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Post by reylan on May 28, 2011 18:34:27 GMT -6
Well, that was certainly courteous of him, Reylan thought as he heard the remark about his scent. He was traveling solitarily for quite a while without any means of hygiene, so naturally he would smell like a bandit's posterior.
Reylan nodded to Tirion, indicating that he would follow him to the inn his group was staying at for the evening. He was beginning to question himself about the responsibility of the group, considering how drunk Tirion's father seemed to be. Still, he couldn't afford to disappoint him by going back on his word. Besides, he could use the experience.
Gathering his belongings, Reylan took one last look at Tirion, who was busy talking to the other two men who were with him a few moments prior.
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Zeran
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Life's much easier when you have two coins to rub together. Good thing I have plenty!"
Posts: 14
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Post by Zeran on May 31, 2011 11:08:22 GMT -6
Zeran grinned at Tirion's comments, particularly the part about not being trusted as far the giant could throw him, which was a bit hilarious in his opinion, even joining him in his laughter when he commented on what was the fun in keeping it safe, to which was so very true. That was the very reason Zeran kept stealling, for good reasons, selfish reasons, or just plain bad reasons. Though he had to admit that he needed to cut back a bit or he would end up getting himself killed, such as how he almost was with Tirion.
Stopping laughing about the same time as Tirion, Zeran then turned to the gray haired man, who officially introduced himself, as well as giving another joke that Zeran laugh hartily at. But still...what kind of name is Sextimus...oh well... Grasping the man's hand, Zeran grinned in a happy-go-lucky kind of way, and responded in turn with, "Name's Zeran, Zeran Gurido. I'll try to do that for you, but I'm not making any promises," laughing again with the second comment.
Turning back towards Tirion, Zeran simply watched as he confronted yet another strange one, and this time, Zeran was able to get most of the story as to what was going on. Mullingard, a place where Tirion and his father were thrown out of to get rid of resistance or trouble as it sounded, and that there was going to be a siege. Though Zeran would have trouble there, it would eventually develop into a stage where he might need to find a hidden route into the city and gather information about the city's forces. Quite the idea if he thought so himself.
When the new recruit offered to introduce himself to Zeran and Sextimus, and Tirion opposed that on the count of first impressions, Zeran laughed and approached, just as Tirion turned to address them. "Yeah, I'll tag along. Nice to meet ya', soldier. Name's Zeran, and I'll just keep it at that." He might also find something in the Inn worth taking, though he would try to avoid anything of his comrades'.
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Post by reylan on May 31, 2011 16:16:03 GMT -6
OoC: Short post. My apologies. I'm a little busy right now. Hopefully, the posts following this one will be more detailed.
IC:
Reylan blinked as the man garbed in black approached him. He gave him his name, as well as a short yet friendly greeting. Apparently, he was named Zeran.
Reylan nodded at Zeran, introducing himself in response. "Well met. I'm Reylan, a cavalier from Ostia."
The black-garbed man seemed rather shady, as if mischief always seemed to find him. Still, that was the case with most Sacaean residents. Reylan took care in making sure his gaze wasn't too imposing, or too wary.
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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 Jun 3, 2011 15:03:34 GMT -6
OoC: I'm just going to assume that Tir and company made it back to the inn before Garnet did, for this post. We can meet up soon enough.
Garnet got in from his afternoon of shopping, and headed up to the room he and Elias shared in the inn. He wondered how long the others had stayed up the road, at the tavern, before coming back here. Now.... He was going to play with his new gear - I mean.... Study.... Hmm.... Inspect. That's good. ...Inspect his new gear until he found the best way to make it work.
He leaned Sunrise, his heavy iron two-hander in the corner, as well as his considerably slimmer and more worn single-handed sword. Now he had another piece of gear to add to the corner as well. He leaned the square shaped shield he'd picked up in the corner with his other weapons. The thing felt sturdy. Not only was the swordsman planning on using it like a small battering ram, but the corners on it would allow him to transfer some heavy blows to an enemy.
