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Post by Mana on Jul 28, 2010 0:12:25 GMT -6
Mana got a strange nightmare...Her body moved wildly as she slept and she also screamed a lot. She was running around in the middle of burned village, looking for someone. On her way she saw many dead bodies lied in the ground, the scent of blood filled the air and made it was uncomfortable to breath. She didn't really know what happened, why the village was burned. Fire dancing under the night sky, it was beautiful but scary too.
"Mana!" Someone shouted. Mana turned and saw her friend, Rum, running towards her. "Rum! What is happened here?" But she never got an answer because Rum's body fell to the ground. She couldn't believe her eyes, an arrow pierced Rum's chest and killed her in that instant. She screamed and shed tears, she then shouted, "Come out you cowards! Face me!" No one came out and she just cried beside Rum's dead body.
"Mana, my daughter." Another voice called her. She turned quickly and saw Kayla stood beside her. "Mother!" She hugged her mother tightly but stopped when she felt something in her hand. She took a look on it and saw blood covered her hands, she then looked to her mother and found her dead.
Suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her shoulder, as she turned around she saw a man stabbed her with sword. "Oh, a girl! We can sell her for a good price." That man talked to his friend while his sword still in Mana's shoulder. Soon, they surrounded her and held her so she couldn't move.
"Aaargh!!!" Mana screamed as she woke up, her body was sweating a lot and her cloth was wet by sweats. She breathed heavily and her body was still trembled because of fear. The young girl's hand moved to her waist looking for her sword but it wasn't there, that made her more scared. She then noticed a man with the same cloak beside her, she was scared and failed to notice if that man was Cebrail. Her legs swung to his face and landed a hard kick on his left cheek. OoC : Sorry Ceb ^_^
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Cebrail
Soldier
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
Posts: 64
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Post by Cebrail on Jul 28, 2010 0:24:08 GMT -6
OoC: OUCH. Haha! It's alright. Oh and LEVEL UP. EDIT: IC: Cebrail hit the ground hard. He wasn't expecting an attack in the middle of the storm. Neither group would be able to see. His face was deep into the mud, but he grabbed his lance and stood quickly, ready in case they struck again. Cebrail soon realized it was the panicking Mana who kicked him straight on the face. Relieved, he spoke to her. "That hurt....if you needed something, you didn't have to kick me." He laughed. Maybe I shouldn't laugh. His cheek still hurt and laughing didn't make it any better. The girl seemed... distressed. "We should be getting close. Just try to rest a little longer." He smiled. It was his first smile in what felt like along time. Off in the distance, there was a small group waiting. The rain made it difficult to tell who it was. Cebrail ordered the group to halt. Calling forward two soldiers, he would move ahead and check. "You two are going to check with me. I want archers close enough to fire just in case." He turned to Mana. "Wait here." He moved forward lance in one hand and rubbing his face with the other.
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Balthier
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Everything you think you are that puts you above others is a lie.
Posts: 68
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Post by Balthier on Jul 28, 2010 6:02:33 GMT -6
OoC: Cebrail, I like those little pictures you do with each thread. :b
IC:
Balthier was enjoying the storm now. He preferred it to rain rather than be sunny any day of his life. Upon the arrival of Reylan, he was relieved.
As they approached, he called out to him. "Ah, Reylan... wonderful. Now, we wait for Cebrail and his crew."
--
A few moments later, a cart carrying wounded approached the foot of the hill and the end of the path. The rain was pouring, blocking visibility, but Balthier enjoyed it all the same. Once the cart was safely there, Cebrail stepped out, leading a few men with him.
Balthier quietly approached Cebrail, motioning for Reylan to join him. He spoke to Cebrail first. "It's good to see you both made it. Santaruz is right over the hill, but night will fall soon. We've made it, but there's one last trek left... However, I doubt sincerely that anything will go wrong." He looked behind Cebrail at the cart. "The wounded will rest and clerics to give them aid while I speak to the Marquess." He frowned a bit, unusual for him. "What of the girl?"
