CrimsonInk
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Fantasy The Shadow of The Seal
- Thread starter Thread starter Wyll
- Start date Start date
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- Tags Tags
- assassin found family spy
lyn.
can i get a bacon egg and cheese
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Shadow
Akin to a Fool
"I have failed you in this labyrinth of my mind..."
Kygo
The Shadow
location
The Twin Citiesmentions
Navoninteractions
Quill (
Klown
), Cresley (
hery
), Kalin (
WillOWispJJ
), Zenith (
Sir Mayday
)coded by reveriee.
roxybirdie
𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐤𝐢 😸
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Wyll
Senior Member
The Fire
Navon
Hara
Hara
Kiva. His memory made it such that he was bound to remember her name whether he planned to or not. However, with every word she spoke, she was slowly etching her face and name on to the short list of people that Navon actually respected.
She was new and undoubtedly had several questions. She had also been put as team leader over a group of people. Despite all that, she was actively pulling together a sensible plan; one that impressed even Navon. He wasn't quite impressed enough to offer her any smile - though many would argue that it was impossible to impress Navon so much that he would smile. They would be correct, of course. But, in this moment, Navon was closer to smiling than he had been in a while.
Which is why it was particularly disappointing that she had to ruin it all by mentioning cookies. His face dropped from neutral apathy to a frown, no attempt being made to hide his disapproval. He was well aware that there were some who liked to share food or snacks or gifts with team members when they go out on a mission. He, however, was not one of them and neither did he agree with them.
His condemning gaze found Scarlett as she not only entertained the thought, but empowered it. She had worked as an Agent long enough that he expected her to know better. Even Fennec joined - which he couldn't say came as a total surprise. If anything, the look on Navon's face was more reminiscent of disappointment than shock. Fennec had always enjoyed treats, but Navon had just expected a little more professionalism on a mission. Navon had always thought of Fennec as someone who knew that there was a time for everything and that this was not the time for cookies. Although, it had been a while since he was on mission with Fennec, so perhaps his attitude towards missions had changed.
Given that everyone else had opted to allow the distraction, Navon was forced into a corner he was very uncomfortable in. He was silent for a while, pensive. A beat passed, and he concluded that refusing the cookies should not have any impact on the team's performance or the success of the mission. Satisfied with that, he huffed and turned away, looking back towards the roads, already beginning to map them out. "We have no need for such frivolities on a mission." There was more he could say. Much more. However, they were on a mission now and it wasn't worth spending the time and effort to reprimand them; not when they were in enemy territory with their lives on the line.
For a moment, Navon's head swam when he saw Fennec handing things out to Kiva and Scarlett before making their way to him. Has everyone here entirely forgotten what is at stake? He was half expecting Scarlett to show up with gifts for the whole group as well. However, when Fennec got to Navon and he actually got to see what the gift was, some of the fire in his reaction dimmed. This was actually useful to the mission. Certainly more useful than cookies. Navon accepted the run with a curt nod, tucking it in his pouch. Ideally, they wouldn't find themselves in a situation where it was needed, but it certainly didn't hurt to have.
"Now," he stated firmly, turning back to Kiva. "You mentioned that they know this city better than we do. You were not incorrect." He could simply have said that she was correct, but time had hardened him such that saying someone or something wasnt bad came easier than saying it was good. "We should change that. Allow me scout ahead; map out the city and get a lay of the land." Despite having more experience as an Agent, he respected her position as the leader of their team and wasn't going to do something without her permission. Not unless it was an emergency, at least. "By this time tomorrow, I could have the city fully studied. There will likely be hidden passages and secret routes that I fail to catch, but the gap between our knowledge of the city and that of the Bookmark will be all but closed."
His gaze flitted to Scarlett and then to Fennec, coming up with ideas of roles he would assign them to that he believed would best aid the mission. However, that came from his understanding of their individual skills and abilities. His eyes settling on Kiva again, he was curious how well she had gotten to know her teammates before coming on the field. "What say you?"
Mentions: Scarlett (
CrimsonInk
), Roan (
roxybirdie
), Kiva (
LumaThePhoenix
)
CrimsonInk
), Roan (
roxybirdie
), Kiva (
LumaThePhoenix
) 
Talathel
Wildlife Conservationist in the Making
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DeathUnchained
Lurker in the Dark
Jason Elvesh
Location: Caravan Outside Al-LotoyMentions: Quill (
Klown
)Interactions: Saphielle (
Talathel
), Aricia (
lyn.
), Istoire (
CloudySkyLoftyMoon
), Igdunn (
YellowBeanBeing
)Jason looked on to the city in which they were about to complete their job. Memories of failures past haunting him. Even failures that had nothing to do with him haunted his memories. Specifically, Quill. He was not there to protect her. His strength completely useless in the situation. Had he been there, maybe the story would be different, but how is he to know? It was something that haunted him. All of his failures were. He had a habit of walking around like some sort of mythological hero. Standing tall and seeming to simply emit an aura that screams confidence, but it was clear that he was unusually nervous. Yet he did not falter. It was clear that he had planned to do his job and would not allow past failures to affect his performance now.
Jason turned to Aricia, looking down at the Crystal that was given. A smile forming on his face as he took the crystal between two fingers, holding it as though the slightest amount of pressure would crush it "Of course. I will keep it safe." taking the gem he stuffed it into his gauntlet, just before his wrist. Squarely placed and next to his own.
