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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 20, 2016 23:07:39 GMT
The Shardbearer held out his hand to Kisma. "Come."
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 20, 2016 23:30:53 GMT
Kisma didn't move. "What do you want with me?" Possibly a bad idea. But storm her if she was going to just walk off without even knowing why.
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 20, 2016 23:36:32 GMT
The Shardbearer paused, his eyeslit again facing Kisma. "Many things. Ultimately a greater good. Come."
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 20, 2016 23:41:06 GMT
((Will reply both here and on CaC2 shortly- need to go eat dinner now. Sorry!))
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Post by WookieeElf on Jan 20, 2016 23:57:19 GMT
((*isn't sure how to join Stormlight plot* *putters around and reads the story anyway*))
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 21, 2016 0:18:23 GMT
(( WookieeElf : Short summary: My character Daradin Seles has been sent out to warn a village of an impending attack, possibly by Shardbearers. There he meets and flirts with Kisma Laskamon, a surgeon's apprentice who is bonded with an Edgedancer spren. As Daradin prepares to leave and rejoin his brightlord's army, he is confronted by Brune Kathir, a merchant who Daradin dubs a lunatic because of Brune's insistence that he will fight even Shardbearers to protect his property. Not long afterwards, a Shardbearer appears, kills a man with a single punch, and confronts Kisma with the command to come. If I find a character opening, I'll let you know.))
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 21, 2016 0:25:25 GMT
A greater good- "You kill an innocent man- a man who wouldn't have raised a fist to you if he didn't fear for his family- and you talk about the greater good?" Kisma hissed, fists clenching as if she intended to take the Shardbearer on herself, against all reason.
Zahi hissed in her ear- "Calm!"
I don't storming want to be calm. Kisma forced herself to loosen her fists anyway. "If I don't come, will more people die by your hand?" She gestured to make sure the Shardbearer knew which people she was talking about- the people of her village.
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 21, 2016 0:31:08 GMT
The Shardbearer kept his hand extended. "Sometimes a man must die as a bridge to reach the greater good. If I must kill to make you come…" He dipped his head. "Yes."
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 21, 2016 0:35:21 GMT
"Even if that man's done you no harm?" Kisma snapped. She lifted her chin slightly. "But, fine. If it means you leave the village alone, I'll come."
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 21, 2016 0:52:15 GMT
The Shardbearer chuckled. Chuckled! He set his hand on her shoulder, his grasp gentle despite his immense strength. "Your spirit is refreshing. I daresay I would prefer not to fight an opponent with as much swordsmanship as you have wit." He removed his hand and pointed in the direction he had entered the village. "Walk."
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 21, 2016 0:56:55 GMT
((Just to warn you: I'm going to have to go in about five-ten minutes- my family wants me for a game.))
Kisma tensed under his hand, resisting the urge to duck away as she would've in any other circumstance. True, he seemed amused- pleased, even- but who knew how fast that could change. She walked in the direction he'd indicated, keeping one eye on him. Zahi, as usual, followed, trying to keep out of the Shardbearer's range of vision.
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 21, 2016 1:01:27 GMT
((Okay. I want to get some writing done anyway, so that's fine.))
The Shardbearer followed Kisma a few steps behind, but enough to the side that she could see him in her peripheral vision.
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 21, 2016 1:04:29 GMT
((Last post.))
They reached the village's edge. Kisma glanced back slightly. "I do hope you're going to tell me where we're going, since you don't seem inclined to take the lead?"
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 21, 2016 1:11:43 GMT
"Stonegold." The Shardbearer pointed toward a grey Ryshadium with a yellow mane who stood about a hundred paces away. "Make sure your spren is able to keep up with her."
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 21, 2016 2:51:23 GMT
Lovely. For a moment, Kisma debated continuing with her feigned ignorance. But what was the point, when the Shardbearer was obviously aware of the situation- perhaps more aware than Kisma herself? "He'll be fine." Wouldn't he? She had no idea how fast he could actually move . . .
She halted a few paces away from the Ryshadium, eyeing the horse uncertainly. Riding anything was not something she'd ever had opportunity or reason to do before. As she stood, she felt something against her leg and glanced down. Zahi rapidly wound up her leg, his vines disappearing more quickly than normal, and then further up to settle atop her shoulder. "I cannot keep up with a horse- not at the moment," he said, his voice a whisper. "But I will, as you said, be fine."
