Fargo
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Just wait, 'cause, like, I'm going to be the best bow man ever!"
Posts: 64
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Post by Fargo on Jul 28, 2009 23:14:10 GMT -6
Fargo stared at Rayl, mouth partially agape. He was trying to comprehend what the knight had been through. Where the people he spoke of, all of them, now deceased? Had the man who was in front of Fargo lost everything in life? The story seemed so sad, so powerful, it was a mental punch-in-the-face for him. Perhaps, it wasn't all about fame and glory. But that was a reason he was out here. Fargo had a lot to think about.
After a bit of pondering what he heard, something popped up in his mind. This epiphany edged him to ask a question that may be too personal to Rayl, but he had to. "Rayl, back in the church, you said you were once like me. You once wanted to be rich and be a hero, right? So, well, what happened? Are you so different from when you were like me, in, like, a sense?" Fargo knew this might have been crossing the line, but he was so curious. Rayl seemed to be more than just an average knight of Pherae.
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Abel Caritas
Myrmidon
Whatever happens, keep moving on.
Posts: 120
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Post by Abel Caritas on Jul 29, 2009 10:57:20 GMT -6
One mile from the city gates...
Abel stared into the fire while Robin cooked some deer he killed earlier."What are cities like down here?",Abel asked as he got his wet-stone and sword out."Not very different from Ilia,just more religion" Robin replied,cutting the deer into slices.Abel set his stuff down to take his plate from Robin.As they ate,Abel's mind wandered to the topic of his sister.It's been how many years? Theres no way she's still alive. "Well I'm gonna take a nap" he said while unrolling his bed roll.Several hours later Abel woke to Robin nudging him while notching an arrow in the bow he bout in town several days ago(he also got a sword.)"Get up there's bandits",he whispered.Abel got up quickly,drawling his sword.He followed Robin down the road and then saw the bandits pillaging a caravan. Robin let his arrow fly straight into a bandit while Abel ran to take advantage of the surprise, only to be surprised himself when two more bandits jumped out from the ditch.Abel impaled one only to have the other's ax nick his arm.He fell to the ground,his arm bleeding. He pick up his sword and blocked the next attack.He then twisted around and stabbed his in the bandits leg,only for it to get stuck.He turned to see the last bandit to charge at him,but the bandit suddenly fell to the ground with an arrow in his chest.
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Zakon
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Posts: 15
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Post by Zakon on Jul 29, 2009 16:19:19 GMT -6
Zakon had been wandering the countryside for quite a while. He had seen a promising city to check on, and had almost reached it. But that would surely be only the start of his problems. ' Once I get there what then? I can't very well go around asking about dragons and hope to get a decent answer. We can't exactly be a common conversation topic...'
Suddenly he caught sight of a group in between him and the city. At first glance they seemed to be milling around a wooden construct. But on the second...
"Oh great ones... a battle between humans?" Zakon decided that it wouldn't be wise to get caught up in the middle of that. However... this would be an excellent chance to see what they were like. If he could just get the right distance...
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Post by Rayl Torien on Jul 29, 2009 18:01:15 GMT -6
"...I would rather not go into details. Let's just leave it be that I became a knight for all the wrong reasons...Fargo, you are young and eager, the world needs people like you: Eager to explore and change what is wrong...However, just because someone is skilled at killing people who do what is wrong doesn;t necessarily make them a hero..." with this, they had exit the city and pressed onward into the countryside...
-a short time of riding later-
One could hear the clanging of weapons and the shouting of people, two things Rayl and his horse were both accustomed to, and as if by instinct Rayl drew his sword, and Elibe began to go at a full gallop," Sorry to take a detour, but even on a leave of absence, a knight still has his duty to perform...this may be the first time you will have to kill a fellow man with a bow." with this, the battle eventually came into sight:
A caravan had been assaulted by Bandits, and as of this moment, it appeared only two citizens were trying to fight them off...time to even these odds. "Young man, you may wish to dismount and fight on foot. They will be attracted to me more, and I doubt you'd be ready to see the dark side of man up close..."
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Fargo
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Just wait, 'cause, like, I'm going to be the best bow man ever!"
Posts: 64
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Post by Fargo on Jul 29, 2009 18:44:41 GMT -6
Fargo stayed silent on the short trip. Fargo's eyes shown a mournful expression. He was thinking of what Rayl had told him. Fargo felt bad for him. Whatever might have happened, it was overwhelmingly sad. And yet, Fargo couldn't help but admire the knight. Even with his loss of good friends, he could still smile, and be encouraging to others.
