• This section is for roleplays only.
    ALL interest checks/recruiting threads must go in the Recruit Here section.

    Please remember to credit artists when using works not your own.

Completed Chapter III: Scales of Justice

Status
Not open for further replies.
Henvei Relkor vech Daltzen

​






Perhaps the scholar's head wasn't simply full of hot air. Either that, or it was exceptionally larger on the inside, to hold both air and knowledge. For as pretentious as he often seemed...

​




​



...the scholar certainly knew his stuff.

​




​



"I would imagine so." He finally spoke, briefly. "I should see them, else, one who is knowledgeable of the affairs in these parts." The scholar clasped his hands together, coming to a rest: the ribbons stopped floating around to settle at his sides.

​
 
"Actually, professor Szentcz is one of the people who I imagine would be interested in speaking with you." the host replied to Henvei. "He is quite knowledgable, being one of the few people on the Academy who study both magical and non-magical matters. Perhaps you should go see him with your friend." Then hurriedly he added: "From scientific perspectives of course. We are not a guild of wizards." He again assumed that pleased-with-myself look and began stroking his beard.


"Also," he added suddenly, as if just remembering, "I do believe professor Dain would enjoy a conversation over a cup of tea with you, my good sir. He is our resident expert on archeology and history and can always use the help of someone skilled in magic, if your care to lend a hand. You can find him over at the west wing; just continue straight until you get to the stairwell," he pointed at the hallway entrance to the right, "and climb it up to third floor. His study is easy enough to find from there."
 
Eltheron Delioss

​






With a slight nod of his head and a smile Eltheron thanked the enthusiastic scholar, though he didn't much trust the academic types, - too scheming for his likes - in this matter, he needed whatever knowledge he could find. Eltheron turned to address his companion, "Well Henvei I'm heading over to see this, Marin..." Eltheron paused a moment trying to recall how the name was pronounced, "Professor Marin. Are you coming along? Or shall I see you at the tavern later this evening when we regroup?"
 
Henvei Relkor vech Daltzen

​







​



A dark shadow crossed the scholar's face.

​




​



"We separate."

​




​



With that, he started off, walking with a quick, meaningful pace. Dain would do, yes. Dain would do.

​
 
Eltheron Delioss

​






As Henvei scurried off in the other direction Eltheron watched him go for a moment, his hand instinctively palming the hilt of his blade. He still wasn't quite sure what to make of the Folk or if he could trust him, but with a slight shrug of his shoulders to no one in particular Eltheron turned and headed off towards to the east wing, and this Professor Szentcz.
 
Meanwhile, as Henvei and Eltheron parted ways within the Academy, some other members of the fellowship had arrived to the barracks at Justice Square. The main entrance was facing the square itself and the Tribunal setup in the center. There were a lot of people at the square and over a dozen guards keeping them in order. And the trial hadn't even begun yet. Dina, Violet and Meric approached the entrance to the barracks where they were immediately stopped by two soldiers of the City Watch demanding to hear what business they have inside.


"We're defenders in the case against Captain Raynard, here to speak with the accused." said Meric in a neutral tone.


The guards' faces filled with disbelief. Natural. They couldn't have been expecting this. Both were human and young. One said, sounding annoyed: "You're not the first to try this. I'll need proof before I let you in." Since the group had written auhorization from Inquisitor Herondale, this was no obstacle. Meric simply turned to look at Violet who had the note.
 
A'kal / Tharos Silverlane

​







​




​



Tharos Silverlane was the armorer in the Ridge barracks in Justice Square. He applied for the job, handing a forged document that supposedly signed by a commander under the Sorceress saying that he was transferred to Ridge to be the armorer. The City Watch officials had questioned it highly, but they couldn't see error in the document, allowing him the position. At first, he joined the City Watch to make a living. When he found the Resistance, he became one their warriors. When he joined the Resistance, he utilized his position when he had enough seniority to get guard schedules and better detailed maps of the city. They were minor details, but the Resistance found the information useful to hide their presence in Ridge.

