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Paradox Reality · **04-24-2014, 01:08 AM**

In Ul'dah, the sun was shining brightly on another day of busy commerce among the city's many market stalls. All people, from adventurers to peasants to the rich and powerful, visited these stalls at some point in the day.

Every time they did, Screaming Fist was there to whisper in their ears.

She was clad in concealing clothes, red and black and chain, with a black mask covering all but her single good eye and her mouth. All it took was a whisper, a simulated conversation with someone else in the market, and someone else would hear the words and pass them to a dozen others.

"There are traitors in the Sultansworn. Gods save the Sultana. Criminals and traitors in the Sultansworn! Assassins! Thieves!"

As Fist walked among the multitudes, she nodded in satisfaction as the air became heavy, thick with tension and conspiratorial whispers. Upon making sure the word was passed in the markets, she then went to the Coliseum, and Hustings Strip, and the Gold Court, and even the Quicksand, making sure to spread the word.

"Traitors in the Sultansworn? Impossible! Murderers, assassins, Gods save the Sultana! Someone must save the Sultana!"

And finally, when word was spread at the end of that day, Screaming Fist calmly departed from Ul'dah's gates, throwing her disguise aside as she walked out into the burning deserts. As she did so, she whispered one thing:

"Come to me."

McBeefâ„¢ · **04-24-2014, 02:53 AM**

Natalie yawns and watches the masked figure travel through the crowd, yelling and waving.

"Huh" she wipes an apple on her tunic and turns to Kage. "They must not be from around here"

Kage looks up her her with concern, "What do you mean? Shouldn't we do something?"

Natalie laughs and takes a bite of the apple, chewing happily. She gestures at the hooded figure. "The stuff they're saying, anyone from around here would already know that".

She tosses the remains of the apple to Kage. "You and Ruru stay safe on your task" she grins, "That Garlean will soon discover some in this city aren't so easily bribed". She gives a lazy wave and walks back towards the royal court.

Boo the Hamster · **04-24-2014, 04:51 AM**

Enju grumbled as he awoke from his sleep within the Quicksand, the words ringing clear within his head.Â He shook his head, placing his palms along his face to wash away the scowling face.Â Putting on his seneschal's garb, he listened for the sound of the bell, then attached his pair of cesti on his sarouel with a heavy woolen string as he heard no ringing.Â He took out his journal, scribbling furiously within.

"I wake up to the talk of traitors within the Sultansworn in Ul'dah.Â I have a feeling I already know who that one is.Â She must still act under that one's will.Â I was such a damned fool to let that one go."

He set his journal down, his scribbling growing so furious that the lines made no words, just the ink spilled along the page and into the next as his quill pierced the parchment.Â His hands shook as he set the bottle away, the quill swiveling between his fingers with each movement he made.

He should have killed them both when he had the chance, when their guard was lowered, witnesses and life be damned.Â There's no way it could have been a dream.Â The claim of being a child of that damnable being, the one who wreaked havoc upon the land seemed ridiculous.Â Utterly insane.Â It was only that thought that stopped him from drawing his spear and butchering the both of them that night.Â It was all too obvious that woman was tempered, and that idiot girl claimed her lineage aloud in the Quicksand.Â Why did nobody care?

Still, if he was to keep his duty, he would have to uphold the law, even in a place where the law has become a running gag as Ul'dah had made it out to be.Â Why hasn't the Sultana taken action yet on that one?Â Perhaps it was a farce?

He let out a soft sigh. He wasn't the Sultana's servant after all.Â Ul'dah's politics are beyond him, as he could only see it as a city where Gil is the law, and only Gil will satisfy when it comes to any act, no matter how heinous or cruel.Â Mayhaps it is better now, but the past was all too recent to shake that thought from him.Â He takes his steps into the main hall of the Quicksand, an eye covered with that coeurl eye patch, listening in to the commotion as he awaits the inevitable call for his services from his liege.

Kage · **04-24-2014, 07:57 AM**

Kage frowned as Natalie left, and he did all he could to keep himself as calm as she showed. He still held the Sultansworn to some of the highest regard, even knowing how badly it suffers from corruption.

