|
|
Post by Ryuzaki on Jul 8, 2015 22:26:11 GMT -6
Ryuzaki stood in the entryway to a monastery, holding a package wrapped in cloth and paper. He had come to the crumbling building, far off the beaten path in Etruria, for one purpose... To unlock the secrets of the mysterious sword he had found in the Caelin noble's vault. The thing seemed to radiate with mysterious power, and the thief had no idea what it could be, or what secrets lay waiting within the blade. The sword itself was expertly crafted, and it seemed to pulse with energy, tangible energy... But he just didn't know what sort, or how to harness it. He'd tried simply waving the sword about, and concentrating, but it seemed as if the stubborn thing had no intention of letting its true power come forth. At least, not yet. So Ryu had brought the thing here to have it examined by an elderly priest who specialized in these sorts of things, and who wouldn't tattle to the church. A respectable but affordable bribe had ensured that.
The man was famous, too, and his counsel was sought by many across Elibe for issues of magical weaponry. Ryu only hoped to goodness he wasn't wrong, or that would be one hell of a waste of a bribe.
The assassin looked around, his voice echoing as he called out softly, the package tucked securely under his arm and his hand near his sword just in case of some unforeseen emergency situation...
"Father Jorge? Where are you, Father Jorge?"
The man appeared, waddling his portly body from a doorway where he had evidently been waiting anxiously.
"Yes, yes, my son. Come in, come in, bring the object, bring it close! Let me take a look, mmm-hmm, let me take a look... I'll figure out what this is in no time, mm-hmm. Don't you worry, mmm-hmm."
Ryu opened the packaging, leaving the sword laying open and exposed on the table. The priest took out thick glasses, gingerly lifted the sword, and began to tap it, whisper to it, and even sniff it as he turned the weapon over and over.
"Well, well, mmm-hmm. Seems like we have a bona fide magical weapon here, mmm-hmm. Not sure what type yet, mmm-hmm, but it seems to have quite the feisty inhabitant, mmm-hmm. To be quite honest, it seems powerful, in a foreboding sense. I think it has been used for evil in the past, or was made to do evil. Mmm-hmm."
"So you're telling me I have some sort of cursed sword, are you, priest? I don't want to be mislead. I want to know exactly what this thing does, how to use it, and what its effects on me will be. I don't like the idea of simply giving myself to some weapon with no knowledge. I have things to live for, goals... I can't be hindered by this weapon.
Ryu's thoughts flashed to his apprentice, Jude... His love interest, Mila... And his goal of equalizing the world. What was this weapon, and what would it bring to him?
|
|
|
|
Post by Evelyn Bradford on Jul 9, 2015 8:22:22 GMT -6
Evelyn had been very careful today, moreso than usual. While she had managed to convince her father to let her travel Elibe, at least for a little while, she hadn't managed to make the proper preparations just yet. After all the world was quite the dangerous place at the moment, and a young lady such as herself had to be twice as careful as usual. However, no matter where she was in Etruria, she felt quite safe...
Except for when practicing her magic.
She was away from any and all prying eyes, least as far as she could tell, as she practiced just as she used to with her mentor. Evelyn's eyes were closed in focus and her tome held it just in front of her: the incantation for the spell already memorized. She held a hand out and murmured the old words quietly, smirking just a bit as her gloved hand began to glow with black light. With a wave of her hand dark energy pulsed outward, controlled carefully by her. It was a simple spell, currently the only one she had mastered, but her control over it had grown to be quite impressive...if she did say so herself.
When Evelyn heard a voice speaking, however, she quickly opened her eyes and snapped her tome shut. The dark magic around her hand faded rather quickly and the strawberry blonde began to look around. It didn't seem like she was spotted, thankfully...but now she was curious. There was a good chance that anyone who bothered to come to the area she was in was some sort of thief or beggar, but it was in a place like this that she had met her mentor as well.
Her desire to investigate eventually overpowered any reservations she had. Evelyn walked around the corner from where she was practicing and saw an entrance to a monastery. Tch, how could she have been so careless? She had actually chosen to practice elder magic just outside of a monastery?
"That's careless, Evelyn. Mistakes like this come at far, far too great a cost..."
