Fantasy [Closed] A nation in havoc

[TheCountryWarrior]

Dan awoke in his bed, still wearing the same clothes from the night before, bloodstains and all. For some reason the way those girls looked at him, like he was some sort of monster, had kept him up and even when sleep found him it was fraught with visions of death. That was the only way he could describe it.

"It's him! Run! He shoots fire from his hands! What sort of demon is he?! You can't reason with him, he'll kill you for trying!"

He had never dealt with these nightmares before. Why had they started now? Why should I care?

He was distracted from his inner demons by a knock on the door. "Housekeeping!" came an unusually masculine voice through the door. This confused Dan. This inn had a housekeeping service? He opened the door and two men with crossbows burst in. As Dan fell backwards into a sitting position he went over a mental checklist. Firearm: under pillow. Acid vials: on the bedside table. Money: next to the vials.

"Well well. Abbondanzio Carbonaro! There's a lot of people looking for your father."

"Really? Then you're gonna have to get in line."

"We're not here for him. We're here for you. Our employer is very interested in your fancy weapon and he wants to meet you."

"And if I'd rather sleep in?"

"We'll take you anyway."

"Fine! Just let me pack up." Dan moved over to the bedside table and reached for the vials of acid. Unscrewing the top slightly he called to the bigger of the two, "Hey buddy! Catch." Time seemed to move in slow motion as he tossed the vial and the big man caught it and it popped open in his hands. His grip on his crossbow failing as his hand started melting off. His buddy looked at him in surprise as Dan grabbed his weapon from under his pillow and fired at the smaller one. The smaller one fell backwards, dead. The bigger one was screaming in pain as Dan walked up to him and blasted him in the head, blood and brain splattering across the room and onto Dan.

Dan grabbed his items and checked the two for cash, a hefty sum was acquired, and he left the room. He had just walked into the main tavern area when a guard burst in, sword in a scabbard on his left side, crossbow on his back, shield in his left hand, and standard guard armor. His eyes immediately fell on Dan, covered in blood and brains, and approached him.

"You! You have committed crimes against Dalania and her people! What say you in your defense?"

"Crimes? What crimes?"

"What crimes?! If I look around I bet I'll find a body. Eyewitness reports put you at the scene of a ghastly murder in an alleyway not far from here! They reported hearing a loud explosion from your weapon, and I just heard an explosion! You tell me 'what crimes'!"

Damnit Dan! You knew your weapon was loud! How could you forget!? You can't kill a guard! That just puts a target on your back because his fellow guards will be out for your head! Dan put his hands up. "You got me."

Dan quickly found himself in a cell.

Later...

A guard approached the King and kneeled. "Your Majesty. We've come across a problem. One particular prisoner had a weapon that he warned would detonate if the wrong hands activated it. We don't know what to do with it."

Duke of Doge Rhaine Caffeine Freak

 

[Duke of Doge]

The king made a dismisive wave of his hand "throw it in the volcano or something" he said like it was nothing.
TheCountryWarrior

Nia was up early, dressed in a well tailored white dress with golden accents. Waiting in front of the castle gate which was open. Her hands clasp together behind her back.
Caffeine Freak
A guard knocked on Ru's door. Before leaving a note on the door. Sating that Ru could now enter the castle without any trouble.
Rhaine

 

[TheCountryWarrior]

The guard nodded his head. "Yes your Majesty." The guard left the throne room, heading towards the gate and bowing quickly to the princess, he walked over to another guard. The guard that was waiting for his friend spoke. "Well? What did the King say?" "He didn't care. Said to throw it in a volcano or something." "Well then I guess I'll keep it." Do you have it with you?" "Hell yes! Look at it! It's so cool!" The guard pulled our Dan's weapon and pointed it at nothing in particular. "The guy said it could kill us all in blink! Do ya think it's magic?" "Nonsense! Magic isn't real!" "Right... next thing you'll tell me is Elves aren't pointy eared scoundrels." "Have you ever met an elf?" "No" "Then how do you know?" "Nevertheless I have gate patrol today. See you around!" The guard waved Dan's weapon around like it was some kind of toy as he paced the area around the gate as his friend headed back to the guard barracks.

