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RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - Nihka - 01-17-2016
At the top of the board, Nihka wrote out a single word: Liniment.
Technically, a liniment was topically applied medication, usually a lotion or an oil. Generally speaking, it was meant for pain relief. However, given the flexibility of alchemical science a liniment could be designed for many different purposes.
She stepped back and tapped her lip. They might be able to win this on a technicality. Both products, hitherto, had been marketed almost entirely as orally ingested medicines. The fliers for competition specifically called for a “Tournament of Liniments.†If they called him out on this particular fact, they might be able to end the competition before it even began, before anyone had to drink the clearly addictive substance. The trick was in finding a way to turn literal engine grease into workable medicine.
Step one: identify what she was working with. There were at most two parts to any Bronco Grease formula. The base, airship lubricant, and the optional elemental shard thrown in for “premium†products.
In her workshop she had set up a blackboard for notes and cleared out a work bench. On the bench were three jars of Bronco Greaseâ„¢ and two of the vials of Horse Oilâ„¢ that Anstarra had purchased moons ago. There was a whole crate stashed away at the Dubious estate. Could probably sell it for a fortune on the black market, which is exactly why it was in Thanalan and not here in the Shroud.
Nihka frowned a little, eyeing the jar of grease. She didn’t want to deal with Horse Oil yet, so she’d investigate the grease first. Bronco Grease was just that, the grease used to lubricate a bronco style airship. It had no special additive save the elemental shard that Spahro had put into it. Otherwise, it was a plain oily substance derived from…
What was grease derived from?
Reverse engineering a substance was incredibly difficult, particularly once alchemy got involved. By definition, alchemy changed the very nature of the materials on which it was applied. Determining the method was possible, but not easy. However, something like grease would not require any major alchemical changes to create. Â Grease could be found in any book on chemistry and material sciences, and she kept a big library in her workshop for just such a purpose. After a little research, she determined: Grease was normally an emulsion of glycerin or soap into a mineral or vegetable oil.
Bronco Greaseâ„¢ was something of a misnomer, though. It was more of an oil, which is to say, it was more liquid, enough so that it would flow and pour. A grease, most often, would remain semi-solid until applied upon with some significant mechanical force. Of course, even though technically topical, her formula still had to be capable of being consumed.
Nihka picked up one of the jars, and began to pour measured amounts into smaller vials, the thick liquid struggling to dribble down into the slender glass cylinders. One by one, these samples were inserted into the massive furnace built into the floor.
Looking over a list of the boiling points for different carrier oils, Nihka adjusted her glasses and stepped around to the other side of the furnace. With a flip of a lever, the heat intensified. Inside, the grease remained unperterbed. High tolerance to heat; this was expected from something used to lubricate an engine and she was unsurprised.
heat tolerate high
slick
viscous
stick / spread (adhere surface)
While she waited for the results of the burn test, Nihka tilted a vial, watching the contents dribble out, thinking about how it coated the throat, or really anything it touched. As a carrier oil, it might serve well to soothe a sore throat if prepared properly. So, she wrote on the chalkboard under the heading requirements:
Edible
soothe throat
pain ease
Somehow, the grease/oil itself was technically non-toxic. It would make you sick and incredibly queasy, but you would survive and remain in relatively good health. She knew, she’d tried it. The taste was still on her tongue. She added another note to the board for requirements:
Flavor (optional)
She thought for a moment, with a grimace. The advertising for the product did leave her in a little bit of a bind. She added another note to the board, in hopes that she could have the eventual product match the claims:
energy
Water crystals to help dilute. Lightning crystals to split. Fire for heat. Earth to bind. Wind to cut. Ice to congeal. An old book from a far away land listed these qualities of the different crystals, and to find a way to turn engine grease into something she would need to use all of them.
She lay out the herbs and began to grind them down into a small powder, then pulled out a small vial of blood. Beastkin for verve, she let a single drop fall into the vial and resumed grinding until the lavender and mint formed a paste. Letting the mixture to sit and acclimate to itself, she turned to a new bowl and added a sprinkling of goat horn to the bottom, a carefully prepared powder she’d picked up while in Ul’dah.
Paired with an ice crystal and pure water, the goat horn would congeal into a semisolid glue. Water would help to dilute it to the proper consistency, something that would closely match the bronco grease. With the gel prepared, Nihka added a portion of the herbal paste and mixed them together, then placed that mixture into the furnace and removed the test sample of bronco grease to examine them. Five ticks later, while inspecting the grease, the goat glue combusted inside the furnace.
It took all night, and half of the day, before Nihka finally came up with a workable solution.
A full lightning cluster to split the oil, pulling out detergents to leave a pure oil. This was an incredibly difficult process: for each gallon of grease she started with she managed a pint of oil, several batches simply were ruined. Take a vial of beastkin blood and congeal with an ice crystal, then ground to a powder. Mix with the herbal blend and use earth aether to bind the active ingredients together. At this point they no longer resembled their original self, but a new substance, a dark powder that could be dissolved into pure water. Add just enough to make it the consistency of an egg yolk, then take the oil and paste and emulsify them together. It was like making mayonnaise, really.
The finished product looked the same as the grease she started with, and Nihka smiled as she dropped the crystal shards into the vials, sinking halfway into the fluid before floating. Bronco Grease, reformulated. She pulled one vial out and dabbed her finger into it, spreading a little onto her wrist. There was a little tingle, and she smiled. She was wary of trying it, but licked her finger anyway.
