Welcome Aboard the Atrox

P

Prasinus Tuesday

Junior Member
"You understand what must be done here, General--" the commander coughed, ending abruptly and starting again. "Miss Sturgesson." The change in his tone made Ezra Strugesson grip her gloved hands around her glass a bit tighter, and she crossed her ankles delicately. But this woman was not just a delicate statue, no, she was a pillar. And now they who she had denied had come crawling back to her, the fools.


"What 'must be done' is almost beyond me, General Hatchet. I see no reason to come back from retirement so soon for a little reconnaissance, can't you send another lackey?" Ezra huffed, staring with hard set emeralds. She had escaped the government with her life, made a nice little niche for herself in the corner of the country...but she knew she wanted this job. Flight Commander General Hatchet, leader of the Haldoun Fleet, called upon her for her extensive skill, but Ezra had come for this taste of glory one more time, just one more bow and salute.


"Because it isn't just about the government of Haldoun, Miss Sturgesson, it's about the world!" General Hatchet passed her the file. She read it carefully, then read it again, and a shiver of fear passed over her. "We don't know how, we don't know who, or why. General," his urgency broke Ezra's concentration on the file. "We need you to help us. Gather a crew, for Haldoun." Ezra almost scoffed, but she was too shocked. Everything she did was for Haldoun, for the love of--! but this was too much. How the hell had somebody managed to kill the Earth Elemental?! What would happen now?


Ezra stowed her fears and put on her grim mask, nodding. "Give me three days and I will have a crew and get started right away, Sir!" Ezra saluted, but General Hatchet stood and saluted back with a triumphant smile.


"It's good to have you back, General Sturgesson."
 
[Here it goes!]


"Hurry up, Francis!" He cried, as his butler fumbled on the ropes that tied his master's sword case. "For God's sake, we're going to be late." That was the twenty-second time he's lied today, they weren't going to be late unless they decide to go roaming around for an hour. He wouldn't even be here- in the middle of the day, on this busy street in the middle of the city where people walked and talked and steam-powered vehicles spewed smoke into the air, making the sky grey- if it weren't for that letter he received from General Sturgesson.


He's only seen her once, when he visited the King's castle for a meeting he couldn't even remember. If memory serves him right, she was the general and, on that day, she was assigned to inspect the royal guards. Count Ulysses A. McGriff IV couldn't care less about the duties of a general, but he was quite sure inspecting the royal guards wasn't in the job description.


"Ring the doorbell, Francis." He ordered as he rolled his eyes, frustrated at his butler's lack of initiative. "You know I don't like to get my hands dirty." He added and waited for the door to open. Soon enough, the pitter-patter of footsteps on the other side of the door appeared and the the it opened. A young maid revealed herself and bowed. "You must be Count Ulysses, Miss Strugesson is expecting you." She said, soft-spoken and timid, the Count smirked.


"You wait for me in the foyer, Francis." He ordered as he walked in and gave his tailcoat to the maid. "You take care of that sword, you hear me? If anything happens to that, I will..." He stopped himself as he noticed the maid, eyes widening in fear. "Never mind." He finished.


The maid lead him upstairs, where she walked briskly, as if she wanted to get away from the Count as fast as possible. "Don't worry, I won't bite." Lie number twenty-three. They walked through a dim-lit hallway, where it smelled of smoke from outside and their footsteps echoed in the silence. Unlike outside, it was chilly in here, but Ulysses was used to this. He's been through worse, after all.


They stopped in front of a door, one that looked like every other door inside the house. The Count grabbed the maid's hand before she could knock. The maid look at him, and he felt her shiver. He smiled at her and said, "I'll take it from here, just brings us tea, thank you." He said, he was smiling, but his tone was, nonetheless, cold. When the maid scurried out of sight, Ulysses grabbed the cold doorknob and, without even bothering to knock, walked in. "Good afternoon, Miss Sturgesson. I believe you sent me a letter. Something about a mission, I believe."
 
Trisha sat waiting in what looked to be a large study built primarily out of some sort of dark, red wood. Shelves for books and display were built into the walls, showing of a large collection of volumes and manuscripts, from the treaties of General Marious Velker, to the great tale, The Allithiad, by the ancient Haldoun writer Petroclese Firther. Their was a stately hard wood desk in the room as well, its surface covered in organized papers, pens, and ornaments of different kinds, including, Trisha noted, a display for some medals. The Medal of Assailance sparkled in the center of the display, the gilded star of Vengeance pressed into the front.


Trisha had also noted that three doors led into the room she was currently in. One door led to the hallway she had entered through, led by a timid maid whom Trisha had refrained from making very uncomfortable. Not for the maid's sake of course, but rather because this maid served General Sturgesson, and until Trisha had at least met the near legendary commander, she would not disrespect her, or her household. The other two doors led elsewhere, one probably leading too a bathroom, kept close for the sake of convenience, and the other was most likely the door the General would be entering through. Trisha had arrived earlier than most, as she usually did, and was being made to wait until the general was ready to receive her, which she was fine with. After all, time meant that she had a few more moments to ponder what she was doing here.


After returning from quashing the short lived Gurge Rebellion, Trisha had returned to find an official Request of informal service waiting for her. This wasn't so strange, as people were always trying to get their personal problems looked at by a trained military official. Normally she would simply ignore them, but this one had been special, it had been sent by Retired General Ezra Sturgesson, who was offering a special Mission under her direct command. Her message had contained precious little else as far as details went, and all she really knew was that the mission in question, whatever it was, was of the utmost importance, enough to pull the general out of retirement.


