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Second Hand Faith [Complete]

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McBeef™ McBeef™ Find all posts by this user Meow meow im a cat Posts:3,503 Joined:Dec 2013 Character:your mum Linkshell:RAVEN Server:Balmung Reputation: 806 Timezone:UTC-8 RE: Second Hand Faith | #30 07-28-2014, 04:37 PM Natalie sighed and arranged the papers on her table for the umpteenth time. The Bismark had a beautiful view, but the sea breezes made a mockery of her attempts to keep things organized. She had stolen the salt shakers from every table within reach, and it was barely enough to keep the papers from flapping out into the ocean with every gust. Satisfied that, for the moment, the papers would behave, she yawns, stretching out the last of the discomfort from the airship ride. Nibbling on a scone and sipping on a bowl of coffee she scans the area, Gharen should be here any moment… if he decided to actually show. Gharen walked onto the balcony of the Bismarck the weather was nice this day, given the occasional gust of coastal winds. He saw Natalie across the way looking bored. Grimacing as he saw her, he walked over to the woman’s table and took note at the absurd sight of a dozen or so salt shakers on the table. “Expect’n te be attacked by some sort o’ sea slug?” he mused, though he didn’t smile. He placed his hand on the back of the chair opposite of Natalie though he did not sit down right away as he regarded her. She blinks, “ah, Gharen,” she scratches the back of her head, “No it’s these damnable winds.” She frowns and shakes a fist at the heavens, “Why couldn’t they have built a city someplace proper, where the elements cooperate.” She notices him standing there, “Please, sit sit.” She smirks, “If I wanted to harm you there’d be easier ways.” Showing her empty hands, “Today I come in peace for once.” Gharen pulls out the seat and sits down at the table, he is wearing the same white cotton and leather attire he was the day they met on the pier, and does not appear to be armed as well. He plants both of his elbows on the table and clasps his hands together in front of him, “So what did ye wish te speak about?” Natalie waves down a server, who places coffee and pastries in front of Gharen. “Let’s do the pleasantries first, such as they are” She chuckles, “Hopefully you drink coffee.” She takes a sip of her own, “To start with Roen is comfortable, safe and secure in the headquarters of our order.” She forces a smile, “Though I haven’t visited her myself, I wouldn’t want to ruin her vacation. Kage and Crofte have assured me of it though.” She leans back, and arranges her papers once more, “Hopefully that will put your mind, even if only slightly, at ease.” Gharen picked up the cup and took a drink of the freshly brewed coffee, setting it back down he nodded, “Alrigh’.” He decided it better to keep his mouth shut about how he felt about Ul’dah in general these days, and how he truly felt about Roen being incarcerated in the lion’s den regardless of where she was in the city. He looked over the pastries but declined to partake of any. “I’d say ye go see her, regardless how either o’ ye feel. Cannae avoid one another ferever, an’ worst case, ye provoke her inte pop’n ye one, tis a therapeutic feelin’, I can attest te tha’.” Natalie snorts and rubs her nose, still sore despite the conjured healing. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one who couldn’t smell for three days.” She chuckles, “But you may be right. Worst case scenario is only yet another trip to the clinic.” She exhales, “Well, shall we get to business then? I wish to speak of you Gharen Wolfsong.” Natalie steeples her fingers, “If I’m to represent you effectively, and get the syndicate off your back I’ll need the truth.” She leans back, “If you truly are innocent of what is claimed, then as they say, it shall set you free.” He swung an arm over the back of chair. “I dinnae take ye te be such a fragile flower te need a clinic o’er what amounted te a love tap.” This time there was a grin behind the statement. “Ask away Miss Mcbeef, I am an open book.” he said calmly. The last several moons played out quickly in his head as he regarded her for a moment. None of this had sat with him very well, to begin with, but in the end it had been Roen’s decision, not his, and he was willing to go with on this regardless of how he felt about it. “A love tap?,” she chuckles, “Remind me never to get in a relationship with a Highlander.” Natalie drains her cup before inking her pen, “Let’s start at the beginning then. When we met at the Nanawa mines, you and your compatriots had a cerulean core in your possession. How did you acquire it?” He grins at her statement and almost retorts, but responds to her question matter of factly. “Don’ rightly know. I was told we were te be wait’n fer one Aylard Greyarm, who’s since passed. When I was asked if’n I wanted te know what th’ cargo was, I opted te nae know at all, figured th’ less people tha’ knew th’ better.” He pauses for a moment while she scribbles. “I’d gone back te th’ site after th’ scuffle an’ blast, found fresh footprints lead’n up te th’ site tha’d have fit a Hyur or Miqote, mov’n light an’ quick toward th’ cargo. Though th’ blast an th’ miners try’n te put out th’ fires, wiped out th’ prints in the immediate area, I’d found prints leav’n this time they were slowed weighed down by somethin’ heavy. Dinnae know what was in th’ cargo till Roen came look’n fer me days later.” Natalie taps