But honestly, he was starting to get utterly tired of this cloak and dagger twelvespit. Having been the hunter's prey a few sun's ago and now this. It was maddening. The figure was masked but the shape and form was highly reminiscent of a female Roegadyn's. At least it was not a masked blonde female Miqo'te? Perhaps. Masks and disguises, if it wasn't for the fact that he was still feeling maybe phantom pains from the attempt on his life, he wouldn't feel as if he was the prey of some unknown enemy.Â

But wasn't he? They had only suspicions and concern that the bandit Roegadyn 'Thunder' was behind the attack and hence the later attempt to silence himself. He had nothing yet so far as to who was lingering in the shadows, who were behind those masks, under those hoods, and under that helm. Blast it all, he only knew two were Roegadyn and Miqo'te. Was Thunder related to Delial in some way? Perhaps the Garleans were working to sow discord through the bandits.

Kage had wanted to simply make sure Delial wouldn't double cross his friend and would follow her word about that Miss Banurein. Natalie was right, she couldn't roam freely and if she wasn't to be already tried for what they'd heard she'd done... Well, interrogation into that Miss Banurein he'd heard about was still in order.

He was starting to wonder if he'd become discriminatory against female Roegadyn and lancers... First Denn, Thunder, Kayah's attacker... Then that insulting one lancer that traveled with Kiht, the one at the mines... No matter. Things would move and so would he.

Boo the Hamster · **04-24-2014, 01:51 PM**

Hearing no ring from the bell or the pearl, he paid the innkeeper his fee for the room before heading out toward the Ruby Road Exchange.Â He looked out toward the benches with their bushes of shrubbery, and the occasional two or three that would sit around, chatting endlessly about trivial things.Â He considered joining them, though he imagined that his time would be brief, and not enough to be recognizable within the throngs of people that dwell here.

His eye grew curious at the steel object along the brick and mortar.Â What is that anyway?Â Some sort of shrine?Â It was a good place to stand, right by the planter boxes and enough support for his waist to rest on.Â As he did this, his eye caught the figure of that familiar form a few fortnights ago.Â That Lalafell he insulted, only to keep appearance of being someone else while they questioned that criminal.Â

It was a few fortnights ago, right?Â Or was it sooner?Â He should begin writing in his journal so he can keep track of the suns and moons better, he thought.

Besides the eye-patch, he doubted he could be recognized.Â He did make up a personality on the fly, after all.Â Though his logic pattern followed the same as his merc persona, and he would certainly be recognized by voice. Â He wasn't exactly an espionage type.

It was just a one time thing anyway.Â Even if he did recognize me through the full suit of chain, I'll act the way I should as my lady's retainer and see what will come of it.

He turned his eye toward the steel object once more, inspecting every ilm of steel as he let his mind wander off.

Roen · **04-24-2014, 03:14 PM**

"There are traitors in the Sultansworn! Gods save the Sultana. Criminals and traitors in the Sultansworn!"

Roen had been cloaked, pausing at a vendor stall to pick up more supplies before she was to head out. That was when she heard the whispers. Her thoughts were lingering on her earlier encounter with Captain Jenlyns; it had gone not wholly different from what she had imagined. Her former trainer and the Captain of the Sultansworns had never looked upon her well since her departure during her training, and it was always evident every time theyÂ crossedÂ paths since. Roen had told herself that she would prove herself worthy in his eyes, in the days to come. On the day that Natalie swore her in, she promised herself to make her and Captain Jenlyns proud.

But the Spinner had other plans. Only weeks after becoming a Sultanworn, she was taking a leave of absence to attend to personal matters. She could not deny the need for it, nor would she neglect her family in this time of utmost need...Â

But she felt guilty none the less.Â

And now these whispers of corruption within the Sultansworn? Roen would easily dismiss such gossip and hearsay, especially within streets of Ul'Dah; theories of conspiracies and malfeasance were no strangers to her ears. But they were often directed at other entities, the Syndicate and the Brass Blades being likely targets. But onÂ thisÂ day, it was directed at her own kin, the Sultansworn, and the whispers seemed to be just a little more prevalent. As if someone was gently stoking embers to a flame.

