BlessedSilence

The cold bites at his body, making the pain from his wounds significantly worse. They had him bound and gagged in the back of a cart, on his way to Dragonhead. His anger was the only thing that kept him awake instead of succumbing to the cold and sleep artes they used on him. His good eye could not see much outside the grey sky and occasional guard that came into view. They had been moving for hours, not wanting to use the aetheryte crystals for some reason. It was not like he could run off. Even though that man gave him something for his torn up leg, it wore off, nearly useless. Gaardal bit down on the cloth in his mouth. He wished his teeth were like blades so he could tear through it and the ropes that held him so he could be done with this torture. A shout was heard nearby and the cart came to a sudden halt. He slid slightly on the wood, his injured leg slamming into the wooden side. He let out a muffled scream, nostrils flaring from the pain. One shout turned to two ... then four .. then a cascade of voices that melded with the sounds of metal against metal and the smell of fire in the air. He strained to see what was going on, but his vantage point was poor. An arrow thunked into the side of the cart, the point breaking through by his head. He spit out a muffled curse, moving as far from that side as he could. Screams of the dying filled his ears, the vision of one of the guards being pushed up against the cart, a blade slipping through his chest stained with red soon after. Gaardal did not know what was going on but he hoped the attackers were friendly. The battle was short, and he strained to hear anything. The sounds of footsteps approached from the side, and Gaardal's heart raced. A lone, armored figure leaned over the side of the cart, the helm hovering over his face. A puff of white escaped from the slits in the front. "Mister Wyght. I think it is time we left such a horrid place and bring you to Gridania. Master Rillemont shall take care of you." The figure waved to his left. "Those cretins shall not put you in irons, nor take that information you have for their own." Gaardal nodded, feeling hands over his body, dragging him from the cart, helping him to his feet. He cringed from the pain, and moments later waves of warmth came over him as he was healed. "We do not have time to waste. Summon your strength, Mister Wyght. The day is not over yet."

Two figures watched the group by the campfire, their own bodies shielded by chest high ruined walls and trees. The shade from both cooled the heated air as they saw one after another fall, the last being torn to shreds by a coeurl. "It seems they got the girl back," the tall, elderly elezen said. "Yes. But her part to play in all this is over," the armored figure commented. "Is that so wise to think so?" "Garston wanted her. She was not part of our overall plans. Alive or dead, I did not care." "Of course. What is the next course of action then?" The armored figure watched as one of the figures untied the woman, embracing her tightly. "We find where they are keeping Wyght. We get him back. He has many secrets vital to us. I will not let those cretins have them." The armored figure paused, turning to face Ul'dah. "Then we watch. We listen. And we strike when they lower their guard." "Of course." The two figures emerged from their hiding spot, the ones by the campfire none the wiser, making their way back into the city.

Okay all, here is the part we've been waiting for! I want to first thank everyone who came to watch or participate, and many thanks to Amalj'aa Warrior, Demitrious Alexander, and Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn for volunteering to be the guards and amaalj'aa for the story! I think this went quite well. We had a small but comfortable group and though hectic, we had fun! If anyone was ignored or missed, I apologize greatly. I learned alot from doing this and other events, so I hope future ones will be just as good or better! Now sit back, and read the closing act of Garston's Hunt! "Yell","","Raulin Broadbent:"Let's get this deal over with Amaalj'aa. I don't want to be here anymore than you do."" "Yell","","Amalj'aa Warrior:*growls darkly* You do not tell us what to do, Hyur. Be glad We do not simply take this woman and sever your head from your body" "Yell","","Raulin Broadbent:*frowns* "Fine fine. You have the chests of gil, we have the girl."" "Yell","","Amalj'aa Warrior:Yes. Here is your worthless gil. You petty lesser races and your need of curency." "Yell","","Raulin Broadbent:"Garston Hext thanks you. She has not been touched and will make a fine slave for you ... whatever you use them for."" "Yell","","Amalj'aa Warrior:Yes.. The lord of the infero will be pleased." ((The group of Drifters and allies speed down the hill nearby and towards the small camp)) "Raku Kirigiya","Heheh." "Amaare Margolis sends Braxas after the Amajaaa" "A'venn Tia quickly gets into the brush, taking aim." "Raku Kirigiya largens the small blizzard in his palm, glaring at the group." "Loxus D'kurne pokes A'venn Tia." "Khuja Aliapoh bows courteously to A'venn Tia." "Loxus D'kurne fails to understand A'venn Tia." "Amalj'aa Warrior growls darkly as the people approach "This deal was to be secret hyur!! We will have your head!" As the courl jumps at him his sword woudl be uptrust, attemping to impale the beast upon it" "Raulin Broadbent",""This was not supposed to happen!" *panics as the group of people suddenly appear*" "You curse the Twelve." "Raku Kirigiya","Heh." "Demitrious Alexander smiles and licks his lips" "Raulin Broadbent - The man grabs his head, shaking it violently as he screams "No no no NO!! His deal cannot be ruined again!"" "Raulin Broadbent - He points "Stop them! Kill them! Garston will have his gil or he will have our heads!"" "Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn flashes the group a wide smile and cracks her knuckles." "Amaare Margolis - Braxas slashes at the sword with her tentacles" "Khuja Aliapoh watches with her head tilted as she stands next to Ry." "Raku Kirigiya touches his sword with his hand that contains the ice, a cold looking blue pulse sending through it." "Raku Kirigiya smirks confidently at Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn." "Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn flashes Raku a bright smile, her arms flexing, shifting back and forth with anticipation." "A'venn Tia shouts over to Ry'ah, Khuja, and Loxus. "They've got Elli! We're here to get her back!" He tries to make sure only they hear it." "Loxus D'kurne waves a hand dismissely at A'venn. "Could have said that sooner, was it that hard?"" "A'venn Tia","...Maybe." "Raku Kirigiya 's eyes turn a glowing, light shade of blue "Ready when you are... Ms."" "Raulin Broadbent - Elli has her robes removed, wearing a slave-like outfit. Her hands and legs are bound as she is also gagged" "A'venn Tia moves up to give his allies support." "Loxus D'kurne waves to Solya Frost." "Amalj'aa Warrior Hisses loudly like a lizzard as the courl slashes at him. His sword deflecting the first slash, a large hand reaching up to grab on the the tenacles as it approaches." "Raulin Broadbent growls channeling fire in his hands and lobs it int he firection Desmond is at" "Loxus D'kurne","Ry, Solya is here." "Loxus D'kurne","Lets go to her." "Loxus D'kurne","Cmon Khuja." "Loxus D'kurne bows courteously to Solya Frost." "Loxus D'kurne whispers to Solya." "Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn laughs loudly as she jumps towards the small male, quick on her feet she rears an arm back, aiming straight for his face." "Amaare Margolis *Braxas having her tentacle grabbed uses the opportunity to attempt to bite the lizardman in the face since his hands are busy" "Khuja Aliapoh bows courteously to Solya Frost." "Desmond Aryll dodges to his right, rolling and coming up face to face with Demetrius." "Raku Kirigiya quickly ducks, her hit knocking off his hat, he then slides to the ground, attempting to pull her over by the leg." "A'venn Tia looks between Gemmwyb and the Paladin. He chooses to go after Gemmwyb as she has less armor than the Paladin." "Loxus D'kurne","Umm.. Solya. Are we getting involved?" "Desmond Aryll swings his scimitar in a downward motion directly at Demetrius' mid section." "Adolar Stone looks at large crowd in front of him with wide eyes as he notices Desmond and the others battling the creatures. Immediately he pulls out his bow and aims towards attackers." "Solya Frost nods softly to Loxus, putting a hand on the girl's shoulder as she draws her staff. She'd have to aim carefully. Of course, perhaps she might find herself a more opportunte use for her surprise... "Shh."" "Raulin Broadbent glowers at A'venn, channeling a ball of fire and throws it at the miqo'te" "Loxus D'kurne shrugs at Solya Frost." "Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn feels the tug on her leg, though it does nothing more than throw her weight forward. She rolled on the ground, jumping back up, her eyes on the hat on the ground. "That... will be your head next."" "A'venn Tia blinks at the fireball. "OHOLY--!" He attempts to roll to his right, aiming and releasing an arrow at Raulin towards the end of the roll." "Raku Kirigiya smiles widely gripping his sword with both hands "Good luck with that, have fun breaking my bones..."" "Khuja Aliapoh ears fall lopsided as she watches." "Loxus D'kurne points at Adolar Stone." "Loxus D'kurne","Thats Ado." "Amaare Margolis comes at Raulin with Bootshine" "Demitrious Alexander smiles at desmond "ready your firepoker flame neck it shall be poking no shine soon on you"" "Amalj'aa Warrior pulls hard on the Courl's tentacle, it being attached to it's face he pulls the jaws, just missing him by inches. He growls, the sword that he used to block quickly coming up to try and catch the courl's throat from below" "Raulin Broadbent gives off a shout, a wave of fire catching the arrow in it's licks at the last second." "Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn",""Oohhh.. I will!" She lunged forward again, hand reaching back, connecting solidly with his jaw this time. Her eyes staying on his sword," "Khuja Aliapoh",""I know who Adolar is.. I met him through Zethie."" "Amaare Margolis *Braxas slashes out with her front claws" "Solya Frost spies a chance. She releases Apocstatis to shield A'venn before flinging her own ball of fire at Raulin." "Desmond Aryll 's scimitar bounces of the enemy's defenses. He comes around, using the backwards momentum to use a backswing