His attention turned back to the city as he spoke "Once we enter the city, everything will be after us. Every person will be out to kill us. I can make a quick path, but if the goal here is to kill no one, then we must take our time. I cannot simply break down walls."
Jason takes a moment to look at the maps and plans Istoire had laid out. While the maps were basic and didn't show the finer details, it gave him a pretty solid look at what they were looking at. He made sure to take in the locations of the best routes to where they would be held. Trying to find the most direct path that would allow him to get there without breaking down too many walls. He was confident in his strength, but this mission wouldn't allow him to use his strength recklessly.
Finally he pointed to the map "This is the best location. There are few walls in the path that leads out, lowering the risk of hurting or killing anyone. I can't guarantee a clean break though. There's always a chance someone may get caught up in my charge."
CloudySkyLoftyMoon
『Teamate』
- Group
Îstoire – The Glutton
Caravan Outside Al-Lotoy
Mentions:
Interaction: Aricia, Saphielle, Jason, Igdunn
| Tags:
Talathel
YellowBeanBeing
lyn.
DeathUnchained
Interaction: Aricia, Saphielle, Jason, Igdunn
| Tags:
Talathel
YellowBeanBeing
lyn.
DeathUnchained
A gemstone of radiant blue; held against the still-rising sun, the Lapis cast soft lights around it. A scholar of many disciplines, the meaning and spirituality behind gemstone yet eluded Îstoire. Despite being utterly mundane, the gemstones—crystals, as they were called—were oft attributed feats of restoration, purification, and stabilization. They, of course, did no such thing; or, if they did, research had yet to substantiate them. And yet, despite the Lapis having no power at all to affect the success or failure of their mission, there was a tender sincerity to Igdunn gift that couldn’t be denied.
Once again, Îstoire found himself at a loss. As with Aricia’s mood ring, the sentimentality of it all struck the Merman with profound…humor. The warmth of companionship could be found anywhere, even amidst the proverbial viper’s den.
After a moment’s admiration, Lapis Lazuli found a home inside Îstoire vest and the Lorekeeper instead turned his attention to the team’s queries or…lack thereof.
A grimace. He was ill at ease. They say, ‘No news is good news’; but, when the matter at hand involved the life-and-death of so many, Îstoire simply couldn’t stomach the silence. Were they so confident in their plan? Their tones left no doubt. And yet, there was so much that could go wrong, so many details left unknown, so many risks left unaccounted for.
Even if they had no questions, for his own ease of mind, Îstoire would re-iterate their plan once more. However…
”Saphielle, could Eona secure out surroundings before we proceed?”
Although they were still a distance from the city proper, it paid to be cautious. Al-Lotoy was, after all, a nation infamous for its stealth and subterfuge. It wouldn’t do to carelessly risk the mission before they had even truly started.
”Then once more, from the top:
We’re a Merchant’s caravan and we’ve ‘taken every precaution’ to avoid the attention of Al-Lotoy; they, after all, are infamous for their thievery and no sensible caravan would willingly pass traverse their lands. For our ruse to work, the Lotoians must believe they stumbled upon us through their own wit and of their own initiative.
Distrustful by nature, there’s a chance they may not attack us immediately and will instead choose to observe us until they can ascertain we are not a trap. It is possible, but not probable, that they allow us to pass through their lands unmolested. Our cargo of grain should be extremely tempting since the Lotoians likely lack the ability to produce food in large quantities. Wheat fields are hard to hide, you see. However, if they choose not to attack us then we’ll need to reconsider our plan.
Once they’ve engaged us in combat, we will put up a brave ‘fight’ against them before being ‘overwhelmed’ by their numbers and—in Jason’s case—agility. We will be ‘forced’ to abandon our cargo and, best case scenario, some of us—Saphielle, Aricia, Igdunn—will be ‘captured’. There’s no guarantee they will try to capture all of you or that they will try to capture rather than kill.
Do what you can to steer things in a ‘safe’ direction; you can perhaps hold the grain hostage by threatening to set fire to it. You’re all clever, I trust you can handle whatever situations may arise. There’s no easier way to enter a fortress than to be invited in.
Once you’re on the inside, it’ll be up to you to secure our Cords. Those of us who remain on the outside will wait for your signal to stage a prison break.
I believe Jason & I can head north to provoke a sortie from Falin; if we’re lucky, Falin will dispatch enough troops to occupy Al-Lotoy’s attention. That should make things easier for you on the inside.
When you’re ready for us to break you out, it would be best if you could create a disturbance from within Al Lotoy. If they’re dealing with trouble from both without and within, they’ll scarcely have time to watch their prisons. In this way we can minimize risk to ourselves and the Cords we’re rescuing.”
We’re a Merchant’s caravan and we’ve ‘taken every precaution’ to avoid the attention of Al-Lotoy; they, after all, are infamous for their thievery and no sensible caravan would willingly pass traverse their lands. For our ruse to work, the Lotoians must believe they stumbled upon us through their own wit and of their own initiative.
Distrustful by nature, there’s a chance they may not attack us immediately and will instead choose to observe us until they can ascertain we are not a trap. It is possible, but not probable, that they allow us to pass through their lands unmolested. Our cargo of grain should be extremely tempting since the Lotoians likely lack the ability to produce food in large quantities. Wheat fields are hard to hide, you see. However, if they choose not to attack us then we’ll need to reconsider our plan.
Once they’ve engaged us in combat, we will put up a brave ‘fight’ against them before being ‘overwhelmed’ by their numbers and—in Jason’s case—agility. We will be ‘forced’ to abandon our cargo and, best case scenario, some of us—Saphielle, Aricia, Igdunn—will be ‘captured’. There’s no guarantee they will try to capture all of you or that they will try to capture rather than kill.
