Expanse: The City Reboot (Dark Fantasy Epic) Main Thread (Open, Started) Pages PREV 1 . . . 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 . . . 50 NEXT | |
"Well that would be a little too easy wouldn't it? After however long the effect last the Vessel peers piercingly right into the crowd but she's no idea which if any of them is them **** she could be looking right at their face and it wouldn't matter. She probably came out of it better than Vergil, then again it wasn't her first time. From her memory the broach should only have affected the people that were paying attention to the ****. | |
Vergil quickly sheathed his katana as **** quickly changes, disappearing in a bright flash. His mind was suddenly taken to a seemingly infinite, and empty white corridor. Then without warning, hundreds of various memory fragments start firing at him like arrows. Vergil tried to dodge them, but he was hit by many. He started to experiences many memories from his early life. Being discovered and taught by his former brothers in arms of the Thieves Guild. His first use of the ability he would call, 'Shade's Vision', and his departure into a solo career as a thief/mercenary. For even a brief moment, he caught a glimpse of his parents, at he least he knew what they look like, their faces seemed familiar, like he had seen them some years ago. Then quickly as they came, the memory shards disappeared, and Vergil was back in the tavern. The **** had gone. Adjusting to the sudden reassertion of the situation, he noticed that The Vessel was eating the muffin from before. Vergil looked at the blown out candle, and realised its significance. "Oh, Vessel, happy birthday". Vergil told her in a warm and friendly tone, and a smile on his face. He then sat down one the opposite side of the bench that The Vessel had sat on. "What just happened with ****, I take it **** changed forms and vanished." | |
Itsuka and Lorel walked through the market section of Mo at the various goods they needed. "So Itsuka" Lorel spoke to make small talk. "Your Red Magic, is it true?" "Yes. In fact I used it in the previous fight." She spoke as she looked at the various shops. "Oh... Was too busy." "As was I, didn't get to see how you handled." "I did... Alright I guess." They began buying goods and putting them in various pouches. "So how did you meet Velen? And not be a big supporter of Upper?" Itsuka stopped and looked at Lorel and then nodded at the benches nearby. "Shall we?" They sat down and put down the bags, but made sure no petty thief could come by and snatch them. "Well it's an interesting tale. Takes place, roughly 11 years ago. I was in the North meeting with a Mage by the name of Yovrius. An Ultimate Mage, an also very interesting fellow. Well Yovrius is the Head Mage of the Vo'ana family. "Well, Velen was traveling with a man named Mar and his group. They were escorting someone who needed safe keeping, and an incident happened. A self-righteous Power Hungry Mage captured Vo'ana's daughter, Mista, and Velen and I were part of the operation to save her, and we got to know each other. Sort of close, I guess you could say after that. But our paths divided and we split." "Who was the person he was escorting?" "Sorry, I can't tell you that. Confidential." | |
"Thanks and sure." | |
"Fine, thanks for asking. You could say it took me on a trip down memory lane. Haven't entered the Corridor of Dreams in at least a decade, last time I went there was when I gained my Shade's Vision ability." Vergil remarked in a relaxed state of mind, the final few fragments of memory returning to whatever void they came from in his mind. | |
"You're taking it well." | |
"Why thank you, I take it you've dealt with that kind of thing before from the looks of it. What made you go into a relationship with ****, it seems like **** got the better end of that deal, no offence. I am however happy to answer any questions you have about me." He replied with, a brief smirk appearing on his face. | |
She had to smile at just how blatant the compliment was. | |
Vergil described the capabilities of his Shade's Vision. "It's sort of like second sight. It allows me to see how people and objects are related to me, by giving off a coloured aura. To put it into context, a friend/ally appears with a blue aura, an enemy is red, a important object or person shows up as gold, finally everything else reads with a dull white aura, meaning it bears no significance in my goals." "If I concentrated on a specific person for a long enough period of time, then they give off a faint ghostly after image, allowing me to track their movements, past and presently, a useful maneuver whenever I've been on an assassination contract, since I also do that in conjunction with thievery jobs." "Finally, I can see through magical illusions or decoys, pretty good when a Mage is trying to keep something hidden. I used it when duelling that Mage swordsman I battled in the gardens of Harold Nehelem's estate. He surrounded me with a circle of decoys, whilst he himself hid amongst them. He was just about to strike when I detected his movement, and blocked his attack, using this." He then showed his hidden wrist blade to The Vessel, secretly triggering it via the ring on his finger. | |
