Fantasy Realms of Nymserine: Main Thread [[CLOSED]]

[Purize]

Tieve stepped back a few paces when Ali entered the room and closed the door behind him, and almost jumped when she heard a voice sound behind her. She spun to look at the woman, and then again at Ali. "Kidnap?" She laughed lightly, a sound like bells chiming softly in the wind. "No need for that, I've been wanting to get out of this stuffy library for ages." She paced over to her back and knelt next to a trunk. She opened it and pulled out a bag big enough to carry a few essentials. "Just give me a moment."

She walked around her room, her bare feet padding back and forth on the floor and she gathered things and stuffed them haphazardly in the bag. When she was satisfied with her things she nodded to Ali. "Where are we going?"

 

[Brendanfp]

Ali was shocked as the Oracle was not put off with the idea of leaving the great library with him. He had to take a moment to gather his thoughts. The arrival of Shala his Ifrit only added to his confusion.

"Well, I do have some errands to run in the capital city. We should probably go there first, however, it will quite the ride. Oh and that is one of my companions spirts Shala. She'll be providing the transportation."

The red-headed woman turned her head upon hearing her name. "Fuck you kid. This time we fly the bug. I'm too tired for a trip to the capital."

Ali ran his hands through his black braids, "Alright... Bajir is that ok with you?"

"Of course master," Bajir chimed.

The beetle scuttled on Ali's shoulder as it broke apart into a large cloud of sand hovering just above the wooden floor. Ali stepped onto the hovering cloud of sand and held his hand out to Tieve.

"Ready when you are," the boy said with a smile.

 

[SilverFlight]

