Burt
Fighter
DEAD
Posts: 82
Sacae Fame: -2
Profession: Arum Thrall
OoC Alias: Burtorega
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Post by Burt on Aug 8, 2014 22:36:37 GMT -6
The group burst into frantic panic as they looked upon Burt wound. Burt could not lie the wound was deadly deep, but he did not think it was worth so much fuss. They had a healer right, he could heal anything. Burt's faith however started to wain when he saw Liror face. The young lad looked at the wound almost as if he was looking at a severed man's head. Burt knew that look well. Maybe his little stunt was not a good idea. Still he had to be strong. Not just for himself, but for the others as well.
"D...Don't worry Liror", spoke Burt as he pulled the blade out. Blood began to pour out as Liror began to do his work with his staff. "Don't pressure yourself. Just take it easy", spoke the fighter in a shaky voice. For a bit there Burt was not sure he was going to make it. However the priest pulled through and ended up saving the burly man's life.
"Thanks a lot Liror", he spoke, but as he spoke the priest passed out. "Whoa", spoke Burt as he grabbed him before he hit the ground. "We can't have you hitting your head now", spoke Burt. It seemed he ran out of magical power. Thankfully enough though he was able to heal Burt's wound before that happen. "Well it looks like we made it", spoke Burt as he looked at Vin. "Though I have to admit it was a close call", he spoke.
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Post by Vincent on Aug 8, 2014 23:01:28 GMT -6
"It was. But the group will be no more and the people will be safer now." Thank goodness it was over. Vincent's legs shook terribly. Looking down at his hands he could see blood. It was not his own but rather the leader's blood. Now that all was calm the reality of his actions had become apparent to him. "I killed him," he muttered. He realized this would in time be the first of many.
He shook his head. He had to do it. He would have killed Liror if he didn't. But what if they tried to talk to them first? What if words could have solved the problem before bloodshed. No, that never would have worked, he saw what they did to a poor old man. But this mentality caused wars as well.
He never even saw the man's face. He had been a leader among soldiers, his garb and history made that clear, and yet he came running up and stabbed him from behind, ending him without a fight. A fight he could not have won. He should not have been a survivor in this battle. None of them should have. Burt was the only one with clear experience. In fact, he was almost terrifyingly strong.
"How, how do you do it... I mean... well... kill, so... easily?"
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Burt
Fighter
DEAD
Posts: 82
Sacae Fame: -2
Profession: Arum Thrall
OoC Alias: Burtorega
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Post by Burt on Aug 10, 2014 15:28:08 GMT -6
"How do I kill so easily", spoke Burt in a questioning tone. The fighter gave the young swordsman a look of concern and then picked up the young Liror and put him over his shoulder. "That is a topic for the road", spoke Burt. "It is not something that could be said so easily. We need to get what we can get and get back to the merchant before the others return. We won this time barely and that was half their number. On the way back I will answer your question", spoke the fighter as he began to walk toward the location where he thought the bandits had store the goods.
Burt was not going to be able to carry much with Liror on his shoulder, and to be truthful he really did not like the way he was carrying the young man. Liror did just save his life and here Burt was tossing him on his shoulder like a sack of flower. However it could not be helped. Burt still needed to carry some stuff back and he could not leave Liror behind. Trying to wake him up was a option, but Burt thought it might be unwise. He fainted because of magic over use. His body was probably going through some weird magical healing or something like that. Burt had no idea how it worked really, but he did not want to risk threatening the boy's health. Though he was carrying him like a sack of potatoes. Well the boy would be fine.
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Post by Vincent on Aug 10, 2014 15:59:26 GMT -6
"Right," Vincent said quietly. Vincent followed behind Burt, his feet dragging. A topic for the road huh? He assumed he wouldn't be hearing this tale or wisdom in full. He had already decided he could not travel with the two men. If they desired company it would be wrong of him and he knew it, but he couldn't let others keep saving him and doing everything for him. He needed to be alone until Ilia at the least. Then he could think about long term partnerships.
In a clearing behind a tick patch of trees they found the bandits' hoard of treasures they ransacked that same day. "They stole this much in just one day?" If nothing else could be said Vincent had to admit the riders were efficient. Looking at the treasures he noticed a multitude of chests of gold and silver. There was fine clothing with dyes and trinkets of fine craftsmanship. "These things are incredible." There was no way they could take all of it. Not even with a cart. That was when something caught Vincent's eye. It was the charred skeletal remains of a man holding a blade with a darkened blade with a pommel inlaid with gold and jewels.