So here she was, waiting for the big reveal on what her potential mission would be, wondering if it would be worth taking time off her military career. Whatever it was, it was sure to be interesting. Suddenly the door burst open without so much as knock, and a rather well dressed man walked into the room, already speaking as he entered.


"Good afternoon, Miss Sturgesson. I believe you sent me a letter. Something about a mission, I believe."


Trisha was in her full Officer's uniform, medals displayed. She sat comfortably, one leg crossed over the other, in one of the comfortable looking chairs which could be found in the room. She raised an eye brow at the man, but frowned at his accent. A foreigner, he sounded Vextian, what was he doing here? Judging from what he had just said, it appeared he too had been summoned by the General to hear about a mission, probably the same mission.


"I'm afraid that the General isn't here yet." Trisha said, emphasizing the word General as the proper word, not Miss. She considered introducing herself, and with a sigh stood up and extended her hand for a shake.


"I am First Sergeant Trisha Eastwind of the Haldoun Advanced Reconnaissance and Combat Regimental Forces." She said with a small smile, waiting for him to take her hand and shake or do something else. Trisha wondered if there would be many foreigners working on this mission, but dismissed the thought. Surely this man was specialist only, some kind element that couldnt be easily found elsewhere, after all, why the the General entrust a mission of this importance to anyone but Loyal Haldoun soldiers?
 
"Ah. Nonetheless it's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance," The twenty-fourth lie. "First Sergeant Trisha-- What was you surname again?" He asked as he held out a hand. When the uptight-looking lady repeated her last name, he smiled. "Eastwind. Very nice."


"You must be from here, Haldoun." He said as he walked away from her and towards the bookshelves where he pretended to scan the books, just to look intellectual. "Your accent gives you away, madame." He lied-lie number twenty five- he just saw her medals and the Haldoun's symbol was etched into most of it.


Someone from the other side of the door knocks. "Come in." He said, without a hint of hesitation. He wasn't even bothering to act like a guest. The maid from before, shyly bowed and carried in a tray with a teapot, ornate with roses and other English flowers he was too lazy to guess, two teacups, both on tiny plates, and a plate of biscuits. "Ah, tea. Very nice timing, dear. I was just about to look for you." He regarded the maid with a malicious look that made the poor servant flinch. It was amusing, he had to admit, seeing the maid tremble and flinch in his presence, but he was't here for that. Today, could be his chance to change his life, to twist it around in another direction, to cover up his past and look into the future without the constant terror of guilt and regret chasing him from behind.


The maid set the tray onto the table beside Trisha Eastwind and went out of the room as fast as she can. "Fast as a hare, isn't she?" He asked as the door closed. He sat on a chair beside the table, facing the First Sergeant. He took the teapot and poured the tea into a teacup. Golden fluid flowed out of the silverware's mouth and into the tiny cup where a small shifting stem of smoke rose up. "I guess I need not to introduce myself, should I?" He asked before sipping his tea and almost spewed it out of his mouth. "Earl Grey. This won't do, but I guess it's better than nothing." He muttered and tsk-ed


After a few sips, Count Ulysses place his cup down and leaned back on his chair. "Now, Miss Eastwind, on to business. What are you to Miss Sturgesson?" He asked as he leaned his head on his gloved palm. "Surely, you won't be here, unless you too were asked by her to join in this mission."
 
Trisha shook his hand with a firm, very unladylike grip. She repeated her name when asked, and then waited for him to introduce himself. He did not, instead he mentioned how she must be from Haldoun, stating that her accent gave her away as he walked away to peruse the book selection on the walls.


~So does my uniform, my medals, and the fact that I stated I am from the Haldoun Regimental forces.~ Trisha thought flatly as she watched him can the book shelves still. She was about to ask him for his own name when there was a faint knock at the door and the timid maid from before entered and brought with her some tea and biscuits. Though Trisha only nodded to the girl, the yet unnamed foreigner seemed to have no qualms about making the girl uncomfortable, and soon she was out as quick as she'd come.


Trisha watched as the man poured himself some tea, still waiting for an introduction. Then the foreigner did something that Trisha should have expected of a foreigner, he was rude. Instead of introducing himself, he stated that he need no introduction, and sipped his tea. He made a face which broadcasted his displeasure, and he tsked about the type of tea used. Then he immediately launched into more personal questions. What was her relationship to the General? Was she here for the mission?


Trisha did not respond. Instead she took her own cup, poured herself a bit of tea, and sat back down in her chair. She blew softly over the surface of the tea before closing her eyes and taking a small whiff of its aroma. She then took a gradual sip, eyes still closed, savoring the flavor and letting the moment of silence drag out for a few more moments. Finally she spoke.


"I do not come from Vextus, or Teneo, or wherever it is you come from. As you have already pointed out, I am a Haldani, and in my great country, in which we now reside, we have a few long standing traditions amongst respected members of Civilized Society. We shake hands with a firm grip, we state our associated ranks to each other upon our first meeting, and we also introduce ourselves to one another. This normally involves your name."