And she could not ignore the fact that one of her own had been brutally attacked, and her own superior had fled the city to protect someone.

Was there any weight to be given to these rumors?

Roen nodded in thanks to the vendor who handed her a bag full of supplies. Paying him what gil she owed, she turned for the Gates of Nald. But as she passed the Quicksand, her steps slowed.

Perhaps she would not travel far or for too long as she had planned. A leave from duty was needed to attend to the person she needed to, but she would stay close, for she could not leave her Sultansworn family behind either inÂ theirÂ time of need.

Melkire · **04-24-2014, 04:03 PM**

Osric reached up with one hand and lifted the corner of the news pamphlet off his face, peeking out at the sudden commotion thatÂ had spreadÂ all along Sapphire Avenue. He'd been reclining on this bench for one of his infamous two-to-three bell naps, baking under the sun's heat, his exposed skin shielded by the pamphlet,Â and he wasn't particularly happy to have been woken halfway through his rest and relaxation.

"Welcome t'Ul'dah," he grumbled, "where traitors are as common as cutpurses in Limsa."

I should know, I've been both now.

He groaned, dropped his hand back into his lap, and went back to sleep.

Paradox Reality · **04-24-2014, 07:05 PM**

As Screaming Fist had gone about her rumor mongering, she had noticed the familiar figures of Natalie and Kage in the corner of her eye. She also made sure to keep Â the two within her line of sight, even as she pretended she hadn't seen them.

When she had been finally safe at home in Mist, she had deliberated with herself. The cautious route would be to not do anything for a couple days, and let the rumors stir. However, that wouldn't remove Dennthota from suspicion any faster, and Fist had found herself personally annoyed at the apathetic reactions of some of UI dah's citizenry. Tell the people that the Garleans at their door, and they'll jump to their feet and draw steel. Tell them the Amal'jaa were coming, and they'd do the same. Tell them there were traitors amongst the people you trusted to protect the ruler you loved, and they shrugged and said that's just how things are.

"Fools. They would see their own freedoms taken because 'such is life in Ul'dah'. No wonder Dennthota wants to destroy these traitors. Someone needs to stir the citizens into action."

The thought of Denn made Fist sigh. Denn would not approve of her actions. She was painting a giant target on her back. Yet Â she would do things far worse if it meant Denn would be safe.

And to that end, she slept, and waited for her next chance to return to Ul'dah on the morrow.

McBeefâ„¢ · **04-24-2014, 08:33 PM**

---- Inside the quicksand

[16:54]Screaming Fist: "Just before you, there is a traitor!" SHe pointed a large finger at the small lalafell. "Kage of the Night Blades, traitor to the Sultansworn."
[16:54]Natalie Mcbeef points at Screaming fist, "PEOPLE OF UL'DAH"
[16:54]Natalie Mcbeef: "BEFORE YOU LIES A BED WETTER"
[16:55]Kage Kiryuu crosses his arms and frowns. "Did you just call me a traitor to my beloved Sultana?"
[16:55]Bartolomeo Filangieri perks a brow towards the fiasco going on in the center of the room, "....What in the Gods?"
[16:55]Lambert Arkwright nudges Kage gently "She tried turning me against you, Natalie, and Kayah."
[16:55]Screaming Fist would then turn her back immediately upon Kage, glancing at Natalie from the corner of her eye, befre she continued on her path.
[16:55]You gaze upon Screaming Fist in deep reflection.

----Natalie follows Screaming fist out of the quicksand, and down a nearby alley. Kage arrives soon after.