After they finished chatting, Itsuka and Lorel finished up the shopping and made their way towards the Guardian Center where Telnor and Velen are. Velen - Mo Velen and Telnor left the Guardian Center and they began to make their way towards the market where they expected to see everyone but instead spotted Lorel and Itsuka with many goods. He waved to them and then asked. "So you guys got all the goods?" "Correct. Enough for the seven of us." Itsuka answered. "Good, do you know where Vessel, Scarlett and Vergil are?" Lorel shrugged. "They went somewhere, but didn't say. Probably meet with us soon." "We need to go fast. In less than twenty minutes, they're going to be expecting us at the Mountain Gate." | |
"That sounds interesting. So what did the **** look to you? I'd appreciate any info you could help get me. " | |
"It was difficult to pin down a precise form. There were so many phasing in and out, each one keeping the true form hidden. For that brief moment before **** used that broach, the illusions were distant. What I could make out was a tall man, pale skinned, like death itself; fairly large, but in a muscular sense. He had long black hair, part of it being below the shoulders." "Although, that may have been another trick as well, a disguise been hidden amongst other disguises to fool me. But I can't be certain. Sorry if that doesn't give any concrete evidence, it was all I could see for those few brief seconds of clarity." Vergil answered to The Vessel's question, an air of uncertainty in his voice. "As for what I thought of her, well at first she seemed to be a decent enough person, kind exterior, inquisitive interior. But when that façade dropped, and her nature shined through for what it was, its that, she seemed to think all high and mighty about herself. That she was the centre of attention, that she was smarter than everyone. To put it to a better phrase, 'full of herself'. Suddenly he could here voices outside the tavern. He then turned back to The Vessel. "If I'm not mistaken, that is Lorel, Velen, and Itsuka. Telnor must be with them as well, we probably should be going, lest we be late for the mountain gate." Vergil then got out of his chair, and headed to the door. | |
"Oh, of course." | |
"Speak of the devil, its Vessel and Vergil. Hello. Now where is Scarlett? We need to go to the Mountain Gate very soon." Lorel spoke. | |
"I've not seen her sorry. | |
"Hmm, I haven't seen her either. Scarlett must have disappeared after Velen and Telnor left. But she must know to meet us at the Guardian Centre surely." Vergil replied with in a approving manner. | |
"You mean me?" Scarlett arrived at the chatting group, having spotted them in the street. She was dressed in her winter clothing and carried a small bag across her shoulder. The smell of alcohol carried on her breath. Scarlett had stopped for a quiet drink alone before deciding to head to the Guardians Centre and chosen her favourite spirit from a bottle on the wall. It had helped to calm her mind. | |
"Oh, Scarlett, didn't see you there. It seems you are all prepared, warm clothing, additional supplies, all ready to go. I take it that now the whole group is one place again, we shall head to the Guardian Centre." Vergil remarked to Scarlett's sudden appearance in a surprised manner. "Hmm, shall have to get some winter weather gear of my own, hopefully, there is still time to prepare after things are sorted at the Guardian Centre." Vergil thought to himself briefly, concerned for his own situation in terms of preparation. | |
"Yes. Well. I had something to do, so I decided to go shopping early. I see your well prepared." Scarlett couldn't hide the sarcastic tone laced in her voice. | |
"Well, I see you haven't lost your silver tongue and sharp wit. A well placed blow if I do say so myself." Vergil replied with in nonchalant manner, with a smirk on his face afterwards. "Well, we're not going to accomplish anything by just standing around, are we? Let us get moving then." He added, and started to walk further up the sloping path towards the Guardian Centre. | |
Scarlett smiled weakly at Vergil in reply before he walked off, she caught him up, matching her pace with his. "So, Vergil, what have I missed?" | |
