*Urk...* Sunset blinks as the fellow's greeting becomes very pointed.
Her gaze focuses upon the gentleman's eyes... (¬_¬)
"Bloke's got t' know his... limitations" As she simply lifts her crackling, blue weapon up and pokes him in the chest.
Asta reaches out ... and shakes Thomas until his bones rattle!
"Snap out of it! Bad guy! Smash! Heal Sunset!"
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Like Asta, Croft is unimpressed by the performance. With a hop and a flap of his wings, the familiar leaps to Seraph's shoulder and yells: "Wake up and smell the bloodshed!"
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Resisting the poison Sunset pull out a lighting weapon and blast the Grim. The Grim does a little dance of his own as the electricity jolts through his body.
Asta tries to rattle Thomas out of watching the dancing lady as Croft tries to awaken Seraph by yelling in her ear. Unfortunately it is all to no avail, the Captivative watcher continue to stare dazealy at the ladies hypnotic movements.
Torod, Strawberry, Thomas and Seraph continue to obliviously watch the dancing lady’s hypnotic movements.
Continuing to dance the Dancing Lady unconserned moves forward smiling at Asta as
Attempts to grapple Torod, ”Hold still my delicious elf.”. Fortunately he retains enough sense to play hard to get and slips out of her grasp.
The Grim shaking off the sonic sound after the zap, he snarls at Sunset and lashes at her with both his clawed hands striking her twice.
to hit
plus poison
to hit
plus poison
Dancing Lady
Grim: +6 damage
Asta: (-1 Con; -1 wis)
Sunset 20+4+2 = 26 damage. (-1 wis) (Poison?)
Torod: (-12 wis)
Strawberry: (-1 wis)
Thomas:
Seraph (-2 wis)
Asta sights on the dancer, opens her mouth -- and no sound comes forth. At least, no natural sound. Inside the dancer's head, there is horrid, painful wailing...
Sunset winces as the b@stard she's fighting draws yet more blood. Dropping her spent weapon she draws the smaller item from her hip.
With the poison seeming to have no effect, she continues to frown at Grim,
"I mean, rilly? Ye should least be putin' effort in't our dance mate...."
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Asta cast an ear-piercing scream that only the dancing lady can hear, while it pains her she doesn't lose her step.
Injured, but still resisting the poison Sunset draws a new weapon and gives the Grim her meanest look which rattiles the fellow causing him to be shaken.
Continuing to dance the elven lady glares at Asta and hiss a magical empowered suggestion {link} ”Flee for your life, run until you can run no more!”
The Grim unsure hisses at Sunset as he claw at her, but fortunately he missed due to her intimidating glare.
to hit
plus poison
to hit
plus poison
Dancing Lady: +2 damage
Grim: 6 damage (Shaken 3-1= 2 rounds -2 tohit, saves, skill, abilities)
Asta: (-1 Con; -1 wis) (Suggestion ?)
Sunset 26 damage. (-1 wis)
Torod: (-12 wis)
Strawberry: (-1 wis)
Thomas:
Seraph (-2 wis)
"I am sorry, Sunset," Asta says... and she turns and runs.
Sunset now grins evilly at Mister grim as a round, glass object appears in her hand.
"So... tell me, Master Grim. Since ye seem ta be lettin' me havin' tha' time ta' bleed... " She eyes the liquid roiling about within the container, showing off its languid amber colour,
"Might it be that you have time ta' burn...?" (¬_¬)
She gauges the fellow's reaction...
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Asta finds the suggestion to run too tempting as she flees down the stairs and out of the central tower through the courtyard and out the gate.
Sunset threatens to burn them both with her flask of amber liquid, but this time the Grim doesn't find her any more scary, but he is still unnerved from her earlier threat.
The grim still shaken strikes out at Sunset the first claw misses, the second shaky claw barely connects leaving a minor cut, but the would is enough to send Sunset into shock as she collapses the fire bomb striking the floor and exploding splashing everyone with a few burning shards. Sunset doesn't feel it due to her natural fire resistance. The other not resistant to fire feel the burn, but it doesn't interfere with their single mindedness of watching the Dancing lady.