She paused and took another sip. "Now, I will excuse your lack of...Sophistication because I understand that you are not from my great country, and may not be educated in the proper Haldani way to greet a high ranking Soldier of the King's own Regimental Force's. So, I will ask you directly, what are you called, and how many Soldier's do you command?" Trisha kept her voice even the entire time, and took another sip of tea after she was finished before fixing her crimson eyes on the well dressed man. Normally she would have been much more sarcastic, and much less civil, but she did not know who this man was, as of yet, and until he decided to prove that he wasn't someone above her rank, she would do her best to keep from directly mocking and making fun of him.


She was also still sizing the man up. He was handsome, with long hair which was rare fashion among that Haldani, the males of which usually wore their hair short and simple, in proper military fashion. He seemed well spoken enough, despite his lack of an introduction, and he seemed to give off the air of an aristocrat of some kind, perhaps a noble or noble tradesman from his own country. She wondered if, perhaps, she could have some fun with this man, but decided to wait until she at least knew his name before she started playing any mind games.
 
The count smirked, amused. "I'm surprised you don't know me," He said, trying to sound hurt. "After all, one does not simply defeat an enemy through random stabbing and slashing of a sword; you must know the enemy before fighting him. You should know this, First Sergeant Trisha Eastwind." He said, emphasizing on her title.


"I'm from Vextus, Miss Eastwind." He said after sipping the last of his Earl Grey. "And from where I come from, we don't really grip each other's hands until the veins inside pop, no that would be dangerous. Instead, we give each other a small nod, a full bow if you're greeting someone of higher rank, or a curtsy for the ladies." He said, in a as-a-matter-of-fact tone. He clapped his hands together and smiled.


"I don't command any soldiers," He scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. He leaned on the table, his elbows pushing the cups, the teapot and the plate slightly, and tilted his head ever so slightly, just enough to let a ray of sunlight pass peek through his right cheek. "I have a feeling we're going to get along very well, Miss Eastwind." Another lie, he'd never think of such. The lady was very uptight and stiff, she'll never do. "I'm Count Ulysses A. McGriff IV, madame." He leaned back in his chair and tucked a stray lock of brown hair behind his ear.


Like a little puppy, so bold and daring, but it never gets to far once it get scared. He said to himself as he poured more tea on his cup. He had the feeling they were going to be in here longer than he thought. "I must admit," He said, breaking the silence. "It's rare to see a woman in such a tight uniform. Wouldn't you be better off with a more lovely dress?" He asked and sipped the tea, forcing it down his throat. When he placed it back down he stroked the lip of the teacup with his gloved finger, his raven black eyes never leaving the sergeant.
 
"Late or not, I fancy the definition of actually arriving." A soft, monotone voice announced when a young man, chocolate hair fumbled up on top of his head and glasses in a crooked manner, ambled up to the lovely looking doors with such lucidity. His butler standing aside from him, was pretty shaken up by the state of it, floundered at the fact of even having to ring the door bell. "One ring, let's try not to be rude, Fredric." The man hissed under his breath, fixing the wide collar of his military tweed coat.


Desmond happened to be that tall man. receiving the letter of such journey only a week ago and for him to arrive in tip-top shape if you were much interested. In fact, Desmond could say he was the most interested out of anyone. The man didn't get out much.. the feeling of sunlight was repulsive and the interaction of people on the street was even more sickening. So bland, so.. boring. But this, this was something new. He no longer needed to stay inside to work on his blueprints of a "steam humanoid", he could now get out and be a part of something that one, could fall into the ashes just like the rest of the world, or two, accomplish the greater good of humanity. Either one would work fine for him, but it was to give him something to actually do to cure his menacing boredom.


When the door flew open and young maid peeped through with such gentle eyes, Desmond made his way through without saying a single word. The door widened more than normal, cringing on it's hinges as it hit the back wall with a loud thud, causing the young woman to jump back and grip the ends of her dress tightly in fright. "You mustn't do that, Dr. Grimm, I presume, Trisha Sturgesson is expecting-"


"Desmond, call me Desmond. And no no, I know she is, now shut up." He interrupted rather rudely, holding a hand up. Desmond didn't need any help and swaggered ahead, refusing what was given to him from the damsel in her maid uniform who started after him. He knew the room he needed to go to, just by the state of floors, and rummaged through his inside pocket to flash the letter he had been granted through mail. "No need to get flustered," he commented, glancing back at her as she was only doing her job to the extent of doing it well. "The only thing you need to do for me is to lead sweet Fredric here, to the waiting room. Get him comfortable, he's a fragile old man." Desmond nodded, and even though his butler became confused, he followed his orders as loyally as any butler would do.


Finally he was gone, and the man let out a long sigh of relief, "Tedious old fool." Desmond muttered, stuffing the wrinkled paper back into his inside pocket for future use. When that was that, he turned on his heel and raced through the building to arrive at the room he was destined to go to. It all looked the same around here, historical, and the apparent scent of old woman seeped from the walls mixed with dog and cigarette smoke - or so, Desmond thought. He didn't like this place so far, but that was typical. The man didn't like any place he had to formally attend.


"Ah, you must be it then." The man said while arriving at the door he was certain was it, just by the sound of voices on the other side. Clutching his bag of blueprints and other knickknacks, he didn't bother to knock and busted in, furrowing his eyebrows at the sight of two other human beings conversing. "Oh god, I didn't expect this."
 
Trisha ignored the count's comment on defeating opponents, far from the mood required to take lessons in combat from a foreigner. Instead she listened as he took his time introducing himself as one Ulysses A. McGriff IV. She listened to his comments about the proper way to greet someone in Vextus, how he had no troops of his own, how he thought they would get along well, and his comment about how a dress would suit her better than her uniform, and calmly responded.


