The Night of the Red Rogue was finally drawing near... And this had led to a great panic amongst the nobles of the land. Supposedly, each year at around this time, a bandit known as the Red Rogue sets upon the wealthy to steal away from them and gift their goods to the common folk. This was something that most people were more than willing to get behind, with Videl almost having been one of them, but not everyone had seen this act as a good thing. Naturally, the rich nobles of Charon had been in the latter group when discussing such things. It was almost to the point of paranoia for some of these nobles.. To have some fiendish bandit snoop about their homes at night, only to steal from them.

Given the anxiety that such thoughts had held over the nobles, this year the nobles had decided to take a few precautions. Each of these nobles had decided to come together to put an end to this Red Rogue, requesting that those amongst the common people assist them in a sort of protection detail. It was this act that would lead to Videl currently standing within the city of Darkveil.

According to some of the local nobles, one of their warehouses was currently being targeted by a group of criminals that were pretending to be this Red Rogue. These degenerate thieves were intending on stealing away a large quantity of goods from the warehouse. Food, Clothing, Toys, and even Weaponry. So as to ensure that these goods don't go missing, several individuals had been requested to watch over these warehouses as protectors. Videl, as well as his most recent companion Nieven, were apparently tasked with handling the protection detail of one of these particular warehouses. After their efforts in apprehending a conman, the city had thought that they would serve best in this role. All that was really left for them to do now was their jobs..

"Sooo.. Do you know much about this holiday? This isn't exactly the kind of thing that my tribe dealt with. Gift giving was all well and good but we never had any sort of banditry as a part of it." As Videl spoke to Nieven, he had kept his gaze scanning the area before him. He was currently standing before the only entryway into the warehouse and as such, didn't have anywhere else to really wait things out. "And honestly? I'm a bit surprised that these nobles had to resort to hiring the pair of us. I mean, there had to be others within the area that they could trust more, right?" Not that he was complaining. In Videl's eyes, this night would come to an end without very much trouble. It just felt odd that he was selected for such a thing. Especially in a city that he barely interacted with.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Quest Name: Recover Stolen Goods
Chapter: One
Description:
You have caught wind that a local warehouse has been targeted by the fakes, and they plan to steal a large amount of goods, from food to clothing. This will cost the owner a fortune, so you are being asked to help watch and defend the warehouse. You are being asked to guard the building, keeping a look out and warding off people who would be trying to steal, using force if needed. How you go about this is up to you, finding fun, unique and creative ways to write the scene.

Requirements:
- Requires exactly two people (you and one other, can be doing opposing quest) )
- You must make at least 5 post to complete the mission with each post being at least 200 words
- Once you complete this mission you gain access to chapter two. (which needs to be a separate topic)

Although Nieven was out of his family’s good graces and banished from their estate he did have a couple of connections due to the social circles he ran in. He was personally approached by a good friend of his Uring Givent heir to House Givent. He was not a fan of the red rogues; he found them with their red cloaks and stealing from the rich. Why steal from the rich? That was super unnecessary and was tough to deal with. He and his family were even victims to the red rogues one year, a terrifying time he remembered as he and his family hid in their bunker, the guards taking care of it quickly. This time would be different. He was going to stand on his own two feet and bring the foolish goons to justice. No poor noble was going to live in fear of having their riches stolen on his noble watch. After all, if the poor needed money then they should just ask if it was simple enough. For there was no reason to steal when Nieven was sure the poor could just ask for money and receive it. The sylvan elf was incredibly sheltered and had no concept of money so had little sympathy or understanding of the red rogues.



He was told by Uring that he was going to be accompanied by an up-and-coming adventurer named Videl. A man he was familiar with considering that both of them almost died at the hands of a giant ball bearing. Their mission was simple enough make sure that the warehouse would not be attacked or robbed by these scarlet hooligans. He leaned against the wall as he listened to the other man speak, shivering slightly believing it to be too cold.



“Well, Videl Winter’s Crown is an incredible time of year when we give gifts to our families and celebrate the gracious year. I’m sorry that you’ve never experienced it before, growing up my Winter’s Crown list was the same size as mine. As for working together, why wouldn’t they pair us up? I have incredible brains and beauty while you bring strong and dependable brawn. With your powers combined, there’s simply no way a red rogue could slip by”.

