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Post by Ebony Marrec on Nov 5, 2016 15:57:52 GMT -6
Timing is everything
The streets of Rift were so quiet at night, even in a normally bustling city one can find that the streets were empty save one. Ebony was walking back from a night of “recruiting” at one of the locale taverns. His shirt was still drenched in the beer which had been flung at him after his attempted call to arms.“Lazy bastards,”. he muttered as he hung his head in shame. Nothing was going to plan. The people would not stir, they still live their lives without comprehending the mortal danger they were. But that was how the saying goes, ignorance is bliss. Each step echoed down the street. The silence that followed was unnerving to say the least. Ebony decided to keep one hand gripped firmly onto the hilt of his blade as he walked. There is something comfortable about holding a weapon, a sense of security almost. Despite being mostly untrained in swordplay Ebony felt so much stronger holding his blade, powerful even. Power… that's what the people of Rift lacked, they were powerless compared to the might of Aldous and his mercenaries. Ebony was going to need more than just townspeople to revolt, he needed heroes. Ebony stopped for a moment to organise his thoughts but as soon as he did he realised something, he could still hear footsteps. Ebony looked around and could not see anything but the ominous shadows in the distance. Someone was out there, he was sure of it. Ebony quickly turned on his heel just in time to see a figure within the shadows. He stood paralysed in fear. He could not force himself to draw is sword and so all he could do was cling to it tightly as he stared in vain to distinguish who this figure was. Regardless he would soon find out.
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Post by Sayf al-Din on Nov 6, 2016 18:56:21 GMT -6
精神病の愛 You knew the game and played it, it kills to know that you have been defeated, I see the wires pulling while you're breathing. WORDS 678 NOTES A plot stirs | Rift.
It had been his home for so long, yet it had changed so much in the time Aldous Barnett had seized the throne. The once tidy streets were now in shambles, garbage littering almost any corner not directly connected to the red granite roads. Night, which had been one of the man’s favorite times to take a stroll, had become a rollercoaster of paranoia as one struggled to feel safe with how dangerous the alleys that winded through the city had become. Sayf al-Din - no, Æthelwulf Cullinane - had found just enough time to slip away from Barnett and explore the place he had once called home.
His visit, however, was not for pleasure.
Æthelwulf had journeyed to Rift in search of information about the supposed revolution. All he truly know was an ever growing plot to remove Aldous Barnett from power - a war within a war within a war. The thought of such a thing boggled the seasoned Huntsman, almost causing him to grow dizzy as he stood on the rooftops of an old book shop. It was a rather tall building, giving him clear view of most things in that particular part of town. He held a monocular over his right eye - the only one he had - and scanned over the city. He knew they were out there somewhere - he just had to find them.
The man had heard whispers about the young gentleman helping to put this thing together - one Ebony Marrec. During his “preliminary investigation,” he had made sure not to leak the name to any other source. He needed Marrec alive - his revolution was the key they had been desperately scouring the world for over the past few months. Through his revolution, Rift would once more be put in the hands of the royal family. His heart sank as he thought about them - the Sabliers, his friends - and their now broken family. Æthelwulf knew Amber would renounce her claim to the thrown after learning all she had.
He didn’t blame her either.
Then, through his monocular, he saw the image of a young man matching Marrec’s description. “Time for you and I to have a little chat, Marrec.” He said with a drawn out sigh. His attention was then pulled away from his target by a man in dark clothing following nearby. “What do we have here?” He zoomed in, doing his best to get a better look at the pursuer. No use. Removing el’Gos from his side - the transforming sword-scythe that served as the precursor to Amber’s Hound - Æthelwulf set the blade into the scythe form before darting across the rooftops. The last thing he had seen was Ebony spin on his heel to confront the figure trailing him.
With one mighty bound, Æthelwulf jumped over a small building - dropping from above the heavily cloaked figure. He effortlessly swung el’Gos, the blade tearing through the man like a freshly sharpened knife through paper. The figure - a middle aged man with no hair - stumbled to the side before falling dead. With his left foot, Æthelwulf turned the man onto his back, tilting his neck to the side to reveal a red “zXz” tattoo on his neck. “One of Barnett’s best, it’d seem.” Æthelwulf said, glancing over to Ebony. “You’re lucky you got wind of him when you did, otherwise he’d probably have killed you here.”
