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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Dec 26, 2015 20:59:13 GMT
Oh storms. What was the fool doing- Kisma pointedly pulled her hands behind her back before the soldier could grab either of them and took a half-step backwards. She was absolutely not going to be dragged into his ridiculous performance. Where did he think he was, at court? Or in some storyteller's tale?
But at his whispered addition, her expression quirked into a wry smile and she replied at a similar volume, "Oh, so you can talk like a normal person." Her amusement quickly faded as she reviewed the rest of his statement. "But- Shardbearers?" She shook her head incredulously. "Who would send Shardbearers to the border wars? Aren't they all needed off in the Shattered Plains?" Admittedly, rumors she'd heard suggested there was as much- perhaps more- action here on the borders as on the Plains, but still.
A glance around told her that some of the crowd had dispersed- most likely to pack their necessities and prepare to 'flee' as the soldier had suggested. Not that they'd go far. Or, in the case of most, very fast. She supposed she ought to go as well; her benefactor would be expecting her to help pack up the practice if people were evacuating the town. But he'd manage without her, and would appreciate information.
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Dec 28, 2015 4:58:12 GMT
No girlish reaction, only incredulity. Daradin frowned as he rose to his feet. Perhaps he needed to revise his image of females. He chose to ignore her comment about normal people—she evidently meant people who enslaved themselves to the whip-cracking taskmaster known as culture—and instead addressed her question.
"Evidently Brightlord Javavoh would." He teased a smile and lowered his voice still further. "Perhaps there's something here he deems worthy of sending Shardbearers after. A pretty face, perhaps?" He twitched his eyebrows and smirked, awaiting a reaction that would be cold or hot, one of them. Either way, his assessment of her personality said she probably wouldn't appreciate the comment.
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Dec 28, 2015 13:42:48 GMT
Kisma gave him a scathing look. If this ridiculous flirting was all she'd get out of this soldier, she should've just left to help the surgeon pack. Then again, it was probably foolish to expect more. "Yes, I'm sure some girl in this town has a face that lords and princes would fight over. Do the people in your warcamp let you get away with being so ridiculous? Or do you have to take these assignments to find someone to annoy?"
She paused, realizing that the rest of his suggestion did have merit. "I don't know what in these hills would be worth sending Shardbearers after- we've a fair amount of natural resources, but nothing special. Though it doesn't mean there isn't anything . . ." She'd have to ask around. See if anyone else had ideas.
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Dec 29, 2015 5:21:42 GMT
Cold. Silently cold. Daradin grinned even as he withered beneath the force of her glare. Maybe he tended to take things a little too far, but inciting reactions was just hilarious. He'd never see her again after today, so what was one more enemy?
He bowed to her and planted his conical feathered helmet back on his head. "Another day, my lady. May my light of warning be in time. May the ox before your wagon escape the darkness pursuing your people. Farewell. Another day, my lady."
A painspren crawled out of the stone and stretched for his wounded leg. Daradin's eyes flicked to it momentarily. He stamped on it and limped toward his horse. Storming painspren.
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Post by Lylyss on Dec 29, 2015 6:29:25 GMT
The sound of whistling metal warned her. The streetslot loomed just ahead, a gaping chasm cut into the ground. Gali flared pewter and redoubled her speed. Nearly, nearly there— She leapt from the edge, dropping four metres to a shelf cut into the stone as the candlesticks whizzed overhead. Pewter took the impact. Briefly she wondered if Kell would survive the fall unharmed. No time to think, only to run. She glanced both ways and chose the descending slope. "OUCH." Kell scraped his leg on the first jump, and half-ran, half-hopped after Gali. "Turn right at the end of the slot--I've got a safe house down the road." He glanced back. The Inquisitors had vanished... following from the rooftops, perhaps? "Hurry hurry hurry." ______________ "Wait!" Brune pushed through the dispersing crowd. "What do you mean, 'pack up and leave?' I can't do that." The shop was his only valuable possession. When the fighting settled down, and his creditors came calling, they wouldn't be satisfied with a bunch of cast iron skillets. "I can't just leave." He stared at the courier, heaving for breath. ((Brb. Dishwasher chores.))