Dan was pacing the cell they locked him in like a rabid animal. They had taken everything but the clothes on his back. Dan had done his best to get a guard to tell the King about the weapon, but that was a foolish hope. Maybe he could get a message out to Samuel! He seemed trustworthy enough, though he would certainly expect something in return. Dan sighed. The guards would most likely take some money from his pouch as a "fine." Damnit! What to do? What to do?

Duke of Doge Caffeine Freak Rhaine

 

[Rhaine]

Prediction ringing true, Ruilethal had barely slept that night. She drifted in and out of the faint, warm space close to oblivion, her small body curled in on itself under the blanket. Yet, each time she would begin her descent, her breath coming slow and languid, another thought would appear, grasping and demanding. When the morning came, Ru had found a stillness, an acceptance. She had come to terms with what she had only shortly considered in the heat of the moment.

She washed her face with cold water, looking at her reflection in the dingy mirror. Her green eyes, stranger's eyes, traced the fine, faded tattooed lines that marked her face. Even without her name, she was marked with her predestined purpose. The life she had left behind. Still, in a twist of fate, it would seem she was meant to bring her own personal prophecy to fruition: the instruction of a noble, of a future ruler. Perhaps not in the ancient ways that pervaded her every step, but in ways cherished by her people none the less.

Instinctively, Ru moved to pull her hair over her ears, to not make their sharpness too obvious. Her hands stilled. She paused, and with a practiced cadence, began to braid the strands of hair that usually hid her gaze away from her face. The braid was small, and the dark strands that still hung to her shoulders and the nape of her neck were short and almost choppy in nature. Ruilethal missed her hair, missed how it hung to her waist like a shadow, falling like water.

She dressed carefully in a dress of smooth, dark violet fabric. It wasn't too ornate or detailed. It was plain, yet fine in quality. Not fit for a noble, but fit for the instructor of one. It was a relief all the same. The fabric was comfortable against her skin, and the dress itself fit her form.

A knock came at the door. She had expected it.

She opened the door, retrieving the note. Gathering her less-shabby cloak and her satchel, which she stashed the note into, she began to make her way to the castle gates. The morning was splendid, and her short walk through the gardens even more so. She looked straight ahead, resisting the urge to shrink, to cast her eyes down.

She reached the gates soon enough, gaze moving over its intimidating intricacy and strength.

Duke of Doge TheCountryWarrior Caffeine Freak

 

[Caffeine Freak]

[I'll just quickly materialize a convenient device to push Sam in the right direction]

Samuel's head knocked a toppled glass vial as he jolted awake, which he caught in one hand as it perilously rolled over the edge. "I'm.. up..." He groaned, tossing the vial back onto the table (which rolled back off and shattered i and wobbling to his feet. Who he was and what he had spent the night doing quickly re-manifested in his mind.

His eyes widened.

"Gods above!" He kicked his chair out the way with a curse on his lips, slinging his satchel over his back and sprinting for the door, which he halted before, struck with a dilemma, "-Bath or no bath?" He pondered fiercely, eyes swiping between the door and the bathroom. With another, more decisive groan, he hung his satchel on the door handle and made for the bathroom.

Minutes later, he was shaking his hair dry and had just finished buckling his belt as he snatched up his satchel and shouldered open the door. Right before he could run like a lunatic down the street, however, he spotted a note neatly nailed to his door. After more effort than Samuel wanted to admit, he removed the nail and held up the note. "...Castle... Castle!." The location finally processed in his mind as he tossed the note aside and spun on his heel, his satchel flailing in his wake as he took off down the street.

It wasn't too long before he arrived at the castle gate, yet Sam tried to not pant too heavily as he greeted Nia. "Good morning, your highness." He managed, his breath catching on each word. Ru appeared behind him just a moment later, although not nearly as in a hurry as he had been. Maybe I should just get up earlier. Sam suggested inwardly, before immediately dismissing his own thought.