Topically, it would numb pain. When consumed, it would hopefully help to ease a sore throat. When consumed, it would be edible, and perhaps might…. help invigorate someone. When consumed, it would taste…. well, it would still taste awful, but there were limits to what you could manage in a week of work.
Her attention then turned to the Horse Oil. She wasn't going to drink it. Twelve above, she knew how bad an idea that could be, drinking a highly addictive substance… But, what did it do topically? Was it worth risking?
No.
Nihka packed up her supplies and the medicines, and headed out. It was already almost time for the competition; she wouldn’t let Verad lose. She also packed her plated gloves, just in case.
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - Anstarra - 01-18-2016
"Alright, that's enough of that."
Pelderain Dornier had ranted and raved as the pair of Wailers dragged him away from the scene. Calling them fools, snarling about how they should all pay tribute to his brilliance, and so on, and so forth. No further mention of O-Rehn Fahn, though; that seed had been planted in the fertile ground of a credulous, gawking crowd.
He kept it up, right until the two men took him out of sight and earshot of the crowd. Down the open warren of tunnels that stretched between the Amphitheater and the Wailing Barracks. Then, a smirk played over his lips.
"Hearns' boys, right?"
One grunted, and the other nodded. Outwardly, they continued to walk him, restraining him. Had to, in case they were seen, though no one was around, now. Pelderain's smirk widened.
"Good work. Hah. That will fix him. O-Rehn Fahn, that little shit... bah!" His expression soured. "But Bellveil. Where did he find an alchemist of his own! Oh, I'll get him. And his little Keeper bitch, too. Show ME up, will they? Oh, no. This is only the opening act, I promise you."
One of the Wailers grunted again, presumably the same one. The other sighed.
"Shut yer yappin', Dornier. Hearns asked us to get you out, so we will, but Twelve help me if you get us caught I'll put a spear in you myself."
Pelderain bridled, lifting his chin (which, as a Duskwight, he was quite well-suited to do) and glared down at the masked man, opening his mouth to administer a proper tongue-lashing, to one who would dare speak thus-
"Why don't I spare you the trouble."
The two wailers whipped around, releasing Dornier and brandishing their spears lightning-quick. Pelderain's heart hammered as he spun-
"Gukk!"
-just in time to get sprayed with arterial blood.
What?
The Wailer who'd been talking was spinning away, his spear flying from his hand, blood everywhere. The other one just grunted again. Something long and red was extending from his back. Then it pulled back, and he fell too.
"Pathetic."
The speaker's lance was very bright, the blood on it very red. Pelderain stumbled back, falling, eyes wide, mouth working. A long, white feline tail, blue-tipped, black slacks and shirt, and a.. turban, obscuring the attacker's face, save for the lower jaw. Fine-boned, full-lipped, bronzed, and twisted with contempt.
"Drugs. Addiction. Corruption. Pathetic!" The figure stepped closer, casual, dextrous fingers twisting the lance to flick blood aside in an arc. "I came out of curiosity.. but I've no use for a thing like you." The lance lifted, aiming at Pelderain's heart.
This galvanized the duskwight, and his eyes widened with outrage and fury. Fury which boiled up in snarled words. Words that rang with void-infused hatred.
"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO JUDGE ME! SUFFER! DIE! SMALL-MINDED WORM!"
Vicious energy thrummed in the air, the very timbre of Pelderain's voice unleashing sickness and agony. The miqo'te staggered, teeth baring before the assault. Blood trickled down from behind that mask, from nose and eyes. Pelderain continued cursing, lifting himself to his feet, snarling invective and hatred, driving his would-be murderer back one step, then another...
...the miqo'te bared teeth, and crossed arms...
...and Pelderain's eyes widened, and his mouth widened more, and more, his words becoming a scream as the corruptive agony of his assault returned upon him. His blood seemed to boil, his gums rotted, his bones creaked, wracking pain assailing him from within as his own power devoured him. He turned, and doubled over, vomiting blood. It fouled the grass, made it wither.
"So. That is the power of the Void." A brief pause.
"Distasteful. And, still, pathetic."
The lance took Pelderain Dornier through the heart.
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - Nihka - 01-18-2016
The Price of Success; Gridania, Mih Khetto’s Amphitheatre
Immediately following the event: A-Tonic Warfare
Nihka sighed. Not the sigh of the depressed, or the sad, but the sigh of the accomplished. The sigh that came with a smile. Specifically, the sigh of someone who has succeeded at something important, something they weren’t sure they could manage.
In this case, it was the dismantling of the stage for the Tournament of Liniments. Well, that and directly causing the arrest and capture of one of the void corrupted individuals who had been terrorizing the Shroud for the past several moons and causing a significant portion of the populous to become addicted to a horribly corrupting drug. But it was probably just the pride of cleaning up that had her feeling accomplished.
Slowly the crowd began to disperse, now that Verad had run out of the reformulated Bronco Grease. There was more back home, thankfully, and she could make as much as they needed. They’d need a lot of it, too, since for some reason it seemed to purge the void taint from the addicted.
That was a little odd, but such was the case with alchemy.
As more people left, her attention was brought to the odd individual that didn’t disperse with the rest of the crowd. She hadn’t noticed him before, a wood wailer in full armor and mask, standing right at the edge of the stage and watching her. The fur on her tail stood on end, the way he was watching her made her uneasy. More so when he looked to the side and nodded.
She looked that way, and saw another wailer.