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Dec 29, 2015 6:47:23 GMT
Not the safe house but Kell's exclamation of pain spurred Gali to greater speed. She skidded down the slope, cutting corners when possible, toppling stands and leaving shouting skaa behind in her wake. They'd quieten soon when the Inquisitors arrived, some permanently. She'd seen it before.
She'd watched Inquisitors fight before.
Biting back a grunt of fury, Gali thrust the memories away and let her concentration bleed into one task—escaping the pursuing creatures of Hemalurgy. She charged into the slot and fixed her eyes on the first right turn. There. There she would live or die.
Daradin shook his head and spared only a glance for the pitiful Alethi merchant. "Sorry, man. If it's your property you're talking about, it's that or your life. If Javavoh chooses to spare the village, you might find most of it untouched." He sighed and grabbed Windrunner's reins, contemplating how hard it would be to mount with his bad leg.
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Post by Lylyss on Dec 29, 2015 7:38:56 GMT
Not the safe house but Kell's exclamation of pain spurred Gali to greater speed. She skidded down the slope, cutting corners when possible, toppling stands and leaving shouting skaa behind in her wake. They'd quieten soon when the Inquisitors arrived, some permanently. She'd seen it before. She'd watched Inquisitors fight before. Biting back a grunt of fury, Gali thrust the memories away and let her concentration bleed into one task—escaping the pursuing creatures of Hemalurgy. She charged into the slot and fixed her eyes on the first right turn. There. There she would live or die.
Daradin shook his head and spared only a glance for the pitiful Alethi merchant. "Sorry, man. If it's your property you're talking about, it's that or your life. If Javavoh chooses to spare the village, you might find most of it untouched." He sighed and grabbed Windrunner's reins, contemplating how hard it would be to mount with his bad leg. ((I reallllllly regret bonding Brune to an honorspren. Totally messes up a plan I made today. So... is it alright if I erase that part of his profile? It's pretty early in the RP, and I can easily edit his form.)) "It's not that simple." Brune stepped forward, blocking the courier's path. "I can't leave." If the village was lost, his life might be spared, but for what? Debtor's prison? Better to die defending the shop. Or-- That's insane.But if it worked... "You mentioned Shardbearers earlier." _______________ Kell broke free of Gali, jogged alongside a rumbling hay cart, and wiggled a steel ring off his finger. "Got to put 'em off our trail somehow..." He tossed it in the straw. Hopefully, when the Inquisitors burned iron, they would follow the blue line made by the ring. Kell sprinted back to Gali, huffing for breath. "Right here!" He tried to grab her arm and pull her into a doorway, cut into the street-slot wall. "Snuff your Pewter and follow me." He eased the door open. Glanced around. Slipped inside.
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Dec 29, 2015 8:10:00 GMT
Daradin sighed and rolled his eyes. Just another reclusive lunatic who counted property over life. Well, he wasn't going to stick around for it. Emotional investment into these people would turn on him if Brightlord Javavoh had his way. He put his good foot in the stirrup and prepared to heft himself up.
Then the merchant mentioned Shardbearers, and the world swam before Daradin's eyes. He teetered on one leg and jerked against the stirrup with his other foot in an attempt to find solid ground again. Instead he tripped and barely saved himself by hanging on to Windrunner's reins. The horse nickered and backed away. Daradin hopped along behind and finally untangled his foot.
He spun on the merchant. "You aren't seriously thinking of challenging a Shardbearer. Are you stoneheaded? Have you seen what they can do with Shardblades? They cut your soul, man. Your soul. Go up against one of those and you're not coming back."
Gali blinked, cursing herself for forgetting the Inquisitors were Seekers. A mistake that might lead to her demise. She immediately snuffed her pewter and drained her last vial. Theoretically they wouldn't be able to see the metal inside her. Her Allomantic training from a bygone age had steeped her in that fact.
She pushed Kell's hand off her own and followed him deeper into the crack, preparing to break his neck if he tried anything.
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Post by Lylyss on Dec 29, 2015 8:32:58 GMT
Daradin sighed and rolled his eyes. Just another reclusive lunatic who counted property over life. Well, he wasn't going to stick around for it. Emotional investment into these people would turn on him if Brightlord Javavoh had his way. He put his good foot in the stirrup and prepared to heft himself up. Then the merchant mentioned Shardbearers, and the world swam before Daradin's eyes. He teetered on one leg and jerked against the stirrup with his other foot in an attempt to find solid ground again. Instead he tripped and barely saved himself by hanging on to Windrunner's reins. The horse nickered and backed away. Daradin hopped along behind and finally untangled his foot. He spun on the merchant. "You aren't seriously thinking of challenging a Shardbearer. Are you stoneheaded? Have you seen what they can do with Shardblades? They cut your soul, man. Your soul. Go up against one of those and you're not coming back."
