OOC: This topic carries on from the last pertinent reply. I will copy the relevant posts. Remember to put your name at the top of your posts.

.::Lindy::.

"Cecily with 3 daggers...might come in use late..."

"Hmph, yes Arc?.....Oh about that...Oh no! The other team has left! Let's head out, I'll brief while we're making our way there! Hurry! We don't have all night!" Lindy pop the Yoki suppressant pill into her mouth and swallowed it before beckoning her team to follow her. Alanna seemed to be a overly friendly and chatty character; a little too chatty for she could not stop talking to Lindy though they only just met. Lindy had to literally force the pill down Alanna's throat for Alanna never seem to stop chatting. Guiding her team Northwards, they head towards the City of Igros, under the cover of darkness.

The opportunity came, Alanna finally stopped chatting.

"My chance!"

"We're to search for 2 renegades who are hiding in the City of Igros. They didn't give me much details, only that they are twins. So they should look similar I guess..." Lindy spoke hesitantly and she stopped in her tracks; Alanna almost knocking into her. Pointing to the Holy City of Igros that was in the distance, Lindy cautioned all to consume their pills before approaching. "The gates are just over there, let's try our best to enter without arousing any suspicions. Perhaps we can pretend to be a group of pilgrims who are embarking on a journey and City of Igros is one of our pilgrimage sites. Try to act as natural as possible ya. Before proceeding, take this!" Lindy deliberately gave everyone a pat on their backs as some form of encouragement before the team head towards the gates of Igros...



.::Lindy - Recon Team::.

To enter the city, all had to pass the City of Igros main gate. Pilgrimages were common and pilgrims from near and far travel to the City of Igros at some of their lives. Barging into the city was not an impossible task, only that the city dwellers were devotees to their religion and would alarm the city guards if they find anyone suspicious and unruly. The city does not and will not welcome any unnatural elements, Claymores included, for they believed that such foul and unnatural beings would taint the very soil that they love and worship. It would be best to keep them away by all means and regardless of the situation, they should not be welcomed in a city so holy like Igros. It was with this intent that guards were stationed in the city. Igros guards were renown of their bravery and patriotism for they were brave souls who would lay down their lives anytime just to defend the city, be it anytime of the day.

All had to pass the City of Igros gates and the guards who oversee the gates. Some were more experienced that the others for they had been in this line of duty for long and they could easily differentiate the devotees from the atheists. Not that they had anything against atheists; it’s just that they were wearier against them. Suspicious looking characters would be stopped; any potential threats would be detained or eliminated. That was how the Igors guards worked but of course, they were also reasonable men for they would release the innocent. However, they would not put the city that they had sworn to protect in any danger; they would take appropriate actions against any whom they deem as suspicious.

Ahead the team could see the gates of Igros and 3 guards stood attentively at the gates; greeting or scrutinizing all who entered. It was late into the night but there was still a short queue of visitors passing the gates in either twos or threes, the guards would stop them for a friendly chat or to question the more suspicious ones.

"Welcome to the City of Igros, there's some on-going night performances in the parade square, feel free to take a look" one of the guards welcomed a mother-child pairing with friendliness before turning his attention to the next in line. Stopping the team, one of the guards approached Arc while greeting him, "Good evening visitors, what do we have here?"

Another of the city guard approached Artemis and greeted her with a wave.

Arc

Arc took the yoki suppressant pill that Lindy gave them earlier as they started to make there way to the city gates. Given only the description that the target are twins, so all we have to find what one looks like to get an idea about the other. Finding out what either of them looks like though is the challenge. Arc listen to the make shift cover as pilgrims passing. As he thought, "I wish they gave me more of a story to work with since they are most likely going to question me. Being that I am the only male in this group."

As they approached the gate as he thought one of the guards approached Arc with the greeting of, "Good evening visitors, what do we have here?"

Arc waited a moment then replied with a slight bow, "Good evening sir. We are simply a small group from the east making our first pilgrimage to the grand holy city of Igros." Arc then waited for guards reply as water continued to pour upon them all.

Cecily ~’{@

The night, for secrecy, did not let in nor did the rain. It was a forbidding sign that things would not go as planned. Mood reading as always, Cecily noted it well. As she stood before the gates of Igros, the feeling of uneasiness delved deeper into her consciousness. “This is it… proceeding as planned,”

The braids watched as the queue shortened until finally it was their turn to be scrutinized by the watchful guards. With the suppressant in full throttle, and a guise of holiness, the chances of failure were all up to their interaction with the vigilant sentries of the gates. First, an exchange of greetings took place. Then she witnessed as Arc and their other companion each got their personal inspector. Cecily kept a solemn look on her face to look more like a pilgrim and avoid detection.

.::Arc::.

"Good evening sir. We are simply a small group from the east making our first pilgrimage to the grand holy city of Igros."

The guard raised his brows and smiled warmly to Arc, patting his shoulders along the way. "I see, the first pilgrimage site! You've made the right choice. The Holy City of Igros warmly welcome you and your group." The soldier returned the bow to Arc and saluted him. "They're cleared, open the gates," the guard spoke out loud enough for the last solder to hear him, the one who was manning the gates. The soldier in front of Arc stepped aside and politely signaled to Arc's team to give them a moment for they need to open the gates. Just as the gates swung opened, the soldier who was greeting Artemis with a wave spoke, "What's wrong Miss? Is something troubling you?"



.::Lindy::.

Lindy kept a close eye on Alanna all along for she was worried that Alanna might compromise the mission by suddenly blurting out loud. She noticed two guards greeting her team and decided to not interfere for she was confident that her friendly team mates would be able to handle such situations. Pretending not to listen into the conversation of Arc and the guard, she stood silently with her group. Finally she heard the cue and the gates swung opened, "Yosh...the holy city of Igros huh...sweet - " Lindy's thoughts were interrupted as one of the guard posed a question to one of her teammates and there was no reply.