Do what you can to steer things in a ‘safe’ direction; you can perhaps hold the grain hostage by threatening to set fire to it. You’re all clever, I trust you can handle whatever situations may arise. There’s no easier way to enter a fortress than to be invited in.
Once you’re on the inside, it’ll be up to you to secure our Cords. Those of us who remain on the outside will wait for your signal to stage a prison break.
I believe Jason & I can head north to provoke a sortie from Falin; if we’re lucky, Falin will dispatch enough troops to occupy Al-Lotoy’s attention. That should make things easier for you on the inside.
When you’re ready for us to break you out, it would be best if you could create a disturbance from within Al Lotoy. If they’re dealing with trouble from both without and within, they’ll scarcely have time to watch their prisons. In this way we can minimize risk to ourselves and the Cords we’re rescuing.”
Of course, whatever causalities arose between Falin & Al Lotoy were outside their control but given the Lotoian MO of staying hidden, Îstoire expected light casualties and few to no fatalities.
”Ah yes, one more thing. If you find any wells or sources of water within Al Lotoy then please try to drop these inside.”
From his pockets, Îstoire withdrew and distributed several small containers filled with squid ink. The containers had been enchanted to slowly release ink in controlled bursts. If the waterways of Al Lotoy were connected to an external body of water, Îstoire’s hope was that these bottles could leave an underwater ink-trail he could follow to sneak into the city.”Does anyone have any suggestions? If not, then let’s move out!”
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LumaThePhoenix
Ten Thousand Club
KIVA FITZGERALD
Navon
Wyll
Scarlett
CrimsonInk
Fennec
roxybirdie
No one needs to know that Kiva originally brought a baker's dozen chocolate chip cookies for her to stress eat along the way. Nope. Not at all. It just so happened that she got so lost remembering all the stress leading up to the mission that she managed to forget the cookies. So why not share them instead to build morale?
Scarlett's hand raised so quickly that Kiva was sure that it could outpace a bolt of lightning. It scared her, but she kept her composure on the outside thanks to her already being focused. Kiva let out a giggle at how eager she was. Six cookies for her! Then, there was Fennec. They were equally eager for the baked goods. It also helped that they had a common love of chocolate chip cookies. To be fair, so did Kiva. If she hadn't captured Fennec's attention beforehand, the mention of a snack seemed to do the trick. Six cookies for them! “Yes, cookies. Chocolate chip in fact. One for me, and six each for you two. I'll see if I can get some more if I can find a good bakery here.”
It felt easy to get along with Fennec and Scarlett. Perhaps they were just in it for the cookies, but based off of what she's observed so far and what the little extra she researched before the mission started, she knew that they were shapeshifters. Maybe being whimsical comes with the territory. In this case, relics come with the territory too as Fennec brought one for each of the team members. They explained how it's used and that it's a one-time use. “Excellent. This will work wonders. Thank you.” She added a nod of approval to her words. Kiva was starting to believe that the team had strong cohesion and high optimism......but then there was HIM.
Kiva turned her head to look at Navon, who declined the pastries. He was...diffic-different. Different! Yeah, that's it. Frivolities he calls this. Maybe he's just allergic to cookies and doesn't want to admit to it. Whatever it is, Kiva can cry about it later. Navon did offer a solid suggestion to scout ahead. “Nothing wrong with a little morale boost, but you do bring up a point about gathering intel. Go for it. I'm sure what you'll find out for us will be advantageous.” Her focus shifts to the shifters. “Meanwhile, I'll need you two to seek out someone to impersonate. Be it guards or someone else, I'll leave that to you since that's your expertise. You two will likely be our best chance of getting the hostages out before potential chaos ensues. As for me, I'm going to see if I can get a good look on the inside via the direct approach. Despite not being royalty, I do tend to get invited to high class events, so I have a good chance of being welcomed in as a visitor. That way, I can get a good look at the inside of the place. Maybe map some things out and learn their strategies.”
She looks up at the skies above. “We should meet back here at sundown. That way, we can set up camp for the night. You're welcome to keep up with your espionage if you wish to burn the midnight oil. I just want to make sure we all at least have a safe spot to sleep at so that we can be well-rested when we make our move.” She grabs her backpack, takes out a box with 13 cookies in It, takes out one of them, and then holds up the box for either Scarlett or Fennec to grab....or unlikely Navon but sure. “If you have to cut out early, this will be our rendezvous point. Information is important, but your safety is more important. Now let's get the ball rolling.”
CrimsonInk
Atlas
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Klown
(∴✪౪⊗∴)
Location: Aboard a ship; Near the Twin CitiesInteractions: Kygo
Shadow
Kalin
WillOWispJJ
Cresley
hery
Zenith
Sir Mayday
Mentions:
The bracelets were shared. Copper and amber braided with hopes of fortune for their near-future endeavors. Seeing each in their hands, a timid anxiety flitted in her chest, overshadowed by the beaming ray of Cresley’s disposition. His sun-bright smile and encouraging lump of knowledge propelling Quill’s tail into a pleased sway.
A respectful nod is offered to Kalin, their leader. She trusted his judgement would carry them far, his resilience and dedication evident not only with his work back in the library. There’s a vague, barely graspable image of Kalin in the foggy depths of her memory that always finds her when faced with him. The woolly call of something too obscure to seem real but charged with emotions too certain to be a dream. Visions of a Tiefling, haggard and bruised, but determined. The two had the same eyes.