They were the gruff, weathered sort. The kind that went on long patrols and didn’t talk to many folk while they were in town. The sort of wailers she’d seen drinking at the Boar. Her ears lowered, and very slowly she set down the banner she’d been folding. The last few people hoping for a fix left, and she saw them bump against two more wailers who had been hiding in the crowd.
The one closest to the center of the stage hopped up while the other three took flanking positions, barring any easy escape route as they approached. Nihka took a few steps back, until her heel reached the back end of the stage.
“Nihka Mioni. You are hereby under arrest for the crime of poaching in the Twelveswood.â€
Behind her someone spoke, and she turned with a startled squeak, eyes wide and blood draining from her face. She knew that voice.The four wailers came closer, their heavy boots thudding against the stage.Nihka reached for the pearl on her ear, but one of the men near her snagged her wrist before she could touch it. He squeezed, hard.
“Oh,†Weylan said with a smirk, “and don’t worry about being gentle, boys. She doesn’t bruise.â€
She twisted and brought up her knee, slamming it into the first man’s crotch. His grip on her wrist laxed as he staggered back with a grunt. She grabbed her own hand, and pulled, yanking her arm free and turning it into an elbow to one of the wailers behind her. Her tail lashed wildly, trying to keep it moving too fast for anyone to grab it.
Surrounded as she was she fought back, trying to find an opening between them she could bolt through, but there were too many of them. One brought the haft of his spear into Nihka’s leg, just behind the knee. The leg collapsed, and she fell to the stage. Another grabbed her arms and yanked her back up to her feet. She kicked and squirmed as her wrists were twisted behind her back and quickly lashed together.
“..No! S-s-stop!†She gasped, cried out. “Help!â€
A few passers by paused to look. They saw a dark skinned miqo’te being arrested by wood wailers, and kept on walking.
“You’ll shut up if you know what’s good for you, cat.†Weylan sneered, stepping up to the stage to stand in front of her. She tried to kick, even though her leg was numb, but the wailers holding her yanked back almost hard enough to tear her shoulder. “And here I thought today was going to be dull. Then what do I see on stage but my favorite poacher pussy?â€
Weylan drew a fist back, and slammed it into her belly. She tried to double over, but they were holding her too tightly. She tried to scream in pain, but had no breath left. Tears ran down her cheeks as she felt her earrings removed, one by one, and placed into a pouch on his belt.
“By Gridanian law, all linkpearls are to be confiscated upon arrest.†He looked up to the men holding her. “We’ll have to search her more thoroughly later. For now, let’s find somewhere to put her.â€
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - Anstarra - 01-18-2016
Letters are sent out, in the middle of the next day following the so-called Tournament of Liniments.
They are addressed to Enju, Kiht, Zanzan, R'shesha, Reppu, Aya, Orrin, Leanne, Spahro and Liadan.
"Greetings, and hopefully well-met.
Nihka did not come home last night, and is not answering her linkpearl. She was last seen helping Verad defend Bronco Grease against Pelderain, the void-touched ex-prisoner, in Mih Khetto's Amphitheater in Gridania. After his triumph, they parted ways, with her remaining at the Amphitheater itself to clean up.
I intend to investigate, myself, though I implore you all to keep eyes and ears open.
Hopefully this will turn out to be a false alarm, but this close to the objective, with so much riding on our efforts in the next few days, I find myself unable to believe in coincidence. And even otherwise, I would not wish to take that chance.
Please let me know if you hear anything.
Anstarra Silverain."
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - Boo the Hamster - 01-18-2016
Enju had the eyes of a worried man as he glossed through the letter An had sent him. Nihka's missing? She was there a moment ago, a warm, wide smile on her face. He can remember it as if it was yesterday. He went to Gridania the moment he got dressed up, and began his search. He talked to the vocate, and several citizens with a hint of worry in his eyes. It took him several hours of asking about a Keeper in the Amphitheatre, but eventually one citizen said what happened.
He could remember the words, or so he thought he heard the civilian as. "Oh, that one? Poacher got arrested. Surprised they were so bold as to be in the middle of the city." His rage was boiling at that, though to make a scene now would only make things worse, as Reppu reminded him earlier when he talked along the pearl with her about Weylan. The memory, or the memory they shared unwillingly played out in his mind, and he let out a long, soft sigh. He asked the civilian where they would take her, and the Wailing Gaol was the best answer he could get, so he went there, brows furrowed.
At the Wailing Gaol, he asked the receptionist about Nihka. Released today, they said, her pearls returned. Maybe..he tried to contact her, and knew he would get no response. A vain hope, but one he had to try. He looked to the receptionist, stating, "If she was released and her pearls are returned, then why is she not responding?" The receptionist didn't have much more information, but did give a name: Egbert Stone.
A cold trail. The worst scenario that one can have when locating someone. He remembers of times past, where a trail often meant one was dead or worse, loyal men turned heretic, heretic turned dragon. The fires of a hamlet. 'Oh Twelve, why must it be now that these memories return?' he lamented. There was one last place he could try, as the moon rose high above him. The ferryman.
He looked to the man, with a stern look, asking about a Keeper of Nihka's description. The ferryman blinked, talking of Nihka..
"Oh, Nihka? She's a sweet girl, quiet too. Takes the ferry to and from the Lavender Beds often, but I haven't seen her in a few days now. But she spends her time in Ul'dah now anyway."
Enju finally found someone that liked her, and this was when his face broke that mask of emotion. He looked worried, scared in front of the ferryman, rolling his lips inward as if trying to find the right words. He blinked a few times, nodding to reassure himself. 'It's happening again..what if she goes missing too..' He thought, though looked to the ferryman once more.