 

[Duke of Doge]

Nia watched the guards, one of them had Dan's... thing. Quickly walking up to them she held out her hand. "Give that to me! You could kill someome! And stop lollygagging, you've got a job to do... where did you get this anyway?" She said sternly. She saw Ru and Sam there too, but this took priority right now.
Rhaine Caffeine Freak TheCountryWarrior

 

[TheCountryWarrior]

The guard handed the thing over with a look of surprise. "I took it from a prisoner! He kept going on and on about what he'd do to us if we didn't let him go. So you know: the usual. He said it had the power to kill anyone in a blink! If you don't mind me asking: do you think it's magic?" Duke of Doge Caffeine Freak Rhaine

 

[Rhaine]

Ru's eyes focused in on the device now in the Princess' hands. Dan's device. Her brow bent, looking up to the guard that spoke. "A prisoner? What was his crime?" Her voice rose slightly in tone. How had Dan been imprisoned? Surely it couldn't have been for the murder of the Princess' intended rapists and kidnappers. Had more blood been spilled that night? Questions buzzed insistently through her.

She noticed Samuel by her side. It seemed they were all back together again, save for Dan, who was behind bars. The knowledge didn't sit right in her chest. She may not have looked kindly on his disregard for life, but he had saved the Princess from an unspeakable fate none the less. If Dan hadn't done what he had, those men may just have well turned their attention to the next girl they came across.

TheCountryWarrior Duke of Doge Caffeine Freak

 

[Duke of Doge]

"Frankly I don't care what it is. And to follow up her question. Take me to the prisoner. I want to ask him some questions personally." She said before turning to Ru. "Thanks for coming." She told her with a smile.
Rhaine TheCountryWarrior Caffeine Freak

 

[TheCountryWarrior]

The guard was about to answer Ru when the Princess demanded to see the prisoner. "Of course your majesty." He led her and her friends to the barracks, and to Dans Jail cell.

Dan was sitting on the cot provided when the princess and the others walked in. "Oh dear. This is embarrassing."
Duke of Doge Caffeine Freak Rhaine

 

[Rhaine]

Ru returned the Princess' small smile and sentiment, giving a nod. "Of course, Princess." She followed close behind Nia as they were taken down into the barracks, her dress billowing with movement. She shifted under the smooth fabric, eager for answers. What if the man behind the cell bars didn't turn out to be Dan?

Brought before the cell, it was Dan's voice that addressed them and his lean form perched atop the shabby cot. Her green eyes searched his features curiously. She wanted to speak, wanted to ask one of the many persistent questions that held her captive, but she remained silent. It wouldn't have been proper. The Princess had wanted to question him. She was just lucky to have been able to tag along.

Duke of Doge TheCountryWarrior Caffeine Freak

 

[Duke of Doge]

Nia pulled up a chair sighing as she sat down crossing her legs "what happened?" Was all she needed to ask.

She was sure it was all a misunderstanding... probably.
Rhaine TheCountryWarrior Caffeine Freak

 

[CabalAnomicPotato]

Sirius would leave the woman he had met, whether they would meet again remained unknown. As he returned to his trusty "steed" he proceeded fit her into the shit looking town, hoping to find a place that didn't look like it was falling apart; he needed his rest. As hard as he looked, he had no such luck finding a stable home, and thus set up camp on the outskirts of town, resting only when he was sure he was safe.
~after time skip~
Sirius had been traveling far this time, farther than the last, and without many suplies. Sirius sighed relief and thanked whatever gods existed when he had reached a small farmers village, unmounting his boar and buying food at one of the nearby shops. As he entered the shop, he could feel the eyes of others fall upon him, some hostile, most terrified. The shopkeeper nearly jumped out of her skin at Sirius's arivial, stuttering as she asked what he needed, "water and food in all, and how ever much this can buy" he finished, sliding 10 silver coins across the counter as the shopkeeper first stared wide eyed, then realizing he was serious, proceeded to go through her stock. Sirius left with more than he bargained for, having to tie the goods apon his boar, he then proceeded to leave the town, making his way closer the The Imperial City, to discuss the important matters.