El’Gos reverted to sword form, with Æthelwulf latching it to his belt. Now that he was in the moonlight, it was easier to make out his garb. It was the tattered uniform worn by the Knights of Rift, sporting different shades of blue and white on the undergarments while the armored suit was relatively standard - with the exception of the missing helm, rerebraces, plackart, fauld, tasset, and cuisse. He had always hated those pieces of equipment, considering them cumbersome above all else. His single eye focused on the young fair-haired man.
“We need to find a place to speak privately, Mr. Marrec.”
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Post by Ebony Marrec on Nov 6, 2016 23:32:48 GMT -6
It all happened in an instant
Within a matter of seconds one looming figure had become two.
Ebony had just been able to discern a few details of his follower when another man appeared. The stranger appeared to be bald and although he was wearing very commonplace attire his stride and overall demeanour seemed to be military like, that and the presence of an ornate officer knife in his right hand. The bald man fell to the floor as he entered striking range of Ebony. Another figure had darted, seemingly out of nowhere and killed the bald man in one swift movement. “One of Barnett’s best, it’d seem. You’re lucky you got wind of him when you did, otherwise he’d probably have killed you here.” The figure was looking at Ebony as he spoke. Ebony stared blankly back, attempting to comprehend what had just happened. A bald man, one of Aldous Barnett’s "best killers" had followed Ebony and was about to end his life when a new figure appeared and slayed the bald man. Ebony’s first instinct was to make a snide remark “Barnnett’s best huh? How flattering”. Ebony tried to sound confident but was unable to maintain the act and nervously laughed at his own comment. Ebony hoped for some sort of response from this figure when he started to analyse him. He was clearly some sort of knight of Rift judging from his armour and colours, or a former knight considering he just killed one of Barnnett’s agents. Armed with what appeared to be a sword, although Ebony could have sworn it resembled a scythe moments ago and most noticeably he had one eye. These details reminded Ebony of someone mentioned years ago by townsfolk but he could not call a name to mind. “We need to find a place to speak privately, Mr Marrec”. Ebony could not agree more considering the circumstances. “Uh, of course. I know just the place.” Despite knowing very little of this man Ebony had established he had saved his life and was some sort of former knight of Rift, these two characteristics meant at the very least this man deserved a drink. And who knows? Ebony thought, he may have something important to say. Ebony finally loosened his grip on his sword and began to walk in his original direction to more, friendly surroundings.
Leading the “knight” along Ebony strode down several blocks with a new found pride down to the Fallen Oak Tavern. Perhaps this night hadn’t been wasted after all. The tavern was at the very end of a one way street within Rift’s very large commercial district. Far out of sight of Barnett’s soldiers. As Ebony entered the tavern he was greeted by the all too familiar smell of gin and smoke. The tavern was a very humble building with several stalls outfitted with leather padded seats and small tables that left much to be wanted in the way of legroom as well as a few couches near the centre of the room facing towards an old TV that played solely the local news. The counter was placed by the back wall under a painting of a solitary oak tree on a hill from which the tavern was named. The other regular patrons had either left of their own accord or were to too drunk to hang around so the only person in the tavern was the bartender himself. Ebony sat down at one of the stools in front of the counter and beckoned the stranger to follow suite “One of your finest for my new friend here, and just a gin n’ tonic for myself." Ebony spoke in much more confident tone now that he was in familiar territory. Once the bartender poured the drinks Ebony nodded at him so he would head out back, leaving the two alone within the empty bar. “So what lead you to finding me in such a state?” Ebony said turning to face the one eyed knight. “I don’t think I have properly thanked you yet for saving my life. Well I am most certainly grateful to you… Hmm you truly have me a disadvantage friend, I don’t even know your name”. Ebony picked up his drink and took a small mouthful. Whoever this person was, they were likely to have a long story.