"Nothing much, just having a drink with The Vessel. It seems that she received a reply from her parents. Unfortunately, due to the mountainous conditions, they weren't able to provide horses, as a means of transportation. However, they have said that something will be there for her at the gate, since, it is her birthday today, although I wouldn't want to say it out loud." Vergil replied to Scarlett, avoiding what else had happened at the tavern. "Apart from that, it was just learning about each other, so I won't bore you with the details." He added suddenly, forgetting a few details of the conversation. Vergil decided to change the subject at that point. "So, how is the stitching on that scar holding up?" | |
"Very well, thank you, you must have done it many times before?" Scarlett looked at Vergil awaiting an answer. | |
"Yes I have actually. Back when I was a member of the Thieves Guild near the Middle District, during the periods when I wasn't on contracts, I acted as the medical specialist. You see, whilst many of my former 'brothers and sisters' in arms were very capable thieves, they lacked the knowledge to patch themselves up in the field. So many a time, when they came back from a mission, it was more often I who had to put them back together again. We did have other practitioners in the field of medicine, but they were not advanced as I." "How I became so accurate and precise where stitches were concerned, was that, I was trained by a former tailor, who had put down the sewing needle, and picked up the scalpel instead, and became a doctor instead. Small time stuff mostly, nothing on a large scale." | |
Velen - Mo Velen shook his head. "There is no more time to buy goods. We need to go the Mountain Gate, not the Guardian's Center. Itsuka and Lorel bought some goods. You guys did buy some clothes for everyone to wear correct?" "Well, yes. We did because we didn't know whether or not Vessel or Vergil were buying goods or not." Itsuka spoke handing out some winter clothes to the both of them. "Now let us go." Velen spoke walking off and everyone followed. The gate was close to the Guardian's Center but not enough to take a detour. Compared to the gate into Mo, it was a giant. Many stood outside and various Guardians walked around with weapons at sides or in hands. People in groups stood with pouches and bags with many goods. When they arrived, a person with a list went over to them and Velen identified himself and their name was crossed off so to remember that they arrived. "Go to the group. The Head Guardian Elite will make an announcement." "Alright." A guardian in heavy armor walked in front of the group and spoke in a loud voice. "My name is Nashia, I am the Head Guardian Elite here. Today we will be setting off to the North. I will now lay down some rules. I see none have any but I will note that there shall be no horses. Terrain is too rough for a horse and would cause too many problems. Second rule, no bickering, doesn't cause trouble or we will forcible keep you apart. Third, we don't provide food, so I hope you brought food. Fourth, listen to all instructions, some parts can be treacherous, we don't want any deaths. Fifth, in case of any bandit attacks, listen to all instructions, we're trained, most of you aren't. For the few that are, it would be good if you noted yourself to one of us. Sixth and final rule, don't discriminate. If there is anyone here who is a Mage and someone else is a Mage Hunter, if you fight. We will take down the one who started it. "And that is it. We shall be leaving in just a few minutes. Check your stuff one last time and we shall be off." Nashia finished and then began to chat with some other Guardians. "Velen," Lorel spoke. "Shouldn't we tell them that we all can help in case of any bandit attacks?" "Yes." Velen began to make his way to Nashia and Lorel followed. She noticed them coming. "My, my... What a surprise. Been what eleven years? Last time it was in Orel though." Nashia spoke. "Hello, Nashia." Velen spoke. "And your right, it was in Orel eleven years back." "I assume you came because of what I said about the bandits?" She looked at the both of them. "Correct. The party were in has seven people, and we all can fight the bandits if any attack." "Good. We're a little short on people for the size of this group. There are thirty, bit more than the usual. Not all of you, but some of you will have to stick with our Guardians so to keep a watch out." "We shall. Also if I may ask. I didn't notice Dastian, is he no longer here? I assume that's the reason why you're the Head Guardian Elite at this outpost." She shrugged. "Dastian was called off to the South. Apparently something big is happening there. But I don't know what. Well we got to finish our preparations. You best do as well. Good to see you Velen." "You too." He spoke as she walked off. Together they went back to the group. "Okay guys. Some of us will have to stick with the Guardian groups and keep on patrol on the path. Who wants to do it? Probably three of us should do it. But not all, since some will need to stick in the crowds to protect from the center. I know some of the Guardians so I think I should go. But shall be the other two?" | |