 

[TheCountryWarrior]

Dan sighed. "Well, I woke up today to the sound of a knocking on my door at the inn. Going to see who it was, two guys jumped me with crossbows, apparently with intent to kidnap me and take me to their leader, and I had to use my wits to escape. And by escape I mean kill them both. Before you get all philosophical on me, this time I didn't have a choice. I'm not sure what happened after I left the room, because after I was placed in shackles I was told that I had killed two unarmed civilians as they tried to give the room I was in some much needed maintenance! Something's not adding up. Which means someone's paying your cops better than you are, or someone has it out for me. And now I'm in jail. That's what happened."

Duke of Doge Caffeine Freak Rhaine

 

[Duke of Doge]

Nia stared at him with a blank look on her face. "You wanna get out? You can start by dropping the attitude." Nia said crossing her arms. Pulling out his weapon from her small satchel. "And then teach us how to make, and use these."

Nia wanted to just let him go, but if she could sway this her, and by extension Dalania's way. That would be preferable. Without any witness, this case is Dan's against the guards, and a official court case would get them no where... however. "I will send two members of the Davion Guard. The royal family's personal soldiers, to investigate the crime scene and look for evidence."
Rhaine Caffeine Freak TheCountryWarrior

 

[TheCountryWarrior]

Dan smirked and shook his head. Just as he thought. She wanted something from him in return for letting him out. She was just like everyone else. This comforted Dan in an odd way. "If it'll get me out of here, fine. But I must oversee their production! In the wrong hands these weapons could bring down a dynasty, kill anyone, no one would be safe. Arrows can be pulled out, my ammunition is not so easily removed.

In short: you get me out of jail, I get you the most powerful weapon to date. Deal?"

Duke of Doge Rhaine Caffeine Freak

 

[Rhaine]

Ru watched on in busy silence with wide, uneasy eyes that followed the flow of conversation. Her expression changed with each new development, growing more worrisome. She kept her hands clasped together, and she didn't voice her thoughts. She was struck sharply when the Princess brought forward Dan's weapon, offering him his freedom in exchange for more, for his instruction. It made her shiver, though it wasn't cold in the barracks.

She had expected the Princess to let Dan go, but not this way. If his story rung true, then he was guilty of no crime save self defense. Additionally, he may have killed those men the night before, but he had done her a great service in the same blow. Ru looked to the ornate weapon in the Princess' grasp. It frightened her, and Dan's words furthered her terror. She could almost hear the echo of its fire. More were to be produced? It was a terrible power to wield, and Ru couldn't imagine the ramifications of arming a nation with its power. She could hardly believe what was transpiring before her. It was bigger than her. It was bigger than each of them. A cold, piercing sensation ran up her spine.

It wasn't her place to speak. She repeated this fact, biting into her cheek as anxiety wracked against her skull. Could she stand by and do nothing?

She stood as straight as an arrow, and turned her gaze to the stone floor. She waited in wretched silence.

Duke of Doge TheCountryWarrior Caffeine Freak

 

[Duke of Doge]

Nia held the weapon in her hands "we need to name it..." she said feeling a pit in her stomach. She hated doing this, using someone for your own gain, she absolutely detested the action. But if this insured Dalania's future, she'd do it. She grabbed the key off of the guard and unlocked the cell.

A low rumble was heard, and the ground shook a bit, causing dust and small loose rock to fall from the ceiling. "Dont worry. Its just a minor quake. We get them from time to time here." She spoke calmly, also slightly annoyed at the quake. Before handing Dan his weapon.
Rhaine TheCountryWarrior Caffeine Freak

 

[TheCountryWarrior]

Dan smiled a cold smile as she opened his cell. "I like the term: 'Abbondanzio Firearm'. I can already think of the nicknames people will come up for it." Dan looked around as the room shook. As he gently grabbed the weapon from the Princess he grinned. If these people allowed him to experiment, most likely as long as they get something out of it, he had a few ideas. "You know, with black powder, you can create earthquakes wherever you want." He bowed low to the Princess with a cocky grin. "I'm at your service, Your Majesty."