"Oh no...Artemis froze up...have to do something quick..."

Lindy lifted her right arm to her forehead and started swaying a little to her side. "Ah...my...my head...it hurts!" and she swayed towards the direction of Alanna before gripping onto Alanna's shoulder to balance herself. Continuing in a weak voice but loud enough for the guards to hear, "Im feeling dizzy...a little unwell...must have caught a cold from the rain earlier." Still gripping onto Alanna's shoulder with her left arm while her right is still on her forehead, silent thoughts flashed across her mind. "Hopefully this will divert the guards attention from Artemis and that they will show some concern for me and let us into the city."

Artemis

Artemis popped the yoki suppression pill into her mouth when they were reaching the city gates. The stars in the night sky were nice, they were sparkling today in all of their fine glory and Artemis gave a small smile. It was quiet and peaceful with the occasional hoot of an owl passing overhead. Out of all the things she could stand, this was heaven indeed.

Artemis was glad also that she had been put with a team that didn't have to do full out fighting. She was never the fighter, and masquerading as a human did suit her better. Her hair, despite being so odd, did make humans feel more comfortable. Warriors of the Organization to humans were supposed to silver hair, which Artemis didn't have.

Her team lead by Lindy reached the city in good time. She stared softly at the city walls and the entrance which seemed to be guarded by warriors. So we have to get through there? she thought to herself.

Two guards greeted all the members of her group which the third gave a wave to her.

Artemis gave a cheerful, lively smile in his direction that was way beyond her calm demeanor. If they wanted to get into the city, they had to act human, even though it did make her feel a bit uncomfortable.

She went close to the guard who began to talk coolly in a rather arrogant tone, "You seem to be very pretty, and your friends too," he began, "What are you guys here for?"

Artemis looked at him skeptically, what was he trying to do? Was this another way to ask her for information? She was taking time with her answer and just before she was ready to reply, Lindy gave a quick look her way and began to say, "Ah...my...my head...it hurts!"

Artemis looked at Lindy with relief, the question seemed rather odd for the guard to ask, and she had no clue how to answer it. Though Artemis wished she did know the answer, because Lindy had to take her time to cover for a novice, and that was a bit embarrassing.

I can't freeze up anymore, she thought to herself, everyone says to act human, but how do you do that exactly again?

Lindy began to lean on Alanna to show the guards how truly sick she was, and began to speak again, "I’m feeling dizzy...a little unwell...must have caught a cold from the rain earlier."

Artemis looked at Lindy with what seemed to be worry, hoping to win the hearts of the guards. "Are you alright?" she asked Lindy.

Artemis gently placed her hand ontop of Lindy's forehead, careful trying not to touch the other Claymore's hand that was there too, "We should find you a place to sleep quickly." Artemis looked desperately at the guards, "There was a sprinkle on the way here, and I'm afraid my friend has gotten a fever."

-----

I hope this is alright, and sorry for not posting yesterday. ;_;

Cecily ~,{@

Arc had successfully convinced the guards to let the team pass. However, troubled brewed as impish as ever for Artemis appeared to be stumped. Cecily kept a stern face despite the sudden turn of events. Something had to be done otherwise the mission would be compromised. ”Ah… this is bad. Have to—“

Quite unexpectedly, Lindy became giddy, a possible act to divert the guards’ attention. ”As expected of our team leader. Hopefully it plays well,“ the braids’ thoughts whispered to her. Now she had to think of her own part in this scene. Cecily had the few seconds to think while Lindy declared her state of vertigo and clung to Alanna’s arm for support. The braids glanced at Artemis and it seemed she had gained some confidence and thus like a supporting character played out her role. "There was a sprinkle on the way here, and I'm afraid my friend has gotten a fever," Artemis regretfully said as some form of penitence.

”We have been fasting and traveling under harsh sun and wicked rain for quite some time. This is how we show our devotion to the faith. Now we have reached Holy Igros. We pray we can finally nestle within the city’s sacred walls to put to rest our weariness, so that we can be more spirited in our worship,” stated Cecily with a clean and soulful voice, hoping the performance to be a success. However, even if this scene concludes, this drama was far from over.

Arc

"Just great it seem that Artemis froze up. Now Lindy is doing the 'I feel so faint' act as a diversion. Oh well I guess I should play along." Arc thought as he moved to assisted Lindy.

Arc decide the best method of helping her with the act helping her up, by having her lean on Arc should as Cecily had began to make up an explanation to the guards. Arc then approached the guards while seemingly acting as a support to Lindy and asked the guards with a face and voice trembled full of concern and panic, "Good sirs could you tell us where we should go? Please Good sirs."

OCC: I hope I didn't over do it. I was originally going to do the dramatic threshold carry but, that I think would have been over doing it a bit. Also forgot my name at the top.

[Overwhelmed]

The guard was not prepared for this. Sick travellers were bound to appear but as far as he was concerned, getting people through the gate or denying them flat out was the only job he had. The health of a few people was not his problem. Besides from that he was being bombed by words of worry.

"Ahh, shit. Whatever go on in and quickly." The guard said, already looking at the next set of pilgrims who were trying to get in. "There's an Inn down the way, take her there. But this isn't a charity town, you'll need to pay."

With that, the guards attention, along with his comrades were focused on the next set of pilgrims.

"Over-dramatic fools, all of them are the same." The guard sighed.
"Please let me in, my baby need medical attention!" A pilgrim down the lined cried.

The guard sighed.

.::Questioned Again::.

Just when the team thought that they had more breathing space, they faced another crisis for they encountered a pair of guards. This time the two guards who stopped them wore faces of battle weariness; a face of experience. They each held out an arm to stop the team just as they were passing the duo. Both guards demanded Lindy’s team to follow them into one of the alleys for they wanted to have a “talk” with them. The team could only obey.