"Very well, when I visit your country, I will be sure to observe your proper greetings. As for your remark on my attire, I would strongly suggest you do not share that opinion with any other female officers you meet, as it may result in...unpleasantness on your part. I am no flower to be adorned with frills and lace." She stood up, placed her hand on the hilt of her sword and slid it from its sheath in one smooth motion. She then sat down again, laying the sword across her knees and showing it to Ulysses, letting him admire the fine craftsmanship of the hilt and blade.


"I am a sword, forged to be hard, shaped to be sharp, and born to obey the will of my wielder, my country. So as you might expect, my "Sheath" should reflect the keenness of my blade, not beautify it. Just as you would not venture to an important meeting without wearing something that reflects your statues and wealth, I would not present myself before a General without wearing something that displays my effectiveness." She finished her tea and put it down. He had no troops, he was some kind of noble, a count, and that meant he couldn't possibly be higher rank than her.


"So," She said with a sigh, sheathing her sword, and taking a more comfortable, less rigid posture. "Why does the supposedly well known Count Ulysses A. McGriff IV find himself in a country where the women dont wear dresses, and the handshakes are too rough? More importantly, why are you here to see the General? Are you a Financial backer or something?"


Just as she finished the words, a man with a youthful face and glasses burst into the room. Trisha turned eyes to regard the newcomer and almost winced when he spoke.


"Oh god, I didn't expect this."


It wasnt his words which elicited the action from her, but rather his accent. Another Foreigner, this one sounds like heartland Teneo, and though he seemed somewhat more disheveled than the Count, he was also in fine clothes of a different style which bespoke his status and wealth. Why was she here, she didn't have any money like these men did, all she had was a Rank in the army and a generous uncle. This time she didn't get up to introduce herself, letting the Count react to the man before her, or at least letting the man introduce himself first, if he planned on it.
 
Before him was a rather gorgeous looking woman in what it seemed like military uniform, something somewhat surprising - women nowadays were usually running around in fancy dresses with lace. But something about her just screamed Haldoun, and that was a key component to this whole thing. She was a military woman, ranked decently high, but.. not as high as the woman he was coming to see. Just the way her facial expressions were, reeked of dry sarcasm and smart assery. He was going to have a wonderful time with her in the future, that was for sure. Beside her was a man with luscious long hair with awfully gaudy clothes, something that not even in hell would Desmond himself wear, even if it were for a formal occasion. Right before stepping into the room, he knew he was from Teneo.. both of them foreigners, at least to him. They're accents were strong, and if it hadn't been for the apparel, he would've knew right away. First impressions is what makes up a person - and Desmond could tell right away he wasn't going to be very fond of this man. If he was rich and wealthy ( from what it seemed ) he was most likely a deceiving, rat.. just like his father. A liar? A thief? A manipulator? Desmond couldn't tell but, it wasn't always good to think of someone just for their appearance, although.. he couldn't help himself. He didn't like people in general, and this man was one of the ones on the top of his list so far.


"Warm greetings, everyone." The man smiled, flashing a pair of pearly whites as he brushed the dark chocolate locks obscuring his view. "I presume we are here for the same occasion, correct?" He questioned, trying his best to seem somewhat normal to these two simple minds. "Dr. Desmond Grimm, the Mechanical Engineer.. call me Desmond." He spewed, keeping his hands to his side to reject any physical contact with these strangers. He didn't want to get close to them and had no intention to. "I apologize for coming in on your rather.. interesting conversation - but it seems both of you were conversing about something I wouldn't take a liking to - I'd rather not get bored."
 
Eli walked slowly through the hallway taking note of every interesting thing that drew his attention. One of them being just how quiet it was, its and very delightful noise for Eli it keeps him calm collected and on his toes....though there really was no need to be very jumpy,he was just here to meet up with...the General? its seems to be what the letter had said in the envelope he had gotten. Eli had went over that letter over thirty times for one why in god's name would "the General" want with someone like me? it just made no sense!


Eli sighed to himself and kept walking down this everlasting hallway he hoped he had been going the right way he really was not in the mood for small chat with anyone at the moment, nor did anyone want to speak with him anyway the last person he passed gave him only one glance and immediately began to question why I was here. Eli was currently wearing his usual stylish black hooded cloak, this right here was probably why most people he ran into began to question for one he looked way to shady but it was too late now he's here now and turning around now does not seem to be any kinda option right now.


Now not paying attention to what was ahead to bothered with his thoughts he does not notice the maid try to get his attention until she raises her voice yet still polite about it "E-excuse me?" Eli raises his head stopping and giving eye contact to the young maiden, he examined her and the cleared his throat "I am sorry but your not going to ask a bunch of questions questioning my presence her cause if you are lemme just stop you there." He says keeping his face shaded with his cloak his voice sounding irritated but the politeness is there. The maiden blinks and then opens the door where Eli here's multiple voices in "You must be Eli right this way" She opens the door for him and then begins to walk away probably to come back with drinks for the crowd inside, Eli takes a deep breath and walks inside silently. Eli immediately gives glances at each member inside the room first the brown haired fellow he seemed harmless enough, He never really thought much on first looks you always haft to know the guy before you judge. His head then looks at the sitting woman with the sword, now this made Eli a tad bit uneasy though he was of course armed down to the boot just seeing the sheath blade meant that this woman knew a thing or two. Lastly my eyes met the man already sipping on some tea, like the brown hair he seemed fine nothing on him that he see's that would Eli any ideas. Once he had gotten a look at each of the three he quietly took a step towards the nearest corner and then putting his back to it and then tilting his head down.
 