Well then. It was an odd sensation- like having something and nothing there at once. Kisma brushed it aside as something she'd probably have to get used to. "Are you going to tell me how you can see- my spren? What you know about him?" Talking about Zahi felt odd. Wrong, almost, but not quite.
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 21, 2016 6:01:08 GMT
"No." The Shardbearer knelt beside his horse and opened his hands at different heights, forming a makeshift staircase for Kisma. "You ask a lot of questions."
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 21, 2016 13:05:13 GMT
With the Shardbearer's help, Kisma climbed atop the horse and tried to get settled there, without much success. "You're aware of something that no one but me has noticed for months. You barge into my village and order me to come with you without much more explanation than 'It's for the greater good.' You threaten to kill my friends and neighbors if I don't come. And you expect me to not ask questions?"
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 23, 2016 6:34:33 GMT
((Waiting for Lylyss to catch up now.))
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Post by Lylyss on Jan 23, 2016 10:34:23 GMT
((Gaaah. Sorry folks. It's 11:35 here, and I'd like to sleep. But this is next on my to-do list. :P))
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 23, 2016 13:08:06 GMT
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Post by Lylyss on Jan 24, 2016 19:01:25 GMT
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?"
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?" Ollin snorted. Now that sounded like a good book. Wouldn't it be nice to interview nobles for a change? "Follow me, child. I believe my son spent the night in the banquet hall." Sure enough, that's where they found Jove. Spread eagled on the table. Still clutching a drumstick. "Time to get up, darling," Ollin gently shook him awake. He cracked an eyelid. "But--but--what time is it?" "Half-past five." "Outrageous. I refuse to rise before the sun." "But Master Chazan has a job for you..." ____________________ "Breighton's a colleague." A rival, more like. "As for the Keeper... suffice to say, we have our sources. Ears in the Synod. Eyes on the street. The Ministry are very fond of that particular spy ring. And Dalmeaux could jeopardize the whole thing. Can't afford a rogue merc running around, selling secrets to the enemy." ____________________ Brune nodded. He gripped the sword in both hands, still shocked at his own boldness, half-convinced that this was just a dream. Or a nightmare. Whatever the case, it would be over soon. Better to die in battle than in debtor's prison. And besides, that woman needs help. Far be it from him to neglect a lady in distress. "Let's get it over with." Brune slunk toward the Shardbearer, quiet as a breeze. Surprising him--and delaying the shardblade--might be their only hope of success.
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 25, 2016 3:07:28 GMT
With the Shardbearer's help, Kisma climbed atop the horse and tried to get settled there, without much success. "You're aware of something that no one but me has noticed for months. You barge into my village and order me to come with you without much more explanation than 'It's for the greater good.' You threaten to kill my friends and neighbors if I don't come. And you expect me to not ask questions?" Brune nodded. He gripped the sword in both hands, still shocked at his own boldness, half-convinced that this was just a dream. Or a nightmare. Whatever the case, it would be over soon. Better to die in battle than in debtor's prison. And besides, that woman needs help. Far be it from him to neglect a lady in distress. "Let's get it over with." Brune slunk toward the Shardbearer, quiet as a breeze. Surprising him--and delaying the shardblade--might be their only hope of success. As soon as Brune started following the Shardbearer, Daradin whipped Windrunner's reins and circled the village, hoping to come across the Shardbearer from a different angle and provide a cover of distraction for Brune.
The Shardbearer straightened and clenched his fist. A thin wisp of Stormlight trailed from the joints of his armour. "Until I have secured you, I expect and will from now on require silence." He turned his head at the sound of hooves on stone. A lone rider galloped towards him. Unarmed. The Shardbearer flexed his fingers and tightened his hands into fists. "It would seem that your devoted friends are trying to rescue you." 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?" Ollin snorted. Now that sounded like a good book. Wouldn't it be nice to interview nobles for a change? "Follow me, child. I believe my son spent the night in the banquet hall." Sure enough, that's where they found Jove. Spread eagled on the table. Still clutching a drumstick. "Time to get up, darling," Ollin gently shook him awake. He cracked an eyelid. "But--but--what time is it?" "Half-past five." "Outrageous. I refuse to rise before the sun." "But Master Chazan has a job for you..." ____________________ "Breighton's a colleague." A rival, more like. "As for the Keeper... suffice to say, we have our sources. Ears in the Synod. Eyes on the street. The Ministry are very fond of that particular spy ring. And Dalmeaux could jeopardize the whole thing. Can't afford a rogue merc running around, selling secrets to the enemy." "You hardly see the sun in Luthadel anyway." Chazan folded his arms. Wearing something other than his Terris robes felt different. Uncomfortable. He couldn't hide his hands in the sleeves of this ratty skaa tunic. "Come with me. We need to get you dressed."