Gali blinked, cursing herself for forgetting the Inquisitors were Smokers. One mistake that might lead to her demise. She immediately snuffed her pewter and drained her last vial. Theoretically they wouldn't be able to see the metal inside her. Her Allomantic training from a bygone age had steeped her in that fact. She pushed Kell's hand off her own and followed him deeper into the crack, preparing to break his neck if he tried anything. "I don't have a better option." Brune blinked. Am I really going to do this? "Now please, would you be so kind as to tell me which Shardbearers are advancing on the village?" ____________ Kell felt along the back of the alcove. "Aaand here we are..." He slipped his fingernails into a slit on the wall and pulled, sliding back a concealed door. "After you."
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Dec 29, 2015 8:43:07 GMT
"You're—" Daradin goggled. Had he actually guessed right? Lunacy. Pure lunacy. "How am I supposed to know? Do you think I'm some Stormfather sitting up there in the highstorms? Or the Almighty? Do you really think I know that? Are you even serious?"
The idea clicked. Yes, that must be the reason. He must be facing a master actor here, one so good that his facade of lunacy convinced even the most skilful bard in the world. But he couldn't afford to let the actor know he knew. He had to play along.
"Well, let's see. I don't know for sure, but I know Javavoh has a few Shardbearers in his service. There's the Reshi whose name I can't remember. He's got both the Plate and Blade. Then there's Chvalk, evidently a Thaylen by his name—he's got only the Plate, but I wouldn't want to face his Shardhammer. I also recall a Siah Aimian, but I don't recall much about him…"
Last time he'd said something like that there had been Inquisitors in the room. Gali tried to shove Kell inside. If he survived, there was proof that she would too. Soft obligators didn't last long on the streets—much shorter than she would.
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Post by Lylyss on Dec 29, 2015 8:56:40 GMT
"You're—" Daradin goggled. Had he actually guessed right? Lunacy. Pure lunacy. "How am I supposed to know? Do you think I'm some Stormfather sitting up there in the highstorms? Or the Almighty? Do you really think I know that? Are you even serious?" The idea clicked. Yes, that must be the reason. He must be facing a master actor here, one so good that his facade of lunacy convinced even the most skilful bard in the world. But he couldn't afford to let the actor know he knew. He had to play along. "Well, let's see. I don't know for sure, but I know Javavoh has a few Shardbearers in his service. There's the Reshi whose name I can't remember. He's got both the Plate and Blade. Then there's Chvalk, evidently a Thaylen by his name—he's got only the Plate, but I wouldn't want to face his Shardhammer. I also recall a Siah Aimian, but I don't recall much about him…"
Last time he'd said something like that there had been Inquisitors in the room. Gali tried to shove Kell inside. If he survived, there was proof that she would too. Soft obligators didn't last long on the streets—much shorter than she would. "OUCH!" Kell stumbled inside, tripping on his bad leg. "What was that for?" The room was dimly lit and sparsely furnished: lumpy bed, dining set, wobbly bookshelf stocked with canned vegetables. Kell dusted himself off and limped to a chair. ___________ Brune nodded, solemn as a funeral. At last the courier was taking him seriously. "Chvalk... probably best to start with Chvalk. And where's your army positioned? Where exactly do you expect the fighting to begin?"
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Dec 29, 2015 9:20:42 GMT
Gali stalked inside. It evidently hadn't killed Kell, so the safe house looked fairly safe. Aside from the fact that she was stuck in a room with this despicable ratbag of a man. "That was part one." She patted down her vest and cursed when she realised her dagger was missing. "Do you have any weapons?"
"Excuse me? We're not talking about a pitched battle here. We're talking about the potential-pincer-attack-through-Brazen-Hills, burn-and-kill-and-capture sort of battle." Daradin laid a palm on his forehead and sighed. Was he feverish, or was that just the sun? "We can't be sure whether it's Chvalk who we've heard reports of, and the army…my army is positioning itself outside the hills. We've got scouts too."
