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The Ruined [Lyra]
Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 5:34 am
by Faine
50 Frost 120
"And the innocent shall reap what the ruined cannot."
"...and the ruined cannot..."
"...and the ruined cannot..."
Faine sat bolt right from their bed, panting and soaked in sweat. They put a shaking hand to their heart to keep it from bursting through their chest as they squeezed their eyes shut.
"It was just a dream," they whispered to the air, "not real, just a dream..."
Slivers of moonlight made soft cuts through their window, distorted now and then from puffs of breath turned white in the cold. Somewhere in the half-dark, Faine's fireplace lay dead, along with the bowl of coals at the foot of their bed. There was nary a sound to be heard, the blanket of stillness outside just as thick as it was inside. All was quiet, save for the gradual slowing of their breathing.
Feeling calmer, the Fae pushed soggy strands of hair from their eyes. There was no chance of going back to sleep, not with that unwelcome nightmare awaiting their return. So, they chose instead to get up, relight the fire, and brew a kettle of tea while they collected their thoughts.
It had been nearly a fortnight since Faine had dared to venture closer to the bandit lair. The first time, they had merely followed bloodied tracks in the snow. It would have felt too easy, had they not carried several bruises and cuts of their own, but they were determined to figure out where those children were being taken to. Only on the fourth excursion, having waited until most of the bandits left to gather supplies, did the perfumist manage to get close enough to the cave to poke around.
They were not able to go far. Several members had been left to guard a large cage at the end of the cave, but Faine had heard the whimpers and caught glimpses of tear-streaked faces. It was enough to send their stomach rising through their throat.
Their immediate desire was to free those children. But how? They were one and the bandits many, even after the bloody scuffle that had started it all. Certainly, they could get back to the city and find militant help, but who would believe them? And even if they did, city guards might simply slaughter the band of criminals to the last woman and man and be done with it. The innocents would be saved, but then Faine, ashamed as they were to admit it, would never find answers to their questions.
So the Fae had sat on the cave's location for days, struggling to choose the right path. Alerting the city could mean saving innocent children and ridding these mountains of a vile group of criminals. But it might also mean creating a dead end for their burning questions regarding their Fallen kin. And, worse yet, leave whatever dastardly goal these cultists had pursued open for others to pick back up.
For eight days in a row, the dreams had been haunting Faine. Their conscience screamed and screamed while their mind weighed odds and juggled priorities. This last one, however, had been worse than any of its predecessors. Perhaps it was a sign.
Dawn finally came, silver light warming to pale, golden rays. The Fae had already made up their mind and packed their modest gear, beginning the trek into Kalzasi proper as soon as the sun lit the way. It was by no means a short trip, but they had made it many times already this season, and therefore had found the quickest way from their mountain cottage to the hustle and bustle of city life.
By the time they arrived, it was well past noon—plenty of time left to begin questioning people on the streets. Faine was careful in the establishments they chose, relying on friendly faces and near empty environments to ensure no one would be eavesdropping.
The first few shopkeepers they showed their rough drawing of a strange, coiled emblem to suddenly became withdrawn and made it clear they no longer wanted to speak to the Fae. One even threatened to have them beaten for bringing such a cursed thing under their roof. Confused and more than a little desperate, Faine decided to try bribing instead. Astonishing, how far one gold piece could get a person.
Within the hour, they were entering a shop of a decidedly ominous nature, what with the number of people who had refused to even point them in the right direction. The twinkling of a bell announced their entrance, after which Faine stood staring at the seemingly endless shelves and their strange contents, waiting for the shopkeeper to appear. If they had not felt nervous before, they were certainly anxious now, unsure of whether anything would come of this harebrained investigation. And, if something did come of it, whether it would end in regret.
► Show Spoiler
-1gp for bribe
Common ❀Valasren
Re: The Ruined [Lyra]
Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 5:51 pm
by Lyra
Yeah, most people aren't the brightest. They just want something that goes boom, with as little thought as possible.
Lyra grimaced and shook her head.
What a waste. Children of this age are so lax, despite the possibilities open to them.
Naila, Lyra's companion, gave a mental shrug as they stood. The sound of the door opening made Lyra pause, and she took a moment to adjust her robes and ensure their hair was pulled back and tied. Today she looked just as her normal self. A human woman around 5'6, dark hair and golden eyes. Not overly plain, but Lyra knew this face would not pass for beautiful either. After adjusting her sleeves Lyra walked around the corner of shelves, folding her hands behind her as she smiled in greeting to the woman who had entered.
"Welcome," Lyra said, walking forward and pausing several steps beyond arms reach from the customer. Her eyes roamed over the... man? Woman? This person's figure, taking in the odd coloring of the hair and the flowers that seemed to grow from them, "Can I help you find anything?"