Still, it seemed as though she hadn't been spotted...which meant it wouldn't be all that strange for her to be around a monastery. After all he dear brother was a priest in the making, Evelyn could certainly bend the truth a bit as to why she was in the area if she got caught. Slipping her tome into the pocket of her cloak, Evelyn took a few curious steps into the monastery. The voices definitely came from within, and one voice in particular had that certain "clergyman" ring to it. A priest and who else?
Soon Evelyn caught sight of two men standing near a table. She tried to keep out of sight but not too hard. Any tale she weaved would be far less believable if she looked as though she was hiding, rather than simply keeping out of sight.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ryuzaki on Jul 9, 2015 9:36:15 GMT -6
"Well, it's not necessarily cursed, mmm-hmm. Just looks like it is filled with cursed energy, mmm-hmm. The ways of the Nether all lead to sin and ruin, my son. Mmm-hmm."
"So you mean that the weapon isn't cursed in the traditional sense, but cursed in the fact that it looks like it's filled with Nether magic?"
That was a much better alternative... A weapon filled with Elder magic. His father would smile upon him, from wherever he was now. What power did this mysterious sword possess - and how did one come to use the power? What could he do with such a sword?
"Well, yes, mmm-hmm. The vile energies of the Nether, mmm-hmm. The evil fiends' power suffuses this weapon. It reeks of evil and damnation. It might be best not to use the weapon, mmm-hmm, or if you must, to purge it first to exorcise the demonic spirits, mmm-hmm."
The assassin gave a short bark of laughter, then lowered his voice and spoke to the priest, his face in an expression of conviviality.
"You will help me to understand how this sword works. You will explain to me the secrets of harnessing its power. You will make it clear and concise, and you shall never try to worm my sword out from under me again, or I will carve you like a holiday turkey.
The priest gulped and slowly nodded, his jowls shaking slightly as he shivered at the thought of being carved like a bird.
"Yes... Yes, mmm-hmm. I will."
|
|
|
|
Post by Evelyn Bradford on Jul 9, 2015 16:59:17 GMT -6
A sword filled with Nether magic? Evelyn's interest only grew, but...at the same time the situation she was spying on seemed perilous. The voices got a great deal lower, so it became nigh impossible for Evelyn to make anything else out of the conversation. How did she investigate further? If the priest recognized her at all then rumors could spread. If she entered wearing a hood, well...that was too suspicious.
Not to mention she had no idea who these two were in the first place. She was savvy and confident around nobles she had been taught about by her father. Just about every aristocrat in Delfia had secrets, and the Bradford family was privy to at least half of them. That knowledge gave her power, leverage, over the other nobles even if she couldn't let them know about it. In this scenario she was completely in the dark. She had no idea who either of the two were or why the spoke of swords blessed, or cursed, with elder magic.
"Perhaps you're teetering on the edge of biting off more than you can chew, Evelyn..."
...Tch, really? Was that what she was thinking? She was Evelyn, Evelyn Bradford at that. How was she going to venture into Lycia with it's supposed hellspawn lurking about? Or to Bern with it's blazing rebellion? Evelyn even wanted to venture out to the Western Isles, pirates and all. There was so much she had to see and do, and all of those came with threats and dangers. Some false or over-exaggerated. Others very, very real.
Yet here she was, hesitating around a corner because of a thin man and a priest.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Father..." Evelyn called out, surprising even herself as she did so. Well, there was no turning back now. Evelyn made sure her expression showed hesitation. If she was going to lie then she had better do a damn good job. Luckily for her: she was born a natural and raised a professional. She stepped out into the open and took a couple of steps towards both men, "I'm afraid I've gotten a bit lost. I'm quite new to this city and I saw a monastery, so I thought I could turn to the church for some aid,"
Asking them outright about some magic sword would be lunacy, especially if they were clearly trying to keep their conversation hush-hush. Especially if it was a NETHER MAGIC sword and they were discussing it in a monastery. First she needed to establish why she was there, which she had just done. The rest would come as the men reacted to her.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ryuzaki on Jul 9, 2015 17:50:18 GMT -6
"So I would first say, mmm-hmm, that this sword is a bit picky, mmm-hmm. You will have to use it for quite a while before it becomes very powerful for you, mmm-hmm. Magical weapons in general have personalities, and they're like women. They hold grudges for a long time, mmm-hmm, and take as long as they can to give you what you want most."