The coat, he realized was likely to be hot, with as heavy as it was. It would be difficult to cut through, true, but he'd still have it rough from the unfettered sacaen sun. It was no wonder that Sacaens wore such light armor.
Hmmm....
There was a little bit of jostling next door, and the red headed merc wondered if Tirion was about ready to go.
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Iorran (Tirion)
The "Before" years
[M:5]
Only united will we find salvation.
Posts: 88
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Post by Iorran (Tirion) on Jun 10, 2011 12:52:32 GMT -6
Hoisting his father up, Tirion plodded tot he door. He craned his neck and shouted back at Reylan.
"Ae, Reylan! If'n ye still want that bath, tell tha innkeep at tha Settin' Sun inn that yer there ta use one o' room three's bath tokens! I'll tell him about it ahead o' time." With that, the swordsman left the bar and crossed the dirt road of Bulgar to the inn. It was still being assaulted by rain and Tirion had to cover his father's head with his sleeve to keep the old drunk from waking up. If his old man were to awake from his alcohol-induced slumber, there would be no getting him back t sleep for some time. Normally, that wouldn't turn out to be a dilemma, but he needed his father there for the briefing that night.
The two entered the in with the sign resembling a setting sun and Tirion rapped on the counter. The same portly man from before emerged to greet him.
"There's gonna be a green haired man in armor askin' ta use one o' our bath tokens. He has me permission ta use it." the innkeep nodded and Tirion trekked up the stairs and into their room. He finally laid his lumox of a father on top of his bed and sighed.
"Sleep tight, da. We got a big journey ahead o' us." Tirion whispered as he left the room and shut the door, locking it afterwards. Thoughts of where his sister and Talia were flooded his mind as he left the musky inn. He hoped the two were doing alright. But he didn't have much time to fret over it. He had supplies and gear to stock up on. Tirion withdrew his purse full of gold. He had to wonder how his father came across so much. He was sure that a nomad tribe such as the Kutolah had no need for wealth in the form of currency. Perhaps that was a question for Aez later. Or even the Kutolah elder.
Time passed, Tirion wasn't sure how much, as he gathered supplies for the trip. Food rations here, rope and flint and tinder there. The rain had finally subsided as the sun began it's journey tot he other end of the sky. The swordsman had pretty much everything he needed by then so he took it upon himself to look at the armor and weapon dealers in town. He knew that he only needed Harflgar as a weapon, but he was interested in seeing the kinds of swords they sold in Bulgar. As it turned out, it wasn't a very impressive selection. Every rack he found that carried what he thought were swords on them were populated by thin bladed swords that looked more like play things than actual weapons. He decided to take a look at one, swinging it, trying to get a feel of the balance.
"Flimsy piece o'..." Tirion muttered to himself. The thing felt like it would break if he swung it too hard. Placing the unfortunately skinny weapon back in it's resting place, he scanned the shops for more suitable gear.
"Ae, there! That sword!" Tirion turned in the direction of the booming and raspy voice behind him. As it turned out, it belonged to a middle-aged man who seemed to have seen better days.
"I ain't sellin' me blade, Sir. Just..." Tirion was cut off by the man's sudden change in demeanor. He looked as though Tirion's eyes had just popped out of his head and began playing miniature fiddles. "'Lo? Sir?" The swordsman attempted to get the suddenly shocked man to come to.
"I'm. I'm sorry, but. Ye wouldn't happen ta be... from Mullingard, would ye?"Tirion stood bewildered by this man's question. How did he know of Mullingard? More over, he seemed to sport a Norric accent, even if it was a bit muddled.
"Er... aye. I am. How do ye know o' Mullingard?" The man grabbed Tirion by the arm and attempted to pull him someplace.
"Me boyo! I have somethin' ta show ye! If yer lookin' fer armor or weapons that don't look like toothpicks, I can help ye!" That was all Tirion needed to follow the man. He was led to a shop that, right off the bat, reminded Tirion of home. Smoke rose from a stone building behind the storefront and the shields hanging from the posts supporting the wooden awning were round and made of wood bound by iron. White symbols that would have no meaning to anyone other than a Norricman were painted on them. Leaf blade swords, much like Harflgar, were placed on racks next to halberds and Norric-made armor covered the store walls. Tirion was speechless and and a little teary eyed at the sight.