her pen on the table for a moment as a hostess comes by and refills her glass. “You knew it was probably a dangerous cargo though… hence your precaution of keeping the contents secret. You also seemed prepared for combat when we arrived. Who were you worried about attacking you? Flames? Brass Blades?” She stirs a small amount of cream in, before taking a sip, “Or someone else?” He shakes his head a little, “No one specific at th’ time, though should have been look’n out fer th’ empire, as I understand it, a fella named Cicero, or th’ rose as he was callin’ himself, was th’ one tha’ took th’ core an’ caused th’ explosion.” He pauses. “Aylard was killed by a garlean agent an’ th’ charmin’ fellow ye lobbed off’a th’ stairs was killed soon after.” She nods, “I see…” as she writes some notes. “Your friend tried to kill me first, so I don’t feel terribly guilty about throwing him off that bridge.” She frowns, “Though I didn’t wish his death, it seemed his daughter was with him there at the mines. This would doesn’t need any more orphans.” Sighing and rubbing her forehead for a moment she gathers her thoughts, “So you were given this Cargo, you knew transporting it would be a dangerous task, but you were more worried about the Empire than Ul’dah?” She tilts her head, “In other words, at the time you had no knowledge that your actions could have been in violation of Ul’dah laws?” Shakes his head again. “None. Granted, anythin’ done under th’ cover o’ night is likely somethin’ ye want kept from th’ pryin’ eyes o’ authorities. Given tha’ th’ ultimate goal at th’ time was te return te Gyr Abania, I think it’s safe te assume th’ core was goin’ te be used against th’ empire. While I cannae say Ul’dah has nae exactly been a good home fer Ala Mhigans, certainly wouldn’t do well te go an use tha’ kind o’ hardware on th’ one place that’s been even mildly acceptin’.” He plants his chin in the palm of his hand with his elbow resting on the table as he watches her reaction. Natalie crosses her arms and closes her eyes, she sits and thinks for a moment before responding with a grin. “I can work with this…” she takes a sip of her coffee, “The brave freedom fighter and hater of Garleans, Gharen Wolfsong, tricked into taking on an illegal core.” She nods, “His only crime was being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, left by despicable agents of Garlemald to take the fall for their own nefarious acts of subterfuge.” She leans back, “So, think they’ll buy it?” He thinks for a moment. “Mayhaps, but I was nae tricked inte bein’ there tha’ night.” My Grandmother was an important figure in th’ early days o’ th’ resistance fer Ala Mhigo. Or so I was told. Fer tha’ my mother who was in hidin’ at th’ time was found an’ killed, along with’ th’ rest o’ Kayle an’ I’s family.” He gives her a moment to let that sink in. “Aylard was hop’n tha’ a survivor from th’ old Noble bloodlines would be able te rally th’ resistance, an bolster th’ ranks. Ultimately I jus’ wanted te learn more about th’ family I ne’er got te know.” Natalie tilts her head, “If you knew exactly what was going on that night, the nature of the cargo to be transported, and its origin, would you have still gone along with it?” She holds up a hand, “You weren’t lied to, but you also weren’t told the whole story. Your patriotism and interest in your family was used to blind you to the truth of what you were doing. I’d call that trickery.” He regards the smaller woman for a moment as he takes a breath. “Mayhaps. But I did know th’ cargo was likely goin’ te be illegal. An’ admittedly if I had known exactly what it was, an how it was procured, I’d have had issues if Innocents were harmed in so doin’ but if nae? I’d likely have still been there. Remove’n th empire from Eorzea’s doorstep would nae only help my people. But tha’ o’ Ul’dah an her allies.” He adjusts his weight in his seat. “As much as I want te see my sister cleared o’ charges I won’ sugarcoat things or lie about my actions te do it. I don’ see what she or I have done te have ever been against th’ interests o’ th’ people o’ Ul’dah.” Natalie sighs, “I think what we have here is a cultural gap. What you just said would sound ridiculous to any citizen of the city.” She looks off into the sea, “How to explain it… I’m sure you’ll agree that a cerulean core is an item of great value. The core that was stolen might have gone on to be the power source of an airship, or the engine on one of Ul’dah’s mining trains. It represents a huge investment, taking vast amounts of resources, manpower, and expertise to create. In other word, it was very expensive.” She takes a coin from her purse and places it on the table, “Despite Nanamo’s efforts refugees die every day outside the wall, they die because they lack coin. When people say coin is the lifeblood of Ul’dah, it is no exaggeration, everything in the city is bought with it, including life itself. The problem of the refugees is simply a lack of coin, and thus, they die.” She leans back, and spins the coin on the tabletop, “Even if no one was directly hurt, in Ul’dah we know better than anyone the power of money. That money was taken from someone, somewhere, possibly even from the refugees that crowd the walls. The idea that something so valuable could be taken without some harm being done, would seem hopelessly naive to us.” “I may live in th’ wilds Miss Mcbeef, but I am no fool. I lived in those refugee camps and in th’ cave’s o’ little Ala Mhigo fer twelve cycles.” He reaches to the collar of his