Both the priest and the assassin chuckled briefly, and then the man continued, more at ease.
"To my eye, it looks like it was made a long time ago, and for use in combat. It has seen many years of use and disuse, which you can tell from the sharpening marks and the little bit of color that has tinged the part of the blade not sharpened. To be quite honest... It looks like it's very old. Perhaps dating back to that ancient, terrible time... The Scouring, mmm-hmm."
It was at that moment when a voice called out and a young woman walked into view. Instantly, Ryu's hand slipped down to Gemini, sliding the blade just a hair out of its sheath... And his other casually moved to touch the mysterious sword, in case it should be the target of thievery or other foul deeds.
"Nnnh."
He did not want interference, especially not now... And it was not like they could continue the conversation with this strawberry blonde hanging around.
"Oh, new? Well, you could seek a job at the tavern, or get yourself smashed there, or if it's a duel with a fine swordsman you want, I can provide that... Just give me a minute to finish up my business with Father Jorge, hmm?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Evelyn Bradford on Jul 9, 2015 19:00:38 GMT -6
Hm, some clergyman. If Evelyn hadn't already put on her "lost maiden" act she would have scowled at the priest's small joke. Though, in hindsight, she actually appreciated a priest that had a sense of humor. Or a sense of anything outside of Elimine. The priests that lived and breathed the teachings of the church at all hours of the day were so unnerving. She didn't understand how anyone could so heavily devote their life to just one belief. It was as if they weren't human.
Evelyn flinched a little bit as one of the men began to draw his sword. If he decided to attack her then and there even her magic wouldn't be enough to save her. The tome was tucked away and the incantation would take too long to utter. Even as he didn't seem to attack her or even fully draw his blade that fear lingered a bit, and Evelyn's pride was stung. She...should have anticipated that. After all they had been discussing a magic sword beforehand, one of them had to be swordsman. Or some odd collector. Still she kept her head cool and her act together before replying to the man. She had been making too many mistakes today, so she felt obligated to remedy it by accomplishing this goal.
"O-oh, no I'm not looking for work, or a duel, just...perhaps directions, a map of the town or even a guide," Evelyn bit her lip and nodded. She dared not stare for even a second, but she did in fact catch a glimpse of a peculiar sword. Even from here she could feel...something. Tch, her mentor would likely have been able to have detected the sword's energy from outside the monastery and then some. It took being this close for Evelyn to feel the presence of that magic.
"But yes, um, either way I'd be glad to let you finish your business with Father Jorge," It was too soon to press her luck in regards to questions about the magic sword. Even if they kicked her out until they finished their conversation she had at least managed to determine that what she overheard was true, and not only that they WERE talking about a magic sword, but that they had it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ryuzaki on Jul 9, 2015 22:25:55 GMT -6
"Twitchy, are we? Don't worry - if I wished you harm, it would have befallen you already. This is... merely defensive insurance."
The assassin looked over the woman briefly. No clear weapon bulges. She could not conceal a weapon, not in clothes like that... So...
"You are a spellcaster, then. Your hands, they did not move to betray any hidden sword... And I see no tell-tale weapon outlines on your figure. You are almost definitely a spellcaster, unless you are a martial artist - but in such attire, again, I doubt it. So you are a practitioner of magic. Most likely the magic of nature, for you don't seem to be an Elimine-worshipping fanatic. No offense to your brethren, Father... But you understand me."
"Indeed I do, mmm-hmm. Quite pious and devout, they are - mmm-hmm. But I? I prefer to have my pleasures now, and do my praying later. Mmm-hmm."
The priest chuckled, and Ryu took up the sword from the table, no longer trying to hide it. The girl was no threat - he could have killed her in an instant. So slow, and so open. Her defenses were down.
"One last question, Father. What is the name of this sword, if you will?"
"Hmm... Well... There is an inscription, mmm-hmm, but it's written in... the Forbidden Script, mmm-hmm. You are lucky I can translate that. It reads... Mmm-hmm... Something like this:
Shinryu, Fell Blade
Presented to
Vinh the Nabatan."