Her eyes locked with Zenith’s accidentally. Much like walking into a room unaware that it wasn’t empty, then being forced to acknowledge the presence there. The question elicited a response from Kalin, whose answer would’ve aligned with what Quill might’ve said. There were still too many missing pieces. The puzzle was a scattered chaos of hues with few edges to build from. They needed more edges before crawling towards the center.
Kygo’s inquiry of the checkpoint was a good place to start. Quill’s tail looped around her waist to avoid it being caught beneath the boots of heedless passersby. A stomp far too close for comfort had her hackles raised.
“The checkpoint guards are the unsavory type.” In her years of travel, she always tried avoiding the Twin Cities checkpoints when the opportunity presented itself. The guards were all too keen on interrogation and biased suspicion. “They will belittle Cresley, challenge Kygo, be prejudiced against Kalin and…” Her eyes wandered onto Zenith, appraising her mask from the waves of her hair to her flattering figure. “…be crude towards Zenith.”
“We should keep that in mind unless persuaded by a more indirect approach.” She looks to Kalin expectantly.
A respectful nod is offered to Kalin, their leader. She trusted his judgement would carry them far, his resilience and dedication evident not only with his work back in the library. There’s a vague, barely graspable image of Kalin in the foggy depths of her memory that always finds her when faced with him. The woolly call of something too obscure to seem real but charged with emotions too certain to be a dream. Visions of a Tiefling, haggard and bruised, but determined. The two had the same eyes.
Her eyes locked with Zenith’s accidentally. Much like walking into a room unaware that it wasn’t empty, then being forced to acknowledge the presence there. The question elicited a response from Kalin, whose answer would’ve aligned with what Quill might’ve said. There were still too many missing pieces. The puzzle was a scattered chaos of hues with few edges to build from. They needed more edges before crawling towards the center.
Kygo’s inquiry of the checkpoint was a good place to start. Quill’s tail looped around her waist to avoid it being caught beneath the boots of heedless passersby. A stomp far too close for comfort had her hackles raised.
“The checkpoint guards are the unsavory type.” In her years of travel, she always tried avoiding the Twin Cities checkpoints when the opportunity presented itself. The guards were all too keen on interrogation and biased suspicion. “They will belittle Cresley, challenge Kygo, be prejudiced against Kalin and…” Her eyes wandered onto Zenith, appraising her mask from the waves of her hair to her flattering figure. “…be crude towards Zenith.”
“We should keep that in mind unless persuaded by a more indirect approach.” She looks to Kalin expectantly.
YellowBeanBeing
New Member
Last edited:
lyn.
can i get a bacon egg and cheese
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Wyll
Senior Member
CHAPTER 2 - First Contact - Al Lotoy
Location: Al Lotoy
Interactions/Mentions: Aricia, Istoire, Igdunn, Saphielle, Jason
Location: Al Lotoy
Interactions/Mentions: Aricia, Istoire, Igdunn, Saphielle, Jason
There was nothing new or noteworthy about this day in particular. The eternally grey skies denied passage to even a single ray of sunshine. Every sound seemed to echo, not just against the surrounding walls, but around the entire city. Yet, for that, the only sound in the entire city was that of the caravan.It wasn’t that the city was empty. In fact, it was difficult to look in any direction and not see people walking and going about their usual business, they just did it in what seemed like perfect silence. Lips moved with no words to follow them; footsteps weren’t embellished by even the slightest puff of dust, even the children running on the streets did so in utter silence.
And then there was the carriage and its possie.
A rattling, rumbling ruckus that stuck out like a single red rose in a garden of white - a target. It didn’t belong. Everybody knew that and no attempt was made to pretend otherwise. Eyes watched even before they properly entered the city. Ears listened to every breath, every whisper. The caravan was the one abnormal thing in the otherwise rehearsed performance that was life in Al-Lotoy. In any other city, the looks and curiosity would be all that a caravan passing through would receive. However, Al-Lotoyans didn’t take kindly to changes in the routine. In Al-Lotoy, change always meant trouble - if not immediately, then eventually. However, whether present or future, trouble wasn’t something Al-Lotoy enjoyed.
The caravan, as one may expect, gained some shadows. Not shadows that could be seen, but the pressure from their faze could be felt as deep as one's bones. Then the density of people on the streets thinned out and it seemed as though the fewer people they could see on the streets, the more people were watching them. The pressure of being watched, studied, even hunted kept growing until, suddenly, the streets were devoid of all live and movement. It didn’t matter what street they turned down, where they looked, or how far they listened - the entirety of Al-Lotoy was suddenly barren.
And then there were five. It wouldn’t be accurate to call them people as they had no discernable features. Figures or silhouettes would be more appropriate. They looked vaguely human, or, at least, human-like, but that was all that could be said about them. Wind and light seemed to move through them as though they weren't there at all, yet instinct warned against getting too close. They stood directly in the path of the caravan, denying further passage into the city. They stood until the caravan stopped and, only then did they begin to advance.
Even the way they moved was off-putting. The edges of their shape came in and out of focus and it would seem that they left afterimages in their wake despite moving painfully slow. There was no movement in their legs, and still, no sound heard. They moved as if they floated. And then came the first sound in Al-Lotoy that didn’t come from the caravan.
Identify
The voice didn’t seem to come from any of the figures, but from Al-Lotoy itself. As if the walls had opened up their mouth and spoken all at the same time. The figures floated closer and the city demanded once more.
