You find yourself in a tavern. As most adventures start this way you feel something beckoning you towards this humble keep of adventurers and booze. The town you are in now sit at the foot of a mountain range. The summer filled grass fields are dazzled with flowers, but looking up you know the legends you’ve heard. A kingdom in the very mountains this quaint village and tavern lie below. A kingdom lead by a great red dragon king, and a beautiful human woman. The thought of an offspring between the two crosses your mind. You can only imagine how important and powerful that theoretical heir would be. Before you can think more on the subject you hear shouting and what sounds like people betting. Turning your head towards the noises you see a large muscular orc man arm wrestling with a cloaked figure. The cloaked figure was obviously a woman, given her modest bust. The woman was much smaller, but muscular and fit in her own right. A few strands of dark red hair peaked from her hood. Her cocky grin shows a few sharper teeth. Though, her cloak looked like she got it from the trash with how tattered it was. The orc’s arm gave. The cloaked woman cheered and started collecting the money bet on her
As the women collect their money after winning, he goes to the bar when her attention turns to a strange-looking wepon belonging to Toji. A weapon without a blade seemed useless to every traveler because how could you kill monsters with it
You can't help but notice the strange weapon Toji carries. It looks more like a... club? A staff with spikes instead of a flail? Either way, it's something you have never seen before. Curiosity gets the better of you and you decide to approach him at the bar, asking about its use and origin. "That is quite the unique weapon you carry there, friend." You say in between gulps from your mug of ale. "Care to tell me more about it?"
sighs “Its name is Playful Cloud"
Oh really? Now that you mention it, it does look a bit like a cloud. But playful... Well, I guess anything can be playful in the right hands. Or rather, arms. You grin at TOji and take another swig of ale. "So why do you carry around something so unique?"
"Oh, uh..." TOji stammers for a moment before continuing. "It has... special properties." He says mysteriously, trying to sound important. "You see... it's made from the finest materials and crafted with ancient techniques. Its shape was chosen specifically for its ability to deflect and manipulate magic."
"Oh really?" You say, your interest piqued now. "And what kind of spells can you deflect with that thing?" You point at the staff curiously. TOji seems excited to finally have someone who's interested in his treasure, and he eagerly explains every
“It still remains to be discovered. I assure you that he rarely fails in the fight against magicians. The Funny Cloud is a three-piece staff connected by three rings between the weapon's joints. Each staff is decorated with a flame-like design at the ends of the metal, which connects to the chains.” shows the newcomer how the whole stick is divided into 3 parts connected by a chain
You nod along, paying close attention as TOji explains the staff's inner workings. It sounds truly fascinating, and you can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy that he gets to carry such an amazing weapon around. "So," you say with a grin, "let me guess: you're looking for someone else to test it out against?"
TOji blushes slightly at your direct question. "Well... yes, I suppose that's part of it." He confesses awkwardly. You chuckle softly and take another drink, studying him carefully. There's something about this TOji fellow that intrigues you. Perhaps it's the way he carries himself, or his obvious excitement over such mundane things as weapons and spells... Either way, you find yourself wanting to get to know him better.
"Well," you say casually, trying not to
the innkeeper turns to the woman, pouring Toji a drink Innkeeper: “Don't you know who he is, Lady? This is Tōji, the Sorcerer Killer known throughout every part of the continent for having caught and killed more wicked magicians on contract than the Templars themselves." Zapis innkeeper
Oh! You're quite the legend yourself then, aren't you? All these magicians must be outmatched by your sheer... charm. Well, in that case, I suppose you could always use someone like me to put Playful Cloud through its paces. I wouldn't mind a little adventuring outside of my usual stomping grounds for once. What do you say? Want to team up and cause some trouble together?"
She grinned at him playfully, taking another swig of her ale as she leaned in slightly closer. It was obvious that she was flirting with him now, but there was also a hint of genuine interest beneath the surface. What would TOji's response be?
waves hand "The innkeeper's words are a bit of an exaggeration. But let's just say that I am famous in certain parts of the continent, but here my services are superfluous because no sorcerer will dare to practice black magic on the lands of King Behomta's ."
You chuckle at his modesty. So he's not as big a deal here as you thought... or is he just playing it down to seem more approachable? You shrug the thought aside, deciding that either way, it doesn't really matter. What does matter is the fact that he seems interested in adventuring with you, and that Playful Cloud of his looks like quite the weapon. "Well," you say, grinning at him once more, "if no one needs a sorcerer killer here, perhaps we could always go find someplace else where our skills might be needed?"