The centaur nodded sagely at Roland's feeble protests. "Friends, I understand." He said simply, making it sound like he was doing the pirate a favour by believing him.
He chuckled at the story of the centaur. "Well, that definitely sounds like one of my people."
Pyrrhus was slightly surprised at the gratitude suddenly expressed. It wasn't a sentiment he encountered often as a sellsword. As a result he took Roland's request to heart.
"That is most certainly a consideration."
BugDozer73

~~~

Pyrrhus had been true to his word and woken Roland for the second watch. He now lay on his back fast asleep, hooves tucked up against his body like a kitten, his saddle bags under his head for a pillow. The noise of the wagons approaching roused him and for a moment he groaned and turned on his side, away from the invading commotion, then, slowly he got to his knees and pushed himself to his feet. His glossy, grey coat was damp from the dew (there hadn't been a tent big enough for him) and he shook it out in a massive shudder from his shoulders to his rump. His equipment he had taken off to dry by the fire. The blades were pristine, but the leather protested stiffly as he fitted the harness back over his body, a testament to the soaking it had received the day before.
The scent of blood reached his nose and he looked over to the space where Azaria was preparing the deer.
"Good morning Verity, Azaria...That's an awful lot of meat for one meal." He looked at the carcass with a hint of regret, but nevertheless offered to help her prepare it.
"I can't wait to get to Aeredale," he began chatting happily, "Meletus was very pretty but...they put fish in everything!"
He paused for a moment and considered the road they were to take, dusty gold in the morning sun.
"What will you do once we reach the city?" He asked Azaria. "Do you plan to join the circle like Verity?"

Zazz Purize

 

[Zazz]

The half-elf made sure to keep the hide mostly intact; they could trade it once they reached the city. She glanced over at the centaur as he rolled over and rose to his four feet. He, like Verity, noticed her kill. It was a small doe, but Pyrrhus was right; it was a lot of meat for one meal. The halfling looked up at his offer and held out the eggs for him to start on. Soon, she was gutting and carving the meat to be cooked.

"I... don't know what I'll do. There is someone I need to see, but beyond that..." She shrugged. She intended to serve out her debt and protect the rightful heir to Shylanora's throne, whether Verity knew she was there or not. Azaria glanced at the silver-haired princess. The halfling wondered, briefly, if she could even be considered to walk in the ranks of magic wielders like Verity.

Azaria listened to the conversation between the man and Charlotte and thought it odd, but did not interject. Closer to the city, she needed to be careful; her face was welcome in some areas but not in others, and these people could be anyone.

The half-elf patted Pyrrhus and gestured to the construction workers, holding out the second half of her kill. "Give this to them, will you? They'll need it more than we will." She kept her head down, face out of sight. Just in case.


Purize Melon Bomb SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Pyrrhus beamed at the request, happy that the cuts weren't going to waste. He took the meat and trotted over to hand it to the workers before they left. Upon his return he pondered Azaira's answer to his question.
"It's rare to find a company of good people...I think Master Stormblade and Lady Verity are good people."
It was all he said, and, with a smile he went a little ways to go pack up camp.
Zazz

 

[BugDozer73]

Roland rose earlier that morning, despite pulling a double shift. His eyes fluttered open in rebellion against the sunlight. With a silent rebellion of his muscles, he rose, and let his nose carry his gaze to the now roasting Venison. With a smack of his lips he rose, in almost a stupor, and stumbled towards the smell of food. His daze left his senses a little off, so it was not a surprise that he wished a good morning to not only charlotte, but the company of armed, mounted soldiers she was speaking to. He gave Kezine a small kick as he passed to wake her from her slumber, and finally found himself standing by the fire, taking a small piece of the meat that was already cooked, chowing down.

"Morning." He offered between bites, to the three standing before him. It was hard to focus on anything other than the food he cradled so protectively.
"Ready to see Aeredale?" He offered to anyone who was listening.

~

Was it early to start drinking? Maybe. But Nadia had not really started drinking; rather, continued her festivities from the previous evening. Even her own tolerance stood no chance against the massive amounts of alcohol she had ingested. It was a miracle in its own right that she hadn't puked yet. The rest of the Tavern was filled with unconscious party goers and an angry bar keep muttering to himself as he swept up the horrifying scene. Nadia ran her fingers quickly through her black silky hair, and rose form her bar stool that she had used as a bed that evening. A few gold on the counter later and she was outside, squatting in an ally to relieve herself. While she squatted, she leaned against the wall for support, the world spinning beneath her. It was all she could do to stay upright, and she sent out a silent prayer of thanks for not falling face forward into the large puddle of yellow now trickling over the cobble.

