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 31, 2010 7:30:15 GMT -6
Earlier that morning....
Cebrail heard a voice echoing through his dreams. Footsteps.... He woke up to the sun beating down on his face. Bridget had gotten back and Mana was already up. He woke Reylan and Selibas, the group gathered around and listened to what was going to happen to Balthier.
"Sunrise? Damn it!" He stood up quickly, realizing the urgency of the situation. He ran back to where he slept and grabbed his lance and knapsack. "Let's move."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The group had somehow made it into the city and began their search for the gallows. It was still early, but the sun was up and bright. They arrived outside the Marquess' castle and found Balthier standing, elevated on the gallows with a rope around his neck. There were few guards, but they would have to move fast. The group retreated behind the building and Cebrail iterated the plan.
"Selibas, Mana, go right. Reylan, Bridget, go left. Stay hidden. I'll go up the middle and get their attention. Bridget, I want you to go for Balthier and get that noose off once the guards have moved some distance. At that moment, I want the Mana and Selibas to come in from the sides and surround the guards. Reylan will move in on his horse and get Bridget and Balthier out. After, we get out." He prayed to St. Elimine that this would work. The group split and began to move with the plan.
Slowly he stepped out from behind the building and called to the guards. Surprised, the guards moved with their lances towards the soldier. He gripped his lance tightly. We've got you Balthier..
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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 31, 2010 7:47:54 GMT -6
Balthier cocked his head slightly, squinting one eye. He smiled, then closing his eyes. "Ah, Marquess Santaruz. My last words..." He twiddled his thumbs n the ropes, watching intently from far away as his company approached. "Well, may it be heard loud and around that my homeland has fallen to a dishonorable man. Do not think this beyond me... you fool." Balthier spat on the Marquess' face, then winked at him.
The Marquess was enraged, but then returned to keep his cool. He chuckled, glaring at Balthier. "At the gallows, yet you still choose disrespect? I will enjoy watching you die, old friend."
Balthier yawned loudly and rudely, and tapped his foot. "Well, I'd love to see you get on with it then. Have you the guts?" He was teasing the Marquess. He knew he could do this due to the timely arrival of his company. "Go ahead. Kill me, Marquess Santaruz." Balthier bellowed into the sky, filling the town with clever laughter.
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Post by Mana on Jul 31, 2010 10:54:22 GMT -6
Mana nodded and then took Selibas hand. "Lets go, we must do our role or Balthier will..." She couldn't say the word 'dead', "Keep moving Seli." She dragged him until they arrived in their position.
Mana kept her hand close to her sword, preparing herself to attack. They were hiding while Cebrail got full attention from the guards. "Stay with me Seli. We must wait until Bridget move." According to the plan, they would attack the guards after Bridget saved Balthier. She just hoped her friends wouldn't get hurt in this mission, the plan was brave but risky.
Every second is worth now...
Balthier seemed enjoying the situation although he could die anytime. He was over-carefree. Mana shook her head.
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Post by reylan on Jul 31, 2010 11:29:04 GMT -6
OoC: For those of you who don't know already, I'm going on vacation tomorrow and won't be back until next Sunday (August 8). I'm leaving Cebrail in charge of the thread while I'm gone. Try to finish up this event, but try not to do anything too major while I'm gone.
IC:
Reylan abruptly awoke. The sun was slowly creeping up over the horizon. He bidded Cebrail, Mana, and Selibas a greeting, then began thinking about the plan. He had no knowledge of Balther's affiliation with Marquess Santaruz, but he predicted that the Marquess would have him executed. We must do this quickly if we'll ever hope to save him, thought Reylan.
In response to Cebrail's instructions, Reylan headed for the left part of the city, praying that it wasn't heavily guarded. He predicted that Bridget would be able to sneak easily through the alleyways. He softly guided his horse through the city streets, thankful that no guards were out. Despite this blessing of luck, Reylan had to make haste. He still hadn't recovered his stolen armor, but this was somewhat beneficial. Without his armor, he could move and strike much more quickly. During a rescue mission, those qualities were important to have.