tunic and pulls it down revealing what appears to be deep scars and burns. He lets her take that in for a moment before he lets go “I’ve experienced what Ul’dah has done te my people first hand. Mayhaps there is a cultural gap, but what will cost Uldah more in’ th’ long run? A stolen ceruleum core? or th’ refugees that flood inte th’ city even te this day. Where will Ul’dah’s wealth be when th’ empire is th’ one knockin’ on th’ gates Miss Mcbeef? I understand tha’ someone’s pocket book is lighter as a result but ye’ll have te forgive my simple view o’ th’ world.” Natalie chuckles, “I think you took my words the wrong way. I am not even saying you’re wrong, there is much you say that I agree with.” She pockets the coin, “It is not me who needs to be convinced however. You live close to the conflict, it affects you, and you understand the threat that Garlemald still poses.” She shrugs, “But to most in the city, the war is over, we’ve finally gotten our much deserved peace, time to to rebuild, and profit in the process. To those people, many of whom are in power, using a cerulean core in such a way is at best a waste of resources on a reckless gamble, resources that could be spent better elsewhere.” She narrows her eyes, “At worse it would be the provocation that would renew hostilities with Garlemald, and if those people in power view it in such a way, things would go very badly for you, and anyone involved in it, including your sister.” She sighs, “I understand the plight of your people Gharen, but Ul’dah is not under occupation, we’ve fought this war for decades, and we finally have respite. It may be cowardly of us, but the last thing the city wants is a renewal of hostilities.” He promptly gives his response “Did tha’ stolen core nae get turned inte a weapon te be used against Ul’dah -by- garleans? An’ more recently collared citizens turned against th’ city, it’s wells poisoned? Hostilities have ne’er subsided Miss Mcbeef, Ul’dah is nae at peace much as th’ rich would like te believe. Th’ war might be o’er but yer city is still in their sights.” He shakes his head slightly. “I understand th’ opposin’ viewpoint, but tis a fallacy at best a lie told te make th’ people feel safer at night.” He stops for a moment. “Evil will do as it pleases, as long as good men an’ women do nothin’.” Natalie groans, “Gharen, as I said, I’m not the one you have to convince. I’m just trying to let you know how your words will be taken. Specifically, how they will be taken by those who will decide the fate of you, and your sister.” She taps the scars on her own face, “I know as well as you that the war isn’t over, but convincing people to spend coin and blood on a enemy that seems defeated is political suicide in the city.” She gestures to the papers on the table, “We need a story that will convince those people, your words, while passionate, are wasted on those whose minds are already made up.” He nods. “As I said I understand how they will be taken, these are simply th’ truth’s behind th’ matter. But enough debate then. What do ye propose then Miss Mcbeef?” “You don’t wish to lie, fair enough, but we also don’t need to tell them the whole truth.” She taps her fingers on the table, “We’ll keep all the business with the Garleans, your lack of knowledge of the cargo.” She sighs, “But can we keep out the fact that, even if you’d have known, you would have done it anyway?” He gives it a moment of thought. “Alrigh’.” The puts both elbows back on the table and interlaces his fingers before him. “Anythin’ else I should keep te myself?” Natalie nods, “Thank you,” before chuckling. “I don’t know, but I’ll tell you if I think of anything.” She grins, “But I think instead there are things we can add to the account. Like that Castrum raid I heard you were involved with. Technically it has nothing to do with the core, but as the city gives a sigh of relief after Jin’li’s attacks, it would be very unpopular for the Syndicate to demonize one of its saviors.” She re-inks her pen and poises it over a fresh page, “What can you tell me of the event?” Gharen points to seat just a couple of tables over. “I was contacted by Osric Melkire right o’er there, once he got my attention he passed notes indicating tha’ he’d like my help. Well, he helped locate Roen in th’ first place.” He gives Natalie a icy look for a heartbeat and continues. “So how could I refuse? I spoke with Askier at th’ red wings headquarters an’ miraculously dinnae kill him by th’ time I left.” He takes a deep breath. “Few suns later Roen, Delial an’ I along with others were dressed in stolen Garlean uniforms an entered castrum occidens, we were discovered, some fight’n broke out I held th’ rear guard while others retrieved th’ tool required.” Taking a breath he continues to recount the events afterward. “We gathered in Drybone where we encountered th’ white haired Miqote with th’ gunblade Jin’li, Some folks were wounded, Roen took te healin, I uncovered Crofte there as well. After a short exchange I let her go after lettin’ her know, quietly tha’ we had th’ tool.” Natalie nods, “Gharen, feeling remorse at how he had unknowingly wronged Ul’dah set off to redeem himself in it’s moment of crisis. At great risk, and at no profit to himself he set off on a daring raid to free Ul’dah’s defenders of their collars.” She grins and writes, “Perhaps I could have Ser Crofte give a tear filled speech describing her experience under Jin’li’s yoke. I think that would be quite moving.” He cocks an eyebrow at just how ridiculous what