Croft continues to fly around inside watching as the Dancing lady continues her dance and the Grim eventually grapples, pin and ties up the dazed heros. He is not gentle in his work and leaves several wounds on those who prove difficult. Striping them of their gear, weapons, and gaging them as well. The dancing lady moves with unglading movements between the tied and helpless heroes sucking blood from each one, but not to the point of death.
Forgotten for now Croft over hear the two gleefully make plans for how they can milk the blood to the captives for days.
Asta under the compulsion of the dancing ladies magic runs and runs until she reaches Tiressia’s Grove where she collapses out of exhaustion. Tiressia, and Falchos are there as well as Perlavish. In addition the the Gnome explorer Jubilost Narthropple and his crew of Gnome explores are there having a nice cup of tea. They all rush over to help.
to hit
plus poison
to hit
plus poison
4 rounds of drain each from Torod, Strawberry, Seraph, and Thomas
3 rounds each from Sunshine
Dancing Lady: +2 damage
Grim: 6+2 = 8 damage
Asta: (-1 Con; -1 wis)
Sunset 26-2= 28 damage. (-1 wis) (dying) (pending -7 STR, -7 Con)
Torod: (-12 wis, -9 Str, -10 Con)
Strawberry: (-1 wis, -9 STR, -14 Con)
Thomas: (-7 STR, -8 Con)
Seraph (-2 wis, -11 STR, -7 Con)
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Having reached Tiressia’s grove, Asta tale that happened before falling asleep from exhaustion.
When she awakes she finds Tiressia dryad druid, her satyr companion Falcos and the Gnome ranger/expert Jubilost Narthropple ready to go rescue her companions. Along the way to the forgotten keep they are joined by Perlivash the faerie dragon and Melianse the nixie sorcerer.
It’s been 15 hours when they get to the keep.
Perlivash turns invisible and scouts out the center tower finds captured allies. lets everyone know via telepathy.
Preparing an ambush everyone hides while Perlivash uses illusion magic aided by Melianse to create the sound and image of a noble elven prince playing a musical horn in just outside the fort’s gate.
The Grim comes out to investigate and falls for a suggestion from both Tiressia and Falcos ”You must convince the dancing lady to come out here to meet the Elven prince while forgetting you have seen us.”
He fails miserably verses both charms and shaking his head returns inside. A few moments later the Grim and Lady come outside. The Lady tries talking to the Elven prince inviting him inside, but the Elven prince only smiles and continue to play his horn.
The ambush starts with Falcons trying to suggest the lady doesn't dance today, she scoffs at his attempt. Tiressia tries to entangle the pair, but they avoid the trap. Melianse uses her magic to hit the Lady with two cold scorching rays which frost her good, followed by a crossbow bolt from Jubilost, and an ear-piercing scream from Asta which the lady shrugs off most of.
Unimpressed, the lady begins dancing, all but Perlivash find the mental will to resist her charms.
The grim attacks the elven prince, discovering it’s only an illusion.
Falchos and Tiressia begin long spells as Melianse fires magic missile at the lady with no effect. Jubilost fairs better with his crossbow hitting her, and Asta vomits a swarm of spiders to attack but finds they can’t harm the two fey.
Avoiding the entanglement the lady cast one of her on on the attackers, but only ensnares Falchos. Grim moves to attack Jubilost hitting him with a claw.
Entangled Falchos manges to complete his spell summing in a wovering flanking the Grim, then tries cause the grim to flee in fear but fails. Raging the wolverine claws and bites the Grim, but their fey magic reist most of the wounds. Tiressia tries to slumber the lady, but doesn't even get a yawn. Melianse elemental ray fails to hit the lady as well. Jubilost switches to a cold iron pick and hits the grim. Asta tries another ear-piercing scream and this time catches the lady with the full effect dazing her.
The lady takes a moment to recover from the sound as the Grim attacks the wolverine with both claws.
Falchos strugles to free himself as his raging wolverine claws and bites the Grim as best it can given the fey’s resistance. Tiressia begins another spell as Melianse hit the Lady with a cold elemental ray. Jubilost hit the grim again with his pick and Asta give the grim an evil eye that leaves it shaken.
Recovered the Lady moves and strikes Asta with a claw. The Grim strikes the wolverine with both claws.
Again Falchos fails to break free, and his raging wolverine misses the Grim. Tiressia cast her spell on the Lady causing her to go into a deep slumber. Melianse hits the Grim with her cold elemental ray. As Jubilost criticaly strikes the Grim with his cold iron pick severely wounding him. Asta evil eyes the Grim again.