Gail tipped her head. "I see. Breighton will be pleased to receive that information." She rubbed her hands together. "And the story of how I came to work for him is less than original. I heard he was working in Tathingdwen, walked into his office and walked out again with a job. This job."
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Post by Lylyss on Jan 25, 2016 7:54:32 GMT
As soon as Brune started following the Shardbearer, Daradin whipped Windrunner's reins and circled the village, hoping to come across the Shardbearer from a different angle and provide a cover of distraction for Brune.
The Shardbearer straightened and clenched his fist. A thin wisp of Stormlight trailed from the joints of his armour. "Until I have secured you, I expect and will from now on require silence." He turned his head at the sound of hooves on stone. A lone rider galloped towards him. Unarmed. The Shardbearer flexed his fingers and tightened his hands into fists. "It would seem that your devoted friends are trying to rescue you."
"You hardly see the sun in Luthadel anyway." Chazan folded his arms. Wearing something other than his Terris robes felt different. Uncomfortable. He couldn't hide his hands in the sleeves of this ratty skaa tunic. "Come with me. We need to get you dressed."
Gail tipped her head. "I see. Breighton will be pleased to receive that information." She rubbed her hands together. "And the story of how I came to work for him is less than original. I heard he was working in Tathingdwen, walked into his office and walked out again with a job. This job." Pleased to receive that information... right. Kell smirked and laced his fingers. "Ah, the classic Breighton beginning. Tread carefully. I doubt August was completely honest with you." ______________ "Dressed?" Jove glanced down at his muddy shirt and raggedy trousers. "But I am already resplendent in my skaa accoutrements." ______________ Brune advanced, crouching low. The Shardbearer was just a dozen yards away. His attention appeared to be fixed upon the charging messenger--everything was going according to plan. However, considering the suicidal nature of their plan, that might not be an encouragement. Heralds. Guide my blade.Roaring a battle cry, Brune stabbed at the Shardbearer's back.
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 25, 2016 8:30:28 GMT
Pleased to receive that information... right. Kell smirked and laced his fingers. "Ah, the classic Breighton beginning. Tread carefully. I doubt August was completely honest with you." ______________ "Dressed?" Jove glanced down at his muddy shirt and raggedy trousers. "But I am already resplendent in my skaa accoutrements." ______________ Brune advanced, crouching low. The Shardbearer was just a dozen yards away. His attention appeared to be fixed upon the charging messenger--everything was going according to plan. However, considering the suicidal nature of their plan, that might not be an encouragement. Heralds. Guide my blade.Roaring a battle cry, Brune stabbed at the Shardbearer's back. "What do you have against Breighton?" Gali narrowed her eyes. When obligators hinted at untrustworthiness, they often had manipulation on the mind. "Are you saying he's just as bad as you are?"
"Forget the resplendence," Chazan said, his voice now resembling a growl. "You're our noble today. The Phoenix Resistance calls."
At the battle cry, the Shardbearer whirled to find a sword ring against his armour. His Plate resisted the first blow. He lunged with supernatural speed, throwing a punch at Brune's neck that would crush his windpipe and throw him backwards should it connect.
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Post by Lylyss on Jan 25, 2016 8:53:27 GMT
"What do you have against Breighton?" Gali narrowed her eyes. When obligators hinted at untrustworthiness, they often had manipulation on the mind. "Are you saying he's just as bad as you are?"
"Forget the resplendence," Chazan said, his voice now resembling a growl. "You're our noble today. The Phoenix Resistance calls."
At the battle cry, the Shardbearer whirled to find a sword ring against his armour. His Plate resisted the first blow. He lunged with supernatural speed, throwing a punch at Brune's neck that would crush his windpipe and throw him backwards should it connect. "I'm saying he's an Obligator. A remarkably 'productive,' 'efficient' Obligator, which is Ministry jargon for lots of unpleasant things," Kell said cheerfully. You would have thought he was complimenting a particularly sunny day. "I can't advise you further until I know the details of your arrangement." __________ Jove's eyes widened. "A... noble?" "It's part of the con, child." Ollin took her son by the elbow, ushering him out of the room. "You're going to masquerade as our master." "Capital! Does this mean I get to order you around?" __________ Brune had expected some sort of high blow, and ducked as soon as his sword struck the plate. Keep moving. Keep moving. Got to keep moving. He rolled beneath the Shardbearer's legs, then came up for a second stab.
