Private - Blood of the Scribe (18+)

Stokbon, Falderen
Inner City
Early Morning
​

Daylight still hid behind the horizon, leaving the evanescent night to its final misdeeds. Beneath a lone street lamp, Kijin leaned against a guard rail and watched as the sky transitioned from black to deep blue, and onward to the first vestiges of dawn. It was early for him, but his contact was adamant they meet before the busiest hours of the day.

He heard a faint noise in the distance, like a can fallen over or kicked. It pulled his attention away from the breathtaking sunrise. "I know you're there," he called out.

The roguish Felis peeked out from behind a barrel and gave a timid "nya?" before she stepped out to greet him. "You're not quite what I expected," she frowned, then folded her arms.

"Is that a problem?" he asked, one brow raised. "I can leave you to it-"

"No, no," she sputtered quickly. Her hands flew forward and she gripped the sleeve of his garb. Her contrived stoicism had dissolved into desperation. "I shouldn't have tried to act tough. We need all the help we can get."

"And you're sure?" he studied her expression carefully. "You're positive what you witnessed was an abduction?" The rumors of dirty dealings in the slums were plentiful, but Kijin had never heard of a missing persons case. Non players in the game up and disappearing would have larger, impactful, and lasting ramifications.

It wasn't something that just... happens.

"Sure as the dawn you're seeing just now," she pointed vehemently. "I'll tell you right where she was grabbed, so long as you give me your word that you'll bring back my sister."

He stopped for a moment, glanced skyward, then sighed. "Did you notice anything specific about them?" he inquired. "Clothing, markings, anything. Something that might tell us who they are, or what it is they want?"

"Nothing," she shook her head. "Nondescript, dark clothes. They moved under the cover of night."

Of course they had.

"The very best I can do for you," he began, "is investigate with what you've given me. I can't make any promises about your sister, especially if I don't know their intentions for her."

The Felis let out a sob. "Please," she begged. "My sister-"

Kijin peeled his sleeve away, an expression of contempt plastered on his face. "I said I would look into it," he told the girl. "Now go."

She stared at him for a moment, two massive brown eyes filled with tears and guilt. The swordsman swatted her aside and began drafting up a message.

Hidden: Zelrius

@Zelrius , I just stumbled onto something that sounds fairly promising. It's in Stokbon, so hurry over when you have a free minute. I'll explain face to face.

 

Zelrius had spent the last few days in the Dormont region. It was a peculiar area; a land run by players, for Players, with NPC Subjects. It was a weird interaction for the NPCs, unable to consistently reach their lords at a moment's notice, not quite understanding why it is their local Marquii and Lords were unable to constantly be dealing with their struggles and plights. Of course, it was impossible for them to understand the simple fact that, people like Astor and Alonso had real lives outside of the game. Or, so Zelrius thought. Afterall, most people weren't weirdos or losers enough to not atleast have something going for them outside of the game. Especially men like that, Alonso was a well-mannered and intelligent man, and Astor was clearly one of high ambition. So, in those two examples the golden haired man had guessed that they probably had some cushy jobs, maybe girls on the outside, things they could do, using Terrasphere only as a hobby. So naturally, that meant they had to log out eventually, and that concept alone was impossible to make the NPCs understand. Even conversely, people like Zelrius, who had nothing at all - A deadend part-time job, Pressing parents, and no goals - still had to log out to tend to other things such as their food and water needs outside of the game.

So it was an interesting interaction to watch, the constant frustration of the subjects of their lords. That, and he had met two people. Sylpha and Comet, though separately. The thought of the azure-headed Elf made him slightly cringe, embarrassed by the memory of how he had treated her purely because of the race of a character she played. But this was separate from that, the man was trying to gain ground today in this land. He called back to the thoughts he had sitting on the hill enjoying a meal the other day. As he watched a golden sun slowly dip behind the trees of the forest, the man had wondered what was in and around Astorea. He didn't know how long it extended, or if there was even enough land to equally pass around from the Kingdom without encroaching on Falderen borders. Well, as of late, he had been running around exploring the whole area just to answer that question. The answer he gathered so far; There was plenty, but the land itself wasn't the problem. No, the problem was development. Places like Dormont were in shambles, and the rest of the Kingdom, though larger than the reigning province of Brisshal of Falderen, was little more than grass and trees. Sadly, that was useless to anyone who wasn't a Bob Ross type.