A soft laugh would escape the mans lips as he briefly turned his gaze back towards Nieven. A matchup between beauty and brawns, huh? Videl might have been willing to consider that if he himself was actually strong. When compared to those that he interacted with, Videl was little more than a child. One that knew how to wield his magic, granted, but that wasn't exactly something that he had considered to be brawns. If anything, he was far more akin to the brains of the operation. Rather than point this out though, Videl would simply laugh and nod along.

"Fair enough." By this point, Videl's gaze would return to their original task of maintaining a sense of security. His ever watchful gaze would wander over the area, hoping to sus out any individuals that might be approaching him, whether hidden or otherwise. "Thanks for the straightforward answer by the way. The more that you speak on it, the more that I actually see a few similarities to what my tribe does around this time of year." The more that Videl spoke on the subject, the more his voice would die out a bit. "Guess that's something that I specifically didn't participate in.." His words would fully die out as his sentence had come to an end. Whether this was due to his strict focus on his duties or his unfortunate remembrance of the past, even he hadn't known.

It was in this moment that a thought would occur to Videl. From what he had understood, there was really only one entrance in and out of this warehouse. In the event that someone were to appear, it would likely be best that they didn't have a way in or out. All of the goods within could be contained this way, ensuring their safety. A bit of a smirk would form upon Videl's lips as he held this thought. "Back up a few feet, if you don't mind, Nieven." Once the pair had successfully made their way a few feet away from the doorway, Videl would channel a bit of mana throughout his body before allowing it to settle within his feet. From there, Videl would stomp onto the ground and cause a large block of ice ^{[Glacial Wall]} to rise from the ground, blocking off the entryway. Another spell would of course be cast in conjunction with this one, a heavy layer of glacial mana encompassing the previous spell to ensure that it remained ^[Permafrost]. "In the event that we end up in a fight of sorts, this should ensure that no-one gets in or out while we're distracted."

Nieven smirked slightly as he heard the other man agree with his assessment of their teaming up.



“Of course friend, after all, I am a certifiable genius and find most subjects fairly easy to explain in simple words. That and most things are quite simple and boring when in comparison to the best subject of conversation, me”, he exclaims, taking his hands out of his dark blue winter coat and raising them towards himself.



He then quickly places them back into his coat and shivers some more, “Oh? Is that so? Can you please explain that a bit more? Aren’t you from around one of those tribal settlements in Frostgale? What did you fellows do differently? Why didn’t you participate in it”, he looked at the other man, his focus completely on him.

For as much as Nieven was incredibly self-centered he was also a very nosy and chatty bastard. He loves to gossip and learn everything he can about people so he could keep that in mind whenever he needed it. He was about to continue with his barrage of questions but stopped his voice trailing off as the other man told him to back up a little bit.



“And why should I do that?”, the sylvan elf questioned before simply shrugging it off and following the other man’s lead, or how he saw Videl following his lead. He backed up a few feet and placed his hands on his waist tapping his foot on the floor.



“I’m waiting”, the man would remark before suddenly abruptly at least to him stepping forward and summoning a giant large frozen wall. He stood back observing the man’s work intently holding his chin, “Huh, that’s a very good idea there Videl, good job there my friend. As for a fight well I’m not exactly worried about that”, he chuckles as he looks back to check his lance in its case and looks down at his incredibly fashionable outfit he recently got from that eccentric designer, something about cult madness, he didn’t remember all he remembered as that he knew he was going to look good in it and just bought out.

If he was being honest with himself, Videl had forgotten how ridiculous Nieven could be at times. For one to become so involved with themselves.. Just what did that person have to go through to reach such a level of narcissism? Still.. It was better to discuss things with Nieven than to simply remain quiet and keep to himself. If he had to choose between the pair, Videl would opt to speak with Nieven every time. At least the man was amusing in his words.

