Tyme watches as all this unfolds unmoving, having planned to observe from the beginning. He holds a hand in front of his eidolon as he pulls out a holy symbol given at the beginning of the game, a stone carving of a twisted rose. Holy energy rises from the center of the petals before blossoming out in a flash of light healing Titus once, then again as he looks still injured
He puts away the rose and looks to Titus as the healing energy's weld his skin and flesh together again
"I wasn't planning to move from the beginning. There's no reason to rush into the unknown"
"Oh boy, first steps in the dungeon and I've had to heal him twice... Is it even worth going on with him?... I have the pearl if things get sticky... I'll give him a little more time to prove his worth"
Titus nods to Tyme as he slowly looks about the room. His breathing becomes methodical as the heals wash over his meditative stance.
"F&*%. F!~& f%$& f$$& f++@. This room can do that much already???"
Titus' eyes slowly open nearly twenty minutes later as he motions towards the door with a grunt "Hmmm... We might need to do this each level... There are traps on the torches.... and surrounding the door... And looks like they had those two in case a group came in.... I will show you. Step only where I step, Tyme. Consider it a favor for the heals. We'll keep trading to survive this."
Tyme looks at tidus then to the floor in front of him before taking out his scythe from his back and throwing it on to the ground in front of him
"Let me test this"
As Tyme begins to put his scythe to the ground Titus grabs it just above a unactivated trap as he shakes his head "No. The door is rigged as well. I should activate it. I do not trust this one...."
Titus walks into the door knowing of the trap and bears his chest against it. The Doorman laughs from outside as a large mallet swings down on the dragon "Hahahahahahahaha, Welcome to the Dungeon, Dirty Duo."
Titus is bloodied once more against the trap as he grunts "A hammer.... Not a worthy death for either of us. Time to find a better way to die, healer."
As Titus begins to move forward, the Doorman sounds again "Wait... don't forget your rewards, hahaha. You're going to need them."
Two red crystals float slowly towards Tyme as three float towards Titus, hovering and shining in the air before each player.
"....Not gold, then. Crystals only it seems." Titus looks over to Tyme "That worth it to you?"
Tyme looks at the crystals and takes them before shifting them into his pack eidolon following close behind before pulling out the rose carving again to channel energy.
"If you could avoid being injured more then neccesary, I do actually have a limit on these..."
Seeing most of the wounds welded together he puts the rose away putting the scythe back on his back
"I agree. There was no way to pass through this door without activating the trap. Based on how long it took my eyes to find this one.... I don't believe anyone could disarm it either.
As for your healing... let me know if you get low. My vitality is nowhere near where I want it to be as a front liner."
Titus' voice was deep but clean and clear. There was a slight elvish like nobility to it with the way he moved his head and spoke with his hands. Though, of course, the sight of a dragon speaking elegantly was a bit odd.
"I'm unsure of when or how to use these... Let's press forward then."
As Titus opened the door he threw another arm out to stop the healer from passing "Hmmmmm......." He gestures forward ever slightly "Look. It's some sort of... Stone slide...."
"Oh my god. It's going to go into a pit of razors. Or blades. Or there will be a guillotine at the end of it. I can't do this. I can't f+!~ing do this. I don't want to die! Just leave, grab the pearl and leave!"
Tyme looks down the stone slide tilting his head.
"Shame the torches were trapped, a torch might come in handy. I could send wosdah down first but if he dies I can only bring him back in a much weakened state tomorrow. I have no way to heal him as of yet.
"Hmmmm.... You know...." Titus bares both of his claws in a showmanship fashion at Tyme "I could climb down it, instead of slide... that way if there was anything there we could much more easily attempt to avoid it..... Don't come down until I yell up for you, then. By the way..."
Titus begins readying himself over the stone slide as he very carefully and slowly climbs down "What does that Eidolon of yours do?"
His voice echoes about as you watch his tail vanish into the darkness by the end of his words. You can still hear him perfectly well despite the reverberation- at least for now.
Tyme looks down the slide into the darkness as he speaks.
"Its mostly a preventative measure from things coming up and fighting me. It is my guardian of a sort, it strikes out with tentacles and bites if anything should deign to attack me... It can also swim well should that ever be of interest. Technically it is made of air so it also resists electricity"
"Hmmm..... A last resort body guard.... being of nature myself... I should find one. Perhaps something cute. Like a bear, or a tiger." A chortled laughter can be heard from the dragon as he continues to scale down.