aimes at the legs." "Raku Kirigiya smirks, his skin flashes a light blue "Was that meant to hurt?" He quickly ran behind her, swinging the sword at her back." "Raulin Broadbent staggers suddenly as his back is struck witha few soldie blows, being blindsided." "Amalj'aa Warrior hissing again as he is slashed, his hand releasing the tenacle before a ball of fire forms in it "Lord of infernos, give me stregth!" he yells before a large ball of fire shoots towards the coul's form at point blank range" "A'venn Tia takes his chance with Solya's distraction and lets loose an arrow to cripple Raulin's right arm. He fires a quick-shot with no particular aimed spot for safe measure." "Amaare Margolis *Braxas gets blasted back hitting a rock, she screams out but rolls over quickly using her tail as leverage, she also immediately follows up with a double tentacle slash trying to hit him" "Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn saw the flash of blue, her eyes narrowing slightly. Ice... but even ice cracks under pressure. Her eyes shifted from the sword just long enough for him to move behind her. She followed the direction that his sword would be swinging, staying one step ahead, kicking a leg out and sweeping it towards Raku's knees." "Amaare Margolis follows up with Twin Snakes as Raulin is dazed, a double fist strike to his back" "Raulin Broadbent turns to see whatever hit him, throwing a wave of fire in a blanket around him. The first arrow A'venn shoots is burned in the fire, but the second arrow strikes him as he spins, lodging in his left shoulder and he lets out a yelp" "Amalj'aa Warrior parrys the blows with his sword, falling back. He takes the opprotunity of distance from the beast to point his hand up towards the miqo'te on the cliff. He roars loudly, shooting a large ball of fire at them" "Raku Kirigiya quickly throws his sword in the air, jumping "FLASH!" The light bright enough to blind." "Demitrious Alexander leaps over desmond's head flips in the air and lands behind him then taps him on the head with his shield "make your smiley face brown swords make my head holes leak"" "Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn closed her eyes and averted her gaze. She took a deep breath, her mind focusing on the sounds around her, blinking back the blinding light that showed even when her eyes were closed. She listened in for Raku's movement." "Amaare Margolis takes the hit from the fire he is singed but happy he wore his heavier armor he does give a yell at the heat "urgh!"" "Solya Frost sees the attention turned her her and she reacts quickly, forming the currents of Aether in front of her to shield from the thrown fire. She responds in kind, the already heated up air around her becoming more intense as she lobs a second orb of fire, at the Amalj'aa." "Raulin Broadbent",""You can't have her! No no no NO!!" *the man is clearly insane, and starts throwing fire as fast as he can at Amaare, though his aim is not very good, being angry*" "Desmond Aryll pulls a dagger from his waist while remaining low, "not only your head holes, my friend," he says before plunging the dagger into the enemy's left calf." "Raku Kirigiya jumps backwards, closing his eyes he shouts "Kori no rongusodo!" a large piece of ice extends out of his sword and towards the woman's chest at a great speed." "Amaare Margolis uses Haymaker and kicks him directly in the jaw for another daze and hopefully hard enough to flip him over" "Solya Frost",""Loxus. These people seek to sell our dear Ms. Pemberton to the Amalj'aa." She couldn't drag them in, but they could certainly volunteer. She points. "That woman, there... see her?"" "Amaare Margolis *Braxas tailwhips the Amaj'aa as it tosses fireballs" "Loxus D'kurne nods to Solya Frost." "Raku Kirigiya","Yo! Instead of just standing there, mind lending us a hand?" "Raulin Broadbent - The mage takes the boot to the chin, staggering backwards and falling over a rock. He lays on the ground dazed*" "Amaare Margolis walks over and curbstomps his neck" "Amalj'aa Warrior actually laughs at the ball of flame, clearly not impessed, his hand outstreached still toward her. He unleshes another ball himself, the two meeting in mid-air in a dazzling display. He isn't prepared for the courl's assault thoug hand stumbles back, his chest bleeding from the hit" "Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn smiled as she heard Raku call out a spell, knowing that sitting still would result in nothing more than injury. She rolled to the side as soon as the spell was finished, knowing it could not be redirected mid route. She heard him call out to the others again, lunging now towards him, able to see his form, though blurred from her vision being compromsed. She grappled him, pulling him down to the ground with her as she lunges." "A'venn Tia switches targets once he sees the mage goes down. He lets loose a quick shot at Gemmwyb, hoping to help Raku with her." "Khuja Aliapoh tilts her head but speaks quietly. She asks more for curiosity's sake unsure if she'll obtain an answer. "They are trying to sell someone.. Slavery?"" "Solya Frost cracks her neck and puts her staff back onto her back. "Oooh?" She dashes forward suddenly, leapingg off the rock as she draws a rapier from her side, the blade charging with electricity as she goes to stab for the Amalj'aa's heart. (EnThunder. <3 ))" "Raku Kirigiya hits the ground, grunting "Sentinal." He muttered quietly, grinning as he hears A'venn's footsteps to the side of him." "Raulin Broadbent he gurgles as the boot makes contact with his throat, trying to grab at the man's leg, lightning coursing over his fingers, aiming to shock the hell out of the man*" "Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn felt an arrow graze her side as she moved forward, taking Raku down with her. A flash of fire on her side where the arrow pierced her skin." "Ry'ah Zol steps back, not wanting to just stand there and do nothing. She closed her eyes, focusing. "Ifrit, time to show yourself!"" "Amalj'aa Warrior snarls at the woman as she approaches, but having her and the courl assaulting at the same time, he deftly moves to the side, attempting to get the two to stumble over eachother as they try to get to him" "Amaare Margolis takes the lightning hit he growls and presses his weight on the man again happy for the thick armor he is wearing and thanking the gods its not metal" "Raku Kirigiya closes his eyes and smiles "Nice try." he reaches for his necklace, clicking something, a scimitar appears in his left hand, he quickly swings both swords in a X formation, aiming for her chest." "Solya Frost glances at the Ceourl and then back to the Amalj'aa, trying to get a flanking position on the man, with the beast." "Demitrious Alexander pulls the dagger from his calf and licks it "the tasty red waters make the the neck spin pop and then its done" taking advantage of his opponents bewilderment grabs a fist full of Desmond's hair with his shield hand, cuts it off with the dagger, throws the dagger at the nearby cactaur, and throws his opponents hair into the air above them to rain down like confetti" "Raulin Broadbent feels his vision blurring from lack of oxeygen and tries a last ditch effort ... the strongest sleep spell he could muster, gripping Amaare's calf to send it through him" "Amaare Margolis",""Ye kidnap me wife as if I wasn't going te kill ye? I killed Imperials fer a livin, killin ye be quite easy it is, tell yer boss I'm comin fer 'im in the afterlife if ye can"" "Amaare Margolis proceeds to use second wind to heal himself" "Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn was straddling across Raku's waist, her arm back ready to pound him when she saw the Scimitar that appeared in his hands. She leaned back now, her shoulders pressing against his calves as the X is thrust up into the air. She flipped a leg out from under her, bringing her knee in to connect with Raku's ribs, smiling as she feels cracking against his side." "Amalj'aa Warrior moves to the side with the cat, clearly not as nimble as she is, seeing he is at a disadvantage and highly outnumbered he looks to Raulin on the ground, shooting a large fireball at the back of amaare, taking the attack from solya from behind" "Loxus D'kurne finally kicks herself into gear after hesitating for too long and dives down to assit her tribe leader." "Amaare Margolis is thankful for using second wind to keep awake" "Ry'ah Zol order's ifrit to intercept the fireball flying at Amaare." "Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn (Now she is essentially laying on her back across Raku's body. Head towards his feet, one knee bent under her, the other in his rib. The swords crsossed above her.))" "Raulin Broadbent gives one last gurgle and he falls unconscious, arms going limp" "A'venn Tia breathes in and sighs. He takes a good long aim towards Gemm's neck, seeing her positioning, and releases an arrow." "Solya Frost spots her opening and assaults with a flurry of stabs, building Aether for her next spell. From the corner of her eye, she sees Raku and his predicament... "Loxus! If you want to help, help the Hyur male in his boxers."" "Raku Kirigiya takes the hit, barely whincing. "You're weak... You lost before we even started fighting." His entire eye starts glowing, a wide smirk on his face, his swords started to glow a bright blue also. "Heh." He brung the swords downwards, kicking upwards in a attempt to lift her into the blades." "Raku Kirigiya","Nice try though..." "Desmond Aryll doesn't take his eyes from the warrior as he goes about the display. He tries a new tack. He swings twice, right and left, using the backswing to take three paces back. Inviting a push from the Amalj'aa. "Come then, barber."" "Amalj'aa Warrior roars out in pain as he feels the lightning charged steel pierce through his body, a large hand spinning around behind him ina rage, attempting to take the woman off her feet with the force of the blow" "Loxus D'kurne sizes up the Amalj'aa warrior then nods to her leaders intructions, running over to help Raku." "Desmond Aryll holds his scimitar in two hands, directly in front of him." "Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn laughed loudly as she was called weak. She watches as he brings the swords down towards her, feeling his legs buck underneath her. It lifted her up slightly, but her weight being used to her advantage. This did, however, result in her being moved in time to avoid the arrow to the neck. A'venn's arrow sinking into Raku's leg which now