"You haven't seen her? Truly?" Enju spoke, his eyes pleading for aid toward the ferryman. "She's been missing and was released this morning. If you have any information, please.." He said that last word in a near breathless tone.
Seems the ferryman shared his grief. "I'm sorry, ser, but I haven't seen her. Wait, there was last night at the Amphitheatre...Probably headed back to Ul'dah."
Enju knew of this information already, and so did everyone else. He merely shook his head. "I wish that were true. Thank you for your help." He looked toward the West, to the Serpent Gate, though knew it was already late. How is he going to tell Anstarra? She was right there, in front of him last night. Twelve, why didn't he just stay there? He could have stopped this! It was his fault...
He asked the ferryman to take him to the Lavender Beds, a long boat ride of rotten silence the whole way through. He waved the ferryman in thanks before checking Nihka's room. Empty. At least he won't have to explain to Sehki what happened, or lie to her. He slumped in a corner of the room, sitting down by the wall. All that's left is to relay his information to Reppu, and to listen for Reppu's information in turn, if she had any.
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - Zelmanov - 01-20-2016
Eastern La Noscea: North of Costa Del Sol
Â
It was fortunate that the meeting had taken place in The Mists. Orrin was now close to a point of interest that he was meaning to visit. There was a cove, or so Orrin was told, a place with a waterfall that drained into it, pooling to knee height before flowing out into the ocean. Supposedly a Roegadyn of spectacular size and peculiar garb had spent many a day swinging his axe there and meditating.
If his thoughts were correct,that was none other than a member of the fabled mountain tribes, the Warriors, with capital w’s, marshals over something inside them called the inner beast, something the channeled and unleashed to terrible effect. More importantly, those Warriors knew how to chain up that great power once the battle had finished, they knew how to not let it consume them. For Orrin, he figured that if the place was suitable for a Warrior, it must be suitable for what he had hopes to do.
Lugging a bag over the shoulder of his blue yukata, Orrin made his way through a small stony underpass that channeled the echoing roar of the waterfall. A few startled Colibri take off in a flutter as he made his way through, edging closer to the fabled training ground. The narrow passage opened up before him and a small grin curled upon his lips. He feels the cool mist hanging low in the air, watching with a quiet awe at the pristine beauty of the tumbling waters he heard the sound of….girls?
His gaze turns towards his right and noticed, much to his chagrin, one of the many stilted bungalows that adorned the beach side of the Bloodsands in this supposedly secret grotto. Pat pat-pat pat, even against the noise of the waterfall he heard shuffling feat upon the wooden boards and the swaying form of scantily clad dancers moved through the motions of what could only be a routine of theirs. Orrin began to wonder if “swinging his axe†was a euphemism.
Regardless, the gray-white stones reminded him of his Ishgardian home and the waters, though not nearly as bitingly cold, reminded him of the conditioning done just outside of Camp Dragonhead. He started to strip down to just his small clothes and waded into the water, dipping his head underneath the cascade, letting it roll over the taut musculature of his war-forged body. His eyes closed and all sounds of the outside world began to become muddled and indistinct.
From the outside he was utterly motionless, catatonic almost, not even the blushing tittering of passing girls seemed to disturb him. Deep inhale, deep exhale, his fingers interlaced in front of him as he sat on his knees. He saw nothing but the blackness behind his eyelids, felt nothing but the pounding pressure of the waters above.
They say what each Dragoon saw was different, though the temptation was still all the same: a promise of terrible power, power to let them achieve whatever they desired. The Dragon’s blood that they had willingly took on through their blood-quenched armor would promise them anything, so long as they were to give in, to unfetter the roiling inferno that just needed to get out. Meditation, introspection, study of holy texts, and above all, an adherence to one’s sense of justice was what was taught to allow Dragoons to let that inner temptation stir but still maintain control. Just enough to maintain the unholy pact they made to give them ability to dance in the skies to vanquish their foes.
Orrin indeed sought more power,but not through the dragon’s blood, he sought the will to defy the void prince he had sworn to destroy and what better substitute than trying to let his inner dragon stretch its legs?
“You could have saved me, Orrinâ€a woman’s voice lamented “I did not need to die.â€
Orrin’s lip twitched ever so slightly
“you know that it could be reversed, those that drink of the blood need not be condemnedâ€Â
A flash of a painful memory crossed his mind, fiery red hair upon a slumped over body, mouth agape, eyes wide at the sight of a lance that had ran through her abdomen “you knew it was within you, you only had to call on that power, but you were a coward.†There was venom in those wordsÂ
“You killed me instead,  it came too easily didn’t it?â€
The roar of the waterfall seemed to swell, like a dragon’s call
“You want that power now?†she said in a sultry tone  “Found someone you care for more than me? I thought I was your only one…â€
Orrin felt a welling heat in his gut.
“It is all there, it really is,everything you need to stop anyone from suffering like you had.â€
Her arms open wide and there was the gaping bloody hole that he had left in her, within it was a fiery burning reptilian eye. He gazed upon the eye, each passing moment waves of power pulsed over his being.
