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Welcome to Elenlond, an original medieval fantasy roleplaying forum! We strive for creative, free-form roleplaying, in the hopes of allowing each and every single member the power to achieve their potential.
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| Welcome to Elenlond, an original medieval fantasy forum! We're always looking for new, dedicated members. Elenlond is composed of two continents: Soare and Esiria. Esiria, a land now isolated due to the efforts of the last remaining Goddess, is inaccessible to all beings and lies in the east. Soare, a continent in the west, is composed of three distinct nations: Ashoka, Soto, and Morrim. Lying between the two major continents are the Scattered Isles. Since the dissolution of the pantheon and the fall of the gods, these countries have existed in relative peace and prosperity. But how long will that peace last? Enter Elenlond; Turn the pages and tell your own tale. If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
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| Beginning of the End; Farewell, Reine | |
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| Topic Started: Jul 28 2009, 12:04 PM (371 Views) | |
| Gambit | Jul 28 2009, 12:04 PM Post #1 |
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A breeze tainted with the odor of sea salt and fresh fish invaded the sleeping fiend’s nostrils. A sneeze escaped his scrunched up nose as he jolted forward to a sitting position, itching away the foul scented tingle with a gloved finger. It was a stench one could never achieve immunity towards even after a life-long residence in a place like Reine. Perhaps it was because of Gambit’s oversensitive smell that made the stench so bothersome? After all, none of the other townspeople seemed to mind it much. Never the matter, the fish nor the ocean weren’t going to vanish anytime soon. “Such is life in a port town.” yawned the stretching tiefling. He had slept in to almost mid-afternoon or so he’d guess, judging by the rays of sunlight pouring in through the cracks of a wood-paneled window above his bed. Gambit made himself a home in one of the empty stone cellars of the local tavern after befriending the keeper and ridding her of a rat problem. He remembered her explanation of the rats as a pestering itch one couldn’t scratch and he felt the stench of Reine was his equivalent to her rodent problem. Too bad there isn’t a cat who can chase off smells. he joked to himself as another mouthful of oceanic air filled his lungs. It wasn’t a bad exchange though. Her rats weren’t massive and Gambit hadn’t a fear of rodents either, so doing a feline’s job for awhile seemed fair enough for him so long as he got the promised shelter in return. It was a small room with stone walls and a single window covered with boards, dark and gray like he liked it. His bed made of straw was the only furniture piece inside besides the wooden barrels covered in cobwebs that cluttered the corner. One with high quality tastes might not prefer it but it was home to him and that was all that mattered. Anything was better than sleeping on the streets. Thieves robbing sleeping thieves during the night began to annoy him rather quickly after he left the orphanage and lived homeless for a time. The golden trim of his mask glittered in the light dancing along its surface, illuminating part of his horn and face with it. His magenta irises almost seemed to glow as he stared at his feet for several moments before deciding to move. At last, he motioned himself off of the bed of straw and stood, stretching one last time before collecting his things and heading out the door. People were lined up at the bar and several tables were already full. There was a soft melody enchanting the atmosphere coming from the bard strumming softly along his lute in the corner by his lonesome. Gambit took a seat at the bar beside a rugged fellow dressed in sailor’s attire who immediately got up and found another seat. That was the usual reaction he’d get. Although he was a common face around town there were still numerous people who felt uneasy around him. The barkeep however, treated him as if he were a life-long friend instead of acting as if he were some sort of plague no one wanted to catch. “I’d offer breakfast but you slept through that.” she laughed. “How ‘bout the leftover hog bones from the bacon I fried earlier this morning?” He smiled and wasted no time before gnawing down the plate of bones before him. “Thanks.” he muffled with a mouthful. She laughed again before moving on to help the next customer. Gambit finished his food and left with a smile. Hundreds of eyes watched the fiendish figure as he exited. He payed it no mind and walked outside. At least the passerbys tended to ignore him rather than stare and whisper. Reine was a bustling commotion of advertising merchants, loud sailors and children’s laughter echoing down the alleys as they raced through town. More importantly, it was a port town where new merchandise came in each morning. Nets and crates brimming with fish or barrels full of wine or ale were the most common. But on occasion, Gambit would stumble across a ship with treasure chests full of gems or gold inside and old works of art. Pirates were Gambit’s biggest profit. There weren’t many boats tied to the wharf this afternoon though, and not a single ship in sight. Most of the imports came in the morning, so it didn’t help that he slept too long. Deciding not to fret about it, he turned and paced the alleys. Bandit (his ferret companion) emerged from a pocket at the end of his sleeve and scurried up the thief's shoulder and onto his head. He was a cute little fellow with white fur on his stomach and legs and a smoke colored saddle that made a pattern on his face that resembled a mask. A smile graced Gambit’s face as he reached up and scratched the fur of the critter’s back. He offered him a pellet from the pouch on his belt and continued on as the ferret nibbled. A large shop made of dark red brick with a sign that read “General Store” was his destination. He wasn’t greeted by the shopkeeper but he felt his pair of eyes on him the entire time he browsed the store. There was a pair of boots inside that he had his own eyes on for quite some time now but the price tag was too intimidating and this shop was so secure it’d be impossible to steal them. Besides, he’d get caught wearing them around town if he did. They were black boots made of the lightest leather, soft to the touch and seemingly weightless. It is rumored that one could sneak about and never be noticed when wearing such boots - the ideal item for a thief. But alas, fifteen gold pieces wasn’t enough to purchase them. “If yer not goin’ to buy anythin’ how’s about leavin’?” the keeper called out to him. Rolling his eyes, Gambit did just that. He stood outside the shop with his back against the wall and his hands in his pockets looking up at the points of his horns and the blue sky above him. He wanted out of this town. He wanted something new and exciting. He needed an adventure... “Hear ye, hear ye!” commanded the town crier. Gambit regained his posture and turned the corner, his attention directed towards the center of town where a crowd was forming around the short and stocky human who had worked as the crier for almost a decade now. He joined the crowd himself but stood in the back unnoticed (for once). “The Monarch of Ashoka is requesting brave mercenaries for an upcoming quest! Guilds from all over the continent have been notified but these positions are open for all who feel brave enough to embark on such a quest! There will be a boat leaving tomorrow morning at sunrise! DON’T BE LATE! No exceptions! Hear ye, hear ye...” Gambit tuned out as the crier began to repeat himself. Not sure about this quest, but catching this boat to Ashoka is my ticket out of here. he thought to himself as he pocketed the coins that had just fell from the slashed purse of the woman standing directly in front of him. He distanced himself from her and decided that tomorrow morning he would be leaving the town he had grown bored with after all this time and she would be his last victim... Maybe? he debated, remembering the boots in the shop. He raced off towards the tavern and upon entrance, heard chatter from adventurers grouping up into parties and preparing for the trip. Word spreads quick... he thought in amazement, standing alone as the others joined up. He reached for his map and studied Ashoka as he stood there alone, planning where to go once he got there. |