With the Lady asleep, the Grim claws Jubilost once.
Still stuck Falchos fails to break free. His wolverine claws and bites the Grim. Tiressia enhances the wolverine’s attacks. Melianse hit the Grim with another cold ray. Jubilost misses with the pick. Asta runs into the Keep to find her companions.
The grim attack Jubilost clawing him once and poisoning him.
Falchos breaks free and exits the entanglement. The raging wolverine rips into the Grim and drops him with a critical claw.
Inside the center tower Asta finds her friends unmoving bound and gagged hanging upside down from the tower’s walls. She quickly check each one
Seraph is still breathing, as is Torod and Sunset. Unfortunately Thomas is dead as is Strawberry.
The survivors are unconscious, severely injured and nearly bleed dry.
Asta finds Torod’s Wyandare fey bane sword and cuts her friends down as Tiressia and Melianse catch up to her in the tower.
Using her healing hex Asta is able to revive the survivors, thou they are severely weaken from the blood lost.
Sunset (-1 wis, -7 STR, -7 Con) (unconscious)
Torod: (-12 wis, -9 Str, -10 Con) (unconscious)
Seraph (-2 wis, -11 STR, -7 Con) (unconscious)
Strawberry: (-1 wis, -11 STR, -18 Con) (dead)
Thomas: (-10 STR, -14 Con) (dead)
Oh my goodness.
Sunset lays where she's been cut down and groans quielty.
"An' I dun't remember touchin' a drop o' rum. Where'd tha' woozy an' this hang over spring from dang it..."
The suffering inflicted on them was worse then she had imagined. Even worse than the Ogre so many years ago. She tried to stop them, tried to prevent them from harming her companions. But slipping into darkness had been a welcomed oblivion as her own oaths began to falter in the face of absolute debased cruelty and being bled like an animal to slaughter.
The words she muttered as she passed out were barely intelligible as she lost consciousness.
When she regained consciousness, she opened her eyes and immediately cried out to her goddess, girding herself in her glory to defend herself from the first thing she saw. Her muscles tore her clothing as she called up all her rage, all her anger so she could fight on. To smite those that would continue to harm them. As she struggled feebly against already loosened bonds her blurry eyes came into focus. Instead of the enemy, what she saw was Asta and upon seeing her face Seraph choked on her own disbelief. Her goddesses might slipped away in the face of being saved. She couldn't help but grab Asta up into the tightest hug she could muster, crying so hard her body shuddered uncontrollably. Because the thought of rescue had been the furthest from her mind.
She had tried to stave off that they were all going to die, that she would fight to the end if she could. But she knew, she had no chance of winning and to see Asta there instead was a godsend...
A Miracle.
"Erastil be praised." Torod's faith never wavered during their ordeal. He prayed constantly even when he felt Strawberry pass. "Strawberry." Torod cries. He sobs.
Later, he's speaking with Asta. "I know how I can be. I know I'm not the easiest person to get along with. I mean you're my best friend in the entire world and all the planes and I mostly stay around to try keep your ego in check. She didn't judge me, but unless we were on a mission or something, she preferred you. I'm the terrible one, but she's the one that died. I don't know if I can keep doing this. I'm thinking about retiring to the Temple of the Elk."
As her strength returns Sunset slowly regains her feet. She moves to place a acomforting hand upon Torod's shoulder, a breif moment of sharing loss, before moving on to:
A) Examine the room the party finds itself surviving in.
B) Moving outside to begin making planequins to help transport the fallen.
Upon seeing Asta. Sunset nods... but remains... distant.
When she eventually regains her composure Seraph rises to her feet with a stagger. She sets her hand against her breast and instills herself with barely enough strength to equip her items once more. For several hours. She can't but overhear what Torod says to Asta, her heart breaking and this time possibly beyond repair.
Seeing Strawberry and Thomas bled like that left her hurting. Though she couldn't speak when Torod thought of leaving, she felt like it wasn't her place. However she kneeled next to Strawberry, lightly touching her head and feeling her body was cool. She stood again and spoke. "I'll sell my blade so we can see them again. Anything you need Torod. Just say the word." With that she nods and goes to those that saved them.