“Just come to me, Orrin…â€
His breathing quickened, how long could he stare into that abyss, stare into that untapped fount of power before it drowned him? “Longer†he pushed himself, to focus, the woman’s words becoming gnashing, impatientÂ
“What is wrong? Can’t you see it’s within your grasp?â€
 His brows furrowed and as he gazed upon the eye, he felt as though something was staring back, something else. It was then the woman lunged at him
“He is mine! NOT YOURS!â€Â
In his mind’s eye he put his hands up to protect himself, massive, iron chains shot out and bound the spectral form and dragged her back down into the depths of his psyche with a banshee wail. When he opened his eyes, he was panting, a single trickle of blood running from one nostril that soon washed away with the water. That was not the presence he expected to feel, and in his distraction he was nearly claimed. His body began to shake, looking upon his hands that were clenched into tight fists. It had sensed the interloper too, and waited until he was distracted like a proper predator of the mind, but still he was able to shut it out in time.
              “Is the reach of Neruhm really so far as to reach me in Costa Del Sol?†He couldn’t believe it. Soon enough his breathing slows and rises to his feet beneath the waterfall. He turns his head up and closes his eyes to completely drench himself in, still feeling as though a dragon’s roar hid just behind the sound of rushing water. He pulls his head out along with the rest of him and fished for a towel in his bag. He wouldn’t dare try to test his will again until he found the source of the interference.
He watches the women dance and remembers he had someone to ask out on a date.
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - Zelmanov - 01-20-2016
accidental double post. message deleted
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - Nihka - 01-22-2016
Nightmares of Toto-Rak
Location: unknown, Time: unknown
The following text is probably not safe for work, nor those weak of heart.
Normally Nihka didn’t mind the dark. Here in this room, though, there were no stars to guide her and no moon to light her path. The room was so dark even a keeper could not see and she had lost track of how long she’d been there. Her only markers for time were the persistent, arrhythmic drip that echoed through the room and the few times Weylan had visited her.
“That actually hurt,†Weylan chuckled as he rubbed his cheek. “Might make a man think you don’t like him.â€
Nihka growled, backing into the corner of the small room, as far away from him as she could. Her wrists were bound together behind her back, and her eyes were aching. There was a shutter in the ceiling that, when opened, filled the room with bright light. After bells in darkness, the effect was debilitating. Weylan approached, squatting down in front of her, leaning in close enough that she could feel his presence, see his shadow on her eyelids. Tentatively, she opened an eye, only to see his cruel smile.
“You’re lucky.†He pat her cheek; she tried to turn away but he gripped her chin tightly and forced her to look at him. “You’re lucky he told me not to rough you up too much or we’d be having a lot more fun. Damn shame, really. Still, if you want to eat you’ll behave. No more kicking, kitten.â€
She kicked at him again, bringing her shin towards the side of his head. Before she connected, he caught her ankle and gripped hard. He clicked his tongue as he stood, yanking her leg up which sent her body to the floor. He stood there for a moment, holding her up by her ankle so she couldn’t get any leverage, then with a laugh he dropped her and took a few steps back.
“You’re damn lucky, cat.â€
Nihka pulled her legs close, curling up. Her skirt had fallen out of place; she did her best to move it back into position but without her arms there wasn’t much she could do. She ached all over, her head hitting the floor, leg from the spear, belly from the punch, wrists burned by the ropes. She had bruises everywhere, but Weylan was right that no one would see them against her skin. The worst pain of all, though, was the aching in her chest. She missed her daughter.
It was hard to tell the difference between her dreams and reality. There was nothing to do in this room but try to sleep and ignore the dripping water. They’d started leaving cooked meat outside the door, just letting her smell it, but all they brought for her to eat was water and a stale chunk of bread. Once, they even had a piece of cheese.
“You know what, cat?†Weylan stepped into the room, holding a plate, the door closing behind him. The scent of roasting meat filled the air. “This bread is shit, isn’t it? You don’t really want it. I think you want a nice red antelope steak, fresh off the fire, just dripping.â€
Nihka winced, eyes closed, as the brightness overpowered her. Just thinking about the food set her stomach rumbling. Though she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction, her body insisted, and he laughed.
“That’s what I thought. Bet you can smell it, too; that’s my lunch. But hey, as a favor between old friends, I’ll get rid of this bread for you.†He smirked coldly and stuffed the hunk of bread in a pocket. Her stomach growled again. “Your stomach is more talkative than you are, puss. What’s wrong?
“...kidnap...†Nihka opened one eye, risking the light to glare at him.
“Kidnap? No, you were arrested. I know, it’s too subtle for you. But there is a difference, trust me. Anyway, I’ve been wondering. You had quite a few linkpearls on you. Seems a little odd for someone who doesn’t talk, don’t you think?â€
“...talk plenty...â€
“Of course you do. Meow meow. I’m sure you have a lot to say. Probably talk for hours, don’t you.†Weylan sneered, and spoke in broken, slow phrasing. “What...... .....want...... .....dinner...... .....cook... ...... tonight......... eat.......want....â€
Nihka scowled, and Weylan laughed loudly.
“I was in Ul’dah the other day. Saw that poster of you, with that man’s arm draped over your shoulders half naked. A room full of kittens, all hanging off of him, and you right in the center. You’ve been holding out on me this whole damned time. But that’s not too important now that you’re here, is it?†He grinned, looking her over.
In the darkness of her room, she heard Weylan’s laughter. The water dripped, landing in a puddle, and echoes resonated like a cruel chuckle that lasted long after he left.
Weylan held up a small platinum bracelet, making sure to put it in the light, so that Nihka could see the shape in silhouette. Her ears twitched as she glanced up at it, then back down. She couldn’t look at her wrist but she knew what was missing. Anstarra’s promise bangle.