"How... where? What is all this? Where did you get it?" The middle aged man stood proud as he bellowed.
"I made 'em! Yer lookin' at fine Norric craft, me boyo!"
Tirion was dumbfounded by it all. This was against everything he had come to know about Mullingard. Not only did smiths never share their secrets with outsiders, but they never left the city either. Judging by the man's looks and accent, he was a Norricman, plain and simple. Tirion needed to find out about this man.
"I tell ye, man. It's a breath o' fine air ta see another Norricman in Bulgar. I was beginnin' ta think I'd be tha only one 'round here talkin' like this! Tha name's Seamus. Seamus Gioldan!"
"Aye. That's somethin' I want ta talk about, actually." Tirion looked at the multitude of chain and plate armor. It was almost as good as Cray's. In fact... the filligree on the armor was almost identical to Cray's work. "How did ye get here? A Norric smith outside o' Mullingard is unheard of. ye didn't..." Seamus responded quickly to Tirion's incoming question.
"O' course not! I take no apprentices. Just me here. O' course, not many want ta be me apprentice or even buy from here. They're all so fascinated with those flimsy excuses fer blades over there. Not ta mention all that leather. No one's interested in the finest armor an' weapons in tha world, apparently." Seamus stroked the long black beard on his face, the only fur on the man's head as the rest was completely bald. The wheels in Tirion's head began to turn as he continued, "As fer yer other question. I was kicked out. Nasty lot, the army over there. Particularly Halford. I'll never forget his bloody face. Did he ever get father than captain?"
It finally made sense. Or, at least it was about to. Tirion pressed once more.
"Aye. He's in control o' tha whole military now. Likely tha whole city. He had ye banished, didn't he?"
"Indeed he did. I refused ta let him walk in and just take me wares without payin' one day and he went and told his higher ups that I was dealin' ta Gaul soldiers. Like I could have possibly had time ta have done that with how many customers I was gettin' back then! Still, they believed him and had me exiled. So I found Bulgar and set up shop here. That was twenty long years ago." Tirion's eyes widened. Twenty years ago? Cray's initial master had mysteriously left around that time. The filigree, the beard... it all added up.
"You're that Seamus?! Me best friend Cray apprenticed under ye when he was a boy!"
"Cray? Cray... I think I remember him. He showed potential. How's he doin'?"
Tirion walked away from the armor to look Seamus in the eye. He was bound to run out of random fortunate events, but he figured why not roll with it?
"Well ye can find out yerself. Ye see, I'm workin' on a plan ta get back at old Halford. It just so happens that I was kicked out by him, too, and it's likely he's taken tha city by now. I have an army brewin', but I need a quartermaster o' sorts. Some one ta keep our things and possibly even make a profit off o' sellin' gear ta a great number o' soldiers. Plus, once we take back tha city, ye can set up shop there again." Tirion held out his arm, "What do ye say, Seamus?" The blacksmith took a moment to ponder the proposal. A smile then moved the corners of his beard up and he grasped Tirion's arm, shaking it firmly.
"I'll have me things packed by tomorrow. I have a wagon ye can use, too!"
"Fantastic! I'll meet ye at the gates tomorrow mornin'. First light."
Tirion calmly left the shop. the sun was nearly about to set.
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Post by reylan on Jun 10, 2011 17:05:29 GMT -6
Reylan followed Tirion out of the bar, his mind brimming with newfound anticipation. Rather than speak to the swordsman, he opted to simply follow behind him, leaving a small distance in between the two. He did this as a precautionary measure, a principle he had learned while training as a squire several years ago.
The dirt road outside the bar was now reduced to a mere mixture of mud and rock, the kind one would often see in a moist countryside rather than a bustling town. This was due to the rain that had afflicted the area earlier that day. It was not long before Reylan approached the inn, which was a modest dwelling at first glance.