"Thanks you two, that's very kind." Vergil replied in a friendly manner as he received a bundle of clothing from Itsuka, after she sat Telnor down. He examined the attire before trying it on. The coat was made from leather, and reached halfway down his shins, it also had a tall collar so the cold could be kept off his neck. There was a dark red woollen scarf as well, which Vergil wrapped around his neck, and put the remains behind him. Finally, there were a pair of leather gloves which had a cloth interior, this would provide him with adequate protection from the cold, but also still leave free movement with his hands, should he need to use his katanas. He took off the bracer which held his retractable wrist blade on his right arm, then put it back on after he put the glove on. After trying on his winter gear, Vergil stood at the back of the group, leaning on a support pillar whilst he listened to Nashia relay some instructions about travelling in the mountains. Whilst he did listen, he kept an eye out, in case anyone unfriendly showed up. After Nashia finished her instructions, he returned to the group. Velen was discussing that a few of the group should help the Guardians on lookout for bandits. "Count me in on that, I'm a pretty capable fighter, and my Shade's Vision should help in spotting the bandits." Announcing his attention seemingly out of nowhere. | |
The Vessel began her inspection. Hopefully none of them were the ****. She couldn't help but expect it, after all this was the main way north, and he'd probably enjoy the journey. "Oh now that's just great, thanks." As for group, I think it will be best if I..." | |
Lucian Grey - Entrance of Mo (Closed) - Grim The sharp jolt of a steel capped boot raced throughout Lucian's entire being, It's cold strike raidiating from the centre of the Mage Hunters noggin. Rays of light pierced the green tinted smoke that wafted lazily around Lucian, their miasma soaked in a devious substance that tugged at Grey's eye's; beckoning them to falter. "Lucian, wake up." hailed a familiar voice, it's calling followed swiftly by that rather annoying, and overly sharp, flogging from a black clad boot. Fearing the swipe of yet another blow, Lucian pressed one hand on the ground and lifted himself upwards, his other swaying casually in the air, it's flailing a less than subtle sign of recognition and as a means of fanning the sleeper clouds. "Vincent? I was having such a wondrous dream, there were dragons, blades, bows and knees..." The drug drenched fumes faded as Lucian mused like an idiot, the memories of his prior state of consciousness returning in sudden flashes. The red eyed thief, Vergil, had spoken kindly to him before unleashing the bomb that had rendered him incapacitated, the air rushing in and out of his lungs a clear indication that the man had no desire to end him. "Get up. The fools that you tried to contact attacked you, your attempts at diplomacy failed. Now, we hunt and bring this scum to justice." "And you their executioner?" Lucian chimed under his breath just beyond his bloodthirsty companions ears. Lucian had mixed feelings about the idea of hunting these people. While they did respond with an act of aggression, they appeared to be a group that could offer a great deal of amusement. Lucian rubbed the edge of his chin, the tiny pricks of an emerging stubble gliding coarsely across his fingers, before coming to a final decision in which the two of them would deal with their fleeing associates. "The gates will be closed by the time we catch up with them, and seeing as how we're not the most favourable figures in the following districts we'll likely be met with even more closed doors." A smile crept across those pale features of Lucian's visage. "But, we know they're heading north..." Lucian pulled himself out of the metaphorical dirt and dusted himself off. "And I just so happen to know a shortcut through those Mountains..." | |
