Guild Wars 2

[[aww kitten, I was gonna join in the rescue but the time I spent catching up on the story has cost me the opportunity. Next time…]]

News flash:

About 106 children and 30 adults flooded the medical bay at approximately 8.00 pm. A friendly Lionguard (who sent me to the hospital instead of the prison) told me that these poor children drank a potion from an unscrupulous vendor.

He went up to children and sold them a potion claiming that it’ll transform them into a beautiful mermaid.

45% of the unfortunates consisted of human girls under the age of 12.

Norn and Charr children aren’t duped by the initial offer, but the vendor challenged their pride. The rest is history.

The five Asuran girls tried to hide under their blankets, ashamed that they bought the charlatan’s offer. Nobody could resist the allure of becoming a beautiful lady.

I offered to use my Tome of Courage, but the staff declined. Leave it to the experts of the building they say.

By the Six, my side hurt. Every step niggled, every breath stretched skin. I don’t know if Midnight had noticed, she had been through enough with being a Krait prisoner. I had to keep it together for her sake. While she had the fire of freedom in her veins pumping her along, she could keep moving. It wouldn’t be too long before that wore off, though, and her own injuries and weakness returned. We’d managed to get past the returning Krait hunters, only having to ambush two separate pairs to succeed in doing so. Now that we were in a safer area, it was time to part ways. I had to head towards our HQ while I suspected Midnight would carry on back to familiar ground in Lion’s Arch.

A funny thing happened during the early part of the rescue. I handed her the dagger that was previously stuck in my side so she could defend herself, and she gave me this complicated look. Full of wonder, regret, a whole myriad of emotions too hard to pick out. I suspect now that the Krait Priestess took the dagger from her, and it meant something special. I also suspect it was one of a matching pair, and she wanted the other one. I was a little conflicted myself. I knew it would have been nice to get the pair back, but I didn’t want to repeat my methods of obtaining the first one.

I signalled a stop, and once again indicated intentions instead of speaking. I knew I might have been taking this a little far, but the less she knew about me the better. I’d made sure to keep my face partially covered the entire time. As I half waved goodbye, and set off, Midnight grabbed my arm.

“Why me?” The words themselves were simple. The question was not. I could see the confusion in her eyes. She was just a merc for hire. A bounty hunter. Why would the Order possibly want to rescue her? I hesitated. I spoke for the first time, the only time. And it was a lie.

“You were my mission, Anakysha.” I saw the look in her eyes. Yes, we knew her name. Yes, we knew more about her than she suspected. But, it wasn’t my mission. I was never ordered to rescue her. I was ordered to find her, and find her I did. She was a prisoner. My mission stopped there. I gently turned away from her, and began walking.

Order of Whispers. Secrets. Subterfuge. Hidden motives. Lies. Some lies I could never reveal. Never.

((Sophiera, you’re writing Ari and Jaric into a corner there. They haven’t fled the trench/slave den yet.))

((Thanks, Thal. I did send her a PM about it, she will realise. Heading to bed, ’tis 1.30am here.))

Thalador.4218:

((Sophiera, you’re writing Ari and Jaric into a corner there. They haven’t fled the trench/slave den yet.))

Oh sorry I’ll go edit it now

My greatest apologies, I’ve missintepreted the situation. I’ll be more careful next time.

Edited it to just involve unfortunate children

headdesk apology so very sorry

House Draxynnus Records

The intelligence from the captured pirate left us with something of a conundrum. We had two leads which we could follow, neither of which was reasonably within our capabilities. My natural reaction is to seek out the ship that was sunk by the conspiracy, in case the evidence collected by the ship’s former captain remained on board – however, the house has not had ships on the Sea of Sorrows since the Great Tsunami that flooded Old Lion’s Arch, and under the current circumstances it does not seem like it would be safe to swim that far out on rebreathers.

Similarly, we had the location of an identified krait tower where the captured agent was likely being held. Unfortunately, it was clear from the intelligence we received that for a small group to attempt to rescue the bounty hunter would be incredibly risky – too large a risk to take in order to mount a rescue of a mercenary who might not actually know anything of real value and who may simply have been at the wrong place at the wrong time – particularly when we have no idea of how to identify the mercenary from the other captives, when obviously a small group will not be able to free everyone. What I’d love to do is lead a force of aquabreather-equipped house soldiers to level the place, but we do not have enough aquabreathers, we would, again, need a ship or some other safe location nearby where rescuees can be treated, and assembling such a force would require drawing much-needed soldiers from the fighting in Kessex and Orr.

Orr…

I cannot help but smile as I am gifted with a spark of Lyssa’s inspiration. Perhaps it is time to call in a few favours?

Aeron Draxynnus
Day 82 of the Season of the Scion of the year 1326 After the Exodus of the Gods

My posters were quickly plastered over by both love and hate for Miss Bubbles. Oh well, in hindsight they’re a rather embarrassing sight.

Mermaid Mania has escalated further in a matter of hours. A group of 5 one month-old Salads have almost drowned off the coast of Lion’s Arch.

The conman claimed these potions will not only turn them into a mermaid, but also grant water-breathing abilities.

Lionguard had warned the populace against drinking any potion not sold by the Black Lion.

Frustrated over the ballooning issue I placed yet another wanted Ad. The printing guy is getting quite happy over his business.