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| Portal | Jul 28 2009, 07:44 PM Post #2 |
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Portal had no liking for taverns. They were too crowded, and the men were awful. The women weren't much better than the men, in most cases. However, it was near the boat, and she had been looking for a while to leave Soto. She had spoken to enough lost souls, caused enough tears, brought enough smiles, to this one town. It was time for her to move on. She would return some day, perhaps soon, perhaps not, but it was not a goodbye worth worrying over. She had no interest in being a mercenary, or participating in any sort of adventure, she just wanted free passage. She knew a man on the ship's crew, had let him speak to his father, and he offered to do her a favor. It wasn't completely like her to take a free trip, but she hadn't asked for him to help her. He remembered she had come and gone once before, and had specifically asked her if she was looking to travel again soon. She chose to accept, as his seyonce had been for free. She was sitting alone, much to her appreciation, considering the company, when the next man rushed in. He was certainly not pleasing to the eye, but Portal had seen enough back as a child to be completely immune to horrid appearances. He was nothing special as far as she was concerned. She took another sip of the water she had asked for, if she drank, she'd be less awake and might miss the boat, and ran empty. She walked back to the bartender. "More water, please," she said, ignoring the fact that the bartender still gave her an odd look for the blue aura around her, as well as her oddly blue hair. She had long since learned to ignore the odd looks, and for the most part they stopped after a short while. She sat back down and drank, simply waiting to become tired enough to sleep. |
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| Gambit | Jul 29 2009, 05:15 AM Post #3 |
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A gloved finger traced along the tattered map in his hands, plotting routes and destinations to places he’d care to visit. Gambit was completely naïve when it came to places other than Reine and a few other locations within Soto, so there was a high chance that he’d be visiting a lot of different areas in and around Ashoka. He was tired of standing still in the same old place for once. It was high time for Gambit’s wanderlusting heart to sprout wings and fly far away from the stench he detested most. Free from fishy air? he attempted to imagine, but the dream was too great to grasp. He pocketed the map and searched for a place to sit and drink while creating a plan of action for his theft of boots tonight. He was rather parched. Each of the stools at the bar were occupied with rears of either sailors, adventurers or the common alcoholic. It was hard to spot a seat at a table even. The once lonesome bard in the corner was crowded with intoxicated sailors telling and requesting tales of the past and Gambit’s friend, the barkeep was overwhelmed with requests for booze. But worst of all, the chatter about the place caused so much noise and uproar about this unexplained quest that his ears were beginning to ring. It seemed as if each moment passed was another notch up on the volume. He just needed to sit... A table just near him seating a single (and silent) female seemed to host the first available chair but requesting to sit with another was a task all on its own. But taking her in, observing her actions, he noticed the strange aura surrounding her silhouette. It was as if she were a blue faerie without wings, with her enchanting glow and colorful hair. He reckoned there was something special about her, as was the case with him, and it made him curious enough to find out. He caught himself staring and stopped with a puzzled grin about how a luminous female could hold his attention much longer than an attractive male. Upon her request for another water, she received a queer glance along with it and Gambit imagined the barkeep must have thought the blue-haired woman was mad because of what she ordered. No one ever ordered water in a place like this. It was rather refreshing to know there would be one less drunk in the place. He motioned forward and raised his brow to her, pointing at the chair while asking, “Mind if I-?” in a gentle voice. |
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| Etilmarr | Jul 29 2009, 07:59 PM Post #4 |
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Etilmarr knew she was being an idiot. She had been keeping to the shadows, the forests, anywhere that she could hide easily. And yet, Etilmarr stood outside of a tavern. A full tavern. Even from where Etil had planted her feet, the hubbub was clear to see. Something was up. It had taken long months to finally make it to Reine. Her inability to walk openly during the day had made travel a slow and painstaking process. At every turn, Etilmarr had looked over her shoulder. She had darted behind trees, held her breath for long minutes, and submerged herself in frozen rivers to avoid being caught. Her pursuers had become quick and clever. She had nearly been detected more times than she cared to admit - even to herself. Standing outside of a tavern, her hair blowing in the wind, Etilmarr took a step forward. Despite the number of faces that would see her, she had to keep going. She had to find someone to help her. It had been too long since she had walked in the sunlight. Her already-pale skin was suffering from it. When she caught her reflection, Etil felt she looked something akin to death. The normal amber glow of her skin and the light freckling across her cheeks were all but a memory. Pushing the doors open, she stepped into the tavern. It was full. Very full. She glanced around the smoky interior and then made her way to the counter. The best place to start was with the bartender. A mug of ale would sit well in her stomach and ease her mind. Tapping the counter with a coin, she nodded to the bartender who set a frothy mug in front of her. Etil turned away from the counter to gaze about the tavern. A sailor to the right of her turned and looked her up and down. The formfitting leather and linen pants that Etilmarr wore were best for her line of work but not for keeping the roaming male eye away. Etil caught his eye when it finally made it's way to her face. "Best you keep your eyes to the north lest you lose one of them." She fingered the stiletto strapped to her thigh. The sailor's eyes quickly glanced at the sharp weapon and then back up at Etil's face before looking intently back at his own mug. "Hmph." More like it. Etil continued her perusal of the tavern. Her plan hadn't come much past walking inside and ordering an ale. As she scanned through the patrons of the tavern, Etilmarr stopped short as her gaze passed over two very unique-looking people. They didn't seem to be in deep conversation, nor did they seem to even be looking at each other. Strange for a couple - because why else would two people so... different... be sitting together in this crowded tavern? The woman seemed to be putting off a glow of sorts. And the man... well, there were no words for that man. None that wouldn't sound anything but silly in her own mind, anyway - but then, Etil had never been very good at putting words together poetically She would return to thinking about those two in a moment. Etilmarr needed to find someone to speak with. It had been several years since she had been to Reine, but she knew that her ward would be remembered. |