sat in its place. She lifted her arms to easily grab Raku's wrists, the tip of his blades pressed into her chest. She easily held his wrists there." "Solya Frost grins when she sees the beastman go to make his next move. "That's what you get when you turn your back." She uses the Aether she'd built to send a fireball into his hand, then following with a stab to pierce his heart." "A'venn Tia winces as he hits Raku instead of his target. "Raku! Try not to-- Bah!" He switches targets when he sees Loxus there to help Raku." "Raku Kirigiya smirked, pulling the arrow out of his leg "Ever tried ice skating?" He punches the ground, the surrounding area suddenly coated with a black ice." ((Was retconned later to do it with his toes - Raku)) "A'venn Tia helps Desmond with the Paladin now." "Amalj'aa Warrior hheat hardened skin barely feels the blast of the fire, but the force behind the swing was enough he could not stop the trust from the woman. his scaled skin would hbe tough to pierce, enough so he uses the tiem it takes to reach for the woman, attampting to grab her by her throat, dying quikcly now from the pierce through his heart, though" "Demitrious Alexander cackles with out pause as he shield lobs Desmond in his leading knee "azure likey sky goes yay for thee"" "Loxus D'kurne sprints at the large lady holding onto Raku's wrists and shoulder charges into her with all her strength." "Desmond Aryll deflects the shield with the broadside of his blade, "I learned that trick some years ago in the ring, friend. Now we are are even handed." He smiled wide as he came in." "A'venn Tia takes aim at Demitrious. "Desmond! Try not to get hit!" He lets loose a shot at Demitrious' sword hand, attempting to disarm him." "Desmond Aryll came in, scimitar going low, almost scraping the ground and up like a flash." ((I lost connection to a 90k here so missed some things ><) "Amaare Margolis smiles at Gemmwyb Sundwilfwyn." "Raku Kirigiya","Thanks..." "Loxus D'kurne beams with delight at Raku Kirigiya." "Loxus D'kurne","No probs!" "Raku Kirigiya","She ain't as tough as Dragons.... But she's close..." "Solya Frost knows she has victory in reach. The only thing to do now was to free herself from the fight. Of course, that would be difficult from the hands now around her neck. She glares at the Amalj'aa and digs the claws of her free hands into his forearm... or tries to." "Loxus D'kurne","You really should put some clothes on." "Raku Kirigiya","Nah, I'd die." "Raku Kirigiya touches his necklace, both swords dissapearing "Wanna see some ice sculptures?"" "Loxus D'kurne having seen the large lady flee into the distance, she looks over at Solya being held and runs to her aide." "Amalj'aa Warrior stares at the woman darkly, his alrge hand ina death grip on her neck, his growl slwoly fading ad his knees buckle, his eyes starting to glaze over. He falls to the side as he bleeds out, his hand frozen in death around her neck" "Ry'ah Zol waves her hand at Ifrit. The Egi moving in to back up Solya. Slashing at the Amalj'aa Warrior 's back with its burning claws. Ry keeping a close eye on Lox." "Demitrious Alexander "indeed" takes his sword in both hands for an attack from the right, using his momentum to hook Desmond's leg with his own landing firmly on top of him with a knee to his groin "oh noes not the nonos"" "Solya Frost raises an eyebrow. Dead, huh? Not even good enough to give her a last struggle. She releases a thunder spell through her finger tips and pulls the hands away from her neck, using the spazms to help them release her soft skin. She coughs a bit, afterward. "Aah, Loxus. Good to see you're still safe."" "Raulin Broadbent blinks a few times, slowly waking. The pressure of the boot was still on his throat but he had one more trick up his sleeve ---" "Loxus D'kurne reaches down and helps Solya up to her feet." "Loxus D'kurne beams with delight at Solya Frost." "Loxus D'kurne","Now what?" "Solya Frost gives the girl a soft kiss on the cheek before striding to surround Desmond and his adversary." "Demitrious Alexander surveys the surroundings "one moment"" "Raku Kirigiya punches the floor, a trail of ice travels across the floor, growing beneath the feet of Demitrious." "Demitrious Alexander raises a finger bidding you to hold, pulls a flask from inside his shirt which glowes so intensely yellow that the room actually seems to brighten up." "Demitrious Alexander then takes a quick draw from the flask and tucks it back away in his shirt. The surroundings now seem much gloomier." "Raulin Broadbent moves his arm towards where Elli sits bound and helpless, lightning forming around this fingers ... his aim .. to kill her" "Demitrious Alexander "well shit" runs for the hills" "A'venn Tia sees Raulin's aim and quickly fires an arrow at his arm." "Solya Frost",""Amaare, interrupt his spell!"" "Raku Kirigiya turns his attention to Raulin, quickly firing a spear of ice at his head." "Raulin Broadbent maniacally laughs ... well gurgles horribly* "If he cannot have his way she will die with me!!"" "Amaare Margolis sees what he is doing and haymaker's his elbow joint on the spell arm" "Loxus D'kurne stands by her tribe leaders side. Watching." "Raulin Broadbent screams at the double pain, the arrow sinking into his shoulder and Amaar's attack breaking his elbow" "Desmond Aryll waves to A'venn in thanks." "Solya Frost sighs softly as she approaches Desmond. "We do not chase him?"" "Raku Kirigiya","You again? Careful you don't slip on the ice." "Raulin Broadbent - the spell dissipates, the man nothing but a simpering mess" "Amaare Margolis turns to Braxas who is up. He keeps his foot on Raulin and yells out "Braxas! Garlean!" She runs up and begins to eat Raulin*" "Desmond Aryll",""He is no one of consequence. Leave him to Oscon." he says, picking himself up from the ground and dusting off." "Desmond Aryll looks at Amaare Margolis in shock!" "Raulin Broadbent screams as the coeurl's teeth rip into his body ... yada yada ..." "A'venn Tia winces, raising both brows as Raulin is eaten." "Desmond Aryll looks away from whayt remains of Raulin." "Desmond Aryll","Lovely." "Loxus D'kurne","Ew!" "Solya Frost",""Uhg..." Solya turns away from the sight, a hand moving to Loxus's shoulder." "A'venn Tia looks to Raku. "Sorry... Er... About the arrow..."" "Raku Kirigiya reaches over to his wounds, noticing his ice has melted he lets out a large frown, falling to the ground, coughing." ((Here is when I switched out from Raulin to Asdrellia)) "Solya Frost",""Raku." Solya sheathes her rapier and fetches the book from her side. "Let me see..."" "A'venn Tia feels bad now." "Raku Kirigiya","Aye..." "Asdrellia Pemberton - She had watched the entire scene helplessly, closing her eyes for most of it" "Ry'ah Zol waves her hand, dismissing Ifrit." "Amaare Margolis walks over to Elli and gets her out of being bonded, Braxas roars gleefully" "A'venn Tia looks over to Amaare and goes to meet the infamous Asdrellia." "Solya Frost","Let me see to your wounds, Raku. Though I wish Talathar was here..." "Amaare Margolis takes off everything quickly and carefully" "Amaare Margolis","Asdrellia *he sobs*" "Desmond Aryll moves closer to Amaare and Asdrellia." "Raku Kirigiya holds out his hand, casting a ice spell "I'll be fine... go check Elli..."" "Amaare Margolis kneels respectfully." "Amaare Margolis",""Oh Elli"....*sobs* I couldn't protect ye ...." "Amaare Margolis sobs again" "Solya Frost","Stay here, Eos." "Solya Frost","Heal this one." "Asdrellia Pemberton coughs a few times, before wrapping her arms around Amaare tightly "It is not your fault. Shh ..."" "Amaare Margolis continues to take off the bonds" "Desmond Aryll watches the scene playing out, mixed emotions playing over his face." "Raku Kirigiya holds his hand over the wound, a small blizzard goes inside of his wound, Raku whinces as he breathes heavily." "Amaare Margolis cries as he holds her and kisses her" "A'venn Tia smiles slightly as Adrellia and Amaare reunite." "A'venn Tia smiles." "Asdrellia Pemberton strokes Amaare's hair gently, crying herself. She looked up at the others and smiled "Thank you, everyone."" "Khuja Aliapoh tilts her head still confused. Alistair had ran off a bit ago and was at Raku's side. He nudged Raku's hand trying to comfort the downed man. She then looks to Ry. "Is.. the lady going to be okay..?"" "Raku Kirigiya chuckles quietly." "Solya Frost approaches as she hears Asdrellia address the rest of them. "Ms. Pemberton, are you hurt?"" "Asdrellia Pemberton",""Thankfully no, outside the rope burns. They had me drugged most of the time." *she frowns*" "Ry'ah Zol shakes her head. "I do not know. Even if she's fine physically, she could be wounded mentally or spiritually."" "Amaare Margolis french kisses her deeply when he does he uses Second Wind, she can feel his joy with their bond" "Khuja Aliapoh nods to Ry'ah Zol." "Asdrellia Pemberton returns the kiss, though not as ... enthuastic as her body is still feeling the effects of the somnus" "Solya Frost","Well, I cannot tend those kinds of wounds... I'll go play medic elsewhere, I suppose." "Solya Frost","Amaare, take it easy, yeah?" "Asdrellia Pemberton",""Help me to my feet, please. There are .. are wounded."" "Solya Frost","Good news, Ms. Pemberton isn't hurt. Which means I get to heal you." "Amaare Margolis nods hearing Solya's words" "A'venn Tia looks over to Arry. "Oh! Mr. Arry! I didn't see you!"" "Arry Dresdyn nods to A'venn Tia." "Raku Kirigiya","Oh yay. Sounds great." "Amaare Margolis lifts her up into his arms" "A'venn Tia sorry. You must be this not-tempered to be healed." "Amaare Margolis tears continue to run down his face" "Asdrellia Pemberton is carried up and her head turns, noticing Desmond "Desmond ... are you all right?"" "A'venn Tia *Raises his hand as high as he can.