"Eh.. I won't bother to say that it's a complicated matter. At the end of the day, my tribe just chose not to include me in most things. They believe my magic to be a curse, given the climate of my homeland. What use is one that specializes in glacial magics within a tribe dedicated to the gift of fire?" While he had spoken nothing but the truth, there had been little emotion behind these words. They were succinct and to the point, focusing solely on answering Nieven's question. "Not that any of that matters now. I've long since left my tribe and found someone that I can call my home. The only reason I even bother to learn these new things, at this point, is so that I can find a way to bring her some semblance of happiness."

Having said all that he really wanted to share on the subject, Videl would return his focus to the task at hand. Thus far, they had yet to encounter any would be thieves. How long could that really last though? Shing! The answer to that previous question was unfortunately answered.. and the answer was not all that long.

Before he had even realized what was happening, Videl's dancing chain had reacted to an incoming projectile and deflected it! This dancing should would then return to its inert state whilst Videl had thrown himself into a state of high alert. "Shit.." His eyes would once more begin to scan the surrounding area but this time they would successfully land upon someone attempting to hide within the shadows once more. "Stay where you are," was all that Videl would shout in the direction of their aggressor before channeling his glacial mana to the bottom of his soles ^{[Frozen Feet]}. With the soles of his feet now frosted over, Videl would summon ^{[Spell Blade, Always There]} forth his spear and rush off in the direction of this aggressor.

“Ah, complicated matters? I can understand that perfectly my friend and I’m sorry that was the case for you. As for being a curse apologies but how blasphemous and upsetting. Sure it may not be the most useful considering your home’s climate as you said but still. You’re a member of that clan and ice magic is simply terrific although I fancy the best domain of the sky still I find the sea domain fascinating. You can do so much by manipulating ice. Did they ever think of the possibilities? How many beautiful things do you create with it? Statues? Snowflakes? Houses? I mean it seems quite useful in my opinion and I mean you definitely seem dependable and use your abilities well”, the elf man starting to get upset he related to not being accepted by the people who called you a part of their family ever so much, “I understand what it’s like to be rebuked by the people who are supposed to love you even as amazing and incredible as I am and support you so you have my greatest respects”.



He snotty chuckles and teases, “Ou, someone to call your home aye? Didn’t think as a full-blown casanova like I, Videl. Do tell me who it is. I’m happy for you my friend. It is good that even finding one person to support you is incredible. For I have my adoring fans so I feel even more incredible and fulfilled”, he exclaims confidently.



Before he could go on and on about his adoring fans he felt an impact appear right next to where he and Videl were standing. He slowly turned around to look at what had just occurred, noticing a figure in the shadows rustling. He quickly reaches towards his lance on his back and takes it out holding it in his right hand following behind Videl as fast as he could.

While he had wished to further explain his clans reasoning to Nieven, there simply wasn't the time. Not while he was rushing towards a cloaked figure in the darkness. Perhaps once things were settled here, and the night had come to an end, the two could discuss their pasts and come to some kind of consensus on why the other feels so irritable about their situations. Until that time had come though, Videl would have to throw his full focus towards accomplishing the task they initially set out to do. Talking about their personal lives at this moment was simply going to serve as nothing more than a distraction.

As Videl had continued to rush in towards his intended target, said target would knock another arrow within their bow before shooting off said arrow in Videl's direction. Without another dancing chain to protect him at the moment, Videl would have to settle for imbuing his mantle with a bit of his mana ^{[Rime Mantle]}, causing the mantles density to become like steel in doing so. This would allow for the arrow to plink off of his mantle before hitting the ground. Of course, by that point, it was too late for this individual to do much of anything else against Videl's incoming attack.

With his spear still in hand, Videl would cease his movement about ten feet away ^{[Titanic Reach]} from this person, thrusting his spear ^{[Spear, Double Strike, Thrusting]} towards them whilst adjusting his grip appropriately. In doing so, his spear would reach all the way out towards this person and slam into them twice, hitting them in each of their shoulders. Without any real way to defend against the incoming spearhead strikes, given how they had just released their own attack, this particular roguish individual would find themselves knocked to the ground in pain.