However, Zelrius had just left the border of the Forest and Brisshal, headed back to Stokbon in the early morning, an effort to hit the wooden stalls and vendors just as they got to them, before they had even picked up their bells and started shouting for business. It was better this way, to deal with the Market as early as he could, get what he wanted, and then walk off with no trace other than glistening golden hair bouncing in the soft bright blue hue of morning air and shining sunlight. As he walked through the open gates of the walls, Zelrius instinctively bent his wrists to pull at his sleeves, covering as much of his arms as he could. It was a habit he had developed whenever going somewhere known to be busy, knowing to always hide what lie underneath in order to avoid stares and judgement.

He began going through his inventory to see what exactly he needed from the market, but was tentatively interrupted by a notification of a message. These weren't something the man received too often, so naturally, his dark blue eyes scanned over the small mail icon carefully for a second, taking a moment to press the icon and see the sender. Kijin. The name he recognized from D'Vangelline's bold rescue attempt, and from running into and getting to know several times after that.

He was one of those people that the golden haired man had come to trust; his attitude was that of a more somber tone, finding the man to be far more of a realist, but not so much so that he took the game lightly either.

And that was immediately backed up by his message, the words reflecting off the boy's pupils as he read the message once, and then twice, just to make sure he got it right. A grin spread across the man's face, 'Something Promising' was his forte.

With that he headed over to the man's location, luckily it wasn't more than a twenty or so minute walk, his sabres and scabbards jingling with each step. Once he was within polite earshot, Zelrius spoke up, his voice hushed and optimistic.

"Ayo, This better be good, I've got shopping to do in a half hour or so," He joked in a light-hearted mood, trying to simply be friendly. "Though I can always forego it if what we got is good enough." That last part added to keep the options open.

Though he stiffened at the sight of the Felis girl, looking back to Kijin and then back to her. "You know you're supposed to leave your toys at home, right?" He asked both suspiciously and to keep the mood smooth, not exactly sure if she was just a passerby, an eavesdropper, a prostitute, or if she had something to do with that "something promising".

 

"I make it my policy to share only the finest quality information with friends," the Bloodsworn replied with a toothy grin. It was subtle, the way his words fell from his tongue- like poison spooned together with honey, to sweeten the deal. He greeted Zelrius with a moderate bow, deeper than those he normally gave, and spoke in a low voice. "Perhaps something as obscure as a kidnapping in the holy capital to satisfy your keen interests?"

He knew the other man understood the implication just as well as he; for a single NPC to disappear in any part of the Kingdom, no matter how insignificant they seemed, it meant the system had not only allowed it, but was like to do so again. The situation begged for them to investigate because the bait was far too meaty to pass on. Where did it start, and where would it end? The story could lead them all across the world, and perhaps further!

Kijin, however, did not say any of that aloud.

Zelrius was an astute man, and one who understood the deeper workings of Terrasphere just as well as Kijin. Everything had a meaning, and every action bred a reaction- somewhere. He was about to comment further when the blonde man finally spoke up. The swordsman followed his associate's gaze toward the Felis girl, and he dismissed her with a flick of the wrist.

"The source of our information," he assured Zelrius. "I have already told her I would do my best for her, but she insists upon lingering."

"Please," she interjected, "it's been nearly a day and a half since they took her. Who knows what they might have done by now?"

"Positively wonderful attitude on that one, isn't it?" Kijin turned to the Felis and promptly shooed her away. "I understand your haste, but without any pertinent information, you're little more than a liability to me. I will investigate this in my own way, so be a good kitten and stay indoors. Preferably behind a locked door, as I've heard Catgirls are going missing hereabouts, just recently."

He stared pointedly at her, and her ears drooped. "At any rate," Kijin turned his gaze back to the burgeoning nobleman before him and returned to the subject at hand. "If there's been any abduction in the slums, word will have made it to the upper echelons of the royal court by now," he explained. "And what better a way to increase your notoriety with the nobles than to stem one of their most troublesome issues before it can become a pandemic?"

A literal deal with the devil.

 

Zelrius wasn't prepared for the man's voice. He had heard it before, but it always caught him by surprise, every single time. There was something captivating about it, something that the man of golden fleece hair just couldn't shake. Zelrius had reasoned several times that it had to have been a customization option or something upon character creating, though that was more of a bullshit excuse made up in his head. He knew full well that he didn't remember even having that option, and that his character's voice sounded, atleast as far as he knew, like his real one. So that's just how this man's wording and tone were, that of silk speech. It was a power the wannabe-nobleman always dreamed he had. The things he would do, both i the real world and this one, if only he could get people to hear him out more often. It was frustrating to the man; always wanting more, his ambition knowing no bounds, but always being hindered by something, most often that something being himself. He was quick to blame his problems on other things, never one to be particularly good at taking blame for long-term things such as his own life. The worst part of that being, he didn't even know that he was a victim of such a toxic way of thinking himself, he just would complain and whine about it on his own time.