“A moment please, follow us. ”

It was noisy and the City of Igros was busting with activities for crowds were seen everywhere. The rain stopped but judging from the many present, the rain did not deter people from participating in the night celebrations. The parade square was huge without any permanent structure. Without the many present tonight, it would have been just an empty piece of square land without a life of its own. However, tonight was a special night for make-shift torches were elevated on tripod-like stands to illuminate the square. The night is young for there appeared to be celebrations of some sort on-going.

Soon they reached the alley where only 3 at most could enter at once. The 2 guards stopped and turned to face the team whom they intent to question. “Our apologies for posing our question to the group here for the parade square is slightly noisy tonight. Now, back to business shall we…” both guards banged the blunt end of their spear onto the pavement and asked, “So what’s your business in our Holy City again? Im telling ya, the ‘fainting trick’ won’t work again!” and they pointed to Lindy.



.::Lindy::.

Lindy was not sure whether to continue to fake fainting or to come up with another lie when she heard what one of the guards exposed her "trick". The only thoughts that flashed across her mind were, “Damn…we got busted huh.....”

Artemis

Artemis looked at the guards unfazed and composed. What should we do? she thought, This isn't exactly the best situation to be in, and these guards are definitely sharper than the ones by the gate. They've seen through all of our tricks too.

She gave a quick glance to Lindy and the others hoping that someone had decided what to say to the guards. Yet, they seemed to be in the same position as her, which was being surprised that they had been caught. If Lindy did speak, the guards would most likely not buy it since she was the one that they were most suspicious about and the one who was pretending to be sick. So should she, Artemis be the one to speak up?

She looked at the guards and gave them a soft smile. Artemis began to look into both of their eyes, and slowly in a collected tone said, "We are just humble pilgrims to the city. We only would like to tread on the streets of the city and see that religious sites that have bestowed wisdom to many." She gave a sigh and continued, "I know we looked suspicious because of the drama we just caused, but it was my fault we had to resort to that. I was too nervous and afraid to reply to the guard. So my friends, afraid that we would be thrown out because of that, made up this act so we could get in."

After saying this the raven-haired girl paused for a moment, and gave a sorrowful look to the guards, "I'm really sorry if we caused so much trouble...We've wanted to visit this city for so long, and being allowed ot do that, it is a dream to us all."

Artemis wished she didn't sound too fake about any of this, and to be truthful she was being geniunely sincere. Not to the guards, but to her comrades since it was practically her fault that she caused all of this commotion by freezing up to what one of the guards had to say. I hope I made the right decision, she thought, Maybe saying this was a mistake and might just further our chances of being thrown out of the city.

Arc

"Fool you should either continue with the story from before or you stay silent and let another character act in your behalf to explain the situation considering your actions from before. Now I can't go with that she was a shy girl and her dear sister is over protective routine. But now we must go with the story she gives. That we really wanted to go into the city and that we are nervous about being thrown out. No matter how you cut that by itself it is suspicious. I guess I should help explain if it is necessary." Arc thought as Artemis tried to explain the situation. Still supporting Lindy all the while as he waited for the guards response.

[Encounter - 2 Guards]

A brow was raised as the guard heard her reply. "Ya call that a reply? Now take off your robes and show us what you all are hiding. There's something bulging from each and everyone of your backs. Men don't make women carry heavy stuff in our Holy City." One of them stared at Arc suspiciously and they both pointed their spears, one at Cecily and another at Artemis.

"Hurry up, we don't have all day!"


.::Lindy::.

Still pretending to be the "faint", Lindy listened to Artemis explanations and she did not even dared to move an inch while standing in the back row with Arc and Alanna. Lindy knew that experience count but never knew that the guards would be so experience to such an extent where they could differentiate an act from the sick. Was her act too fake to begin with? Lindy always got herself out of tight situations with her many acts, not that she enjoyed acting, but that she felt that it was the best way to pass tight situations without any direct confrontations. Was the City of Igros lacking in human compassion? It did not seem so for the 3 guards before let the sick in. Also, she was sure that her acts were flawless for her team mates helped her and the whole circumstances was to their favor. What exactly went wrong?

And that was when she heard it, "...Men don't make women carry heavy stuff in our Holy City."

"What a bother!"

Arc

"Good sirs!! Could you not point your spears at my traveling companions? You are scaring them stiff. They are only women after all. I would gladly show you guys what are under our robes if one of you would be so, kind as to trade places with me or let one of my companions trade places with me." Arc asked as the spears were being pointed at his two companions.

Arc thought as he waited for a response, "These guards action are very suspicious."

"First they took us to a back alley rather then, a guard house or something along those lines. Even if the square was crowded there should be able to take us to someplace like that for questioning."

"Second they went straight to pointing spears at the us after an explanation and demanding us to remove robes. Even though the explanation wasn't very good they normally would ask more question before pointing spears at people, if innocent they are setting horrible impression of this city which is something a guard wouldn't do without greater proof."

"Depending how they act to my request and what I do next, will either confirm my suspicions or put doubt upon them."

Cecily ~`{@

The rather bizarre turn of events had Cecily thinking. A second questioning was unnecessary and totally out of procedure. These guards could be pretenders or the whole city nothing more than a city of malevolence shrouded with a veil of false righteousness.

”What right do you have to harass us, mere pilgrims? To demand women to strip their robes in a back alley would be a promiscuous act… and to do so in Holy Igros? How blasphemous!? What sacrilege?! On such a holy night?!” preached Cecily with arms up high then clasped her frail-looking hands together. ”May heaven’s wrath smite you evil fiends!” the braids continued to clamor, her finger pointed at one of the guards, her eyes yearning for tears. Then she began to chant with religious fervor and trembling hands, ”Repent! Repent! Repent! And thou shall be saved!” She repeated her chant over and over, louder and louder, her voice reaching out beyond the alley.