“It’s that seeker bitch, isn’t it? The one that threatened me in the Boar?â€
Nihka choked down a sob, looking away.
“I hear she’s looking for you, and I have a theory. Correct me if I’m wrong, okay? She doesn’t like feeling inferior to anyone. She’s that stuck up, superior sort. That kinda bitch, she’d die if she had to marry someone smarter than her. Problem is, she’s so stupid you’re the only one that fits the bill.â€
“..idiot... Weylan.... Not deserve marry.... Not promise deserve... not first know ... love..... about… find.. Anstarra.. find Nihka....†Nihka growled, bracing herself against the wall, feet planted hard on the floor.
“Still feisty. I think I’ll throw it out, too. Spare her the trouble.†Weylan laughed and pocketed the bangle. “On the other hand, I’ll be keeping this.â€
Nihka turned to glare at him, opening her mouth to say something choice, when she noticed in his hands he was holding her knife. The blood drained from her face, watching as he inspected the last possession she had of her mother’s. Nihka’s ears twitched up and she almost choked, lurching to her feet.
“..back.. give.. back.. give .. give back....â€
“Hells if I’m going to give you a weapon!†He walked forward and planted a boot on her chest, shoving her back against the wall. She hit with a grunt and fell to the floor. “It’s quality work, you know. The grip’s a little small for me, but the blade is perfect. An excellent knife for a poacher. It’ll be fitting when I kill a few with it, don’t you think?â€
Nihka kicked and flailed until she managed to right herself, sitting back up.
“Either way, I think my steak is just about done. I’m going to go have a bit to eat. Have fun in here, okay?â€
Her body ached. Her arms hadn’t been untied since she got here. She wasn’t sure how long it was, but the skin around her wrists was starting to peel, and her shoulders were locked up. The water dripped, echoes like laughter keeping her from sleeping.
“What does it mean?†Weylan stood in front of the door, arms crossed. Her mother’s knife was still on his hip.
“...mean....†Nihka looked at him, head tilted.
“Neruhm.†Weylan frowned. “Can’t you hear it?â€
“Not..n..not say...!†Nihka’s eyes went wide.
“Neruhm? It’s a strange word, isn’t it? And it’s got a powerful sound I like. What does it mean?â€
“...name.. is.. name ... not.. not say please.. please....â€
“A name? So you can hear it. Echoing off the walls. Neruhm. Neruhm. At first I thought I was imagining it, Neruhm, over and over. Whenever I walk past your room, whenever I’m visiting.†He approached, and squatted down in front of her. She backed into the corner, ears folded back. He reached out, caressing her ears as he murmured the name, over and over. Nihka whimpered and tried to shrink, curling into the corner, and he just got closer.
He was interrupted by the sound of screaming, muffled through the wall. Weylan smiled, and pulled back, leaning on his heels.
“You hear that? One of your neighbors. The screaming used to annoy me, but when I’m with you, I hope it never stops.â€
Hours later, in the dark silence of her room, she could still hear it echoing faintly off the walls. Neruhm. Neruhm. Neruhm. She heard him laughing.
Neruhm. Neruhm. Neruhm. Neruhm. Neruhm.
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - combatwombat519 - 01-23-2016
The sound of hammering finally faded off as R'shesha finished putting the last nail into the roof of the storehouse. She glanced around and shook her head. "I never would have guessed I'd be working on something here." All around her the Red Belly Wasps moved around their stronghold, the Hive. It still looked like there was a bit of work that needed doing after the zombies had gone tearing through the place but it was moving steadily along. She slid down the roof and dropped down to the ground beside Reppu and Anstarra. "Alright. That should be good. Just let me tell them its done and hopefully they live up to their end of the bargain."
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - PhantasticPanda - 01-23-2016
The Night Before; In the Roost's Innroom
Rushing back into his inn room, he'd slam the door behind him before slumping against it. An exhausted sigh escapes him. Bells and bells running around the entire city of Gridania in search for for clues behind Nihka's disappearance yet it bore little fruit save for a few items of interest he managed to obtain. He paced over and took a stand atop a chair before committing to his last attempt at work for the night; a letter addressed to Anstarra, R'shesha, Kiht, Leanne, Orrin, Reppu and Enju. And even Liadan seeing how she knew the inner workings of Gridania.
"Greetings, Friends and Family!
I certainly hope all of you have been working vigilantly on investigating the whereabouts of our dear friend, Nihka. While my personal investigations bore little fruit to the place where she is held, it has come to my attention that she must be being held in a prison meant for the Wailers worst criminals that they dub broken spears. However, I have no onze of clue where this place may be! So I do wish one of you may find out soon!
Yet, even so, do not rush headlong into battle! For I have obtained three items that we may find some use for, but it must be given to the hand to someone with political authority and power, mayhaps the higher chain of command of the Wailers? Three forms of letters from Mother Miounee, Guildmaster Fufucha, and even E-Yumi-San himself that speaks highly of Nihka, asking for her release! Surely, no group in Gridania could ignore the word of a Padjal, yes? Pray aid me in these endeavors and we may save Nihka without spilling blood!"
He lets out another heavy sigh before setting the quill down. He eyed the letters over and over again as thoughts and emotions spurred in his tired mind.
"We will find you, Nihka. You will be safe..." He whispers quietly to himself before furrowing his brow intensely, "And if they had done anything to harm you... Then they will pay dearly and answer for their transgressions!" He'd yell out, slamming his fist against the table before setting out an aetherial burst of energy that nearly sent him falling off his chair as his papers were scattered about. He went wide-eyed and bewildered before grimacing in pain as if feeling the weight of a thousand ponze against his body. He curled up, gripping himself and the horn necklace he wore as he rocked himself back and forth. Aetherial wind blew around the room for a prolonged moment that felt like bells to him before it would subside as did his pain.