You pause for a moment, considering your words carefully before adding with a wink, "Or maybe just find somewhere to let loose and have some fun. Up for it?"
"I suppose you offer me a place to sleep somewhere else than that In?" he look at her and drink his bear
"Well, I'm not currently in my kingdom," you admit with a grin. "But if we team up and adventure together, I could always show you the sights once we finish our business. You know, see some places you might not have visited before?" You sip from your mug, enjoying the strong taste of ale as you study TOji's reaction to your offer.
"And besides," you continue, a mischievous glint in your eye, "who knows what sort of trouble we can get into together? Maybe I'll even let you borrow Playful Cloud for a bit... if you prove yourself worthy."
“Where do you want to go? I have no direct distinction here, but if you know where I can make money, I would appreciate it" he poke her with his eablow
You chuckle at the mention of making money. Of course that's always useful, but right now you're more interested in finding a way to break free from your boring, routine life and have some real adventures. You slide a hand over TOji's shoulder, squeezing lightly before leaning closer and whispering into his ear, "How about this? I'll show you an adventure worth having. A place where magic runs rampant, monsters roam free, and treasures are waiting to be found. All you have to do is follow my lead and promise not to disappoint me."
Your grin widens as your gaze meets his, holding it steadily for several heartbeats. "What do you say?"
"And that only because you like to try a playful cloud in your arms?" he look at her
You smirk back at him, unperturbed by his cheeky comment. "Well, that doesn't hurt, does it? Besides, we both know I'm not the sort of person to break a promise." You squeeze his shoulder again before taking another drink, gazing out over the inn in thought. "So, are you in or what?"
The tension between you is palpable, the air crackling with anticipation. This adventure could go either way - it's up to TOji to make the choice that will shape both your futures. Will he trust you and join forces, or turn tail and walk away from the chance of a lifetime?
"Sure, my pockets are about to get empty, so I could use something a little worse" he smiles
You smile widely and clap him on the back. "Atta boy! I knew you had it in you!" You grin wickedly. "Now, let's go get ourselves some trouble." With that, you lead TOji out of the inn and into the gathering dusk. The village fades behind you as you begin your journey towards adventure. "So," you say casually, glancing over at him, "what's your name anyway?"
"Toji. And yours?" he sip his drink
You grin and throw your head back in laughter, revealing the sharp fangs that mark you as half-dragon. "Well, well, Toji. That's a name I haven't heard in a while," you say between bouts of merriment. "But seriously though, what brings a guy like you to this neck of the woods?" You wink playfully at him as you continue walking through the gathering gloom.
“I think I'll rest. My last assignment was more difficult than the contractor said, so I decided that rest was a good idea" drinks into empty mug
Well, you look rather worn out, Toji. Perhaps you could rest while I keep watch? After all, we don't know what sort of creatures might lurk about in the darkness. As much fun as it sounds to be able to use that Playful Cloud of yours on them... safety first and all that, right? Besides, a tired guard dog isn't much of a deterrent.
*For a year after that day, the two of them fought together, traveled together, slept together, and took care of each other. They created a special bond for them, without care and based on trust, even though Mathrel hid her greatest secret from him. To Mathrel's surprise, her Father did not try to return her home even once during the time they were with Toji. But it ended today when they were traversing more and more areas of land, a person was sitting on a boulder at the crossroads. The most powerful person on this continent, the dragon king Behemoth, and also the father of Marthel Behemoth: "Marthel my child. Mother wants you to go back home. Now" her father voice was powerful and defienitly give chills
With her heart heavy, Marthel turned to Toji, tears forming in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Toji," she whispered, "my father wants me to return home." She bowed her head in submission as Behemoth gave her a disapproving glare. "I never meant for this to happen... I just wanted to live my life on my own terms, like any other person." Her words were barely audible over the sound of the wind rustling through the trees.
Toji's expression shifted from confusion to understanding and sadness as he took a step forward, reaching out to touch her shoulder gently. "It's not your fault, Marthel," he said softly, his voice full of empathy and care. "You didn't know how they would react."
Marthel looked up at him, tears streaming down her face. She took a shaky breath before
"It was pleasure to be your companion even for a year" he smiles to her
As they walked side by side through the wilderness towards home, Marthel couldn't help but feel a weight pressing down on her chest. It wasn't just the physical exhaustion of their journey thus far or the impending disappointment she knew would greet her when she returned to her kingdom; it was the knowledge that her time with Toji was coming to an end. She hadn't expected to feel such a strong connection with him, to care for him as if he were family.