​




​



He found a person that he was well acquainted with in the City Watch in the Resistance as well. Captain Raynard, finding out that he was an informant for the rebels. When Tharos found out that the captain was imprisoned, he had to know why. Apparently, he was under arrest for the death of another City Watch officer. Tharos couldn't believe it when he heard it. He had conducted his own investigation over the past few weeks, coming up with information that could alter the course of the case. He put in with Inquisitor Herondale that the case should be re-opened but was rejected. As such, he went on his own investigation. What he found was something that could affect the case if utilized correctly.

​




​



He left the armory in the barracks not too long ago. He had been trying to see Captain Raynard but the wardens didn't let him in because he wasn't an inquisitor. He tried again today but was rejected yet again. Frustrated, he left for home. As he walked out of the barracks, clad in his steel armor with a rather large dagger holstered on his hip. As he strode up, he looked around noticing someone familiar... Violet! When Meric introduced themselves as the defenders, he was rather surprised and happy. He waited for them in the entry way of the barracks' structure.

​




​
 
Violet Robbins

​







​



After a moment, Violet produces the note and presented it to the guard. Not too long after she had, someone had called out her name. It was so unexpected that she nearly dropped the note in trying to find where the source was. Her eyes finally settled on a rather imposing and familiar sight. "Tharos?" she said, advancing toward him. Once she got closer, a smile broke her face and she repeated under "Tharos!" only this time, it was excitement, and not uncertainty that filled her voice. She would have to add this to the pleasant surprises on this adventure.

​




​



Once she close enough, she resisted the urge to hug the man and said "My goodness, what are you doing here? I didn't know you were here in Ridge. I mean, I had heard that you might be living here, but I couldn't be sure. Anyway, how have you been?"

​




​



In the back of her mind, Violet noted that she begun to babble. She made a mental note not act a little more professional from this point on for the sake of not appearing to have a so called "crush" on the man.

​
 
Tharos Silverlane

​






He laughed heartily, embracing the Violet with his armored arms. "Living; can't complain. I became the armorer here for the City Watch a while back to make a living. I was just about to take my leave for the day, what brings you hear to the barracks?" he asked with a grin on his face. His eyes flashed to the guards at the entrance and then at her companions. The girl who he will come to know as Dina seemed somewhat familiar... Using his powers of past-sight, he delved into his own mind, rewinding the past several years. He remembered, standing next to the King of Asgard. That one memory was... blurry. Almost as if he couldn't fully remember. He remembered the king calling a name and a small child running to him on his throne. He couldn't see the child in his memory and he couldn't figure out why.


Tharos snapped back to the present just as Violet was in the beginning of her sentence, looking back at her, his gauntlet hands on her arms in a friendly manner.
 
Dina Ailsa

​






Dina spaced out during their walk to the barracks. It would have been impressive had they been all together, a large number of defenders. Also, he would have been close. Maybe there was a point of view only he could point out to us being of the careful kind. She shook her head a bit.Stop idealizing him. Dina scolded herself but couldn't keep herself from wondering what Eltheron was up to accompanying that eccentric scholar. Was he just keeping an eye on him? And while he was at it looking for some details concerning his power? Or just the other one? Dina gave a small sigh. You have to focus, there are more important issues at hand than your romantic interest. And indeed there were, they arrived before the guards who were asking for some proof of their business at the barracks. Violet presented them with the Inquisitor's official authorization of their plans only to prance out to someone a few moments later. Well, I guess the guards had enough time to process the note. She thought following Violet inside just as the newcomer hugged Violet. Dina looked at them curiously. Someone rather close to you, Vi? She smiled a bit and stopped a few paces away from them. Wouldn't be nice of me to impose on them right away. He was armored and had the look of a warrior. Dina had to admit that she was curious about his origins and whether he was in the Resistance as well. The way he held Violet by the arms somehow seemed patronizing.
 
"Go on through then. Captain Raynard can be found in the dungeons below. Trial's starting real soon though, so you'd better hurry up." said the guard, nodding at the Inquisitor's note.


It's been a long while since Violet saw Silverlane, and even before they only met on several occasions - but the man had a way of leaving a lasting impression. The human and the elf exchanged looks and pleasantries to fool the guards. Once they were somewhere private they would be able to speak plainly. Who would ever guess that the second-in-command to the leader of the Resistance would be here, together with one of its greatest heroes. In the same place in a hostile town. Violet had been away from a while, and even if she didn't run into Dina back in Aboran her duties would have soon sent her South anyway. The Resistance had plans. Big plans. And Silverlane would likely have some answers as to what's been going on around here of importance.