"Ah, a machanic, I see." He greeted the man with a nod after standing up, leaving his seat. He turned to Miss Eastwind and smiled coldly. "As for your question, Miss Eastwind, I'm not a financial backer. Miss Sturgesson has enough finance than she could handle." He replied to her before turning his back to the two.


"You, mechanic, I suppose you don't know my name and while Desmond is such a fitting name for a man," Another lie spilling from his tongue. "I suggest you show respect to the people of higher rank than you." He announced without so much looking at him, instead, amusing himself with the view of the only window in the room. "Don't you agree, Miss Eastwind?"


He turned around and smiled at Desmond. "I'm Count Ulysses A. McGriff." He said with a smug smile on his face. Before he could say more, the door opened and he watched a man slip inside the room, as silent as a shadow. "You," He gestured towards the shady-looking man. "Isn't it a bit strange of you to just come in and not say anything." He asked as he placed his clutched hands in front of him.


He walked towards the bookshelves again and turned around scanning at the people in the room with him. An uptight and stiff-looking lady, a mechanic, and a shady-looking man. He shook his head slowly and disapprovingly. My, my. What has the General gotten herself into? He asked himself as he flattened the ruffles on his clothes.
 
Tap, tap, tap. Ezra could hear voices, some flaunty and some stiff, and she recognized one in an instant, Trisha Eastwind's, and Ezra felt at ease. Thank the stars she would be in a room with at least on military figure to support her. Ezra didn't know who all was in the room, but these delays had to end now so she could greet her guests! "Kendal, if you don't hurry up..." Ezra Sturgesson growled, keeping her body still while another maid strapped her into her uniform. Not only had she awoken late, but the blasted members of her little mission actually showed up on time! Kendal pulled on buckles and finished buttoning up Ezra's smart, neat suit.


"There you are, Miss Sturgesson," Kendal breathed, and facing the door leading into her study, Ezra allowed a flicker of a smile reflect in the polished wood door.


"From now until I get back, I am a Gereral again, Kendal." Ezra grinned and let it slip away. Her boots almost pulled her forth into the study where her group was forming without the most important character, General Ezra Sturgesson! Tossing the door open with a skip in her heart at the squeak of her old leather gloves, the feel of a great fitting uniform on her, Ezra let her eyes fall around the room taking internal role call. Trisha, Count McGriff IV, Eli, and Dr. Grimm. "Thank you all for coming," Ezra kept her eyes in everyones faces. "It seems we are a few...short. But don't worry, because I have a story to tell you all. I am frankly sure everyone here is wondering what a mixed up, tossed together group like this is gathering here in a retired general's study," Ezra teased them. Of course, if they come it was by the lure of money and their insatiable curiosity and it was the latter that possessed her to call them together.
 
"Ah good afternoon, Miss Strugesson!" He exclaimedm throwing his arms to boths sides. He gave her a small nod and held out a hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you." This wasn't a lie.


He stepped aside to let the others greet her, a rare action for the Count. "I simply cannot wait to know the details about this adventure you said in your letter." He said enthusiastically. "It's been a long time since..." His voice trailed off as images of him on the pirate's ship flashed in his mind. A memory he did not want to recall. "Never mind,"


He walked back beside the chair he sat one before and kept silent. He'll need to watch his mouth, around them. He's past is not something he wants them to know. He smiled. "Please continue, General." He gestured his hands gracefully.
 
Ezra took the Count's hand in hers, shaking it softly. "It'll be sir, General, or Captain from now on, Count McGriff," she smiled, charmingly. Half of the reason why she was so liked was she wasn't the most uptight officer or all time, but in second place. Walking around to greet her guests, Ezra gave a very firm grasp to Trisha Eastwood. "Seargent Eastwood, I'm pleased you could join us," Ezra said firmly, more like business, which was how the military training between them would ask. Maybe another time they could be friendly, but introductions in front of others was not the time. "Ah, Sir Eli, it's wonderful you have joined us," Ezra nodded to him, making sure the shadow wasn't left out. She only hoped he wouldn't be a problem. Last but not least was the notorious Dr. Grimm, known for not being like others.


"Dr. Desmond Grimm, I'm glad you joined us as well," Ezra dipped her head sharply in a quick bow, knowing the first rule and the only rule that mattered about Dr. Grimm--no touching. Count McGriff was inquiring much too quickly about the mission, but Ezra knew she needed to answer.


"In due time. First, I have a little bit of a history lesson to give you. Everybody knows our countries are respectively ruled by by different Elementals; Earth, Air, Water, Wind, Light, Dark, the basics of our world," Ezra paused, hoping she wouldn't sound insane. "Everybody knows that we need them to survive. What would happen, concievebly, if an Elemental was removed? The balance of the world would be tossed out the window. So, the fundamental of the land, Earth is...was eliminated." Ezra laid flat on the table. Wait for impact, in three, two...
 
"Eliminated..." He muttered, as if in a daze. "Eliminated?!" He cried, eyes wide. "What do you mean, Captain? An elemental was killed? How can that be? Is this some kind of trick?" Anger crept up to his voice, and so did fear. How could someone kill an elemental? A force so strong and wise, even the Count wouldn't dare making such jokes. If it was a joke; hopefully it was, but the Captain would do no such thing. To insult an elemental for a laugh; a giggle.