Identify.
The figures themselves just continued their slow progression towards the caravan - the air between charged with tension and malice. However, they figures - menacing as they were - only accounted for half of the danger that the Agents now found themselves in.
Within the caravan, where Igdunn, Aricia and Saphielle sat, the shadows began to grow. A living darkness began filling the carriage. If moved up the walls and even over the windows, crashing over itself like waves at the beach. Each time it passed over itself, the darkness got deeper, until none of the carriages inhabitants could see each other and any sound made was promptly swallowed by the darkness that was nearly choking them.
The darkness seemed as though it would continue to take over the carriage, but it suddenly stopped and a beat of stillness passed in the carriage - allowing the three a chance to breathe again - before the figures outside stopped moving as well. If shadows could smile, these ones were smiling. And, one final time, the request was made, though, this time, very clearly by the silhouettes and in a voice that didn't shake the entire city but still commanded respect, almost like it was issuing a challenge.
"Identify."
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Wyll
Senior Member
The Fire
Navon
Hara
Hara
Navon nodded once she gave him the go-ahead, but still stayed behind so that he could listen to the rest of the plan. He needed to make sure that he had a good idea of where everyone was excepted to be so that he could get to them quickly if any of them needed back up. The fact that Kiva herself would practically be going into the belly of the beast made him uncomfortable. The same was true of Scarlett and Fennec, but at least they had each other. For Kiva to willingly go in alone would be risky, but he wasn’t going to refute. She had mission control, after all.
Plus, she was still proving herself as a leader. Her suggestion of finding a target to impersonate wasn’t a bad one. Scarlett’s suggestion of finding one of the members of the court was an even better idea. Was it mildly hypocritical for him to be fine with Scarlett and Fennec getting close to the target but not liking the idea of Kiva doing the same? Perhaps.
He would have stayed to discuss more on the strategy, but he saw Kiva make another attempt to hand out cookies and all that disappointment that he was just beginning to forget came back as a double portion.
He sighed, picked a random direction and began walking. Any place was better than being around such nonchalance. He caught the tail end of the conversation where Kiva mentioned using their current location as a rendezvous point in case things got hairy. A sound enough plan - hopefully the others wouldn’t have a problem finding their way back.
With that, he had all the information he needed and so set off on his mission to map the town. However, doing so without arousing suspicion would take time. If people saw a stranger simply walking around in circles, they were bound to have questions for him and he would prefer not to deal with such hindrances. However, in his years, he had learnt that the most successful way to blend into a new environment, was to be - very clearly - a tourist.
He wasted no time in walking up to locals and asking them where he could find the local tavern. After all, what does someone fresh off a boat want, if not something cool to drink?
As expected, quite a few turned him away. These people had suffered the loss or disappearance of some of their loved ones with no promise of ever seeing them again. The last thing they could care for was some tourist looking to get himself drunk on their ale, which was likely already running dry.
Perhaps more sympathy could have been shown for the heart breaking conditions these people found themselves in, but sympathy was a luxury that he couldn’t quite afford on a mission. After all, he was actively working to get those family members that they loved and missed so much back to them. Any additional sympathy was therefore unnecessary.
Plus, the goal was never quite to find a tavern, the goal was to walk around. And, with everybody that turned him away, the more of an excuse he had to walk about aimlessly. At least, aimless walking is what it would look like to anybody else. To Navon, however, every step was counted, every landmark was noted, every distance was measured. He had already started drawing the map.
Even when people did eventually point him to the tavern, he would be sure to head in the direction they pointed...and proceed to go right past it when he was sure they weren’t looking. This was where his memory came particularly in handy: keeping perfect track of all the people he had asked and the people who had heard him ask, so that he never asked the same group of people twice. That would be far too suspicious.
He also made sure to stretch out conversation with the locals long enough for him to catch Kiva passing by in his periphery. Though the role wasn’t officially assigned to him, he had taken it upon himself to make sure that Kiva specifically made it back alive. She was the newest and most inexperienced, and therefore the one in the most danger, so he’d given himself the task of being her unseen guardian angel on the mission.
He kept his presence unknown to her, always rapt in some conversation about the local spots as she was passing by, but that was more than enough. He didn’t necessarily need her knowing that he was watching over her, nor did he want her to know. After all, his goal wasn’t recognition or appreciation - he had given up on such lofty ambitions a long time ago. His goal was simply making sure that she made it back alive from the mission - making sure that they all made it back alive.
Mentions: Scarlett (
CrimsonInk
), Kiva (
LumaThePhoenix
)
CrimsonInk
), Kiva (
LumaThePhoenix
)
Talathel
Wildlife Conservationist in the Making
Sir Mayday
Native Son
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LumaThePhoenix
Ten Thousand Club
Kiva Fitzgerald
Mentions:Navon-
Wyll
Scarlett-
CrimsonInk
So this is what it's like to be a spark of light on a realm of darkness. A glimmer of hope in a sea of despair. The longer Kiva took in the sights, the more she realized how much of an outsider she was here. Not even her warm smile and gentle voice could pierce some of the cold, hardened hearts she passed by. Some people ignored her completely. Others glared at her like they were clones of Navon. It was worrying, but she had to remain calm. After finally getting enough information to be able to navigate her way to Lord Salnet's stronghold, she went on her way.