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Post by Sayf al-Din on Nov 15, 2016 12:53:44 GMT -6
精神病の愛 You knew the game and played it, it kills to know that you have been defeated, I see the wires pulling while you're breathing. WORDS 1199 NOTES Revolution Calling | “Uh, of course. I know just the place.” The young man responded, loosening his grip on his weapon as he turned to continue down the street.
At this point, getting out of the streets and somewhere a little more comfortable was the only thing on Æthelwulf’s mind. Somewhere away from the unwanting eyes of could-be Barnett spies, somewhere away from the prying gazes of Legion sympathizers. It had been a few days since the collapse of St. Ivy’s Basilica, and this stop in Rift was one of many that Æthelwulf had to make before he could finally sink back into the shadows. He only wished that, somehow, he could pull this off without being found out. Unfortunately, Æthelwulf knew Darcel - and he knew her well. She was smart, arguably the most meticulous person he knew. If the young woman known as Saint Ash wasn’t on his trail already, he knew it was only a matter of time.
Following Ebony, Æthelwulf’s eye scanned their surroundings as the two made their way through the city. The night seemed much darker than the elder Huntsman remembered, the city itself appearing to have lost that white glint that made it the beauty of Remnant. There was a part of him that felt responsible for all of this, forcing a strong churning feeling into the deepest parts of his stomach. Letting out a sigh, he swiped his left hand through his chestnut colored hair, slicking most of it back while the forelock remained messy and in place above his brow. Where was he to begin, once they arrived? Did he go full disclosure right off the bat, or would it be more appropriate for him to test the mettle of this young man before giving him what was likely to be world-shattering information? Æthelwulf released a pent up sigh, gently scratching his left temple as he shook his head.
There never really was an easy answer, was there?
Several blocks later, after what Æthelwulf could only describe as a purgatory constructed of cobblestone, the two reached their destination - Fallen Oak Tavern. The ex-Knight was familiar with the place, and had been a patron there many times in the past prior to the Legion invasion. It was comforting, in its own way, to be somewhere he knew well enough to be comfortable. The smell of the place, that of gin and what was most likely cigar smoke, made him homesick. There were times when, more than anything, Æthelwulf wished he could just return home. He’d give anything, if he could, just to have that. Return things back to the way they were, and remove the threat of an impending war from the world. Then again, that’s why they say hindsight is twenty-twenty, huh? With another sigh, this more more out of relief that frustration, Æthelwulf followed Ebony to the counter and took a seat on the stool next to him.
“One of your finest for my new friend here, and just a gin n’ tonic for myself." The fair-haired young man said to the bartender. His voice was one echoing confidence, much more than Æthelwulf had heard in him while they were still on the streets.
Before the bartender could turn to begin working on the drinks, the knight brought his fist down on the table with a heavy knock against the wood surface. “Give me something really strong,” he said in an exacerbated tone. “I’ve seen and dealt with far too much to let my liver burn away with the ’finest’ - I need something that’ll burn.”
The bartender nodded, turning his back to work on their drinks. For a while Æthelwulf sat their in the silence, contemplating would would come out of his mouth next. Even with all the time he had to think between confronting Ebony in the streets and now, sitting next to him at a bar, the veteran Huntsman still had no clue where to begin their discussion. From here, Æthelwulf intended to speak with Ser Ash Nuada, the Pendragon Family butler and recently inaugurated Headmaster of Vytal Academy. He hoped their discussion would go a lot smoother, though he doubted it entirely. Ser Ash saw him as a killer, a monster above all things - he was sure. He was a man that would be very difficult to speak to. As the bartender set their drinks in front of them, Æthelwulf eyed the dark fluid that sat in the small glass. One of Remnant’s strongest spirits - hailing from the mountains of Pinnacle.
It was one of his favorites, to say the very least.