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| Portal | Jul 29 2009, 08:36 PM Post #5 |
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“Mind if I-?” Portal looked at the strange, beast-like man. Her aura changed to white as she questioned whether it was wise to allow the man to sit with her. He hadn't taken any drinks since she had sat down, which meant there was a chance he wasn't drunk, and he certainly didn't smell too bad. Portal's aura briefly flashed yellow as she smiled for a moment and invited the beast-man to sit. It then quickly returned to a soft blue. "I'm surprised. Few venture too close to one like me unless they are unbearably drunk or wish to hire my services. I'm going to assume you're here for the latter?" She smiled pleasantly, though her aura remained blue. She couldn't imagine a situation in which a non-drunken man would be willing to actually spend time with her, so she went straight into her business-mode. "I'm not surprised you recognized me, but you're very fortunate to have found me now. I'll be leaving soon, and I may not be performing my services again in a while." She receded a part of her mind into the realm of the dead. The man's memories partially became her own. She could see spirits, people he knew who had died. Whether he had known them very well or not, she couldn't tell, and she didn't summon any of the spirits yet. "Before I can summon any spirits, though, I need you to tell me a bit about yourself and who you want summoned," Portal said. She didn't actually need to know anything about him, but she always started out her services, in order to figure out whether or not her client could afford her service. "If you would like the summoning to be somewhere more private, that would be fine with me," she continued. She wasn't afraid of any . . . crude actions. Even if he did try to do any such thing, she was well capable of defending herself. |
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| Gambit | Jul 30 2009, 05:16 AM Post #6 |
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Gambit’s magenta irises flickered as a once blue aura bedazzled him with two new colors. He cocked his head with widened eyes out of curiosity and amazement, smiling as her glow returned to normal. He pulled out the chair and spun it around, resting his chin on his arms which were now folded over top of each other on the back of the chair. “Well, aren’t you bright and colorful?” he joked as he sat. Explanations about her profession began to flow from her mouth without stopping, and he started to answer her initial question but “Umm…-“ was all he could manage before she continued on about summoning. A puzzled expression came about his face and he raised his chin from his arms, placing his hands on the table and leaning forward with a nervous smile. His head was hurting enough from all the noise and throwing confusion on top of a headache wasn’t a splendid combination. “Stop!” He wasn’t shouting, but somehow managed to silence the room and the two of them instantly became everyone’s focal point. He turned and offered an apologetic smile to the others in the tavern and motioned his lips to read ”Sorry.” without making a single sound. As if they can all read lips… he scoffed at himself. If expressions could kill, Gambit would be dead where he sat. Luckily, no one attempted anything physical. After all the interrupteds were finished scowling and piercing Gambit with vicious stares, each of them returned to their respective parties and continued to ramble on about their plans in Ashoka. Gambit, embarrassed and nervous, then turned back to the glowing girl with a full-toothed grin. He didn’t intend to come off so loud or abrupt, he merely wanted to interrupt the woman to save her whatever breath she had left. “I’m not here for your services.” he explained softly, sitting straight up now with a gentleman’s posture. (Even though he was a fiend, he still knew how to carry himself!) “I just thought it’d be nice to enjoy your company before leaving for Ashoka in the morning.” Gambit’s face was twisted into the friendliest expression he could manage to maintain, hoping the summoner would forgive him for his rude interruption. Preferring not to give an awkward silence opportunity, he continued speaking hoping to engage in positive conversation. “So you mentioned you weren’t going to be here long. I assume you’re sailing out tomorrow as well?” he began with a hint of timid rattle in his voice. Clearing his throat with a covered mouth to be polite, he continued. “And since I see no one else with you, and there’s no one here with me, perhaps we could keep each other company on the boat? I’m Gambit.” His nose began to sniff and the odor of the red-haired woman (whom he noticed ordering an ale while explaining himself to the other across the table) filled his nostrils with the aroma of something unfamiliar to him. Definitely not from Reine. he figured, relieved to find her free from the smell of fish. Gambit’s eyes began to wander, seemingly forgetting that he was even in the company of someone else, as he began to stare at the tall woman. She was searching for something. “Perhaps a place to sit?” he called out, not even thinking before speaking. What was he doing? This wasn’t even his table. If the summoner across from him wasn’t peeved with him before, he thought she’d surely be offended at this point after he requested another female to sit with them at a table that wasn’t even his. “I hope you don’t mind?” he half-asked the woman across from him, even though it was too late to do anything about it. |
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| Portal | Jul 30 2009, 12:14 PM Post #7 |
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Portal gasped at the fiend-man's outburst, and she quickly brought her mind back from the land of the dead. Her aura became orange, and she immediately moved her right hand went to her dagger. She didn't summon her wolf guardian yet, so the rune remained hidden, but she was prepared to. When she saw all the people looking at the two of them, though, her aura flashed a vibrant red and she tilted her head downward, her face flushed red as well. She took a moment to calm her nerves, and her aura soon returned to its standard blue. As the fiend-man spoke, she began to get slightly concerned. He was an adventurer, then, leaving on the ship to do senseless and thoughtless killing. She kept herself from scowling, as well as her aura from becoming green, and shook the thoughts away. His business was his business. That is, until he offered to be her company. He aura flashed bright red once again. The awkwardness was broken when he called over another woman. This confused her, and she decided to be slightly more cautious. When he asked her if she minded, she was stunned out of her thoughts. "Huh? Oh um, sure. I don't mind . . ." She responded, backing up in her seat slightly. She was starting to get both nervous and curious about this man. "I'm . . . People call me Portal, by the way. I deal in seances . . ." She was glad he couldn't know the meaning of her aura's color as it went from a vibrant blue to a darker shade. Edited by Portal, Aug 8 2009, 05:46 PM.