When the horse began to gain speed, and Rayl pulled out his sword, Fargo began to worry. He was about to say something, but Rayl already was speaking. When the knight asked if he was ready to fight, Fargo nodded. Granted, this would be his first fight, but he had been preparing for this moment his whole life. It would be interesting, that's all Fargo knew.
Seeing the caravan surrounded with dirty, cruel-looking people was hard enough. But seeing the swordsman outnumbered was too much. Fargo knew they had to help, even though it would be tough. At least, to him it would. Fargo heard Rayl say something about getting down. He then replied, not focused on Rayl, "Yeah, uh, I'm gonna try to get off myself this time." Fargo wasn't looking at the ground when he lifted his right leg, moving his body in a clockwise direction. However, not noticing where to keep his left foot in place, Fargo started falling away from the horse, and landing with his back on the ground. He looked up for a second, blinked, then groaned. He quickly jumped up onto his feet, panting a bit. Fargo quickly ran his hand through his hair, the opposite hand, dusting his back the best he could.
Fargo quickly said to Rayl, still focused on the bandits, "Yeah, I'm good. I'm good." His back was a little sore, but Fargo was good to fight. Hopefully, his aim was good today. Fargo held his bow in the left hand. His right, lightly touching an arrow in his quiver.
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Post by Rayl Torien on Jul 29, 2009 21:40:50 GMT -6
"Alright, try and stay out of seen and not shoot us, and you'll see how a battle is fought...do not take pleasure in warfare, that is the downfall of man." with this, he patted Elibe on the side, who seemed to give a slight nod before charging forward, snorting and basically being a scary sight to see baring down on you. One of the bandits turned at the sounds, eyes widening in shock," Guys! The knights are here!" The man began to run, as was the smart idea, so Rayl actually let that one bandit retreat, before slashing another across the chest who actually decided to stay and try and take on the Pheraen Knight.
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Garnet
Hero
The Scarlet Brand
You call these bandits? You should'a seen what I had to deal with in Sacae!
Posts: 330
Etruria Fame: 1
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Post by Garnet on Jul 30, 2009 6:22:13 GMT -6
Garnet fought for his life.
He had joined this caravan a few weeks before, after having arrived from Etruria, and offered to help shield the it from harm in exchange for meals and shelter along the way. A few days before, a highwayman had come to the caravan master and demanded a toll for the right to safe passage. He had been refused. Now they were suffering the results of that refusal.
There were at least six bandits, and only three caravan guards, counting Garnet himself. Battle had joined and one of Garnet's companions was quickly struck down. Two of the bandits pealed off from the main group and headed up the road, apparently to deal with other travelers.
Garnet was backed up to the cart. He quickly ducked under an axe which buried itself in the wagon sides. With that he stood up and rammed his round buckler into the face of the unfortunate bandit who had missed. Satisfied that his opponent downed for the moment, Garnet prepared to finish him -when a sword strike flew towards him! The armored merc was able to move his head just fast enough to avoid getting decapitated, but it still caught a grazing blow above his eyes. The wound wasn't deep, but it hurt and Garnet knew that if the fight lasted even a few minutes more he would be blinded by the blood from his wound.
It can't end here!, Garnet thought to himself urgently.
Just then he thought he heard shouts that knights had arrived over the Fracas. He might survive today after all!
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Zakon
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Posts: 15
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Post by Zakon on Jul 30, 2009 13:36:24 GMT -6
Zakon had moved a bit closer to the battle, but remained at a relatively safe distance from it. From what he could see, a few new arrivals had joined in, but the combatants had still arranged themselves into two factions, one attacking the construct, the other... defending it? It was hard to say. Suddenly, the observer realized he wasn't going to be staying out of the fight after all, as one of the fighters had apparently left the main combat and was now heading for him.
The bandit was cursing their poor luck in reinforcements arriving. The caravan's defenders were just about to lose to their numbers, until those pesky knights showed up. He broke off this chain of feelings when he saw that he happened to be running towards some cloaked fool who had been rubbernecking. He smiled as he decided to get started on his favorite stress relief technique: taking his axe and hitting whatever wasn't going to fight back.
Zakon decided that running was probably a good idea at this point, and dashed to the side to get out of the brigand's path. This wasn't quite fast enough, as the villain swing his axe the other way, catching Zakon's arm. The force of the blow pushed his arm back, as the axe cut through his sleeve and slid across his arm cutting the skin but nothing else. As Zakon continued running, he realized he had already started drawing on his dragonstone and tried suppressing the rest of the energy: transforming so close to a settlement would cause a lot of fuss that he didn't want. Of course, aside from that, he had no recourse for this attack... With the bandit still in pursuit, Zakon looked towards the main battle, maintaining the slight energy drain to boost his defenses. Hopefully, he's be able to lure his pursuer to the other faction, without being harmed more than the scratch he'd already received.