He panted heavily as sweat barely began to form across his forehead before calming himself somewhat, ".......... I'm tired." He muttered softly.
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - Anstarra - 01-25-2016
Anstarra took a deep breath as she looked upon the results of their labor. Hard, physical labor. Of all things. Not something she'd envisioned ever actually needing to do; fighting, sure, but building? Fixing? Lifting and carrying and moving heavy objects like.. like some laborer? Like a refugee?
No matter. Nothing else mattered. Not dignity, not pride. If she had to lift and carry and move things, getting stared at all the while, getting ogled...
..alright, that part wasn't so bad.
It's not that she'd enjoyed being looked at, exactly. Just that it was kind of.. a reminder. That life still existed. Which was good. Because though she didn't give a piece of opo dung about everyone else's life during this crisis, she still had to INTERACT with people. With all the other idiots with their own petty wants and needs who saw her distress as merely another opportunity for their own gain. Who failed to appreciate exactly how time-sensitive this was.
...it still was nice to be looked at, though.
An sighed, looking at herself. Her sweat-stained shirt was almost transparent. She wanted to take the damn mask off, but woodsin aside, anonymity was a must. If a Wailer saw her helping built Redbelly fortifications.. or some inside agent.. well, that would just be one more thing, wouldn't it? And not a small one. Though maybe getting arrested for ACTUALLY being a poacher would get her closer to Nihka...
She shook her head, banishing the thought. For now. They were close.
Just had to keep it together a little while longer...
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - Gallien Vyese - 01-28-2016
It was late the night after the meeting in the Mists to discuss what to do about O-Rhen and Neruhm, Gallien boarded the airship on its way back to Gridania. He had promised the others and specifically Leanne that he would do as much research as possible into shielding her mind against the wicked whispers of Neruhm. Boarding the airship he searched for the most secluded section he could find, he and Syros put their belongings down near the back with no other passengers around them. Gallien reached down for the grimoire that he always had with him, looking up to Syros “Shall we begin?â€. With a small flutter and a smile, she agreed, over the next few bells and into the twilight bells they recapped the first half of the grimoire that they had already deciphered and could read clearly. They finally reached the end of the certain and the beginning of the unknown around the time the light started to appear outside the airship. For a few more bells they used whatever they had, his research and the knowledge of Nym that Syros had, but…
They could only clearly make out one word “Silenceâ€. With that Gallien finally broke down and passed out.
Quite a few bells had passed while the two had slept, before the airship attendant came and tapped him on his shoulder “We have arrived at Gridania sirâ€. In sheer exhaustion he had slept through the stop at Ul’dah and all the way back to Gridania. Looking back up to the attendant “So much time lost, thank you for waking me†handing what he had left to the attendant for a tip.
As soon as he arrived at his room in The Roost, he took off his traveling gear and sat down thinking
“Silence, Silence, Silenceâ€
With the word pounding at his head, he gathered a pen and piece of parchment and just let his mind wonder on the word as he drew a symbol on the paper, it was three consecutive slashes. He quickly looked back at his tome to the page where they had discovered Silence, on the page was a geograph that incorporated the three slashes. The symbol before him had the three slashes with two horizontal lines near the bottom, as well as two vertical lines on the outside edges of the slashes. The final two components of this geograph was a dome shape over the entire thing, as well as what he could only describe as a star with and X through it, above the dome.
Quietly in his mind he heard the words “Blessed Soil†coming from Syros. With excitement he now knew part of the geograph infront of him, The dome was the symbol for blessed, the outer walls were for shielding, and the lines below the slashes were soil.
Flipping back through the grimoire to some of the older spells he had been taught, he saw the star appear, however the star then did not have an X through it. He was close but he still did not understand what the word Silence meant and why it rang through his head.
"Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence"
Gallien began to get a splitting headache, as the bells ran on. Syros eventually began to yawn and get tired, though not wanting to leave his side, she landed on his head to rest for a little while. As she did, a gentle calm came over him, and the words seemed to stop resonating within his head. Gallien stood up with excitement, nearly throwing poor Syros off to the side “An aether induced silence, reinforced through blessed soilâ€
He looked down at the tome one more time, and to his surprise the entire page was legible to him, the words and complete series of geographs all made sense to him now. Frantically and a bit tired, he pulled out one more piece of parchment and began to write.
To Leanne,
I have figured out how to stop the whispers in your head as well as shield your mind from Neruhm voice while in Toto-Rak. However I do regretfully report that due to the nature of the ritual, in all likelihood I will only be able to perform it once before our task is upon us, and will need several suns to recover my aether.
I am currently in Gridania, and would like to get this done within the next few suns. I will be in the Central Shroud near the Lifemended Stump in three suns meet me there. I would prefer no others, as distractions could have disastrous outcomes for both my aether and your mind.
-Gallien Vyese
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - Melkire - 02-05-2016
The horned man watched the horned child.
O-Rehn Fahn sat tailor-fashion within the Gaze, his back to the entrance. Save for the slow and steady rise and fall that signified his breathing, there was no movement from the Padjal... nor were there any indications of abnormal aetherial activity. Whether or not there was more afoot where he could not see it was a cause for concern in the mind of one Tengri Geneq.