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| Cyna | Aug 3 2009, 03:59 PM Post #8 |
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Cyna walked along the street, holding her cloak around her as tight as she could. She had learnt that she did best to conceal herself as best as possible... For some reason, people noticed, and asked about her. And she could never give the answers they wanted. Even the cloak was not a perfect idea, although it disguised her wings, making them look like a large and unusual backpack, her barefooted nature was still evident, and people still... They did not like her. With her eyes fixed on the ground, she could not see them back away as she passed within a few steps of them, a strange look in their eyes. Why? She did not inspire fear... She could see no reason why she would. People just did not like her. She stopped eventually, and looked to the building on her left... Her eyes glazed over, turning milky white as she sensed... Something. She was meant to go into this building, this... She looked around. This tavern. She had long ago ceased to question her premonitions, and followed them. Was it always the right thing to do? Well, she was still alive... And frankly, her bleeding feet made her want to stop. She rested her hand upon the door, and slowly pushed it open. Immediatly she was blasted by a wall of noise and activity, and she nearly dropped her great black cloak, although a slither of her incredibly fair hair did slip loose and into plain view. She glanced around, and stepped inside. Every step she took she could feel attention drawing to her, and then vanishing as she stepped past. Drunken men moved out of her way, avoiding her. She looked up, searching for a seat... She could see none, only the glares of men who moved aside for her, and now started to look at her differently... They did not like her. And being disliked by a room of drunks was a bad thing. She quickly ordered a water, and backed away from the majority of the patrons. She wished her premonition would give her something soon, and tried to become one with the wall, as the patrons kept checking on her, as if afraid she was up to something. |
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| Etilmarr | Aug 8 2009, 08:00 AM Post #9 |
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Etilmarr was fairly surprised - if not shocked - by the sudden invitation from the same strange couple sitting at the table she had just made a mental note of watching. She glanced around the room and knew with one quick look that this was the only chair that would be offered to her. The man already had one woman, why did he need another? No matter her concerns, Etil had been on her feet for a long while and she knew she needed to sit for at least a little while. Etilmarr quickly strode towards the chair and took a seat, "Thank you, sir." She looked to the other woman seated at the table with curiosity. Her aura was constantly changing and Etilmarr's curiosity was piqued by it. There had to be something controlling the kaleidoscope of color that seemed to hug the woman's skin. Etilmarr did not introduce herself. Until she knew if these people would turn her in at the first mention of a reward, it was safer to remain anonymous. Instead, she took the opportunity to discreetly look closely at each of her "hosts" at the table. |
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| Gambit | Aug 8 2009, 05:15 PM Post #10 |
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“You’re quite welcome, dear.” Gambit responded with a welcoming smile after the woman thanked him for offering the available seat. As the newer female sat in her chair, the attentive tiefling took notice out of his peripherals that she was now observing Portal (Who wouldn’t stare at an aura-engulfed woman on their first encounter?) and immediately seized this opportunity to get a good glance at her. She didn’t particularly stand out much, nor was she glowing like the other female sitting across from him. The woman was just a tall athletically built lady with red hair and bright blue eyes. There wasn’t much abnormality to her, perhaps nothing ‘special’ about her at all. Still, something about her was tempting his curiosities. He could see it in her eyes that there were secrets within this stranger worth finding out. Said secrets, however, he decided would be inquired about later. For now, he was still in the company of Portal, who was speaking to him about her occupation just before the stranger sat down. Gambit propped his elbows onto the round wooden surface of their table. His reflection was smiling back up at him from the glimmering polish the keeper used to buff tables with. He leaned forward, switching his attention back onto Portal. “Portal?” the fiend repeated. “How appropriate then!” Gambit felt Portal’s name suited her exceptionally well since her occupation consisted of opening a ‘portal’ to the realm of the dead in which the living and deceased could speak. He smiled from ear to ear at the thought, never having met someone quite like her before. How interesting. Figuring it best not to explain his line of work to Portal, he glanced back over at the woman with no name. “The name’s Gambit. Care to introduce yourself? Otherwise, I’m going to call you ‘Red’ the entire time.” He laughed as his eyes trailed up to her hair, sitting back in his chair once more. He never took notice of the cloaked figure behind him, but perhaps one of the other women would? |
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| Portal | Aug 9 2009, 11:19 PM Post #11 |
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Portal glanced at both Gambit and the new girl, still rather uncomfortable. "Yes . . . appropriate," Portal responded to Gambit. She glanced at the two of them. "So, you're all here to go on this ship, right?" Portal asked, just making sure. She wanted to know just how bloodthirsty these people were, as she needed to know if it really was safe to continue talking with them. She also wanted to change the subject of her being Gambit's company during the travel. 'I mean, to do this task. I find it odd that the request is so . . . ambiguous. I don't quite like the idea of going on a boat for a mission when the mission isn't even made clear." Portal immediately stopped herself from speaking any more. She didn't want to give away the fact that she was not interested in the task too obvious. She didn't quite know what would be wrong with revealing the fact, but she knew it was best to keep as much secret as possible. She didn't feel safe here. |
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| Cyna | Aug 10 2009, 03:54 AM Post #12 |