Unfortunately things wouldn't quite come to an end here. While Videl had dealt with one of the rogues, he hadn't quite accounted for another to join the fray. Stepping from out of the shadows, beside Nieven, had been a tall figure that was cloaked in black garb to disguise their appearance. In their hands had been a pair of fighting knives, perfectly designed to deliver a series of quick and nimble attacks. Given his current position, Videl hadn't even noticed the figures appearance. Nieven very likely had though.. Especially considering the fact that this figure was now attempting to slice into Nieven with their blades!

“Huzzah, take that pathetic worm”, Nieven would chuckle as he stood a few feet behind Videl simply holding his lance in his hands not thinking much of the current situation. His partner seemed to have handled it very quickly and effectively, if this was the highlight of the night then the sylvan elf did not expect much from their foes. Before the man could celebrate anymore over a victory that was not his even if he felt it he felt a scary presence right next to him.



Suddenly he heard the faint sound of metal slashing against the cold wind behind him and he felt a large searing pain as the two fighting knives were rake down his back. The sylvan elf shrieked in pain incredibly loudly before he spun around to face the perpetrator of his injuries.



A tall figure in black robes was towering over him snickering, “Huh, thought that’d be enough to get you down. Good job Frederick you did more than enough, leave this to me now”.



Nieven simply grits his teeth as he tries to keep standing, his back has been razed and his nice blue jacket has been coated with his blood.



He screams, “How dare you, you insolent coward you attacked me when I was not looking. That is most unfair and for insulting my pride and my precious jacket which I will ask you for compensation for I will defeat you”.



He raises his hand and charges the energy of the earth domain into his fingertips, he remembers the smell of a nice pumpkin pie he had the other night and focuses on that. Suddenly the space in between him and the black-robed figure becomes filled with pumpkins and wheat stocks (1). He raises his lance and points it at the figure, “Well then now come after me if you dare”.

---

1. Harvest of Plenty

Upon hearing his companion shriek in pain, Videl would immediately swivel his gaze away from the intruder before him and back towards Nieven. As he had done this, he would come to know of the appearance of another figure, this one clad entirely in black. Videl was actually about to rush over there to assist Nieven but stopped himself as he watched the Sylvan Elf summon forth an abundance of pumpkins and what stocks. Realizing that the man could hold off on his own for a bit, Videl would return his gaze to the spot in which the man from before had previously been.. only to notice that the man was now gone!

As though without a trace, the intruder had completely disappeared. This was worrying to the T'saya, given the importance of their mission. Unfortunately there wasn't much that he could do until the man had resurfaced.. He had considered calling upon a flurry of snow, to coat the hidden individual, but worried that doing so might disrupt Nieven's vision. It was a route that he wasn't fully willing to take at the moment, considering the limitations of his partner, so Videl would instead opt to simply help Nieven out.

Making the most out of his previous spell still remaining intact, Videl would skate across the ground and make his way on over towards Nieven and the secondary intruder. Just as he had reached the point in which his feet were about to come into contact with the patch that Nieven had summoned forth, Videl would slam the butt of his spear into the ground and use it to vault ^{[Vaulting Style]} himself directly over the patch. As he had found himself descending from the air, landing by the cloaked figures side, Videl would proceed to thrust his spear towards the cloaked figure, a sharp whistling sound occurring as the spear picks up in pacing, and in an instant, two quick thrusts with his spear would aim for the figures chest ^{[Titanic Reach, Spear, Double Strike, Thrusting]}. Just before these blows could be dealt, however, the cloaked figure would deflect the pair of them with his daggers!

“Huzzah”, Nieven would exclaim in delight, “It appears that although you’ve caught me by surprise I am the one who is in control here. You shall face my mighty strength and magical abilities, cry if you might I shall not forgive thee for ruining this jacket. By the way, you will compensate me for it shall be about 150 solars”.

The sylvan elf was confident as he had his perfect defensive wall in front of him there was no way anybody could get through his masterful spell. Well, that was what he thought at least before seeing Videl easily vaulted himself through it and landed right in front of the coward.

“Really Videl?”, the man whines, “I have this go along now, you had your chance to shine against that fellow from earlier, it’s my turn. I shall dazzle everyone here with my incredible combat ability”, however before he can make any more self-aggrandizing remarks he noticed that his partner’s attacks seemed to have not even a single affect.