It suddenly occurred to Daradin that the man he was talking to might be a spy. Who else—aside from a master actor, of course—would consider challenging Javavoh's Shardbearers if not someone on Javavoh's side? He gritted his teeth. What had he done? Was this a capital offence? "Well, I think so, at least. I could be wrong. I am wrong on occasion, much as I hesitate to admit it. I'm pretty sure my army has a barrier of men in place a few miles from your village. On the opposite side of Javavoh's advance, that is, so your village has somewhere to flee to."
A lie. He knew that much. There was no division camping in the Brazen Hills, but if this man was a spy, the misleading information might just save Daradin's neck.
((Aaaand I'm off. I'll be back to RP on Thursday. See you then!))
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Post by Lylyss on Dec 29, 2015 9:35:11 GMT
Gali stalked inside. It evidently hadn't killed Kell, so the safe house looked fairly safe. Aside from the fact that she was stuck in a room with this despicable ratbag of a man. "That was part one." She patted down her vest and cursed when she realised her dagger was missing. "Do you have any weapons?"
"Excuse me? We're not talking about a pitched battle here. We're talking about the potential-pincer-attack-through-Brazen-Hills, burn-and-kill-and-capture sort of battle." Daradin laid a palm on his forehead and sighed. Was he feverish, or was that just the sun? "We can't be sure whether it's Chvalk who we've heard reports of, and the army…my army is positioning itself outside the hills. We've got scouts too." It suddenly occurred to Daradin that the man he was talking to might be a spy. Who else—aside from a master actor, of course—would consider challenging Javavoh's Shardbearers if not someone on Javavoh's side? He gritted his teeth. What had he done? Was this a capital offence? "Well, I think so, at least. I could be wrong. I am wrong on occasion, much as I hesitate to admit it. I'm pretty sure my army has a barrier of men in place a few miles from your village. On the opposite side of Javavoh's advance, that is, so your village has somewhere to flee to." A lie. He knew that much. There was no division camping in the Brazen Hills, but if this man was a spy, the misleading information might just save Daradin's neck. "No." Another lie. He had an obsidian dagger concealed in his vest. But right now, locked in a room with Gali, it would be useful to have an advantage. Kell collapsed into a chair, examining the scrape on his leg. "That was... that was... I don't know how to describe it." ______________ "Then I should come with you." Brune's eyes were feverish. "You could let me through the barrier, and I could speak with your captain, and borrow some equipment for the duel." ((Aww. :( See you then!))
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Dec 31, 2015 5:42:16 GMT
((Heheh. Our characters are both lying to each other. But wasn't it a glass dagger?))
Gali's eyes narrowed. "You're the head of the Canton of Inquisition in Urteau and you don't have a weapon on your person. Hmf. Bad oversight." Then again, he was probably trying to conceal it. But right now she had something more important to worry about.
She stalked toward him. "Now I have another question, Romnau. I want you to look me in the eye and answer truthfully. And know this—I will know if you are lying." She paused. "Are you Metalborn?"
Daradin raised his hands and backed towards his horse. "No can do. I need to report back to the main body. It's important." Now he was flailing for time. Even a poor actor would see through him. "Yes. So. Sorry. I can't."
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Post by Lylyss on Jan 5, 2016 9:15:08 GMT
((Heheh. Our characters are both lying to each other. But wasn't it a glass dagger?)) Gali's eyes narrowed. "You're the head of the Canton of Inquisition in Urteau and you don't have a weapon on your person. Hmf. Bad oversight." Then again, he was probably trying to conceal it. But right now she had something more important to worry about. She stalked toward him. "Now I have another question, Romnau. I want you to look me in the eye and answer truthfully. And know this—I will know if you are lying." She paused. "Are you Metalborn?"
Daradin raised his hands and backed towards his horse. "No can do. I need to report back to the main body. It's important." Now he was flailing for time. Even a poor actor would see through him. "Yes. So. Sorry. I can't." ((Lol. Good start. xD And yeah, you're probably right. Good catch!)) "What do you think? I work for the Canton of Inquisition." Despite his evasive answer, Kell glared evenly at Gali. "And you. You're a Thug. Brighton's got himself a thug..." Dry chuckle. "I'd like to hear the story behind that." ____________ " Please." Brune realized he was trembling. "I won't slow you down."