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Abel Caritas
Myrmidon
Whatever happens, keep moving on.
Posts: 120
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Post by Abel Caritas on Jul 30, 2009 17:04:18 GMT -6
Abel was still trying to get his sword out of the unconscious bandit when help arrived.He heard Robin say something about a bandit chasing a man,"My swords stuck"he yelled back,still trying to yank his sword out of the bandits leg."Just barrow mine"Robin yelled back.Abel then ran over and took the sword from Robin."You'll get mine for me right?" he asked Robin as he ran off after the bandit."Ya I'll get it" he yelled back.Abel was already up the hill casing after the bandit."Oi!"he yelled trying to surprise the bandit so he would slow down.But the bandit ran on after the man,so Abel ran faster catching up with the bandit.He swung the sword but missed and side steped the bandits attack,Abel then jabbed him in the arm.I need to learn to predict my enemy's attacks dodges or I'll get killed one of these days Abel thought as he pulled the sword out of the bandit.The bandit took a final swing with his ax and got a good hit on Abel's wounded arm.Abel cried out and dropped his sword. The bandit proceded with a big swing of his ax,but abel dodged and while the bandits' moumentum carried him past Abel and then Abel kicked him in the knee joint.Abel dove for his sword wincing from the impact with the ground and his arm and then stud up.He knocked the bandits ax from his hand,then stabbed him in the chest.Abel saw the man keep running and yelled out,"Are you okay?"
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Fargo
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Just wait, 'cause, like, I'm going to be the best bow man ever!"
Posts: 64
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Post by Fargo on Jul 30, 2009 22:46:18 GMT -6
Fargo saw Rayl charge into the battle, heroic and such. Some of the brigands ran, some retaliated. Still, it was amazing to him. He was about to shoot, when he noticed one of the bandits heading for the trees. It was only for a moment, but Fargo saw a man running into the trees, attempting to flee from the bandit. Fargo was about to let fly an arrow, but the swordsman gave chase. He relaxed his readied arm, now having to look for another target.
During this, Fargo thought of what Rayl said. He specifically told him to not enjoy killing others. It was, as the knight said, 'it is the downfall of man.' How could one enjoy this? It's so hard, at least, for me. Still, even though it was difficult, Fargo would not falter.
Out of the corner of his eye, Fargo could see something to the left. It was a brigand, the one that ran when Rayl first charged. Apparently, he regained some courage, and decided to fight once more. He was heading for Rayl, slowly, but Fargo wouldn't let that happen. He notched an arrow, and pulled back. Fargo focused in on the bandit, closing his left eye. For greater accuracy, he pointed at the bandit with his bow hand; the left one. Fargo aimed at the man's chest. The moment froze, as he slowly released. Then, the young archer could hear the bandits shout it pain. To Fargo's dismay, he missed, and instead of hitting the chest, the arrow had pierced the brigand's right leg, apparently right through the other end.
Fargo stood in shock, holding the bow in his left hand tightly. He finally shot someone, and it wasn't at all good. Instead of killing a man, he gave him a wound. Granted, if not treated, it could turn fatal, but still. Fargo felt an overwhelming rush of guilt and sorrow. He didn't know what to do. Trying to snap himself out of the trance, he ran his hand through his hair, blinking a lot, and basically telling himself that he had to continue. Fargo knew the bandit would soon come after him, but the shock was too great. He froze.
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Post by Rayl Torien on Jul 31, 2009 14:25:23 GMT -6
As the battle raged, Rayl made sure to keep an eye out for Fargo, for he was not just an archer, but a young man yet to live life. He noticed the bandit with the arrow in his leg, and let out a mental sigh as he swung his sword to knock back an attempted axe swing at Elibe, and gave the close bandit a nice whack across the skull with the hilt of the blade, knocking him out, before turning abruptly and charging after the wounded bandit who was now hobbling after the archer who had wounded him. Rayl tried to drown out the cries of pain from both sides, whilst he caused more pain...but at least put the enemy bandit out of misery through a slice across the neck...
The battle was being close to won at least, With a few bandits dead, one knocked unconscious, and two beginning to flee from the battle, having hoped to overpower a caravan that was without protection only to find their attempt crushed by armed citizens and a knight. And so Rayl slowly dismounted from Elibe, removing the bridle from his mouth and patting the horse on the side, letting it graze as the knight began to wipe off his sword, before sticking it into the ground, kneeling before it, and began uttering a prayer...
