The Oncoming Storm [Open]

[Melodia]

"You work there.....maybe you can help me. I have a friend....we grew up here together and I left the city some time ago...sort of lost touch with him."

 

He looked a bit saddened at the statement and his eyes went to the ground.

 

"He was like family to me. So it breaks my heart that we've gotten so far out of touch."

 

He looks back at her with mildly pleading eyes.

 

"His name is Rurutani....well I mean we all called him Ruru back when we were kids. He's around my height....a Lalafell like me. Has white hair. He may have come to the Quicksand." He chuckled softly. "Was always one for a drink now and then, that one."

[Aya]

She listens, smiling warmly at the childhood reminisces,

 

"His name is Rurutani....well I mean we all called him Ruru back when we were kids..."

 

At the mention of Ruru's name she smiles a little more, her recognition obvious in her features.  "Oh?! Are you a friend of Ruru's?" Her smile flips for a moment, and she squeezes her lips together tightly, looking a little concerned, "You don't happen to know..." she stops and gives her head a shake, "Of course not, you're looking for him!  I've just been wondering where he's gotten himself off to, myself... I haven't seen him in a long while, and have just been hoping that he's alright."

[Melodia]

So she did know him. And although she seemed to not know his whereabouts, she seemed fond of the little worm.

 

He cocked his head to side a bit and pursed his lips a little. "So you do know him though. It's good to know he was here at least. Maybe....hmmmm....."

 

He seemed lost in thought and tapped his forehead a bit with his finger as if he were solving a complex task in his mind. "Well...do you know of anyone he knows in the city or around here? I mean friends or anything. Maybe they've heard from him."

[Aya]

For just a moment a little cloud seems to cross her expression, and then she turns her head back to him, smiling softly still, "He didn't have many friends that I knew..." she pulls a finger to her lips thoughfully, "If I knew I'd have asked them already..."

[Melodia]

He sighed a bit and nodded.

 

"I understand. I just wish there was someone.. someone who worked with him maybe. I know he'd always dreamed of joining the city guard...or even the Sultansworn, though he was always a bit of a dreamer."

 

He giggled a bit, a saddned tone to it and shook his head. "But if you see him don't tell him I said that."

 

Nono shiffled his feet a bit and glanced to the side before looking back at her. "Well....if you remember anyone...a name of someone I could get in touch with....could you possibly let me know. I am always around and can easily get my mail should you remember and I'm readily available. I just.....I miss Ruru. I'd love to just be able to say hello to him again after so long."

[Aya]

"or even the Sultansworn..."

Aya almost grimaced at the mention of the Sultansworn.  Of course she knew who they were, and in at least some sense, what they had become.  She knew Ruru's former mentor, and who his trusted friends were during his time there.  But they were either gone, or no longer who they had once been, and the mere thought of them conjured forth the shadows and phantoms of conspiracy within her suddenly racing mind.  Suspicion burst into her throat, the pace of her heart quickened, yet she wore the placid smile as best she could, a genuine concern for her little Lalafel friend whom she had not seen for weeks, still shone through.

 

"I really don't know... if I see him, I'll make sure to mention you to him.  Krell, right?"

[Melodia]

He eyed her and her words hung in the air. She didn't know. He nearly incinerated her for wasting his time, but he maintained the smile and and the demeanor. He bowed slightly.

 

"Yes....Krell. Thank you Aya."  He began to walk away and paused briefly. He turned and looked back at her, his face one of grave concern.

 

"Please....if you remember anyone or anything....please let me know. Ruru....I fear he may be in terrible danger if I can't reach him."

 

He turned and began to limp away.

[Aya]

"Please....if you remember anyone or anything....please let me know. Ruru....I fear he may be in terrible danger if I can't reach him."

 

She nodded, "Of course..." as he turned to limp away, she watched, her expression becoming a frown.  She bit her lip, "More trouble..." she thought to herself.  The world seemed to be filling with them, endlessly. 

[Melodia]

He limped back to his room and cursed under his breath. She had provided him nothing. And he should have ended her there on the street, though that might have drawn unwanted.......

 

.....attention.

 

He stood and grinned. "Of course!" He whispered, hissing the words through clenched teeth. Why waste time, he thought, with searching. He recalled the scene vividly in his mind. His friendly wave to the sentries. His armor.