"Lady of Whispers"
Re: The Ruined [Lyra]
Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:46 pm
by Faine
Had it not been such an arduous task finding the store, Faine might never have thought twice about the shopkeep. Average height, dark hair, a face befitting that of a business woman. But the Fae had walked in with the memory of tension and fear following their questions still fresh on their mind. There was something about this golden eyed woman that many, many people avoided. No doubt there were always a few who needed the woman's help more than they feared her; such was the nature of power. Faine would count themselves as one such individual, only they did not have any reason to be afraid...yet.
They watched, curious, as the shop owner scanned them head to toe. Every now and then, Faine entertained the idea of committing to just one gender, but they never could find enough compelling reasons beyond being spared the extra glance or two.
"I am hoping that you can," they answered, pulling out the drawing from their pack.
Faine turned the paper to face the shopkeeper and slid it across the counter. A little wrinkled and browned with a few tea stains but miraculously in tact. On it was an ink drawing they had scratched down that night after the scuffle, feverish and bruised but determined to preserve their memory. Over the next few days, they had been tempted to redraw it, but realized the image in their head had already begun morphing after the first sketch and decided against it.
The perfumist cleared their throat, thoughts of the bandits and caged children always quick to bring unease. "I am...not entirely sure what I saw. I only caught a few glimpses, but this symbol is being worn by several marauders hiding up in the mountains."
Between the snow and fighting and bloodshed, what Faine did manage to make out was some kind of coiled shape. Perhaps it was rope, or a snake. They had done their best to convey these details in their drawing, having little skill with this particular type of art but their hand steady enough to lay down legible lines.
"It is something of an urgent matter," Faine admitted gravely, "but I am afraid of something more sinister at hand and unsure of who I can trust." Granted, coming to this shop, and to a complete stranger, did not exactly inspire assurance. But they would rather deal with one stranger than an army of city guards with law to uphold and no regard for nuance, nor a single hermit's well being. If they could just learn more about the bandits and their agenda, perhaps they could find a better way to deal with them. One that allowed the children to be freed, their questions to be answered about the Fallen Fae, and for their head to stay on their shoulders.
Common ❀Valasren
Re: The Ruined [Lyra]
Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 6:59 pm
by Lyra
Lyra took the paper, scanning it curiously.
"There are few in the world who can be trusted." Lyra said absently, running a finger along the drawing, tracing its design, "Though I find it odd you would bring this here."
There was something about the design... Something vague, which nagged at the back of Lyra's mind. It twisted into a spiral, winding in on itself. Of greater curiosity were the ways the coils folded in on one another, almost forming a specific shape.
Pretty shit drawing. Naila said, Bandits and other sorts are pretty common along the major trade roads between Kalzasi and Zaichaer. They usually don't have banners though.
It does seem odd. Lyra consented, looking up at Faine. "What is so urgent, and why is this symbol important?"
Re: The Ruined [Lyra]
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 11:32 pm
by Faine
Faine studied the shopkeep while the shopkeep studied the drawing. There was something decidedly serpentine about her movements—elegant, efficient, wary. Her words came easy but guarded, the eyes that hid her calculating thoughts even more so.
When asked, the Fae explained with their usual blunt honesty. They figured that if the shopkeep was able to help, she would need to know as much as possible. And if she already knew the symbol and was allied somehow with the bandits, well...then there was only one way to find out. Faine was already eyeball deep in this sordid business; coming out the other end clean had ceased to be a reliable outcome a long time ago.
"It is urgent because they are holding prisoners hostage within their camp," the mountain hermit answered without hesitation. "Children, that is. I know not the specifics of their conditions, only that it must be dismal, hidden away in that dank cave."
Staring down at the drawing, Faine continued, "As for the symbol, I had hoped that in identifying it, I might learn something of their intentions. I have spied on them for days at a time, but never found any hint as to what they need those children for. I can only assume it is for something terrible. What I do know is this: their old leader had been one of my kind. A Fae, but of the Fallen court. And even with her death, the bandits did not stop, merely appointing a new leader once the former was dead. At least a dozen of them were slaughtered by the Skyguard, yet none of the survivors seemed fazed. That, to me, is not how marauders tend to behave. And that alone is cause enough for concern."
At this last part, the Fae moved their gaze to meet that of the shopkeep's. "I am but a humble hermit. But what I have seen deeply disturbs me and I do not trust the Skyguard to intervene without slaughtering every last one of the bandits before discovering their plans. I believe what they kill now will simply return later, stronger and greater in numbers. Cutting off the snake's head only delays; we must find its heart and carve it free."
A pause, then, "Will you help me?"
Common ❀Valasren
Re: The Ruined [Lyra]
Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2021 1:41 pm
by Lyra
Bandits are not usually in the business of taking hostages. Naila said, interest in her tone as she sat upright in the soul space, Usually they just rob you, or kill you and take your stuff, but kidnapping children?