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Cyna stood alone, trying to not be noticed at all. This was difficult, because, as usual, anyone within a few steps of her felt incredibly ill at ease. However, slowly, they got used to this, and she faded into obscurity as people decided that there were more important things to dwell on than the bad vibes she was giving out. She looked around the bar, hoping for something to happen, something to tell her what she needed to do. She was meant to come here, she knew that much, but now? She had no idea what... She felt it. A premonition. Seconds later she was shown to be correct, as images flashed in front of her face. Water, lots of water, a ship, a large hoop shaped blade, a girl glowing and water again. She snapped back to reality, her eyes losing their milky sheen. She realised she had dropped her glass, and nearly fallen over herself. "So, you're all here to go on this ship, right?" Cyna blinked, and looked for the source of the voice. Could it be? She found it hard to doubt the connection between her premonitions, if truly she was meant to follow them, then this must be her next step. Ignoring her dropped water, and hoping that these people would not react to badly to her, she began to walk to the table, it was a few steps, but it felt like more. As usual, when she passed other patrons they felt so uncomfortable they let her past, just so she would carry on past them and take the feeling, which varied, but was always of unease, with her. "Excuse me" Cyna spoke softly, her voice soft and rhythmic, a calming influence compared to the destablising one of her presence "You mentioned a ship... I need to travel also..." she left her explanation vague, as she knew not where this ship was going, but she felt sure she was meant to be on it. She controlled herself "I also wish to take the ship" she re asserted, trying to sound like she knew all about it "Care if I join you? I have never been on a ship before... I am nervous" her voice returned to being the silky smooth rhythm it was. Now she just how to see how they acted, and if she really was meant to do this after all. Of course, the possibility that her premonitions were leading her to her death was not lost on her. |
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| Griffin Reeve | Aug 10 2009, 10:54 AM Post #13 |
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In from the street strode a none-too-peculiar figure, donning a coat made of deer hide, and a lightweight red scarf draped about his neck. He stood out little, but for a wooden staff gripped in one hand, a glass orb held at its peak. His freckled face was foreign to Reine, but he had been in the city for all of a week passed. Still, a stranger in the crowd, he drew a few eyes, but went unnoticed otherwise- he was human, nothing special at all. So it appeared atleast, and only one other person knew otherwise. What surprise the mage found to look upon the crowd and spot whom could be none other than the other himself! If not for his travelling coat and the scarf that stood out like a banner, he would question whether Gambit would even recognise him in his human state. Certainly, he no longer possessed antlers, or even a tail, but his face was still the same as had it been that night a few days before. Stopping and staring, acting as an obstacle for the coming and goings of the tavern's daily bustle, he had hardly noticed the descending climb of an eager mustelid until it was too late. Before he knew it, the weasel was gone and across the room, climbing up the leg of a woman seated at the table with the tiefling he had met before. The one not glowing, he noted, as he pressed forward quickly to retrieve the mammal perched happily in the red-head's lap. The weasel, meanwhile, was sitting upright, peering over the table's edge with a greeting squeak, sniffing away at the familiar figure sitting across from his chosen perch. "Quinn!" Griffin scolded sharply as he came upon the table, glowering down at the creature in what was, at the least to be described, a look of disapproval. Quinn, however, gave nothing but a chirp in return, causing his master to run a hand through his hair in frustration. "Just... get on the damn table." Obediantly, as if understanding, the weasel hopped up from the woman's lap and scurried over to Griffin, whom held out an arm. Promptly, Quinn crawled up the deerskin sleeve and sat on his master's shoulder, nosing against his cheek as if kissing him, to which the mage gave an exasperated sigh. He had not planned on coming to see Gambit, after the events of their last meeting, but it was clear that his familiar had had other plans. Ignoring the weasel, whom took up entertainment in chewing at the collar of his coat, he nodded his head to those seated, and even to the one standing nearby, and turned to give his apology to the one that Quinn had climbed without permission. "Sorry, ma'am. He's... uhm..." Not sure quite what to put in after that, he just bowed his head again and stepped back away. His attention turned to Gambit then, to whom he gave the most helpless of shrugs. He did not know quite what to say to him either, being that he had not intended to even come over just then. A few words came to mind, some he chose not to emit and others he carefully picked through, until he came up with a line befitting of this non-stranger. "Didn't take that boat, I see." As last he recalled the discussion, it had been over whether or not to hitch themselves a free and uninvited ride, to which Griffin had declined and Gambit held adamant. At odds, he had departed, with their sworn meeting to be in the City of Oracles. It seemed that it had come sooner than expected. Griffin had a better idea of where he was going now, after a few more days spent on eavesdropping and minimal conversation. Whether or not Gambit knew where the ship was set to go, or whether he was aware that the City of Oracles happened to be that way, Griffin was willing to doubt. But he himself knew, and he was willing to make use of it. It was, after all, a free and invited ride. |
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| Etilmarr | Aug 22 2009, 05:37 PM Post #14 |
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Too many people. Being seen was too dangerous. Etilmarr kept her head down, her red hair hiding her face just a bit. She hoped she wasn't being too obvious about her dislike of the people gathering around the table she had recently sat down at to rest herself. Etil raised her eyes to Gambit and forced her mind to move away from her fear of discovery. She had heard about the ship leaving and a little about this "mission". She hadn't considered it before as it had no use for her to discover evidence that would clear her name. But now a thought dawned on her. If she could forge some sort of connection with someone at this table - and Etil suspected it would be the eccentric man across from her - perhaps she could gain an extra pair of eyes to get as much information as possible. Or maybe even someone to keep a lookout for her. Someone to watch her back. "This ship... when does it leave?" She asked no one in particular, but kept her eyes locked on Gambit's. |
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| Gambit | Aug 23 2009, 05:25 AM Post #15 |
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Like Portal, Gambit also found the vague description of such a quest to be strange. But his intentions weren’t to enlist his participation in a scavenger hunt for the monarch. No, the thief was just hitching a free ride, hoping to get closer to the City of Oracles. He nodded to agree with Portal, but kept his own motivations to himself. As for the secretive red-haired woman to his left, a thousand questions were swimming through the tiefling’s mind as if it were an endless sea with no shores upon which answers could be found. He needed to wait until the two were in a much more private setting to make such inquiries and though he was never a patient person, it seemed as if he was controlling his wandering mind well enough to keep those questions from rolling off his tongue. It was just so odd to him that she was being so reclusive amongst others who presented no threat to her. Locks of her hair were even concealing her face and Gambit could tell she was hiding on purpose as if there were never once in her life someone she could trust. But whether she was aware of it or not, there was something about the look in her eyes that was revealing her secrets while at the same time portraying almost nothing at all. How could one be so blank, yet full of mystery? And instead of telling Gambit her name, the woman just asked