*" "Khuja Aliapoh turned back to Raku and Alistair. She watched the Carbuncle still nudging Raku's hand as if trying to keep him company." "Solya Frost crouches at the Hyur's side and sets about inspecting and mending his wounds." "Amaare Margolis sobs but speaks "Than...thank all of you!"" "Arry Dresdyn nods to Amaare Margolis." "A'venn Tia nods to Amaare Margolis." "Amaare Margolis","Thanks everyone....ye...thank you all..." "Raku Kirigiya","Just so you know my body isn't like other people's... Most of it is made outta ice... So most of the stuff won't work." "Amaare Margolis nods to Arry Dresdyn." "Desmond Aryll nods, "I am glad everyone is alright."" "A'venn Tia",""T'is the least we can do, Amaare!"" "Solya Frost","Ice...?" "A'venn Tia beams with delight at Amaare Margolis." "Amaare Margolis nods to A'venn Tia." "Raku Kirigiya","Yeah, ice." "Amaare Margolis","Thank ye 'ero thank ye so much" "Arry Dresdyn passes Desmond a flask from inside his pocket. Arry never seems to be without his ale." "Solya Frost","Huh... well, I guess I'll leave you to it, then..." "Asdrellia Pemberton",""Garston will not be happy with this you know. We have to ... stop him" ((she doesn't know ICly he's dead))" "Raku Kirigiya","Right." "Desmond Aryll","I am alright, don't worry about me. Just be well, Asdrellia." "Desmond Aryll smiles at you." "Amaare Margolis grits is teeth hearing that name" "Amaare Margolis","Thank ye Solya" "A'venn Tia doesn't know Garston is dead either." "Desmond Aryll holds his tongue at the last remark from Asdrellia." "Raku Kirigiya turns himself over, grunting slightly, he then slowly pushes himself up to his feet." "Asdrellia Pemberton smiles to Solya, then blushes, realzing how ... undressed she is and tries, badly, to cover herself while in Amaare's arms" "Solya Frost laughs at you." "You see Desmond Aryll and blush with embarrassment." "Raku Kirigiya","Now where's my hat?" "A'venn Tia blinks at Asdrellia's actions and goes through a pack. "Aha!"" "Khuja Aliapoh",""Alistair.. heel."" "A'venn Tia pulls out a... Company Overcoat?" "Amaare Margolis","Let me get ye back 'ome then precious" "Amaare Margolis smiles at you." "Solya Frost takes off her robes and hands them to the woman. "Here. Until you can dress yourself in something of your own." "A'venn Tia","You can borrow this if you like! I'll need it back, though!" "Ry'ah Zol sighs." "You smile at Solya Frost." "Amaare Margolis smiles at you." "Asdrellia Pemberton drapes the robe and coat over herself" "Amaare Margolis *Braxas licks her face and claws happily" "Raku Kirigiya kneels down and picks up his hat, placing it onto his head and smiling." "Asdrellia Pemberton laughs at the licks for the coeurl "Come ... Amaare I need to ... to ..." *her eyes slowly close*" "You doze off quietly." "Solya Frost","Sleep. Hahaha" "Amaare Margolis nods to you." "A'venn Tia frowns and nods to Amaare. "A pleasure working with you, Master Amaare!"" "Amaare Margolis calls over Braxas and gently places Asdrellia on her, he climbs aboard and rides off with Elli taking her home" "A'venn Tia totally just remembered his and Saachi's apprenticeship under Amaare." "Amaare Margolis *Braxas gently touches Elli with one of her tentacles" ((Amaare carries Asdrellia off to the safety on the back of Braxus))

Here is the interrogation from Dovan. Please note. This was done secretly, so all information you read is to be kept OOC knowledge until those persons named within divulge it ICly. Thanks! "Dovan Dracht gazes upon you in deep reflection." "Gaardal Wyght slumps against the wall, this time awake as the guards forced him to eat as a healer fed him. Most of his clothes are covered in dirt and blood" "Dovan Dracht",":to himself: Is the poor oaf somehow asleep? Has he finally expired?" "Dovan Dracht","Ah, no, he stirs to life!" "Dovan Dracht claps his hands together. "Wonderful! ...though, I imagine, less so for you, my dear fellow..."" "Gaardal Wyght raises his head, hearing a voice "Another one? Come .. let's get this over with."" "Dovan Dracht glances about to make sure the two of them are truly alone." "Gaardal Wyght - There are no guards about" "Dovan Dracht","Well then! Let us chat. Though I imagine you're quite a bit les enamored of these "chats" at this point..." "Gaardal Wyght grunts, his hands still bound behind him as he lays his head back on the wall "Quite. Though most have been one sided."" "Dovan Dracht looks Gaardal over, raising an eyebrow at his many wounds. "You have certainly been put through the wringer, my friend..."" "Gaardal Wyght laughs dryly "Lost an eye, a ball, earlobe, mangled right leg ... my apologies if I did not clean myself up before you arrived."" "Dovan Dracht smirks. "I suppose I can forgive this breach of etiquette just this once..."" "Gaardal Wyght cannot help but chuckle at that." "You laugh at Dovan Dracht." "Dovan Dracht frowns slightly. "It may be gauche of me to say, but...I suppose you've already gleaned it's unlikely that you will make it out of here alive."" "Gaardal Wyght nods "I accepted that. The others have their fun, then heal me up so i don't die on them. Yet."" "Dovan Dracht",""M'yess, their technique appears somewhat sloppy, by the look of you, but they've done well enough prolonging the affair..."" "Gaardal Wyght",""Will you do the same? I'm sure you can think of something creative to get your information."" "Dovan Dracht laughs." "Dovan Dracht",""Seven hells, man! Have you any information remaining within your poor, abused skull?"" "Gaardal Wyght",""I have quite a large amount. I just don't like to share freely."" "You smirk confidently at Dovan Dracht." "Dovan Dracht tilts his head, considering something." "Dovan Dracht",""Hmm. You do have quite the treasure trove of information, at that."" "Dovan Dracht",""Or so you claimed, at least."" "Gaardal Wyght raises a brow, his good eye sizing the man up. "Try me. The right questions just weren't asked."" "Dovan Dracht",""I'm sure those mysterious, now long-gone letters were chock full of thrilling secrets to know and tell..."" "Gaardal Wyght - His back straightens slightly, an expression touching his face "Ah, yes. A shame that deal could not have been made sooner with those letters."" "Dovan Dracht",""Ah, and after you bargained so valiantly for his identity, there stands our Mr. Dresdyn not far outside the door. I'm sure you must be very pleased with your success..."" "Gaardal Wyght - His lip turns up in a sneer "The fool thinks if he kills me that will be the end of being hunted. Amazing how fast word travels in Ul'Dah."" "You nod to Dovan Dracht." "Dovan Dracht consoles you." "Dovan Dracht",""You may not be around to see it, but others will come for him. That is simple fact."" "Dovan Dracht",""The Drifters grow daily in number and power, so they may well fend off such attempts, again and again."" "Gaardal Wyght frowns "I have noticed. They breed like rabbits."" "Gaardal Wyght",""And others will come. He won't be able to sleep, eat .. take a piss without someone watching."" "You burst out laughing at Dovan Dracht." "Dovan Dracht smirks. "Perhaps he is into that sort of thing, and it won't be much of a punishment at all..."" "Gaardal Wyght",""Hah! If so, he is a strange one. Though I am not surprised. The bastard keeps Rendafel's tooth on a necklace."" "Gaardal Wyght growls, hands balled into fists, he makes the ropes that hold his wrists groan as he strains the material" "Dovan Dracht raises his eyebrows, bemused. "As if that is some sort of impressive trophy... "" "Gaardal Wyght",""He thinks it is. Picked it up after apparently punching the boy in the jaw. I told him to leave the boy alone ..."" "Dovan Dracht",""All that brash lad wanted to do was avenge his sister. This is no strange thing."" "Gaardal Wyght nods, totally agreeing" "Dovan Dracht",""When I heard what happened to that poor girl...well. One does become quite desensitized, over the years, but it was a fair shade more gruesome than I'd have anticipated."" "Gaardal Wyght flares his nostrils a moment "She may have been too eager to do her job, but that is no way to die. To say that Rendafel was devistated is an understatement. Why Garston called me to train him."" "Gaardal Wyght",""Give him a chance to teach the bastard his place ..."" "Dovan Dracht cocks his head. "Do you truly care for the boy, then? Attachment can be...well, quite a bit more a curse than a blessing."" "Gaardal Wyght",""He may be a gangly whelp, but he has his merits. For one he doesn't give up when he fails. His family is well respected with Garston. I respect the boy's father greatly."" "Gaardal Wyght","If Rendafel were to be killed ... *he trails off, looking away from the man, the sound of teeth grinding against each other*" "Dovan Dracht nods to you." "Dovan Dracht sits up on his knees. "Gaardal....I...cannot stick my neck out for you overmuch. You know how these things go. These Drifters are reckless, but strong. Strong can be a good asset to have around."" "Gaardal Wyght",""Strength can be, yes ..."" "Gaardal Wyght warily listens to the man, wondering what he is getting at" "Dovan Dracht leans in closer, lowering his voice even more. "But...I want to do right by you." He looks up into Gaardal's one good eye. "I want to do right by Rendafel."" "Gaardal Wyght - His good eye widens slightly, his expression softening. Could one of them actually care one onze? "I ... just want to keep him out of all this mess."" "Dovan Dracht looks away, looking annoyed by his own impassioned speech." "Dovan Dracht",""I am an overfond fool..."" "Gaardal Wyght chuckles "I could say the same for myself. Though not out in public."" "Dovan Dracht looks back at Gaardal. "And I want that, too. I would like to see you out of these ropes, as well, my friend, so that you may get back to the business of dealing pain, rather than only receiving it. So greedy you've been lately..."" "Dovan Dracht shrugs apologetically. "...but that may be beyond my means."" "Gaardal Wyght seems quite interested in what he says, shifting his weight to turn more towards him "What ideas do you have? I want to get out of here. I will do ... anything to do so."" "Dovan Dracht",""I want...well, perhaps 'want' is a strong word, these people are terrifying and I am loathe to incite their ire...but I wish to help accomplish two things."" "Gaardal Wyght - His brows furrow, hearing his words. Could they be turning on this man as well?" "Dovan Dracht",""One, I can see that your priority is protecting this Rendafel. It could be that he will keep his distance, wait to grow stronger...but if my allies are any example, I think he will not."" "Dovan Dracht",""I need to know how to get through to him. Where can I find him, yes, but if he's hidden well enough, we'll have no trouble in the first place. But how to steer him away from all this madness?"" "Dovan Dracht",""I fear his passions may not be easily cooled..."" "Gaardal Wyght licks his lips, tasting dry blood on them. He looks down at his mangled right leg, then back to the man "If I know Rendafel, he would have gone back to his house in Gridania. They are prominent there, with many summer houses and the like."" "Gaardal Wyght",""The injuries he took would keep him low for a time. But he should be there."" "Dovan Dracht nods to you." "Gaardal Wyght",""As to speak with him, talk to Barnabaix, their butler. The