It takes Titus nearly half an hour to make his way down the slide, but he makes it down without any harm to himself. Despite his human self fretting and worrying Titus gives a small tang of his claws to the stone slide "Alright Tyme. Come on down. It's safe. Looks like there's a few clattering bone bodies for me to take care of, but that's it."
"That may have been.... one of the stupidest... bravest things I've ever done. Damn you Titus. Your noble bravery is going to get both of us killed you stupid dragon!"
Tyme sits in the slide and slides down cursing the inward feeling of joy he feels at the action. He soon arrives at the bottom and looks around spotting the skeletons at the bottom through a portcullis as they pass. Wosdah quickly slides down as well, nothing more then a mass of white tentacles
"I see. Undead are certainly one of the few things I can deal with using holy energy but you should probably take care of them instead of me so I may save some power."
"Those skeletons have four arms... I hope they're not to difficult. If he gets shanked down I'm healing him and poofing. I don't need that"
As Tyme slides down and Titus prepares to open the portucullis he watches in horror as Tyme flies out and right against the gate. It gives a loud ringing that echoes through the torch lit area ahead of them.
The slowly patrolling skeletons begin to click and clack as they reset, heading towards the gate themselves in stead. Their four arms all stretch out with blades in hand as they give an unusual hissing noise out loud.
Titus looks at Tyme, then the gate, then the lever. "....So that's the reason for the slide.... I thought it was extremely unusual as I went down.... Tyme, we have two choices."
Titus leaves the lever as he redraws his greatsword. It gleams against his teeth now barred after the skeletons "I can fight them alongside your guardian as you heal us.... Or-" Titus nods to the pearl of protection in a simple pouch at his waist "We can leave. I am unsure of the correct move."
"You're unsure???? You're a f&&~ing dragon! You don't flight you fight! Shit, but dragons have wings.... SHIT, if I die here I die in real life! Titus! What are you saying!"
Tyme gets up off the ground unsteadily clutching his head
"Ow... I am now annoyed...Hold them off, if we can't fight two skeletons there is an issue here. If you get injured I will heal you."
Tyme gestures to one of the skeletons and wosdah seems to still his writhing much like a viper stays steady eyeing its prey
"I can have wosdah fight but as said earlier. I can't heal him. His health is valuable"
"Four. Four skeletons. Each with four arms. Open the gate in just a second...." Titus clenches a clawed fist tightly away from his great sword. After a second or so a vial is digitally constructed right in his hand "I need to be sure we survive this."
Titus takes the vial and dumps it whole into his mouth- the liquid was a bright and bold purple that seemed to radiate with both color and some sort of magic as he drank it. As soon as the liquid was gone this noble and bold color, in an almost exact same fashion, burst into an aura surrounding Titus.
It complemented his golden scales well as if it had adorned him like a wealthy man's silk robe "Now..... Now I'm ready." Titus' muscles flexed as they became much larger, his scales thicker, and his speech much slower.
"Shit shit shit shit shit."
Tyme puts a finger to where a mouth would be
"You know... I could just channel through the door and see if they die. I have enough healing that its not too much of a loss and its better to save health if I can just kill them before you are injured or my guardian is injured"
"My brain... is not at the level it was before.... But if you use them to fight... Then you have less healing... This is floor 2.... of who knows how many.... Save them. Open the gate... I've already buffed myself."
"Alright then"
Tyme pulls the lever opening the portcullis for the skeletons to enter as wosdahs tentacles curl up into a ball ready to fight
Alice spent her time staring at those that shied away from her appearance. She hardly blinked, and if she did, the blood would likely shed itself from her eyes. Her attention snapped to the King and her lip wiggled, black tooth wanting to scrape against the others in a snarl. But she smiled and dipped her head, "It is. Thank you, your Highness."
She inhaled deeply when the King's blood met her forehead. Her skin shifted from looking pale and dead to fresh and peach colored where the blood touched her skin only. She pulled out a Nagakin scale and held it in her hand for all to see, then turned her hand over and let the scale fall upon the ground. Then she steps on it and tries to crush it beneath her boot, but it only dirties it likely.
Then she had left for the stairs, not turning back and not staying around to watch Baris's fun.
As the gates swing open the mudra begin pouring through the gates- one rushes past Titus allowing him to swipe after him with his great sword-
The Mudra is cut down in a single great swipe as he advances towards the Eidolon, but the way Titus' blade cut through it...