a question of her own as if she had not even noticed that she had previously been addressed. Gambit wasn’t one to be trusted himself, but in her case trust couldn’t even be defined. What are you hiding? he asked himself, blinking his vibrant magentas to keep himself from staring at her. “It leaves tomorrow morning at sunrise.” he responded with a puzzled and surprised expression on his face. He tried to control the awkward smile stretched across his chin, but attempting do so only resulted in a twisted grin that made him look anything other than sane. So bizarre… His thoughts were interrupted at once, bringing him back from the maze of curiosity he had lost himself in, and Gambit now found himself looking into the eyes of a newcomer whose age greatly exceeded his own. Her face was gentle and her green eyes were full of determination, but her entire frame seemed as fragile as the tattered cloak she was wearing. She too, was inquiring about the boat to Ashoka. Gambit didn’t mind the extra company. Chances were, he would be ditching them all once he arrived anyway. “Of course.” he accepted her into their party, and stood to offer his chair. Their series of events were unfolding as rapidly as a storyteller could read, and sure enough, yet another intruded upon them. Such interruptions weren’t a bad thing, though, especially not this particular one. Immediately, an excited smile from ear to ear graced the tiefling’s face as he recognized an old friend standing before him. “Griffin!” he shouted, throwing his arms open to embrace the other in the tightest hug he could muster. Seeing him here was completely unexpected. He thought the mage would have been long gone from Reine by now. The two weren’t planned to see each other again unless it be in the City of Oracles. Nonetheless, it was still a pleasure to see him and perhaps now Gambit could convince the other to tag along with him, since the boat ride was now being offered for free. He laughed, looking into Griffin’s face and noticing that he was somewhat… different? He offered the man a quirked eyebrow and a look of knowing but kept his mouth closed, remembering how embarrassed Griffin was a couple nights earlier when Gambit stumbled upon him with antlers and a tail. It was what attracted him to the man most though, knowing that there was someone else out there with beastie features about their body like the large horns protruding from Gambit’s temples. He just let it go though and embraced his friend again. Griffin and Gambit hadn’t known each other long, but considering Gambit didn’t have any real friends, that would make Griffin his closest and dearest, even though he hardly knew anything about him. “Nope, never took the boat. But I’m sailing out tomorrow morning! Please come with?” he begged, clasping his hands together with a pleading smile. |
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| Portal | Aug 30 2009, 03:21 PM Post #16 |
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With all the newcomers, various conversations, and strange occurrences, Portal was starting to feel incredibly out of place, and the feeling grew as the new girl approached. She couldn't just leave without it being twice as awkward, though, and so forced herself to remain. The worst was not the strange feeling of discomfort the new girl brought with her, but the meeting between Gambit and his apparent old friend, Griffin. It was all a very strange social situation. She noticed a few things, namely how the other two women were also nervous, though in different ways. The most recent woman was more similar to Portal, though, while the other seemed to be hiding rather than awkward. Sensing the recent girl's natural awkwardness, Portal decided it would be best for both of them if they started their own conversation, at the very least separating them from the strange and growing group. Portal was glad Gambit offered the girl his seat, as it was nearby hers and would make a conversation easy. "The ship we're using, well, it isn't a normal ship," Portal said to the girl. "The cost for passage is not in any gold, but in a task for the king of our destination." Deciding that to warn her of this without giving any extra information might scare her off, Portal decided it would be best if she invited the girl closer, to tell her she could probably avoid having to do the task, but still get free passage. So, Portal gestured with her hand for the girl to take Gambit's seat, so that she could tell her without being overheard. |
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| Cyna | Aug 31 2009, 05:58 AM Post #17 |
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The activity around the table was startling, and Cyna found it difficult to keep track of it... Her human contact had been minimal, and talking to more than one person at a time was a confusing task for her. She tried in vain to follow the strands of conversation, which where tied together like some twisted spiders web, but found she could not. Focus, she told herself. Find someone who isnt too uneased by your very presence, and talk to them. Find out where you are going, and why. She breathed deeply calming her nerves which were aflame, telling her to run. She could not run. She was offered a seat... That was... Complicated, she did not want to sit, if she did, her wings would be revealed, she could not keep the cloak over them as she did not if she were sitting... She decided not to, even though her bleeding and naked feet begged her to. And then... And then things changed. One of the girls, who was... Glowing? The fallen angel gasped! She had seen her before in her vision! Or at least someone else who shared that trait! She listened intently as she was told how this passage would work, and her heart sank below its normal low standing... What service could she give to a king? One as useless, wretched as her, one who other disliked as soon as they got near, it was... She began to despair... And then the girl motioned for her to take the chair and come closer... Was there more? Was there some big secret? Was this secret what she needed to know? She grabbed at straws, and fought the sinking feeling she had and took a great risk. She risked being hurt and chased and hated. She sat down, which forced her to partially spread her wings in order to allow her to sit on the chair properly. She felt as if the whole bar was watching, and judging her. She needed to know, ignoring the world, she listened intently, convinved that her revealing her nature, her showing of her tattered wings, could very well cost her her life. She leaned in to this strange girl, desperate for something she could use... Her premonitions had to be right... Didn't they? |
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| Griffin Reeve | Aug 31 2009, 08:35 AM Post #18 |