Unfortunately for her, she wasn't alone. Desolation leads to desperation. A desperation that brings out the worst in people. One of which has his eyes set on Kiva. A lanky man with a sinister smirk stares at her like she was a gold mine. With a simple dagger in hand, he follows the woman down the road, keeping just far enough in the shadows to not get the attention of anyone she comes across. The closer she gets to Salnet, the further she'll be from anyone that can potentially stop him. A simple robbery looked to be the main goal. Filthy as he was, he didn't seem to have the intent to kill. Just run up, show the blade, take her stuff, and run off. That was the plan.
As Kiva got closer to her destination, she started getting a sneaking suspicion that she was being followed. A few minutes go by without her seeing or hearing any of the citizens. There was no one in sight in any direction. Perhaps she was just psyching herself out. After all, with her teammates all doing their own things, She was alone. There was no one to protect her if she got ambushed by Salnet's troops. Or really by anyone. Even if she does safely reach the castle, the guards could potentially overwhelm her and toss her in with the rest of the hostages. Kiva herself was the biggest risk to her plan. Suddenly, her heartbeat started racing. Someone...something...was close. She hoped it was an animal passing by while fearing it would be something much more hostile. When the tension became too much to bare, Kiva finally turned around quickly and her eyes widened in shock.
Nothing? There's no way. And yet, that's what she saw. Nothing. Just a clear road behind her. "Hello? Anyone there?" She called out, but no one answered. "Weird. I could've sworn something was behind me. Oh well." Kiva shrugs it off and keeps on with her journey. Could it be that she was being watched over by some sort of angel? A kind guardian spirit that protects her from dangers hidden from her? Maybe, but that sure as hell wasn't the case this time. While the would-be thief was approaching Kiva, Navon caught him lacking and sent him packing. That's all I shall say about that.
So with one crisis averted, Kiva finally reaches the entrance to Lord Salnet's castle. A pair of guards stare at her. "That's far enough. State your business." One of them said firmly. Without hesitation, Kiva responded respectfully. "Forgive my unannounced arrival. My name is Kiva, and I am a traveling healer from Rumar. I've heard from some of my wealthier patients that Lord Salnet has an urgent matter that requires my skills, so Im here to provide assistance."
The guards look at each other and then back at Kiva, who doesn't look even the slightest bit threatening. The way they saw it, her story checks out enough to at least mention it to Salnet himself for clarity. They look back at each other for a moment before one of them finally nods and speaks. "Stay here with her. I shall inform Lord Salnet that he has a visitor." The guard walks away, leaving the other one to watch over Kiva, who has begun to play with her hair while she's waiting.
hery
the fool
The Sun 
Cresley Hogsweed
coded by reveriee.
CrimsonInk
Atlas
- Group
- Dice
- Off-site
Wyll
Senior Member
CHAPTER 2 - First Contact - Salnet's Deep
Location: Salnet's Deep, Salnet Fiefdom, Falin Outskirts
Interactions/Mentions: Kiva (
LumaThePhoenix
)
Location: Salnet's Deep, Salnet Fiefdom, Falin Outskirts
Interactions/Mentions: Kiva (
LumaThePhoenix
)
The guards hear her before they see her. Caught in the middle of a conversation that Cresley would have approved of, they both snap to attention; their weapons suddenly drawn as though from thin air.They watch, as one would watch a lamb, the girl whose mere presence ripped through the canvas of gloom that blanketed the fiefdom. It was, somehow, sad and amusing in equal parts. However, as she continued walking and it became clear - from the vexing amount of eye contact and her jovially purposeful strides - that she was heading towards the castle gates, the situation was stripped of all humor and any empathy they once felt was replaced with cautious hostility.
What manner of fresh madness had possessed this girl? All the locals knew never to approach the castle; their fear of Lord Salnet repelled them. That meant that the girl currently taking bold strides towards the gate had to be a tourist. But what tourist would have the audacity to saunter right up to the palace. Surely, someone would have warned them to stay clear.
From the way she was walking, it even appeared that she was going to walk right past them if they didn’t stop her.
Having entertained her boldness for long enough, in perfect synchrony, both guards stepped into a defensive stance, leveling their spears at her.
“That’s far enough. State your business.”
They had already begun studying her. Even as she spoke, offering her response, their gazes scrutinized every inch of her. They dissected every fold in her clothing looking for a concealed weapon; studied every moment for nervous tics; even analyzed her stance, looking for any signs that gave away combat experience. However, they found nothing. As far as they could tell, she might as well have been a lost sheep that stumbled across their gate. However, this lost sheep claimed to be a healer.
They recalled hearing that a terrible sickness had taken Lord Salnet’s wife, but no further details had been shared. Unfortunately, after a year of being sick with no news, many had already assumed her dead. Although, they knew of Lord Salnet’s endless devotion to his wife. So, if she was still alive, and they sent this healer away before Lord Salnet had even been able to speak with her, surely their lives would be forfeit.
A look passed between them, a nod of understanding, and then they slowly lowered their spears, although the girl wasn’t entirely free of suspicion just yet.
One of the guards, the older of the two, with silver stubble and scars that spoke of many battles spoke up. His voice was deep, rough, and carried authority. Anybody would be able to tell that he was the one in charge between the two. Or, at least, the one with more experience.
“You,” he boomed to the younger guard. “Stay here with her. I shall inform Lord Salnet that he has a visitor.”
He turned on his heel and marched quickly, but with structured steps, deeper into the hold, leaving the younger guard and Kiva alone at the gates. His eyes watched her closely, still cautious of her. Nobody could be this unassuming. Surely she was hiding something.