He gives a louder snarl as others move to attack him "They have resistances to my blade! Tyme, be careful should you have to fight!"
But just as one Mudra was cut down, Titus immediately falls to the whirlwind skeletons. Their attacks were of a much lower quality... But the multitudes of which they struck out were intense and powerful when landed.
Three in a row, strong and true, hit hard enough to slash Titus' belly open. The rest bounced of his scales, despite his falling just after.
Tyme seeing titus fall decides it is time to try and hold out as he channels energy to make the skeletons fall hopefully putting wosdah between them to attack as well after words
Tyme watches the skeletons crumble under the onslaught of life energy before kneeling next to the out titus and healing him with a touch of healing energy from his healing hex
He watches titus open his eyes again from the healing energy he had given him before saying
"Are you alright titus? I think it might be time to retreat for the moment"
Titus comes back from his sleep roaring with his great sword in his hands before seeing the mudra fallen about him and crumbling into dust.
He sighs as he puts a scaled hand to his head "Hmmmm.... Retreat... Retreat would be a good idea but.... Perhaps we could go forward... Daring and bravery against risk of death..."
"Take the f@$+ing crystal, take the crystal Titus god damn it."
Titus groans as he pulls the orb from his pocket "We need to train more it seems.... perhaps we can farm this dungeon...."
Titus nods to the healer and crushes his pearl of protection in his hand, teleporting him back to the front of the dungeon.
Tyme nods before also crushing his pearl returning to the front of the dungeon.
"I think we should make a better plan of attack before trying the dungeon again"
"Aren't you.... forgetting something?"
The Doorman approaches both Titus and Tyme with a mouthless smile. His deadened eyes seem to gleam in the morning sun as two hands reach out from his purple robes. In each is a set of glistening red crystals, one hand for Titus, one for Tyme.
"You ran out so fast.... heh heh heh... OH, don't be surprised if you're just the little bit exhausted. After all, you were in there for two whole days, hahahahahaha!"
Titus sighs as he looks to Tyme, walking away with a stout stance about him "Hmmmm... No. What we need is more power... Seems I will need armor sooner than I anticipated..... Meet me here tomorrow. I...... must rest....." Titus walks with a rugged step towards the Life Temple in search of lodgings.
'Which blessing do you want to receive? Resistance, gold, metal, or wish.'
Baris bowed and left the court returning to the group. He accepted congragulations as he came slowing his progress, though he defered any scales to the present council.
Seeing that Jellena will likely ask who she should get a blessing from he lets them know a little about each member of the council.
Soon you will find out that the House of Sorrows is a division of the Winter Fae that revere the natural decay and death of all things. They were originally formed by the Weeping King, and based out of the secret fortress Loarim, they are now
Led by Bisarane, a Fae that has caused much controversy concerning his leadership.
Winter Court positions:
King of Sorrows, Bisarane (Previously the Weeping King). Strategic and egotistical.
Delver of the House, Taibreah. She can hear the lingering sorrows in all things. She is a spiritualist. Communing and trying to help sate spirits so they may rest. Compassionate and level headed.
Spy master, Cadoroc. He is secretive even for a spy. Paranoid and cunning.
Queen Belmaid, is actually second in line for the throne and is not married to Bisane. She is ambassador to other houses and is secretary for the council. Patient and calculated.
Magister/Master Wizard Myrcyr. Myrcyr has the Domain of Magic defenses. Modified Memory and enchantments are second nature to him. At some point he'll want to become King. Power hungry and driven.
Lord Lloyd is a casualty of the manipulations of the Winter Court.
Madam of Want, Clistria. She has lived among the other races and learned much, as the females of her position must. Her doctrine is simple and many try to please her to their fullest potential but most fail. She holds powers and rights of the hostels of need/want. Understanding and willing.
Treasurer: Veldron the Wise does his best to make sure that Loarim runs. Calculated and nervous.
"From my observations Taibreah the Delver, Queen Belmaid, Mordriac, or Madam of Want, Clistria would be the best choices."
There was a chuckle from Augrok, as he simply folded his large arms and shook his head at Jellena's question. Despite the fact that these... Fae... were holding this event, he did what he could to remain politely aloof. A slight smile was on his face as he leaned over a fair bit to speak to her somewhat quietly, even his "quiet" voice a fair rumble. "I arrived with the horn ending this event. I am only here to speak with Ironfist." Straightening up to resume his quiet observation of the events going on, he was doing his best to remain a neutral party in all of this, comporting himself as a guest would.