Bridget had been silent for most of the mission. Reylan had assured her that he was easy to trust, but she still seemed skeptical of him. It'll take time, I suppose.
Spying a small path leading into an alley out the corner of his eye, Reylan motioned for his horse to stop. Scanning the area, he turned to Bridget. "I don't know this city very well, but that path might lead to the main square. That's likely where the gallows are. You should go see if there's a hidden passage to the main area down that path. I'll just follow this path and meet you on the other side. You can't afford to be seen. Remember, you're the one who has to cut Balthier's noose. If anything happens, I'll be nearby."
Reylan turned and proceeded up the main path, browsing the streets for the city's gallows.
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Jul 31, 2010 12:26:15 GMT -6
Selibas woke up to find out he would go wait with Mana until Bridget saved Balthier. He was sad he hadn't woken up earlier and practiced with Mana.
Next thing he knew he was being dragged away to hide in the city. He drew his sword and prepared to go fight.
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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 Aug 1, 2010 0:26:57 GMT -6
OoC: At work, no access to cbox. XD
"St. Elimine, give me strength." Cebrail took a strong stance with his lance pointed forward. He hoped that Bridget and Reylan were moving quickly. He had successfully distracted the guards and pulled them away from the gallows. He smiled as Balthier's laugh echoed through the alleys.
The guards are actually running towards me...damn it. They were moving quicker then expected. Within moments, they were beginning to surround him. "So be it." Cebrail stabbed his lance into the guard on the left, gripping it with one hand. One guard had swung his sword at his neck. Ducking, Cebrail jabbed his lance into the guard's gut.
"Gah!" A guard behind him brought their sword down onto his shoulder. Cebrail slid his hand up the lance and used the blunt side to push the guard behind him away. The guard stumbled back, leaving the blade imbedded in Cebrail's shoulder. In pain, he swung his lance wildly. With his other hand, he reached around and grabbed the sword by the blad and pulled it out, the blood dripping excessively. His vision was fading fast, he grabbed his vulnerary and poured it on his shoulder.
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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 Aug 1, 2010 5:46:25 GMT -6
Balthier's eyes widened when he looked at the Marquess. Balthier knew what was about to happen... he had to think quickly.
"Now! Pull the lever!" The Marquess shouted to the man by the contraption that would open the trapdoor and send him to his death.
Balthier did the first thing that came to mind. He jumped, propping himself up in the air, using the wooden supports to keep him suspended. The trapdoor had opened. If Balthier lost his footing, he would die.
For the first time, Balthier was slightly worried. "Ah, what an unfortunate turn of events..." He said to himself. He glanced around as the Marquess was speaking to a soldier, then coming towards him. "Bridget!"
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Post by reylan on Aug 1, 2010 6:07:34 GMT -6
OoC: Last post before my absence.
IC:
Reylan's mind steadily raced as he attempted to locate the gallows. As he rounded a corner, he abruptly stopped his horse in its tracks. What his eyes saw in front of him was utterly terrifying. Instead of a noose, Reylan was face to face with a trapdoor, already opened. His brain's first ersponse was "Balthier!"
Squinting to make out the figures next to the trapdoor, Reylan spied a man clothed in perhaps the fanciest garb he had ever laid eyes on. This must be Marquess Santaruz, he thought quietly to himself. He then strained himself to get a better view of the trapdoor. To his surprise, he saw a sliver of pink hair squirming just inside the trapdoor. With a huge sigh of relief, Reylan was met with the realization that Balthier was safe.
Bridget. Your assistance would be helpful right now...
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Bridget
The "Before" years
[M:0]
My eyes are up here. Look up here!
Posts: 47
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Post by Bridget on Aug 1, 2010 7:56:59 GMT -6
As if on cue, Bridget appeared from behind a barrel and ran up to the Marquess. "Ah!" she shouted as she spun around and kicked him in the chest. The man stumbled back, giving Bridget enough time to make the rescue. She jumped up and held onto the board that was holding the rope. She took her knife out and swiped it clean across the rope, severing it in half.