“You. Healer.” There was condescension in his tone. “What kind of travelling healer doesn’t cary their wares with them where they go?” He gestured at her general area with the tip of his speak, far enough where it wasn’t a threat but it was still a spear being waved. “If you are a travelling healer, where are the…” It was at this moment he realised that he didn’t actually know what travelling healers - or healers in general - carried with them. “Where’s the stuff you supposedly travel with, huh?” He stood to his full height, crossing his arms over her chest, proud to have caught her in what he was certain was a lie. “Unless you with to tell me tha-”
His words were cut off by the loud sounds of clanging armor rushing towards the pair in front of the gate and, while panting and clearly struggling to breath, the new arrival - the biggest of the three Kiva had seen so far - stood at attention beside the guard questioning Kiva. His nostrils flared as jet streams of air were pulled in and pushed out through them, as he struggled to keep his lips pressed together.
The burly man’s flamboyant arrival - and super sonic breathing - snatched the other guard’s attention away from Kiva.
“You…know you don’t need to kill yourself to get here, yes? Lord Salnet isn’t even here.”
“Yes…but he…could show up…at any time.” He managed to say between laboured breaths. “And…you know the rules.”
The smaller guard rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes. Two guards at the gate at all times, or there will be hell to pay.” From his tone, it was clear that he didn’t quite believe that there was anything particularly worrying about the threat, almost as though he didn’t believe it to be a real threat in the first place.
Finally finding his breath, the larger guard raked a scrutinizing gaze over this colleague, before sighing and turning to Kiva. The bright smile on her face and the carefree atmosphere that pooled around her was such a stark contrast to everything he had known up until now that it was almost nauseating. “Who is this?”
The question was asked to the other guard, though his eyes stayed locked on Kiva.
Wyll
Senior Member
The Fire
Navon
Hara
Hara
As Navon continued to watch Kiva, one thing became undeniably clear: he had grotesquely overestimated her abilities. With every step she took, Navon felt himself growing more and more irritated. Tunnel-visioned; unknowingly drawing attention to herself; looking around and making eye contact with everyone. You could fill The Library with everything she was doing wrong. However, her biggest crime of all was that she likely didn’t even know she was doing anything wrong. It was as though she was begging to be followed.
And followed she was. Although, the unfortunate soul that had taken an interest in her impressed him even less than Kiva herself. He never took his eyes off her; was pretty much walking directly in her footsteps; and his idea of cover was simply to turn around or hide behind a wall. It was difficult for Navon to imagine anyone seeming more suspicious than he did in this moment. In fact, judging by how they looked at him, it appeared that everybody around knew what was about to happen. Unfortunately, none of them cared enough about a random girl who just strolled into town to do anything about it.
Between Kiva and her would-be attacker, the sum of their incompetence was great enough that it threatened to stick Navon with a headache if he kept watching. Plus, it seemed as though the robber was finally about to do something.
As the robber hid behind a wall, waiting for the right time - a moment that passed several minutes ago - Navon appeared behind him, a dagger delicately placed on the robber’s nape. Fear and realization of what was about to happen paralysed the robber as Navon spoke. “If you turn around, you die. If you flinch, you die. If you make a sound, you die.” His voice was cold, devoid of emotion and left no room for doubt that he meant every syllable. “Nod slowly if you understand.”
Unfortunately, the fear from having cool, sharp, steel pressed against his neck left the thief trembling, his knees barely strong enough to keep him standing. The tension pulled sweat from his skin, tiny droplets appearing on his face as he nodded slowly, suppressing a whimper.
“You are hungry. And desperate. I understand that. But, at least, you are alive. And if you would like to stay alive, you will lose all interest in that girl, go about your day and you will forget about this interaction.”
Navon felt the man breathe a sigh of relief, like one who had forsaken life only to receive it once again.
“Off you get. Eyes forward.”
Scared, grateful, terrified, relieved. The robber began scurrying away, Navon’s piercing gaze watching his every step. The decision to spare his life was weighing heavily on him, however, the thief had seen neither Navon’s face nor Kiva’s and so possessed a negligible risk. There was no need to kill him.
However, as the thief got to the end of the alleyway, just before turning away, he looked over his shoulder. The two locked eyes. The man’s expression was one of pure terror and Navon simply brought the butt of his dagger to his head, scratching his temple as he released a sigh that almost sounded disappointed.
“Now, why did you have to go do something as stupid as that?”
At Navon’s words, recognition; painful, dreadful recognition set upon the thief’s face and he turned to run. Unfortunately, having seen Navon’s face, this man now posed a threat and letting him escape might complicate things down the line.
Before the offender could complete his turn, Navon’s blade had made a clean pass through his neck.
As the body dropped to the ground, Navon sighed once again, flicking the blood off his blade as he shook his head. “Needless death…” he hissed as he looked at the man with eyes that could almost be described as sad. But surely that wasn’t the case, after all, that would require the stoic Navon to actually be capable of showing emotion.
He knelt down beside the body that had lost its head, calves tucked underneath his thighs. He bowed his head, bowing his head and bringing a hand in front of his face in prayer. Quiet words were muttered as he prayed peace for the departed soul and for whatever lost ones he’d left behind.
When he was done, he slowly opened his eyes, mournfully looking upon the corpse before getting his feet under him and quickly making for the castle. He’d taken his eyes off of Kiva for far too long. He was sure that she didn’t have any more tails when last he had seen her, but anything could have happened since then.
He was a blur to the eye, sticking to the rooftops and quickly covering the ground. Soon, the castle was in sight and he could see Kiva approaching the guards.