Recalling what the captain had said this was the member that burned alive. Vincent felt a strange attraction to the sword. His feet moving almost on their own. He could see an odd thrumming of light in the blade pulsating. He stood a mere three feet away when his senses returned to him. "What?" That was odd, he thought. It was like a trance of sorts. Suddenly he could hear a voice in his head.
"Boy, if ye be worthy of my aid take hold of my handle and hold me high. I am Phoenix Heart, a blade born of a meteor and nullifier of power. If ye be worthy my power is yours, if ye be weak of spirit, will, and strength then the flames will purify you. Come." The voice faded from Vincent's mind and he was left to stare in awe. He turned and looked to Burt. Little did he know a similar message was given to him as well.
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Burt
Fighter
DEAD
Posts: 82
Sacae Fame: -2
Profession: Arum Thrall
OoC Alias: Burtorega
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Post by Burt on Aug 11, 2014 14:38:35 GMT -6
"Lets see", spoke Burt as he stared at the bandits treasure horde. There was no way they could take it all, but that also meant the bandits could not either. Burt decided he would take the most valuable of the bandits treasure and return it to the merchant and then notify the town guard. With any luck they can recover most of the goods and return it to the robbed people. As Burt scanned over the weapons he noticed a axe that grabbed his attention. The burly man stepped over the treasure and grabbed the shaft. Immediately the weapon started to speak to him. Unlike Vin however Burt was frighten by the weapon. The fighter immediately dropped it as soon as the words appeared in his head.
"What manner of sorcery", spoke Burt as he looked up to see Vin holding one. Vin seemed to be almost in a trance. Burt feared for the young warriors life, but suddenly the color returned to his eyes and Vin seemed back to normal. "These weapons are not normal", spoke Burt as grabbed a nearby bag and picked the axe up using his axe as a hook. He placed the axe and the other weapons into the bag and tied it shut. "Vin are you alright", asked Burt as he grabbed the bag with his one free arm." Burt could feel the power radiating from the weapons in the bag. He knew they were special and held great power and that leaving them in the hands of the bandits was not a good idea. However he was not sure if he wanted to hold one of these himself. Burt was cautions when it came to magic. Still it was better to take them with them than to simply leave them lying about.
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Post by Vincent on Aug 11, 2014 19:42:29 GMT -6
"These weapons are not normal," Burt spoke in concern.
"Most definitely not normal," Vincent replied. Taking the sword by the hilt he held it high just as the blade had commanded him.
"So you seek my strength." Suddenly Vincent's mind reeled and reality faded as he saw all of his memories flashing before him. Even ones long forgotten in the depths of childhood and dreams. So many failing moments. So much weakness. He couldn't possibly be worthy of this blade.
"Phoenix Heart," he spoke in his head. "I am unworthy of being your master but in time I hope to prove myself to you and to myself. Please, hold off your judgement until then."
The images stopped and he saw himself in a room with himself only and a voice. "I do not favor the strong. I do not favor the weak. I do favor those that will not quit. Those with the will to rise after every fall. After every hit. Those that will not yield to failure. Your history does not reflect upon your virtues well boy, and yet you ask me to hold off my judgement? My kin finds an interest in your large friend. He is one that will never yield. He proved that today. Yet he and Phoenix Wing harbor no trust in each other and instead fear. He is far more worthy."
"I know. But, I am changing myself. I have learned so much and I have found a purpose."
"Oh?"
"I must find and aid my friend. To that end I will not quit. I will be reunited and we will become mercenaries."
"I fear you do not understand yet. But you are on the right path. I will withhold my judgement but be warned I have not accepted you yet."
Vincent suddenly say the world come back into view an he was laying on the ground in the grass. The sword was beside him in its sheath. It was a vibrant red with black triangles that alternated their facing along the length.
"Uh, Burt? You still here?" He asked sitting up.