“Will pay 5 gold to the first person who sells me a genuine ‘Mermaid Potion’ "

[[I will really pay 5 gold to the first person who sells me the prop for the ‘mermaid potion’. Straight from the mail :P]]

I’ll be posting my segment soon hopefully, but for now I will leave this:

Were you guys wondering where Anakysha was the whole time? Well….I got the inspiration from this spot on the map. I was quite literally, in uncharted territory.

I’m not telling you how I did it! ;D

Oh my word…
This is the best thread.
EVER.

Pfff, being a scribe can be boring sometimes. It’s nice to record heroic deeds and write books about them, but the information gathering can be really, really boring.
I have been been in the grove for four hours now, but still no leads.

It’s a stupid story anyway: a sylvari who fought some nightmare court to get her man back. Who is interrested in such a uneventfull story anyway? but my guild leader, the leader of the Scribal Crew [Crew], insisted that I HAD to check this story.
sigh let’s try in LA, maybe i can get some clues over there.

Not long after I enter LA, i see some posters: “Will pay 5 gold to the first person who sells me a genuine ‘Mermaid Potion’ " and “Evil mermaid wanted, bring her alive”.

I suddenly get really excited, I start thinking can the rumours be true?, I know everyone in LA has been talking about it for a while, tough I never believed it. It has been going on for a while now, and even if it’s not true it will be a great story.

I have to find the mermaid and everyone else involved! I’m not going to pick a side, that never works so well when trying to write a story. No I have to interview everyone to get their own opinions and storys.

After asking around for a bit, I find out that Captain Storyteller was the first one to notice the mermaid, and he can often be found in a inn called “Two-Ters”. I start running, hoping to find him there.

This will be a great story, let’s just hope my guild leader doesn’t find out i disbanded my other story.

((note: I became a scribe in this story because i am a member of [CREW] and that guild has excisted already before this story already ))

I arrived at Two-Ters really quick, and decided to wait for Captain Storyteller.

After waiting several hours, he still didn’t show up. I asked the barman if he knew where captain Storyteller went. He told me that he heard that Storyteller went to investigate the broken ligthhouse lamp. He hasn’t been seen since. He also told me that there are rumours about a connection between the krait and the mermaid.

-this story gets better and better, my leader will HAVE to allow me to continue this story.-

I will continue my investigation in LA, to find new leads about the location of Storyteller and the mermaid, the involvement of the krait, and find other connected people I can interview.

(( Wow, I would have never find you. Good game, good game. ))

The victims of the scam suffered only a bad stomach ache. No fatalities stemming from direct consumption is reported just yet. However if consumed in water, the likelihood of accidental drowning is very high.

I’ve not checked my mail yet for any possible takers on my offer yet, so its exact form is still rather unknown.

Talking with the five Salad victims revealed one interesting information.

The potions taste like salted candycorn mixed with blueberry juice. “Much more delicious than it sounds.”

I believe it: dark chocolate is very nice with a sprinkle of salt. Whoever concocted this potion knew a sensible level of culinary science. By making it delicious, the victim will finish the entire bottle and leave no traces behind.

Not to mention children love sweets.

More people ended up in the hospital.

Is this a prank?
Or it’s a ploy to overload the hospitals before making a strike?

Accounts of the conman vary. Or rather ‘conmen’. Some described a human, others describe a Salad (Sylvari). Skritt and Asuran victims describe an Asura. It appears to be (at least) a money-grubbing syndicate who banks on the latest craze

I followed Midnight discreetly for a short while to make sure she didn’t try to follow me. I trusted her, to a point. But some rules couldn’t be broken, and I couldn’t bring anyone to HQ. I didn’t have authority to make that decision.

I’d been stabbed before. Part and parcel with the job, really. But this felt different, and I knew why. Krait poison. That son-of-a-skritt priestess had poisoned the blade. The pain had been replaced with a numbness, and not by use of gel. That wasn’t a good sign. Sweat dripped off my face, and I had to fight for concentration. The Order had plenty of antidote, but combined with a wound I was going to be out of action for longer than I desired. Whispers HQ wasn’t too far away now. I’d just been for a less than enjoyable swim. By the Six it was hard to stand up after that.

All this could have been avoided, you know. Great, my mind was talking to me. You just had to leave her there. I swear, if that voice in my head doesn’t shut up I’m going to forcibly extract it. They’re not going to like what you did. “Shut up!” Did you just say that out loud? … Kittens. I was talking to myself. Out loud.

((Edit was a minor typo fix, nothing changed))

So after confirming that the Bookah-Fish was in fact an entirely new species. We began designing and developing tools that we could use to assist us in capturing such a creature, un-harmed.

First we decided to modify the weight and dimensions of a very simple Charr net rifle (child’s play). The results of testing were promising … But a slight tweak to reduce the powerful recoil of the gun may be necessary.

Then we developed a freeze gun with the intention of painlessly preserving the creature in ice until we could get it back to our lab in Rata Sum. Unfortunately this had some … “Unexpected” side effects when used on our test golems. Possibly a bad reaction between the sub-zero operating temperatures of the gun and the Central Independent-Electrostatic-Stabilizing-Unit in the golem? Hmmm .. Yes, we’ll go with that.

As well as these pieces of equipment, we’re also focusing attention on several portal, stealth and transportation devices. We expect to be well equipped to tackle any situation we may face once we depart on this mission.

Now for the next step on our agenda, to locate and contact the captain known as Storyteller. Even though the rock gave us breakthrough information, we have so far been unable come up with any reliable method to directly trace the mermaids whereabouts. We are assuming that this Captain will be much easier to find than the sea-bookah, and hopefully he can provide us valuable information we need on tracking her whereabouts.

