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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2017 18:01:27 GMT -6
Ever since the local banditry came into power over most of the territory things have taken an odd turn. The official lordships face dire straits and gangs of bandits lay claims to villages, towns, anything they can call their own really. The town Henso walked into this day was one such town and in its own ways it prospered in its suffering. The leadership of bandits was cruel and yet they were using their presence to ensure what they believed best for the town would come to be.
As Henso stepped into the gates he was stopped by a pair of large and burly men. "Hey there cutie, if you want to enter you need to pay the toll. 5 pieces will do it."
Cutie? Henso's brows furrowed in discontent, "And if I do not wish to pay the toll? What then?" He replied curtly.
"Well... I think we could come to some sort of an agreement on the matter." The second bandit cooed as his eyes looked Henso over from top to bottom and back up.
"Ah... you do know I am a man don't you?" He was quite used to this sort of treatment but typically the moment he revealed that fact they would back down... though not always.
"Wait, what? You're a man?" The guard asked in utter disbelief. "Are you sure?" The words went from shock to doubt rather rapidly.
Henso groaned in disbelief. "Look, I need into the town and I don't want to pay you. Nor do I desire to use my... well... anyway, perhaps my blade may be of service to you? After all... I AM HENSO THE FLASHING BLADE!!!" Henso went into an uproarious laughter! "I am certain that my reputation will speak for itself, no?"
"Uhh, well, no. We have no idea who you are." The bandits exchanged looks and shrugs. "Alright, you want to fight for us... or something maybe there is a way you can help us out."
"Oh? Do tell me more you beautiful bastards."
"What!?"
"SORRY! That came out a bit worse than I had intended it to. I mean no offense. And I am sure your mothers were wonderful women!" Henso offered a wide toothy smile of nervousness. "Well, lead on to our destinies and jobs my good men!"
The guards glared and groaned but soon they had decided on which of them would stay behind and who would lead the strange swordsman on.
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Post by Delthia on Nov 15, 2017 19:09:48 GMT -6
Oh how Delthia loved times of unrest. Rebellions, mutinies... All great ways to gain if you know how to play your cards right. It could be as simple as stealing and pillaging while no one is there to uphold the law or it could be as complex as taking down whatever side to earn the favors of those you helped. Anyways, when she heard of the bandit problems happening in Caelin, she knew that there'd be a way for her to make some quick money and probably even more if she sided with the right person. Eleanor and Josephine were busy with their own things which she really didn't mind, she was well capable of taking care of herself.
As she started travelling deeper into the region, she noticed how most of the territory wasn't even being ruled anymore, simply thugs and bandits controlling the villagers. Not that big a difference from being controlled by a lord, but still, way more potential for chaos when the ones calling the shots only do what they want an don't answer to any kind of government (aaah anarchy).
During her travels, she had stumbled upon some less than friendly individuals which she had to quickly dispatch of. Now, the great thing was that it had accidentally gotten her the good grace of whoever the enemy of those bandits were! Apparently they were led by a couple, she only remembered the name Crusty... Because honestly how do you forget a name like that? The people she had met quickly brought her to the village they were currently controlling and offered her a place to rest. They told her she'd be able to talk to their leader the next day. Delthia was definitely interested in this whole bandit rivalry so she decided to play along for now...
(...)
Hanging around the village, she was no longer wearing her armor, opting for a simple white shirt. She did keep her axe on her belt. If anything went bad with these thugs, at least she'd be able to defend herself.
She heard what seemed to be a young boy shouting... Turning towards the shouting, she saw what probably was the most adorable young man she had ever seen. He looked so small next to those other two bandits! If not for his obviously masculine name, she could've thought him to be a "her". He was also quite adorable with the way he talked to them. If it turned out that they'd be working together... Well let's just it'll a lot less boring with somebody to tease.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2017 20:46:59 GMT -6
Henso beamed in delight as his quick talking got him back into the village so easily, and a job to boot. This was turning out to be a rather splendid day now was it not? As the bandits peeled off and urged Henso to follow he did so closely. The only indication he offered he was more than just some kid was the hand he kept near his hilt at all times. Even being given a job he was ready for betrayal at pin drop.
The bandit did not lead Henso directly to Crusty but instead made the diversion to see this Delthea woman. There was a certain and apparent unease in the bandit's face as he did so. The woman did not sit right with him, it was like she was different, somehow above them and a predator just waiting to strike and plunge her fangs into the nearest victim. Of course these feelings did not change how he would address her any. "Hey woman!" He opened. "If you wanna work for da boss then this 'ere is gonna by your partner." Silence. "Introduce yaself."
Henso paused, "Oh right." He cleared his throat and began a well practiced introduction to Delthea. "I am Henso the Flashing Blade! Son of the Sun and Orokana of the Kyogi!" he moved into a flourish of a greeting bow before continuing, "I eagerly await our time together and pray that it should prove most fruitful to both of our endeavors whatever that may be." He offered a soft smile.
"Yyyyyeah." The bandit was disinterested.