He smiled at the anything-but-small bow given to him, the man's breath being bated for a moment as he took such flattery in. Zelrius long dreamed of the day where any and all who greeted him would do it in such a way, but he was far too insecure of himself to demand it, even if he was in a position of power as to do so. And that insecurity seemed to only heighten the effect that the bow had on him, making his mind flood with dreams of feeling important. Those dreams held high in his mind for a moment as the Bloodsworn gave a mild hint as to what was at hand, causing a golden eyebrow to raise above a blue eye in interest. "A Kidnapping..? Player or NPC?" His voice kind of waivered, as he began to grow immensely in both fear and morbid curiosity. The question he asked was important, for the reason that it would mean motive would be easier to discern. If the Former answer, simple, probably a quest for pleasure, wealth or ease of life. There was a market for slaves, both to sell and for any number of reasons. Free Labor was a great investment, whatever you constituted as "Labor". Zelrius was reminded of the stories he had heard of the Yladian Slaves. Nobles bought their women in droves; they were exotic and quite attractive, but other than some magical properties, the Knife-ears weren't use for much else. But this wasn't a Yladian, this was a Felis kidnapped, or so he had guessed, based on the small female feline-person's statements of a sibling. He had always wondered how it was that the Yladians were the targets of such treatment, but the Felis has seemingly escaped, living quite openly with the Humans as they could, where as the Faerin and Yladians were heavily discriminated against, especially here in Brisshal. The image of the libidinous and beautiful Vina, a foxlike Felis who he had thought was quite pretty. He by no means wanted her or anyone to be captured and treated harshly like that, it was more just extrapolation of how the Politics of this world had played out so far.

And there's the other implication. The NPCs of the world had their own histories and lore, lives they had lived even before having that life programmed into them. Yet, even with their preprogramming, it meant that the game not only allowed but encourage certain behaviors. If his answer was the latter, it meant that the game allowed and encouraged NPCs to act as realistically as possible, and that meant that they could, and more than likely would, act this way again, in their own interests and personalities, without exact motivation or care regarding other people. It made his skin crawl a bit at that thought; NPC Sentience and Cruelty for their own reasons.

Yes this is worth my interest.

He looked back to the woman as she pleaded once again, and then only politely smiled at Kijin's remark. His compassion tugged at his heart strings, Zelrius legitimately wanted to help her and tell her it'd be okay, but he also wasn't about to say anything in her defense, not in front of this man. She was some catgirl, and the Bloodsworn had proven to be a valuable ally, far more so than some wide-eyed victim would ever be. So, he only shot her a glare to keep her silenced as he continued to speak back to the, in his opinion, far more important person. "You're right. We should get moving if we want to make it there before the courts are flooded with audiences and the agendas of the lords." He gestured down the road, quite liking the way of the dark haired ma's thinking. "Just outside of the city is a Burgher's estate, who is technically in charge of the taxes in this area. We should start there, afterall, that man now has less one person to tax, he might be more inclined to help us."

And they were on their way, the man's shoes clicking against the paved roads every step as they headed away from their location and toward the Eastern gate of Stokbon.

 

"Non-player," he replied offhand. "Makes the situation a bit more interesting, if perhaps volatile. Don't you agree?" He half smiled without looking back over his shoulder as they made for the East gate, and Zelrius' Burgher associate beyond. The girl did not seem inclined to follow them once there was mention of Nobility, and she disappeared between the woodwork of the Inner city walls.

Kijin got the feeling she would appear again later, and at the most inopportune of times besides.

"We will at the very least arouse the attentions of the guard with a missing persons report," the black haired warrior commented. "And that would be a boon in stemming any further incidents before we can fully explore this one. But how do you propose we keep the interests of your tax collector out of our personal dealings in this matter?"

It was an important point to make; if Zelrius wanted the bounty for this, he had to ensure that it was not the Burgher who won credit for their exploits. Likewise, Kijin needed to assure that the ever watchful eyes of the city were turned away as he weaved his web in the shadows.

The Bloodsworn turned to face Zelrius entirely as they reached the gate. "What do we know about this man?" he asked. "How can we sway him to leave the investigation proper to us?"