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The wary mage braced himself as Gambit arose from the table, headed in his direction with an elated grin. Arms were thrown out, and then around him, grasping him in tight hug that stifled Griffin's own breathing. In the moment that he was released, he sucked in a quick breath, lungs fighting to reclaim a state of adequate air. He really did expect nothing less of the half-fiend; Gambit was a brash whirlwind compared to Griffin's own cautious nature. That much had been concluded after their last, and coincidentally their first, meeting. Knowing better than to question it, he permitted Gambit's tight embrace, but was nonetheless thankful when the deed was done. He caught Gambit's gaze, and his quirked expression. It took him only a moment to determine its cause. When he had met the tiefling, he had had a bit more body than he currently possessed now. A hand went to his head, digging amidst strands of varied brown to indicate where two divine branches had once stood, now vanished without a trace. Griffin fixed Gambit with a knowing smirk, taking his hand away from his head to hold it between them, flexing fully-formed human fingers as though in pride. In a low tone, he uttered, just loud enough that Gambit could surely hear. "I told you I didn't like to be seen like that... didn't I?" Surely, no sooner had his arm dropped back to his side, Gambit was upon him again with another hug, as though they really knew eachother well enough to warrant it. More power to him, he supposed, though he did much more prefer unhindered breathing to close contact. Released, he took another subtle breath, managing not to drop his own smile, however reserved it was compared to Gambit's own. So he hadn't taken the boat. That was probably much wiser than Griffin would have given him credit. Gambit did not seem much the type to think things through, or atleast he failed to think the repercussions through. Griffin had been adamant about not taking a boat with him the last time, but this time around was different. He had heard about the ship and its free passage, and while there was a chain attached, it was either of little consequence or presumably easy to step aside. At Gambit's plea, Griffin's grin broadened, and he extended a free hand to rest on the half-fiend's shoulder. While seemingly a friendly gesture, it was more so intended to prevent him from hugging him a third time. Briefly, he nodded. "I will go with you. This time." |
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| Etilmarr | Sep 7 2009, 09:24 AM Post #19 |
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There was so much going on that Etilmarr had to take a mental step back and breathe for a moment. She knew she was being awkward in this social situation, but she couldn't risk it. Certainly, Etil was far enough away from her pursuers' home that she could relax her guard a little bit. Why should I take that risk? Etilmarr tucked her fiery-red locks behind her ear and looked at each person around the table. Her gaze lingered on the unique Gambit. The hearty embrace he shared with his friend - at least, Etil assumed they were friends - made something in her heart clench in a way that reminded her of... She looked away from the two. Best not to think of things lost. She glanced towards the woman who glowed and the other who had... were those... wings? Etilmarr shrugged to herself. Who was she to judge? A woman on the run. The two were in conversation, turned towards each other in a secret conference. That was alright with Etil. They wouldn't be trying to find out about who she is, where she came from, or where she was going. Although, on that final matter it seemed all of them would be going to the same place for now. |
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| Gambit | Sep 9 2009, 06:15 PM Post #20 |
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Gambit just about jumped into the air and clicked his heels from the excitement and happiness he felt from Griffin’s agreeance to join him on the trip to Ashoka. Although he wasn’t as familiar with the mage as he made others believe, Gambit did want to build a friendship with the man because he felt as if the two had more in common than Griffin was willing to admit during their previous encounter. Something inside the fiend’s heart was telling Gambit that the two of them were destined to become friends and he was determined to make that happen. Of course, there was no interest in him when it came to a relationship. But matters along those lines weren’t important to Gambit at the moment. What was important though, were those boots in the armory he wanted to badly. “Wonderful!” the tiefling smiled with a snap of his fingers. “I’ll meet you near the docks in the morning, then?” With that stated, and considering that enough time has passed for nightfall, he turned back to the table and cleared his throat before announcing his departure for bed. He turned and walked off towards a corner in the room that led to trapdoor in the floor that fell to his sleeping quarters. True – Gambit had no intentions of going to bed but he planned on sneaking out the window of his bedroom rather than go out the front door, that way there was no question as to where he was going. A sneaky grin crawled across his face as he descended into the old wine cellar. The fiend felt no remorse for lying to the group of people that would become his party in the morning. It was not anyone’s business that he was a thief. Besides, he didn’t want to be judged before making friends with these people. He felt that if there were a bond forged between them first, his occupation might be a little easier to ignore or tolerate. Gambit collected his lock picks and looked out the crack of his boarded window. The glow of moonlight illuminated the magentas in his eyes, behind which his brain was devising a brilliant plan to get his hands on those boots. Now… to remove those boards. |
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| Portal | Sep 12 2009, 09:28 PM Post #21 |
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Portal was completely unfazed by the sight of wings. While she hadn't expected the girl to have wings, such oddities were things she had long ago gotten used to, considering her origins and abilities. Portal was glad that the girl had chosen to sit down at all, and so got straight to the point. "I'm not even planning on performing the task for the king. I know someone on the ship, can easily get me on and off without the king noticing. I could arrange for him to do the same for you, if you wish." Portal just wanted to have someone she could rely on. True, this girl was a total stranger, but she seemed awkward enough to be trustworthy. "But, I suppose I'm getting ahead of myself. My name is Portal, and I don't even know what your name is." |
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| Cyna | Sep 16 2009, 12:36 PM Post #22 |
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"I am..." Cyna paused, was it wise to trust her? Could she really rely on her not to become completely unnerved by her and betray her. She wished for some kind of premonition to explain what she should do. None was forthcoming. "People call me Cyna" she finally decided, her true name a mystery to her. She had been called that after she was caged, and she had nothing else... "I like your offer... I have no intention of performing any task, I just need to travel to.. Somewhere" she hoped she would not be asked, she had no idea where, she just knew it was not here. "If you could do that, it would be amazing, but, well" she paused, unsure what Portal's reply could be "What do you want from me in return? I have no real gifts worth mentioning". She looked at her blood soaked feet "I am not special, but if i could, I would like to do what you are as well, please". She looked back at this stranger. Did she want something? Or was she just being kind? There was no way to tell if you did not ask. She just hoped it was not kindness that she had now spat on by assuming the worst. Had she really thought this through, though. Her on a boat, nowhere to go, trapped with the same people. What if they all grew to hate her? Panic began to set in as she waited for Portals answer... What did she want in return? |
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| Griffin Reeve | Sep 18 2009, 08:33 AM Post #23 |