"Well, then. How... Intriguing. Vinh of Nabata. Some guy. Thank you, Father, for your assistance... It has been most invaluable."
"Oh, anytime, my son. Mmm-hmm. Thank you for the present, as well... I'll put it to good use, mmm-hmm."
No doubt he would. The assassin turned his attention to the woman, looking at her with piercing indigo eyes.
"Learn a lot?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Evelyn Bradford on Jul 9, 2015 23:03:27 GMT -6
Evelyn bit her lip. He was good, very perceptive. Then again the "Lost Maiden" act wasn't her finest, it paled in comparison to her "Fair Noble" at any rate. The man may not have figured out what magic she used or who she was, but he managed to figure out more than enough. Ah well, if you survive the death of your lies then honesty is the best policy. Her father taught her that, or something to that effect.
...Ah, but he has no proof of her actual motive for being in the area. Even if he does he can't quite prove it. Honesty can wait a little bit it seems.
"Well...I suppose I did. I must admit I did not expect a 'magical weapon' to be discussed in a monastery, but I'm just glad I found someone capable of helping me," Evelyn stated, allowing herself to relax a little bit. There was still a chance this man could turn on him at any moment and she doubted the priest would so much as lift a finger to stop him. She met his eyes with her own, and she took care to keep her expression one of humility and honesty. She wanted to satiate her curiosities and survive to enjoy it, after all.
"You're quite perceptive as well. I do practice magic," There was no way Evelyn was going to risk confirming that she studied nature magic. Again, she'd made enough mistakes already, it was time to pick up the slack.
"So, sir, would be so kind as to guide me through this town?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Ryuzaki on Jul 9, 2015 23:38:25 GMT -6
Caught. The lip-biting... A nervous habit. But what had she been doing? Spying? It was not like she could learn any damning evidence as to where the sword came from. So she was good... Unless she wanted to steal it and use it.
Ah, no. The admission. She was a practitioner of magic. So she must have just been overly curious. Good thing curiosity wasn't a deadly sin... Or she might have landed herself in trouble. Ah, well. Nothing to lose from being amiable. She was no threat, and she wasn't hard on the eyes, either. Seemed to have an idea of how to carry herself.
"I'm no spellcaster, and so I figured that to understand how to use a weapon, I might as well go to someone who knows magic. After all, there's nothing like experience to teach a few lessons, hmm?"
The assassin quickly reviewed his own experiences... The lessons he'd learned... The challenges... And so he barely caught the end of her request. Guide her through the town? To where? Was it a maze, or something?
Damn it, Ryu. Stop condescending. Perhaps she was easily distracted. Or lonely. Be kind, be kind...
"Certainly. It would be my pleasure to accompany you."
The assassin tossed Shinryu up, catching it and stowing it on his back in a casual manner, yet one lightly dusted with flair. Smiling winningly, he bowed low and then offered his arm, giving a courteous nod to Father Jorge as a farewell symbol.
"Any... particular place you'd wanted to go?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Evelyn Bradford on Jul 9, 2015 23:52:50 GMT -6
"A sound idea, truly," If he knew nothing of magic but came someone who does in order to use a magic sword then he was at least somewhat clever. Evelyn supposed only a complete buffoon would have the idea to wield such a weapon without so much as a clue as to how it operates or functions, let alone what magic is attached to it. Then again Evelyn knew very little about magical weapons herself. She hadn't gotten that far into her studies it seemed. Hm, she'd need to rectify that when she had the chance. "I myself have never gotten the opportunity to study a magical weapon, so I doubt I knew anymore than you did,"
It was becoming more and more clear that the swordsman was not going to kill her then and there, if at all. Even with that knowledge Evelyn couldn't help but blink as he took a bow and offered to accompany her. Hm, perhaps he had at least some courtesy in him. That was good: Evelyn was used to men who would act courteously to her. It made her feel like she was more in her element.