~Laru

Sometimes I hate it to be a scribe, why did i ever become one. I could have been an explorer, but no I chose to be a scribe. It’s not that I don’t like being one, I just hate it when my research gives me almost no results:

The first person says that the mermaid is evil, and tries to destroy all ships,
the second person explains how the mermaid only tries to help, and that she’s innocent,
then the next person tells me she’s an evil witch that tries to destroy ships with meteors.
And don’t ask her what she looks like: everyone claims to have seen her, though nobody gives me the same answer (one person even said it was a man with a beard).

The only information I have right now is:
- her name is Bubbles
- nobody knows where she is and everyone claims to have seen her
- it seems like Storyteller’s wife: Laura Joy is now after the mermaid too, witnessess reported a discusion between Storyteller and Laura Joy
- something about a singing karka? (what the hell do they mean with that?)

I’m a scribe; I don’t give up easilly and inventiually I find someone called Berno that has some information.
Berno tells me about the guild [FISH] and how they are all trying to help Bubbles. After chatting some more, I learn that:
Captain Storyteller isn’t hunting Bubbles anymore (why haven’t i heard this yet?), there have been sightings of asuran engineers that were probably after the mermaid and that a lot of people are in the hospital because of fake mermaid potions.
I thank him for his information and ask him to mail me if he has any more info. “Maybe I will,” he answers. I ask him where he got his info, he smiles, he walks away and tells me: “it’s more complicated then you think. First try to find out how many people have connection with Bubbles, before you can continue your story.”

I wonder, why is it so complicated? and who else is searching for Bubbles?
hmm… Sophiera wants a genuine mermaid potion, right? I will contact her; she must know something.

I do hope she will help me; I don’t want to use my netwerk, at least, not until I am 100% sure it’s not a hoax.

At almost bedtime, an Asuran Fellow Salad scribe wants information! (How can I get THAT wrong?) However I really need to sleep. Via mail, I presented him the latest article of Bubble’s adventures.

I also had to explain that the ‘genuine mermaid potion’ is actually a ‘genuine fake mermaid potion’ that poisoned poor children.

“Please list down the questions you with to enquire. I’ll reply after 9 hours”

((i’m a sylvary ;D))

Yerol.9546:

((i’m a sylvary ;D))

(( The Classic Sophie syndrome is getting worse It’ve edited it to reflect correct information ))

Sophiera.1209:

Yerol.9546:

((i’m a sylvary ;D))

(( The Classic Sophie syndrome is getting worse It’ve edited it to reflect correct information ))

((There are quite a few characters in this thread. I could certainly understand how some might get confused.

Still loving this thread. You guys/gals are such awesome writers!))

I got a message from Sophiera really fast after I asked here for more information. It was really helpfull.
I am sending a message to my leader now, showing Sophiera’s and my own info, now she really can’t disallow continuation on this story.

Tomorrow I will read the info from Sophiera again, because right now i’m too tired too remember anything. (note to self: contact my netwerk for info tomorow morning, I HAVE to now where Captain Storyteller and the mermaid are.)

Cerise rushed in bubbling over with excitement. “Quickly! We must act fast! There will never be a better time!”

“What are you talking about?”, I asked.

“It’s Magnus! Captain Magnus!”

“Who is Captain Magnus?”

“You really do spend too much time underwater, my dear. Captain Magnus is the Law in Lion’s Arch. He heads the Lionguard. And he wants you to tell him more about First In Sending Help”.

“Oh, Cerise!” I exclaimed. “Right now? Are you sure that’s wise? It could be a trap!”

“The Lionguard were never after you, Hon. And Magnus has it in his power to protect you as long as you are in the city. You could run [FISH] openly!”

“This is so sudden. Right now?”

“Immediately! He wants to meet on the bridge crossing the entrance to the inner harbor, next to the Marriner Plaque. But he’s a busy man and won’t stick around if we’re late.”

“Then let’s go!”, I said, brightening to the news.

We made our way up to the bridge. I wanted to run, but that would call suspicion upon ourselves. As we approached the designated spot, no one was there. “Are we too late?” I asked?

“Right on time. There he is.”

A large Norn, who struck me as nothing like my friend Orek, was striding purposefully toward us from the opposite direction. He stopped ten feet away and glared at the two of us. “Well? What do you want?”, he asked. “I haven’t got all day”.

“Captain Magnus”, said Cerise, “this is Bubbles”.

The Norn turned his gaze on me. He looked me up and down. “The Mermaid? Throw her back. She’s too small. The Lionguard doesn’t need her for anything”. And with that he began to turn and leave.

“I understand, Captain” said Cerise, raising her voice to forestall his departure. “I’m done with her too.”

That made him pause. That made me pause. “Cerise, what are you talking about?” I asked.

She ignored me, and directed her remarks to Captain Magnus. “Don’t you know me, Captain? Take a good look”.

Magnus squinted at her for a moment, and then his eyes widened with recognition.

“That’s right!”, Cerise went on. “Now you see!”

“What are you doing in my city?” he thundered, taking a step in her direction.

“Now, now. Calm yourself. I have important news for you. The city is in danger. It seems someone has planted a dozen toxic gas containers around Lion’s Arch. In 2-3 days, they will begin releasing their deadly payload. I really don’t know how long.”

“Cerise!” I cried. “What are you saying?”