It does seem odd. Lyra sent back, beginning to study the drawing once more. It seemed familiar somehow, yet despite how long she studied it she could not place where she had seen it before. Her lips pressed together in a line as she turned the paper around in her hands.
"I am uncertain of this symbol," She began, handing the paper back to the Fae with a shrug, "Perhaps I have seen it before in passing, yet I cannot say he or from where."
There was a momentary pause before Lyra continued, "I would say that I am sympathetic to your plight and care I not for children to come to harm, yet I must ask, what is it you wish for me to do?" Lyra waved a hand at the shelves around her, "I sell inks and papers, yet I am no warrior. Of what use would one shopkeeper be in this?"
Inwardly Naila snorted, Playing the role of a boring old shopkeeper?
To that Lyra mentally shrugged, Though I am not without pity, what good does it do me to intercede? I do not make it a habit to invade bandit camps, despite the dire circumstances.
Re: The Ruined [Lyra]
Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2021 3:41 am
by Faine
Faine’s head tilted to one side, eyes narrowing as they processed everything the shopkeeper just said. What they knew based on how the other shop owners had reacted that morning versus what they were being told gave the Fae the peculiar sensation that they were being mislead. But what could they do except answer the woman’s question? No one else had shown any inclination of helping: all breadcrumbs had led to here.
Faine rarely found the need to lie and this case was no exception. “You were right,” they answered after a few moments of thoughtful silence, “there is no obligation for you to help me or the children.”
With slow, deliberate movements, the Fae accepted their drawing back into their possession, folding it neatly before tucking it into one of their many pockets. “But I believe you misunderstand what it is that I am really after,” they continued. “If it was a warrior I wanted, I have no doubt that any number of the Skyguard would jump at the chance to make a name for themselves as hero of the day. If it was revenge, or rescue, or even the label of hero for myself that I wanted, I would simply take to the streets and an angry mob would follow me within minutes, crying for justice.”
Faine was calm, matter of fact, and gazing levelly at the shopkeeper. “What I want requires a little more...discretion and finesse. I want the truth, for I do not believe these bandits are here, hiding and organized as they are, to achieve something trivial. My instinct tells me it is a reason more sinister than we may think to give them credit for, and that thought alone has kept me up for the past eight nights.”
A moment to blink away harrowed memories, then “My instinct also tells me you are not as mundane as you make yourself to be. Your neighbors seem to prefer avoiding you when possible, and though I know not the reasons behind their fear, I find it telling enough.”
“Also,” Faine added with one eyebrow quirked, “you have not told me to get out within two seconds of looking at my drawing. I find that somewhat promising.”
With that, the Fae shrugged the smallest shrug and turned to leave the shop. “But I understand you are a busy woman. Perhaps I am mistaken and owe you an apology for wasting your time. A good day to you then, and good luck with your sales.”
Re: The Ruined [Lyra]
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 4:33 pm
by Lyra
He pegged you in the first try.
Lyra stared at the retreating back for several long seconds, caught in a loop of surprise at their sudden withdrawal and indignation at their quick dismissal. She would never admit it, but the act of being dismissed sent a pang of... something through her soul, and the woman did not like it. Some of what this person said was troubling. Were rumors of her so negative that those around her would actively avoid her? That was never her intention, yet she could understand in part their suspicion. She or others came and went at all hours from the shop, and Lyra herself had never felt the need to introduce herself to any beyond those who were of use to her.
This was a predicament. As she watched Faine walk toward the door she considered his words. Though she had little interest in bringing extra attention to herself, neither could she allow such baseless rumors to simply spread. Chewing her lip Lyra glanced down at the box of magical items at her feet, uncertain until...
"Wait." Naila smiled as she slipped between the cracks of the link, pushing a surprised Lyra aside as she assumed control. In a breath she crossed the distance between them, blocking the exit from Faine's view.
What are you doing? Lyra asked, already preparing to take control back, but a gentle push from Naila made her pause.
If you can't make a decision, then I will do it for you. the mercenary said, studying Faine with a discerning eye. Though they had switched internally, on the outside she still looked the same, down to the golden eyes. The way she moved, how she stood, her body language however were all different. Lighter, yet somehow tense, ready to move. Unlike you, I do care about the lives of children, and bandits are bad for business.
To Faine Naila smiled, resting a hand on her hip, "Perhaps I was a bit hasty. I'd rather not have a customer leave with a bad opinion of me or my shop. Let us say that I am not simply a shopkeeper. Does that mean you would like to requisition my... other wares?"
Once more the woman looked Faine up and down, this time looking closer at their clothing, "A fair warning, they're not cheap."
Re: The Ruined [Lyra]
Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2022 6:03 pm
by Mirage
Lyra
Lores
N/A
Loot: N/A
Injuries: N/A
Points 8 (Can't be used for Magic)
Comments: If you come back Faine PM me and we will get you your XP!