Cecily tried to draw attention upon her self, hoping that other people from outside the alley would notice. Her act in itself was for a topic to change, from bearing what was hidden under their robes to the sacrilegious act of the guards. She continued to perform as Arc tried to convince the stubborn guards all the while thinking of another way escape their current situation in case her performance would fail.

[Encounter - 2 Guards]

"Wha....What...No...No...you have mistaken kind lady! Keep the voice down!" one of the panic-stricken guard tried to calm the one in braids for she was attracting a lot of attention. Curious onlookers peeked into the alley and it was not long before a group gathered outside the alley. Loud murmurs could be heard as the crowd expressed their discontent.

"Isn't he the Captain of guards!"
"Oh this is horrible!"
"Shame on him! Sinful act! Promiscuous!"

The murmurs soon became shouts and some "representatives" appeared and demanded the guards to uphold their honor and to behave like gentleman. Throughout, Cecily never stopped her religious chants and she had gained the tremendous support of everyone. Many nodded their head in agreement and some went up to pat her back to express their support.

"We demand that the Captain of Guards release the faithful! They deserve better treatment after traveling from afar!" some members from the crowd expressed their disgust towards the guards' promiscuous actions. The guards were shocked and one spoke, presumably the Captain. "No you all have mistaken! We're under special orders to check on large groups who are entering with hoods. We, the guards of the Holy City, are faithful to only Holy Lord and would not break any rule. This I assure you with my live!" He signaled to the other guard and they both lowered their spears and bowed towards Arc and his group.

"We apologize for the troubles caused and we have over reacted. Kind sir, please understand that we're only trying to be cautious so as to make the Holy City of Igros a great place of worship," the Captain of the guards spoke to Arc sincerely in the face. "Please feel free to proceed and enjoy yourselves in the Holy City of Igros. We warmly welcome you! Your fellow pilgrim might require some medical attention for she's looking sick. Our apologies once again for frightening the kind ladies." The guard stood at attention and saluted Arc before beckoning his follower to assist him in ushering the crowd out of the alley.

"You take good care of the ladies ya!" the other guard reminded Arc before ushering them out of the alley. The guards left the team to their own after apologizing once more before dispersing the crowd.


.::Lindy::.

"They didn't see through my act...continue to pretend...." Still pretending to look horrible like just now, Lindy was supported by Alanna as she exit the alley. Surprisingly, Alanna did not speak throughout the whole incident, considering Alanna's personality, Lindy thought that Alanna would have been the firs to speak up for she was the "chattiest" in team. Alanna's silence surprised her but Alanna did went along with the general act by supporting and helping Lindy. "I'll converse with her as much as possible after this mission."

The square, they were at the parade square now and it was surprisingly lively for such a night. The aftermath of the performance were many puddles of waters on the tile soil. A band of performers set up stage in the middle of the square. The wagon cart was of thick dark oak and decorated with ribbons of all colors, making it all the more prominent. A crowd of enthusiastic performers surrounded the stage. The children got the front seats as they stood nearest to the stage and they stood orderly in straight rows. Parents kept a watchful eye on their children as they stood some distance behind with the general crowd.

"Today we are gathered to celebrate and thank the twin goddess for keeping our Holy City safe for the many years. My humble band of performers will be the entertainers for the night and we will amuse everyone. May the performance begin!"

Noting that there's a crowd of applauding folks in the parade square, Lindy suggested to her team.

"Yosh all, lets take the opportunity to acquire as much information as possible," she spoke softly so that only her team mates would be able to hear her. "We'll meet in the alley that we jsut left in an hour or two time. Remember, twins okay. And no troubles!" Lindy glanced at Alanna as she added her last sentence.

Arc

"Very well. Anything else you want to add before we split up?" Arc asked as he tried to get a good idea of where he was so he could recognizes if he arrived in this location again.

OCC: forgot the name at top.

.::Lindy::.

Lindy decided that Alanna should "accompany" her just in case anything should happen. One never knows when Alanna might start socializing with the others on the street. She was about to grab Alanna and drag her away and that was when she heard Arc's question. "Oh...I only know that they're twins. That's all I was told. Be sure to meet in this alley in an hour or two's time! Don't make the many ladies wait for you Arc!" Lindy pointed at all the other team mates, who were unfortunately ladies, leaving Arc the only manly one in team. "Chat time over, start searching for the 2 run-aways. And...you're coming with me Alanna!" Lindy grabbed Alanna and dragged the most talkative member along with her.

"Onwards! Towards the parade square," Alanna mentioned merrily.

Arc

Arc started by getting a better look at the performance nearby. "Might as well see if there any persons there that fit the lacking description in the crowd or on the stage. Since that is just as good of place to start as any." Arc thought as moved through the crowd scanning people for anyone who could possibly be twins. Or really anyone with feature that looks like they can come from a fellow warrior and checking on the performance often to see what they are doing, since he was intresting and the target could be acting as performers.

Cecily ~’{@

Cecily continued to point her shaky finger at the guards even as they retreated. It appeared her plan had worked. As much as she wanted to let out a sigh she held it in. She had to continue with the cover up.

Lindy and the others began preparing for information gathering, but Cecily could not help but watch the entertainers preparing for the grand performance. She could not remember much from her childhood but the feeling of seeing happy faces during and after a successful performance was forever in her heart. Without warning real tears ran down her cheeks. ”What is this? It was all an act but…” she said to herself. The mission was important but the child inside could not help but yearn for the stage. The braids patted her cheeks trying to clear the confusion in her mind. ”The mission comes first!” her brain exclaimed. She took one last look at the coming parade with puppy-dog eyes then finally turned to the others.

"Chat time over, start searching for the 2 runaways. And...you're coming with me Alanna!" said Lindy with a roll of the tongue. Cecily was lucky enough to get that part of the briefing. It appeared they had to search for the two turncoats among the people in the gathering. ”I think I’ll go search a bit further away from here,” suggested the braids with a slightly sour look on her face. She thought that the runaways were probably avoiding the crowd not to mention that she did not want to be distracted by the performers.