That did not mean that he did not admire the decor, and the fashions, not to mention the feast that was eaten with what he hoped was just enough to be courteous, and not impose. The design of the stone was impressive, and what he was observing of the etiquette was something that he was wanting to make sense of, but that was going to be the extent of his involvement if he could help it. These being fae, he had no doubt that he was going to get addressed at some point.
Alice let her eyes fall upon the room with the circle-pool of blood in the middle. The high arched railings that led the steps downward into the pool were carved and the room was very warm. Turning to the door, she closed it and disregarded her clothes, throwing them onto the floor. Her form was starved, but her arm and a small bit of her forehead were a normal skin tone.
Alice grabbed the railing and slowly descending into the pool's middle, blood pooling over her ankles and up her legs and around her waist. She sunk and sat on the pool's seat, stretching out her legs and lifting them out of the red to wiggle her toes. A girlish laugh reverberated out of her chest, as she let herself slide off of the seat and sit in the middle of the pool. She dipped her head into the blood and flicked it back, sending blood splatters up and down the wall behind the pool, "Aha! This is so, exhilarating!"
She spun herself around and around, keeping herself buoyant with her hands against the inward seat. She grabbed the nearby towel when she was done, sponging up some of the redness and clearing her eyes. Tossing the towel aside, she closed her eyes and lifted her head, with all its fresh looking skin. The blood from her eyes slowly drained down her cheeks, her body swaying and shaking. Mulling over the voices' choices, she rolled her lips over each other, "Mmm, I wish. You have my answer." She opened her eyes, which appeared normal and were a sharp green. Her hair was shifted to a vibrant hazel color, which was currently a dark red with all the blood soaked into it. The seam around her neck faded, and she wiggled about with her bloodied hands on her cheeks, smiling to herself.
Her teeth were still black though...
Flynn offers the Maid in Black a scale. Whatever you think we have done, we have done to protect innocents....except poor Lloyd. Nobody can ever protect poor Lloyd. But he didn't seem so innocent. Maybe Alice, she isn't into protection of innocents. Anyways, I may exaggerate and I may offer you this bribery-like tribute in hope that you continue to befriend us. I even make another not-so subtle inquiry on how you go about detecting poison.
Flynn smiles easily, though the blue eyes have some layer of pain while gazing at the Maid in Black. So much like my Real Life old girlfriend. I wonder if Thomas deliberately used Lisa as the model for the Maid in Black. How much did he remember me bragging and ranting about her during those after work "ever so-Happy" hours at the bar...
Flynn focuses, realizing he is standing within reach of Clistria's, Madam of Want, pheromones. We broke up for a reason. I can't get involved with another high maintenance Lisa wannabe.. And the Spiders? Is this Thomas's sense of humour saying Lisa is a creepy woman?... I wonder if he is trapped here too. What would he say about me travelling with Alice of the Red Cloak?
Flynn moves towards the Queen, away from the Madam of Want Sphere of Influence, noticing that Ms Darkling is still eating, having sought her out while lost in thought. Your Majesty, Queen Belmaid. I understand you represent Ambassadors. I would like your Blessing for my last scale. I am Jeffrey Flynn. Flynn bows low, over-riding the movement enhancements of the armor. The cynical armor is pouting as it has seen several of its pawns murdered by Winter Fae.
As you can see, I possess the armor and shield of the House of Courage. Please appoint me with status as Ambassador. I would represent of the House of Courage within Loarim. I have traveled with both Baris, the newly honored Troll Lord, and Alice of the Red Cloak. One of many reasons I did not bathe in the Pool of Prey - I did not want His Majesty Bisarane, King of Sorrows, losing face by having to provide blessing to the House of Courage by Hunt Tradition.
Titus finishes his meditation and advancements slowly over the next 12 hours of the previous day. Each crush of a crystal opened up an access portal revealing the abilities he could choose, trees of powers he could follow.
There were so many that his controller could only decide the obvious; more health, more armor, and better chances against round 2 with those Mudra.
He appears in the same meditative stance he had on their first night before the dungeon, awaiting Tyme with his great sword in his lap.
He did his best to ignore the Doorman despite his aging on and giggling at their previous failure.
Tyme shows up not much longer looking much the same as when they last parted, not surprising considering they only met the day before. He nods to titus as he approaches
"Perhaps... We will progress a bit further this time?"