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Post by Delthia on Nov 18, 2017 20:04:40 GMT -6
Well... He was certainly happy to get hired. Watching him, Delthia kept getting reminded of young boys playing heroes and bandits back in her old village. He certainly gave off that sort of childlike innocence... Question was whether or not it was an act or if he was truly this loony.
As the thug approached her with the boy right behind, she quickly noticed the look in the brigand's eyes... Fear. No two ways about it. She could smell the stench of nervousness reeking off the oafish man. As he spoke to her in a tone that would've normally quickly preceded a show of discipline if she wasn't out of her armor and right in the middle of a potentially hostile camp, her face turned into what could only be described as a grin of someone bidding his time, knowing that soon he'd regret addressing her this way. Maybe if things played in her favor she'd even be able to make him grovel and beg for forgiveness? Who knew really? Though she did imagine how satisfying taking the axe on her belt to chop his legs off would feel right about now.
Sadly though, she had to be "nice" and play along. The cute boy presented himself to her with some of the flashiest stuff she had seen in months. Without his sword, she almost thought him to be a jester, not a mercenary. Welll... Maybe he had just stolen the sword off somebody else, that could also be just as true. Deciding that it didn't really matter anyways, she replied:
"You're gonna have to do more than just pretty words to get me on your good side sweetie. But I guess I can at least appreciate the gesture. Name's Delthia."
She turned to the bandit. "Let's not wait anymore time. I wanna meet your leader as soon as possible."She made her neck crack by stretching it. Right now she was ready to do business.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2017 11:06:46 GMT -6
"Why of course, your words speak you to be a warrior in true!" Henso spoke with a loud inflection as he complimented Delthia's comment. He approved of her skepticism and caution as it were. "But you may believe in me when I say that you will not find me or my blade wanting." He smiled a wicked grin as he patted his hilt with a satisfying clink.
The bandit guide on the other hand was far less amused by everything. "Yeah, yeah, I'll take you both to the boss but uh... I feel the need to warn you both about it. He isn't in the best sorts right now."
"When is a bandit lord ever in the best of sorts? Ah?" Henso asked the question as though it were a jest, followed by an affirmation. The bandit did not seem to appreciate it.
"You'll understand soon enough, now come on already." He was an impatient and huffy sort. He lead them through the village, as he did the citizens parted for them, never allowing themselves to be an inconvenience.
"It would appear that these villagers have a strong grasp on the pecking order around here, wouldn't it?" Was henso asking a question? Or simply musing aloud, either way, the guide responded.
"Yes. They know full well what happens if they get on our bad side. We'll take their fingers or worse. Any sort of rebellious attitudes they once had have long been extinguished. I remember taking my first finger, by the gods the screams were ethereal." The bandit's eyes seemed to gloss over as he was lost in a most pleasant memory, like one witnessing a waking dream.
Henso said nothing in return but his face turned still and stoic with one hand ever on the hilt of his blade. The three of them would soon arrive to a large manor, clearly where the boss was holding up. The bandit spoke briefly with the guards outside and they were in. Outside of the main room he stopped just short of opening the door and sighed. "Alright, the boss is just beyond this door but... eh... yeah."
As the bandit lead them into the room the boss was sitting sideways in a large throne-like chair with legs resting over the armrest. "Uwaaaaahhhhhh!!!! My love!!!" He whimpered and sobbed. That was not what Henso had imagined.
"Boss, I bring you some men that have offered their services."
"Aaaarrrrgh! What does it matter!? I don't care! Just give them some work!" The boss was furious to have been bothered in his grief.
"Yes sir!" The bandit quickly turned to usher the pair out.
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Post by Delthia on Nov 22, 2017 21:34:09 GMT -6
She simply rolled her eyes ever so slightly to Henso's over exaggerated theatrics, simply turning to the brute and following in his step, looking around at the scared villagers instinctively moving out of their ways, it felt good to be feared like this.
As the man went on about their boss's apparent bad mood, Delthia raised an eyebrow. "Seriously, you guys are controlling an entire village and things are going bad enough for him that you had to warn me about it? What, did somebody steal his knickers?" She said that more of in a irritated sarcasm than a funny one. She preferred when leaders had their heads on straight. Showing weakness to your men was a stupid thing to do.
As Henso also noticed the villagers' efforts to stay away from them, the bandit then explained how they were apparently good at scaring them into obeying: "Fingers huh? Only that? Well well, these people sure seem like some weak-willed pansies. I've seen street urchins with more courage than that." Ok yeah she was probably exaggerating only a little, getting your finger cut off definitely didn't sound pleasant, but for it to be able to make an entire village stay in line was something. Guess they probably use the right mix of fear and intimidation also...
They finally reached the mansion. It looked nice. Reckon that if anyplace would house the boss, it'd be this one. However what she expected inside, even despite the man's warning, was completely different from reality. The man inside looked like a quivering mess of emotions, even more pathetic than a young woman in heartbreak. One thing was for sure, she was NOT pleased to see this, not one bit.