Artemis


Was it because she didn't know how to act human again? Artemis had never really faced humans before in her years, well of course she had to, every Claymore had to tell villagers nad people to pay up when the handlers came, but she never knew that human interaction was so hard. Usually she would leave before things became ugly.

I failed utterly at the explanation, she thought, I should have went with not speaking anything, but they already saw through the act right?

The guards were fierce and more meticulous that the last three were, but that was no excuse for her to mess up like that. Yet, she felt a sense of stupidity wash over her. If it wasn't for Cecily then she would have destroyed everything they worked for. This is so embarassing, she thought. To think, that me!-having problems in this type of situation. She wanted to give a laugh right now about how ironic this situation was. She didn't though and continued to be muted while Lindy answered one of Arc's questions.

"Oh...I only know that they're twins. That's all I was told. Be sure to meet in this alley in an hour or two's time! Don't make the many ladies wait for you Arc!" she said to the male Claymore about the rogues, and then grabbed Alanna with her.

Artemis rather wished she knew the names of the Claymores that deserted, yet they probably weren't stupid enough to use their real names, and also Lindy said that all she was told that they were twins. Artemis gave a sigh and looked at the robe she was wearing. She looked nothing different from the merry-goers in the city. She turned her eyes toward the entertainers who were busy amusing people.

Artemis spotted no identical twins in the crowd, so were they split up in order to conceal their identities?

She started to look for people, mingling in the crowd. There were a lot of possiblities of where the turncoats could be, along with the fact that the city was rather large. She saw Arc focusing his attention toward the performers, so that was one spot she didn't have to check, though four eyes were better than two. She began to look for a wall where she could lean on while watching people come into the square, and try and pretend that her attention was focused on the performers so she wouldn't look extremely suspicious. She would try to spot some strange activity, but Artemis had a feeling that she wasn't going to get much luck out of this and probably was going to give up. There was too many people for one thing, and some were hidden behind others to make things worse.


---

OOC: took the part about the juggler out. Staying up at night is affecting me, sorry. ^^;;;

.::Arc::.

Arc passed the sea of faces and it was difficult to identify any twins from the crowd for there were too many gathered in the parade square. There were people of all ages, physical appearances and mannerism and just as Arc stationed himself near the stage, he spotted a pair of twins near the stage. The duo was adorable looking, both had little ponytails and they stood obediently with all the other little children in the front lines. Favoring the little lollipops and smiling merrily with their little friends, their eager eyes followed the figure that walked up to the stage.

“Praise the twin goddess of Igros for saving our Holy City from the evil. Annually we’re to celebrate to give thanks to the twin goddess and this year is no exception. My humble fellow performers are given such an honorable task and I’m proud to present our very first act titled, Invincibility!”

A pair of performer, one male another female, humbly introduced themselves as the ‘invincible duo’ before the male proudly mentioned, “Behold the powers of the twin goddess of Igros! They blessed us and made us invincible from all swords and knives attacks! To prove so, I will have her entering the rectangular box here and insert this metal through the box!” The crowd grasped while the others murmured to each other and all eyes were on the female performer who entered the rectangular standing box that was on stage. The rectangular box was coffin-like without any see-through material and it was made of pure metal, with a thin line in the middle. It stood firmly on stage, like how coffins would look when they stood.

The female performer walked into the box and closed the lid. After some reassurance by the male performer that his partner was invincible, he slid the sharp metal panels through the box. His movements were quick as the metal panels entered the middle of the box and came out within seconds. The crowd gasped and all had their attention on the box. Moments later, the female performer came out of the box un-scar, no injuries at all. The duo held their hands up high and both bowed towards the audiences. Everyone roared, cheered and applauses soon follow…


.::Cecily::.

Cecily moved away from the crowd and away from the parade square. She checked the perimeter of the parade square where the shops were but all were closed for business as it was already late at night. There were shops of all sorts; clothes, candles, food, books, blacksmith, but the gift shop stood out from the others. It had see-through glass windows and a variety of figurines were on display. A pair of figures in robes stood side by side to each other with both arms in prayers. Both figures were ‘plastered’ to a small wooden block curved with woods. The words read, “Twin Goddess of Igros”

A candle illuminated the shop from within; someone had left a candle burning in the middle of the room, unattended.


.::Artemis::.
((OOC: There were no performers juggling knives for now))

Artemis scanned the perimeter for any strange activities and there was none. However, Artemis observed the many passing people and noticed that security was tight for guards in either pairs or threes could be seen now and then. The guards all held shiny silver spears and were serious in their patrols for they never stopped for a break or to catch the on-going performances. Groups of pilgrims bow to passing monks and stop to have a chat with the Holy monks.

3 kids were running in the area playing catch and one of them accidentally bumped into Artemis and he landed hard on the wet ground. His face changed from a joyous expression to that of a sorrowful look and it seems like he was about to cry! His two little friend squad next to the little kid and were at a lost as to what to do.

Arc

"Hmm... we have a couple of twin children which could be the target though the chances are low and the performer on stage who were involved in the performance though the chance are just as low." Arc thought as he joined in applause and approached a little closer to the group of children that were close to the stage but, only until he was just within a crowd of Adults behind the children. Arc kept glancing at the children to keep track of them as he continued watching the performers to see what they do next.

.::Arc::.

Arc blended perfectly with the crowd as he stood in the 1st line with all the adults; just behind the last row of children. The twin children were merrily eating their lollipops while they waited for the next performance to be up. On closer observation, Arc noticed that even their lollipops were identical in shape and color. Their eyes were focused on the stage once again where the male performer of the ‘invincible duo’ spoke aloud.