The only difference that might be noticed on tyme is the fact that several plants hang from his pack now as well as a couple bottles and such. The tentacled creature wodahs is there as well.
She pouts at what Jeffery first points out, obviously not much can be said.
"Lloyd was a decaying story. Befriend you, perhaps our deal has not shown to be lucrative yet. Detecting poison, as you asked before, by magic." She says simply nearly with no emotion as she takes the scale.
Queen Belmaid nods to Jeffery as he bows. She tries her best to repeat the name, "Jeffray Flinn, So as your blessing you ask to be our ambassador with the the House of Courage? He is not the Troll Lord yet." She only nods at the last remark.
Mordriac comes back into the hall and returns to his seat. Many of his adepts come to him and give him scales. Then most of the elves do the same and several of the fey. After a good while after all the other court/council members have been free for a while Mordriac seems to be available again.
King Bisarane returns to his throne and picks at his food, speaking with Queen Belmaid or Myrcyr the wizard when they are not occupied with citizens.
The Delver of the House, Taibreah. Speaks with quite a few of the citizens collecting scales and delivering blessings.
Spy master, Cadoroc plays with a dagger and ignores most that bring him a scale sending them away.
Queen Belmaid, is the busiest of the council/court members with citizens. She deflects any inquiry besides the business of blessings.
Master Wizard Myrcyr sits besides the king whispering with him and glaring at the halfling interloper. He happily accepts a few scales from fey and Fae alike but does not seem to be that popular.
Madam of Want, Clistria accepts scales from mostly male Fae, nymphs, and dryads. She happily entertains those who search for her much longer than any of the other court/council members. Her influence is palpable as anyone standing too close becomes under her aphrodisiac pheromones.
Treasurer Veldron the Wise takes scales and writes out papers in exchange to the few that seek him out.
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Another figure stands to the side of the dungeon. As the others begin to approach the dungeon he intercepts them. His hood still covering much of his features, you notice the purple glow that his eyes emit. The cloak he wears is crimson red with black lining, it covers his entire body but still seems to not impede his movement. He smiles and says, "Greetings, my name is Delman. DPS range looking for a party. My normal crew is training and taking time off would you care for one more?" Besides the crimson cloak you see two handles poking out of his exterior pockets.
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Jellena leads Garret and Aien to the court, the two likely following her every step. Taking Baris' advice she goes to Tailbreah. Curtsying the best she can she politely offers her scale and asks, "Greetings my name is Jellena Darkling, Chosen and priestess of the Temple of Death. What precisely could I ask for a blessing? It seems like you are the closest court member that deals with religion."
The others go to the queen and the treasurer.
Orik stays at the table with Mr. Manyteeth and Ironfist nodding to the two he says, "Yeah, I am of the House of Ballads. Another Fae faction, one of summer and life. I will not be joining their ranks even though I have no official part to the House of Ballads."
"I have my own problems ahead of me, there is no need to enter into connections with the Fae. Nuetrality is best in my present state." Ironfist chuckles back in response to Orik. Then looking to his new associate he asks, "Augrok, what do you want to know, learn, or develop? If you have no other associations we can begin your training."
The Awakening is affecting the Maid in Black. Given the myths of immortality among Fae, it is amusing that a long-lived Fae is commenting about terms in something less than a week old.
Flynn's blue eyes sparkle with subtle cheerful mirth while meeting the Queen's gaze. I don't quite understand. But I do admire your poise and graceful acknowledgement, Your Majesty. True, Baris has not gone through the month long wait for the Troll Lord quest... I can think of no other to provide the scale to in an official capacity. Flynn sets the scale down for Queen Belmaid.
Bowing with respect, With your permission, I'll let you chat with your next visitor. Flynn backs away with grace, amused by the armour's ability to move away from a potential threat.
Was the House of Courage was really courageous? Seems the Fae we encountered at the Cave Lodge was almost good at Fleeing.
Titus keeps his scaled eyes closed as he lets out a small rumbling hum as he stands "A third.... Of course you may join. dps.... I am the aspiring tank. I have no armor yet, but my health has grown significantly. Tyme is our healer. Perhaps today I will stand long enough to see it." Titus gave a chortled and grunting laugh as he nodded to Tyme's figure. "We haven't released anything on it yet, but we should tell you of what we've seen so far."