"Meric's the name." the other elf barged in on their small talk with an apologetic smile. "I would suggest we hurry along and speak to the Captain. Time is pressing. You two can catch up later."


Meanwhile, Dina was contemplating as usual. Though learning fast, the young girl still had no true grasp of what she would soon get herself into.
 
Violet Robbins

​







​



Violet quickly took a step back and brushed her back behind her ear. This was less due to stray hairs, but to obscure the slight blush that had appeared in her face after the unexpected hug. She had been so use to the crassness of most Resistance members, so such a gesture caught her inner girl off guard. Regaining her composure, she said "Meric has a good point. We came here as the Captain defenders, so we'll probably want to actually meet the man."

​
 
The armored figure of Tharos Silverlane led them deeper into the barracks, then down to the dungeons. He knew all too well where they held the prisoners. The inside of the fort was crawling with guards, their facial expressions serious and worried. Soldiers never take kindly to one of their own being on the other side of the law. There was only one guard in the room bordering with the one where the cells were, sitting behind his desk but quickly springing to attention at the sight of four people making an unexpected entry. He was undoubtedly waiting for the other guards to come take the accused to the trial. Violet flashed the Inquisitor's authorization note and he unlocked the door for them. It was wooden, big and heavy. Once it closed behind them they had some privacy to speak openly.


There were six holding cells in total, three on either side of the rectangular room. They weren't bigger than two by three meters. And they were all empty except the middle one to the left. The man inside was sitting on a small wooden bench with his head bowed and held with his hands. When they approached the cell he raised his head to reveal the face of a man in his late thirties with clear, firm features. His hair was black and short. Overall he looked alike to Inquisitor Herondale, but without the beard.


His face lit up the moment he recognized one of the people from the group. "Tharos!" he exclaimed in disbelief. "I can't believe it. It's good to see you, my friend. And who is this company you're with? How did you get the guards to let you through?" When he stood up and approached the bars they could see he was dressed in a City Watch uniform, the kind they wore underneath armor, or when not armored.


The change was astounding. Just a moment ago he seemed a broken man, and now he was alive and happy. And he was yet to hear the news. He kept shifting his gaze between everyone present, but always coming back to Tharos Silverlane, the only one he knew. His puzzlement was most evident as he studied the young black haired girl who stood out from everyone else. They all looked like fighters, for one. She did not.
 
Tharos Silverlane

​






Tharos acknowledged Dina with a nod just as he turned to lead them through the barracks. As they maneuvered through, they walked to the warden's desk, saying that he was taking the defenders of the accused to the dungeons to speak to the defendant. As such, the warden had to reluctantly let them into the prisons.


As they made their way to Captain Raynard's prison, he reflected on his memory. The vision was clearing up and he recognized now that it was not a girl he saw. He didn't dwell on it any further as it no longer mattered and they had arrived to Captain Raynard's cell. When his friend called to him, he responded.


"Friend, it is good to see you. These are you defenders in the trial," Tharos said, motioning to those he accompanied to the defendant.
 
"Defenders in the trial." the Captain repeated, looking grim all of a sudden. "So it was you then. First you invoke the Tribunal even though I could have but did not, and now you even bring me defenders. But you only delay the inevitable. There is no getting out of this one, friend." He looked aside then and spoke more quietly as if distracted. "You may be famous in their ranks but you can't speak for them. The Resistance has abandoned me. Of course. Why should they care, why should they take risks for a common informant? It doesn't matter. I've made peace with myself. When the trial starts I will plead myself guilty and be done with it."


So that was it then. That's why there wasn't to be a trial in the start. Captain Raynard had given up hope in salvation. Given up faith in the Resistance which was the reason why he was here. Given her absence, Violet wasn't actually here to prove him wrong. She hadn't any idea that the man was working with the Resistance. But she was in charge. The only person who could question her authority was hundreds of miles north. If she wanted to, she could try for a prison break, even. But there was hardly time to rally reinforcements, and the last thing the Resistance needed was to put Ridge and the entire region under spotlight. The same reason why they didn't do anything to help.