She turned her attention upon me now, and something seemed to change in her manner. Instead of my friend, I now saw someone looking at me like an annoying child. “My dear!” she said. “Your role was pivotal. I could never have arranged it without your marvelous distraction. You unwittingly managed to get most of the soldiers and investigators and peacekeepers out of town and into the harbor, leaving the city wide open for my minions to do their dirty work.”

“But Cerise…” I began.

“Cerise?” she cried. “Right color. But think darker!” And with that, her hand flashed out and I heard more than felt the crunch at my neck. As I toppled over the side of the bridge, I tried to form my fish tail, but couldn’t. As the waves rushed up to meet me I thought “This won’t end well…”

CAPTAIN’S COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Captain Magnus the Bloody-Handed stormed into the Council Chambers. “Brodan!”, he shouted. “Get in here!”

When Magnus shouts, people move. An anxious functionary burst in from the adjoining room. “Sir?”

“Get the other Captains! I don’t care where they are or what they’re doing. Get them! I’m calling an emergency session”.

“Sir?”

“She’s back. Right there in front of me, and she disappeared into thin air. Are you still here?”

“Going sir! Emergency session!”

“Oh, and Brodan. If we have anyone working on this mermaid thing, call ’em off.”

“Sir?”

“She’s dead. Broke her neck and went over the side of the bridge. Go!”

Brodan left in a hurry and Magnus dropped heavily behind his desk.

He cursed under his breath.

(adjusting the rabbit ears and tin foil on the mental antenna….don’t want to miss any of this epic and wonderful story)

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Noooo!(((( It can’t end this way!!

((Save LA! It needs you!))

((LA also needs Bubbles and Cap’n Storyteller, it’s what got this all started))

[[Fin… I see what you did there.

Ah well, now Scarlet is involved, it’s all downhill from here. Was good while it lasted.]]

((Nobody said it was Scarlett, there are other bad Sylvari out there from other people’s past.))

Jaric.5679:

((Nobody said it was Scarlett, there are other bad Sylvari out there from other people’s past.))

“ Cerise?” she cried. “Right color. But think darker!”

Now get out there and save Lion’s Arch! I’ll be reading.

I shivered a bit in a slight breeze. Even if it was a warm tropical climate, I was still dripping wet. My rescuer had disappeared before I could get him to talk any more or give me any information Now that I was finally on dry land (how delicious the fresh air tasted outside my rebreather!) weakness finally settled into my bones. I was cold, tired, hungry, thirsty, lost, and alone.

My thoughts went back to Londatt, and all the other slaves still trapped below. I grimaced. Even if Londatt had a key, it was going to be difficult for him to escape. The krait would be ever so vigilant in keeping watch. Those pleading eyes to be let out as well would haunt me for a long time. And the sheer disbelief that struck his face as I swam away…

I shook my head. I couldn’t feel sorry for everyone. It was survival of the fittest, dog eat dog. I had learned that the hard way. I couldn’t feel sorry for one Asura – not after the brief thought of kicking down my rescuer into the path of incoming krait, to ensure my own getaway. The only thing that stopped me was the realization that I would be alone in fighting off other enemies ahead of the journey. I needed someone with me, someone with weapons. Conscience wasn’t what stopped me………right?

Two faced Lyssa blessed me to such a point I can’t even tell the difference from myself I shook my head and stood up. It was going to get dark soon, and I had to get moving. I had one dagger, and by the looks of it, was tainted with some kind of krait poison. But that wasn’t going to protect me from the jaws of a wandering drake or skelk. I needed to find shelter before nightfall.

I still had no idea where I was, but my best guess was to head north, so with the direction of the sun setting to the west, that’s what I did. I relied on my shadow art’s stealth to keep unseen from predators. I wanted to put as much distance between myself and the krait city.

After a bit of walking, I came across a spring of fresh water. I was overjoyed! I scooped the sweet, sweet water into my mouth, drinking it down greedily. Then I jumped right into the small waterfall, washing off the sticky and salty residue from my hair and skin. I cleaned my dagger of the krait venom – I didn’t want any part of their treachery on my beautiful dagger. I still needed to get the other dagger back, but not until I was able to regain my strength. Part of me wanted to tear off these filthy rags and take a proper bath, but something was nagging me that I still wasn’t alone. I felt like I was being followed.

I glanced over my shoulder. Even if I couldn’t see anyone, I wasn’t about to let my guard down. But once I had drunk enough water to be content, I set off again. It was getting dark fast, and I really needed to find some shelter.

Luckily, I came across a low-lying sea cave not too far from the spring. By now, my bare feet were sore and blistered from walking. I grabbed a branch, and found some dried coconut husk to make wrap around one end for a makeshift torch. I managed to get it lit after awhile, using my dagger and striking it against the rocky floor. A trick my dad taught me.

I searched the cave before settling in. The last thing I wanted was to find out was that I had wandered into a monster’s den. Thankfully by the looks of it, it seemed empty. The cave was filled with small tide pools, and the pools were full of little crabs. Using my dagger, I caught the crabs, and cooked them with the fire of my torch. Smoked crab tasted a lot better than raw barracuda and seaweed. I ate them hungrily.

I was still genuinely worried about being out here alone in the middle of nowhere. Once I had finished my meager dinner, I picked up my torch. There was another trick my dad taught me. It took me a few tries, but eventually I managed to do it. I summoned a fire emblem right from the torch! Or…at least it looked like one. Truth is, it was more of a fancy illusion than anything else. Trying to fight it would give it away and have it vanish in a puff of smoke. But it was enough to scare off predators.