Spending some few hours gathering what you can you learn that the council rules over the House of Sorrows with a rather loose hand, most do what they want within reason. It seems no one knows of Vellcrax or why the hunt begins at the lake. It is steeped in myth.
Tailbreah offers her hands so that she may hold Miss. Darkling's, and she politely says, "It is nice to meet you Jellena Darkling, yes I am the closest council member associated with religion. As a new citizen and one that we would love to keep, you could ask for all sorts of blessings. You may want to create a temple in Loarim, increase how you influence others, or increase your healing powers, those are blessings that I could easily bestow or allow to happen."
Aien meets with the treasurer and leaving his scale comes back to the group with a parchment. Garret meets with the queen and comes back with a smile on his face.
As Titus spoke and ushered over Tyme to speak on the contents of the Dungeon a strange feeling entered Delman's mind.
It was like waking up after a nightmare to find everything alright. No matter how much you comforted yourself you were still left violated and disturbed.
Whats worse was that the voice was jovial and excited while seeming to come from nowhere So the dirty duo becomes the Filthy Three? Hahaha keep this up and you all will be dead in no time! Oh.... But then who will I play with? Skeletons I suppose. Heh heh... Little rascals."
As the words end Delman notices a purple robed and mouthless man smiling and waving at him from the Dungeon door. His eyes are beady and smiling as they look him over.
Tyme looks upon this new addition with little expression from his shadowy features, however the cores glow from his chest turns a dull white.
"Hmmm, just do not be unnecessarily injured... I only have a limited amount of healing..."
He rubs his thumb on the rose carving he has on him before putting it at his side yet again looking towards the dungeon keeper.
"... What an @*&hole..."
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...Ironfist chuckles back in response to Orik. Then looking to his new associate he asks, "Augrok, what do you want to know, learn, or develop? If you have no other associations we can begin your training."
The address that was given to him demanded proper respect, and he unfolded his arms to turn his sizable frame to face Ironfist, respectfully, deferentially, though the jovial grin did return. "My intent is to pursue and perfect the Grappling Arts." Spreading his arms to grant a display of his physique, he explained more. "I wish to be able to meet and best any opponent I may meet with no more than this body, these empty hands, and my force of will." His arms had returned to his side, with only his spread hands as illustration.
"I have no associations, and do not intend to have many, as that will distract me from my pursuit." His grin had faded to a bit of a smile, but his expression spoke of his resolve.
Tyme chuckles "I have as much healing specced in as I can, not just channel. I am practically a mobile hp dispensary"
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Jellena takes the hands of the Fae and shakes her head before she kindly responds, "I will ask for your wisdom to make the best choice in how to augment my healing."
Once she has been imbued by Tailbreah she touches foreheads with her, thanks her and comes back to the group.
More giddy than anyone has seen her before she happily says, "I just learned how to augment my channels using my charisma, now I add my charisma score to my channels!!!"
Titus looks over Delman "The first floor, as far as we know, is a series of traps. The game calls it the "Welcome Room".... It is anything but. The traps are as dangerous so far as the skeletons in the floor below...."
Titus holds both of his arms out in a crooked manner as he demonstrates how the Mudra attack "I took one down with ease, and Tyme finished the rest... But they have so many attacks looking for an opening at once... Had they moved in on Tyme at the same time we may not have survived."
"F*$& you Titus. You still wanted to stay down there. Crazy dragon. Glorious death seeker. What a wonder you play a tank- you have a death wish!"
"But.... hmph. That was yesterday. Today we have come back much stronger. The Dungeon gives, as expected, good rewards. Over enough time we will conquer the entire thing."
Alice soaked for quite some time before she placed a wet hand along the railing, lifting herself upward. Blood dripped and pooled around the floor as she stepped on the cooler floor. She waved her hand about and finally found the towel rack, sponging up her face again. Winding the towel around her head and hair, she sat on the steps to the tub and waited for her skin to dry. Such a healthy pink she was.
Some time later, she was dressed again and smelled heavily of iron and blood. Her hair was combed and straightened downward, a heavy brown with a red tint in color. She descended the stairs, her hand tossing her red cape to hang over one shoulder. Her eyes occasionally leaked blood and it trickled down her cheek and off her chin, but she didn't seem to pay it too much attention.
Alice neared the table that the others had been seated and was busy feeling her fresh skin, hands all over her cheeks and forehead. Then her stomach rumbled fiercely and she clutched it, her will compelling her beast to fetch her whole trays of food, "This hunger is most unwelcome."