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 9, 2016 7:26:11 GMT
Gali stepped closer. "If you're a Metalborn who works for the Canton of Inquisition, why aren't you an Inquisitor?" She gave him a thin-lipped smile. "My story's my own. But my name is Amaray." Using her mother's name sounded odd to her ears, but it was a start. At least Romnau didn't know her true identity.
She rubbed her hands together and cracked her knuckles. "Back to business. I had an important question before we were so…rudely interrupted. I'm investigating one Gali Dalmeaux, as you well know. Hang everything else. I want to know why you sent her after the old Terrisman Keeper. Zalwen."
Don't get emotionally attached. If he started investing his time and resources into these people, he'd start feeling guilty if they were killed. Daradin turned and limped back to his horse, biting his tongue against answering Brune.
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Post by gamemastergrimwarden on Jan 11, 2016 21:30:47 GMT
(( Err... I thought I posted this a while ago, but apparently I never did. Imma drop out of Cosmere, for the moment. I may be back later, but until then, I bequeath unto Lylyss all of mine characters! Sorry D: ))
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Post by Lylyss on Jan 12, 2016 4:28:44 GMT
Gali stepped closer. "If you're a Metalborn who works for the Canton of Inquisition, why aren't you an Inquisitor?" She gave him a thin-lipped smile. "My story's my own. But my name is Amaray." Using her mother's name sounded odd to her ears, but it was a start. At least Romnau didn't know her true identity. She rubbed her hands together and cracked her knuckles. "Back to business. I had an important question before we were so…rudely interrupted. I'm investigating one Gali Dalmeaux, as you well know. Hang everything else. I want to know why you sent her after the old Terrisman Keeper. Zalwen." Don't get emotionally attached. If he started investing his time and resources into these people, he'd start feeling guilty if they were killed. Daradin turned and limped back to his horse, biting his tongue against answering Brune. ((Awww. Okay, Gamey. :( I'll try to make you proud with Abokai!)) "Pierre?" Ollin pounded on the door. " Pierre? Are you awake?" No reply. She pursed her lips, exchanging a glance with Chazan. "I can't say I'm surprised. Perhaps we should dress Jove up for your nobleman." __________ Brune ground his teeth. "You can't just come here, announce the end of the world, and leave without doing something to help!" __________ "Is that so?" An oily smile spread over Kell's face. "Well, I want to know how a Thug came to work for August Breighton. Perhaps we can work out some sort of exchange."
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 18, 2016 6:59:18 GMT
(( Err... I thought I posted this a while ago, but apparently I never did. Imma drop out of Cosmere, for the moment. I may be back later, but until then, I bequeath unto Lylyss all of mine characters! Sorry D: )) (( gamemastergrimwarden : Can I have Gwyver? )) "Pierre?" Ollin pounded on the door. " Pierre? Are you awake?" No reply. She pursed her lips, exchanging a glance with Chazan. "I can't say I'm surprised. Perhaps we should dress Jove up for your nobleman." __________ Brune ground his teeth. "You can't just come here, announce the end of the world, and leave without doing something to help!" __________ "Is that so?" An oily smile spread over Kell's face. "Well, I want to know how a Thug came to work for August Breighton. Perhaps we can work out some sort of exchange." (( Lylyss , Leilani Sunblade : Quick question: I know your profiles say your characters are bonded, but at this present time do they have their spren?)) "I did help," Daradin said without turning around. "I announced the end of the world. This way you get to die without being surprised." He gritted his teeth, jammed his wounded leg into the stirrup, and heaved himself up. A gasp of pain escaped. He stifled it as best he could. Storming wound. He closed his eyes for a moment and breathed a sigh. Messing with Shardbearers was up to the lunatic. Daradin would be far away by the time Javavoh's forces arrived. Someone screamed. Daradin's eyes snapped open. A tall figure in Shardplate strode into the village, hands empty and swinging at his sides. Spheres affixed to a pendant on his chest glowed with Stormlight. People hurried out of his way. Women screamed. Men yelled. Violet fearspren wriggled in the air. A farmer in the Shardbearer's way backed off, raising a long spear that trembled as he did so. The Shardbearer never faltered, his thin eyeslit fixed on the village square. "Why you here?" Fear shook the farmer's thin voice. "Leave us! We done no harm!" The Shardbearer struck, an armoured fist to the farmer's chest. The man flew backwards and crumpled against a house, his ribs crushed. The Shardbearer lowered his hand and strode on. Daradin shook his head. "Storms. Storms. Oh storms." He drew his sword and glanced over his shoulder. What direction would take him furthest from the Shardbearer? How could he consider flight now that women and children were threatened? Where was his honour? But what fool would challenge a Shardbearer? Suddenly he couldn't breathe. Storms."Now I'm listening!" he yelled at Brune.