[16:56]Natalie Mcbeef smiles, "Hello friend, wait a moment?
[16:56]Sashana Star runs after the Roe woman, cutting up short when she sees the others to turn and seem strangely fascinated with the boxes.
[16:57]Screaming Fist turned and stared fully, her single eye falling on Kage and Natalie.
[16:57]Natalie Mcbeef: "Mind if we have a few words?"
[16:57]You smile at Screaming Fist.
[16:57]Bartolomeo Filangieri eyes Sashana with a rising brow and beckons her over, without saying a word.
[16:58]Kage Kiryuu has serious expression on his face, glowering at the insult.
[16:58]Natalie Mcbeef blinks, "You got your armor on fast Kage"
[16:58]Natalie Mcbeef: "You must have been really mad"
[16:58]Kage Kiryuu: "I had it in my room inside. Of course I am mad."
[16:59]Screaming Fist: "What time do I have for traitors?" The woman stepped back once, giving herself some space from the two.
[16:59]You gaze upon Screaming Fist in deep reflection.
[16:59]Natalie Mcbeef: "Traitors?"
[16:59]Natalie Mcbeef: "May I ask on what basis you make that claim?"
[17:00]Kage Kiryuu: "Traitors?" He echoes. "Why would you call us, me in particular, traitors?"
[17:00]Screaming Fist shrugged lightly.
[17:00]Natalie Mcbeef laughs, "I was hoping you'd have a better reason than a shrug"
[17:01]Natalie Mcbeef: "How are we to improve without feedback from the beloved public|"
[17:01]Screaming Fist: "Give me one reason why I should provide you targets for your plots."
[17:02]You gaze upon Screaming Fist in deep reflection.
[17:02]Kage Kiryuu: "Plots? What plots?" He shakes his head, "I guarded the Sultana the day of the ball. I've been graced by her hand. Why would I ever plot against her or the city?"
[17:02]Natalie Mcbeef: "Plots?"
[17:02]Natalie Mcbeef looks at kage, "I wasn't aware protecting the sultana was a plot"
[17:02]Kage Kiryuu disagrees with you.
[17:03]Kage Kiryuu: "I only know of our plots to take down free-wandering Garleans from out beloved city.
[17:03]Natalie Mcbeef nods, "And clear out bandits infesting the roads"
[17:03]Screaming Fist: "Ask the Night Blades," Fist grunted, giving Natalie a single-eyed glare.
[17:04]Natalie Mcbeef blinks, "Ask them...? About why you think the sultansworn are corrupt?"
[17:04]Natalie Mcbeef: "Ask them what excactly?"
[17:04]Screaming Fist: "Beware, Natalie. 'Thunder' is not the only one who hunts for you and Kayah, woman."
[17:04]Natalie Mcbeef nods, "Many enemies of the Sultana wish me ill"
[17:04]Natalie Mcbeef: "Thunder is not the first or the last"
[17:05]Kage Kiryuu ponders inwardly why he's had to face glares from single-eyed Roegadyn recently, it was strangely reminiscent.
[17:05]Natalie Mcbeef: "Though she is one of the most cowardly and despicable"
[17:05]Natalie Mcbeef shakes her head, "Assualting unarmed people during the Royal Ball..."
[17:05]Screaming Fist: "Abalathia knows you well. I will see to it that you and your ilk are shown for what you are." Fist smiled, and ugly, brutal smile. "I will enjoy watching both of your corpses hang from the outer gates, as prey for the buzzards."
[17:05]Natalie Mcbeef: "Every time the Sultana tries to do something for the people, scum like thunder take advantage of it"
[17:06]Natalie Mcbeef blinks, "Well first of all we don't do that here"
[17:06]Natalie Mcbeef: "Ul'dah has... rules and things"
[17:06]Natalie Mcbeef: "Plus it would be a health hazard"
[17:06]Sashana Star smiles at Bartolomeo Filangieri.
[17:06]Kage Kiryuu: "Diseases and plague, " nods Kage.
[17:06]Sashana Star: "I said if you want to kiss me, I don't mind."
[17:06]Screaming Fist: "Rhalgr knows you. The volcano will reject you. The Gate will claim your souls. I am Abalathia, and I will see that you do not escape from judgement."
[17:07]Natalie Mcbeef sighs, "Ah, I see what it is"
[17:07]Kage Kiryuu gazes upon Screaming Fist in deep reflection.
[17:07]Natalie Mcbeef looks at kage and mouths, "Crazy"
[17:07]You sense something amiss with Screaming Fist.
[17:07]Sashana Star gazes upon Bartolomeo Filangieri in deep reflection.
[17:07]Kage Kiryuu eyes the Roegadyn from a corner of his eyes as he looks at Natalie and nods slowly.
[17:07]Sashana Star: "Code?"
[17:08]Natalie Mcbeef nods, "Well... thanks for talking to us Miss..."
[17:08]Screaming Fist took that mment to back away another step, before raising her foot, taking in a deep breath... and stomping down, cracking the flagstone and throwing up dust.
[17:08]Natalie Mcbeef: "Maybe you should drink some water..."
[17:08]Natalie Mcbeef blinks, "Ah "
[17:08]Natalie Mcbeef: "Those are the taxpayers cobblestones..."
[17:08]Kage Kiryuu covers his eyes with his arms and then turns to Natalie.