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jan 25, 2016 17:11:55 GMT
”Devoted friends” indeed. Kisma huffed, but kept her mouth shut. It’s a miracle anyone came to rescue me at all. And these two were the last people she would’ve expected to make the attempt. The soldier, she supposed, was just trying to be a dashing hero of some kind- but Brune? She didn’t know the man well, but she’d never seen him pick a fight with anyone. And here he was taking on a Shardbearer.
I should be doing something . . . She looked down at the reins of the Ryshadium, debating. On foot, she’d probably not get very far before the Shardbearer noticed she was gone, even distracted as he was by his fight. With the horse, she definitely wouldn’t get far before he noticed, but she’d be on horseback, and theoretically moving faster. Assuming she could get the horse to start moving. And also stay on its back once it started.
But then the Shardbearer would probably start killing people again- making a threat like she’d read about in stories: “For every day you continue to run, I kill another of your friends.” And even if that wasn’t the case . . . the Shardbearer knew something. Something about her and about Zahi and what was happening. She needed to find out what it was, somehow. And that meant not running.
Could she help Brune somehow? Attempting to fight the Shardbearer directly, she’d probably just get in Brune’s way, assuming she didn't get herself killed first. But maybe there was something else. Shardplate ran off Stormlight, didn’t it? And spheres and such seemed to drain when she was nearby, though she’d yet to figure out exactly why. If she was somehow causing it- which she and Zahi both thought likely- could she do it purposely? She focused on the gems in the Shardplate. Tried to will the Light out of them.
Nothing happened. Storm it!
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 26, 2016 6:05:20 GMT
"I'm saying he's an Obligator. A remarkably 'productive,' 'efficient' Obligator, which is Ministry jargon for lots of unpleasant things," Kell said cheerfully. You would have thought he was complimenting a particularly sunny day. "I can't advise you further until I know the details of your arrangement." __________ Jove's eyes widened. "A... noble?" "It's part of the con, child." Ollin took her son by the elbow, ushering him out of the room. "You're going to masquerade as our master." "Capital! Does this mean I get to order you around?" "You're an obligator too." Gali folded her arms. "In the Canton of Inquisition. Nobles walk into your Canton and never walk out again. You're perfectly unpleasant as well, and I hope I've made that quite clear." She stalked to the bed and crouched on the lumpy mattress. "But if you're the sort of person whom the Ministry employs as Canton head, I don't trust Breighton either. We agreed on a deal. I would be paid, he would organise a patron for me. In return I would work for him. A hired mercenary Misting. Surely you know the type. Finish your advice."
Chazan followed the pair as befitted a Terris steward. "To an extent. You will have to follow my lead, of course. I will be your steward, Ollin your bodyguard." He smiled dryly. "Apologies in advance, Lady Ollin, but a very unlikely bodyguard." He passed the two and took the lead. "Next we're going to ransack Pierre's dressing room and find some clothes that fit your Pewterarm…stature." ”Devoted friends” indeed. Kisma huffed, but kept her mouth shut. It’s a miracle anyone came to rescue me at all. And these two were the last people she would’ve expected to make the attempt. The soldier, she supposed, was just trying to be a dashing hero of some kind- but Brune? She didn’t know the man well, but she’d never seen him pick a fight with anyone. And here he was taking on a Shardbearer. I should be doing something . . . She looked down at the reins of the Ryshadium, debating. On foot, she’d probably not get very far before the Shardbearer noticed she was gone, even distracted as he was by his fight. With the horse, she definitely wouldn’t get far before he noticed, but she’d be on horseback, and theoretically moving faster. Assuming she could get the horse to start moving. And also stay on its back once it started. But then the Shardbearer would probably start killing people again- making a threat like she’d read about in stories: “For every day you continue to run, I kill another of your friends.” And even if that wasn’t the case . . . the Shardbearer knew something. Something about her and about Zahi and what was happening. She needed to find out what it was, somehow. And that meant not running. Could she help Brune somehow? Attempting to fight the Shardbearer directly, she’d probably just get in Brune’s way, assuming she didn't get herself killed first. But maybe there was something else. Shardplate ran off Stormlight, didn’t it? And spheres and such seemed to drain when she was nearby, though she’d yet to figure out exactly why. If she was somehow causing it- which she and Zahi both thought likely- could she do it purposely? She focused on the gems in the Shardplate. Tried to will the Light out of them. Nothing happened. Storm it! The Shardbearer let the blade smack harmlessly against his backplate even as he whirled and attacked with a leg sweep. He held one hand out to the side, his fingers rolled into a fist but not quite tight as if he held an invisible hilt. Stonegold snorted and pranced in place.