"Fine." Gali folded her arms and glared at Romnau. "You're going to tell me everything I asked for, plus the reason the Inquisitors hate you. And you're going first. You're the only one who's proved untrustworthy so far. In return I'll tell you how I came to work for Breighton—but only as long as I think you're telling the truth."
As Ollin spoke, Chazan tapped a tinmind, enhancing his sense of hearing far beyond human perception. He crouched next to the keyhole and listened for any sign of Pierre.
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 19, 2016 3:29:58 GMT
(( Dmitri Pendragon: Kisma is at about the same level as Kaladin during the last quarter or so of WoK: she 'has' her spren and can do a bit of Surgebinding, but hasn't yet spoken the First Ideal. Does that answer the question?)) "You should have been more polite." Kisma rolled her eyes, tucking surgical tools and other miscellaneous items into a bag. She'd returned to the surgeon's practice when it was obvious that her conversation with the soldier was over in order to help prepare to leave. She had not come back to be lectured on civility by a spren like an overgrown vine. "I was no less polite than I should've been. The man was a fop and a flirt. Now be helpful or be quiet." "I merely said-" "Helpful. Or quiet. You heard me." The spren- Zahi, he called himself- shut up. Thankfully. Kisma slid a final few items in the bag and glanced around, making sure there was indeed nothing else important enough to be brought along . . . And then the scream slipped through the door and filled the room. Kisma dropped the bag and dashed for the door. She almost skidded as she turned in the hallway separating practice and living quarters, but her feet somehow found traction on the worn floor. "I'll be back," she called over her shoulder in case anyone was listening. Hopefully. That scream could mean nothing good. She fairly flew out the outer door and back towards the square. Zahi followed, his vine-body growing and crumbling so his face stayed more or less level with her. "Careful-" "I know." Kisma ducked around a building so she'd not approach the square along the main street, but would instead come up from behind the houses. She turned again, keeping close to the wall of one of the houses for cover- as much to appease the spren as for any other reason- and peered around the corner to see- Oh storms. The fool was right. A Shardbearer. A storming Shardbearer. Walking down the street like he owned the place. And there, a house down . . . a man lay against the wall, crumpled- dead? She ducked back and circled around to where he lay, not wanting to go out on the street and risk the attention of the Shardbearer- not yet. Kisma knelt by the man, felt his pulse. He was alive. That was good. What had the Shardbearer done to him? It looked like . . . She pressed gently on the man's side and cringed. Where the ribs should have been solid and resisting, they shifted slightly beneath her touch. Oh storms . . .She looked up, hoping- praying- that no one else was hurt. She hadn't heard any more screams of pain yet; that was good . . .
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 19, 2016 5:15:28 GMT
The farmer breathed still, in tiny wheezes that said death wasn't far away. He stared at Kisma with squinty eyes made wide by fear and pain. "Sealed, sleeping, waiting, waking! Wake him, Almighty!"
He raised a trembling hand and reached for Kisma's face, but his hand fell to his side. "Everstorm…"
His eyes closed. His breathing ended.
Fleeing villagers crammed the space between two large houses, fighting each other to get out of the Shardbearer's way. The Shardbearer flexed both arms as he approached, evidently preparing to smash his way through if they couldn't clear it in time.
Then he halted. Halted in midstride and raised his head. Stormlight from the pendant on his chest curled around his head and dispersed.
He turned and looked straight at Kisma.
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 19, 2016 13:54:02 GMT
Kisma bowed her head, wishing she'd been there a moment sooner- wishing she could've saved him somehow. Mourning the departed man and mourning for his family who'd have to survive without husband and father and provider.