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Cebrail
Soldier
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
Posts: 64
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Post by Cebrail on Jul 28, 2010 6:43:22 GMT -6
OoC: Haha, thanks. I figured they added a nice dimension to the RP. By the way, does anyone wanna support? xD Also, I have 1 fame..... how do you get fame?
IC: Finding Balthier and Reylan, Cebrail ordered the two soldiers to move the caravan up. He turned back to Balthier. "I don't know. I haven't gotten much out of her other then a name. She seems a little...stressed to say the least." He looked over his shoulder. "We should move quickly into the city before this rain gets us all sick."
He walked back to the approaching caravan and kept pace with the front cart. All he knew was that he wanted to get out of the storm and into some dry clothes. "I could use a drink." He muttered to himself. The clerics had done an amazing job after the previous day's battle, his wound was nearly gone. He could still feel it, as if there was something under his skin, but it provided nothing more than a minor annoyance. Still, it would be good to have a doctor take a look at it.
His caravan had already reached the same position as the other two, and stopped in the same place. "What are we waiting for? Let's get out of this storm."
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Balthier
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Everything you think you are that puts you above others is a lie.
Posts: 68
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Post by Balthier on Jul 28, 2010 7:20:57 GMT -6
OoC: We'd have to do a support conversation, which is usually a page or two thread... but I can, and I suggest Reylan as well. As for fame, I don't know... I've been here since August and Gabbiano doesn't have any fame... yet Balthier does. Strange.
IC: Balthier laughed. "Yes, I suppose we should... although, I think the storm is wonderful. 'Tis a shame it's only me who thinks so." He was beside himself now. "I do not trust that girl you're with, nor do I trust anyone easily. You and Reylan simply because you are knights of the old Ostia, and I can respect that." He smiled, waving a hand. "However, you need keep an eye on her. Better safe than sorry, eh?" He asked, chuckling.
Balthier turned, facing the hill. He said something to one of the soldiers, who then turned to the crowd of people behind him. "Santaruz is beyond this hill! We shall find food, supplies, and rest for days to come while Balthier speaks with Marquess Santaruz. Now, we move!" As he shouted this command through the storm, the other forces followed.
--
The hill was an easy journey, Balthier thought, and he was happy to have made Santaruz in one day. Plus, the troops wouldn't have been able to withstand another attack... especially since the Night Crawlers would presumably send more troops to fight next time.
Balthier stood in the pouring rain, with the moon rising in the sky, at the city gate of Santaruz. He turned to the men. "Here is my home city! Beautiful she is, inside and out. A wonder for any eye to behold, and I'm proud of her." He smiled, turning back to the gate. "Keep yourselves armed, I will see to it that we have accommodations for the night." He turned to Cebrail and his female companion, and then Reylan. "Watch yourselves, friends. Stick close to this gate. Night has fallen." He walked towards the city gate. "Stay alert. I will speak now with the Marquess, to determine where we shall keep all of you for the night. I shall hold council with him the next morning. Be on your guard."
He turned, bowing to the soldiers. "Thank you, brave soldiers, for daring such a dangerous journey in one day. You shall, in time, be rewarded." He turned again, and walked once more into home territory.
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Post by reylan on Jul 28, 2010 9:05:11 GMT -6
OoC: Cebrail works wonders. Level up (dang, I thought I'd beat Ceb. Oh well. Congrats on the level up. I've decided I'd make a new statsheet for each level, since it is time-consuming to add up to twenty posts). Also, nothing interesting happens on the hill, so I'm going to timeskip to where our groups finally reunite at Santaruz.
IC:
As torrents of rain still poured down, Reylan and his small band of soldiers had finally reached the gates of Santaruz. Balthier stood near the gate with his vassal, grinning. Reylan gave him a respectful nod to act as a greeting.
"Seems you had an easy trip. Once everyone else arrives, I'll let you explain your plans for the incoming days."
Reylan's words came in tired rasps, indicating that voyage was difficult to bear, especially in one day's time. Looking to the magnificent city walls, Reylan half-smiled. He had never seen a city this beautiful in his entire life. Balthier was lucky to have grown up in such a prosperous area.