...and to think, five years ago he'd have enjoyed battles.
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Garnet
Hero
The Scarlet Brand
You call these bandits? You should'a seen what I had to deal with in Sacae!
Posts: 330
Etruria Fame: 1
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Post by Garnet on Jul 31, 2009 16:23:49 GMT -6
Garnet stumbled away from the wagon, swiping at his eyes while trying to keep them clear of blood. The bandit swordsman who had inflicted the wound advanced forward, intent on taking advantage of the distraction.
He stepped in and swung at Garnet, a horizontal strike. Garnet blocked the blow with his buckler, but the sword skated off and slashed into the the redheaded merc's side.
Cringing in pain, Garnet dropped his buckler and raised his sword defiantly above his head, using both hands to grip his sword.
"Garnet!!" was his warcry as he brought his sword down, slamming it into his foe's shoulder. He kept, moving using his boot to push the other swordsman away. The bandit dropped his sword from his now limp arm while cursing in pain.
The blood dripping down Garnet's face must've made him look like death personified, for when the bandit glanced toward his enemy he took off like an arrow, fleeing.
Garnet took a moment and collected his buckler. He ripped a debatably clean rag from the body of some dead person and used it to help stop the bleeding and clean out his eyes.
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Garnet
Hero
The Scarlet Brand
You call these bandits? You should'a seen what I had to deal with in Sacae!
Posts: 330
Etruria Fame: 1
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Post by Garnet on Aug 5, 2009 7:41:05 GMT -6
OoC: Well since nobody posted in the last five days.... IC: Garnet looked around and didn't see anymore bandits. Continuing to do his best to clean off his face, he ripped off another piece of cloth and used it to bind his head injury, staunching the crimson flow. He approached the knight watching as he dismounted and began to pray. Garnet didn't like the church, but he did recognize a difference between the fanatics who followed this new Prophet and the older more traditional views of St. Elimine. Garnet waited a moment before speaking. He quickly put his weapons away. "Thank you Sir Knight for your assistance here. I am known as Garnet. It appears that my fellow travelers have fled and left me here to die." Everything about him was tainted by bitterness at the recent destruction of his village, but he managed to keep a favorable outlook on those who didn't cross him at least. "Would you consider letting me accompany you for the present? I currently have no location in mind except to gain more knowledge and skills for myself." OoC: I know...Villagers from Etruria are very formal.
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Post by Rayl Torien on Aug 5, 2009 15:07:50 GMT -6
OOC: Yeah I find that depressing, but people have lives mate.
IC: Rayl had finished his prayers before slowly rising to his feet and sheathing his blade, then turned and addressed the man," It is my duty to help those in need. I am Sir Rayl, knight of Pherae, heading to Laus on a personal affair." he bowed as he did before to Fargo, before a snort was heard behind him, then patted the large horse," And this is my trusted steed and friend, Elibe, named for our world...I just about traveled everywhere with him." he smiled before continuing," Over there is my young companion, Fargo. If you wish to accompany us, you may do so, although I have no guarantees what I will be doing after I am done in Laus, but feel free to stick around in case we have anymore...unpleasant encounters."
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Fargo
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Just wait, 'cause, like, I'm going to be the best bow man ever!"
Posts: 64
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Post by Fargo on Aug 5, 2009 17:07:36 GMT -6
OoC: No worries, I'll post. I've been a bit busy.
BiC: The battle was finally over. Since his shooting the bandit, Fargo had just stared at the now dead axeman. His mind went blank. All his life, Fargo had thought up ideas of how he would fight. How he would be a great bowman, and never have to look back at any of the people he would kill. But this was not how he imagined it. Rayl did Fargo a favor by taking out the bandit. He was frozen, and the bandit would have killed him.
Now, Fargo walked over to the corpse, ignoring his surroundings. All he felt was sadness. Fargo stared down at the bandit, thinking to himself, Why...? Why does it have to be so hard? It was at that moment that Fargo kneeled down, and shed one single tear. The tear was not for self pity, but for the bandit. Fargo felt but one emotion for the wasted human life; sorrow.
Fargo stood up, and ran his right hand through his hair. His other hand, gripping his bow firmly. He then walked away from the body, having the memory of his first battle with him forever. With the battle still fresh in his mind, he walked over to Rayl and another person. Fargo kept his head up as he said to Rayl, "Yeah, uh, I guess the battle's over, isn't it?" He looked around a bit, seeing all the corpses. Fargo had wondered why all those people had to live such bad lives.
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