Bridget dropped down and looked around. The soldiers were busy, hopefully being distracted by Cebrail, Mana, and Selibas. "Come on, Balthier, get up!" Bridget hissed. She whistled for Reylan, and tried to pick the mage up. A soldier grabbed her shoulder, and in response Bridget turned around and smacked him as hard as she could in the face. Fortunately, he wasn't wearing a helmet.
Reylan and his horse finally arrived, and Bridget wasted no time in hopping on. "Get on, Balthier." she said.
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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 Aug 1, 2010 8:31:12 GMT -6
Balthier smiled and sighed at Bridget, as she had saved him just in time. He fell through, below the trap door, and landed on hands and knees below the wooden platform.
He nodded as Bridget motioned for him to get on the horse, signaling them to go ahead. Balthier sighed. "Go, leave the city. Distract a few guards and take them with you. There's something I must retrieve, and another I must do. Farewell, Bridget." He winked at her, his form of thanking her for the rescue. "I'll see you shortly." With that, Balthier weaved in and out of soldiers, and out of sight of the company with the horse.
Balthier had found it. His tome rest in the bag of an unsuspecting guard. "Hmph," he said quietly, carefully retrieving it. Once he had it, the chaos of the soldiers had calmed down. Few had taken after the cavaliers with Bridget and Cebrail, but the rest circled Balthier and the Marquess stepped out of the circle.
"Yes, you of all people would cheat death more than once." The Marquess said, amused.
"I play fair game, Marquess Santaruz. Death has not the ability to take such a man." He responded, tilting his head at the Marquess.
"Indeed." Was all the Marquess said, drawing his sword and pointing it at Balthier. "Death has you cornered."
Balthier laughed again, not containing his excitement. "Has it? Come, Marquess Santaruz!" Balthier winked at him, and lifted his tome arm out from under the cape. He opened its pages, peering through them as the Marquess charged him. Balthier prayed silently, and extended an arm as 3 small, yellow pillars of flame came down in a triangular formation, incinerating the Marquess.
The Marquess cried out in pain and horror, but the circle of guards was not broken.
Balthier would have to make this quick. He hadn't killed Marquess Santaruz, but surely he had left a horrible facial scar from the burn, which was irreparable. He smiled at his success, but then took his chance daringly. He pushed through one guard very quickly, and he was chased to the city gates.
Balthier lept through the entrance to Santaruz, spying his company outside. Surely, four or five guards had the sense not to follow. Or so, Balthier hoped.
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Post by Mana on Aug 1, 2010 14:07:59 GMT -6
Mana could see Cebrail bleeding, she did her best to not jump in and save him. "I must follow the plan...Please Bridget, you must save Balthier now." She bit her lips, blood dripping from her lips. Her hand gripped her sword tightly while her eyes showed her determination.
When she saw Bridget coming, she didn't waste any seconds and charged forward. "Now!" She gave Selibas a signal. The soldier didn't notice her and Selibas coming because they were too focused to Cebrail. Soon, the soldier who injured Cebrail had his back stabbed by a sword, "Heeaah!" Mana kicked her head and sent him flying. The soldiers surprised because of the sudden attack.
"Don't mess with my friends anymore, stupid soldiers!" She stabbed a soldier in the stomach. As she pulled out her sword from the dead body, a lance impaled her right thigh from behind. She fell as strength left her right leg but still managed to swing her sword, cutting the soldier's arm. "Uuuh." She stood up quickly and dodged another sword coming to her head.
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Aug 1, 2010 17:02:26 GMT -6
Selibas rushed out of his hiding spot and charged a gaurd with a not so large axe. The gaurd seemed inexperienced like him so it was a good choice. The gaurd swung his axe and Selibas parried it clumsily. Selibas stabbed at the man and he because he wasn't to bright swung his axe to try and block.
The man swung his axe and got it stuck in the side of a house. Selibas had only knicked his shoulder so he swung at the man trying to pry his weapon from the building. The man ducked and kicked selibas in the chest.
Selibas was forced back and lost his breath for a second. He then, angered, ran forward and swung his sword dow through the middle of the wooden hand inbetween the mans hands and the head of the axe.
Selibas' body suddenly told him to slice up as quickly as he could. Selibas was fast and he brought his sword partially through the man's still leaning chest.
