon his foe in all the right places. If it wasn't for that, he'd have probably have not only lost the fight, but his dignity as well.

As he continued walking, he tried to pick out some faces he recognized, and some he did, some of them even battling their opponents now. But he couldn't help but not care at the moment. He needed a drink. A stiff one. And thus, he moseyed his way over to the local pub. Give him half an hour and the alcohol was already making his day better. However, his happy moment was cut short upon hearing the announcement. Wait, what? They called his name? Oh right, he'd won that fight. He grinned. "Well, ladies, it's been a real pleasure." He swooned to the barmaids of the saloon (who all but ignored him), placing his trusty western-style hat back on his head. "But now I must attend to my noble and heroic duty." In lighter spirits now, he left the bar, making his way to see if he could find any of his group members.

Hmm... Adel Elissiah, Armando the Armadillo, Kyle Gear, and Tala Mayari... Adel was that fiery chick most would stay away from. The scary vixen. Aamando was that huge guy that could easily break you in half, right? Sir Gigantor. Kyle was that quiet and somewhat mysterious kid he'd seen in the library. The little bookworm. And Tala, the strange, hardly clothed dame from another country. How very exotic. Galavan grinned to himself in thinking of being grouped with the strange lot. Oh yes, he'd get along with his group just fine. And speaking of the devil... Galavan stopped upon coming to a table filled with his said group members. Man, these guys didn't waste any time getting together, did they? Was he really the last one there? But then again... he himself had wasted quite some time in that pub. Yeah... he'd have to work on that.

"Fellow group members!" He greeted perhaps a little too chipper, making his way to the round table. "How good it is to see all of you." He pulled the last chair available out from the table, beside Aamando and Tala, turned it around to face the opposite direction, and plopped down on it, resting his arms across the backside of the chair. "I take it you folks won your battles too." Well why else would they have been chosen? He grabbed a red apple that was sitting in a bowel of apples in the middle of the table and took a big bite out of it. "Did I miss anything good?" Well. At least he knew how to make an entrance.

(( It's a start anyway. xD If I messed something up somewhere, like the seating arrangements or anything, just say so and I shall fix it. ))

Kyle looked up at Galavan. He smelt the alcohol on him, and everyone for that matter. He wasn't eating much. He was hungry, but too nervous to eat. He knew a lot about most of the group. Galavan was your standard drunk ladies man, Armando was your normal everyday big tough brick wall of a gut who could crush you like a twig but is really a softy once you get to know him, Tala was the exotic and beautiful woman that's path was not to be crossed, and Adel definitely wasn't one to get angry. He simply kept quiet and acknowledged Galavan's entrance quietly and shyly. He didn't know what to do and decided to pick at some of the food.

Adel was just finishing her second drink when Galavan walked up and in a voice that was entirely to happy for her tastes greeted the group. She could smell the alcohol on him which had her forming a distasteful frown.

"Don't go getting to drunk before our team makes it all the way through Galavan.", Adel told him in a stern voice, "If we lose because of your drinking I promise you that you will be unable to visit the ladies any time soon, due to pain."

Adel paused for a moment before continuing in more of her usual voice, "But after this is over I know I will be drinking to celebrate. Also yes I did win my fight, i skewered the guy like a raw steak it was wonderful."

There was a hint of excitement during her battle description and the side of her lips pinched up to form a confident smirk. Adel took a swig of her third drink making a mental note that this would be the last alcoholic beverage for her until the team testing was done and the winners announced.

"Well sit Galavan, the food just got here. We should only have thirty or so more minutes of talk before the first of the team tests are ready.", Adel said before taking another bite off of her plate.

((After everyone has another go around post id say we can move the story forward, so I'll just do that with my next post along with Adel's responses to any antics that come up. Unless of course people want to take longer the table))

The idea of going through the competition intrigued Armando, it had been a long time since he was drunk. Put then he remembered the six month long night job that he had to scrub pots for after he damaged most of the bar and the guard tower outside. Still to this day he doesn't know how he could have done that much damage to it, its supposed to GUARD things right?


With the mention of steak, Armando's eyes went for the lamb leg, several people had already taken pieces so he blunt just reached over and grabbed the leg and bite into it. Within minutes the meat had disappeared, but not really because he was eating fast, they were just massive bites. He guzzled another pint and let for a resounding belch, "Well, I think I'm good. Anyone got a plan for how we can win this thing? And just so everyone realizes, I'm not going to just sprint the whole way. Probably die before we got out of earshot of the spectators."

((What is the challenge we're going to do?))

((See OOC for details, I am typing up some event possibilities based on earlier conversation and we can take discuss them. Maybe even vote on them. http://www.menewsha.com/forum/commun...e-3-ooc-3.html

In terms of character knowledge they will only know for sure once it is announced which should be soon but those who were here last year could take some guesses at what it could be.