He could almost hear her, as though she had not departed mere moments ago, as though she were retracing the steps of the conversation that had led him to this moment.
"There is much he could do to rectify the wrongs he has committed."
There was no doubt in his mind that the Hearer had the right of it. All that he had witnessed served to confirm all that he had heard: that the Padjal were possessed of great power, that their responsibilities drove them to act, and that at the heart of them was a desire to serve the people. There had never been any question concerning O-Rehn's capacity.
There had been many questions regarding his intentions, many questions regarding his designs.
We are very much alike in that regard, thought the Geneq. Summerfield is a fool if she thinks she needs point that out to me.
Fahn was a symbol.
"Captain," murmured a deep voice from behind his right shoulder.
"Make the arrangements," he instructed, his voice low so as to not carry to the Child. "The Lady Conjurer has the right of it. If this redoubt is compromised, we must fall back to the secondary. Send me Pierre, then notify Sarangerel."
"But Captain... Dravania...."
His eyes fell shut and he pinched the bridge of his nose against a rising headache. "I am aware, Ortolf. That said, Jredthys has proven difficult. I cannot help but feel that Fortune has conspired to present us this opportunity, that we might attend to one matter while pursuing another."
"Then let us pursue it! Leave this bairn behind, the risks--"
He turned on the voice, his left hand lashing out. The gauntlet struck a barrel chest, drove the highlander to which the chest belonged back and into the wall. That same hand then found purchase around the highlander's neck, pushed, squeezed.
"I WILL NOT!"
He could sense the change behind him as it happened, could feel the slight shift through the air, the rustle of cloth, the sudden weight of the Padjal's regard as O-Rehn Fahn broke from his reverie and turned to watch the Xaela pin his servant against the cold stone. Tengri found that he cared little... but he did care. He forced himself to take several deep, calming breaths.
"There is much that you do not understand, Forgehands," he hissed, "let alone comprehend. I would not part with this Child, even if the Traders themselves demanded him of me. Question me no further on this."
The highlander nodded his assent. The Au Ra released him, dismissed him, turned 'round to glance back at the Padjal even as Ortolf Forgehands fled from the Fury's Gaze.
O-Rehn had his back to Tengri once more, had returned to his meditation. There were no inquiries, no admonishments, no suggestions. There were no words from the Fahn for the Geneq, just as there had been no words between them since Liadan had left the former seedseer in the care of a self-admitted megalomaniac.
"There is much he could do to rectify the wrongs he has committed."
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - Anstarra - 02-05-2016
"Haven't seen you around here in some time, girl."
Night in Limsa was almost as busy as day, in different ways. Though the fishers had already checked out, the better to catch the morning tide, other seafaring folk were out, the stalls in Hawker's Alley doing brisk business. Folk of all stripes came and went, haggled and shouted and laughed and whispered. Travelers, longtime residents, merchants and pirates and the ubiquitous adventurers.
"Almost din't recognize you! With your hair all done up like that. Fancy-like."
Anstarra smiled at the highlander, a grin bright and infectious, which he returned. She then took a bite of the spicy fish wrap, and groaned in near-ecstasy. The man chuckled, shaking his head.
"I'm just glad your stall's still here. There's nothing like this in Ul'dah."
"Ul'dah!" The merchant snorted, and spat to the side in amiable contempt. "What's a sand-licker gonna know about fish? Huh? You come on back anytime, girl, we'll be right here. Hah. Ul'dah."
She grinned around another bite, and walked off, tail swaying. The sights, and sounds, and smells and tastes of the night enveloped her.
Some people meditated before going to battle. Some visited family, or spent the night in prayers, or celebrated until the wee hours. Some clung desperately to their lovers, warding off the knowledge that this may be their last night alive with the presence of those for whom they fought.
Anstarra had a spicy fish wrap.
It was good.
Tomorrow was another day.
RE: Crimes Against Nature [Semi-Open] - Knight Kat - 02-14-2016
Chirping birds, and the rustle of breeze against brush and branches fills the area with a gentle, ambient sound. The crunch of a boot on somewhat dry ground combines with the noise of nature as Kiht Jakkya comes to a stop on the open, caravan-paved dirt road.
She lets her gaze wander before letting out a gentle whistle. A tiny falcon flies from a near-by tree canopy to meet her lifted arm. He greets her with a gentle but shrill "cheep".
"Greetings, Haru. You are going to miss the forest it seems." She speaks quietly to the bird. Haru only responds with a tilt of his head.
Kiht begins to gaze about the forest once more. The sun is setting, and the light from it gets filtered through countless leaves of the tall Black Shroud trees. For once in many moons, the forest seems peaceful. It isn't the peace of a darkness that masks a verdant Hell, but the peace of an environment returned closer to balance - the peace of a slightly fairer land. There are no voidsent to leap out from the brush, nor are there unnatural monsters to eat passers-by.
The Keeper hunter grows a smirk before turning away from her home. She faces a road to Eastern Thanalan, and begins to slowly continue her pace.
"Haru... I never thought I would say this, but we taught the Elementals a lesson." She speaks before a soft chuckle escapes her. "I am leaving this forest before they realize that."
She walks a bit further before she takes in a deep breath of forest air. "I will not forget O-Rhen's crimes, nor his honorable sacrifice. I will not forget those who lost their lives. But for once, I am glad... There will be a nounce more justice in this forest from now on."
Haru ignores Kiht's banter, and flies off of her arm to pursue an unfortunate mouse who chose a bad day to wander onto the road.