As soon as the group joined the caravan, Dino carefully observed every single member of that party. His eyes obviously gazed a bit longer onto the women, and they were truly beautiful. The giggle of the women snapped him to reality, but he kept his cool, limiting himself to smiling and adjusting his glasses. As the Ox plated guard flanked Dino, he immediately noticed how tall the man was. Dino was surprised to say the least, but he wasn't intimidated by it: a man's appearance does not display his ability to fight.

When the group settled at the camp, Dino went against the 'order' of resting. Instead he went near the main group of caravan members and planted his cross in the ground. With a swift move he popped out from his pocket a cigarette and a lighter, and in a moment blazed the stick. He leaned onto the cross, resting his arm on the far side of it, somewhat embracing the thing. After a puff from the cancer stick, he proceeded.

"Excuse my boldness, my Amazonian gentlemen, but may I ask what is the deal with this Great Dragon. I don't want to sound rude, but at the same time I don't want to say something wrong. You see, I ain't from around here, savvy?"

"An offering...?"

Lilith looked at the soldier that was offering her a horse, then at the carriage with women inside, then back at the soldier. "Why thank you..." she graciously jumped on horse's back. Even though it was well hidden behind her unmoving mask of a smile, she had her suspicions. "...Truly Tellusian welcoming..."

***

When they called it a day, and stopped to set up a camp, she ignored "Ox's" proposition, and remained where she was, near the fire. Using her ashes, she created a small stool, made out of untreated wood, and animal's fur, to sit on.

"...Tellusian pagan cults, roaming the deserts and forests of the Earth Lands, in rather small nomad groups... Known for fanatic devotion to their fake gods, and human sacrifices... As well as other dealings considered inhuman... " A little shiver went down her spine, as she recalled that part. Their "inhuman practices" were still nothing, compared to what few legitimate Tenabraens tend to do from time to time...

Seeing the Pilgrim - Lililth began to call a man with a cross like that, as she didn't knew any of the names, of her "comrades" - talk to soldiers, she decided to learn something as well. Reluctantly getting up, she approached the three women, ans asked bluntly.

"Excuse me, sorry if I got something wrong..." She started, smiling. "All three of you, along with what's inside of that carriage are a...tribute, to that... "Great Dragon", right?" What caught Lilith's attention, was the fact of how calm these girls were, in the given situation. Back in Tellusia...as well as in her home land, people tended to be...less cooperative most of the time.

The Ox guard addressed Daniel's question. "He is the benevolent diety that protects our kingdom. We hope to ask a boon from him. As it is Summer and we are hoping for a good harvest in Autumn. We are offering it food and a performance as to please it. Those three priestesses are very skilled in the fine arts. One of them is my sister." He puffed his chest out in pride. "She plays the kayagum. He does not seek gold or other fancies for offering, rather he simply seeks company. You cannot blame him for this need for company." The man chuckled and looked onto the mountain. "It is lonely to be in such solitude, but he sees it for the best as the closer he is to humans, the higher the chance fanatics may start doing unsavory things to seek his attention. Such power attracts just as powerful, if not more powerful, greed."

Lilith was hearing the same things from the priestesses who sat outside the carriage, two were singing while one played on a long stringed instrument called a kayagum when she arrived. "Tributes is a strange way to put it." One of the singers answered. "But yes we were chosen to go to the Great Dragon, it is a great honor. I do hope it will be pleased with us." The other two nodded. "We are hoping he will bless our weather and fields for a bountiful harvest in the upcoming Autumn." She scooted over to make room. "Would you like to sit and listen?" The girl with the kayagum began playing again and the singer began singing. The stringed instrument thrummed and responded to her plucks and sliding like it was a living object. It created a nice, calm melody, like a flowing stream, nothing distorted its clear serenity. The woman's voice wove in and fluttered, creating the clear skies and shining sun. The other sang with her before standing up and dancing, her robes flowing around her like leaves on a tree, a gentle breeze dancing through. The soldiers continued their tasks, but now with a smile on their faces due to the sheer magnificence of the performance. As the three finished, the soldiers clapped and bowed deep, thanking them. "Did you enjoy the performance?" The player asked Lilith.