Sorry got kinda sick, will be working on posting today (Jan 30th) sometime. I have put up a notice in the role-play request section stating that we have a few slots open for people to join and hopefully that will get some hits so we can have a real group again :]

Well I got tired last night, posting right now. Internet connection... so terrible. Will post when i get home tonight.))

Because Tala was in the middle of chewing her food, all she could do to greet the latecomer was give a friendly wave and attempt a smile. Her food filled mouth made it a little difficult. She was looking forward to what trials the judges would have them face, and like Armando, was also wondering how they'd be able to win. When she was done with her meal, she stifled a burp before raising a question. "Erm, as I'm new and have never been through this...guild event before, I thought it'd be best to ask you guys what they usually have for challenges. I thought it was just the arena battles that we had to, but then I was told there were other things afterwards just yesterday." She laughed a little at herself for immediately joining something she had little knowledge of. Perhaps she was just excited to fight again after months of just training. "So. Have any of you been in any of the other tests before?" Tala didn't bother asking if they've succeeded in the trials that they reached. They wouldn't still be here if they did.

"I am also new and interested in the next challenge. What possessed me to join the Trials escapes me." he said with a slight smile. In truth he knew exactly what he did it for. To keep a promise.

Flashback

Kyle stood on his front porch in the middle of the night. He was going. No one was there to stop him. He went to take a step.

"Where do you think you're going?"

When he turned he saw that it was Jebidiah, his eldest brother. He was 18 at the time. Before Kyle could answer Jeb stopped him with a hand, "I really don't care, as long as it's away from here. The twonsfolk are just going to treat you nasty if you stay, but wherever you go..." he said walking over to his younger brother. "Knock 'em dead." he said with a playful punch to his arm. "And if you meet any girls and have some kids, name one after me, Alright? Oh and send a letter every once in a while. And take this." He said handing him a fist sized orb.

"What is it?" Kyle asked

"Dunno, snagged it off of the wirches last time one tried to come to town. I felt you should have. So once you get all big and strong, you can releave us of these monsters alright? Become stronger and then save us ya' big galoot."

"I will. Just promise me something. Protect the younger kid and if anyone else with powers comes along, keep them safe too."

"It's a deal!"

At that the brothers said thier good-byes and Kyle was off.

(End flashback)

In reality, Kyle felt a tear forming but quickly blinked it away. He looked up at the others and smiled.

Adel finished chewing and swallowed before answering Tala's questions, not noticing the hard time that Kyle may have been having, "Both of these last two years I was placed on teams and both times they failed. As far as tests go they can range from anything though they all involve physical activity with some mental aspects at times. For example the one challenge my group failed at last year was the marathon. A race across Albion by horse, foot, and swimming. If it was not for the fact that everyone had to finish before time was taken we would have been fine..."

She shook her head as her thoughts began to slip backwards in time, "The year before that we failed on something as simple as a damn treasure hunt. The idiots."

Adel's anger was flaring up but it seemed that she had it under control as she continued to talk, "I have faith that this group will do much better. Because if we don't I will pull all of my damn hair out when I am not taking my anger out on everything around me!"

The rage Adel had worked herself up into was short lived as a announcement rang out across the makeshift tavern, "We are sorry to inform everyone that there has been multiple injuries in one of the groups of heroes. They are currently being cared for and will not participate in the challenges. This terrible event has caused some changes to some of the groups."

He went on to list off some names and the groups that they now belonged with. All of them were names that could be recognized from a group that had already been formed besides one, "Tali will be assigned to the group with Adel, Armando, Galavan, Kyle, and Tala. Please take the time to get to know your new group members. The next challenge will be announced very shorty so please stay within ear shot. Remember these groups may not remain permanent, any other changes will be announced."

Tali walked along, feeling rather sick to her stomach. No doubt everyone had heard of the death of the young noble boy; the death she caused. Currently she was heading over to her new group, staring angrily at the spell gauntlet. I knew I shouldn't have used this! she cried angrily in her head. It would have been better if I had gone in there without it. Angrily, she threw the piece of metal away. It wasn't like she needed it after all. She was quite skilled when it came to magic, a way for God to make up for the fact he made her so small she supposed. The device made it too easy for magic to flow out of her, and it made her magic much more powerful as a result. That's why the boy died. If she hadn't used the gauntlet, she wouldn't have been able to create that much magic for her attack. She shuddered as she thought of his deathly pale skin, and the blood crystals poking out through it, the blue lips, and the lifeless eyes. It was a horrible sight that Tali feared would be the source of many nightmares to come.

Tali, coming from the life of a slave, was horrible at math and reading, and other forms of education. But, she could build almost anything, or come up with a nearly perfect solution to pretty much every problem. Though she was glad her Papa didn't make her feel like an idiot at reading and math, she feared what he would think of her when he heard the news. That was actually the reason she lost; the judges were afraid she couldn't control her power. They were wrong of course. She had perfect control of it when she wasn't wearing the stupid machine.