Taking a moment to carefully examine his surroundings, Reylan noticed a sign bearing the inn's name, accented by a rather drab picture that resembled a setting sun. The building itself had a basic design, much like the ones found in assorted Lycian towns.
By the time Reylan had entered, Tirion had already disappeared up the adjacent staircase, his drunken father still draped over his shoulder.
The innkeep positioned behind the stone counter seemed to amend his posture as Reylan approached, as if he was in the presence of a national hero rather than a common soldier. He was a portly man, with an heir of dullness about him.
Before Reylan could utter his statement, the innkeep abruptly spoke. "Hey, you. Some ginger-haired man just told me that you were looking to use one of our bath tokens. He said to look for a green-haired man with armor.
Reylan studied the innkeep, evidently puzzled. This man was easier to understand than Tirion in terms of speech, but Reylan was still unfamiliar with his dialect. "Er, yes. I was actually hoping to get a room for the night, but I suppose I could use a quick wash-up. Hold on..."
Reylan had dug into his satchel, attempting to salvage a few gold coins. However, the innkeep stopped him with a wave of his pudgy hand. "Don't worry about payment. Just take the token and head down to the end of the hallway on your left. The washroom is there. Also, the room's free too. Room 3, in that same hallway."
Reylan nodded after a few moments, attempting to restrain a chuckle. "Oh. Well, thank you, in that case. It's much appreciated."
As the innkeep sent Reylan away with a sincere nod and a room key, the young cavalier felt himself tiredly slog over to the corridor's terminus, where a wooden door waited for him.
After some time passed, Reylan felt refreshed and newly rejuvenated, having washed himself in the quiet room, which had contained a wash basin and a few buckets of soapy water. He was now ready to retire for the night, the ailments of fatigue beginning to plague him once more.
Sighing, he entered his room with the key he had been given, then promptly flopped down onto his bed, shoving his armor into a vacant corner.
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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 Jun 12, 2011 20:46:38 GMT -6
The mercenary couldn't help himself. He'd just bought himself all this new gear, and despite how childish it might seem he wanted to put it into use. Not on people.... No, he'd be happy just to move around in it some. Besides, it would do him some good to get used to its feel.
Leaving most of his supplies right where they were, he took his time armoring up, and slapped his gear on. It felt good. Much different than the mere shirt and vest he'd been wearing since.... How long had it been?... Ah well. It'd do a lot for him in battle, at least.
Sliding his slim sword in its sheath, and hanging both the square shield and his two-hander from across his back, he headed outside, and stepped out the back door. It wouldn't take long to get a good feel for it. He'd just walk down the roads a bit, and then head on back.
Things started out smooth enough. The armor and coat didn't get in the way. The shield and the heavy blade across his back did, but that was something he'd learn to get around. Gradually, however, things changed. The swordsman started noticing a shadow following him. Always tailing him..... He tested his theory by taking a few roads off the main road, and still he was followed.
Not one to be caught unprepared, Garnet loosened the sword at his side in its sheath. He was reminded of the fact that, only a month or two before, someone in Etruria had placed a price on his head. He would have thought that leaving the country would have been a lean get away, but the group he'd angered were bound to have far reaching fingers. Perhaps even into Bulgar.
"Are you lost sir? Perhaps you'd like some company?" Garnet looked ahead of him and saw that the voice was coming from a dolled up woman wearing a rather slinky outfit. He was sure she was a prostitute.... Looking around again, he saw that he'd come to a rather secluded part of town. This could be a mistake. Being followed, and being in the empty part of town did not go together well.... And he wasn't looking for that sort of company.
"No thankyou, Madam... I should be going now." Garnet tried to rush past, but she stepped in front of him, and leaned in close, leaning on his chest, and looking up at him.
"Please stay."
Garnet took a step backwards, extricating himself from her, and made to continue, when he saw a shadow coming from behind him on the ground. Spinning quickly, he reached for his slim sword, only to find it gone. The woman had it! His gaze turned up to the hulking shadow approaching from behind at the same time that the large plank came whistling through the air, crashing into his skull.....
Blackness.