 

He'd been close to them. And they would know something.  Surely they would.

 

The trick would be getting their attention.

[Warren Castille]

The Free Paladin stood like a column before the posted notice. His brow was furrowed as he looked the script over, his arms folded in their usual fashion. Several thoughts came to him at once but he hedged them into a single file line and ran through them one at a time. There were warning bells sounding.

 

He stopped himself mid-thought, reminding himself that expecting the worst would guarantee he would find it.

 

Regardless, a public notice about a potential threat to Ul'dah and Her people was something he couldn't afford to not take seriously. An armored hand reached out and removed the offending parchment with a curt and decisive tug.

 

Master Krell,

 

I would hear you out. If you worry your life is in danger, you may provide a location you feel is safe to discuss this in person. Time is of the essence if your worries prove true.

 

Warren Castille, Free Paladin

 

It was a short letter, but there was no need to become verbose over the contents. He dashed it off and sent it off for delivery before stopping in to the Quicksand. He had intentions to ask around if any of the wait staff was on hand.

[Melodia]

Nono looked at the two notes and chuckled. "Two eager folks. So quick to save the world that they replied the same day. Poor little Ruru."

 

He stood in his room and jotted two response notes to send back. The first read as follows:

 

Sergeant Crofte,

It would by an honor to meet with you. I am only concerned with the safety of this city and its citizens. In one sun, near the Thaumaturge Guild, as the sun sets. Come alone, armed if you will. There will be no tricks, I assure you.

 

Krell

 

 

The second note read:

 

Lord Castille,

Thank for the rapid reply. I would be honored to meet with you. I am only concerned for the danger my old friend has seemingly placed himself in. We shall meet. In one sun, near the Mining guild, as the sun rises. Come alone, armed if you will. I will be unarmed and alone.

 

Krell

 

He put the inkpen down and laughed as he viewed both notes. Nono was playing a dangerous game, but was it any less dangerous than when he'd killed the Garleans in their own outpost? He'd heard enough of the buzz in the Quicksand to know that there were cracks in the Sultansworn. Maybe he could use this Ruru problem to exacerbate those cracks. After all. Why not have a bit of fun while he worked to ruin his little brother? 

 

He sent the letters off with a slight giggle limping back to the Quicksand.

[Warren Castille]

It felt like cheating. Warren was standing in the isolated hallway leading to the Miner's Guild and he was sure he was early, but it always felt like cheating to be awake in Ul'dah after hours and having lights on. The sun wasn't yet rising in the sky but the myriad lamps and lights kept the hallways the same time, day in day out.

 

He was standing rigidly attentive, arms folded as they ever were. Dark circles ringed his eyes and were more evident in the light here, but he kept his mind alert. He reminded himself to be polite, though the long days were creeping in.

[Melodia]

Nonotano walked confidently, the back streetways of the Steps of Thal echoing his light footsteps he made with his boots. The sounds were like a clock.

 

Tap-TAP, Tap-TAP

 

The limp always made the latter step sound louder, more methodical.

 

Impending.

 

He saw the large man waiting and for half a beat wondered if he'd maybe bitten off more than he could chew with this one. He continued forward and took a deep breath, running a hand through his red hair as he approached.

 

"Lord Castille I presume? Krell." He offered a polite bow to the man.

[Warren Castille]

Warren turned his senses in the direction of the sound of footsteps but didn't react visibly until the voice spoke up.

 

"Lord Castille I presume? Krell." Warren offered a polite smile as the Lalafell bowed towards him and then returned it, closing a fist over his chest and dipping slightly forward.

 

"Master Krell. I appreciate you seeking assistance this day. You know we take these sorts of matters very seriously." Warren's gaze softened but he still stood before his opposite as a knight. The size difference didn't make him feel at ease, however. There were enough questionable things that caused him to keep his attention spread out around them.

 

"I apologize you feel the need for this sort of secrecy, though I suppose requesting a meeting in a public place would tip off your quarry." He offers a smaller smile.

[Melodia]

Nono giggled at the comment softly, his childlike voice masking the cruel man that bore it.

 

"I suppose so. Though it isn't really my quarry, but rather....yours?" He gestured at the man and crooked his head to the side a bit.

 

"See....I'm clearly in no shape to defend the people here, nor my old friend, Ruru."