Daradin stood up in the stirrups and waved a fist. "For the honour and glory of the valiant Brightlord Seles!" He dug his heels into Windrunner's sides, urging the horse to a collision course with the Shardbearer. Windrunner took the bit between his teeth and slid to a stop. He reared and pounded the air with his hooves. Daradin managed one helpless chuckle as the motion threw him backwards to the ground.
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Post by Lylyss on Jan 26, 2016 8:59:16 GMT
"You're an obligator too." Gali folded her arms. "In the Canton of Inquisition. Nobles walk into your Canton and never walk out again. You're perfectly unpleasant as well, and I hope I've made that quite clear." She stalked to the bed and crouched on the lumpy mattress. "But if you're the sort of person whom the Ministry employs as Canton head, I don't trust Breighton either. We agreed on a deal. I would be paid, he would organise a patron for me. In return I would work for him. A hired mercenary Misting. Surely you know the type. Finish your advice."
Chazan followed the pair as befitted a Terris steward. "To an extent. You will have to follow my lead, of course. I will be your steward, Ollin your bodyguard." He smiled dryly. "Apologies in advance, Lady Ollin, but a very unlikely bodyguard." He passed the two and took the lead. "Next we're going to ransack Pierre's dressing room and find some clothes that fit your Pewterarm…stature."
The Shardbearer let the blade smack harmlessly against his backplate even as he whirled and attacked with a leg sweep. He held one hand out to the side, his fingers rolled into a fist but not quite tight as if he held an invisible hilt. Stonegold snorted and pranced in place.
Daradin stood up in the stirrups and waved a fist. "For the honour and glory of the valiant Brightlord Seles!" He dug his heels into Windrunner's sides, urging the horse to a collision course with the Shardbearer. Windrunner took the bit between his teeth and slid to a stop. He reared and pounded the air with his hooves. Daradin managed one helpless chuckle as the motion threw him backwards to the ground. "Quite clear indeed." Kell wiped his glasses on the hem of his sleeve. "And yes, I am familiar with this breed of contract between Misting and the Ministry. Happens all the time. But my dear... you have nothing we cannot take away. If August Breighton wanted a permanent agent, he would have stolen your abilities and given them to an acolyte. We only employ Allomancers for suicide missions." ___________ "Apologies accepted." Ollin smirked, following Chazan to the dressing room. Silk pantaloons, floral capes and ruffled blouses lay in drifts around the room. "Let's hope something fits Jove." "Ha." He picked up a satin waistcoat. "This will never contain my chiseled physique." ___________ Brune leapt back, barely avoiding the Shardbearer's sweep. Where's that storming herald? He retreated a few steps and bumped against the snorting horse. Magnificent beast. Ryshadium, perhaps? Pity. Brune slapped its rump, hoping to drive the animal into its master's way, then darted forward for a third stab.
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Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Jan 28, 2016 4:03:19 GMT
((Hmm…Hemalurgy isn't as widely used as Kell's suggesting. Only Steel Inquisitors have spikes.))
Gali scowled. "Even I know that isn't so. Allomancers are nobles, Romnau. You can't kill mercenary noble after mercenary noble and expect more mercenaries to keep joining up. Empires don't run that way. Not even the Final Empire." She rubbed her hands together and licked her dry lips. The lack of pewter burning in her chest grated. She'd need to get out soon if only to burn pewter where no one was around. "I trust you less than Breighton. You've proved untrustworthy. Breighton hasn't yet."
Chazan held up a pair of oversized men's leggings. The waistband was so broad two men Jove's size could have fitted inside. "What do you suppose Lord Deidoa uses these for?" A smile tugged at his mouth. He dropped the leggings and moved on to a pile of vests. "What colours do you prefer, Jove? Or, should I say, Lord Jove?"
The Ryshadium nickered at Brune and turned to snap at him.
The Shardbearer blocked the blow with his arm. Mist coalesced into the shape of a sword as tall as Brune. Light glinted off beads of water on the metal. The Shardbearer stepped forward and swung at Brune's midsection with lightning speed.
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Post by NightBlade on Jan 28, 2016 4:54:04 GMT
(I'm just popping in here to demean Dmitri Pendragon for replying to Cosmere before CaC2 and then leaving. May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your armpits xP )
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