*Exits thread*
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Zeran
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Life's much easier when you have two coins to rub together. Good thing I have plenty!"
Posts: 14
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Post by Zeran on Jun 13, 2011 20:35:24 GMT -6
Following into the inn, Zeran didn't dwell on Tirion or Reylan's actions, more or less already tired from just entering the city and the commotion in the tavern. Hand up to his neck, the joints of the spinal column popping as he entered, looking around silently at his surroundings. Nothing real valuable to steal, plus he doubted that the people here were bad enough to steal from. Sighing, Zeran walked up to the counter after Reylan and promptly asked for a room near Tirion and Reylan. Nodding, the innkeeper announced the price, which was pretty cheap even by his standards. Tossing a few of the coins that Tirion had given him earlier onto the counter, Zeran walked up the staircase after Reylan and, finding his room, openned the door so that he would be seen when Tirion walked by, Zeran sat down on the bed and swung his scarf and overcoat off of his body to lay next to him, leaving his underarmor and his silver ring hung on a string around his neck visible, as he set his pack into his lap.
Openning it and rummaging through the contents, Zeran brought out some dried meat and fruit that he had bought a few towns back and the old magic tome that he had found back home. Chewing on the jerky as he held the tome in his free hand, Zeran read over the ancient book as he waited for Tirion to come along so that he could have a little discussion with him about what would happen while in their new location.
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Iorran (Tirion)
The "Before" years
[M:5]
Only united will we find salvation.
Posts: 88
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Post by Iorran (Tirion) on Jun 20, 2011 1:13:56 GMT -6
OoC: Time skip to sundown. Sorry to Tim and Elias, but we need to move this along.
Tirion finally had finished his shopping. With everything purchased and given to Seamus for storage, he went back to the tavern he had breakfast at. The sun was finally completing it's cycle and was nearly set as the giant neared the establishment.
All in all, it was a satisfying trip. Tirion recruited a good number of men to his cause. He really saw something in Garnet, to be specific. The swordsman leaned up against the wall of the tavern, using the newly lit torch outside the doors to find his pipe. He stuffed it with some leaves that Seamus was kind enough to give to him at a discount and lit them. One draught was enough for him to miss the sweetness of his beloved sableweed. Alas, it seemed his father took the last of it so he was forced to settle for central Sacaean blends. The flavor had no body compared to his home's exclusive crop. But, it was better than not having anything to smoke at all.
There he stood, smoking his long pipe and blowing smoke rings, thinking over what he was to say later that night. This was to be the groups final meeting before they retired for the night and headed out the next morning. The Norricman kept watch for his comrades approaching on the dimly lit streets of Bulgar.
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Velnn
The "Before" years
[M:0]
?I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday, and I love today." - Sage of Emporia
Posts: 10
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Post by Velnn on Jun 20, 2011 2:10:49 GMT -6
"Sunset already, huh?" Velnn's eyes drifted up towards the darkening sky, as his feet carried him into town. How many of these had the wanderer seen since he left home? The number was large, he could be sure, but the specific number, he could not be sure. Each day bled into the next, with no real reference, or concern, for past or future.
To say Velnn lived in the moment would be a grievous understatement, but it served him well enough so far, and he had no intention of fixing what wasn't broken. And what was in the moment then was a very large, fiery-haired man in a warrior's attire. "Evening, friend." Velnn greeted the stranger with a casual brotherhood, a light smile on his lips, "I hope the wind has been at your back?"
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Iorran (Tirion)
The "Before" years
[M:5]
Only united will we find salvation.
Posts: 88
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Post by Iorran (Tirion) on Jun 20, 2011 3:49:55 GMT -6
Tirion took notice of the young man. The swordsman had gotten used to random newcomers in Bulgar. A moment was taken as he exhaled the smoke that filled his lungs in the form of three ever widening smoke rings. The large Norricman looked at the man. He reminded him a bit of himself when he was younger. His eyes held a fire in them that he knew all to well and he could tell just by how he stood that he was no stranger to the blade.