The fellow seemed more than pleased with a slight smirk on his face, “Is that all that these nobles have to offer? I was expecting a bit more of a challenge, right Frederick?”.

“You coward, don't you dare take us so lightly”, Nieven exclaims as he runs around his spell and attempts to drive his lance through the man’s right side.

Just as Nieven had begun to rush around his spell and was preparing to launch an attack against the figure cladded in black, a serrated arrow would let loose from within Videl's shadow, heading towards the Sylvan Elf. There was no way for Videl to have known that the man had decided to hide within his shadow, or for him to even understand how such a thing was possible! The only reason that Videl was even aware of this fact now was thanks to the fact that the mans attack had given his current location away. Pair that up with the fact that the figure before them was more or less unphased by Videl's previous attack and the pair that were assigned as guards were likely in for an exhausting situation.

Slightly overwhelmed by everything that was happening at once, Videl would have to actively force himself to calm down. If he was going to ensure that the noble's goods remained protected, as well as the safety of Nieven, than he was going to have to pull out every move that he had. Coming to terms with this much, Videl would dive deeply into his reserves of glacial mana whilst dropping his spear onto the ground. For what was about to come.. He would need both of his hands available to him. Half of the mana that he had been drawing upon would find itself settled into the silver circlet around his wrist and as for the other, it would well within the movements that he begun to make with his hands.

Although the rogues had been curious about what sort of feat Videl was hoping to pull off, their curiosity hadn't been enough to cease them from attacking all together. It would be foolish for them to allow for him to complete whatever he was hoping to pull off. As such, the figure cladded in black would begin to slice into Videl with his blades, cutting away at his skin. Given that he couldn't exactly expect to protect himself at the moment, Videl would willingly take these blows..

Through grunts of pain, Videl would finally pull off the spells that he was performing in conjunction with one another. This was usually an impossible feat for him but was only possible thanks to the capabilities of one of the spells that was being performed.. Shortly after Videl had completed his somatic components, the very moisture in the air would begin to solidify behind the rogue. It wouldn't take too long for this moisture to take on a physical form, ultimately resulting in a creature of immense proportions. Standing behind the blade wielding figure had been a towering ice elemental ^{[Summon: Ice Elemental]} that was radiated an aura of immense cold ^[Permafrost]. And once this elemental had been called forth? "Stop them." It would transform its right arm into a spear ^{[Elemental used Ice Spike]} of immaculate proportions before driving said spear directly towards the black clad figure.

Suddenly as Nieven settled his eyes on his opponent after rushing around his trap, something flew through the air. Before he could even make a single attack he was already staggering back yelling whatever hit him tore up not only his jacket’s shoulder but right through his fair skin. He was taken back struggling to breathe and process what just happened as the pain didn’t stop; it felt far more grievous than any other injury he’d had before. He glanced over his body as he felt a blistering pain he found the culprit quickly there was a serrated arrow lodged into his shoulder. The pain quickly spread to the right side of his chest and where his arm began it hurt badly and the sylvan elf was extremely upset.



“What in Avasha’s name have you done to me?”, he stammers looking around with a wild look in his eyes as he struggles to stand up fully prepared to faint on the spot as blood begins coming out of his shoulder.



The man was angry now and determined as he glared annoyed and injured he had decided he’d had enough. He raised his left arm focusing on a single thought, the rays of light on a nice summer day as his palm began to glow a bright white sphere (1). After a minute he tosses it in front of him, the area now illuminated by darkness.



“You’re days in the shadows have ended right here”, he says weakly although Nieven hasn’t lost his love of theatrics, “Now let there be light and let us beat you fellows up in the clear”, he struggles to walk still shaken up by his earlier attack, the arrow still deeply lodged into his right shoulder.



He had to be brave at the moment for as much as he’d like to run away and hide from this he couldn’t. Videl was here and the thought of leaving him to face such rude and cruel goons didn’t fit with his code of honor. For as much as he was a coward he was loyal to a fault. Before he could step forward though and try to charge again he saw Videl summon some sort of glacial gladiator who drove his spear-like appendage into the man dressed in black.

He chuckled before stopping due to the pain, “I like your style my ice-clad compatriot but let me show you how it's done”.