 

He glanced behind, him just as Kijin had done, to watch the small Felis disappear. He felt for her, he really did, but he also didn't want her following them around. Perhaps the golden haired man would drag the pair back to her when the need arose. But that was the goal right now; practicality. Even his current ally was curious about the use of the Burgher man. Zelrius closed his eyes for a moment in thought before quickly opening them, a smirk now spreading along his face as he went on to explain. "As I said, this man's job is to make sure the economic sector of this district operates normally, and more importantly, that the Kingdom benefits from it. So, my thinking is he has knowledge on general incomes. I am not expecting anything like what we have for the Federal government of the United States, No, those are certified Jews. But, Maybe he'll have a general idea of the money exchange around here."

He gestured to the buildings with his hand as they walked toward the gate. "These all cost money, someone had to build them, someone had to get the resources and manpower to construct these, and that also meant that there was a market of people to live in them. Now, I understand from my time in Brisshal, they don't exactly have worker unions here. Work hours of any and all kinds are brutal. It's a completely free market, so whoever can produce more of something or better or more often, is going to win. So, blacksmiths work their men to the bone pretty much until the guards and townsherd comes and demands they stop. Here's the catcher, why struggle doing all that when the slave-market is about as easy as it gets? They're legal here, but mostly target Yladians. The only problem with that, nowadays the only people who have those to sell are those who breed and groom them, or the giant companies that take long excursions to the Zalra and kidnap them from their homes. Felii aren't openly traded, but I have a feeling that the law doesn't really matter to the people we're looking into."

He stopped to take a breath as they passed a guard. "This is where our income man comes in. We're looking for figures or groups with perhaps some suspicious income. People around here are taxed by how much they make, and while this isn't exactly the highest class, its on the spectrum where apprentices and muggers wouldn't exactly be able to live without a mob moving on their door. So, when the tax man comes around, it is generally obvious what someone does based on their living situation. Except when they have no signs of a profession and are shady about what they do. It won't be anything concrete, but maybe Steward Vesen, our Burgher, might be willing to let us investigate some shady figures. Use that to track our kidnappers, or atleast, get an idea. In trade, we tell him nothing about that Bounty or what's exactly going on. Basically, we act as though we're simply acting for the Princess."

His smile grew as he reached for his collar, undoing a handkerchief from it, and then showing it off. "This is our ticket to convince the man," He folded it to show that small initials engraved on the far end, DVdF. "We'll say its a symbol of her trust." By the time Zelrius had stopped speaking he two were out of the eastern gate, among the rolling fields, and within a short few moments was the large estate, the guards recognized the golden haired man, giving a slight show of respect before allowing him to pass. Once the pair was inside the Estate, they were greeted by a short man, three Yladians in nice, if a bit worn, clothing. The Yladians bent into a bow, while the nobleman talked with the servant-master.

After a brief exchange, Zelrius had lied to him three times. In the course of their conversation, he had asked to see the Steward Vesen, said that he was on important duty from the Princess to look into a possible thieves ring, and that was all he could share to anyone that wasn't Vesen himself. They were led to a room where a tall and very thin man stood, pouring over ledgers with scribes scribbling and shouting numbers back and forth, servants running about, bringing items and drinks to each of the many tables that littered the room. The thin man looked to the pair and his face lit up, a hand fluttering in beckoning.

 

You intend to bluff your way into an audience with a handkerchief? Are you out of your mind?

Those were the words Kijin would have replied with, if Zelrius cocksure attitude had not just sent the man barrelling forward unto the breach, with no other plans or options readily available. The red-eyed swordsman watched in veiled disbelief as his partner-in-crime wove an elaborate string of lies together and won them a face-to-face meeting with Steward Vesen. Regardless of the ultimate outcome of their current situation, Kijin made a note to be more cautious in the future.

Zelrius was an obvious risk taker.

Kijin swept past his associate with a brisk set of steps, and bowed his head respectfully to the Burgher. As he did, he whispered so that only Zelrius would hear, just over his shoulder. "Play it close to the chest. No surprises."

"My Lord Vesen," Kijin greeted in a silky voice that lilted as he lowered his head in respect.

"And you are?" the Steward pointed at Kijin questioningly as he looked to Zelrius, He who held the favor of the Princess. "Speak quickly, urchin. Do not waste my time."

"A humble citizen of your domain, my Lord," he answered hastily, "and a concerned one. Lord Zelrius commissioned me just this morning to seek clues regarding a certain disappearance...?"