"What a beautiful city. Our soldiers are lucky to witness its glory firsthand," said Reylan aloud.
Cebrail was not far behind Reylan, and he noticed his group pull in not long after Reylan's. Giving Cebrail the same nod he gave to Balthier, he bidded him a greeting as well.
"Looks like we've finally made it. I think we're blessed in the fact that we didn't run into any trouble. With our low numbers, it would've been treacherous if he had to defend ourselves."
Reylan then noticed a teenage girl with beige-brown hair emerge from Cebrail's group. She wore light clothing and had a slim sword sheathed on her hip. Reylan assumed this was Mana, the myrmidon the messenger was talking about. Holding out his hand, he politely introduced himself.
"Greetings! My name is Reylan, Cavalier of Ostia. I want to thank you for accompanying us here. It's a pleasure to meet you."
He gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder and smiled. "You have nothing to fear. We promise to protect you and fight by your side."
He felt grateful to have as much support as he did. Turning to the gates of Santaruz, he awaited Balthier's instructions.
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Balthier
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Everything you think you are that puts you above others is a lie.
Posts: 68
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Post by Balthier on Jul 28, 2010 9:50:48 GMT -6
OoC: Since my character will be in the Marquess' presence for awhile, I'm going opt myself out for a few posts to indicate that Balthier is speaking with the marquess. If you think you can handle it, you can add in a few bandits. He'll be back in 3 or 4 posts from you guys with information on the situation.
IC:
Balthier, walking through his old streets, noted the lack of commoners walking about. Naturally, this was due to the rain, as it wasn't quite late enough for everyone to be inside yet.
He remembered that he hadn't been home in so long, few would recognize him, especially not his parents. He would go to see them later, but for now...
As Balthier approached a big ceremonial-decorated building, he remembered what the Marquess' house looked like. He pulled his cape around his arm, hiding his tome, and he knocked on the door and awaited the door to be opened by Marquess Santaruz...
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Cebrail
Soldier
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
Posts: 64
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Post by Cebrail on Jul 28, 2010 10:09:21 GMT -6
OoC: Thread Titles for everyone! IC: Cebrail had decided to help set up tents for the injured men. They had been laying in the carts all day and had been there still during the rain. A spacious tent would be rather beneficial. He was already on his fourth tent and thought about setting up Mana a tent for herself. As far as he knew, there were no other females in their troop. Balthier had already went off to meet Marquess Santaruz. Hopefully, they would get their much needed support. He just finished the fourth tent and sat down on the dirt ground. He could see Reylan introducing himself to Mana. Balthier didn't trust her, but he couldn't see any threat. If anything, he saw a young woman who needed help. He sat there and continued to wait for some response from the mage.
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Post by reylan on Jul 28, 2010 10:20:34 GMT -6
OoC: Very well. This next statement is for Cebrail and Mana: I'm planning to have a small skirmish against some thieves in the inn. Nothing too complicated. You never cease to amaze me, Ceb.
IC:
Reylan followed Balthier into the city, but stopped midway through the main square, looking for a hotel of some sort. He figured it would be rude to follow him to the Marquess, so he decided to help Cebrail find an inn instead. He browsed the main square, eventually finding one near the marketplace.
"Cebrail. I've found an inn. I doubt they charge very much for a night's stay. Balthier will likely be awhile, so I think it's in our best interest to stay the night somewhere. Make sure Mana gets some rest as well," Reylan said, his gaze shifting to the barely awake girl.
Leading himself and his soldiers into the inn, Reylan walked up to the wooden table inside. There was a pub and restaurant area in the back. The innkeeper looked rather suspicious, but Reylan dismissed his predictions.
Leaning slightly over the wooden table, Reylan cleared his throat. "How much for one night's stay?" He felt that he could've phrased his question better, but whatever.
The innkeeper's eyes blinked furiously. "All nights are free, didn't you read the damn sign outside!?"