Thanking them and embracing them shakily, her magic the only thing keeping her standing. She heals those she can until her spells are exhausted, she knew that until she healed up she would be useless in battle.
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Torod wakes up
Sunset groans as she starts to recover feeling a bit woozy.
Suffering Seraph, grabs Asta in a tight hug.
Recovering Torod praises Erastil, even as he mourns Strawberry. He thanks Asta, but confides in her this thoughts about retiring to the Temple of the Elk.
Getting to her feet unsteadily, Sunset see that they are in the second floor room of the central tower, the home of the Dancing Lady. Moving outside, she finds Melianse, Falchos, The Gnome Jubilost, and the faerie dragon Perlivash they have tied up the sleeping dancing lady and are guarding her. Her companion the Grim is dead due to an over aggressive wolverine.
Jubilost jumps up seeing that Sunset is staggering out, ”You must rest my lady, you can barely stand let me and Falchos prepare the planequins!” he sets to work with Falchos’ help building two stretchers.
Perlivash thinks gleefully to Sunset ::You should have seen the battle, It was magic flying this way and that, truly stuff of legends. Oh, I’ve spotted where you mounts have wandered off to, I’ll get them:: as he flutter off.
Unsteady on her feet, Seraph regains her composure and kneels next to Strawberry she offers Torod her help. Seraph heals what she can until exhausted.
You recover your gear piled up in the center tower and in addition you find what treasure the Dancing Lady possessed salvaged from the ruins or stolen from her victims:
A life-size alabaster statue of a nude, dancing elven woman (900gp) a masterwork harp, a small carved jade statuette of a coiling snake (75gp), and an ancient filigreed elven water clock (1000gp). The Lady’s bed is covered with a snow-white bearskin coverlet (50gp). A finely carved wooden wardrobe beside the bed holds two royal outfits (200gp each), three courtier’s outfits (30gp each), and several other tasteful, once-expensive articles of clothing ( heavily stained with blood and worthless). A small wooden coffer atop a rosewood table containing 3 vials of exotic perfume (100gp each), a gem-studded tiara (350gp), and an elixir of love. A nearby chest holds 431sp and 370gp in leather sacks.
The faerie dragon Perlivash fritters back after a few minutes with the hero’s wayward mounts, being lead by a large red scaled human-ish looking dragon. Perlivash thinks to the group ::See I found the horses, or rather I find this person who found the horses. Once I explained who the horse belonged to, Arctorus insisted on returning them! I think he’s some sort of were-dragon not a proper dragon for sure, there is the strong smell of magic about him too! Anyway you should thank him for taking care of you mounts.::
Sunset (-1 wis, -7 STR, -7 Con) (unconscious)
Torod: (-12 wis, -9 Str, -10 Con) (unconscious)
Seraph (-2 wis, -11 STR, -7 Con) (unconscious)
Strawberry: (-1 wis, -11 STR, -18 Con) (dead)
Thomas: (-10 STR, -14 Con) (dead)
Sunset nods and accepts Jubilost's medical advice. Plopping down next to the restrained Lady. Sunset proceeds to tak eone of her rolled items from a pocket and light the end.
It is as she's savouring the effects of said smouldering item that, "Perlivash flitters back after a few minutes with the hero’s wayward mounts, being lead by a large red scaled human-ish looking dragon..."
Sunset stands slowly and offers a hand,
"Thank'e much fer roundin' up them strays." She offers a smile, though iit's still a pale shadow of her usual, wry self.
The...creature...the size of a giant, kneels down and hands over the horse reigns to Sunset. ”I had thought that I was lucky, finding horses. But this little one,” he points out Perlivash, ”told me they had owners. It would have been wrong to try and trade them.”
He begins untieing the vine he had used to tether the reigns together so he could lead them easier. ”I want no trouble,” he says, eyeing the large group warily. He has a massive, well made great axe strapped to his back and an ornate but muddy black breastplate on his chest with a red dragon painted on the front. He has clearly seen some hard times. ”Just wanted to see these returned...”
Sunset nods, puffing absently on her cigar, as she accepts the riegns of Fluff.
"Aye, agin thank ye fer roundin' 'em up." She tilts her head.
"I'm happy t'be known as 'Sunset'." She points to her self and offers a hand for shaking.