She collected herself and moved out of the ally and into the crowd. The sun was already risen, and despite the tangible morning air still flowing through the streets, a sizable number of people were out and about. Thats the capital for you. Nadia couldn't wait to be free of its hustle and bustle, and back on the road again.

Soon She promised herself. One more, and I can keep moving. She looked down at the piece of parchment she had removed form a pouch and unfolded it. The picture was of a man wearing a clowns outfit and a theater mask. These people keep getting more psychotic.

 

[Melon Bomb]

Kezine was awake. . . but mostly asleep. Daylight pierced through her closed lids, but she made no effort to move. There was a certain calm to sleeping outdoors, she much preferred the hard ground to the softness of a bed - something about sinking into a mattress always made her back sore in the mornings. Speaking of being sore. . .

She shot Roland an annoyed glare as he kicked her on his way to the campfire. Her hand grasped at the dirt for something to pelt this fool with and closed her fingers around a small rock, which she immediately flung at the back of his head.

"I'm awake, asshole." Kezine brushed the covers off, sitting up and hunching over as she greeted another day with a fat wad of spit to the side. "Kick me again and I'll put you back to sleep."

She propped her sword up and leaned on it to rise, sparing a glance to the convoy hogging up the road. The centaur was pawning off leftovers from their kill to the men in the wagon, the rest of it was roasting nicely over the fire - she hasn't eaten much the past few days so now would be a good time to fill in on some grub. She cracked her joints to finish the rest of her morning ritual, joining the others by the fire.

Kezine nicked a huge portion of the venison, side-eyeing the centaur again as she chewed.

"I know, right?" she said through a mouthful, concurring with his assessments of their character. "They should really look into getting that fixed."

 

[Zazz]

Despite her obvious dislike for the bandit mage, Azaria made no move to stop her from taking a share of the venison, and even smirked when a rock went flying towards Roland's head. The halfling cut off a piece for herself and a second, then limped over to sit by Charlotte. "Here. Best we all recover our strength after yesterday's stupidity."

 

[Melon Bomb]

As the wagons carried on down the path, Charlotte dropped down by the fire and set her bag between her legs. She was surprised to see the rogue elf offer some of her cut, even after Charlotte had kept her meal to herself just the other day.

"I'm not hungry," she lied hastily, exactly as her stomach growled. Pretending it didn't happen, she rifled through her pack and produced a few bottles, shaking some of the powder out into a small container. Twisting the perforated lid back on, she spread some seasoning over the still cooking food. Can't have meat without some flavor, right? A dash of onion, garlic, pepper, smoked salt - she didn't carry everything, but at least it won't taste bland. "And tell me about it. As a firm supporter of living and being alive, I think we can all agree that wasn't our best example of sound judgment." As she stowed the ingredients away, she took a moment to reflect on the earlier conversation. So they're planning on joining the circle, huh? With the state of affairs nowadays, maybe they really could.

Throwing the latch over the bag cover, she tilted her head up to Roland addressing the group.

"Been ready for a few days now," she said, looking back down to poke at the fire with a stick, rolling over some of the burning kindling. She was late, and she hated being late - but, things don't always go as planned so the best she could do was silently fume to herself. Then, she stopped in place as though suddenly remembering something. "And you!" She whipped the stick around and pointed it menacingly at Kezine. "Alright bandito, got an answer for me yet?"

There was only a noncommittal shrug in response.

"Right. That figures." She leaned back and kicked her legs out, her gaze sweeping the faces around her. "Anyone else want to join my guild?" she posed to them jokingly. "There's free food."

 

[SilverFlight]

"Hot baths, and actual beds." Pyrrhus emphasized after Roland's question about Aeredale, he had wrapped up the last of the canvas tents and tied them. "Even for me."
Say what you like about the centaur and his profession, he enjoyed creature comforts just as much as the next person.
Pyrrhus caught Kezine looking at him, "Something on your mind Lady Mage?" He made no move to stop her taking the venison either.
His tone was casual, and didn't hold the note of criticism it had when they first met. After two nights with the bandit leader he was beginning to be a little more at ease around her, his logic being that if she wanted to roast them all alive and escape she had already had ample opportunity to do so.
Pyrrhus looked around at Charlotte's unserious offer. "The free food is tempting, just what does your guild do exactly?"

BugDozer73 Melon Bomb

 

[Melon Bomb]

"Yeah, unfortunately," Kezine answered Pyrrhus, using her teeth to tear another hefty chunk from the meat. Maybe those two really were too nice for their own good. . . or maybe they were just pushovers.