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"In the morning." Griffin repeated, nodding shortly in agreement to the terms placed. It were not as though he could refuse, having to be at the docks come morning in order to catch the ship anyway. He would not go out of his way to avoid Gambit, it was hardly worth the time, plus the tiefling was the only one aware of his unique condition... Griffin had yet to decide whether that was a calming thought or an alarming one. That his true body was inhuman was not a truth he was particularly welcome to share, but Gambit took it well, in fact, better than he could have hoped from a first discoverer. Was that fortune? Fate? Whatever had it been, he was thankful. A hand held firm against his staff, clutching tight to the smooth rosewood shaft. It had been a jerked motion, a sudden sharp reaction as Gambit pulled away. There was no clear cause for it, even to his own mind, but the declaration of the half-fiend's departure provoked a shift in Griffin, leading his once confident mood down a path of uncertainty. Gambit was hardly a character worth reassurance, but now, looking over a table encircled by strange and unfamiliar faces, his steady demeanor fell away. His gaze followed the other as he departed, briefly considering the fact that he appeared far too lively for one destined for sleep. But that was not so important as the unique breathing collection before him. Nearest him was the woman with the red hair, that Quinn had climbed onto upon his arrival at the table. A little further away was another girl, an odd deformity making her appear oddly as she sat in what had been Gambit's seat. Beside her was the glowing woman, whose color did not seem so fully stable; shifting as much as did her mood. Three women, complete strangers, and then him- an amateur mage and concealed freak. This already did not look well, and he had not been there long. Taking a deep breath and a slow exhale, he stepped nearer the table, his staff held at a slant before him, across his chest as though protectively; an emotional shield. He was not naturally women-shy, nor shy in general, only timid, in a way that was more withdrawn than it was fearful. Anxiety made him an ideal subject for bullying, which far from helped his outward nature. Even now he was struggling, fighting to keep still and calm, as he faced the three with an awkward smile and a slight bow to his head. "I guess... then... I'm Griffin. Ah, that is, Griffin Reeve. It is... a pleasure? To meet the three of you." |
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| Etilmarr | Sep 19 2009, 06:29 PM Post #24 |
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Etilmarr's hand had absentmindedly found it's way to Griffin's familiar. Her eyes smiled a bit as she glanced down at Quinn. She had initially ignored the creature, having been so lost in her own thoughts but now that Gambit had left she had been pulled from her reverie and suddenly became aware of the creature in her lap. The two other women at the table's conversation had turned more inward toward each other as the evening had progressed. She had not made an effort to insert herself there. Now a man, exuding awkwardness and anxiety, stood above her and addressed the small gathering at the table. Her mind's eye had noticed his interchange with Gambit and now she finally made eye contact with another in their small world of adventurers. Etil nodded to Griffin. To give out her name was certainly dangerous... but she was so far from any who wished her ill. "I am Etil." She released the breath she had been unaware of holding. She had not revealed her name in months. "You are... ah... You are traveling in the morn?" Etil glanced around the tavern. It was still busy within but with the night finally falling, tables were slowly emptying as the patrons found their beds. Perhaps Etil should have thought to make arrangements sooner... |
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| Gambit | Sep 21 2009, 08:58 AM Post #25 |
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Piece after piece, the tiefling removed each board without regard for their nails. He had no time for such matters. It was much easier to just rip the entire boards from the window frame. And soon, he would find himself standing in the glow of moonlight where he could blend into the shadows cast along the route towards the shop in which his boots were sold. Gambit wanted them so desperately now that he was willing to lose his night of rest just to obtain them. Not to mention, his risk of getting caught. But imagining how effortlessly it would soon be to creep around town, stealing whatever he wanted whenever he wanted thanks to those boots made his worries of getting caught or his need to sleep completely vanish. He could become the greatest thief of all time! (A dream of course but it was still possible, or so he'd like to dream anyway.) After each piece of wood became part of the pile sitting near his pillow on the bed, a muscular stream of moonlight illuminated the once dark room. Gambit, smiling at his accomplishment, leapt through the window and landed safely on his feet outside. Beginning his trek along the cobblestone, it would just be a few minutes before his arrival. A sinister, greedy grin now stretched across his fiendish face. Now standing just outside the shop, the thief scanned his surroundings for any passerbys that might alert authorities and ruin his chances. Luckily, there were none. He immediately went to work on the lock of the door, picking and prying until at last, the door came ajar. He stopped, listening for any footsteps or other noises but heard none. Pushing the door gently, it creaked open enough to allow him entrance. The boots were just a couple shelves away. He snuck silently towards them, removed his own boots, and slipped his feet into the new pair, lacing each one tightly. Smiling, he bounced on his heels to give them a good feel. Both were just as comfortable as he had imagined, like standing on thin air. But his joys were completely stripped from him, as the door to the shop swung open suddenly and slammed into the wall. “Thief!” A large muscular man dashed through the door and tackled Gambit to the floor. He stared into two glaring eyes flickering with the fires of justice in each as the man wrapped his fingers around the tiefling’s throat. Damnit! he thought, remembering his careless mistake of leaving the door ajar. He struggled to combat the guard but to no avail, he had been caught red-handed. Soon the fiend lost consciousness and didn’t wake up until he was far from the shop. The sight of gray stone walls and the sound of dripping water made the now awakening tiefling realize that he was locked away in the cellar beneath the city where criminals were kept until trial. It wasn’t the first time he had been here either. He was once caught just before breaking into a home on the far side of Reine, but this time, like before, he had no intention of staying. Gambit searched his entire frame for his lock picks but found nothing. All of his equipment had been taken from him. Damnit! he thought, crossing his arms as if he were pouting. How dare they lock me in some cage like a wild animal!? Idiots… I’m much too smart of an animal to be locked up. And with that thought, he laughed as he plucked Bandit from the pocket on his sleeve and held him to his face. “Listen carefully, Bandit. I need you to go get Griffin! Bring him here so I can get out.” The ferret nodded and scampered down the tiefling’s legs, through the bars of the jail, and onwards towards the tavern. Until Griffin’s arrival, Gambit sat in the corner, pondering how to break the news to his friend that he was a thief. Edited by Gambit, Sep 23 2009, 04:45 PM.
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