"I'll let t'others set their own introductions." She glances over a shoulder, her features turning a bit grimmer. "Sadly... Weve just come through a rough patch so... Folks might not be tha' most 'Uppity' about now...." Her voice trails off then she looks back to Arctorus.
"They.... grow 'em big where you're from, huh..."
"Squark" And proceeds to look around for small sized critters to eat...
Though the straps (Hobbles) placed around the bird's legs limit it's movment some what....
Arctorus turns his eyes to the ground. ”I...I wasn’t always like this. I don’t know what...it...it doesn’t matter,” he says as he carefully takes Sunset’s hand in the tips of his claws to shake. She can tell the claws are very sharp themselves.
”If, if it would make you all more comfortable...” he touches the hat on his head and his form shifts into that of a giant sized knight in platemail. ”I can’t hide my size, but I can look more...normal, for a time.”
Sunset smiles at the large fellow's reply.
"Nah Luv. There's more'n enough folks whut be of tha' opine about bein' 'Different'." She replies in turn, before moving off and seeing to Fluff's feed bag to keep the feathered beasty settled.
"Heck, y'self an Seraph over yonder look like ye'll have loads a stuff ta' tak about." She inclines her head towards where Seraph and Lady Asta are exiting the tower.
"You too, Seraph. I've said terrible things to you and you are still my friend. I don't get it. Why. Just why?" Torod stays prone. Not even trying to get up.
As the rest of you make your way out of the tower, you see a towering man in gleaming armor kneeling and speaking to her. As you come into view, he rises to a height of about thirteen feet and approaches you with thunderous steps.
”Hello. I am Arctorus. I found your horses and bird. I gave them to the one there called Sunset. She says you have had trouble. I don’t want you to worry, I mean you no harm.”
She sighs at Torod's words, staggering over to him and offering him a hand. Albeit a shaky one as Her gear was pushing her to her limits. "Ye gods Torod. Friends should expect the worse for each other, keep the ego in check like you said. Though we may disagree in interpreting each other's faith. We have come too far to throw aside our comradery over well-shaped hips. So stand up, before I fall over looking down at you." She had a hand on one shaky knee now, her inhuman arms appearing more masculine than ever.
__________________________________________________________
Outside the tower Seraph staggers to a halt before the tall gleaming man. Her face flushes and she nearly doubles over with the shock running through her system. "Arshea Test Me."
She stands then, putting out a shaky hand in greeting to the large, towering, Arctorus. "Merry Meet Arctorus, I am Seraph Starsky and I hope Julius didn't bite you?"
Said horse frumphs his lips at her, surly as ever.
"Thank you for taking care of them."
”They were fine. No trouble,” he says as he takes her hand between his fingers. When he grasps your hand, the tips are not soft flesh per his appearance, but sharp and hard, like talons.
"I don't know that I can." With some difficulty, Torod manages to raise to a standing position. "You know I have always liked the sway in your hips. Only a few years ago, I would have been willing to throw our friendship away for a chance to really see them in action. If you could get Asta and Sunset to join us, I still would." He winces in pain as he chuckles at his own joke.
"Erastil's Horns!" Torod almost falls over at first sight of the massive Arctorus. "You must be your mother's last child." he clears his throat. "I mean, well met."
Arctorus hangs his head a bit, ”I don’t remember my mother. But well met. I am glad to meet people who do not treat me like a monster. I didn’t ask to be like I am,” he replies to Torod.
Torod hangs his head in shame. "See, Seraph. I'm no damn good. I offend by accident at first meeting someone."
"I apologize to you, stranger. I did not know and did not intend to offend you. If there is a monster here, it is I."
”No. No offense. There is lots I don’t remember. It takes a monster to know a monster. And trust me, you are not like me,” Arctorus says in a matter-of-fact tone.
"If I had the inclination Torod, I'd have longed for the same. Many friendships are born out of trust both physical and intimate. Though, I think, Croft will peck your eyes out if you were so lucky or forceful." She gives a weak smile at her own rather poor attempt at a joke.
________________________
Seraph was a mixture of masculine and feminine humanoid features. Though her arms were far more muscular then was the norm. She has an unsual choker around her neck that appears to be pinned permanently in place like a slave collar. Despite how tight it looks it doesn't affect her breathing...