"You will? Oh thank you, kind sir, thank you," Relaxing fully and flashing a bright, grateful smile, Evelyn brought a finger to her chin in thought. "Hmm...well I suppose that tavern would be a good first stop. I might find someone I know there,"
Lord only knew she hoped she didn't. However she had already committed herself to the act of a lost young lady, even if she had been caught. Unless the man called her out on it then she had no reason to stop now. Yes, the tavern would be a good first stop...but how far could she push this swordsman? How long would he remain courteous for? She studied him a bit, and noted that his expression had hardly changed since she first laid eyes on him. Such a serious fellow...it wasn't too often Evelyn got the chance to push her luck with someone like him. Their reactions were usually quite amusing.
So Evelyn would continue to play the part of the lost girl, and she'd have fun with it too.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ryuzaki on Jul 10, 2015 0:06:57 GMT -6
"It's not too captivating, if this experience can tell you anything. It's just a sword with a purplish sheen. But the name is intriguing, actually. Shinryu. It sounds... weighty. But that is but the opinion of a swordsman, not a scholar."
And so the assassin began to blend, slowly shifting himself to reflect what he perceived in her. Manners, poise, and that indefatigable curiosity. How else to describe that searching way she peered at him? Indeed, she was trying to read him. It was a good thing he was hardcover, then.
"The tavern sounds like a wise choice. Undoubtedly there will be local news, all sorts of tidbits. And perhaps jobs, too - but you must forgive me. It's my background as a mercenary speaking. One must always have a job... For idle hands, while they might not do the Devil's work, surely do not earn coin."
The assassin lead the woman out. An interesting pair they made on the street - the courtly assassin, lean with flowing silver hair, his cloak professional black and his sword almost oozing that indigo sheen on his back. On his arm, the strawberry blonde, dressed to impress, and with those quick, searching eyes. But the heads did not linger pointed their way - the eyes slid by, and the assassin was grateful. He was quite loathe to attract extra attention.
When they arrived at the tavern, Ryu held the door wide, ushering her in before following. Unless she chanced to look back, she wouldn't see his eyes flash over the occupants of the watering hole, sizing each up in an instant and checking for danger.
|
|
|
|
Post by Evelyn Bradford on Jul 10, 2015 12:09:59 GMT -6
Evelyn gave this sword, Shinryu, another lookover and did notice that it had a purple sheen to it. That must have been due to the magic imbued in the blade. Interesting. Evelyn couldn't help but wonder if all magical weapons were similar in that they literally radiated power in some way.
Evelyn also learned a little about her chaperon. While she knew he was a swordsman of sorts, which he even admitted to when she first spoke to him, she wasn't certain if he was a mercenary or not. She supposed he looked...a bit less rugged than she would expected a mercenary to look. Admittedly a bit more handsome, too. Still she'd heard from fellow noble ladies that some mercenaries had a roguish charm even if they only stuck to "honest work", and she supposed he qualified for that as well.
Still...Evelyn would have great need of mercenaries during her travels. There was much of Elibe she had only seen through maps and the continent was, again, loaded with all manners of danger. Facing it all by herself would serve to be a rather quick way to die. Making a connection with a mercenary before she even left opened up some options for the future, so she'd do her best to leave a good impression on the man.
"And are you in need of work, sir mercenary?" Evelyn asked as she was led out of the monastery and through the town. While she hadn't been lost it was still a town she wasn't completely familiar with, so seeing a few unfamiliar sights was sort of refreshing. Especially after accomplishing her goal of learning about that magic sword. She supposed all that was really left now was to see it in battle, but she highly doubted that would happen today. Nether magic was generally frowned upon just about everywhere in Elibe: most so in Etruria. This went for swords that used nether magic, too.
If this mercenary was truly wise then he would avidly avoid having to draw that blade inside Etruria's borders.
It wasn't too long before Evelyn was led to the tavern. She gazed within the place as the mercenary opened the door for her and saw what she expected: a host of rowdy customers. Some were already very clearly drunk, and it took every bit of Evelyn's will power not to wrinkle her nose in distaste. Only once had she bothered to visit a tavern and she did not stay long. It appeared the commonfolk were quite loud and physical when they celebrated or even simply drank, at least compared to aristocrats at the parties she usually attended.
Taking a few steps inside the tavern Evelyn turned around to face the man. "Why thank you kindly, sir mercenary...say, would you mind sharing your name with me?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Ryuzaki on Jul 10, 2015 13:22:12 GMT -6
"Am I in need of work?"