"What don't we do?" Charlotte said smugly, pouncing on the centaur's next question. "Astra is a warrior's guild, first and foremost. But not just any warrior's guild - most guilds take public requests and bounties, but we're a little more proactive than that. We look to those who don't have the coin to spare, or to those who are too afraid to come forward with their troubles. So then, how do you get paid?"
She placed her hand to her chest with a knowing look. "Well. . . out of my pocket, of course. Call it a charity service, but if we don't give them the aid they need, then I'm afraid there aren't many who will."

 

[Zazz]

The half-elf snorted. "And you? How do you get paid?" The halfling shook her head. She already had an obligation to fulfill. She had a debt to pay. "What, is this 'charity' repentance for past misdeeds?" She shook her head again and dug into her meat.

She pondered Roland's open question. Azaria had been to the capital many times; she knew its ins and outs, its secret tunnels and hole-in-the-wall establishments. She had even heard of Astra, the guild, but hadn't paid it any mind due to disinterest. No, her interests pointed her to a certain someone with a welcoming smile and a warm embrace. Azaria tucked her hair behind a semi-pointed ear and nodded. "Ready to see someone, at least."

 

[Melon Bomb]

"I'll tell you if you sign up," Charlotte answered in a low voice, a playful smile crossing her lips. Leaning back, she rested one hand in her lap and curled her locks with the other. "And the only thing I need to repent for is not packing more clothes, pushing through that downpour was not part of the plan."

 

[BugDozer73]

Roland cursed loudly at the impact of the stone, but only glared at the witch who had thrown it, rubbing the impact zone. But then Charlotte began to speak about her guild. For some reason, Roland began to listen more intently. A guild huh? That was an interesting way to live. The circle was a membership, but not quite a family. Plus he had not discussed living arrangments yet, so the idea of housing was still in the air. He wondered....

Focus. The day is moving on. "Alright everyone. The sun won't wait for us forever. Lets pack it up and bring this journey to a close. I am dreaming about that coin purse in my hands." Roland could only smile at the prospect of gold. It wasn't all he cared about, but it could certainly hold his attention. He rose after finishing his meal, and gathered up his things, getting ready to see the gates of the capital.

 

[Zazz]

Once the group was on the road again, Azaria on her own feet this time, the halfling thought to herself as she led the horse along. She felt better after bathing before she went hunting, her skin clean and the tangles free from her long hair. Aeredale was a city easy to get lost in; the crowds never ceased and everyone had something that needed to be done, somewhere to be. The halfling often went through the capital on her adventures; there was always some lord or lady willing to pay a pretty penny for something or the other, and the underground market thrived right under the nose of the king. The rogue was not opposed to doing the dirty work of the law and ridding the offices of corrupt politicians, and the people in the poorer communities were grateful for the gold she slipped their way. Yes, the half-elf assassin had a heart. And that heart held dear a particular someone.

Hoisting herself up onto the horse for a rest, Azaria asked the others, "Do you all have a place to stay in the city?"

 

[Purize]

Steadily, the group around her rose and began to move about. Verity watched as a cart of so-called construction workers paused by their little camp briefly before pressing on. She wondered faintly what construction crew would need that many soldiers to accompany them... but she certainly didn't want to ask.

Verity took a small portion of the venison, eating her morsel in small, dainty pieces. She tried over the years to learn to eat fast and inhale her food like some did, but she never seemed to manage it without nearly choking. Typically, her meals took longer to finish, so to compensate, she ate smaller portions. It always helped to have snack for the road when she got hungry. Nevertheless, she was happy for the hot meal.

Roland was drawn to the scent like a dog and lumbered over much like the undead would in his stupor. Verity cracked a smile as she watch him plop by the fire and start munching on the meat. "Good morning" she replied to him, laughter clear in her voice.

Verity listened to Azaria and Pyrrhus talk about Aeredale as Charlotte and Kezine joined the small gathering. She sat contently with her food, eyes wide as she followed the conversations among them. She said nothing, but did raise an eyebrow at Charlotte's half-assed offer to join a guild. Something told Verity it wasn't much more sophisticated and benevolent than the camp they tore apart just the other night. "I'll pass," she chirped.

Then, with a newly awakened and rejuvenated Roland, they began to move out. "Do you all have a place to stay in the city?" Azaria asked. Verity shrugged in response. "Not really, I was thinking of finding a cheap inn to board in."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tieve's gaze rested warily on the two spirit-like forms before her. She wasn't so sure she wanted to ride either of them... Quietly she wondered why they couldn't simply escape by foot, but Ali made it sound like this would be the faster option. With a hesitant nod she agreed to go to Aeredale. Anywhere but here was fine, she supposed. Why not start at the Capital? Of course, she'd been there a few times before as a special guest of the High King, but she was always kept hidden away in private rooms and blacked-out carriages. Perhaps this time she could fully appreciate it's grandeur.