I settled down on the softest part of the cave – the sandy beach outside. I didn’t really want to risk falling asleep, but I was so exhausted and fatigued my body wouldn’t let me stay awake. Before I knew it, I was dreaming of a place far from here. I back in Kryta, with my family.

—

(Thanks to the people that helped me get a Fire-emblem-summoning-torch-bearing thief!)

((Yeah, see, I’m a guy who is terrible with colours. Even with that giant hint slapped in my face I didn’t pick it up as a colour. Also, I haven’t paid enough attention to Scarlett to see what she wears. My bad. Either way, My guy is out of the picture for a short time. I look forward to what others have to write.))

Twoflower.7031:

((I think it’s supposed to be Scarlet, cerise is a lighter shade of red and that sylvari is wearing Scarlet’s armourset.))

I used a spare character slot and bought the armor just for the story (not to mention a few dyes and Bubbles’ hair kits. And forged some Krait Tonics.) Scarlet’s hairstyle isn’t available, but that’s the same hood she wore at the Queen’s Jubilee. And the voice! Surely you recognize that I used the same voice for her?

Yes, cerise is a shade of red. She liked red hair on Bubbles. I spent a fair amount of time in the character creation and got her as close as I could without the same face being available to players. It is supposed to be Scarlet. But fear not! She is gone again, and all you need to do is pick up the story and run with it. Save the day!

(Sorry GuzziHero. I knew I’d get that reaction from some people.)

This is awesome and I want to join but I don’t know where to start. It makes feel sad but at least I get to read an awesome thread.

“My dear! Your role was pivotal. I could never have arranged it without your marvelous distraction. You unwittingly managed to get most of the soldiers and investigators and peacekeepers out of town and into the harbor, leaving the city wide open for my minions to do their dirty work.”

“But Cerise…”

“Cerise? Right color. But think darker!”

Wide open?

I think you’ll find Lion’s Arch has more than a little fight left in it.

Try not to crash on the rock on your way out.

Woo! Storyteller is back!!

(( Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap, nice ending ))

House Draxynnus Records

Cousin Aeron’s harebrained scheme to beg the use of an airship from the Pact had one flaw – that is, apart from the very likely possibility that the Pact simply would not have airships spare, however valued the ally.

With the recent acts of terrorism by the Aetherblades, affected governments have understandably become leery about having unidentified airships in their skies. Thus, while Cousin Aeron hared off to Orr, I’ve been passing back and forth through asura gates all morning securing the appropriate permissions and protocols for flying an airship in the skies over and near Kryta, the provinces around Rata Sum, and the Grove.

I was in the process of discussing adding Lion’s Arch to that list with Captains Kiel and Hao Luen when Magnus charged in with a furious expression. Quivering with rage, he exclaimed that Scarlet had been in the city all along, having just broken the mermaid’s neck and thrown her off the bridge after arranging to have bombs set around the city. With this news, I excused myself and set off at a run, employing a variant of the intervention meditations to teleport safely down the stairs. On reaching the bridge, I hastily pulled on my rebreather, checked that a spare was easily available, and jumped.

Most likely all I would find would be a corpse, and perhaps not even that if the currents or wildlife in the harbour had already taken it away… but while I could hope for a miracle, even a corpse might be able to answer some questions.

(continued on next page of journal)

I woke up with a start – and the high tide in my mouth.

Sleeping on the beach was not the best idea I jerked up and coughed on the salty seawater. I must have slept for a long time – the sun was already up. I decided to rest and take it easy, before continuing my way back to Lion’s Arch. Luckily, my knowledge of poisons also extended to include antidotes and medicine. It wasn’t too long until I managed to find the plants to make the salve for my wounds.

It was around the evening when I left the cave and headed for the small spring I found the day before. I wanted to get a drink before it became dark, and the sea cave didn’t have any fresh water. My dagger in one hand and my torch in the other, I set off.

Now, what was I to do? The last few days had left me in a whirl. A part of me still couldn’t believe I was really free from the krait. I-

“Halt! Stop where you are and identify yourself!” I froze. Spinning around, I raised my hand, ready to summon my stealth at the sight of three figures running straight for me. But just as I was about to stealth myself, I stopped. They were not thugs, pirates, or bandits. They were Lionguards!

My heart leaped with joy at the sight of them, but was quickly replaced with tension. They didn’t look very happy. They surrounded me in seconds, and I didn’t dare move.

The Charr in the group growled. “Who are you and what are you doing here?” she demanded.

I stammered. “I…”

The Asuran of the group chimed in. “You are in violation of article nine, section four-fifty six B, dash two-point-nine. Identify yourself immediately!”

“Oh stop it you two. Look at the poor dear, she’s terrified.”

I am not terrified…startled, not terrified I glanced at the female Norn. “I have no idea where I am…”

The Charr growled. “You’re right outside Lion’s Arch, in a restricted area. No one but Lionguard patrol is supposed to be here.”

“What’s your name?” the Norn asked.

I hesitated. “Jenna.”

“Well, Jenna,” The Asuran remarked, “You’ll be pleased to know that we’ll be escorting you back to Lion’s Arch for detainment and question-”

“Oh stop that. Look at her!” The Norn snapped. “She’s dressed in rags and covered in cuts and bruises. She’s not some intruder.”

The Asuran crossed his arms in defiance. “Could be a clever disguise.”