Nocturn was honestly surprised to see that the men didn't make mention of his zombie-like appearance. It was as if it was commonplace here as well. He shrugged and simply followed for the meantime, he didn't have anywhere else to go anyway.

When asked to stop and take a rest, he looked around. He found a nice good spot right at the edges of the camp's perimeter with a decently sized rock for him to sit on. Perfect. He walked towards it and sat himself down, his batons sounded lightly as they hit the boulder. He clicked his jaw again, a force of habit in the days that came after the incident. The cogs along his spine whirred again, until they locked into place for the moment that he was sitting. He looked up to the stars, ever blinking. Each held the souls of the Guided, they said the brighter the light, the less sinful the soul was. He wondered if he would be pinned into the darkness above, if his light would be as dim as the void around it.

He allowed himself to chuckle. It's been awhile anyway, no one was there to hear it too.

When the women explained the situation, Lilith's smile disappeared, as she looked somewhat confused for a moment. Then she just started laughing uncontrollably for a good half a minute or so. When she was done, and her Da Vinci's smile was present again, she took off her glasses to clean them and apologized.

"Oooh..." At this point she still tried to get hold of her reaction. "...Im so sorry...perhaps just a little misunderstanding... It is true that the way you think depends on where you're from..." She put the glasses back on. "Oh, please do, I'd listen with pleasure." Lilith answered, and spawned her stool again, sitting at it with her legs crossed.

The music was remarkable, and the dance hypnotizing, making for a truly interesting performance. Somewhere deep inside, Lilith even started to envy them a little. Such talent would definitely not go to waste as a human sacrifice...

When they were done, it took Lilith a second to realize that. She snapped back to reality, and clapped along the soldiers, although probably not as enthusiastic as them. "That was beautiful...Thank you for that...now..." She put her finger flat to her cheek. "...That Great Dragon...Is it an actual dragon we are talking about...?" Lilith asked without even trying to hide her curiosity.

The dancer nodded, "Yes just like the legends say. I however never got to see the Great Dragon in person. But Lee says her brother told her what the dragon looks like."

The player smiled. "He said the Great Dragon stretches across the horizon. Its antlers seem to have been carved from the Tree of Balance and its mane looks to be made of the finest silver blades. Its scales are a beautiful emerald hue and are said to be more durable than any armor we can forge." She sighed. "He says words cannot capture the Great Dragon's splendor and that he isn't telling me everything so I can be surprised." She looked over to the Ox guard with a smile.

The singer spoke up, "Miss, we never got your name. I am Fey, you've already met Lee, and she's Sang." She pointed to the dancer.

Dino carefully listened to what the Ox said, not only memorizing the information, but also analyzing body movements. At first glance, it seemed the warrior really meant what he said, and he indeed meant no harm. But in Dino's experience, it was always good to stay on your toes.

As the music started playing Dino drifted away from the Ox and the other soldiers, moving closer to the four women. He instinctively even began dancing to the music, executing particular traditional Irish Folk steps. If somebody asked him, he would proudly say that it was the O'Hara choreography. When the performance was completed, Dino energically applauded, laughing and smiling.

"Bravo! Bravo! Encore! Truly beautiful! I bet this will impress the Dragon, because it definitely impressed me, ladies." he stated jollily as he walked closer to the women.
"Pleasure is mine, ladies. Daniel O'Hara. Friends call me Dino. At your service." he galantly added, bowing to the three priestesses.

Tim suddenly woke up, and stretched his legs. The medic had done well.
He was missing something though. With all this random action, he never got to do what he liked best.
Taking out Ragnorok, he began to finish the spanish melody, before taking a french tune mid song.
As he played, he suddenly felt more at home in this world.

"Pfft...Men..."