He then jogged forward still weakened and spun around and thrusted his lance towards the man’s abdomen.

---

1. Full Moon Fascimile

With the black clad figure out of the way, there had remained but one enemy. The individual that had remained within the shadows. Thankfully Nieven had been full of wit and quick thinking. The Sylvan Elf's intuition had led to him throwing a spear of refined light that cleared away the shadows in an instant. Not only that but he had followed everything up with attempting to stab the man in the abdomen. All in all, things were starting to look up for the pair.

Proud of the efforts of his companion, Videl would attempt to play on the efforts that the man had lain. He would start by calling forth his spear ^{[Spell Blade; Always There]}, allowing for it to sit firmly within his grasp. Realizing the harm that had been done to its master, the spear would follow up by channeling its own mana ^{[Spell Blade; Sharing Essence]} within its wielder, allowing for Videl's wounds to stitch back together. And as all of this was happening? The T'saya would come through with a pair of quick thrusts to the back of the shadowy individual, working in tandem with Nieven's attack and leaving the man without anywhere to really go. This would result in the pair both skewering the man in some way or another.

Knowing that there wasn't much trust that he could put in these two being finished here, without a bit of extra insurances, Videl would then command his ice elemental to slam its fist into the black clad figure, further putting pressure on his body and leaving him unable to move for the time being. "One of us should head off and collect the guards so they can take these two away. Would you prefer that I take care of this or would you like to?" In the event that Nieven wanted to handle things, Videl would return to his position of protecting the warehouse. And if Nieven wished for Videl to do it? The ice elemental would scoop up the pair of criminals before heading off with Videl to locate a guard.

“HUZZAH”, Nieven would shout as light enveloped him as he thrust his lance right into the man’s abdomen. It hurt like hell itself and took a lot of energy to do but he pushed through the pain and grinned, “No dastardly coward will escape my light. It shines through the darkness and pierces through my foes”.



He glanced to his side spotting Videl right there with him both pushing their positioning and skewering the man thoroughly.



“Good job my friend in following my genius lead, it was only natural that two formidable fighters such as us would defeat these goons easily”.



He jumped back as he saw the frozen fists smash into the crook in front of him he grimaced seeing that the fellow was truly not going to be able to move. He kicked the man’s left side for good measure and scoffed, “That’s what you get destroying my jacket I shall invoice you for the damages at a later date”.



“Well, that is that my friend” he dusts himself off cleaning his lance off the blood on it, and then turns to face Videl, “Hm, I can let the guards know after all with my amazing storytelling skills I shall inform them of every detail. Plus if anything comes around while I’m gone I think you’re more suited to guarding considering how much damage I took”, he then walks away headed towards the nearest guard station to inform them of what occurred.

Followed his lead..? Sure, Videl could play along with that. He couldn't exactly agree that that had been the case but there was no real reason for him to vocalize such thoughts. Regardless, the situation had more or less been dealt with at this point. Perhaps not in a manner that Sylvari would approve of, unfortunately, but at least he left these guys alive. If nothing else, they simply wouldn't be able to move for awhile.. Not until a decent healer got around to tending to their wounds.

Videl would nod towards the Sylvan Elf as Nieven decided that he would be the one to approach the guards and inform them of their accomplishment here. If Nieven wished to be the one to take care of such things than Videl saw no reason to fight him on it. It was honestly probably safer this way. For those that they had just brought under their capture anyways. "Sounds like a plan. Just be sure to keep your portrayal of events as accurate as possible." Having said his piece, Videl would return back to his previous position in front of the warehouse's entrance.

Figuring that their display would likely have scared off any other possible rogues, Videl would request that his elemental pick up the ice wall that had been cast earlier before crushing it within its hands. The elemental would naturally follow suit and achieve what Videl had requested of it. Afterwards, Videl would send the ice elemental back to its home plane, offering it nothing more than a flick of a wrist and his thanks. All that was left for him to do now was to wait for the guards to get here to take away the crushed rogues.. And for him to finish off the remainder of his shift of overseeing the warehouse. This would all occur rather quickly and Nieven would eventually return. Once the pair had finished up with their duties, they would go their separate ways.

[EXIT]