“Honest, it’s not,” I said. “It’s…a long story. I’ll explain everything. I just want to get out of here. I’ll come quietly.”

The Charr growled. “Finally find someone and they don’t even put up a fight. Figures…” She jerked her head down the path. “Come on! We got a bit of a walk before getting back to the city. You-” she pointed at me, “You stay in front of us where we can keep an eye on you..”

“Sure thing,” I said, not daring to disagree. They led me down the path, the Asura to my right, Norn to my left, and the Charr right behind me.

The Norn turned her head and smiled at me. “Don’t let the other two bother you so much, Jenna. Everybody’s been on edge with what’s been going on lately.”

“I wouldn’t know what’s been going on lately,” I said. “I’ve been sorta lost the last couple of days. What happened?”

“Well, you see-”

The Asura immediately stopped, and I almost tripped over him. I looked up, stopping as well. A team of pirates had cut off our path, and they did not look the least bit friendly.

“Pirates…” the Charr growled, grabbing her rifle from her back. “Lots of em…”

The leader of the pirates pointed directly at me. “This doesn’t need to be bloody. Hand her over and we’ll leave you lot alone.”

“Oh that’s rich – pirates threatening Lionguard.” The Charr shot a glance at me. “What’s your relation to them, Jenna?”

I quickly shook my head, keeping my eyes on the pirates. “I don’t know them, I swear. Truth.”

The Charr growled, not really buying my story. “Whatever. Get behind me.”

I didn’t need to be told twice. I quickly backed away, standing behind the three Lionguards. The brief thought of fleeing crossed my mind, but I pushed it away. I was likely not to get very far anyway if one or two of the pirates went after me.

“If you want to play that way, fine.” The pirate leader dropped to the ground. “We don’t need her, just kill her!” Smoke enveloped him and he leaped forward with his sword high. The other pirates quickly followed suit.

The Lionguard retaliated just as quickly. I backed up a bit, pulling out my dagger. “Stay close to me kid!” the Norn yelled, grabbing me with her powerful hands and pulling me behind her shield, blocking an attack just in time. “You’re not about to see your death-god Balt-sarr just yet!”

I didn’t bother correcting her on the pronunciation, let alone telling her that it was the wrong god she was referring to. I stole a glance over her shield. For a moment, I was slightly confused to not see a pirate, but a Sylvari. Sylvari pirates would at least wear leather clothing – I could remember an old acquaintance of mine mentioning something about their planty clothes not faring well out in the sea. But this Sylvari was dressed in leaves…wait, no. She wasn’t just a Sylvari. Her expression of hatred and anger was too powerful, a stark contrast from the pleasant and cheerful Sylvari. A nightmare courtier?

I didn’t have much time to analyze my observations. The Norn blocked another powerful strike. I grabbed my dagger and leaped out from behind her shield. I had a weapon, and I was very capable of fighting.

All of my pent up rage and hatred at the krait came crashing down on the pirates. Another Sylvari – or courtier, whatever – came at me, raising her blades. I dashed out of the way and leaped back, plunging my dagger deep into her sides. She screamed.

My movements were quick and fluid, leaping in and out at each attacker, and rolling out of the way in time. I only had one dagger, but it was all I needed. In another strike I buried it deep into the heart of a pirate, before yanking it out and pulling away.

“Kid’s got some moves,” The Asura muttered, firing at the pirates with his pistols. “Even if we’re still outnumbered.

“Just keep em coming!” The Charr fired another blast of his rifle, sending a pirate back. “I haven’t had this much fun since the night we got ambushed by a pack of drake!”

“Typical Charr…”

I was too caught up in the fight to pay much attention to their conversation. I leaped over the Norn to deliver a striking blow at yet another pirate, quickly dodging out of the way. I rolled to the side, just narrowly missing another blade.

“Stand still so I can kill you!” It was the pirate leader. I jumped up with a strike, but he blocked my attack with a shield.

“I’m not going back to that krait pit!” I yelled, striking again.

“I don’t care where you end up, I just want you dead,” he swung his sword, nicking me on the shin. I tripped in my retreat, covering my head and rolling across the dirt floor.

“I got ya!” The Charr barreled in, using her armored body to block another attack. I managed to flip back up on my feet, leaping out of the way and – straight into a pirate! I screamed in pain as bullets tore through the rags of my clothing. Pain…so much pain…

I staggered and fell. I could feel blood seeping into the rags. “Jenna!” The Norn rushed in, slamming her mace on my attacker, momentarily dazing her. She rushed to me and threw her shield over me, but a shot from a pirate’s rifle slammed into her back, alighting her with fire. She yelled but gritted her teeth, fighting off the pain of the fire and successfully shoving the pirate a good distance away.

I was dazed. I reached out and called for help as the fight continued around me. My vision became foggy. I couldn’t tell who was winning the Lionguards or the pirates. I slumped into the grass, as the sound of fighting slipped from my notice.

“Blasted pirates,” The Asura returned his pistols to his belt, watching the last few flee. “Once their leader goes down they all run. Happens all the time.”

The Charr nodded. “Why they want the human though?”

“That question will have to wait.” The Asura rushed over to the Norn. “So how’s our captive?” he asked.

“She’s wounded,” the Norn answered. “I managed to stop the bleeding, but we need to get her to a doctor, and fast.”

The Charr frowned. “You’re also hurt,” She commented, looking over the Norn’s burned hand.