"Tell us, Captain Ezra," His voice was almost hoarse and strangled; he was trying to keep the incoming squeak on his voice away. "Who would do such thing? I mean, one does not simply kill an elemental, am I correct?" He continued, his palms were starting to get stuffy and sweaty in his gloves, and the room seems to have increased in temperature for beads of sweat formed on his forehead.


He found himself sitting back down on the chair, trying to fathom what the Captain has just said. If the mission was about finding the culprit, he's unsure now if this was worth the risk just to cover up his past. No. He had to do this, or guilt and regret will kill him. He breathed deeply and took a moment to collect himself. "I apologize for the outburst. That was unbecoming of a count." He said.
 
Eli nodded toward the woman as she greeted him he lifted his head only for a moment to catch a look at the young lady. Eli gazed at her from his corner and then lowered it this was the woman who brought us all together he then turned his head toward the brown haired gentleman his name being as she said Dr. Desmond Green like before on his last thought he did not give Eli much thought he has not done much for me to get a general idea on how he acted so he left it at that and gave the Captain her attention...well attentive enough he went back to his posture and tilted his head down but began to listen to what might the Captain had to speak of us about.


Eli's closed eyes were opened...no not opened widened by the words that came outta the Captains mouth, Eli checked to see if he was hearing correctly and held onto his ear slowly then gaze at the woman with disbelief as she said "Earth is...was eliminated." Eli's head twisted when the young gloved man had shouted alarming Eli with the loud sudden outburst he gripped his blade as if he were to attack but stayed in that position listening to the man as he calmed himself. He brought up one point though that rang a bell or two toward Eli also just how in gods name could you eliminate..an Elemental...it just did not seem possible. Eli gritted his teeth swallowed and spoke up "Yes...an Elemental cant just be...eliminated?...I have been taught that they were simply immortal...untouchable...how can the Earth Elemental be gone...?" Eli's folded his arms awaiting for some sort of answer the ease his confusion.
 
Trisha sat back and let Dr. Grimm introduce himself. The Count got up and looked out the window, he always seemed distracted by something. While he was examining the glass and what lay beyond it, he introduced himself to Dr. Grimm, and seemed to give a slight warning to the other man, reminding the Doctor to respect those of higher rank than him. The Count also seemed to insinuate that he was of this higher rank, and perhaps so was Trisha. He asked her if she agreed, but she ignored the question. All she could see was that so far there was a woman who could shoot a gun, a man who could probably fix or create a gun, and a Count whom she doubted had ever fired a gun. Their respective worth, at least for now, was distinct in her mind.


She was about to stand and introduce herself when she noticed a cloaked man step out from behind Dr. Grimm, and wordlessly take his place in a corner of the room, every eye following him as he did. Where as the other two took their time getting to their names, this man didn't mention his name at all, didn't mention anything, as though his presence should just be ignored. The Count, chatty as ever, pointed out the strangeness of the man's actions, but before the cloaked man could properly respond, another door flew open and in stepped the General dressed in her formal, neat uniform. It was quite different from Trisha's own, bearing the colors and symbols of a Fleet General, not an A.R.C. Regimental Sergeant. It also had many, many more medals than her own uniform, and the sergeant wondered how the woman had gotten so far ahead of her being only a few years her senor.


She stood at once when the General entered and saluted, as was proper, and listened to her words. The general was right on the money when it came to Trisha, and she was wondering what all these people, these foreigners, were doing here. The Count was the first to speak up and greet the General, after which the General went around the room shaking everyone's hand like a proper Haldani officer, starting with Trisha. Trisha returned the firm handshake, knowing that another resident of Haldoun would appreciate a strong greeting and said, "The pleasure is all mine General."


She then waited for the General to greet everyone else, remaining standing until the General waved her hand to relieve her, after which she would take her seat. She listened intently to what the General had to say, even though she was just going over the basics, any child of any of the nations could have told them what Ezra was saying. Then she revealed the true reason behind their gathering, and where it not for the literal years of training Trisha had underwent in discipline in the military, she would have gawked openly.


~An Elemental...dead?~ She thought to herself numbly as the reality of the implications began to sink in. Elemental could die, could be killed! How? How does one kill the earth, or murder a fire, or smother the wind? The count, again, was the first to react, as he should be, it was his country's Elemental that had died. Ezra had just done the equivalent of telling the Count that someone had murdered his god.


The next one to speak was the cloaked man, another Vextian if his accent was any proof, though he had clearly grown up elsewhere in Vextus than the Count. He expressed what everyone was thinking, how did one kill an Elemental, an immortal force of nature? Other thoughts occurred to Trisha, however. How was this a secret? Shouldn't the land be dying, or the world be ending? Could anyone from any country even farm reliably anymore?


"General, if I may be so bold, what effects will this have on the land?" She also wanted to ask if there would be an invasion of Vextus now that their elemental was dead, but thought better of it, considering their current company.


"And," Trisha added a second later, "What does this mean for us? What does this have to do with why we were gathered?"
 
[My character is really chatty.]