"Disappearance, you say?" he glanced toward the door, to where his manservant knelt. "D'artagnan, bring the daily missive," he instructed with an impatient gesture. Kijin watched the mannerisms carefully.

He glanced sidelong at Zelrius. This was a mistake. Though he knew the Noble swordsman would not understand or comprehend his meaning, the subtle, uneasy feeling that he transmitted through that simple look would warn his ally.

Be on your guard.

Vesen opened the missive and flicked through each page quickly, his eyes darting from the words to the Bloodsworn and back. "I've heard nothing of any disappearance," he stated flatly, "and neither have my men." His gaze turned to Zelrius, someone of relative worth and standing, and he folded his hands.

"Yet here you stand, a clear envoy of the Royal family, and bearing the signet of the Princess herself." The man closed his eyes and exhaled loudly, for longer than several seconds. "I am hard pressed to turn you away, aren't I?"

"You hardly stand to lose anything by allowing us free reign to investigate," Kijin suggested. "In fact, it would save you resources and valuable time to just leave us to it."

"You came here seeking my blessing to simply... let you do as you please?" Vesen glanced to Kijin once more. "Do you think me a fool, boy, or a cur? I will not merely allow you to move unchecked through my ward, not on some baseless rumor and a napkin. Surely not."

Kijin took a single step backward and bowed his head. "Excuse the interruption, my Lord," he murmured. The more he spoke, the less this man trusted him. It was time to cut his losses before the man had him led out in irons.

"Indeed," the Burgher rumbled in a low town as the Bloodsworn fell behind Zelrius. "What would you say to me, envoy of the Princess, that your associate has not already said for you?"

He waited, drumming each finger of his right hand on the desk in turn.

 

Zelrius narrowed his eyes as his ally moved forward and began to converse with the man. It already didn't begin to look going good, and that was more than a little bit of a problem. See, Zelrius more than prided himself on his ability to do what he called Snap-Lie. It was a skill he had picked up in his youth, with various influences, and through the direct shaping of an almost life-ruining compulsive lying habit. It had been a bad habit that, luckily, he had grown out of into his teenage years, but he still retained the ability to do so and skills. This was one of them, the art of ultimate bullshit. He was no politician, but he didn't need to be for minor-to-no educated peasants that were coded to generally believe him, if that's how the luck played out anyway.

He only nodded at the Bloodsworn's words to play it safe. However, that left him with gritted teeth. See, Cautious was slow, and that just wasn't the man's style. The nobleman wasn't interested in on step at a time, he was a gambler of all flavours. Go Big or Go Home, that was the motto he lived by here in the game, it was the only thing he kept consistent in his day to day ongoings. Always try to achieve more, and always risk the whole world to do it. Still, he would leave his jaw clenched as the man honeyed his words, just as he had done for Zelrius himself earlier that morning. He had only watched and listened for a moment, until the dark haired man gave a look of something of which Zelrius had no way of understanding.

However, he actually kind of did. Almost as if it was magic. His heart rate slightly increased, as a sort of ebbing concern washed over him. It was unnatural to him; Zelrius wasn't often taken a back by things, especially not words of some NPC who was barely a rank above him on the noble hierarchy. Yet, it did bother him, something wasn't right. Within moments, the golden haired man was reminded of his run-in with Vivian. She had the same effect during her flirting, and it all seemed too familiar. And then it clicked, as his mind replayed the scene in which Vivian had quietly notified him that she was a dark arts user. Blue pupils widened as everything cogged into place. Kijin was a Malefimacy user. This was more than surprise, as he took a step back in awe, connecting more dots. It made so much more sense; His speech pattern, his slow movements, his unwillingness to share much information. He was a classic Urchin, and was probably the best damn one he had met so far.

Still, Surprise turned into anger, noting that he'll need to have a conversation with his ally as soon as they got a moment alone. The conversation came to a close with attention on him from Vesen. Zelrius hadn't planned for this to go so sour, so, with a shake of his head and a turning foot, the man spoke back with an even tone, though it shook every few words as annoyance and anger bubbled up. "No, that'll be all, My Lord. D'Vangelline will hear about this. Just be sure of that." The tall man flicked his wrist with a smug smile "I am sure she will, boy."

With that Zelrius headed out through the same doors they came through, and once the pair was outside. A few steps away from the Estate, and Zelrius let his emotions out.

"What. The. Fuck!? You're a dark arts user, you didn't tell me, Why not? You kept that from me intentionally, are you hiding anything else?" It was true he was angry, but despite that, Zelrius was still a reasonable person, it was no use actually blowing up on him, but the man did feel betrayed, so he kept the small demand to know more in his line of questioning.