------- Screaming Fist flees

[17:08]Kage Kiryuu: "I hope I don't need to pay for that..."
[17:08]Natalie Mcbeef sighs, "Well no cure for crazy I suppose"
[17:08]Itarliht Syhrkoensyn: "This place is never dull, that's for sure..."
[17:09]Natalie Mcbeef shakes her head, "Nah it'll get taken care of"
[17:09]Kage Kiryuu: "She mentioned Thunder by name. Think she's a part of Thunder's band?"
[17:10]Natalie Mcbeef nods, "I think it's highly likely they're associated"
[17:10]Natalie Mcbeef: "We should let Kayah know"
[17:11]Kage Kiryuu sighs, "I wish I knew a little bit more of what -he- knows or does. All of this in the shadows stuff just makes me worry more for the Sultana's safety."
[17:13]Natalie Mcbeef laughs, "Kage, like our brothers and sisters would let someone like that anywhere *near* her grace"
[17:13]Natalie Mcbeef: "I think it might be better to leave her alone for the moment"
[17:13]Natalie Mcbeef: "How many Roe were actually involved in Kayah's attack?"
[17:14]Kage Kiryuu thinks, "Two...from my memory there were two."
[17:14]Natalie Mcbeef taps her jaw, "She could be one of them"
[17:14]Natalie Mcbeef: "Well it's not agaisnt the law to be crazy"
[17:14]Kage Kiryuu: "The leader who I could not see what arms she used. The other used her fists."
[17:14]Natalie Mcbeef: "But if needed we can nab her, it might help flush out Thunder"
[17:15]Kage Kiryuu nods slowly. "I'm still working with Ruru on the garlean spy who think she can roam freely."
[17:16]You gaze upon Kage Kiryuu in deep reflection.
[17:16]Natalie Mcbeef: "I'll let Kayah know about this then, thought if you see him first then tell him"
[17:17]Kage Kiryuu nods to you.
[17:18]Kage Kiryuu: "I'll keep a look out for one like her... but she kept herself masked."

Paradox Reality · **04-25-2014, 01:17 AM**

Screaming Fist had escaped.

She had spent the day doing the same as she had the day before--spreading rumors, lighting fires, causing worry. She had started to drop names. Kage. Natalie. Kayah. Night Blades. She had been as cautious as she could have been, wearing her disguise as she went around the various parts of Ul'dah.

Then she had been caught.

In the Quicksand, Kage and Natalie had seen her, and the altercation that had ensued, while not life threatening, was enough to make Fist flee back into the desert, and not stop running until Ul'dah was far from her sight.

"Some were listening," she growled to herself. "Damn those two."

Of course, she was to blame as well. She could have been better prepared. She hadn't planned for them to show themselves so boldly. More the fool she was.

At least the pot was stirring. They had a new target. A FlameÂ Sergeant knew the names and was starting his own search. She would find the three that had expressed interest and find out if they knew anything--or if they'd be willing to hunt with her.

"I am not defeated. I will see this done," she told the darkness of her room. She had made her move. Now it was time to see if she was responded to.

Whispered Treason [Closed]

RPC has moved! These pages have been kept for historical purposes