Ulysses snapped his head towards her. "What would happen?" He asked in disbelief, he marched towards her until they were inches apart. He was serious here, he wouldn't let this criminal just go around destroying Elementals, that would ruin Vextus, and with Vextus falling apart so would he be. "A lot of things can go wrong, Miss Eastwind." He hissed, not bothering to cover the anger and panic in his voice,


"It could mean the end of civilization, as we know it!" He cried as he walked away. "It could mean the end of Vextus, the end of my--" He stopped, paused, realizing what he was about to say. "--beloved hometown." He finished, his tone sounded dazed, as if he was reminiscing Vextus. But, of course, that was lie. He had to, he can't fight it. He'd never look at Vextus that way, it was just a place for his fortune and regret and guilt and his dead family. He shook the memory away.


"As you can see, Miss Eastwind, without my hometown's Elemental, Vextus will fall. So will the others if this keeps going." He said, his face was tense, and he was fighting hard to maintain his tone.
 
Everyone was breaking down, fiercely fast. "Please, please! Calm down, it isn't like that at all," Ezra Sturgesson started, all the reasonable questions flying first, thank the stars. "Understandably, this is upsetting out Vexian guests, I realize that," she soothed, trying to keep everyone steady and calm. "But I am here to tell you that Earth was not what drives the ground, only what changes. Elementals have the power to bestow a difference in the ground, can cause or stop naturally occuring things, but the world can continue on without the Earth Elemental, but with reproccussions." Ezra explained. "Farming will survive, the world will survive, but a balance has been thrown out entirely. What will happen now is a chain reaction of very ordinary, worldy events like earthquakes and other problems. The Fire Elemental will have problems sustaining the volcanos to the north, and the Water Elemental will see many tsunamis on fault lines." Ezra knew explaining was futile unless she could analogize.


"Think of four people holding a paint brush, each pulling their own direction. When one let's go, the balance that has been there has been upset and the control pulling it is thrown off, but in enough time it will be reset," Ezra promised. "But our mission is not to fix the balance, we are here to catch those who did it." Ezra said, pausing to sit at her study and glance at the Count who was losing it.


"Of course, this could be done by my own military, but I called everybody here in this room despite their country or lineage to help the world, not themselves. Our job is to find out who did it, why, and how so that we may start the ball rolling for the restoration of balance. Here we have Haldini, Vexians, Teneos and where we are from won't matter if the world rips itself apart because the Elementals are all killed. Yes, balance will resume," Ezra sighed. "Violently, with or without humans if it goes on much further than one death."
 
"I was going to say that too," Ulysses couldn't help himself, he had to lie his way out of embarrassment even if it was too late. He had to try, he had to lie. He sat back down on the chair and looked at Captain Sturgesson. "So we're here because we're going to chase this unknown culprit?" He asked, even he felt ridiculous saying it. And even if they find the culprit, what would they do? They already killed an Elemental, they'll be eradicated with a flick of a finger.


Still, something inside the Count's instincts was telling him something, and his instincts were what kept him alive after all, what made him a liar he is now. "So, what's the plan, Captain? Surely, we can't just go around asking people if they're the culprit." He questioned, he had to see something in Captain Sturgesson if he was to give himself to her. "And not to mention the time we have. If the culprit had already killed the Earth Elemental, then it's only a matter of time before they move on to the next." He added, trying to fathom the task at hand. Even lies couldn't help him right now.
 
Ah yes, that filthy rat would be the very first person to speak to him - he had seen it coming from the very beginning. Desmond sauntered over near the bookshelf and examined them with much interest, listening in on what silly Count Ulysses had to say to him. Oh of course, he knew something similar to an insult or spineless warning would come from his dirty mouth. “Oh I respect my elders with much pride, Count, but the last bit of respect I shall not be giving to you.” The scientist shot back in a monotone spat, fingering the different spines of books in front of him. His back was still turned, as he felt he had not need to face the other to speak. Ah yes, what a lovely collection they had here. More than half he had read, and what a wonderful read they were indeed. “Wealth makes a man into something very unsightly, does it not?” Desmond announced before Miss Sturgesson, the woman he was coming here for, arrived. A light smirk was dancing on his lips, turning around to formally acquaint her.


She went her way to greet everyone just as any noble women would, and when she turned to greet Desmond with a bow "Dr. Desmond Grimm, I'm glad you joined us as well," Desmond gave a little nod, actually grateful for the respect he was given of no physical contact. “Mm, yes, quite.” He muttered, pulling a book off the shelf to give it a closer inspection.


Desmond went on listening to the others speak, taking books out and placing them back as he pleased. He typically wasn’t the type to throw an opinion in anyway, or join in meaningless conversations because he believed his opinion was higher than anyone else’s. But when the bomb exploded in the conversation, or to say, the Count exploded, he raised his brows in slight interest. An Elemental was killed? Or in other words, the Count’s God is no longer. “Oh boy, the world is headed to a dreaded place.” Desmond spoke through his teeth, blowing the dust off another book. It was an odd thing to think about an Elemental, all immortal and holy in itself, was actually taken down. Desmond, simply couldn’t wrap his engine of a brain around that thought.


Erza was beginning to be bombarded with unusual comments and questions, causing Desmond to turn and look at his peers. The Count seemed to be taking it the hardest out of everyone, which he could say, was understandable. “I suppose this isn’t going to be an easy task, so why call a bunch of normal people to join in on something as difficult as this?”
 
The dramatic Count was the first to address her questions, turning and walking so close to her that she could smell the tea on his breath. She had a nearly overwhelming impulse to unsheathe her blade and put it through the count's gut. But with great effort on her part, she managed to resist and merely listened as he rambled in her face about how this could be the end of the world, the end of Vextus, and Et Cetera, Et Cetera. He had fairly strange mannerisms, as in one part of his panicked speech he paused for a few seconds mid sentence, as if considering what he was about to say, before continuing.