Reylan scoffed at his rudeness. "Just get us a few rooms. Two beds per room, if possible."
Right. Follow me..." The innkeeper lit a candle, then led Reylan and Cebrail down a long hallway. He pointed to four rooms in the middle of the corridor.
Reylan chose the one on the far right. He sat down on the pleasantly soft bed, sighing deeply. He had dropped his horse off at a nearby stable. Still soaking wet from the downpour outside, he promptly took off his armor. His tunic was wet as well, but most of that moisture was sweat. He replayed the events that had taken place the previous days in his mind. Looking back, he was grateful to have been so fortunate.
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Cebrail
Soldier
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
Posts: 64
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Post by Cebrail on Jul 28, 2010 12:02:29 GMT -6
OoC: Really? But we just got there XD Alright
IC: Cebrail had noticed that Reylan had begun to follow Balthier into the city but stopped in what appeared to be the square. He soon followed him, along with Mana, into an inn. Though rude, the bartender showed them to some rooms. It would be nice to sleep on a bed.
"Mana should get her own room. Is that alright?" The bartender merely shrugged his shoulders and grunted. I'll head back to the camp and inform the men. We'll move the injured into a ward if we can find one. I'll get another couple rooms. After, I'll go wait outside the castle for Balthier.
Cebrail spoke to the bartender again, informing him of their need for another few rooms. Grunting still, the bartender nodded in agreement. He left the inn and walked back towards the gate. He quickly spoke the plan to the men and had them search for an infirmary for the injured.
After packing up some of the supplies and directing the men, Cebrail decided to try and find the castle. Unfortunately, it was already getting dark and he couldn't find the castle. He decided to return to the inn and check up on the cavalier and young girl.
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Post by reylan on Jul 28, 2010 12:51:10 GMT -6
Reylan laid down on his bed and closed his eyes. He wasn't planning on falling asleep so soon, but the fatigue from the journey overtook him.
He slept soundly for a short while, but was awoken by a soldier's panicked yell.
"My armor is gone! Someone must've stolen it!"
The soldier's shouting awoke Reylan immediately. Tiredness still in eyes, he mouthed a simple "What?"
The soldier repeated himself. "Someone stole my armor! And... yours is missing, too!"
Reylan's mind was aflame in confusion. He absentmindedly looked towards the wall. To his surprise, his armor was also missing, but his lance was still intact. Widening his eyes, he wondered if any other soldiers had their armor stolen.
"Go wake the others, but try not to make too much noise. I have a feeling I know who is responsible for this..."
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Balthier
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Everything you think you are that puts you above others is a lie.
Posts: 68
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Post by Balthier on Jul 28, 2010 13:46:20 GMT -6
Balthier stood up from the table with the Marquess. They looked at each other solemnly, and then Balthier nodded to him. The soldiers attending them parted, left, and it was the two of them in the room.
The Marquess addressed him, sending him off. "Good to hear from you again, my friend."
Balthier's gaze dropped. "Ondore, I..." He was at a loss for words.
The Marquess' gaze was unchanging. "No. There will be no further negotiations. As I said before you first left, Balthier, Santaruz must remain neutral!"
Balthier stared at him angrily. "I see. You shall remain neutral, to aid no side. I understand. However..." He swallowed hard, then unchained a side of his cape revealing the tome. "I have decided to fight for Lycia, and for what Ostia used to be. No longer I am a part of that bandit group. And you, a weak and spineless coward, would still refuse us help?"
The Marquess studied the tome, then addressed him again. "You will leave this house, and this city. You will take your forces with you, and retreat somewhere else. Anywhere, as long as it isn't here. And you have cavalry! Useful, that. You may even make your journey shorter. Now, begone!" The Marquess was angry, and the soldiers reapproached.
Balthier knew how unwise it would be to continue negotiations. "As you wish, your highness." He rechained his cape and walked out the door, shutting it quietly behind him. The expression on his face was both sad and solemn.