Then she looked up, watching the Shardbearer's path down the street and half-consiering the man's last words. All-in-all . . . ominous. Above her, Zahi muttered to himself- something about things forgotten and why couldn't he remember. Kisma only half-listened; she'd already learned to tell the difference between him saying something important and him talking himself through a problem. She wondered if she should do something- return to the practice and tell her master what was going on, or . . . or confront the Shardbearer. Find out what he wanted that was so important he'd carelessly kill anyone who stood in his way. No. Bad idea. Whatever the answer is, it's not worth getting killed over . . . And I should find out anyway, once he starts making demands.
Then again . . . Kisma stiffened as the Shardbearer turned and stared at her. She raised her hands slightly, palms outward, in the universal gesture of "Sorry if I offended you; I don't want a fight." But he couldn't actually be looking at her . . . he'd have no reason to . . . I'm a terrible liar. Even to myself.
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Post by gamemastergrimwarden on Jan 20, 2016 7:20:56 GMT
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Post by Lylyss on Jan 20, 2016 9:34:38 GMT
(( Lylyss , Leilani Sunblade : Quick question: I know your profiles say your characters are bonded, but at this present time do they have their spren?)) "I did help," Daradin said without turning around. "I announced the end of the world. This way you get to die without being surprised." He gritted his teeth, jammed his wounded leg into the stirrup, and heaved himself up. A gasp of pain escaped. He stifled it as best he could. Storming wound. He closed his eyes for a moment and breathed a sigh. Messing with Shardbearers was up to the lunatic. Daradin would be far away by the time Javavoh's forces arrived. Someone screamed. Daradin's eyes snapped open. A tall figure in Shardplate strode into the village, hands empty and swinging at his sides. Spheres affixed to a pendant on his chest glowed with Stormlight. People hurried out of his way. Women screamed. Men yelled. Violet fearspren wriggled in the air. A farmer in the Shardbearer's way backed off, raising a long spear that trembled as he did so. The Shardbearer never faltered, his thin eyeslit fixed on the village square. "Why you here?" Fear shook the farmer's thin voice. "Leave us! We done no harm!" The Shardbearer struck, an armoured fist to the farmer's chest. The man flew backwards and crumpled against a house, his ribs crushed. The Shardbearer lowered his hand and strode on. Daradin shook his head. "Storms. Storms. Oh storms." He drew his sword and glanced over his shoulder. What direction would take him furthest from the Shardbearer? How could he consider flight now that women and children were threatened? Where was his honour? But what fool would challenge a Shardbearer? Suddenly he couldn't breathe. Storms."Now I'm listening!" he yelled at Brune.
"Fine." Gali folded her arms and glared at Romnau. "You're going to tell me everything I asked for, plus the reason the Inquisitors hate you. And you're going first. You're the only one who's proved untrustworthy so far. In return I'll tell you how I came to work for Breighton—but only as long as I think you're telling the truth."
As Ollin spoke, Chazan tapped a tinmind, enhancing his sense of hearing far beyond human perception. He crouched next to the keyhole and listened for any sign of Pierre. ((Nope. No spren. :) )) "We have a deal. Excellent. Now where to begin?" Kell rubbed his hands together. "The Inquisitors hate me for the same reasons that you do. I'm a liar. Shocking, right? Who'd have thought. As for Gali Dalmeaux..." Fishy grin. "Oh dear me. I enjoy keeping you in suspense. What would you do for the information? Beg on your knees? Hop on one leg? Yes? No? Fine. We sent Dalmeaux after the Keeper because Keepers are rabble-rousing rebels. Plain and simple. If this particular Terrisman was of any strategic importance, I'm in the dark about it." He propped his feet on a convenient table. "Now it's your turn, Amaray." __________________ Pierre was flopped on the four-poster, snoring like a hog. __________________ Ollin tapped Chazan's shoulder. "Nobles sleep 'til noon, child. We don't have time to wait for him." __________________ Brune's eyes narrowed. A Shardbearer. He clenched his fists, imagining how the hilt would feel in his palm. "If you want to help, give me a sword."