As Ebony nodded for the bartender to leave, Æthelwulf took a sizable swig from the glass, slamming it down on the table with a glassy thud. The burn of the alcohol was instant, sending a wave of sharp heat through the Huntsman’s body as he gritted his teeth in response to the sudden sensation of being dipped into a raging inferno. That was another thing he missed - simply feeling something. One of the drawbacks to prolonged exposure to Void Dust - something he had to do in order to secure his place in Darcel’s inner circle - was an overall numbness to the world. It was for that reason, he figured, that she was a hedonist in the most extreme sense of the word. There were stories of her pursuits to feel - pursuits that saw her developing an almost sadistic personality to her enemies and those closest to her. Leblanc had come a long way since they had met, but Æthelwulf would be the first to admit she had gone down the wrong path.
That was, again, something he placed on his own shoulders.
“So what lead you to finding me in such a state?” Ebony inquired, turning to face Æthelwulf as the former came to the realization that they were now alone. “I don’t think I have properly thanked you yet for saving my life. Well I am most certainly grateful to you… Hmm you truly have me a disadvantage friend, I don’t even know your name”
Æthelwulf paused for a moment, lifting the whiskey glass to his mouth before setting it against his dry bottom lip, tilting it back slowly to allow the drink to gently flow down his throat. As the beverage once again made its way to the pit of his stomach, he let out a loud sigh as that familiar burning sensation pulsed through his tired body. It was now or never, he supposed.
“The name’s Æthelwulf Cullinane. Around here I’m known as Finn Cullen, Finn Tosenslayer. There other names people have given me, but those are the most common.” He responded, turning to face Ebony out of respect as he raised his glass. “There’s been word of a revolution, and I’ve heard you’re the man to speak to. I’d like to offer my assistance, in my own way.”
He paused again, scratching the dark sideburn on the right side of his face as he glanced around. He had to make sure there were no unwanted eyes - and more importantly, no unwanted ears.
“The King sent me.”
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Post by Ebony Marrec on Nov 25, 2016 17:19:57 GMT -6
Playing Stupid
Something seemed off about Ebony’s companion. Sculling spirits is not an uncommon sight but to see someone drink a very strong beverage and show no emotion whatsoever. In when he killed the spy, he barely acknowledged the fact he had killed a man. This worried Ebony. Whoever he was. Being merciless must be in his forte."The name’s Æthelwulf Cullinane. Around here I'm known as Fin Cullen, Finn Tosenslayer. There other names people have given me, but those are the most common. There's been word of a revolution, and I've heard you're the man to speak to. I'd like to offer my assistance, in my own way." Ebony began to feel a rush of pride. Finally some recognition. Months of pulling together a bunch of shopkeepers and workers may have payed off. If this revolution was ever going to work Ebony would need more than just townsfolk, he'd need heroes. A former knight of Rift would be a good place to start. "The King sent me" Finn looked at Ebony as if this was supposed to mean something. Ebony remained clueless. He was not a well educated person by any means. Ebony began to worry. Shit, he doesn’t mean Barnett does he? He said it himself, words been spreading. It wouldn’t have been long until it reached him. I need to say something. Quick, play stupid. "Right, and I'm the son of a Beowulf. Finn, you just killed one of Barnett's spies so you clearly aren't working for him.” Ebony sighed before continuing, already regretting his choice of words. “Other than that I don't care who you work for. If you intend to help my revolution 'in your own way' then that's the important part. Not which stuck up noble is paying you." Ebony spoke in a firm and somewhat mocking tone. His choice of words were not thought upon, rather they spilled out of his mouth in a most unfortunate manner. Ebony turned to look around to distract him from what he just said but he remembered Ebony was alone with Finn. Alone. With a man who either just had his bluff called or insulted.A man who killed a highly trained spy in one blow and shown no remorse. And maybe even a servant of Barnett. It seems the problem of playing stupid is you inadvertently say stupid things. Ebony tried to look directly at Finn but was unnerved almost instantly and instead he lowered his gaze back to his drink. Ebony became rigid and stiff. Uncertain whether attempt a dart for the exit or wait and see how things play out. Either way, everything may have got a whole lot worse...