She watched in awe as the beetle, Bajir Ali had called it, scuttle into the floor and turn into a cloud of mist. Ali held out his hand to her as she gawked, and after blinking a few times, she placed her hand in his. Brother Avery was going to be so mad at her.... the thought made her grin.

Brendanfp

 

[Melon Bomb]

"The street sounds pretty good," Kezine said, mulling over her one and only possible option. No money, no contacts, just a big stick and a lot of attitude. She'd be lucky if she could even sleep on the streets really, she'd probably get prodded around by guards for loitering. Well. . . maybe there were a few people she knew in Aeredale, but that was a long time ago. There was no telling if they were still around, or if they remembered her at all. She could always ditch and become a hermit, but that wasn't very conducive to getting her life straightened out. If she wanted to get back on track, she was going to need some guidance, as much as she hated to admit it.

 

[Zazz]

"I... know a place. If you're open to new experiences." A small smirk of amusement tickled her features as she pictured Verity, the princess of Shylanora, at what was essentially a brothel. "It's safe, at any rate."

 

[SilverFlight]

Pyrrhus was about to press Kezine for more but Charlotte began telling them about her guild. As Pyrrhus listened a new appreciation for the woman appeared in his eyes.
"That is very noble of you."
The centaur had seen a good deal of the underbelly of the world and it chafed at him that there was so much injustice. What Charlotte was explaining sounded almost too good to be true, and Pyrrhus also had experience with things like that.
"You're pockets must be quite deep indeed to support a company." It wasn't quite a question, but the ask was there.
"But if I were penniless, with few prospects other than banditry," here he glanced briefly at Kezine, "then your guild would certainly sound like the better option."
Pyrrhus listened as they discussed places to stay, loading his back with the supplies instead of injured halflings this time and starting on the trail behind Roland.
"No one needs to sleep in the streets." The centaur assured Kezine. "At the very least the inn by the farrier has good beds for work, if you don't mind the smell of horse."
Azaria's smirk caught his attention. "Oh? Well, that all depends on the type of experience, but if it's got a hot bath at the end of it might be persuaded."

Melon Bomb Zazz

 

[Melon Bomb]

"'New experiences'," Kezine echoed with a curt laugh, thumb hooked comfortably through the leather belt at her hip. The rogue covered up her slang, but the implications were there. . . transparently so.
She wondered just how much of a 'new experience' - as the rogue had colloquially described - it would be for the members of their little traveling troupe. "Is that a promise?" she followed, returning the smirk with a wry grin. Their trip rounded over the hills, and the once distant skyline of castles and minarets ascended over the horizon as they climbed higher and higher to the summit of the grassy knoll.

Cast in warm rays, the verdant fields below were awash with hues of gold. Skimming over the surface of the waters, light scintillated along the length of the river - it curved over the incline and snaked its way around the outer walls, the moat dividing the farmlands, outer estates, and the military camps from the city confines. And beyond the vistas of the capital city, like a wall, chains of snow-peaked mountains surged up from the earth and established a natural defense from invasion, framed gracefully along the boundaries of its expanse.

Welcome to Aeredale. Kezine took in the scenery with a silent breath, feeling the cool breeze of the hilltop caressing her silvery hair and fluttering her jacket behind her. Humanity's first bastion of hope since the old war, just as beautiful since she'd gazed upon it last. Didn't realize she missed it this much.

 

[Zazz]

The half-elf shared a grin with Kezine. "New for some, anyway." Azaria rode up alongside Pyrrhus and told him, "I'm sure you'd even find someone willing to braid your hair after that hot bath, my friend." It felt strange, acknowledging their newfound friendship, but she did it anyway, knowing he would find joy in it. "A nice massage wouldn't be half bad," she added wistfully.

Coming up the hill, Azaria took in the familiar scene before her. The city walls stood tall, a symbol of great strength and power to all those who visited. At least, those who didn't know nearly all of its weaknesses. She pointed around to the left of the gate, a ways down. "There is a hidden passage down that way that the guards still haven't found. Pyrrhus can take the horse through the gate."

 

[BugDozer73]