As the "leader" (she honestly didn't feel like that title was adequate anymore) shouted for the man to make them leave. She quickly turned to face the lackey and put her hand out in a sign for him to stop. Even if he tried to force her physically, she was stil going to say her piece: "What is this?!? I came here to talk to the leader of this gang, not a teenage girl crying about her breakup."
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2017 9:17:19 GMT -6
"What is this?!? I came here to talk to the leader of this gang, not a teenage girl crying about her breakup."
Those words, those words were fighting words. The bandit that had been escorting the pair froze up completely, eyes wide as he looked on at this fool woman with her death wish. He had to do something! Smack her? Cut her down right away for her disrespect? His mind went into a complete panic before his mouth blurted, "You can't speak to the boss like that! I'll have your tongue!"
"Try it baldy!" Henso's blade was halfway out of its scabbard and he himself had already stepped to the bandit's rear. The bandit froze knowing he was had if he did something and so he looked to his boss.
Crusty's lips pursed and his cheeks puffed at such bad manners and disrespect. "You ask to work for me, then you come into my home and disrespect me!?" Crusty stood using his natural height and strong frame to full effect. All signs of his depressed state seemed to melt away behind his surging rage.
"Well, it would seem there is a bit of bark behind all the whimpering. I still don't see much of a bite though." Henso took his turn to mock. "Ah well, are you feeling better princess?" While he did not intend to be antagonistic to anyone he knew he was already lumped in with the woman, so he ought to help her out.
"If you two are looking to die I can dispose of you right here and now!"
"I seek to pledge my blade to the strongest lord in the land. Someone I can respect and become their most trusted general. So I welcome your challenge if you think you can best me." Henso's blade flashed out of the sheathing in full and he shifted his foot towards Crusty ready to charge him.
"Bahahahahah!!!" Crusty began to laugh. "You two got no shortage of moxie! I think you're both some damned fools but alright then. If you both want to act so tough even to me I'll indulge you both." It would seem the time for tears came to an abrupt end. "But I'll say it plain. Bring me back Lyana, and you have a place here, fail to do this and you'd better keep walking far away and never show your faces in these parts. How's that?"
Henso silently nodded and looked to Delthia. He was fine with it but he would also defer to her judgement since he was getting caught up with her actions.
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Post by Delthia on Nov 24, 2017 16:28:32 GMT -6
Turning her head to the big bad babbling baboon and his miserable attempt at a threat, Delthia stared in his eyes, clearly showing she knew who would win in a fight. Of course she knew that taking on the entire camp was completely idiotic, she was also good at controlling people, and the fear the brigand was showing already told her he wasn't dangerous to her.
She was also pleasantly surprised to see the boy showing some fine initiative. Already ready to defend her? My, she was maybe starting to have a liking to him. Even standing up to the bandit chief who had finally started to show his fangs! Drawing his blade already was maybe a bit of a reckless move (well definitely a reckless move... eh whatever), but she liked that boy's gumption. Courage and desire to be someone's underling? Well wasn't this a golden opportunity. I'll have to keep him close for now...
As Crusty (ok what is this weird ass name) made his offer, Delthia finally started feeling some sense of respect for the man... Finally. "Muuuch better. When they told me about you, this is more like what i expected from a bandit lord. Even if he's called something as strange as Crusty." Walking in further into the room, she looked a bit around, observing the walls and random decorations. Turning around to lean against the wooden wall, she smirked a bit:
"Normally, I'm used to simple "find and kill" missions but something tells me this won't that simple... I'm imagining that this Lyana must be the woman about who you were just crying about, yes? I'm surprised somebody would dare to capture her... Did she run away perhaps? No... This place looks great, why would she even think of doing that, especially with such a caring lover such as yourself?" She said those last words in a sardonic tone, still needing to get the irritation she felt towards the man out of her system.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2017 10:07:48 GMT -6
If Delthia was seeking to surface irritation she did a fine job of it as Crusty growled with clenched jaws. "I would not say she was captured no... running away on the other hand." Crusty's voice trailed off. Wait, so she did run away from him? Was this woman perhaps a victim of the bandit and found an opportunity to escape his grasps? Henso kept his face even masking his thoughts but his grip on his blade tightened. Perhaps aiding this bandit would be a truly unsavory job. If not for his promise to see all jobs through regardless of morality he might have walked out then and there.
"Look, I'll just say it all plainly. Lyana is my wife, was my wife, I don't know. She just decided to up and leave one day going to the next village to the west. I don't know why she left and with Drust to the East I can't afford for her to be hostile or dividing our men by half! So I need you two to make sure she comes back here. Be that of her free will or not, understood?"
"Yes. Now to clarify you do want her alive?" Henso just wanted to make sure in the off chance things got really messy.
"Of course I want her alive you dolt! What good to me is my wife if she is dead! If she comes under any harm I swear you two will not escape the region alive." A sudden wildfire burned in Crusty's eyes.
"Understood." Henso was satisfied, now it was up to Delthia.
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