"You know," Marthel finally said, breaking the silence between them, "there's always a way back. If you ever want to return... if you just need someone to talk to or help with an assignment... I could find ways for us to be together." Her voice was hopeful, almost pleading.
Toji stopped in his tracks, turning to face her. There was something in his eyes that made her heart skip a beat
“Who said I would leave you?” smiles “Yes, it's surprising that you are the child of a supreme being such as the dragon king and the most beautiful human woman, and I'm kind of sorry that you didn't tell me and I have no intention of leaving. I guess as a princess you can have your own guardian knight, right?" he laugh
As the days passed and they continued on their journey back to her kingdom, Marthel couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of hope and excitement. Toji's words, his willingness to stand by her side no matter what, filled her with a joy she hadn't experienced in years. She found herself looking forward to seeing him again every time they had to part ways for the night, anticipating their next conversation and adventure together.
The trek was long and arduous, but it didn't feel nearly as taxing when shared with someone who understood her, someone she could trust. And even though they both knew that their time together might be fleeting, Marthel couldn't help but believe that there was a chance for something more between them; a chance to write their own story and live happily ever after... if only her parents would just give them the opportunity.
When they reached Martel's castle, they knew the guards could only mean one thing. The queen and king are already waiting for their return. As soon as they enter the throne room, both of her parents were sitting on their thrones Queen Anstasia: "I see you came back my daughter. And not alone i see"
Her heart heavy in her chest, Marthel took a step forward, gazing up at her parents' stern faces. "Yes, Mother. I couldn't leave him behind," she said simply, motioning to where Toji stood just behind her. There was determination in her voice and fire in her eyes that Marthel hadn't shown since before her journey.
The queen raised an eyebrow, considering the pair of them for a moment. "So this is the knight who accompanied you?" she asked at last, studying Toji carefully. The king simply nodded, seeming to agree with whatever his wife was thinking.
Marthel took another step forward, placing herself between her parents and Toji. "He's more than that," she said firmly. "He's my friend, my ally... and I won't let you take him away from me." Her voice cracked slightly on the
Queen Anastasia: "And who says you have right to do so? You run away from your home and now make demands?"
"I'm not asking for your permission," Marthel replied steadily, her eyes refusing to waver from her parents'. "I found happiness with Toji and I won't let you take that away from me, no matter how hard you try." Her voice cracked slightly on the last word, betraying the fear and anger that threatened to overwhelm her.
The king rose from his throne, his massive form towering over them all. "So be it," he growled. "If you insist on choosing this... commoner..." He spat out the final word like it was a curse. "...over your own kind, then you shall have no place in our court, nor in our kingdom."
Marthel took another step forward, putting herself directly between Toji and her parents. "I will not leave him," she repeated firmly. "And if that means giving up my title and my home, then
The Queen puts her hand on her husband and gives him a cold, warning look Queen Anastasia: "Your father is a bit upset and is talking nonsense" The Queen made it clear that nothing involving the expulsion of the Daughter from the family will take place "And this man has his value as a warrior, and that is what the dragon children value the most. What is your plan, Daughter, regarding your friend?"
"My father?" Marthel blinked in surprise at the queen's words. "I- I understand that he's upset... but you can't expect me to abandon Toji just because of his title." She glanced over at her friend, seeing the hope and fear mirrored in his eyes.
The king muttered something under his breath, but the queen silenced him with a look. "There are ways to make this work," she said slowly. "Perhaps we could arrange for your friend to become one of our trusted advisors, or even part of our personal guard?" Her eyes shifted between Marthel and Toji, studying them both intently.
Marthel felt a spark of hope ignite within her chest. This might not be the perfect solution she'd been hoping for, but it was better than losing Toji altogether. "I- I would appreciate that," she managed to say
Queen: "And you are 20 years already you need to choose a husband for yourself" she looks at her daughter
Caught off guard by her mother's abrupt statement, Marthel blushed deeply and avoided eye contact. "I-I hadn't really thought about it," she admitted softly. "But I suppose... if the right person came along..." She glanced over at Toji again, their gazes locking briefly before looking away once more.
The king cleared his throat loudly, interrupting the tension that had suddenly filled the room. "There are other matters to discuss as well," he growled. "We'll reconvene tomorrow to further discuss this." With that said, he motioned for the guards to show them out.
As they exited the throne room, Marthel leaned in closer to Toji and whispered, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner about my parents... I just didn't know how they'd react." She took a deep breath, ste