Velen shook his head and explained it was now time to leave. Scarlett let out an unnoticed, audible sigh, and tried her best to hide the disappointment creeping into the features of her face. She had walked the road many times before and knew the danger that lurked in the journey. The threat of death, ever present, remained concealed in the tranquil beauty of the frozen world. Even with the Guardian's around. The Vessel and Vergil received a handout of spare winter clothes, very similar to Scarlett's own, and quickly got changed. The group then began the short walk to the gate. Scarlett had seen it many times before but the feeling of apprehension always remained, lurking in the shadows of the back of her mind. It was visible only in the solemn faces of her fellow travellers who had found their own way to the gate. Before the giant gate stood a mixture of guardians and civilians, making final preparations or chatting to pass the time. Scarlett followed Velen, watching the crowd with suspicious eyes, her gift listening out for impending trouble. All these weapons made her nervous. When Velen identified himself to a guardian Scarlett returned her attention to him. Slightly stunned that he had actually given his real name for the group. She would have to have a word with him later about that. They where informed to join the group and listen to the Head Guardian Elite's talk and so with out a word Scarlett moved on. Scarlett caught sight of a woman in heavy armour making her way to the front. She was new. Scarlett tried to remember the previous one she had seen many times before, but failed to recall any details. Introducing herself as Nashia the woman began informing the crowd of the rules the guardians imposed on the journey north. Scarlett returned her attention to her gift which had been quietly mapping the sound in the back of her mind. But too many people where moving around, fiddling with weapons or rucksacks, making threat identification quite difficult. Scarlett gritted her teeth. She hated feeling vulnerable. Scarlett kept her gift activated and listened into Velen's conversation with Nashia. She was surprised to learn that Nashia knew Velen. Something that would no doubt prove very much useful in the days to come. Scarlett smiled. Maybe this trip wasn't going to be so bad after all? "I'll help patrol." | |
The Vessel saw Scarlet. | |
Scarlett looked at the Vessel with a curious glance. "There is so much noise, it will take more time than usual to find anything out of the ordinary. So far? No. But it is hard to distinguish friend from foe with everyone fidgeting or fiddling about." Scarlett seemed annoyed at this. " As for if my gift is pitch perfect, well, I'm not too sure. Hang on." Scarlett raised a hand and closed her eyes, focusing on her gift. The realm of unmapped sound was vast but she had made a subconscious decision to not map any sound coming from the group. Diving into it, there in the tangled string of noise, was the Vessel harp. Scarlett heard the notes like no other person could, the space of it, the frequency, the echo, but failing to understand the music itself meant Scarlett could not decode the hidden message. "Sorry, I can hear extremely well but if your harp is sending a hidden message then I don't understand the music itself to understand." | |
"Oh no. | |
"You wouldn't be the first person to send messages through music." The Vessel played two notes. Scarlett listened and heard the difference. "Yes, I can. Of course, what do you want to tell me?" | |
"I just have this feeling someone is here, someone I'd rather avoid. When they talk, there's a particular note pattern in their voice." | |
| Pages PREV 1 . . . 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 . . . 50 NEXT | |
Vergil Crawford - Some Tavern - Mo 
Lorel Ion and Itsuka Maen - Mo
Scarlett Verneer - Mo
Scarlett stood before the building. She closed her eyes only for a moment, but it was enough to activate her gift. In the back of her mind a tangled web of sound appeared, with Scarlett at the epicentre, conflicting and shouting across each other like hive of a million voices. Well trained in her gift, Scarlett subconsciously began untangling the noise thread by thread and listening to the delicate sound or voice contained within. There was nothing unusual. No sound of hurried feet. No hushed voices identifying her to unseen allies. No raising of a freshly sharpened blade in anticipation. Scarlett was almost disappointed.
Her attention returned to the building, unassuming and ravaged by the elements it looked no different to the rest of the street. Except this was a safehouse. Sera's Mo Safehouse to be exact. It had been a calculated risk of course, with Sera taking an unknown apprentice there was the possibility that the mystery girl was inside. Scarlett chewed her lip. No sound radiated from the building. It was either clear or Sera had taught this Tear girl to move without sound. Scarlett reached out, she felt her heart pause for a moment. Opening the door Scarlett was ready to flip backwards and avoid any attack coming her way but none came. The building stood empty, occupied only by dust.
It didn't take long to find the small stash of Kiel and spare throwing knifes, leaving quickly Scarlett hurried for the Guardians centre, stopping only to grab some winter clothing with her new found wealth.