man has served there longer than you or I have lived."" "Dovan Dracht begins thinking aloud. "Perhaps I could plant a false trail for him to follow? Wouldn't be easy, if he's any good, but it may be worth a go..."" "Gaardal Wyght",""False trail? Who are you looking to ... don't tell me that bastard is looking for him?!"" "Dovan Dracht",""The butler, you say? Hmm. Another watchful protector, I suppose?"" "Gaardal Wyght gives a nod "He has the boy's ear as well as his father's. If anyone can get through to him, Barnabaix can."" "Dovan Dracht",""It's premature, but I find myself beginning to feel a bit of hope."" "Gaardal Wyght sighs, relaxing just bit, a blessing especially what has happened in this room the past few days" "Gaardal Wyght",""I don't know how he will be. I never got the chance to talk to him ..."" "Dovan Dracht",""As for the other part...I should, as I say, like to see you free of this place. For your own well-being, and so we don't have this damned inconvenient dual hostage situation hanging over our heads for another fortnight."" "Gaardal Wyght",""I agree."" "Dovan Dracht",""Should the opportunity present itself, perhaps we can make a go of it. Should it not...well."" "Dovan Dracht",""I shudder to think of your spirit forever trapped in this dank hole, bound by rage and unfinished business, unable to re-enter the Lifestream to be with those who have gone before..."" "Gaardal Wyght flicks his eye towards the door, then to the man. His jaw clenches, straining at the ropes around his wrists once again, blood dripping on the floor. "I will do anything to be gone from here."" "Dovan Dracht",""...and, quite frankly, the Drifters would likely use this room for interrogation a second time, and we'd have to deal with an unruly prisoner *and* a moaning spook."" "Dovan's eyes gleam as Gaardal speaks the word "anything."" "Dovan Dracht",""I wonder...hmm. Secrets can create such an atmosphere of distrust, of chaos..."" "Gaardal Wyght",""What do you wish to know? I can find it."" "Dovan Dracht",""It may do no good, but...perhaps you could tell me what dirty laundry various members of our little Free Company might be concealing?"" "Dovan Dracht",":hastily: "To be used, of course, only if it's clear Hext isn't going to retrieve you himself. No sense in burning bridges, hmm?"" "Gaardal Wyght grins, teeth stained red and he laughs "Garston is dead. But I still sit here. All I have done for him. But I like you, boy. I will tell you what I know."" "Dovan Dracht tries to look as though this is no surprise to him, but his eyes widen slightly for just a moment, startled at this revelation. He quickly regains his composure." "Gaardal Wyght",""Garston and Barnabaix did most of the work. But they made me privvy to the contents of each."" "Gaardal Wyght",""The first was to Desmond Aryll. At the time, it was said he and the one named Asdrellia Pemberton were a couple, and her life was threatened."" "Dovan Dracht",":dryly: That does seem to be something of a recurring theme..." "Gaardal Wyght",""The second was to the one named Sasha Jace. Seems there was a man in her life that went missing. She searches for him. Wriath Blackmane or the like. We found him in Limsa, and Garston had him moved to a safehouse in the Silver Bazaar"" "Dovan Dracht rubs his chin. "What is...was...Hext's interest in this Wriath?"" "Gaardal Wyght lightly shrugs "Garston enjoyed having something over another's head. He believed holding the man would break the woman into telling Ophianne's killer. If not, the man would have just gone .. missing."" "Dovan Dracht nods to you." "Gaardal Wyght swallows, not having talked this much in a while "The third was to the one you call Po. Seems in his past he killed a number of people. Men women and children. Something he wishes to be buried and long forgotten."" "Dovan Dracht",""And what of the bit regarding Desmond? Is he Ms. Pemberton's paramour? I had gotten the sense there was something between her and our glorious leader, Mr. Delwyn..."" "Dovan Dracht",""Oho! So the simple farmer is not so simple as he seems."" "Gaardal Wyght shakes his head slightly "Last we learned he spurned her. She ran to another. Amaare Margolis. Was another Garston ran into in the past."" "Dovan Dracht shrugs dramatically. "But who among us is?"" "Gaardal Wyght",""Hext was not so subtle in trading her life and another womans ... Enja ... something. Hext had men posted to trail them both"" "Gaardal Wyght nods, understanding his meaning and agreeing" "Gaardal Wyght",""Zethie Aldis ... found out he is a Garlean. How many families wouldn't want to take their anger out on him in a land still rebuilding?"" "Gaardal Wyght frowns lightly, thinking of the last two "Viola Seville was another. Hers was a difficult one. Seems she was looking for her clan, being a miqo'te."" "Gaardal Wyght",""barnabaix had found an old cat who seemed to recognize her description and the like. So took him to the safehouse in the Silver Bazaar as well."" "Gaardal Wyght",""And the last? Was to that Delwyn boy. I am unsure of that one as Garston wrote it himself. But from what I gather, it concerned the Drifters in general."" "Dovan Dracht listens attentively, letting the man say his piece." "Gaardal Wyght",""Garston sent me after Delwyn, and Rendafel after Aryll."" "Gaardal Wyght leans back against the wall, coughing "And we know how that turned out. Seems Aryll was smarter than we thought as well."" "Dovan Dracht shrugs and smiles. "To be perfectly honest, I didn't think that plan would play out so smoothly as it did..."" "Gaardal Wyght",""Nor I. But I don't question orders. Barnabaix and Hext have been at the game longer than I."" "Dovan Dracht reaches into a large belt pouch. "Something to take the edge off...?"" "Gaardal Wyght eyes the object, his breath quickening "Anything ... if I can just get my strength back ..."" "Dovan Dracht grins. "I was going to offer you a swig of whiskey from my personal flask. It may be of fine quality, yes, but I doubt it posesses the revivifying qualities you seek..."" "Gaardal Wyght",""What is it?"" "Dovan Dracht",""Although...you have been very trusting, giving me this information, after all you've been through. I certainly wouldn't want you to doubt my intentions.."" "Dovan Dracht reveals a bottle containing a green substance." "Dovan Dracht",""A gift from a lovely elezen woman I met in Costa del Sol. If I apply too much, some actual healing may take place, and I've no doubt my compatriots would consider that a slight."" "Gaardal Wyght eyes the bottle then the man a grin forming "A terrible slight."" "Dovan Dracht",""I shudder to think what they'd take in retaliation. Ahem. Anyway..."" "Dovan Dracht",""This should numb the pain quite a bit. Whether this respite will be restful, or only make your next round of questioning that much more painful, I dare not guess."" "Gaardal Wyght nods "I will accept any small reprieve you can give me."" "Dovan Dracht uncorks the bottle and dabs a thin layer onto his fingertips." "Gaardal Wyght watches the man, though he could not do anything even if Dovan used poison. But he did gain a bit more trust if the hyur was telling the truth" "Dovan Dracht smirks. "Now, Gaardal...just tell me where it hurts..."" "Gaardal Wyght",""I'm sure you don'e feel like rubbing an injured nut ... my worst pain is my right leg."" "Gaardal Wyght nods his head to the elg, the clothing behind the knee sliced open. The wound looked burned shut" "Gaardal Wyght",""don't piss off a woman with an 'antelope zipper'."" "Dovan Dracht looks amused. "I wouldn't be so sure about that...I'm not going to take you out to dinner first, but you seem like a modern sort of fellow..."" "You burst out laughing at Dovan Dracht." "Gaardal Wyght",""One of those miqo'te has a fettish for balls. Took my eye then one testicle."" "You shrug at Dovan Dracht." "Dovan Dracht rolls up the torn right pant leg, and begins deftly massaging the ointment into the exposed tissue." "Gaardal Wyght sucks in a hissing breath through his teeth at the first touch, but it isn't long before the pain that radiated through his leg began to subside into a dull roar." "Dovan Dracht",":The contact is not comfortable, and Dovan "accidentally" jabs the man in an especially tender spot a couple of times, but almost as soon as the ointment makes contact, a pleasant numbness replaces the throbbing ache." "Gaardal Wyght flinches, but sees the pain as nothing more than an annoyance, even if the other man caused it. All he knew was he could think straight" "Gaardal Wyght closes his eye with a groan "Twelve bless you that did the trick."" "Dovan Dracht rolls the pant leg back down, re-corks the bottle, and replaces it in his pouch." "Dovan Dracht shakes his head, chuckling. "There's nothing for it now, but...surely, Hext did not think Driftwood Coast would agreeably endure the slight of having their woman taken? A sweet little blond thing leaving snarls of romantic entanglements in her wake?"" "Gaardal Wyght grunts, shrugging slightly "Hext saw the girl as nothing more than a means to an end. He had made the deal with the Amaalj'aa before she found solace with the Delwyn boy."" "Gaardal Wyght",""If you wish my opinion, I did not agree with his tactics. I counsled him to forget about her and use his energy elsewhere."" "Dovan Dracht",""He could have taken some quiet, retiring soul, or a more homely individual, or...well, basically, he tapped into some well-worn archetypes. It seems if one does not wish for one's enemies to ride in, playing hero, then one would not make such an overblown show of kidnapping the princess, as it were..."" "Dovan Dracht",""Perhaps he never found the time to take in a performance at the Mhi Khetto."" "Gaardal Wyght gives a nod "I agree. But when Garston gets his hooks into something he does not let go. He saw it as if the Drifters went into his house and literally stole from him."" "You burst out laughing at Dovan Dracht." ((The sounds of voices waft in from the next room)) "Dovan Dracht cocks his head, listening, then gestures toward the next room." "Gaardal Wyght turns to face the door, frowning." "Dovan Dracht stands abruptly, and addresses Gaardal in a sneering tone." "Dovan Dracht",""Well, my *dear* friend, it has been *ever* so much fun to have this little chat. Do try to keep from bleeding all over the floor, it's a real inconvenience to keep a hovel like this tidy in the first place..."" "Gaardal Wyght growls in response to the words "I can't wait for our next chat .. believe me. I ain't going anywhere."" "Dovan Dracht blows you a kiss."