The Norn smiled. “Don’t worry about me. This Lionguard armor is made for the job. I’ll be fine. Our priority is her.”

The Charr nodded, reaching down and gently picking me up. “One heck of a fighter…”

“Indeed…she’s good," The Asura commented. "Too good. Too good to be your average ‘I’m lost’ damsel-in-distress. Perhaps we should check her records and verify her story…”

Oh Kitten Foo.

I wake up the next night with an overloaded healthcare, hundreds of crying children, and hundreds more raging adults.

Bubbles is dead.
Killed by Scarlet.

That scourge of a Bad Salad. Just when I thought we’d have something NOTHING to do with her.

Folks have sighted Captain Storyteller in town, dishing out his brand of crazy elemental-filled vigilante justice. His Love-Hate relationship for Bubbles is going to span opera tales, I tell you.

Friendly Lionguard (Name hidden for privacy) updated me on the situation. That blasted Bad Salad planted 2-3 bombs eh? Old trick that the Lionguard is prepared for!

……. Unfortunately not. Most have been out somewhere it’ll take time for them to get back home.

Meanwhile, distraught quaggan friends of Bubbles searched the Lion’s Arch waters for any signs of Bubbles before she turns into fish food.

140 other fans of various shapes and sizes also joined the search. I spotted the nice norn couple from Hoelbrak lining up to get a spare waterbreather. Poor folks, they’ve lost their daughter once before. Now it’s like losing another one again.

Friendly Lionguard agreed to let me into the Lighthouse at last. Part of the drama started there, so there might be some clues.

But….
The key doesn’t fit.

THE GOONS CHANGED THE KITTENING LOCK!!!

I went ballistic and tried to bash down the door. As if that will work. That lighthouse is basically a mini fort of its own thanks to that old Zaithan incident.

So I decided to break the rules. Again.
I dragged Klagg by the kitten ear and forced him to ‘borrow’ me that jump blast gun. The city is in danger! There’s no time to waste!

One Mug of Coffee
One Bar of Chocolate
One Shot of Milk
Down it goes and BLAST OFF!!

How hard is it to jump to the top? Thanks to the rocket gun, it’s not hard. There’s not much jumping either.

Who awaited up there was a Bad Minion Salad, enjoying his ‘victory’ snack of chocolate dipped oranges.

Equip >>Yellow SAB Greatsword
Use >> Leap of Faith

IT’S ON!!!

Hm….should I update now….or wait for others to post their stories first…..

Oh gosh, I don’t know.

(( At this rate, you will at least end up in a very overcrowded hospital. Full of sad children. Unless the Lionguard get stuck out there XDD ))

I wake up, it’s a great morning to investigate: not a lot of sun, it might go rain. The perfect conditions, as most people will stay home or go to bars and talk.
I read Sophiera’s letter, where she explains to me about her connection with midnight and Bubbles. Onfortunatly I’m still missing some information. As a scribe I want to write each story as good as possible so i start writing my letter.

Dear Sophiera,

Thank you for your information about Midnight, Bubbles and other events. I’m writing you because I want to know some more about your thoughts. First, What do you think about the mermaid. Evil or Good? Second, how do you know midnight and why did you want to find her? What is your opinion about all these events?

I hope to hear form you soon.

Best wishes,

Yerol Star.

((Okay… Scarlet stained this story with her courruptive filth that’s worse than those of the Elder Dragons combined.

Sorry, folks, but I’m not going to do any more updates. I was hoping we could create a story a million times better than what this pathetic Living Story offers… now that’s been ruined for me.

I’m so greatly disappointed, Hamfast.

P.S.: The Queen’s Third Head disappeared without a trace. Not even flotsam or wreckage was found, implying she and her crew never went up in flames. She’s just gone.))

After I rammed the Combustible Lemon Burning Bad Minion Salad out of the lighthouse and into the sea, Friendly Lionguard detained the bugger for interrogations.

Before I start searching the Lighthouse’s interiors I read the new mail sent in by Scribe Salad. I can’t believe how calm the situation can be in Lion’s Arch. Rather oblivious even.

I replied:
“The mermaid appears to be an innocent curious girl who swam too far away from her home. Oblivious to the dangers on land, Scarlet tricked and murdered her right here in Lion’s Arch. You should head to the beach. Lots of fans are swimming out there in search for her corpse.

As for Midnight. Friend of a friend of a friend asked her friend who asked her friend who asked me if I’ve seen her. A friend’s friend is also my friend (I hope) so I couldn’t turn down the request.

My opinion? Cute at first, then tragic. Now we have to send a word to her fellow people that she’s dead. Also to let them know that Tyria above land is not ready for mermaids.
That’s just my opinion.

P.S You missed the awesome rocket jump at the Lighthouse. That won’t happen again for a long, long time."

After sending the mail, I began to search the lighthouse for clues. The original lighthouse keeper was long gone, though no remains could be found. I’d wager that the Bad Salads have turned him into plant food.

Schematics and plans strewn about on any flat surface that wasn’t the floor. Unfortunately they’re all written in code and cipher. As expected of bad guys.
The front door is littered with a gazillion traps too. Again, as expected of bad guys.

To check for sneaky Bad Salads, I swing my staff in every nook and cranny. Good thing there was no one else. All but one had left the vicinity the moment they completed their mission. The unfortunate ‘Lemon’ appears to be a scout.

Good thing there’s a very long roll of rope in the cupboard. I fixed the rope to the heaviest object I could find and tossed the rope down. Just in case.