"Can't complain. Me fortune seems ta be on tha up n' up today." Tirion hoped the young man wouldn't simply leave after that. He could always use more soldiers in his little army.
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Velnn
The "Before" years
[M:0]
?I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday, and I love today." - Sage of Emporia
Posts: 10
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Post by Velnn on Jun 20, 2011 13:15:13 GMT -6
"Mmm." Velnn replied noncommittally, about to continue on his way. ...hm. There were few who could say the mercenary was aware of his surroundings and keep a straight face, but he had at least been paying enough attention for this stranger's good fortune to pique his curiosity.
"Sounds like there's a story behind that." He commented, running his fingers through his hair. When did it get so long? Well, it had been a while since he left home... Velnn's focus returned as quickly as it had left. Looking up to meet the larger man's gaze, he leaned against the wall not too far away from where he was. "Do tell."
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Post by reylan on Jun 21, 2011 15:41:09 GMT -6
Although Reylan had collapsed onto his bed with the midset of taking a well-deserved nap, he decided against it. Yawning quietly, the young cavalier decided to waltz over to the room's only window and take a gander at the town below. One sight piqued his interest: Tirion was heading back towards the tavern. Intuition told Reylan that a good head of operations always had a plan in mind the night before the mission was to take place.
If Tirion knows what he's doing, Reylan thought as he back away, sighing, then he'll probably go over his plan tonight. I thought I saw him walking towards that tavern a moment ago. Might as well follow him, I guess.
With a grunt, Reylan gathered a few of his necessary belongings and filed over to the door, locking it after exiting the room. He headed past the portly innkeep, who gave him no notice as he walked by.
Upon busting out into the sunset-streaked town once more, Reylan swiftly made his way towards the tavern, occasionally turning his head or double-taking in hopes of glimpsing Tirion.
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Iorran (Tirion)
The "Before" years
[M:5]
Only united will we find salvation.
Posts: 88
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Post by Iorran (Tirion) on Jun 21, 2011 15:47:46 GMT -6
Tirion smiled a bit. A potential new recruit! And another swordsman to boot. That would make four if he could get him to join. The Norricman took a deep breath before telling his story again.
"Aye. T'is a tale o' heroism an' darin' sacrifices. In me home city o' Mullingard ta tha north, there resides a man by tha name o' Halford. T'aint tha good sort, this man. He controls tha armed forces of tha city an' has been wantin' ta control the city as a whole fer a long, long time." Tirion put his pipe to his lips and took a draught. The smoke made him flinch a bit. He still wasn't used to this new blend. Finally letting the smoke out, he continued.
"Me an' me da were tha only men ta openly contest the man. He banished the both o' us, thinkin' we were dead as well. Well we are most certainly not dead! So we're here recruitin' able soldiers ta help us take the city back. With us gone, he's no doubt made his move. I have a small army waitin' o' Kutolah warriors, I have a small group amassed here, and I'm sure me best friend back in Mullingard is doin' somethin' in tha way o' formin' an army if halford really is makin' his move, now."
Tirion pushed himself off of the wall and turned to face the young man.
"So, think ye might want a hand in a city's freedom? I can pay ye if ye want, but not until after tha job is done. Most o' the pay will be in Halford's personal wealth."
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Velnn
The "Before" years
[M:0]
?I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday, and I love today." - Sage of Emporia
Posts: 10
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Post by Velnn on Jun 21, 2011 16:45:59 GMT -6
Velnn listened to the larger man's story, saying nothing until he was finished, and then deliberated for a moment longer, looking down and rubbing his chin. "A military coup, huh?" He lightly squeezed the hilt of his blade, looking down at it. The young wanderer hadn't intended to get much use out of his sword, but if all was as he said...
His eyes lifted, and met the fiery-haired stranger's. He looked at him, somewhere between thoughtful and appraising. "I'm in no hurry to spill blood, especially not Sacean," He spoke plainly, "But this doesn't sound like the sort of thing I can just ignore."
"What will you do once you succeed?" When was the last time Velnn had put this much thought into something? He really couldn't remember. "And what will become of the city once you've retaken it?"
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