~What a strange man.~


Then the General stepped in and clarified the certain doom the Count had so vehemently promised seconds earlier. Some earth quakes, maybe a volcano going off, and some tsunamis, the human race could handle it. In fact, the more Ezra clarified, the more Trisha silently wondered how necessary the blasted things actually were. Up till now she had been raised to think of them as gods, ultimate beings, authority over all. But now someone had killed one, actually killed a god! Did that not diminish that godhood? Did that not call into question everything else that has been claimed about them? Trisha dared not speak such heretical thoughts, but saved them for later consideration.


Then her attention was reasserted on the gathering when their mission was revealed. They were going to investigate and stop the murder of their gods. Trisha almost laughed at the absurdity of it, particularly when the Count threw in an obvious lie to try to save face, making him look ridiculous as well as strange. How were they going to do this with help of Foreigners? They couldn't be trusted, most weren't even capable, and the rest were liars, cheaters, thieves, and traitors. Still, she didn't remark on or reveal her thoughts, careful to not jeopardize her place on the mission. With or without foreigners, this was going to be her biggest mission yet.


The Count mentioned having a plan, and Trisha noted that this was the first truly intelligent turn in conversation that he had offered since she had met him. The plan was important, and a moment later, Dr. Desmond mentioned how this was going to work with a bunch of ordinary people.


"I don't know about you, Doctor, but I have proven myself capable in missions such as these in the field before. One could say I am uniquely well suited for this task. I don't know about the Count and the shadow, but can you say you have no specialty to bring to the team?"
 
"He's got a point, the mechanic has got a point, Captain." He gestured his hand towards Desmond. "This all ridiculous. 'Tis a suicide mission." He stated incredulously, not shouting anymore, as he pinched the bridge of his nose.


He turned back to Miss Eastwind. "Excuse me?" He shot her a look of disbelief. "I'll have you know I'm quite a master at using the rapier." He stated smugly, as he placed his crossed arms on his chest.


"Lovely how terrifying this mission is, but none of us hasn't scrambled out of the room," He announced. "It's as if we're all lunatics." He was feeling quite lunatic right now. He sighed deeply and shook his, clearly mad at his fellow Counts for not telling him this.


The atmosphere in the room was all too familiar. It felt like he was back in a room, talking to other pirate captains when he was just fifteen, seating next to the mongrels; listening to them shout and bicker about bargains and conditions. Everyone clashed, not one meeting ended up peacefully or something important was accomplished, everyone had their personalities. Just like the people in this room, and Ulysses had the feeling that things are going to get a lot worse before this all becomes better. The Count felt horrible at this newfound realization; he couldn't believe he was going to work with these people, with such different upbringings and cultures and lifestyle. This is going to be a train wreck. He said to himself.


"Mister Desmond- and if you don't notice I am basically referring you by your name and not by your occupation- if I may ask a question," He said, not taking his eyes away from the dark and empty fireplace. "Why is it that out of thousands of people, we, the five, are chosen to do this mission? It seems all ridiculous is it not? My life amounts to no more than one drop of water in a limitless ocean, so what could five drops of water to stop the force of a rushing waterfall?" He asked, lost in a daze. This is what happens when everything becomes blurry to the Count. When everything starts to mix together until they become incomprehensible. He likes to think deeply, likes to get lost in his thoughts, thinking that by doing this he could make something out of the incomprehensible. A shape, perhaps, just to get him lead to the right direction again.


My life amounts to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean. Yet what is any ocean, but a multitude of drops?”[/size]]
 
Desmond brought his eyes up to the military woman who spoke up about being capable for this mission due to the physical and mental training she has received while being enrolled. This, couldn't help but make Desmond snicker lightly to himself with amusement. "We have no clue what we are up against. Hell, it could be an army for all that matter." He faced her, watching her very closely with the set of hazel green pools behind his pair of unstructured frames. "If you think that a group of foreigners could hold up against a full army then you are out of your bloody mind."


Raising his chocolate brows, he returned his faltering gaze back down at the book in his hands and chewed on his bottom lip mindlessly. This was a rather difficult topic to talk about, for even he couldn't really say much. He was a scientist, what more could he be? "I'm decent with a firearm, can fix things and invent things well, think critically about certain situations, I could even make a bloody good omelet - maybe you could say I'm good at everything, I don't know, but that doesn't mean I could stand a chance against the odds." Desmond commented, slamming the book shut with a single hand to return it back onto the shelf it previously resided. At first he was all up and ready for the idea, but now that the shit hit the fan and the Earth Elemental is gone: he was starting to have second thoughts. "I'm not saying I'm not being a part of it but.. why us? A scientist, two military maidens, a wealthy count and a cloaked freak; what will we accomplish?"


The man shut his mouth after that little spew, feeling he had nothing else to say for that matter. He waited for a response and turned his back away, his chest rising and then falling with each gentle breath he took. What was he really doing here? He could be off somewhere else perfecting his design or maybe inventing something else that could carry his name in the history books. "Hm?" He glanced back at the Count, who happened to be staring eerily at the empty fireplace in front of him and questioning the very same thing Desmond himself, was questioning. The scientist, after listening, for once.. couldn't answer that. "I don't know." He blatantly replied. "I.. really don't know."
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top