The Sylvorpa looked around at the Sylesti surrounding her and straightened herself. Taking in the travel worn Sylesti around her, she took a deep breath and began her tale in a soft voice.

"I'm Mantis Reef. I work for the royal family as the caretaker for the young prince. But a few days ago, he disappeared. While searching for him, our guards overheard some merchants discussing about a group of sketchy travelers that had a young Zolnixi that greatly resembled our missing prince. They were said to be heading in the direction of the uninhabited half of Bramble Forest. I suspect they are heading to the abandoned Neverend Town, the Town of Shadows. Also known as the Town of Ferals... I need a group willing to go after him as the forest is too dangerous for a larger group of soldiers to traverse as it's thick trees and dense foliage can make finding a path difficult. As this is concerning his precious son, the king himself will reward you for returning the prince to us."

She slipped a piece of paper from her bag and laid it out face up on the table, revealing a picture of a young Zolnixi.



"This is Sly Effect. The first prince of the Effect royal Bloodline and son to King Branch Effect and Lady Silica. And heir to the throne as the only prince. I implore his safe return. And I can offer a small amount of the reward to you now so you might buy supplies for quest."

Reef gingerly slid five small pouches of coins towards the Sylesti opposite of her and waited quietly to see what they might do.

Thalia snatched the bag of gold. Well, I have a birthday present for Percy ready now. She smiled at the Sylvorpa and nodded a yes.

I stare at the Sylesti for a moment, trying to read anything in their eyes. I do need the money, but... Something felt wrong about taking it...

I sniff the pouch carefully to check for any traps, but notice I am acting strange by doing so.

"All I need is my dagger. If I help your quest, I only ask that the king provides shelter and medication for my parents. How does that sound? I already have my trusty dagger, so I have no need for the gold." I reply hopefully.

I may be a thief, but I will not tolerate being greedy.

Reef nodded with a grateful smile.

"Thank you for agreeing. I'm sure we can set up a small house and a monthly source of income for your family in exchange for your reward. We can even offer the services of the healer who tends to the royal court. If I can just some of your information written down, we will take care of the details while you are traveling."

Pulling a small book from her bag, Reef opened to a fresh page and wrote down some notes about the answered job the reward requests. Writing down Anguish's details she pushed book and quill over, waiting for an address and medical info on the thief's family.

A smile erupts on my face and I list the effects of their unidentified sicknesses, and that they currently hide in a certain alley.

"Thank you." I reply graciously.

Reef nodded to Anguish with a polite demeanor.

"I'll make sure they proper housing and treatment. Leave them to me and I'll leave retrieving the prince to you."

"Deal." With a curt nod of my head, I walk over back to my spot in the shadows, observing what the other sylestis would do.

Loreno studied the gold on the table. Thats enough to get me a ride to the Enchanted Forest..."Done." He nodded briskly.(Also you have been pinging me for LostCry)

(I wasn't just pinging you. I ping everyone to let them know of a new post. Since this a free form story RPG where the goal is to end the story for prizes, you're free to interact with each other as well, not just me. Since I won't have permanent character in the game. I'm the force that controls the story elements so you won't need to respond to me directly. I'm just letting you know that the story has progressed with more points of interaction.)

Oh OK.