Quite the forward woman. She had an air about her. The slight haughtiness he'd expect from a noble. She could be hiding quite a lot of secrets. He just didn't know. He would find more out - he'd wait and coax it out of her. Sooner or later, she'd slip... And then he'd learn what he needed to.
"A good mercenary is always searching for work. I am no exception. The only confounding factor for me is my skill - I am not the average mercenary. And while I am loath to boast without a way to verify my claims... Suffice it to say that I am one of the fastest, the most skillful, the most deadly. When I undertake a job, it is guaranteed to succeed.
Why? Have you a contract?"
If this woman truly wanted someone to fight for her, or guard, her, Ryu would do it... He could easily make quite a bit, doing protection for a little while. She was a magician, and he a swordsman - he could guard her from the axes of highwaymen, and make a killing off of her pockets - if they were as deep as she suggested.
"Ah, yes, my name. I am called Zak (OOC: long A). I would be surprised if you had heard of me, here in Etruria - I usually work in the dangerous zones of Bern, protecting cargo shipments or traveling merchants."
A solid cover story. Bern was dangerous, and trade protection was lucrative. Plus, there was slim chance of her wanting to go to Bern - a highbrow like her - and so he lied with impunity, smiling winningly.
"And you, ma'am? Might I have the honor of your name?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Evelyn Bradford on Jul 10, 2015 13:57:56 GMT -6
"Well well, no modesty here," Evelyn thought to herself in amusement. It seemed Zak thought quite highly of himself and his abilities. Then again she supposed the "humble mercenary" act wouldn't sell all that well. Most people expecting mercenaries to be dishonest anyway, so they might as well choose the best liars. Of course there was the chance that Zak truly was that skilled. He did happen to own a magic sword, if that meant anything, even if he didn't know much about it.
"I see. Well met then, Zak. And no, I've never heard your name before, as Bern is rather unfamiliar to me," Evelyn replied as she looked around for a table. When she found a vacant one she took a seat and gestured for him to do the same thing. She clasped her hands together gave Zak a smile, "As for a contract, well, I don't need one today, but I do believe I'll be requiring some hired swords in a few days time..."
Evelyn stopped herself, having realized that she had yet to give Zak her name. If she was thinking of hiring him then it would be rather silly for her to hide her name or use an alias. She'd just leave out her family name, to air on the side of caution."I'm terribly sorry, where are my manners? My name is Evelyn,"
"As I was saying...I will likely be hiring some mercenaries in a few days to help escort me through Lycia to Sacae. I'm going to be doing a fair bit of travelling across of Elibe really, and I hear the roads are as dangerous as ever,"
|
|
|
|
Post by Ryuzaki on Jul 10, 2015 15:31:59 GMT -6
"Mmm. It is good to meet you, Evelyn."
The 'mercenary' listened quietly and attentively as the woman spoke. She wanted protection to go through Lycia to Sacae, huh? He might be able to help with that. Mmm-hmm.
DAMMIT, RYU, DON'T PULL THAT CRAP!
The assassin shook his head, trying to forgive himself for the lapse in his attention. Any more like that, and soon he'd be babbling as badly as that priest. He couldn't afford to sound like a nitwit, especially not in front of a potential source of unlimited coin.
Wait, he hadn't said anything. What a relief.
"Unfortunately, I cannot accompany you all the way to Sacae... I too am heading to Lycia, though, for a very lucrative contract. I will be ending my travels in Ciaran; if you wish to engage my services, I will gladly travel with you until we arrive there. And I'm certain that I could find other mercenaries of high caliber in Ciaran to finish the journey with you.
I am quite adept in protection; I've been working in the trade for quite a few years. And I would gladly put my sword to the test against any man you can drum up; I know I will win. If you want a personal guard, a watchman, and someone who can handle officials, you have found a good man."
Ryu looked on. There was his 'profile' - undoubtedly it fit with what she needed. If she accepted, then all that was left was to haggle over prices. He was sure he could get a beautiful rate out of this one... He'd swim in silver and gold before long.
And if things went sour? He could be gone before she could say 'Zak.'
But dwelling on hypothetical negative scenarios was pointless. He had to assume the best - that she truly was a ridiculously naive traveler.
|
|