It can be difficult as this game has neither a duel nor /roll system, so emotes are the only way. You'd have to trust the other person to not keep their player from being hit etc.

Barnabaix knocked on Rendafels' door before walking in, followed closely by the boy's twin sister who balanced a try carrying a bowl of water, bandages, and jars of salve. The butler pointed to the other side of the bed Rendafel laid in, the young master turning his head, smiling at his sister. "Mae. What are you doing here? You should be at university." Rendafel frowned lightly at his sister, his words sounding different since missing a tooth. "The young mistress refused to go today, and Master Rillemont thought it best to ease her fears for you by having her stay by your side for the time being." Rendafel groaned, looking at his butler. "Fine. But I do not have to like it." Mae swatted her brother very lightly on the arm as she began to change the bandage on her brother's right shoulder. She looked him over, and he seemed to be getting better. The right side of his face was still a dark black and green color, a gash along his cheek. She is happy all he lost was a tooth from that strike. The injury to his leg healed well, the arrow being deflected a good part by the buckles on his pants. She made fun of Rendafel's fashion choice, but it saved him that day. The arrow that struck his shoulder was not so good though. The healers said he may not be able to move his arm again, but she would not give up. Her brother wanted to shoot a bow like Anne did, and she would make sure that he will. "Young master, why do you not tell Miss Mae what happened? She has been asking me but I thought it best to come from her own brother's mouth." Rendafel nodded, turning to his sister as the elder elezen took a seat by the fireplace. "It was glorious, Mae. I shouted for him in Ul'Dah, calling him out. I called him a coward, a weakling. Let him know that Master Hext had him next on his list to silence." "It was not long before I saw him. He walked down the main street, looking around. I kept in the shadows, then carefully followed him with the men Master Hext gave me. Aryll tried to slip away in the marketplace but I would not let him, my men tailing him." "Then we had him relax, as we 'disappeared' into the city. He called for assistance over his pearl as more of those Drifters showed up. I saw him pacing and looking around by the Weaver's Guild. And I took the opportunity I was given." Rendafel smiled, flinching a moment afterwards. "I pointed to him, shouted his name. He turned to me and I saw the surprise and fear in his eyes as Master Hext's men let loose their arrows. Mae it was ... was ... I watched each one strike him. They went through his armor. Six arrows. He crumpled to the ground. I heard the shouts as his people surrounded him, but I knew Aryll could not live through that." "The poison Master Wyght gave me is highly toxic. It would burn him up from the inside. I can just imagine his screams as he slowly dies and his friends cannot help him." Rendafel's eyes closed as he laughed. "It was a fight afterwards. They came at us, and we fought back. I took grave injuries but the task was done. I struck a blow to Desmond Aryll just as Master Wyght struck down Kayle Delwyn!" Mae smiled, laying a cool cloth on her brother's forehead. "You are a brave one, brother. Now rest. I have changed your bandages and you need your strength."

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A new interrogation between Gaardal and Sasha. If you're a bit squeamish, might want to read with one eye closed! Arry Dresdyn looks out the door and catches Sasha's eye. "Psst. Lass. In 'ere" Gaardal Wyght sits, slumped up against the wall, clothes stained with crimson. At least they gave him a patch over his now empty eye socket Arry Dresdyn points at you. "Arry Dresdyn", "Alrigh' lass, there he is." Sasha Jace just stares for a few moments, gathering her thoughts." "Arry Dresdyn","Ima wake 'im up, an' then it be yer game, alright?" "Sasha Jace nods solemnly, still not having said a word." "Arry Dresdyn","Just, dunnae get too close te him. He be a slippery one, an I dunnae want te kill 'im if I dun need te." "Sasha Jace","Okay" "Arry grabs a bucket of ice cold water, and tosses it in Gaardal's face. The bucket "accidently" slips from his hand, smashing the prisoner in the top of the head. "Oops. Sorry"" "Gaardal Wyght feels the sting on the ice cold water, followed by the solidity of the bucket against his skull. His good eye snaps opem coughing and sputtering with the growl "Thal's balls, the hell you do that for?"" "Sasha Jace looks the bruised and battered man over, her expression detached and cold." "Arry Dresdyn","Oye, be glad I woke ye up gently." "Arry Dresdyn points at you." "Gaardal Wyght","Ugh, you again." "Arry Dresdyn","Now, the lass 'ere 'as some questions, an' ye will be polite, else ye gonna lose another eye." "Sasha Jace","Yes. Me again, be grateful I wasn't the one that found you. You'd be a fair bit more dead had it been me." "Arry Dresdyn whispers to Sasha. "Lass, I'll be righ' o'er here if ye need me."" "Sasha Jace nods to Arry" "Sasha Jace","You and your employer have, or rather had, information I need. You will give it to me. Now." "Gaardal Wyght growls, shifting his position on the wall. His hands were still bound behind him, making it difficult. He listens to the woman then chuckles" "Gaardal Wyght","You lost your chance. What makes you think I will tell you now?" "Sasha Jace","Because if you don't, things will be substantially more painful for you than if you do." "Gaardal Wyght","I'm missing a ball and an eye ... but fine. I will amuse you." "Sasha Jace","What do you know of the man called Wriath Blackmane, formerly known as Colin Brennan." "Gaardal Wyght raises a brow hearing that name "Ah ... yes. Rillemont found the information on that one. Now let me see if I remember."" "Sasha Jace","I have nowhere to be, and you will answer me" "Gaardal Wyght leans his head back, clearly relaxed "He was seen in Limsa. Quite far from Gridania. Or perhaps it was the other way around?"" "Arry Dresdyn twirls the neckalce he has taken to wearing, while staring at Gaardal. The necklace is very clearly an Elezen tooth." "Arry Dresdyn","Oye, Sasha lass." "Arry Dresdyn","Did I tell ye abou' this necklace?" "Sasha Jace","I'm not terribly interested in fashion today Arry" "Arry Dresdyn","See, it has a connection te the cur ye be talkin' to." "Arry Dresdyn","Nah, ye want te know abou' this one. It may 'elp loosen his tongue." "Gaardal Wyght flicks his gaze to Arry, frowning slightly" "Arry Dresdyn","See, this tooth, it be from the mouth of Renfadel Rillemont. An, he should know tha' we know where he be. An, he should know, I've plenty o' room on me chain fer Rillemont teeth." "Arry Dresdyn","Now, Ima go back te my stool. Let me know if ye need anything." "Gaardal Wyght","You bastard! I told you to leave the boy out of this! *he snarls, his face darkening in anger*" "Sasha Jace","Don't concern yourself with Arry" "Sasha Jace","I care little about the boy, my issue is with you" "Sasha Jace","Where was Wriath seen? Girdania or Limsa?" "Sasha Jace","Which was it" "Gaardal Wyght spits on the floor at her feet "Burn in the void."" "Sasha Jace sighs and kneels to remove a hooked knife from the sheath attached to her boot" "Sasha Jace","Do you know what this kind of knife is used for Mister Wyght?" "Sasha Jace motions to herself." "Sasha Jace turns the dagger in her hand" "Gaardal Wyght eyes the knife, shaking his head slightly "Not a clue."" "Sasha Jace","Hunters use this to easily skin and gut their kills. The are called 'antelope zippers' because the hook in the blade allows a hunter to effortlessly 'unzipper' the carcass and remove the internal organs. They are also used to remove the skin and hide without damaging the meat beneath." "Sasha Jace","I am quite a huntress. I have been cleaning my own game for near on eight years now. I'm quite proficent with it." "Gaardal Wyght keeps a straight, blank expression as he listens to the description, eying the knife once again. His adams apple bobs as he swallows hard, nostrils flaring "I see."" "Sasha Jace kneels beside Gaardal and drags the tip of the knife along his cheek 'Why, I'm quite sure I could skin prey alive'" "Gaardal Wyght sucks a breath in through his teeth, the cold metal slicing his cheek and he feels the blood trickle down slowly" "Sasha Jace","So, you can tell me honest and true, what I wish to know. And Arry will put you back to sleep. Or, We shall truely see 'what you are made of'" "Sasha Jace shows no concern, no compassion. She is utterly detached from the emotion of the moment." "Gaardal Wyght","Limsa ... he was seen in Limsa. *his voice was hoarse as his throat was suddenly dry*" "Sasha Jace smiles 'This is progress, good. Where? Did any of your people approach him?'" "Gaardal Wyght weighs those questions, seeming to stall for an answer. He never spilled information and it was difficult and painful to do so" "Gaardal Wyght","I don't remember." "Sasha Jace","You don't remember? Or you choose not to tell me?" "Gaardal Wyght gives her a toothy grin "Which do you think, woman?"" "Sasha Jace sighs 'Perhaps you did not hear me so well earlier.' She slides the blade up under Gaardal's ear and puts her other hand ontop of his head 'then perhaps opening your ears a bit wider may ease communication' and with a single deft motion slides the blade up through flesh" "Gaardal Wyght lets out a scream, the pain enough to send his vision blurring "Bismark! He was .. at the Bismark!"" ((The motion Sasha did cut Gaardal's earlobe off)) "Sasha Jace","That wasn't so hard was it?" "Sasha Jace snaps her wrist and flicks blood across the floor" "Sasha Jace","Did your people approach him?" "Sasha Jace","Go on. Tell me more." "Sasha Jace","What happened after you confirmed his identity?" "Gaardal Wyght licks his lips, unable to move his head with her hand holding it still "They ... they spoke to him. Got him talking. Was wary at first but ..."" "Gaardal Wyght","We got a woman. Made her look like you." "Sasha Jace frowns" "Gaardal Wyght clenches his jaw, stomach twisting at how much he said" "Sasha Jace","Did you take him somewhere? Is he being held?" "Gaardal Wyght stares at her, tight lipped." "Sasha Jace sighs again 'I fear you are of little use to me. If this Rillemont was the one who found Colin, then perhaps I ought to speak to him in the end anyway.'" "Sasha Jace motions to herself." "Sasha Jace slaps the flat of the blade