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Burt
Fighter
DEAD
Posts: 82
Sacae Fame: -2
Profession: Arum Thrall
OoC Alias: Burtorega
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Post by Burt on Aug 21, 2014 10:12:13 GMT -6
"Me", spoke Burt with some confusion. "I should be asking you that Vin", spoke Burt as he looked over the young swordsmen. "Your the one who blanked out for a minute." Burt looked at the bag of weapons unsteadily. He was not sure what to make of them. He knew they were powerful and they had some kind of magic too them, but he did not know what it was, nor did he want to try it out for himself, or at least at the moment.
"Hey Vin, I think we should head back", spoke Burt as he rebalanced Liror on his shoulder. "Come on I can answer your question on the way back to town", spoke Burt as he began to walk off.
"You ask me how I kill so easily", spoke Burt as he walked. "Well it gets easier after the first time", spoke Burt as he walked forward. "I am not sure if that is a good thing, or a bad one. Once you kill your first man the second becomes easier. Then the third, the fifth, and by the time you reach my age killing will come second nature to you. You don't even think about it. You just swing your weapon and look at the results. I guess in my eyes people who I fight are not people at all. They are targets and you hit your targets and keep moving."
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Post by Vincent on Aug 21, 2014 12:38:20 GMT -6
Vincent stood and strapped the sword to his back. He dared not to try and wield it yet but it felt good. As the walked back Liror almost looked peaceful in his sleep. At the very least that was the impression Vincent had.
As Burt spoke of killing Vincent couldn't help but think it was horrible. Had Burt killed that many people? Would he come to do the same? It was a sickening thought. He had a hard enough time killing animals on the farm.
Vincent sighed. This was the life he was leading into. He agreed to become a mercenary. But it wasn't like he did it on his own was it? His left for his friend and even then at his mothers urging. The adventure though has been like no other. It made him enjoy his decision and today he was rewarded for the first time. With a sword worthy of a hero no less.
"Do you regret killing? Or are you numb to it?"
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Burt
Fighter
DEAD
Posts: 82
Sacae Fame: -2
Profession: Arum Thrall
OoC Alias: Burtorega
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Post by Burt on Aug 22, 2014 16:10:36 GMT -6
"Regret", spoke Burt as he walked. "No, I don't regret anybody I have ever killed. Well at least now I don't. I did when I killed for the first time, but after a while I came to terms with it. One thing I can say is I have never killed anybody who was innocent. Not many people can say that with pride. Everyman I have ever slain has come at me with a blade or a axe. Each one deserved their end in some way. However to answer the latter end of your question it is numb. I don't feel anything when I kill them. Well except for the slight rush of anger.", spoke Burt.
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Post by Vincent on Aug 22, 2014 17:03:58 GMT -6
"Anger... I did feel it too. I was angry at what they did to an innocent old man. I was angry to know they were deserters. I was... Angry they tried to kill Liror when all he wanted to do was help others and heal them." But was it a righteous anger? Or was it disgust and loathing. He didn't want to kill for a wrong reason. "Saving Liror was right but. I had the advantage. I could have disarmed him or... Something else but no. I went for a killing blow. It wasn't about saving a friend. I just wanted to see them suffer."
He felt like he was going to crack. What was wrong with him? No one would have questioned his action and many would congratulate him even. He wiped his eyes. He felt like a monster. No I'm not a monster! He told himself. He had no idea how much of the inner turmoil Burt could see in him but perhaps he could relate.
Vincent looked to the sky. "I don't want to kill in anger again. I... I'm not the right kind of person to be a mercenary. I don't have a reason to fight. I just need to find my friend."
Unknown to him it would be a long time before he truly discovered his reason but his road to being a mercenary was already set. He wasn't going to be able to turn back. The town was in sight now, all they had to do was deliver the stolen goods.
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Burt
Fighter
DEAD
Posts: 82
Sacae Fame: -2
Profession: Arum Thrall
OoC Alias: Burtorega
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Post by Burt on Aug 22, 2014 22:17:07 GMT -6
Burt looked at Vin for a moment and then open his mouth to speak. "Never regret", spoke Burt with a serious expression on his face. 'You did what you had to do when you were facing those bandits. You killed him because he was going to kill you. The moment you start second thinking your decisions you create a weakness that can be exploited later. I understand you don't like your reason for doing it, but you made the right choice. If you not had killed him then I would probably have been killed, or worse all of us would have. There is no sin in killing a killer. Plus if you had not killed him I would have done so myself. Even if he did not have a weapon", spoke Burt.