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 20, 2016 22:12:29 GMT
(( gamemastergrimwarden : Thanks!)) "We have a deal. Excellent. Now where to begin?" Kell rubbed his hands together. "The Inquisitors hate me for the same reasons that you do. I'm a liar. Shocking, right? Who'd have thought. As for Gali Dalmeaux..." Fishy grin. "Oh dear me. I enjoy keeping you in suspense. What would you do for the information? Beg on your knees? Hop on one leg? Yes? No? Fine. We sent Dalmeaux after the Keeper because Keepers are rabble-rousing rebels. Plain and simple. If this particular Terrisman was of any strategic importance, I'm in the dark about it." He propped his feet on a convenient table. "Now it's your turn, Amaray." __________________ Pierre was flopped on the four-poster, snoring like a hog. __________________ Ollin tapped Chazan's shoulder. "Nobles sleep 'til noon, child. We don't have time to wait for him." Chazan snorted. "We should write a book about nobles and their habits and leave it on his desk." He shook his head. "Let's get Jove dressed."
Gali stared at him. "I'm not finished yet. How do you know Breighton? How did you find out about this Keeper? Why are you hunting Dalmeaux now that she's failed to take the Keeper out?" Kisma bowed her head, wishing she'd been there a moment sooner- wishing she could've saved him somehow. Mourning the departed man and mourning for his family who'd have to survive without husband and father and provider. Then she looked up, watching the Shardbearer's path down the street and half-consiering the man's last words. All-in-all . . . ominous. Above her, Zahi muttered to himself- something about things forgotten and why couldn't he remember. Kisma only half-listened; she'd already learned to tell the difference between him saying something important and him talking himself through a problem. She wondered if she should do something- return to the practice and tell her master what was going on, or . . . or confront the Shardbearer. Find out what he wanted that was so important he'd carelessly kill anyone who stood in his way. No. Bad idea. Whatever the answer is, it's not worth getting killed over . . . And I should find out anyway, once he starts making demands.Then again . . . Kisma stiffened as the Shardbearer turned and stared at her. She raised her hands slightly, palms outward, in the universal gesture of "Sorry if I offended you; I don't want a fight." But he couldn't actually be looking at her . . . he'd have no reason to . . . I'm a terrible liar. Even to myself. Daradin tossed his sword to Brune. The man was lighteyed, so there was no cultural oddities restricting the action. Not that he cared about cultural oddities. "I'll distract him. Shardplate breaks after a while. Forget chivalry and go for his back. He hasn't summoned his Shardblade yet, so you've got ten heartbeats to kill him before he kills you." He gripped Windrunner's reins and stared at Brune. "Ten of his heartbeats, that is. You up for this?"
The Shardbearer prowled toward Kisma. Despite his size and stature, he moved as silently as a cat.
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 20, 2016 22:25:12 GMT
Oh storms oh storms oh storms . . . Kisma rose to her feet, glancing around for an escape. No room behind her . . . to the side, maybe. She edged that way, trying to balance a desire to get out of here with the most definite need to not provoke the Shardbearer further.
Somewhere in the back of her mind, she realized that she was acting as if the Shardbearer were some wild beast. Well, he might as well be- barging into her village and killing people for no reason. But that didn't mean she couldn't ask . . . "What do you want?"
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 20, 2016 22:30:47 GMT
The Shardbearer continued his relentless advance. The shadowed eyeslit of his faceless visor bored into her.
Then he spoke for the first time. "You."
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 20, 2016 22:39:29 GMT
Her. Her. Kisma edged faster, tuning out Zahi's frantic mutterings. What the storming . . . "Why?"
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 20, 2016 22:46:58 GMT
The Shardbearer stopped within arm's length of her and stepped to the side to cut off her escape route. Silent.
Then he looked at Zahi.
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 20, 2016 22:56:27 GMT
Zahi's tone grew shriller, impossible for Kisma to tune out. "He can see me. He shouldn't be able to see me."
I knew that. But she wasn't going to answer, not out loud . . . Maybe she could pretend she didn't know what the Shardbearer meant . . . But why could this Shardbearer apparently see the spren? No one else in the village seemed to be able to?
That wasn't important. What was important was getting away . . . but how? Her path was blocked. Her back was against the wall of a house, and going the way she'd come wouldn't help. She glanced around, hoping for help- but most of the village people were taking the opportunity to get as far away as possible. Not that she blamed them. She spotted the lighteyed soldier from earlier, tossing a sword to a merchant. That's something . . . Or it would be, as long as they moved before the Shardbearer decided to knock her ribs in like he'd done to the farmer.
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