against Gaardal's thigh" "Gaardal Wyght","No! Leave the boy out of this!" "Sasha Jace","But if he has a better memory than you, I have no choice" "Sasha Jace","Make no mistake Ser, you fear for this boys life. You have something to lose here." "Sasha Jace","I, do not. I have already lost everything. I have no blood family, the man I love is lost to me. There never was anything you could take from me." "Gaardal Wyght struggles against the ropes that bind him, furious, settling after a few moments. She was right. "They took him to Western Thanalan. One of Garston's safe houses."" "Sasha Jace looks over her shoulder to Arry 'do you have an idea where this might be?'" "Arry Dresdyn","If they be keepin 'im the same place they 'ave Elli, then yes. If not, then no, I dunnae have the location." "Gaardal Wyght makes a small smirk, seeing they have no idea" "Sasha Jace","I wish to know the location of all of these safe houses." "Gaardal Wyght","What?! All of them?" "Gaardal Wyght","Even I don't know them all." "Sasha Jace nods her head 'yes.'" "Arry Dresdyn","Oh, but we do know where Rendafel be. If need be, I can take ye there." "Sasha Jace","Then the ones you are privy to." "Sasha Jace","Yes that will most likely be a useful source of information Arry" "Gaardal Wyght glares at Arry then back to Sasha "You are twisted bastards ...."" "Arry Dresdyn","Alrigh', I will put this useless one back te sleep. We will pay a visit to the boy." "Sasha Jace motions to herself." "Sasha Jace stares at Gaardal" "Sasha Jace","Wait a moment Arry" "Gaardal Wyght growls "No! ... damn you to the void ... The Silver Bazaar. By the dock."" "Arry Dresdyn beams with delight at you." "Sasha Jace leans in close and pokes Garrdal in the chest, the middle of his sternum with the skinning Knife 'That's better. But there is no sickness here. You are the ones who preyed on the fears and insecurities of innocent people. Fitzwilliam Braddock did nothing more than have the poor misfortune to be born with Desmond Arryl's likeness" "Sasha Jace","And you filled him with arrows" "Sasha Jace","You treat people as property to be sold and traded" "Sasha Jace","You, Ser, are sick and twisted" "Arry Dresdyn","Aye, we know where that one be. Do what you will wit' this one. Once we 'ave Elli, you and I and maybe Adolar can raid the prop'rty." "Gaardal Wyght blinks hearing what she said. "That wasn't Arryl?!"" "Sasha Jace shakes her head no" "Arry Dresdyn disagrees with you." "Gaardal Wyght curses loudly and for some time" "Gaardal Wyght","He looked the same, wore the same .. bloody hell he answered to the name!" "Sasha Jace","Not only that, but your agents flooded a crowded marketplace with arrows when we sought to treat with the Elezen woman who held your station before you. I have the scar and ache in my shoudler to attest the carelessness with which your kind have dispensed violence." "Sasha Jace","We have sought only to defend ourselves, and the freedoms of our friends." "Gaardal Wyght","Carelessness? Bah. I am the muscle Garston is ... was ... the mouth." "Gaardal Wyght clenches his jaw" "Gaardal Wyght","The elezen woman was too eager to work, and made more mistakes." "Gaardal Wyght","You Drifters were the fools for sticking your noses into his business." "Gaardal Wyght","You stole what was rightfully his, and then you expected him to not retaliate when he wanted it back!" "Sasha Jace","A buisness of selling the remnants of lives you destroy. I tire of this conversation. You are the worst kind of man, you pick on those who are incapable of defending themselves." "Gaardal Wyght snorts, doing his best to heal himself with what skill he had (Second WInd) though his anger made it difficult" "Gaardal Wyght","Like that Delwyn boy?" "Sasha Jace turns the knife in her hand and in a single stroke slices the tendons at the back of Gaardal's right knee 'I will not suffer a bully such as you. You may still prove useful in the future, so I shant kill you today. But should you deign to threaten me and mine again, I will end you.'" "Gaardal Wyght grins at his comment then howls in pain, feeling skin, muscle, and tendon being severed behind his knee as the hooked knife cuts through his clothing." "Sasha Jace","Arry, I am finished here. I believe I have all the useful information this one has. We will check this safe house. Should it prove useless, we will speak to the boy" "Sasha Jace flicks her wrist again and snaps blood from the blade before wiping it on Gaardal's shirt and resheathing it in her boot" "Arry Dresdyn casts SLEEP on Gaardal. "Goodnigh' cur."" "Gaardal Wyght grimaces in pain, breath ragged as he smells his own blood a few moments before being blanketed in the arte, falling asleep" "Arry Dresdyn","Lass, once we 'ave raided Garston's home for Elli, you an' I will go after yer man. I promise ye, we will get 'im back." "Arry Dresdyn tries to comfort Sasha Jace." "Sasha Jace","He's out there Arry" "Sasha Jace","I knew it" "Arry Dresdyn","Aye, an' we will get 'im back." "Arry Dresdyn","But, ye need te get out o' 'ere before anyone else shows up. Ima clean up 'ere, te make sure no one knows ye were here." "Sasha Jace","Let them come. I will not run." "Arry Dresdyn","Aye, but ye will get me in a pickle." "Sasha Jace","I would not want that." "Arry Dresdyn","Thank ye lass. I will see you later."

This takes place after Gaardal is captured but before Garston is killed. Raku - Raku crouches on the rock, a stern look on his face, he rips the hem of his blade, scanning the area with his dark, midnight blue eyes "Damn..." DM - *a small party begins to leave from Ul'Dah, five guards half dragging a bound and gagged woman* Raku - "E-Elli!?" He draws his blade, and jumps from the rock, his necklace swinging freely. Guardsman(1) - "Hurry up! Them Amaalj'aa won't wait forever. Garston needs his money now." The guards laugh as they pass in view of Raku, he plainly seeing Elli who is tied up* Raku - Raku glares, still running a drop of sweat travels down his brumal skin "Oi! Before Garston gets his money you're gonna have to deal with me!" DM - *the group of men stop for a moment at the shout, and one turns as Raku comes into view* "Looks like we have someone who wants to play hero. You two, with me. Get that woman out of here!" DM - *the three guards stare down Raku, ready to stall the man as long as they can* Raku - Raku smirks slightly, though his eyes keep checking on Elli, concerned at the speed she is travelling out of view, he starts running at the three guards; preparing to lunge at the man in the centre of the trio. DM - *The middle guard raises the shield he carries, seeing as Raku focuses on him. The two at his side ready their bows* Raku - Raku continues sprinting, when he was within a few metres of the three he rased his blade "Flash!" A strong light emited from the point of his blade. DM - *the three guards were taken by surprise, and they all grabbed for their faces, rubbing and clawing at their eyes* "Kill him! Stop him!" *the guard int he middle shouted, and one of the archers let loose an arrow haphazardly* Raku - *The arrow hit Raku on his left shoulder, his dark blood travelling down his torso for a few seconds before turning to ice, he let out a slight groan and jumped in a attempt to kick the swordsman in the middle; while hitting the others with his fists.* DM - *still being blinded, the guard takes the kick to his shield, staggering backwards and falling to the ground. One archer is stumbling around, shaking his head, giving Raku free reign to punch the other archer, and he drops his bow* Raku - Raku clasps the handle of his blade with two hands, bringing it backwards before lunging it back out, in a lunge at the guard on the floor. DM - *the guard grunts, the strike hitting him square in the forehead. The blow knocks him out for the time being. One of the archers regains his sights* "Surrender, fool! Garston will be lenient!" Raku - "Why would I ever surrender while a member of the Coast is in his dirty hands!?" He touches his necklace, his longsword changing into a aeolian scimitar, he points it towards the archer "You're gonna be sorry for what you guys have done to Asdrellia!" DM - *the archer is taken abak a moment as the weapon changes before his eyes. Surprise turns to anger* "Sorry? You should be sorry for interfereing with something that is none of your business!" DM - *he drops his bow to use the short sword at his side, jabbing at Raku* Raku - "Tch... Asdrellia ain't anyone's business... Certainly not that Bast??? Garston's business!" Raku swung the scimitar in an attempt to throw the guard's attacks off. DM - *the sound of metal striking each other is heard as the archer parries the scimitar, stopping his advance* "That woman is rightfully his. But you fools stole his property and he wanted it back!" *the archer feints to his left, before trying another jab at Raku's side* Raku - *The shortsword cuts Raku's hip, he reaches for the archer's head, swinging his blade at the guard's neck. DM - *moving from the outstretched arm, the archer ends up moving into the sharp scimitar, the blade cutting through his weakly protected neck. He gurgles, hands at his throat as he falls to the ground* DM - *there is only one other guard left, the other archer pointing his arrow at Raku shakily* Raku - Raku winces as the man's blood lands on his chest, he then turns his glare to the one remaining archer "I'm not fond of death... so how about you run over to Garston and tell him that Raku says hi..?" He said with a smirk. DM - *the man stares at Raku a moment before throwing his bow down and running as fast as his legs could carry him into the city. With the guards dead or unconscious, Raku finds himself alone, the only thing he knows is Elli was carried off towards Scorpion Crossing with the two guards that were left* Raku - Raku raises his free hand up to his linkpearl situated in his ear." ((The below conversation is over the company pearl)) "Raku Kirigiya",""Guys..." Raku said, panting." "Arry Dresdyn","Oye, lad, wha' is it?" "Raku Kirigiya",""I know where they're taking Elli... I just fought three of Garston's goons... head to just outside the gate of Sultana..."" "Adolar Stone",""Are you alright? You sound exhausted."" "Arry Dresdyn","Aye, lad, on me way." "Raku Kirigiya",""I let one man go... I have another dead and one unconcious..."" "Adolar Stone",""You've found their location? I'll try to make my way there as well!"" "Kayle Delwyn",""Raku..