Where are all the Whisperdudes and Ash Cats when you need them? I refuse to leave the lighthouse until somebody checks things out. May never know if the Bad Salads return to dispose evidence.

Friendly Lionguard came back with some of their own investigators. Though not a master of ciphers, they will at least keep goons out of the way.

In the meantime orders to look for a codemaster fly across the city.

(( I was hoping this story would take a more comedic/mystery non-salad turn too. Like crazy Asuran mermaid chases and Divinity Circusmen trying to kidnap Bubbles. But I respect Hamfast’s decision nonetheless. Let’s at least give this a proper ending.))

I woke with a start and jerked into a sitting position. I didn’t remember going unconcious, but considering my state that was hardly surprising. Instinct took over and I surged to my feet which made me realise a few things.

First, I was still injured. My wound protested my actions in a most unpleasant way, causing me to gasp and clutch my side. This lead me to pause in my actions, and realise I was in the Whispers HQ Infirmary. Not only was I alive, I was safe. Then, I saw there was someone in the bed beside me. Thankfully my actions hadn’t disturbed her and she slumbered on. I glanced around for any medical staff, but there were none. That was reassuring, as they only left patients unattended if there was no chance of them dying. I resisted the urge to fully stretch sleepy muscles, I had a wound to take care of.

I stepped out between the curtained infirmary wall, and the smell of food wafted into my nostrils. I realised it must have been a while since I ate properly. At least a day had passed since the last meal I remembered, which was a dry ration munch before rescuing Midnight. No telling how long I was unconscious.. I reached the dining area, and helped myself to a hearty meal of bread, roast chicken and cheese, washed down with some cool ale. There is a truth about food that cannot be denied. ‘Hunger is the best sauce.’ I was very hungry, and this simple fare tasted fantastic. I leant on the table when I was done, and let my mind wander while I relaxed on a full stomach.

At some point I was going to have to make a report. I would have to explain the message I sent, and how I got wounded. I would most certainly need to have some reason on how Midnight got out, there was no way she wouldn’t be noticed once back in Lion’s Arch. I was going to have to construct some very good reasons here. Mostly deceitful. I was going to have to lie to a superior officers face. And get away with it. Secrets and subterfuge, indeed.

My body grew restless as my mind wandered, so I shuffled towards the training area. I was in no shape for bow, dagger or swordplay, but I thought I could at least how my pistol aim was. I let off a few rounds to see how it felt. There didn’t seem to be much of a problem with that, so I unloaded a full barrage into the target. That certainly stung, and I had to stop to take a breather. Suddenly, I was exhausted. Injuries have a tendency to do that to a person.

I made my way back to the infirmary, to my assigned bed. During my absence the sheets had been replaced by the medical staff, I couldn’t remember if the ones I were in were even dirty. I made a mental note to thank the staff when I saw them, as I lay down and thought furiously.

Lies, tricks, subterfuge, deceit. I’d managed it for a while, but it was about to get harder.

((the following events take place immediatly after i sent my letter to sophiera))
I left my house in the grove and went to the headquarters of my guild. On the way over there I heard some people talk about the mermaid, I couldn’t really hear what they were saying because i was on a hurry. It had something to do with someone dying. had she killed someone? I thought. well, it’s not important right now.

Anyhow, I got to my guildhal really soon. I wanted to sent some people to find Storyteller, but then I rememberd what Berno told me: “it’s more complicated then you think. First try to find out how many people have connection with Bubbles, before you can continue your story.”
I decided to follow up on that hint and gathered some lower-ranked investigators:
-“Duma, you’ve got connection with the vigil and the priory. go look what they know,” I told her.
-“Stan, you’ve got some asura, norn and human friends, right? can you ask them for info?”
-“Anivia, you’re ash legion. Anything charr know, ash knows too. Go look for connection with ash.”
After explaining a bit more about their tasks they went out to start investigate.
If only I could get agents in the Order of Whispers too, but they are too carefull. Stupid
Whisperers. They have to be involved! I just wish I knew how to infiltrate it and steal their information.

Not long after I sent my investigators, I got a reply from Sophiera.
Hmm… it’s a shame that Bubbles is dead, I was hoping to get a chance to talk with her. On the other hand, it does make the story a lot better. People love reading tragedy’s and now that’s it over the information gathering will be a lot easier because there is no longer a need to keep it secret.

I’m going to LA to try and find out were the mermaid’s body is and find some witnessess of the murder. I hope I’m lucky today.

@all those who are “leaving” because Scarlet is involved….

Whether you like her or not, this is the best darned story I have had the pleasure to be involved with. Quitting because you don’t like a character is like refusing to go to Disneyworld because you don’t like confetti.

The Scarlett they have written here is NOT the “same” Scarlett that we see in the game. This Scarlett is interesting, and actually has some intelligence and cunning. This is an evil Scarlett that I can hate (not a bad thing) and will forever more affect the things I see in the game.

With the talents of the writers here, it actually makes the in-game Scarlett more “likable” and tolerable. Let’s see how far they can take that feeling…

Sorry for the digression….and thanks for letting me opine.

Cheers!

No one here would happen to have a female Norn character decked in full Lionguard attire and able to do the shrug emote, do they?

-sigh- Sometimes I wish I had photoshop.

Regardless, I love how this story is going. I am loving the Scarlet in here – and I hate how Bubbles died!! I wanted a chance for Ana to meet Bubbles!

/cry