Directly? Was she tired of life? What did she think she was doing?
No. Kiva. Stop. Kiva, wait!
But he was too late. They had already seen her. He couldn’t intervene further without more bloodshed. Hopefully, the girl actually knew what she was doing. He watched quietly, concealed by the shadows.
He was too far away to actually hear the words that were being spoken. However, the strangest thing happened. One of the guards turned and walked through the gates. As Kiva stood before the guard, neither of them treating the other as a threat. To call this unexpected would be a gross understatement, but at least she was safe. The other details could be worked out later. For now, he simply continued watching the interaction in case things suddenly went south.
Suddenly, movement to his right caught his attention. One of the guards stationed on the wall was making a horse’s pace towards the gate. Navon had little understanding - or care - for why. All that mattered is that, for the briefest second, there was a weakness in the wall defenses.
Navon briefly considered using it to sneak into the castle, but no. He had to, at the very least, trust that Kiva would be able to do her part of the mission. It was difficult to swallow, but he understood that if he simply did everything, that she’d never learn. And so, for now, he stuck to watching to make sure nothing went wrong.
Mentions: Kiva (
LumaThePhoenix
)
LumaThePhoenix
)
Wyll
Senior Member
CHAPTER 2 - Second Contact - Lady Romero
Location: Romero House Hold, Salnet Fiefdom, Falin Outskirts
Interactions/Mentions: Scarlett (
CrimsonInk
)
Location: Romero House Hold, Salnet Fiefdom, Falin Outskirts
Interactions/Mentions: Scarlett (
CrimsonInk
)
Smile. Wave. Give a polite bow to those who should be kissing your feet. It was absolutely loathsome. Yet, it was the role she had to play. The locals had to like her and so she had to pretend to like them, despite the fact that not a single one of them was worthy of shining her shoes. Not even the other advisors.By the time she got back to her room, the flush had left her face, but there were still a few strands of hair that she hadn’t managed to tuck back into place. She closed her door quickly, spinning and resting her back against the door as she released a deep, heavy, burdened breath. She stayed there for a few seconds before pushing herself off the door and wiping down her arms with her hands as she grumbled.
“Disgusting. Every last one of them. I can feel their filth on me.”
She swiped harder and harder, trying to get rid of every last trace of “their filth”. Unsatisfied with the results, she stomped her feet and squirmed in a concerningly tantrum-like fashion for someone of her age and status. “Get it off me!”
Suddenly, the sound of heavy boots was heard outside the door. “Milady? Is all well?”
His voice caught her off guard, an audible gasp escaping her lips. She quickly cleared her throat, crossing her hands delicately over her stomach as she assumed the posture and tone of the perfect, lovely lady everybody knew her to be. “Pardon me, Geralt. All is indeed well. You know how I just dread spiders.” The lilt in her voice had a charming musical quality to it that was famous for disarming anybody she was speaking with. “Never you mind, my darling. I have dealt with the horrid thing. Go on, go be with your family now. Don’t let little me keep you.”
“Thank you, milady. Rest well.”
She listened to his footsteps recede down the hall, descend the stairs, and, finally, she heard the thump of her front door closing. “Ugh. Peasant.” She rolled her eyes, the musical quality of her voice now filled with disdain. She looked down at her robins in disgust, as if speaking to him through the door alone was enough to taint her with his filth. “A bath! Surely, that will do it.”
She clapped her hands together giddily. A bath was one of her many, many…many weaknesses. But it was likely the weakness she was most helpless against. She moved to her closet, beautiful, fine robes calling to her. Each one was a different colour or pattern and there was more to choose from than you would be able to find even at a tailor’s shop.
She hurriedly rid herself of her clothes, eager to get the outfit she saw as contaminated off her. She continued browsing her full closet for something she could wear. That was when she felt it. A tiny prick, like that of a bee sting, on her back. However, unlike any bee sting she had gotten before, this one made her strength melt away as her legs buckled under her.
“Huh?” Her tone was a mixture of scared and confused. “What's this? What's happening?”
That was when she heard footsteps coming closer to her and dread slowly started to choke her. Eventually, the woman appeared in front of her. The way she spoke was calm, but there was no masking the murderous intent that enveloped her.
There had been rumors floating around that The Seal would be coming for their fief, however, she - as well as most of the other council members - had written it off as gossip started by some of the servants who hoped for better treatment. The servants had even been punished for saying such ridiculous things. However, as she stared at this huntress in front of her, there was no doubt: The Seal had come for them.
Despite the clear hopelessness of her situation, she was confident she could charm her way out of the situation. After all, her enchanting voice and striking beauty had always been enough to get her out of any unpleasantness she had encountered in the past.
“Slit my neck? Oh, darling, surely there’s no need for all that mess. You are much too pretty for that.” The twinkling of her voice had come back, life she was halfway between speaking and singing a lullaby. “I’m sure there has been some kind of misunderstanding. Surely, you are looking for Lady Salnet, yes? The Lady of this humble fief? That is not me. I know, the Lady of the land is usually the fairest in the land, so you figured it must be me, yes? An easy mistake to make, I’m sure. Not to worry, I will gladly point you in her direction. We can forget this ever even happened.”
As she spoke, she was painfully aware that she had been caught in such a vulnerable position, and in her undergarments at that! How humiliating. To think that this foul creature was being blessed with such a view. And for free?! Such a trespass would never be forgiven. "Forget this ever happened"? Impossible. Such a crime could never go unpunished. She would personally see to it.
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