*cough* make sure you don't go it alone."" "Raku Kirigiya",""Aye... Seems they're taking her towards Scorpion Crossing..."" ((The group gathers where the defeated guardsmen are, one dead, his throat slit, the other unconscious)) "Myria Morningstar","Arry ?" "Arry Dresdyn","Myria, all, lass." "Arry Dresdyn","*allo" "Myria Morningstar looks at Raku. "Did you get mugged ? Where is the rest of your clothes ?"" "Raku Kirigiya","It-It's warm...." "Arry Dresdyn","Wha is this abou' Elli? DId ye find her?" "Raku Kirigiya motions to the two men laying on the ground, one with a slit open neck." "Raku Kirigiya","They're takin' her to Scorpion Crossing I think..." "Arry Dresdyn surveys the scene, noting the dead body." "Arry Dresdyn nods to Raku Kirigiya." "Adolar Stone runs up to the group panting heavily. "Is everyone alright? What's happening here?"" "Raku Kirigiya picks up one of the guards by the collar "This one can be taken for questioning..."" "Myria Morningstar","Raku just nailed one of Gartson's goons." "Arry Dresdyn","Raku 'ere thinks he knows where they be takin' Elli." Guardsman - *the guard groans as he is partly lifted by Raku* "Raku Kirigiya reaches up to his upper torso, snapping a arrow that is lodged inside of him." "Arry Dresdyn","Tell us wha' happened, lad." "Myria Morningstar","You all look like you have this covered." "Raku Kirigiya rubs the back of his neck "Basically... I was sat 'ere on this rock and I saw Elli tied up, about five guards or so, three of 'em broke off from the rest of the group and went to fight me, one a gladiator... the two others were archers..." "Arry Dresdyn nods to Raku Kirigiya." "Arry Dresdyn","Go on." "Raku Kirigiya","They got two hits on me... one on my hip, another on my upper torso." "Raku Kirigiya","Though they've iced over so it won't get infected." "Arry Dresdyn","Did ye see where they took the lass, exactly?" "Adolar Stone",""Uh oh. I still hope you get those checked by a healer. Those types of injuries can get serious very quickly."" "Raku Kirigiya","So yeah... Scorpion Crossing is our best bet... though we'll need to give it time before we put any plan into action..." "Arry Dresdyn","Aye, let's find Desmond, and get this info to Kayle." "Raku Kirigiya shrugs at Adolar Stone." "Arry Dresdyn","Adolar, do you know where we can find Desmond?" "Raku Kirigiya","Why not contact him by linkpearl?" "Arry Dresdyn","The pearls 'ave been compromised. It appears Hext 'as one o' them." "Adolar Stone",""I'm not sure exactly. Last I've seen him was on the day Kayle was attacked...he was planning something at the time and said that he might be targetted next by Garston's men..."" "Raku Kirigiya","Aye... that's true..." "Adolar Stone gazes upon Raku Kirigiya in deep reflection." "Raku Kirigiya","I'll go check on Kayle... What shall we do about these two?" "Arry Dresdyn","Leave 'em te me. I will burn the dead bodies. DM - the guard on the ground blinks, reaching for his sword" "Raku Kirigiya","No... it'll probably be wise to question this guy... he'll know some things too" "Adolar Stone",""Wait, Arry? What do you mean 'bodies'? There's only one dead person..."" "Arry Dresdyn fires a bolt of fire at the guards head, making it two bodies." "Raku Kirigiya flinches at the fire, staring at the burning body in fear "I d-don't like fire..."" "Arry Dresdyn","Aye, lad, the livin' very rarely do." DM - the guard screams, being silent as he lays limp" "Adolar Stone gasps falls backwards towards the ground as the fire bolt hits the guard. "Arry! What in the hells are you doing?!"" "Arry Dresdyn","Ye did good t'day. Go check on Kayle. Adolar, see if ye can get a location o' Desmond. I'll clean up 'ere." "Arry Dresdyn bows courteously to Raku Kirigiya." "Raku Kirigiya holds his palm out, activating some sort of ice spell, putting the fire out." "Arry Dresdyn bows courteously to Adolar Stone." "Raku Kirigiya bids farewell to Arry Dresdyn." "Adolar Stone stares at Arry in disbelief and then towards the two burnt bodies with his mouth hanging open a bit." "Arry Dresdyn shrugs at Adolar Stone." "Adolar Stone",""I...I'll do that, Arry...take care."" "Raku Kirigiya","Alright... I'm off to check on Kayle..." "Adolar Stone bows to Arry shakily."

Gaardal tested the ropes that bound his wrists once again. They never budged. Normally he would have no problem breaking the material, but he had lost a lot of blood in the recent days. They called him and Garston sick and twisted, but here he was, missing one eye and one testicle. But he pushed through the pain, using his years of training to heal himself, albeit slowly. His loyalty to Garston was never wavering. It was stronger than that dead elezen's ever would have been. He never broke until they brought the boy's name into things. Rendafel had no idea what was going on, and he didn't want the boy to be dragged into this. He would take the blunt of their anger, take the pain, anything they gave him. The hidden pearl in his ear hummed. It was on the whole time he was questioned, Garston having heard everything. Gaardal understood his boss's thinking, and accepted his fate at the hands of these Drifters if Garston would be able to continue on. "Gaardal." The man made a light grunt. He didn't want anyone nearby to hear him talk. "Gaardal ... Garston is dead." Gaardal closed his one eye, shoulders slumping. "How." It was said low but enough to be heard over the pearl. "He was tortured. Knife found in his gut while he was in his bed. Must have been an inside job. No way anyone could have gotten in." The highlander gave a deep chuckle, banging the back of his head on the stone wall a few times in anger. He was not there to do his job, and now ... Garston was dead. He would surely be next. "Protect the boy. Keep him out of this. I fear I will be next." The voice on the pearl was silent for a time. "Understood, Gaardal. Twelve watch you." And the connection was cut. Gaardal slumped against the wall, chuckling to himself. The pain from his skull radiated through his body. He did not care. The door nearby opened, light bouncing off a figure in the doorway. The man sneered. "Do your worst ..."

Oh I'm sure it will improve. I guess I'm just spoiled on non-timed dungeons, always being in groups and having many things to do. In all honesty, I got to about level 42 before I had to focus on grinding FATES to get to the next level. I'm here for the long run. I love my company too much and many friends I've met.

Coming from EQ2 myself, with tons of places to go and quests that will get you to level 95, in so many ways I feel this game is a few steps backwards. I feel this is in the mindset of the Eastern way of MMOs (lots I have played is all about the grind) and not so much on the Western front. I was able to do logs and quests to get me to level 47. So now I am in the same boat. I do love this game, but this one things really irks me.

He felt the point at his stomach a moment before it punctured skin and innards, tearing all in it's wake. His body stiffened, focusing on nothing but one thought. I. Will. Die. "No ... not like this ..." He tried to grab at the man's hand, but when he touched it, Desmond only pushed the dagger farther in. Garston's face twisted in pain and fear. Everything he gained, all the information, all the gil, all the land and power, they were totally worthless to him now. And this man was taking it all away from him. "Shhh, hush now. We agreed dramatics were futile, yes? ...Excellent." It was hard for him to focus. Garston blinked a few times, the blur around the corners of his vision worsened and darkened as Desmond leaned closer. The words the man said sounded like he was speaking from inside a tunnel. "This is just. You know it." Desmond patted Garston's cheek gently, one last insult to the man. Garston could do nothing, feeling his life slip away, soaked up by his silken nightgown. ~~~~~~~ The next morning would find his servant screaming for the guard. Garston, the man known as one of the most influential merchants in Ul'Dah, was dead, surrounded by an empty wineglass, a brass bell, and a dagger resting in his stomach.

Pain. The only thought that came to him as the figure punched him over and over. Garston tried to raise his arms to shield himself, but the man was too quick, knocking his arms away. Each time, he tasted more blood in his mouth. When he felt his jaw in the man's hand he cried out, covering his face with both of his hands. He wept openly, the great merchant of Ul'Dah reduced to a blubbering child in his own house. "Mercy! I beg of you stop this!" He heard a long sigh, though the man did not let go of him, his hand now resting lightly on Garston's throat. "We can not continue playing this game. You know that. I'm afraid this has to end, Mr. Hext." He coughs, blood spraying as he does so. This man intended to kill him in his own room and he knew it. "Please I ... I will give you anything! I admit, I have done some bad things in the past ... What do you want in recompense? Gil? Women? Land? I can give you anything you want!" The highlander flinched as he felt the hand on his throat tighten slightly, the figure moving forward enough so the dim light from his lanterns fell across the features. His eyes widened as recognition settled in. "You ...." Garston hissed that word, spitting in the man's face. "I will have you hanged! Beheaded! Tortured until you scream for mercy! No one gets away with threat --" His words were cut off as the hand at his throat squeezed harder, cutting off his air.

Garston listened as the man spoke, his brow furrowing. His mind tried to recollect the faces of his servants, but having so many it was difficult. Until one came to mind. "That bitch! I will have her head for letting you in here!" His threat did not come off well though as he was pushed back onto his bed, feeling the mattress go down as the man sat upon it. He had one hand on his shoulder, pressing hard against his collarbone, and Garston felt the cold steel of the dagger slide across his chest. His heart raced. This was all wrong. No no .. this was a nightmare. A horrible nightmare. He closed his eyes, squeezing them shut tightly. Yes, when he opened them he would be in his bed, alone, waking to a quiet day. Opening his eyes, the figure was still there, leaning over him. "Where are my manners, I haven't told you why I am here. Would you like to know?" The highlander swallowed, not sure if he really wished to know. He knew there were many who wanted him dead, but none ever succeeded. This man though ... "Yes I ... I would." He tried to keep the shaking from his voice, but the pounding of his heart in his chest would be a dead giveaway of the fear that raced through him.