At the strange feeling she attempts to hold on to one of his massive fingers. Or she would have if she had had the strength to do so, instead she stumbles forward a few steps closer when he withdraws his massive hand. After recovering, barely, she looks back up at him more praising gaze.
Seraph attempts to see though the statuesqe mans appearance...
At Torods words she gives the Elf a hearty laugh. With much regret as she wheezes for breath from pain. "Understand Torod has lost a dear friend, he is also as blunt as the back of an axe. But he never lies to anyone. However hiding things from him or any of us for that matter is ill advised. Monster or not. Though I am interested to know your story Arctorus, call me intrigued. But please excuse me." She said a part of it quietly for just Arctorus before speaking more plainly again. She held no judgement and favored him with a weak but warm smile.
She approaches their allies and asking plainly. "Does anyone know Gentle Repose? I would like to return them home in one piece please..." Again her heart was breaking, but she held onto the hope that they could try and bring one of them back at least if not both.
"Before we leave, are there any artifacts of the elves? I promised someone I would bring something back for them. I want to keep my word."
From where she leans upon Fluff Sunset indicates...
"Well.. there's that naffy statue of tha' dancin' girl we found. It does look right fetchin'..." She remnds Torod.
Arctorus catches Seraph's intoned meaning behind her quiet statement to him. He sighs and says, "Very well, but I simply ask you not be frightened by my appearance. I did not choose to be this. I used to be like you..."
He touches the helm on his head, and his appearance changes to that of a giant sized draconian creature. He has a massive, well made great axe strapped to his back and an ornate but muddy black breastplate on his chest with a red dragon painted on the front. He has clearly seen some hard times, but the gear is expertly made.
He holds his claws open, palms forward, in an attempt to show he is unarmed. Though, you can tell that even without a weapon, his claws alone could rend flesh easily enough.
Torod wishes to slay her. Wyandarch was made for just such an occasion. If only it were cold iron too. Though he is not as vehement about her punishment as he has been in the past.
After the battle, when the two evil Fey have been dealt with, Asta is relieved to find as many of her friends alive as she does -- and horrified to find those dead that she does. When Seraph hugs her, the Witch Queen returns it with as much force as she can muster and finds advisable, given the circumstances.
In spite of her relief at seeing her friends, her comrades, Asta is taciturn as the group is brought back out into the light of day. Her expression is cold, anger roils behind her blue eyes as she regards the Dancing Lady -- and then Torod speaks, and her cold mask of fury crumbles into compassion and shared grief.
"Torod, I," she starts to say, then shakes her head. "You do yourself an injustice. Strawberry knew you better than any of us, she would not have been such a loyal companion if you were as bad as you think. Stay. I think I can bring her back, you see. It would require a spell above my power, but if we can get a scroll of Gentle repose and I can teach it to Croft, we can extend the grace period until we acquire the other spell. We'll use this miserable fiend's treasure to pay for the costs."
Arctorus' appearance only makes Asta raise an eyebrow.
"Stranger, I mean you no harm, and I do not Judge you by your appearance. In fact, I would invite you to join us in our capitol of Greenheart. You may find a place there for your skills and power. But if you will forgive me, I have other matters to deal with just now, and two deaths to deal with."
Passing over to the Dancing Lady, Asta calls close the Fey who came to the party's aid.
"Friends," she says, smiling at them and extending her hands to the Light Fey. "I do hope you will not object to my calling you friends, for you have delivered my closest comrades from perdition. Friends, before us lies a multiple murderer. If she had fallen in battle, that would be that. But now she lies before us a prisoner, and though she is a stain upon the good name of your noble people, she is of Fey. Will you object if we level battlefield justice upon this creature? Would you prefer to make the judgement yourselves? If the answer is "no" to both, then I shall ask Torod to end this blight -- as soon as we have awoken her to face her doom."
”What is Greenheart. I haven’t heard of it,” he says as he tilts his head in confusion. He turns to Seraph as Asta walks off, and adds ”Will I...will I be free?”
Sunset gives Arctorus a re-assuring thump in the arm as she ambles past from securing Fluff. "Aye Luv. No need t' fret about yer state of affairs..." She tries to set his doubts to rest.
She comes to stand besides/above/about the prone lady.
Arctorus looks down at the bound woman, then back to Asta. "She a bad lady? She kill?"