Even though the introduction was obviously not directed to her, Lilith didn't seem to be bothered by it and spoke up anyway.

"Lilith Rose...Its about time we exchange our names Mr. Hara." She was still sitting in the same position, with her finger on cheek, and with her head slightly tilted to the side. Suddenly Lilith's gaze shifted from the "Pilgrim" to something behind him. "Aaand...that Grump over there is Walter..." Leaning against the side of the carriage with his arms crossed, there was a masked individual, wearing a tuxedo. He was also wearing a top hat, black gloves and a long, thick gray stripped scarf, tightly wrapped around his neck. Mask itself was of a simple oval shape, with two black holes, where the eyes would be, there was nothing else engraved or painted on it. Hearing his name being called, he slightly rose his head. There was actually no way of telling, when did he appear again, probably somewhere in between the show.

"It is a pleasure Ms. Rose, Mr. Walter, and Mr. O'Hara." Fey smiled and bowed slightly. She turned to the Dino. "I am glad that you enjoyed it, your own dancing was very impressive." She giggled. Lee and Sang giggled along with her.

"Yes I have never seen such moves before." Sang stated.

The Ox guard walked up behind Daniel and clapped him on the shoulder. "You should slow down a bit Mr. O'Hara, we can all see you're drooling." He smiled and those who could hear him laughed. "It is not uncommon for men to be infatuated with the priestesses." The other soldiers nodded their agreement. "Even I had a small crush on Fey." He gave her a slight nod and she blushed and bowed back. "But women who swore to be priestess has sworn celibacy. They will never marry or sleep with a man."

"It doesn't mean we cannot be flattered by a man's compliments." Lee stated. "Now Brother don't spoil our fun, it's not everyday we meet a stranger."

"Very true very true, how about we talk more over dinner, I believe I hear the hunting parties come back." The Ox guard turned around to greet the two parties, one led by the Tiger guard and another by the Dragon guard.

"Master Zu Won caught a male boar!" Two soldiers boasted, hoisting the massive beast up, hanging on a spear that was being carried on their shoulders. The Tiger guard grinned and clasped both of his hands together in honor of the praise.

"Master Gyo Sung caught a buck!" The other two soldiers rivaled, an impressive male deer was tied to a spear by its legs and was also held up on the soldiers' shoulders. The Dragon guard responded to the praise the same way Zu Won did.

"If Master Lo Bok had gone out, he probably would've hunted something better than that." A soldier jibed. Lo Bok responded the praise with a deep laugh. The soldiers began squabbling amongst each other about who was more competent and the three guards simply watched on with amusement.

"Perhaps while the meat cooks we will put on our own show." Lo Bok offered his two compatriots. "It'd be a nice way to soften up the sores from riding and it would also be something nice to show to our guests." The other two nodded their agreement and the guards hurried to clean and ready the meats. Two more fires were built with wood stored on the back of the carriage and the cleaned carcasses were hung on a spit to begin cooking. Lo Bok sprinkled some seasoning on the meat and then cleaned his hands on the ground and got up. "Well let us begin then."

He took his spear off his back. The eyes of the ox on his shoulder glowed yellow and smoke began drifting out of its nose. Zu Won pulled out his two katanas and his tiger's eyes glowed green and smoke came out of the wildcat's mouth. Gyo Sung unsheathed his guando and the dragon's eyes glowed red with smoke coming out of its nose.



The three fought for an hour, pummeling away at each other before the medic blew a whistle to stop the fight. "The food's ready!" He then went to get the members of the party who were resting. Everyone would sit around the main fire, the cooking fires at a distance where the heat wouldn't be uncomfortably smothering, but they could easily traverse there and back to the main eating location for more food. Lo Bok ate voraciously, his fighting prowess not unmatched by his appetite. The other two ate more politely, but they also ate large quantities, obviously trying to replenish their energy. The other soldiers talked amongst each other excitedly, happy they got to see the three captains fight as they argued who would've won in the end and the men's honors and achievements as evidence for their side.