“Praise the Twin Goddess of Igros for they not only saved our Holy City; they are omnipresent and will continue to bless us! With their Holy Swords, they are able to rid all evils and because of that, I am honored to perform a juggling act of swords.” The crowd cheered as the female performer brought out a dozen or more identical looking short swords. He picked up three and juggled them in the air and a short sword was added at every interval. And then it came, the female performer threw in 10 short swords when his partner was already handling 10 other. However, he did not break a sweat as he juggled them in the air perfectly; his well trained hand movements were so fast to the extent that the short swords in the air created a perfect arc. There seemed to be only 1 short sword in the air when in reality he was juggling 20.

“It is because of their Holy Swords that our City is saved!” his hands did not stop moving though the sword juggler praised the Twin Goddess. The crowd responded and cheered in agreement. By the time the twins had finished their identical looking lollipops, the sword juggling act ended and the audiences cheered. The twins turned to look in Arc’s direction and smiled! “Mummy! Daddy! Did you see that! They’re so cool!” The couple behind Arc waved back merrily at their precious treasures.

Artemis

There were monks and pilgrims dressed in nice robes, yet nothing out of the ordinary. The people just seemed to be looking for a good time, and most were just looking around the square with excitement and some pilgrims were talking to the Holy monks. The guards were the only ones not looking interested in the performers. Yet they were guards and it was only right of them to pay their attention to their jobs.

There really seemed to be nothing wrong with the situation, and Artemis really felt ditching her post to explore other parts of the city for the traitors. She was just about to leave when she felt something collide with her. It wasn't an extremely large thing and to be truthful it actually felt soft, so Artemis didn't fall down. She turned around the face the other person, it was a kid and the child was not so lucky as her. He had landed on the ground which seemd to be very damp and he seemed down. Two other kids ran toward him and squatted beside him, looking at him with pity, but they both didn't seem to know how to comfort him.

Artemis looked at the child who seemed to be on the verge of crying. His eyes were watery now, and she could see the outlines of the translucent tears beginning to form. She gave a sigh and bent down to the child's level. She usually wouldn't care about something like this, it happened in villages she went to all the time-a child trips and cries. Yet, she was the one responsible for making the kid fall down, despite the fact that he should have watched were he was going. Also, it would arouse suspitition that she just walked away from the children.

She forced a smile on her face, and looked at the child and offered her hand to him to help him up. "Don't cry now," she said gently hoping to sound sincere, "You're just going to make everyone sad. Even your friends are down now!" She looked up from the child's face to survey the area, looking for something to cheer him up, Artemis didn't have money which was a rather downfall. Then the stage caught her eye, and that was one source of entertainment that was affordable and fun. She looked back at him again and said, "Let's go see the performers!"

Arc

"Well that eliminates the kids as suspect now. Since it doesn't appear that the parent are responded to some other kid. Lets just focus on a investigation of the performer. Unless there is some trick behind their stunt it would take superhuman abilities to perform these stunts a different angle may reveal something or may need to ask them somethings." Arc thought as the twins and their parents responded to each other. Arc moved around towards the side of the stage still keeping an eye on the performers but, still check out the crowd see if anyone there who could be a possible target.

Cecily ~`{@

Cecily made it to the outer rim of the celebration. The bustle of the city was still present. There was a line of shops, shops of all sorts, shops with one thing in common, all these shops were closed. She wandered her way to one shop as intrigue was written all over it. ”A gift shop,” the braids whispered to the night wind. There were figurines of all kinds inside. One could savor the view through its looking glass. ”Twin Goddesses… and a light,” she continued to mutter as she witnessed an unattended candle light. To leave a candle unattended in a closed shop was rather suspicious.

Cecily clandestinely moved aside and took a few moments to think of a way to verify the situation. There were two possible things she could do, pick her way through the front or find some other way in. Sadly, she was not given picklocks or any of the sorts. If she were to use her daggers on the lock it would be a rough entrance and the chances of being noticed would increase considerably. ”There has to be another way,” she thought as she continued to asses the situation.

.::Arc::.

Arc moved to the side of the stage and from there he got a different view than before. The sea of faces did not help much since they all looked different to him. Beside the twin kids who were in the crowd with children, there were no other children who were twins around. As for the main crowd, it was much harder for Arc to note for some wore holy robes and had their faces covered while some were blocked by audiences who were taller than them.

The 'invincible duo' thanked the crowd by bowing many times before introducing the next performer on stage. "Thank you kind folks of Igros! Let us welcome the next performer up on stage and he will amuse everyone with his blessed darts throwing acts. Similarly like us, he has been blessed by the Twin Goddess of Igros and has acquired the Holy Power of accuracy." After bowing a last time, the male performer went back stage, leaving the female performer on stage.

A new face appeared and he smiled charismatically to the audiences, gaining their attention. "The Twin Goddess of Igros has blessed me and I have gained the third eye. Im not able to accurately hit my targets regardless of the circumstances. To commemorate this very day where the monsters were slay and the Holy City was save, its my honor to bring everyone this act!" With that, the female performer was tied to a wooden wheel (think wheel of fortune) and it spun. The man blindfolded himself and threw darts all the while the wheel was spinning. With speed and elegance, 50 darts were thrown and they all hit the board without injuring the female performer.

Jaws dropped as the crowd stared in awe, applauses and cheers followed soon after.

.::Cecily::.

The shop had a wide glass window around 2 meters and a door to the left. To the left side of the gift's shop were rows of shops that were closed for the day. To the right was an alley. Interior of the shop - square-like with multiple shelves on the wall. Many figurines and small items on the shelves; low visibility for the candle on the table has its limit. Counter is on the other end of the room (opposite the glass window) and it seemed like there's a door beyond the counter.

.::Artemis::.

The kid sobbed but nodded and took one of Artemis hands. The friends of the little kid each took out a Twin Goddess lollipop and they even offered one to Artemis. While on their way to the stage, kids being as lively as they were burst out singing out of the blue...