 

"Quiet," the Bloodsworn hissed as Zelrius belted angrily about the truth he had stumbled upon. If not for the danger of their situation before Steward Vesen, he might never have given the swordsman a clue as to his dark secret. "Suppose they heard you, then what? I hang for a witch, and you follow soon after as a conspirator? Use your mind, Zelrius. A merchant with much to lose rarely brags before thieves of his stock."

He composed himself after a series of angry hisses, little more than whispers but surely enough to reproach the flustered Noble. With a finger placed gently against the outer wall of the Burgher's estate, Kijin turned to regard Zelrius again.

"That man had no intention of hearing us out from the beginning. We had nothing to offer him, and no leverage. At best, you smeared his reputation through the mud by dangling your happenstance meeting with the Princess in front of him, and now he has you in a crosshairs. This just got more complicated," he sighed in exasperation, "we simply have no idea of the scope."

Kijin wanted desperately to lay a curse on the building and those inside. He wanted to afflict them with all the suffering they would soon assuredly visit on him, and yet, that would yield no profit.

He exhaled, loudly.

"We still have a play at this," he added at last. "If you still want to bet on another round. The stakes just got higher, and the game changed, but we aren't out yet."

Cryptic though his words were, he knew Zelrius would want nothing more than to see this through to the end. It only served Kijin's own purposes to finish what he started, so despite his grave annoyance with their initial failure, he resolved to put forth an even greater effort.

"But," he held up a finger before adding, "you will have to get your hands dirty, now that we don't have any... benefactors."

Zelrius could not possibly mistake his meaning.

They were about to enter the ugly underbelly of society.

 

Zelrius's face was contorted by a million lines as discontent and contempt filled his mind and words. Though it slowly faded, he knew it was irrational to be this angry over that. Of course Kijin kept that information to himself, it was hard to blame him for doing so. Afterall, there was literally zero way of guaging who would respond and in what way to learning such information. He said it in his own little speech, they'd hang the Malefimancer for being a witch, anyone with him joining the fate, and any of their friends and family get permanently shamed for associating with such a figure, even if they didn't know. He grit his teeth, grinding them as a sort of calming mechanism as these thoughts poured through his mind, along with the Bloodsworn's words bringing him to light.

Damn that man is good with words. Though Zelrius didn't think this personally, it was a true thought that one might have. The dark haired man had used gambling terminology, whether intentional or not, and that more than drew the nobleman's attention. The game wasn't over, and Zel was not one to fold so easily. Especially since, that's exactly what the Steward wanted more than anything, and he was never one for respecting anyone of authorities' wishes on the merit that they were the authorities. They would have to earn such a respect.

With that, he calmed, and nodded, back to his stoic and calculating demeanor. His assumption was right, the golden haired man was a lot of things, but someone who quit so easily? Hell no. There were still a million questions to answer, and a possible victim to save. Though that last one was unlikely if his thoughts on the slavery were right. Felii probably sold quicker than Yladians, especially if the one in question looked anything like the same Felis who had been Kijin's informant.

A smirk as the Bloodsworn finished speaking; his words never being more clear. "Makes the game more fun, if there's actual challenge. Where would be the fairness if everything worked in our favour?' He joked back, though he meant his words, however roundabout they were. "Can't say I am thrilled about what you propose, but, as you said, There's still much to do and even more to solve. Lead the way, good sir." With that, Zelrius's brows re-narrowed in determination, he was resolved to see this through, even more so now then before.

 

Kijin bowed slightly as he backpedalled along the trail and swept his hand back toward Stokbon. "Then we'll make haste for the drydock, just on the other side of the slums" the Bloodsworn explained. "It attaches to the canals and leads further inland, but our destination is a bit less famous than that."

They climbed the ascent toward the Holy Capital and breached the gate once more, but this time, they were meet by a loud scene unfolding ahead of them. "I said back, knave!" a knight cried from atop his horse.

The Eastern Gate plaza was alive with many bewildered onlookers, a cadre of knights, and a hideous, albeit lavishly decorated herald who bore arms almost exactly the same as those Kijin and Zelrius had observed at the Burgher's estate.

A runner? Kijin exchanged glances with his compatriot, then returned to watching the scene. At the heart of the altercation, there she stood.

A familiar and particularly heartbroken Felis.

"Please!" her sons were pitiful, broken only by the flood of words, "my sister was taken! You have to help me!"