Until now.
 
Dina Ailsa

​






"We have yet to determine whether it really is the inevitable." Dina interrupted firmly. You shouldn't give up so easily. "What makes you think that there is no hope?" she asked, this time her voice was soft, soothing. Dina leaned closer to the cell. "Name's Dina, it's a pleasure to meet you, Captain." she finally introduced herself and coated her words with a small smile.
 
The man smiled uncontrollably, fighting not to laugh. "Where did you find these people, Tharos? Two elves and a girl to defend a condemned man? Unbelievable..." He clearly didn't have much confidence in anyone anymore.


"Don't underestimate, Captain." said Meric as he stepped forth. "We came here of our own free will. Just passing through. I guess you might say our interest is justice."


"A fool's quest, then. Why are you so sure that I'm innocent?"


The elf didn't reply. Instead, he spoke to Violet. "Violet. I'd say this concerns you more than anyone else." He was obviously implying the alleged link between the Captain and the Resistance, of which she was not aware yet.
 
Tharos Silverlane

​






Tharos took a step back, letting the defenders at their witness. He hadn't mentioned yet about what he had heard from the commoners. Nor was it the appropriate time. He would only bring up such a piece of information when it could fit in its place of the puzzle. Still, the fact that Raynard was being executed in only a couple of hours was what bothered Tharos. If nothing was done, then a good resource would go to waste. What a shame it would be to see an innocent man executed for a crime he didn't commit, Tharos thought to himself.
 
Laurolf Fangür

​






Laurolf walked into the shop and nonchalantly began looking at the various crafts on display. Blades, shields, armors and tools- All rather well crafted, clean and fine work - "For an elf.." He thought, while listening to the rather unpleasant conversation behind him. He kept looking at the smith's war while he spoke, "Broad daylite'.. Crowded streets.." Clearing his throat, Laurolf continued, "Hmm, aye. 'Ere's 'bout an army's worth o' soldiers 'ere, guards n' all." He hemmed, "Ye' wouldn't be gettin' past the square, mate. A drake be hard to miss, even in a crowd." Laurolf now turned around, "Just let 'e nice lad go, whatever 'is be about, ain't worth it.. And, I'd like to do me business, without havin' to wait for a new smith to show up, hmh!"
 
The drakkar turned around, still not releasing his grip on the blacksmith as if he might run away. If Laurolf had any doubts about his identity, there was none left. It was Xenthriss.


"The pathetic little whelp is lying to me." he growled, apparently ignoring everything the dwarf said. "Where are they?!" he shouted, turning his attention back to the man.


"I t-told you I don't know who you're t-talking about!"


Xenthriss smiled wickedly. "The hard way then. Good." He looked at Laurolf. "What do you say, dwarf? Care to see how it's done? Or if you haven't the stomach go find yourself another lying blacksmith. This one's mine."


"Help! Help! Get the g-gua-" cried the man, panicking, before the drakkar increased the grip enough to stop him from talking. There was a number of ways Laurolf could have solved the problem. He chose one.
 
Laurolf Fangür

​






"An' once ye've done with 'im, what're ye' goin' to do? I mean for goodness' sake, the bastard's so terrified 'e's pissed 'imself. Either the lad don't know anythin', or if 'e does and coercion would've worked on 'im, I reckon ye'd be half-way to.. whoever's location, by now." Laurolf sighed, "I don't much care what ye' do with 'im, but consider this; Ye've still business with our little group, eh! Kill him, and ye'll be riskin' all of our behinds and I ain't keen on lettin' ye' do that. Ye' see, I ain't one fer breakin' the oaths I make."


"So, how 'bout it then, ser Drakekin? Will ye' let the lad go, or shall we be turnin' this whole square, into the bloody, Battle for Alicante, hmh!?" He reckoned any confrontation between them would be at least as bloody, as the loss of the Asgardian capital had been.


Staring at Xenthriss, Laurolf leaned against the display booth with his right hand, while his left was inconspicuously at his side- Ready to throw his smaller hatchet and, hopefully at least wound the hand Xenthriss had wrapped around the smith's collar... Just in case, he actually had to fight the Drakkar.
 