The Twin Goddess of Igros
The Twin Goddess of Igros
Both beautiful, almighty and well respected
They came, they saw and they conquered the monsters
All hail the Twin Goddess of Igros!

Cecily ~,{@

Cecily noticed a small alley to right of the shop. What were the chances of a back door? ”Let’s take all the chances,” the silver-eyed witch thought. She entered the passage and as expected it was dark and dank. The recent downpour was to blame along with the coming of night. It was hard to tell if there was anything ahead. Nevertheless, Cecily pushed through hoping to find a less convenient but more appropriate way of getting in the shop. ”There has to be something in here. Some hairpins, an ajar window, anything,” the braids hoped.

.::Cecily::.

Cecily found an unattended and slightly ajar backdoor. There were many trophies displayed on the shelves that were near the counter.
Some of them titled -

“Champion of Figurine Sculpting (Winter)”
“Winner of Most Emotive Sculpting (Summer)”
“Long time winner of Figurine Making”
“Most Popular Shop of the Year Award”

Majority of the gifts found in the shops were figurines of the twin goddess of Igros for they were all tagged with the words “Twin Goddess of Igros”. Other gifts that were non-figurine also carried the Twin Goddess of Igros theme. Key chains came in the shape of the Twin Goddess; one can choose one over the other or get a key chain that has two on a ring. Dolls wore shirts and dresses that bore the twin goddess pictures; balloons too had the twin goddess pictures on them.

Hanging on the walls in one of the corners was a plate and it read,
“The shop owner is a proud devotee of the Holy Igros cathedral; the very place where he was Baptist”

- Jacob -

"Upon Fara Clergy, I deem you dead bla bla bla, you know the drill said the assasin in the cloack

"No ! This can't be allowed. Go away or.." yet the priest could not continue his talk as his throat was sliced by a dagger with incredible, inhuman speed.

"Come on" said the black robed person, whose figure was like spreading in this whole black alley "There is like 12 of you and only single me..let's have some fun"

Upon this day, the stench of red liquid was mixing with the air.

Arc

"Hmm... this is interesting that they claim that their skills are blessing from the Twin Goddess of Igros. Thought it makes sense given the theme of the performance. However, this could have some other implications as well depending on the meaning. I will scan the crowd one more time as I watch the performance." Arc though and then turned around and continued to scan the crowd as he watching the performance and going around the stage in an arc through the crowd.

Cecily ~’{@

Like a pair of dice that can never roll into snake eyes, Cecily found an unlocked backdoor. She silently opened the door, holding it in such a way that it would not creak, not once. With cat’s feet she entered the store all the while slowly closing the door behind her halfway through, leaving it in the same position she found it. She glanced around and found more items regarding the Twin Goddesses of Igros. ”I wonder if there’s any relation to the deserters we’re after,” the braids mumbled in her head. She took one more look around and spotted an honorary plaque, ”Devotee huh? More like obsessed fanatic.” Finally she turned her attention to the counter with the lamp placed on top of it. Lots of stuff is always found behind the counter, stuff your retailer does not want you to know about.

.::Cecily::.

The counter top was filled with little items. Merely more displays of gifts shaped in the figurine of the cathedral. There was also a jar of lollipop shaped after the Twin Goddess of Igros. There was a set of keys on the table; 2 keys on a key ring. Behind the counter were mini hidden shelves that one could only see if they were to head to the back of the counter. A jar, crystal clear and transparent stood on a shelf and it was filled to the brim with Beras. Seems like Cecily found the piggy bank of the shop! There were many "Cathedral Passes" next to the jar of Beras and a note next to them read,
"To be distributed to pilgrims who are to be baptized in Igros Cathedral"

Cecily heard some loud banging coming from the back door, however, the sound appears to be distance. Who could be making such a ruckus in the back alley at this time of the night?

.::Arc::.

Arc noticed that not only were there citizens of Igros and pilgrims in the parade square, there were monks too as they were dressed in monk-robes and they moved around town to ask for alms. "Our intriguing performances will continue later. Meanwhile, I'm proud to mention that we have successfully invited the choir that resides so closely to our Twin Goddess of Igros." Some looked shocked and excited by what they heard; the audience could not help but exclaimed excitedly, "Oh gracious! They've managed to get the Holy Choir to perform! Its so rare! Is it true? I can't wait to hear their angelic voices!"

The performer on stage waited for the excitement to subside a little before continuing politely, "A loud applause to the Igros Cathedral Choir!" 24 choir members in white robes entered from the back stage and the previous three performers leap off the stage and approached the crowd with a basket in hand. The female 'invocible duo' whipped out Igros Goddess lollipops and gave each kid audience one while the male performances took out a stalk of flower from the baskets and presented one each to the females present.

.::Jacob::.

One of the man, self elected leader, moved forward and beckoned his other 11 companions to stay back. The other 11 obeyed. Looking at the man in black coat who had killed one of companions, he argued, "No! we're not heretics! This city is blasphemous! They're worshiping Gods of unknown origins! I doubt - "

Before the self elected leader could complete his reasoning, 2 of his companions had already drawn their swords and they dashed passed him in their attempts to jab their swords into the body of the cloak figured in black.

Arc

For now Arc only took in the current events as he looked around the crowd hearing them cheer with excitement at the a rare appearance of the churches choir. "They should be very talented if what the crowd says is true. I guess I should continue looking around while I listen to them." Arc thought as he looked through the crowd, and studied those on stage as he headed towards the other side of the stage.

.::Arc::.

The choir continued to sing melodiously as Arc made his way to the other side of the stage. By the time he got to the other side of the stage, the 3 performers had finished given out their "freebies" and they passed him on their way to the back stage. They then disappeared from view. Afar Arc could see Artemis. She was surrounded by a bunch of kids who were running in circles. Alanna, he spotted her chatting with many old ladies in one corner of the parade square. As he was surveying the area, he noticed a familiar figure, the Chief of Guards, behaving sneakily and creeping into an unfamiliar looking alley...And the choir continued singing melodiously.