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Post by Sayf al-Din on Nov 26, 2016 11:30:47 GMT -6
精神病の愛 You knew the game and played it, it kills to know that you have been defeated, I see the wires pulling while you're breathing. WORDS 913 NOTES I serve one King | His revelation seemed to have been taken the wrong way, but Æthelwulf - of Finn - couldn’t blame the young man for looking so nervous. It was an expression he had seen before, and one he had made many times himself in the past. Just the word ”King” around here seemed enough to make those with the hottest blood run cold. Such was the nature of having Aldous Barnett, the appropriately named Butcher of Bayview, at the helm of your Kingdom. The very thought of it sickened Finn to the very core, but he had an image to maintain - to some, at least. Leaning against the counter, he kept his only remaining eye on Ebony as the young man finally spoke up.
"Right, and I'm the son of a Beowulf. Finn, you just killed one of Barnett's spies so you clearly aren't working for him.” Ebony sighed before continuing, already regretting his choice of words. “Other than that I don't care who you work for. If you intend to help my revolution 'in your own way' then that's the important part. Not which stuck up noble is paying you."
Finn’s initial response was a slight chuckle and a nod as he reached towards Ebony and gave him a pat on the shoulder. Once his hand retreated, he swiped his drink up and took another big swig - guzzling the rest of its contents down - before slamming it down on the countertop. He knew what he had to say to this young man, and the immense weight that would be placed on him afterward - both of them, actually. Finn had gotten himself in a very dangerous mess, but he had done so out of his concern for Remnant’s safety - and the safety of all who called the planet their home. Finn had always been the hero, so why would he stop now?
“Alright, Mr. Marrec. Settle in for a story…” He began, letting out a heavy sigh before inhaling slowly.
“You see, many years ago - when I was still a young man - I worked very closely with King Eisen, as most people know. One night, while on a mission in the mountains of Pinnacle, I came across a downed shuttle. Nothing large, room for maybe a family of six. There were three bodies - a man, a woman, and a child that I presumed was a boy. They were mostly disfigured, burnt from a fire that had sparked after the crash. Now while that’s all important in its own right, it was what I found - or rather who - that is the subject of this story. A little girl, wounded in the accident, huddled among the wreckage with a little rabbit doll.”
Finn paused for a moment, his knuckle meeting the hard counter surface with a gentle knock as he swiped his left hand through his hair.
“She told me her name was Darcel, and her family’s shuttle had crashed while on their way to Menagerie. She was terrified, so I decided to bring her to the only place I knew would keep her safe - the Monastery. On our way there, though, I noticed something...peculiar. You see, her doll - that rabbit - was...I don’t know, possessed? She called it Sammy, and it was a holiday gift from her mother. It had a mind of its own, and I just…” He paused again, the look on his face noticeably one of fear, before shaking his head. “Okay, the doll isn’t important. What’s important is that before we got to Cela, the girl mysteriously vanished. And I mean, like...out of thin air.”
Taking another pause, Finn reached over the side of the counter and grabbed the bottle his drink had been poured from, refilling his glass and taking another drink.
“So I get home, I tell Eisen, and he looks absolutely flabbergasted - but why? Well, apparently there were stories - stories about the Saint Ash. I’m not very well versed in all that Cult bullshit, but my man Eisen? He knew exactly what he was talking about. So we devised a plan - we would lure the Cult and their people out in the open, expose them, and deal with them to the fullest extent of the law. Our eye had always been on Barnett to be up to no good, we just never had substance to prove it. As time went on, I presumed Darcel was beginning to call the shots. She would’ve been about fourteen around the time I met her again, and she was...uncomfortably happy to see me.”
Rotating in his seat, Finn leaned his back against the counter, looking around for a moment before his attention returned to Ebony.
“So I start working with her - as Eisen’s spy. I find out there are tons of powerful people in her pocket - Barnett included. Thing about Aldous is he’s smart - too smart, at that. We were surprised when he attacked Rift, but there was enough time to get to the Council Chambers and come up with a last minute plan. Mariamne - the Queen - has a very powerful Semblance in her own right, and part of me wonders what kind of power the Princess would have had she inherited that instead.” Finn leaned towards Ebony, his voice becoming a low whisper.
“I serve only one king - Eisen Sablier von Eisenheim. And my King is not dead. That is why I’ve come to speak to you.”
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