"I said enough," the knight spat at her, and the faint sound of bared metal came as he bore naked steel against her. Kijin blinked.

Has all the world turned upside down?

"You have been told to cease with these insidious lies," the knight pointed his blade at her accusingly. "Yet here you stand, brazenly besmirching the good faith of your local steward. Justice lies well within the bounds of my duty, and so I must ask you- will you relent?"

She shook her head defiantly. "My sister was taken, and you're calling me a liar! I can't just stand here-"

"This looks bad," Kijin leaned toward Zelrius and kept his voice low.

 

As they trudged back through the land they just had, Zelrius' ming raced with questions. These were of matters that weren't particularly directed, but still needed answering more than anything. The main one that gained prominence in his thoughts was that of motive. Of course he had determined, for himself, that it had to be slavery. He had no idea whether or not that was right or wrong, but it was the assumption he went with. But, by motive, it was meant more, why that Felis particularly? Was she prettier? Healthier? Perhaps she had certain traits that were more desireable. He had to remember that to the NPCs, this was Medieval times. Maybe they found certain traits more attractive than others, in contrast to the modern world. But that was also unlikely, for the fact that it was also fantasy, and there were pretty women aplenty. Zelrius learned to admire from a far, being unable to shake guilt whenever he talked to one. Everytime he got even moderately close to a woman interms of proximity, the man would stutter and blunder, the memories of her, blazing through his mind.

So he ignored direct confrontation with women as much as he could, however, he still knew a pretty woman when he saw one. And as said before, they were plenty in Terra, and so the man thought it unlikey that the captive in question was moreso desireable than other targets, once again looping his thoughts to women like Mizuki or Vina. It was odd to him, imagining them being the target instead, and he began to wonder if he'd be putting in a little more effort and urgency if it was one of them, people he considered friends.

Speaking of that Felis girl from earlier, it seemed she was in a tussle. Within moments it was obvious what was happening. She didn't trust the pair to handle it on their own, and that insulted the nobleman. But aswell, it meant that she tried to act on her own, and the golden haired man had just gotten a hard lesson in not thinking before acting. This was the perfect opportunity to apply that lesson. As Kijin had said, Zelrius agreed, the situation was bad, they needed that woman to make it out okay.

He closed his eyes and calmly dusted himself off, smoothing out any wrinkles in his fine clothing, a gloved hand running from collar and chest, to lap. He had a plan, Think before act, still take risks. He reminded himself, moving forward and changing his pattern of speech.

"Come now, brave men. The woman is obviously delirious. She is in a weakened state of mind, and has no grasp on reality," He moved forward and put an arm around her, pulling her against him. "It is your job to protect people like this. No need to terrify further. You've done well in defending the Steward's honor and word. Both he and D'Vangelline shall hear that you had defended a lord, you have my word." there he went again invoking her name and word, completely without permission. "Allow me to take over, if you will."

With that, he began to pull away, trying to push through the crowd, the small Felis being grappled along his in iron grip, whispering to her "You say a fucking word and I will let them kill you here."

"Hey, get back here!" That knight shouted, pulling on the reigns of his horse to force it to neigh and buck at the air, an attempt to get attention. "Who the hell are you?"

Zelrius was expecting that, a grin formed on his face as the plan went into action. He glanced to Kijin, hoping that the man might be able to perform a bit of Malefimancy on this Knight to weighn him a little. He held up the Handkerchief again, his voice coming out quite eloquently. "I was hoping you'd ask, I'd have to question your Knighthood if you weren't a bit skeptical. I am Lord Zelrius of Brisshal. I was asigned to that post to deal with Goblins as of lately. I was told to use this handkerchief to meet with D'Vangelline herself." That last statement was true, it is what the handkerchief was for. "And if I were you, I'd step off while I still have good things to say."

The knight's face visibly contorted, in slight disbelief, and he gave a scan of his fellow Knights. None of them seemed willing to risk it over a random Felis, as they slightly withdrew. The Knight turned back, keeping a steadfast honor about him. "As you were, My Lord." And then he spun his horse back to the crowd. "You heard him, the rest of you can go now, nothing to see here!" With that, the people slowly dissapated, giving glances and hushed whispers on their own speculations of the events that just took place.

Hidden: OOC INFO

Kijin and I have been rolling for Outcome of events and paths of action. In this Post we rolled for:

Whether they would confront the Knights directly or try to sneak the girl out of the situation. 50+ was Confrontation, 50- was Subtlety. Result: 95 No Modifier was applied.