Natalie just said sounds. “..Aye, if’n ye think so. Don’ expect me te be turn’n on th’ water works though.” He wraps his hands around the somewhat still warm cup of coffee. “Was there anythin’ else ye’d like te cover?” Gharen downs the remainder of his coffee, and sets the cup down, again interlacing his fingers in front of him on the table. Natalie laughs, “No no, as you’ve made quite clear, this will have to be managed without your presence at the city. Either way your tears probably wouldn’t help this case.” She takes a sip of her coffee, “I’m thinking we’ll go more of the misguided yet noble savage angle. Should sit well with the audience. You couldn’t help that you aren’t as wise and all knowing as the great and civilized merchants of the city.” She winks at him, “stroking the ego of the Syndicate generally works wonders.” Natalie ponders his question for a moment, “Nothing that directly comes to mind… but is there anything you’d like to add?” She chuckles, “Anything helpful I should say. I’m sure a message to the syndicate saying “Go fuck yourselves.” Is something you’d enjoy, though I doubt it would help your case.” Again the eyebrow gets raised he was fairly certain she’d just managed to insult him on the sly. He opted not to take the bait if that’s what it was. He shakes his head slightly. “Nothin’ tha’ I can think o’ tha’ pertains te Ul’dah. Far as th’ Syndicate is concerned I figure if they decide te toy with my family again I may nae be quite so passive in my response te them. But those are jus’ -what if’s- right now.” He offers Natalie a slight grin. “Give my regards te Miss Crofte aye?” She nods, and begins gathering up her papers, “I will… but just warning you, she seems quite infatuated with another gentleman at the moment. If that’s what you’re after.” She chuckles, “Though you seem the type who wouldn’t admit it if you were.” As she leaves a few coins on the table, “I’ll let you know if I have any further questions, and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have anything to add.” She grins, “For example that last threat of violence against the Syndicate would probably not fall into the ‘helpful’ category.” “Regard’n’ Miss Crofte, no intentions there Miss Mcbeef.” He stands up as well and pushes his chair in. “An I would ne’er levy threats o’ bodily harm against such upstand’n citizenry as th’ Syndicate.” He offered her a wry grin that clearly outlined the sarcasm in his tone. “Stay safe Miss Mcbeef, an until we next meet.” She laughs, “I’ll do my best, and thank you Gharen.” She places the papers into a satchel, “This could help more than you know. Until next time.” She walks off towards the direction of the airship docks.

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Messages In This Thread

Second Hand Faith [Complete] - by Roen - 05-31-2014, 11:49 AM RE: Second Hand Faith - by McBeefâ„¢ - 05-31-2014, 02:44 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by McBeefâ„¢ - 06-02-2014, 01:45 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Kage - 06-04-2014, 12:59 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 06-06-2014, 05:26 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 06-06-2014, 05:56 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by McBeefâ„¢ - 06-07-2014, 09:32 AM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Aldyet Lannis - 06-07-2014, 12:36 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by McBeefâ„¢ - 06-07-2014, 01:49 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 06-08-2014, 10:26 AM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Kage - 06-16-2014, 01:55 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 06-16-2014, 05:48 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Coatleque - 06-16-2014, 06:04 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by McBeefâ„¢ - 06-20-2014, 01:46 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 06-21-2014, 10:22 AM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 06-21-2014, 10:59 AM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 06-22-2014, 03:43 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 06-22-2014, 04:00 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 06-23-2014, 06:29 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 06-23-2014, 06:42 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by McBeefâ„¢ - 06-24-2014, 01:14 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by McBeefâ„¢ - 06-27-2014, 12:30 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Kage - 06-30-2014, 10:26 AM RE: Second Hand Faith - by McBeefâ„¢ - 06-30-2014, 12:16 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 07-14-2014, 11:37 AM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 07-17-2014, 11:41 AM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 07-27-2014, 11:26 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 07-27-2014, 11:42 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 07-28-2014, 12:16 AM RE: Second Hand Faith - by McBeefâ„¢ - 07-28-2014, 04:37 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 07-29-2014, 08:20 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Coatleque - 08-01-2014, 11:51 AM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Coatleque - 08-01-2014, 01:06 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Coatleque - 08-01-2014, 02:36 PM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 08-04-2014, 11:26 AM RE: Second Hand Faith - by Roen - 08-08-2014, 12:15 PM

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