Burt looked forward at the town and re centered Liror on his shoulder. They were almost there and he could give the boy a proper bed. "Those men were murders", spoke Burt. "They deserve whatever fate that was brought upon them. Your suppose to delight in seeing their demise. Well at least that is what I believe. Who you kill and who you chose to not kill is part of your own personal honor", spoke the fighter. "I can't tell you what your honor is, but I can give you a warning. Never regret, the moment you start too is the moment you become weak. Make your decisions before hand and stick too it."
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Post by Vincent on Aug 22, 2014 22:32:06 GMT -6
Vincent listened to the giant speak. 'Never regret, kill or be killed.' He didn't know if he could buy into that sort of talk. He sighed, this was the wisdom of his elder warrior. He knew he had to take it to heart. 'Decide before hand and stick to it.' That is much easier said than done. Vincent shook his head, he just didn't know. If he was to continue walking this path however then by all means he would need to harden his resolve and will. But...
Suddenly breaking from his thoughts he found them at the old man's shop. When did they get into the town? Had he really been so lost in thought?
"Oh dear." The old man saw the three walking in and asked about Liror's condition. Vincent stood in the doorway hesitating. This was the time he should part ways with the others. Something told him to go now. To run, and keep running. He needed time alone to clear his head and being on the road again would help tremendously. He sighed and walked all the way in. At the very least he owed them a proper goodbye and a report on how the job went. I owe Burt and Liror a lot. They all saved each other and made a solid team. He liked the both of them.
The old man looked at what they brought back and sighed. "Not nearly all of it but it is far more than I could have hoped. I thank you lads from the bottom of my heart." He looked at the weaponry Burt had secured in a bag. "These... three? Where is the- I see." He smiled. "I think you ought to find them a master to wield them."
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Burt
Fighter
DEAD
Posts: 82
Sacae Fame: -2
Profession: Arum Thrall
OoC Alias: Burtorega
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Post by Burt on Aug 23, 2014 9:53:11 GMT -6
"About these weapons", spoke Burt as he placed the priest on a nice bed. "There is something strange about them. Something that is not normal. Do you mind me asking where did you get these? I have held and fought with many weapons in my time and I have never seen anything quite like these. They are not normal. When I touched the axe it was almost as if it was speaking to me. The sensation was.... magical", spoke Burt with a concern expression.
"When I first touched the weapon I heard a voice inside of my head. I immediately dropped the thing so it did not have long to speak, but I worried if they might be cursed or something. Weapons don't usually talk to their wielder. It is usually the other way around and the conversation is most of the time meaningless."
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Post by Vincent on Aug 23, 2014 12:09:24 GMT -6
"This world is full of mystery and wonder. These weapons are are among them." He gently lifted out Phoenix Wing and looked it over. "Hmm, yes, yes. This one wants you to take it. It believes in time you will be worthy if it." He urged the axe over to him.
"But as to your question, hmm. I came into possession of these four when a noblemans son tried to wield that blade and combusted into flames." He pointed at the sword on Vincent's back. "It seems all the nobles want to be heroes. The thing is that this world is full of so much more magic than anyone gives credit to. These masterpieces for example each house a spirit imbued long ago. They will not break and nullify magic. But only if they deem you worthy will they lend themselves to you. No curses just ancient magic and spirits at work."
Vincent listened intently. He was glad he hadn't left yet. This was all very interesting knowledge.
"After his son died he didn't dare to use it and gave it away. He had been a collector and I have no idea how but he came into possession of all four. I was there at the time and literally had them thrust into my arms. They spoke to me as well and I knew I needed to find them their wielders,"
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Burt
Fighter
DEAD
Posts: 82
Sacae Fame: -2
Profession: Arum Thrall
OoC Alias: Burtorega
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Post by Burt on Aug 26, 2014 12:14:18 GMT -6
"I see", spoke Burt as he looked at the axe. The fighter finaly summed up the courage to picked up the axe. Like Vin he had a vision and the weapon spoke to him. "Am I worthy", spoke But out loud as he looked at the weapon. "Hey old man", spoke Burt as he looked at the merchant. It was one of the few times Burt had dropped pleasantries and was beginning to speak plainly. You don't mind if I keep this do you", asked Burt as he looked at the axe.
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