Whether or not the Knight would challenge Zelrius' claims on status. 50+ Meant he would not challenge. 50- Meant that he would continue to be skeptical. Result: 66 No Modifier was applied.

Click on the Result numbers to see screenshot proof.

 

The knights dispersed with some reluctance, sparing glances back at the trio as they continued on toward court. "That," Kijin whispered harshly, "cannot be your only go-to."

While soldiers and Knights were far easier prey to word games and mental chess, they were still as wary as their liege lord with royalty invoked. Too many instances of the name drop might even trigger questioning by the royal family itself, and Kijin wanted more than anyone to avoid attention of that magnitude.

"It's of little consequence now, of course," he explained, "we know there's foul play afoot. Whether it be by the Steward himself or a member of his household, someone made the girl's statement disappear, and they're now trying to finish the job."

He pointed to the Felis, who practically clung to Zelrius for the feelings of safety he resonated. "I just want my sister back," the half cat mewled as she buried her face in the Noble Swordswoman's sleeve. "I'm not trying to hurt anyone, honest!"

Kijin watched the closest of four knights round a corner and disappear from sight before he looked back to the others. "Let's make for the docks," he said in a low voice. "If we can access the canals, we'll be able to traverse the undercity freely."

"Undercity?" the girl asked timidly.

"Stay close to your knight," the Bloodsworn smirked. "The law doesn't mean much, where we're going."

 

As the final knights left and headed for the Market, the morning sun now slowly turning from that azure hue, into the bright white light that meant the morning was coming to a close. That was the only telling sign however, the autumn winds picking up and falling against the mass of buildings and walls within the city. Every corner whistled with every gust, Zelrius' hair following all around his eyes and face, causing him to constantly reach a gloved hand up to push it back onto the top of his head, before another gust blew and restarted the whole process.

I should get a hair cut.

He had that thought as he now answered the Bloodsworn's statement. Sadly, it was his only go to, but he wasn't about to let his ally know that. So, to avoid outright lying, and to avoid directly answering the question, Zelrius played the age old game of play-around. "It's worked in this instance, and had we had a bit more luck, it might have worked with Vesen. Have no fear, my friend, I will be more careful with it." He had the same thoughts Kijin did, knowing that its usuage one too many times might garner the wrong attention, and while Zelrius didn't much care that the Royal Family would then be watching keeping an eye on him specifically, he more cared the impression that might make on his potential future benefactors. He made a mental note to that card less, now storing the handkerchief away in a pocket, rather than tying it back to his collar as he usually did.

Zelrius tensed up as he realized he had to put the handkerchief in his right pocket, rather than his left. For reason that a Felis was pretty much attached to the man, something that made his face glint red for a moment. This embarassment was intensified as she used his arm as a rag, making his immediate reaction be shaking his arm as a way of shooing her off of it. He wasn't about to let this Felis make him look weak or soft in front of the Malefimancer. She backed off a step, looking at him with wide-eyes and a slightly open mouth, caught off guard by that harsh action. He felt bad for her, quickly saving himself by pulling off a glove and handing it to her, "Wipe your face with this, throw it away when you're done." Those were cheap anyway.

 

Although he refrained from comment, Kijin fixed Zelrius with a telltale stare as he afforded the NPC unnecessary kindness. Whether it was out of some misplaced pity, or a genuine interest in the Felis' well-being, none of that interested the Swordsman. "This way," he directed them hurriedly.

They shuffled down the lane and over a bluff, across to where the docks stretched out to sea. An elaborate wooden network of ships and walkways held together by fast knots and the grit of sailors greeted them, creaking with every unbalanced step they took.

Thank the gods for realistic physics, Kijin groaned internally.

He led Zelrius and his newest charge through the quaint fish market that spanned the landward side of the harbor, aware of eyes that lingered on their group. "There are slavers in the harbor," he warned. "Don't let her go too far from your side."

Slavers, however, were the least of their worries.

The thunder of hooves called out for his attention, and Kijin looked ashore. The charlatan from before who bore the Steward's sigil pointed into the mass of people on the docks and barked.

"Search every last one of them." Spittle and the remnants of his last meal spattered out as he ordered the knights to arms. "Find me the girl, as well as the youth who claims to be a consort of the Princess. They'll both hang for conspiracy, and the man who bears them back to Lord Vesen will receive a land and title of his own."

Damn.

"Go," Kijin hissed as he pushed from behind the other two players. It didn't matter that the Burgher had no interest in him right now. "Just ahead, between the two bulkheads- there's a crawlspace. Hurry."