Roland walked with them as they talked, only half listening. In his mind he was counting the coin, dividing it up evenly between them all. IF he had enough, depending on what he found.... Yes, it was possible. As they walked past the fields, Roland smiled at a group of kids running and playing. It was a girl with a doll chasing after two boys who each wielded a wooden sword, and were running and chopping at one another with playful grins. Despite being around the capital city, they were still.... dirty. Caked in mud, from there skin to their clothes. Roland was somewhat surprised. He had always considered Aeredale to be the wealthiest city in all of Nymserine, but he guessed that every city had its poverty.

The girl stopped running and returned his gaze, a sad inexperience in her eyes as she longed on after the group: almost like she had never seen his kind of people before. Roland pushed on, trying to keep his eyes on the gate coming up.

"There is a hidden passage down that way that the guards still haven't found, Pyrrhus can take the horse through the gate."
Azaria explained to the group.

"I will go with Pyrrhus. A lone centaur might ruffle the guards a little, it would be easier if we traveled together. Besides, it will give us some times to exchange grooming tips." Roland smiled at the centaur.

"We will see you all on the inside. Meet by the town square, and stay out of the public eye." Roland took the reigns of the horse from Pyrrhus and together they began to make there way towards the gates, and the flow of people washing in and out of the city.

There were carts with different supplies dotting the crowds, and people with packs hay, lumber, and other goods. It was busy, and Soon Roland and Pyrrhus were pushed up against one another, and the rest of the crowds as they funneled into the opening. The gate was made from polished silver stone, with golden metal trimmings around the gates and crests. There were two armed guards standing on either side of the entrance and about 4 other's mingling through the crowd, taking inventory and checking people in or out of the city.

 

[Melon Bomb]

"This probably doesn't come as a surprise but I have business to attend to, so I guess this is where we go our separate ways."

Charlotte bid farewell to the rest of the group as they split themselves between the gate and the clandestine passage, joining the shifting cluster of people. At the front, she flashed the guards her papers - full identification and proof of citizenship, noble status, guild presence, reasons for departure - no detail was left unwritten, and she was ushered through the entrance without resistance. Once inside the walls, she squinted up at the grandeur of the inner city, towering over them in the distance. In her more immediate vicinity, shapely houses hugged the streets with unlit lampposts evenly standing before them, and in front rows of vendors lured hungry travelers wrapping up their long journeys with cheap food and souvenirs.

She gave a half-hearted wave to Roland and Pyrrhus before vanishing into the crowds, now lost in the sea of traffic into the city.

-

Kezine raised a brow, curious that there could be hidden passages in the most visible part of the city structure - especially one as reputable as Aeredale - but she didn't question it. She wasn't sure if she'd be a familiar face in the capital either - and not in a good way.

"Then let's hope it hasn't been bricked up," Kezine said casually, strolling along with the group with her sword resting over her shoulder. "If any of those outlooks on the wall are worth their salt, it probably will be soon."

 

[Purize]

Back on the road, Verity kept to the front of the group, spearheading the way to the city that they could see just over the tree tops. She gave Azaria a suspicious glance when she suggested a place to stay at, but didn't question her. The Elven princess felt that she'd had enough "new experiences" as of late, and didn't plan on living up to the innuendo.

The group split off to take different entrances through the city, planning to meet up in the square later. Verity waved to Roland and Pyrrhus and also gave Charlotte a friendly nod when she also parted from the little band of travelers as well.

For a moment she felt anxious of finally arriving at the city. She wondered if trying to join the circle was such a good idea after all, and how slim the chances were of her passing the tests. But just as quickly as those thoughts washed over her, they faded. She couldn't help but feel a sense of purpose and destiny. It felt like chance was on her side and that this was the road she was supposed to take. She glanced behind her at the group that followed and smiled to herself. Where she had felt apprehension at their presence, she now felt a sort of reassurance. She wasn't alone anymore. Maybe this would be the start of something great.

~~~~

Verity let Azaria take the lead as she showed the other half of the party the back-entrance way into Aeredale. While the precautions were necessary, Verity felt a little to shady for comfort as they snuck into the wall. "Are you sure this is safe?" She whispered to Azaria, not sure if she actually needed to keep her voice low or not.

 

[Zazz]

Leading the party through one of the many back-way entrances, Azaria turned to meet Verity's gaze and put her finger to her lips. She pointed upwards; at the top of the crack in the wall was a sliver of light, and through it they could see the shadow of a guard pacing back and forth. They continued to what seemed like a dead end. But the rogue merely slipped a coin into a slanted hole in the wall. They waited. Then, suddenly, a chunk of wall was dragged outward, and the half-elf ducked out into the light, offering a hsnd for the princess behind her.