Being a non-melee fighter did give Tali a significant benefit, at least to her. She could wear pretty much whatever clothing she wanted without fear of it hindering her movement. Currently, she was garbed in a black pair of boy's shorts that hung down to a bit below the knees on her petite frame, and a forest green boy's shirt that hung down to the middle of her thighs, with sleeves that ended at just below her elbows. Her bright red hair hung down around her head, though it wasn't the neatest thing in the world. Its casual messiness, in collaboration with her clothing, gave her the appearance of a young, awkwardly girlish boy instead of a young, adorable girl, something Tali valued greatly.

Despite no longer having a 'weapon,' Tali was far from unarmed. In her small bag, she had several medicines that she created herself with her Papa's help, and two daggers forged from purified silver, the most common metal in all of the northern lands. She also had warmer clothing and clothing she created to be waterproof, though it had yet to be tested.

Suddenly, Tali saw the table with the group she was supposed to join and walked up hesitantly, afraid they'd know who she was and what she'd done. "Um, hi," she forced out, her voice seeming to go against how she looked, though a girlish voice wasn't unheard of in small boys. "I'm Tali, your new groupmate." Shifting from one foot to the other, Tali waited for a response from the people assembled at the table. She recognized some, like Kyle and Adel, as well as Armando, but the cowboy and the exotic girl were two people she didn't recall hearing about.

Purple eyes looked from Kyle to Adel when each teammate spoke. The thought of having to go through the whole of Albion had its ups and downs. While Tala felt she could handle a marathon, she wasn't sure how she'd be able to handle the different terrains. Maybe the climate was different all over the Albion mainland as well. But if they did get something like a treasure hunt...

"Hah! I guess I'd be furious too if we lost because we couldn't find something.", she laughed. She was about to take another drink of the good mead when the announcement interrupted her. 'Group changes? I wonder what happened?', she thought, taking a sip before looking around at her teammates with questioning eyes.

It wasn't long after the announcement was made that a waify, red-haired boy...or who Tala thought was a boy, approached the table. She didn't need to guess if this was the Tali the announcement had grouped with them because the child had begun introducing himself. Or herself. With that voice, Tala had become even more confused than before.

"Hey! Welcome kid!", Tala greeted and extended a hand to shake Tali's.

Kyle looked up at the girl, Tali. He knew it was a girl becuase.... well he just did. Something made him think that way. He went over and said "Hello, I'm Kyle. You must be Tali? It's nice to meet you." he said it with a smile. At least he wouldn't be the only young person here. He went back over to the table and offered her a seat. "So, what's your story?"

What terrible news. Just who were they stuck with now? Adel's heart sank as her eyes fell upon their new group member. She looked so... frail. 'Great. Just what we needed.', Adel thought to herself sarcastically. Her thoughts carried over to her facial expression.

She looked put off. Like someone had just insulted her. Finally Adel put her hand up against her face after propping her elbow on the table. This covered all the emotions she was displaying at the moment.

"Hello.", she said rather unenthusiastically, "Nice to meet you Tali. My name is Adel."

Though Tali might have known her it was not like Adel to keep up on newcomers or people who were not yet sparing with others. Sure each time she saw a new face she evaluated them from head to toe in her mind. But most that passed through the entrance of the guild for the first time were not ready to spar and as such her focus was quickly directed away from them.

Adel lowered her hand and it became apparent that she was back to a neutral expression, "What are your skills Tali? What do you excel at?", this time when she talked there was much more expression backing it.

((I'll tell frozen to get on tomorrow and post as well.))

"Uh, hello," Tali replied, a bit overwhelmed by the exotic girl's enthusiasm, hesitantly sticking her hand out to shake the girl's hand. So far, they hadn't recognized her, which was a good thing; it wouldn't be as awkward. "Hello, Kyle, Adel," Tali continued, responding to the other two this time. The exotic girl was wearing clothes that weren't all that common around Albion, but Tali could sympathize. It was boiling hot to the girl who was used to the extreme cold temperatures of the far north.

Kyle seemed genuinely interested in what her past was, so Tali answered him. "I'm from the far north," she said simply, leaving it at that. While Kyle and the exotic girl were nice and friendly, Adel seemed sincerely dismayed that they had a new group member, a feeling that only appeared to worsen when she saw Tali. This feeling Adel directed at Tali only served to make her worry about whether or not she had heard about the death she had caused.

"I-I'm good at magic, and tracking," Tali offered in response to Adel's question. "I'm also good at problem-solving, and inventing things, including medicines." From the looks of it, she was the only one that excelled at magic at the table. The majority of them seemed to be melee-oriented. She knew for a fact that Adel was, as Tali had seen the girl fight many a time. Maybe her ability with magic would help her get accepted a bit more readily.

"The north? Intresting." he said, she didn't seem like she wanted to talk about her past. He was glad that she said she was good with magic. He had only just started with it but it seemed easy enough for him. He didn't think himself as a melee fighter but he wasn't a mage, or a ranger, or... anything really. He was an acrobatic fighter, confusing enemies by jumping around. He looked around and asked, "When are we starting?"