He noted the few horses and soldiers outside of the inn, and assumed they'd helped themselves to it. This was good, as Balthier would have made them leave otherwise. He walked in, and nodded to the innkeeper, who's eyes grew wide with fear. They had been previous acquaintances, and dangerous ones at that.
He saw Cebrail, and gravely approached him. "I'm sorry... I was more confident in the Marquess. He chooses not to aid us, with supplies, nor with equipment. He suggested we ask for help from another city. The Marquess isn't what he used to be..." Balthier looked down, his eyelids dropping. "We must leave in the morning. Rest while you can, and see to it the wounded are attended to." He remembered the ward, ever-unchanging, in the corner of the city. "There is a ward near here. Make for it in the morning, then I suppose we must head out..." He couldn't meet Cebrail's gaze. "Where is Reylan?"
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Post by reylan on Jul 28, 2010 17:05:22 GMT -6
Reylan scurried down the hallway, lance gripped tightly in his hand. He had searched every room in the inn, and yet he couldn't locate his seemingly stolen armor. As he rounded the corner towards the entry area, he heard a rough voice.
"Lookin' for this?"
A garbed man with numerous scars on his face had appeared. He was about average in size, but he still looked like he could scare off any child under the age of eight. The man pointed towards the inn's pub, where Reylan noticed his armor was propped up against a wall. The man then proceeded to block the narrow doorway leading into the pub.
"You want your armor? Pay up. Gold doesn't grow on trees, y'know."
Reylan remained composed on the outside, even though he was irritated inside. "I'm not much of a bargainer," he replied sternly. "Besides, I'm dirt poor. You couldn't even buy yourself a full meal with my gold."
The man drew a short iron sword, indicating that he was a thief. "Fine then. Say goodbye to yo-"
In one swift movement, Reylan pinned him down on the stone floor, his lance raised above his head. He felt dishonorable by harming the thief, but as his father once told him, there was no mercy even while not engaged in true warfare. He then proceeded to speak: "I'm assuming you're trying to sell this armor for gold. Your efforts are a waste. If you make one more foul move, I'll slit your throat with the side of this lance. Understood?"
The thief merely smiled. "Boys, we got a stubborn guy here. Do me a favor and take him out."
All at once, several thieves began appearing from the entrance. Damn. Looks like I'm surrounded, Reylan thought to himself. Adjusting the grip on his lance, he was faced with the hard decision of killing their supposed leader or attacking his reinforcements.
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Balthier
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Everything you think you are that puts you above others is a lie.
Posts: 68
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Post by Balthier on Jul 28, 2010 20:06:43 GMT -6
Balthier noticed that there was clearly some sort of strife upstairs. His ears perked up as he heard crashed above him, and raced passed Cebrail and up the stairs.
His eyes widened as he saw Reylan, without armor, pinned against these thieves. He grunted, catching Reylan's attention, and waved his hand down, signaling to lower his lance.
"We don't need casualties of any kind. Not here, my friend." He smiled, stepping in front of the cavalier un-mounted.
He looked about, towards the armor, and addressed the thieves. "You people are so naive," He started, watching them. "if it's gold you want, I've got plenty for you. What will it take for the armor back?" He smiled at them pleasantly.
"3000 gold! No less!" The supposed ringleader shouted.
Balthier frowned. "Mm, 3000? No less... hm, well I have 1500 here for you. You SURE you can't bargain with me? I'll make it worth your while." He winked at the thieves charismatically.
"Grraggh, NO! 3000, or we'll kill you both now and sell it for more!"
Balthier closed his eyes and sighed. He looked at Reylan calmly. "I hope it isn't beyond a knight's honor to dispose of these peasants," he said, laughing. "because these fools are about damned." He turned his head, and extended his hidden arm, sending a ball of bright yellow flame into the thief, incinerating his face.
He lept back, in line with Reylan. "Ready yourself, my friend." He unchained his cape on one side, allowing more arm movement. "We must leave here sooner than I thought. Ready your lance."
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Post by reylan on Jul 28, 2010 20:37:38 GMT -6
OoC: Wait until you have an avatar and a class.
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