The man fell and Selibas stabbed through his throat. He then ran to help Mana and Cabrail.
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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 Aug 2, 2010 2:40:15 GMT -6
Cebrail implaed the guard swinging his sword at Mana. "That was close." He quickly spun his lance around and brought it down onto another guard. Off with the Marquess, Cebrail could see Balthier burn him with fire. "We're getting out of here." He pushed Mana and Selibas towards the exit and followed soon after. He was constantly turning to see if there were any guards following. There were none, thankfully. Outside the gates, the group was waiting for Balthier. He came running out from the gate and slowed as he approached the company. No guards followed them, but archers manned the walls. The group began to move again, towards the other side of the hill where the rest of the Ostian caravan awaited. Feeling safe, they rested amongst the caravan. Sensing the urgency of their situation, Cebrail opened a map and began to think. We need supplies. We could head north to Laus or south to Badon. Either way, I'm not sure if they'll provide assistance... He gathered his comrades and explained the situation. They were low on food and medical supplies. The injured were getting worse everyday. "We can attempt to move north or south towrds Laus or Badon respectively. In the worst case situation, we encounter another problem similar to what occured here." Cebrail opened the map at the center of the group. "I think we should head west, towards the opening of the river into the ocean. From there, we send small groups to both cities petioning aid." Cebrail paused, waiting for their input.
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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 Aug 2, 2010 5:18:40 GMT -6
Balthier nodded to Cebrail and continued running, over the hill and out of the archer's range.
Once safely over the hill, Balthier motioned for the group to come around to him, waving them all over. "Naturally, Marquess Santaruz will not stop his search for me. If anything, due to today's events, he will hasten his search." His head dropped. "Cebrail, Reylan... I'm sorry. I didn't realize the Marquess had sided with Eturia."
Balthier stopped himself and chuckled. "Well, Santaruz is presumably neutral, but I know better than that." He rolled his head, stretching his neck. "Nonetheless, I apologize. I endangered this company greatly. I meant no harm, and you've my thanks. I won't forget such a good deed done to the least of men." He laughed.
He became more solemn. "I must apologize again, my friends. I have to take my leave. Where your company is headed, I am not to go. I must flee Lycia." He stood, nodding to his companions, and turning to Cebrail. "In regards to Bridget, she has been paid. You do not possess the funds to pay her, so I did it in your place. It's not a big deal."
He turned to Bridget. "Your arrival couldn't have been more timely. Thank you, and take care. Spend the money wisely." He half-smiled at her, then turned.
"I have other business to attend to. I shall begin a search for my brother, and return to you at some point. Where you will be, I do not think to know. However, my resources being plenty, I'm sure I'll find you again." He addressed the whole group, looking at Mana. "I will find my brother, return to Ilia, and start a rebellion. Santaruz will fall for what she's done here today. Shall I mix myself in the quarrel of Eturia-Lycia, I do not know. But Santaruz; she shall pay. Dearly." He turned, waving his cape.
Balthier did not think to leave yet, as he wouldn't have proper travel time. "I will stay with this caravan another night, and only one night. I must depart tomorrow at sunrise. I am sorry I could not stay longer, but it is for the safety of your group as well as the priority of my goals." He brushed himself off.
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Post by Mana on Aug 2, 2010 5:59:57 GMT -6
Mana used a Vulnerary to heal her wound while the other waited for Balthier, the wound was deep and maybe she couldn't walk properly for a while. The plan was success, no one died, that was enough for her. She tried to stand up holding the pain in her thigh.
After Balthier arrived, Cebrail explained his plan to the group. Mana couldn't understand his plan at all, she didn't know how to respond. She was only good at fighting, thinking was not her talent. "I leave the plan to you or Sir Reylan. Sorry, I couldn't help much."
She approached Balthier. "Do you search for your brother Balthier? Actually I want to search for my brother too. We were separated when bandits attacked my village." She didn't notice a little tear flowing out from her eyes. "But, I will go with Sir Cebrail for now. I don't know why but he reminds me about my brother." Yes, Cebrail had similarities with her brother, but she didn't know what it was.
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