Lo Bok stood up, and grabbed some kegs that were sitting on top of the carriage. "Come share a drink with me brothers!" Each soldier took a drink except for Gyo Sung and the medic. The women each had a small cup to sip from while the men got large mugs. Lo Bok held his heavy mug over the fire to warm it then hoisted it into the air. "To all of you. To your health and well-being!" The soldiers and priestesses answered with a loud cheers before drinking. He quaffed down the sake quickly and offered others another drink but didn't take one for himself, nor did Zu Won. "So what did you think of our fight?" Lo Bok asked Daniel, Walter, and Lilith, the only ones who were there to watch.

Nocturn's eyes were closed, he couldn't really sleep. Even after so long the incessant turning of gears and cogs inside of him were keeping him up. He found it hard to get used to all the ticking. After a while, he gave up trying and sighed. The sound of celebration roused him from his stupor and he took a peek at what was happening behind him. It was a feast, a celebration indeed. Playfights and alcohol, food and women. The first two were the only things he could partake of now.

He couldn't really smile without lips but he was in his mind.

He stood up and walked towards the crowd. Maybe he could trick these men into thinking he could best them in how much alcohol they could intake. Being a seaman over the course of his Life, he could hold a lot but being part mechanical with the digestive track gone, well, he can never get drunk. He walked to the first table he sees and brings the full weight of his arms to rest.

"One of your strongest alcohol, if you please," he asked as he raised his arm to order.

Lilith was sitting on her stool, slowly eating her portion of food, carefully to not get her hands or clothes too messy, drinking from her glass from time to time, generally enjoying the mood. However Walter stood few meters behind her, with a mug in his hand. He didn't eat, drink, nor say anything throughout the whole dinner. When asked by Lo Bok, he simply nodded his head as an approval, while Lilith gave him more "developed" answer.

"Impressive...Really impressive I must say" She smiled to the guard. "Back where we are from, we practice the art of elements as well..." She took another sip from her half empty glass. "In fact, we're all being born with that gift, me and my partner as no exceptions..." As Lilith said that, Walter slightly twitched.

"She's talking too much..."

Lilith, not noticing that however, continued. "...Is that a common thing here as well?" Even though the hour was late, and the day was rather tough, Lilith didn't seem to be more tired than at the beginning of the "trip". Which still, if compared her to a normal, healthy individual she looks rather tired all the time.

Lo Bok shifted a bit at Grant's insult. Insulting a warrior's honor didn't sit nicely with him, but he was wise enough not to fall for the taunt. However the other soldiers had more alcohol than him and were more susceptible to mind games. "A real warrior?" One particularly drunk and large soldier stood up. "A real warrior isn't defined by how he fights, but by what he fights for. So even if you think fighting phsyically is barbaric, does not mean you can call a warrior who fights to protect his land any less of a warrior." The others chorused their agreement and a few began bickering.

Gyo Sung quickly stomped out any embers. "Calm yourself! You call yourself real warriors and yet whisper plans to ambush him in groups. You are more childish than he is." He sighed and sipped his tea.

Lo Bok laughed, "Couldn't have said it better myself brother. Let the foreigner have his own opinion. I prefer to leave strategists to their games while I fight mine." He pointed up to the mountain. "That is where we are heading, young strategist. After we eat we will rest and then head there as the sun rises."

Zu Won addressed Lilith's question. "No not everyone can bend the energy of the earth. Only reason why we can bend it so easily is due to our shoulder pads." He tapped the tiger. "Of course a few are born with the ability to mold energy to their whim. Sun, our mage, is a perfect example." He pointed over to the medic who was sipping his own personal tea, almost in his own little world, ignoring Gyo and Lo to his right and Zu and Lilith to his left.

"Excellent." Grant stated.

"I humbly thank you for the food and rest. Now if you'll excuse me..." Grant spoke sarcastically, giving a dramatic bow.

He began walking in the direction of the indicated mountain.