Violet Robbins

​






As the Captain went on about his fate, Violet's expression turned a little stern. When he finished, she said,her tone matching her expression, "My friend Tharos here may not be able to speak on behalf of the Resistance, but I most certainly can. I am Violet Robbins, the Resistance's second in command, and I am making it my business to prove your innocence." Standing up to her absolute tallest and placing her hands on her hip, she continued "How could I say that I fight for the people if I wasn't able to save an innocent man. You say you're a common informant. Well, this whole conflict is being fought to free the common man. Now Captain, let's get to work on finding the truth in this matter."
 
Dina Ailsa

​






Dina looked at Violet, this was turning into a Resistance matter and Violet played it perfectly. For a moment there Dina wasn't sure whether she was proud of Violet or proud to be her friend. She settled for the in between. There was no way that she, as an unimportant unknown, could reason with the man who has already given up but with Violet here they could at least hope for the man's cooperation."Let us hear your story." she said with a smile. Her whole posture was relaxed and her approach resembled the beginning of a friendly conversation over a cup of tea.
 
Violet's introduction left the Captain silent for a while. "I see." he said finally. Then he moved a bit to the left, engaged in thought. After several more moments he continued. "As you already know, I started working with the Resistance some weeks ago. A month, maybe. At first it was just information on local guard schedule, deployment details, the kind of stuff that could help your people maintain a hidden presence in town. Then Tharos convinced me further and I began supplying whatever details I could about convoys in and out of Ridge - shipments of gold, weapons, you know." He sighed, resting his back against the stone wall. "I guess that I somehow compromised myself, because Lieutenant Ferndow confronted me one day in private. Told me he knew everything. I thought I was done, so I tried to talk my way out of it - instead I managed to talk him into it, believe it or not. I persuaded him the way Tharos persuaded me. Ferndow was a reasonable man and no sympathizer of the Sorceress. Perhaps I shouldn't have been so surprised that he decided to join me - us. The Resistance." His voice trailed off. He seemed somewhat uncomfortable. "Though I must admit I still don't feel like one of you. Just takes time I guess. I've been on the other side for so long... But I've never directly fought the Resistance either. There hadn't been a chance, thank the Maker. I don't know what I would have done."


Meric stood with his arms crossed out on his chest. He looked at the Captain, shifting his gaze to Violet and Tharos now and then. "So what happened to Lieutenant Ferndow?"


"We worked together for a while. A week." Raynard continued. "Then two days ago I received a note from him asking to meet with me in an abandoned warehouse by the river, lower part of town. I still have it with me, if you want to see it." He handed the note to Meric. "I figured he wanted to talk about something related to the Resistance. So I went." He paused there for a moment, giving them a significant look. "The Lieutenant was already dead when I got there. I swear it on my honor. I had no reason to kill him. And then... Just as I discovered his body, the place filled with guards. They arrested me on the spot. I went peacefully, thinking this will be resolved as a misunderstanding. Instead, look where we are."


The Captain still didn't seem too optimistic, but he wasn't as grim as before. Meric nodded at everything and said: "I believe you." He implied the other people present with his hand. "We all do. Otherwise we wouldn't be here." Then he proceeded to briefly study the note he was given. He shrugged at the end and pocketed it, after receiving a nod of approval from Raynard.

*** *** ***

​




​



Meanwhile, the tension between Laurolf and Xenthriss came to an abrupt end when the drakkar laughed and simply let go of the blacksmith like nothing happened. "Whatever you say, dwarf." he said. "Maybe he is as ignorant as he claims to be after all. Never mind. I'll find someone else who isn't."

​




​



In heavy steps he moved away from the counter and positioned himself beside the door. He was massive. It was odd that he even managed to enter the shop. He grunted something and stepped outside. The blacksmith was catching his breath leaning against the wall, bravely throwing a hateful look at Xenthriss's back. The situation was resolved without violence. Better to avoid a pointless fight. Though having prepared himself for the worst, Laurolf can't have been that sure of how he would have fared against that monstrosity.

​
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 4 (members: 0, guests: 4)
Back
Top