((OOC: Edit - Incoherent sentences, sorry))

Cecily ~’{@

Cecily searched the counter for anything peculiar. A set of keys, a whole bunch of ‘cathedral passes’, a jar of candy shaped in the image of the goddesses and the money of the shop was stashed neatly behind the counter. ”Hmm… what to take,” pondered the braids. The money certainly was not worth it. It would probably make a lot of noise and slow her down. The passes looked like they would come in handy if her search would need to be furthered to the cathedral. The keys were rather uncharacteristic of the place. Since the shop was supposedly locked up the keys were definitely for something else. ”That's 20 passes, and the keys...” she said as she turned her attention to the jar of candies.

While the blond was busy taking what she needed she heard a noise coming from the alley. ”Damn it. Need to move fast,” she whispered as she struggled to steal some pops from the jar. She did not have time to choose which to take, so she took some at random. ”I hope I got some grape,” she said to herself as she stuffed her rough and ready sling with the bonbon. As she finished she darted out the door stealthily hoping not to run into whatever was back there.

.::Cecily::.

Cecily left from the back door of the gift shop and was once again in the alley way. She had a rough estimate of where the sound was and she went the other way; avoiding the source of the noise. However, this was when she heard footsteps approaching and from a corner a man emerged and he was running frantically. He passed Cecily without a glance and continued to run with haste. Another cloaked figure appeared around the corner and he threw a dagger at the running man. According to Cecily's prediction, the dagger would hit the back of the man's head and only Cecily would be able to stop it if she chooses to do so.

((OOC: Cecily took 5 lollipops; 2 grape flavor and 3 orange flavor.../e2))

Arc

Arc noticed a lot and thought, "Looks like the other warriors are doing okay. Though I think I should follow the suspisious guard because someone like that is bound to know quite a bit about this city." Arc then went for that alley then stopped leaned against wall and took a short glance down the alley which the guard went down. Then to avoid looking suspious watched the choir and crowd as he thought about what he saw.

Artemis

The little boy had long stopped crying and he was as lively as the other two. It was as if nothing happened, well not exactly since Artemis was with them now. The child continued to hold onto her hand, grasping it tightly like a bottle on a cork. The children were even kind enough to give her a lollipop which she currently held in her free hand. She looked at it with blank eyes and a funny frown shown on her face, creasing her lips. Artemis was debating whether to eat it or not. It wasn't as if the boys had poisoned her lollipop, but it was rather that she couldn't eat it. Artemis never had a huge appetite, and she felt fine for right now, but eating it could make her feel rather horrible. Just before she was going to make her decision, the children broke out in song, chanting,

"The Twin Goddess of Igros
The Twin Goddess of Igros
Both beautiful, almighty and well respected
They came, they saw and they conquered the monsters
All hail the Twin Goddess of Igros!"

That's it! she thought excitedly. Somehow the words had a strange effect on her, as if it made her remember something else. The song probably had no effect on anyone else, but to Artemis it made her realize one big mistake.

She vividly remembered Lindy telling them that the rogues were twins, but what kind? Artemis had met back in her human years, two children born on the same day and time from the same mother, except one was male and one was female. She also remembered seeing two children that looked alike as if they were just reflections off of the mirror.

She had thought of them as the mirror twins, the identical twins. But what if they were the type that didn't look alike?

Of course identical twins are easier to spot since there are two, but if the twins don't look alike, then this makes the task even harder, Artemis thought, We'll just be looking for two seperate people, and they might not even be the same gender!

She was concentrated in deep thought that she didn't notice that from the excitement early on she had almost cracked a side of her lollipop. Luckily it hadn't broken off and no one around her had noticed anything weird.

She was approaching the stage with the children and the little boy wasn't holding her hand anymore. He had left her to play with his friends, and currently they were running in circles around her.

She gave a smile towards the kids. They really did seem rather cute, and free-spirited. Should she ask them a question that was pretty much going to be a feeble lie? She approached the boy who had bumped into her earlier and asked, "Have you seen any twins around here with pale cornflower hair? I'm supposed to meet up with my friends who are twins, but I've had no luck finding them."

She looked at his friends. "Have you guys seen any twins?", she asked hopefully. It was a pretty hopeless attempt, since the children probably didn't know any twins. Artemis also felt guilty for lying to these kids. They really didn't deserve to be decieved by her, but what else could she do?

.::Arc::.

He saw the captain of guards with another fella; the fella looked familiar....The thought struck him; wasn't that fella the performer who was throwing darts earlier? How did he get to this alley that fast? "Please kind sir, I have to visit the Goddess in the Cathedral! Take me to them for I have a very important request!" the guard begged the fella.

"Alright then, see you in the Cathedral, the gates are open for tonight as its a joyous occasion."

With the promise secured, the guard gratefully thanked the fella before heading they walk to the direction where the exit of the alley was; the very spot where Arc was acting nonchalantly and eavesdropping on them as he chose not to enter.

.::Artemis::.

The boy and his friends stopped running around in circles and gathered around Artemis when she posed them questions. "What's pale cornflower hair?" the boy looked at his little friends who all shrugged and shook their head; it seems like the kids do not have marvelous vocabularies. One of his little girl friends spoke up, "One of the big sisters in the Cathedral is very pretty! The other one too!" The group of child agreed unanimously and another spoke out, "They're the ones on our lollipops! The kind big sisters!" and they took out more lollipops from their pockets and showed it to Artemis.

.::Lindy & Alanna::.

"Thanks Alanna, great job!" Alanna beamed brightly in the dark alley and continued with her stories; narratives on where she had been, what she had done and why she chose to do so. Her "ranting" never stopped and she never paused to ask for Lindy's opinions. Lindy just left Alanna to her own for she seemed rather happy being just about to narrate her stories without getting a reply.

"I wonder where the others are? Its already time..."