Duke of Doge Rhaine Caffeine Freak

 

[Rhaine]

The cold look to Dan's features frightened Ru. She took a small step back as he exited the cell, naming and reclaiming his weapon. She was witnessing an event that she knew would alter the course of the future forever. It was an odd feeling, and a torrent of emotions possessed her. The sight of Dan bowing to the Princess stirred something in her, and her gaze traveled between them. They would be the harbingers of ruin if their agreement proceeded. Though she inhaled sharply at its birth, Ru hardly felt the quake of the room. Still, it served to send her mind further into chaos.

She finally spoke, but it wasn't what she burned to voice. "Abbondanzio? Is that your full name?" If she hadn't spoken she felt she might have burst into flame where she stood. Even though it was nothing to do with the burden that weighed heavy on her chest, it lessened the pressure. Her voice held a quiet tremble, and was without the strength she might have desired.

TheCountryWarrior Duke of Doge Caffeine Freak

 

[Duke of Doge]

Nia blinked at the cocky grin. This was going to be one of those days wasn't it? She then turned on a heel and promptly left the guard barracks. "Come on, we've got work to do." She said as she walked back towards the castle. She paused upon reaching the gate, looking out over the city in a moment of peace.
Rhaine TheCountryWarrior Caffeine Freak

 

[Caffeine Freak]

Sam pushed off the wall outside the barracks, his claustrophobia had out-ruled the will to see his friend. "How is he?" Sam asked, hands behind his back as he surveyed the city himself, albeit in a different light. He had a feeling he already knew the answer to his own question - Dan didn't come across as the type of person who would quake in their boots just by being inside a prison cell.

With about as much thought as he put into it the night before, Sam blurted, "I'd... like to aid you too, your majesty." An uncomfortable shift where he stood, but he continued "I may not be handy with a knife... or just anything, really - but it would be my honor to assist you. Even if you just want me to be your alchemy tutor, I will do whatever it takes." He clasped his fist dramatically for emphasis, an exaggerated action that faded rather swiftly as the realisation hit him that this was no play, and the answer from the princess would determine the aims he set for his own life. It was such an unsettlingly serious thought that Samuel himself could not even find one humorous counter to conceal his inner feelings.

Duke of Doge TheCountryWarrior Rhaine

 

[TheCountryWarrior]

Dan nodded to Ru, as that was in fact his name. "My full name is Abbondanzio Gesualdo Primavera Alessandro Donadio Carbonaro the Second. Pleased to meet you." Dan followed the Princess with his hands behind his back like some sort of Admiral. Duke of Doge Rhaine Caffeine Freak

 

[Rhaine]

Ru took in his name with quiet acceptance, despite the storm inhabiting her. She bowed her head at his last statement, feeling somewhat like she had been dismissed. "And you as well, Mr. Carbonaro." She offered nothing in return save for the detached courtesy, for she hadn't been questioned herself, and even if she had, she didn't know if she would have been fit to answer. Her reply was crisp and almost automatic in nature. She followed after the Princess, gaze respectfully lowered to the ground and hands clasped together before her.

After exiting the barracks, they encountered Samuel once more. Ruilethal had almost missed his words as she had been lost in thought, yet she caught the end of his proposition to the Princess. Her eden-green eyes found him. It would seem that the group's encounter and meeting the other day hadn't been insignificant coincidence. Each of them would have a part to play in the days to come, in Delania itself by extension of the Princess. It was surreal, and Ru experienced an otherworldly distance that threatened to swallow her whole. She waited for the Princess' deciding word.

TheCountryWarrior Duke of Doge Caffeine Freak

 

[Duke of Doge]

Nia nodded "I'd be happy to have you Samuel" she dusting off her hands. "First order of business is... I have no idea. I've got three uniquely skilled individuals with me and no idea where to start." She rubbed her chin in thought. "Dan, follow me, we need to get you set up first" she said entering the castle, going past the wall and straight through to the main palace building, opening the large front door which lead to the throne room. "Father, we have some things to discuss" she said as she walked across the well pollished floor. Where her father sat on his throne idle, raising a brow at his daughter "of course princess, what is it?"
Rhaine Caffeine Freak TheCountryWarrior