 

He slowly limped around and leaned against some crates that lined the wall, sighing as he reached down to rub his knee, grimacing a bit as he did so. "My old injury....kicks up at this hour. Was run down by an Antelope in the shroud a few years ago. Ah but where was I? Oh yeah....well I'm not really skilled in much....I do a few odds and ends to make ends meet, but I can't even help Ruru, much less stop him."

 

He looked up and sighed again.

 

"He's my friend and I overheard a couple of Roe's...you know those big ones...two women in fact. They were talking in hushed voices....but I have keen ears. They were in Pearl Lane and discussing something about an attack and that their inside man was going to ensure it went down without a hitch. And that's when I heard Ruru's name. I know it isn't much...I couldn't even point out the Roes if I saw them...one was darker. The other....not so much."

 

He stood and looked at Warren with a face that begged for help. "I don't know if anyone knows Ruru in this city, but anyone who might know him...that's who might be able to lead me to him. If I could talk to him....maybe talk him down..." He trailed off, seemingly lost in thought.

[Warren Castille]

Warren listened to the man's tale without interruption, keeping his eyes on his conversation partner.

 

"I must agree there's little to go on there," Warren offered with a sympathetic frown. "I don't doubt your keen hearing, though I would question the veracity of anyone scheming in broad daylight and meaning it. If there is a plot, we will work to uncover it. I must however ask that you refrain from involving yourself." He unfolds his arms and offers a small shrug, holding up a hand to reason while the other settles on the hilt of his sword loosely.

 

"It would be unfortunate if something were to happen to you. Though perhaps it is possible your man saw your note and would rather talk to you? I don't know how long it was in the open before I got to it." He makes a dramatic motion of frowning in thought. "Though it would likely only serve to aggravate him that you aired that sort of dirty laundry out in public. Perhaps you're wiser than I realized to prefer sneaking."

[Melodia]

He leaned in and in a low voice he said, "Ruru....while he's a good man at heart, is dangerous. But if I found him...I could take care of him." He giggled a little  and shook his head. "That sounded awful...I mean I can talk him down...get him out of the place he's gotten to."

 

He walked a few steps and paused.

 

"Though I'd be careful. Doesn't seem to be anyone taking this threat seriously. I mean...I spoke to someone in the Sultansworn this just last evening and he laughed me off. Told me if I gave him enough coin he'd help." He shook his head. "I'd sooner trust the Brass Blades now at this point."

 

He turned and offered a slight bow.

 

"I do appreciate the time, good sir. Remember....please let me know if you learn anything. He's always been such a good friend and I hate to see him down this dark path."

[Warren Castille]

Warren remained unmoving, listening to the man's account of things without so much as a flicker of uncertainty on his face. "I assure you we take these sorts of accusations seriously. I'll talk to some folks I know to be trustworthy and we'll get to the bottom of this. If there is a threat, it will be abated."

 

When Krell turned to bow, Warren did so in kind. "Should anything arise, don't hesitate to call on us again." He smiled, the expression appearing natural. "Get home and rest that leg. Wouldn't want anything to happen to you now, especially since we were alone. Enough accusations flying around about us as is."

[Melodia]

He nodded and began to limp away. "That's true good sir.....wouldn't want any accusations flying about. Thank you again."

 

He limped away into the early morning streets, and with his back to the man, a wicked grin crossed his lips as he walked.

 

Even if he didn't find Ruru, he was enjoying the possibility of widening the cracks in the city he no longer cared for.

[Coatleque]

The sun hovered low in the sky as the Knight entered the plaza before the Thaumaturge's guild. The long shadows cast by the towering skyline of the city gave the appearance of night already, though the red hue of the sky above told otherwise. She was barely half-way through what was now her daily shift, though secretly glad for the change of pace no matter how suspicious it was.

 

Coatleque took up her position at the foot of the fountain, well in view of the public eye should someone pass this way. She smirked at the inscription which she had read so often before. "Divinity indeed.", she remarked. The words had once seemed an admirable motto for the city she called home. Though more recent events began to change that opinion.

 

Turning her back to it, she took up her vigil for this mysterious Master Krell.

[Melodia]

He saw her from a distance, standing aloft, a symbol of the rot this city had grown over the years.

 

A Sultansworn in the flesh.

 

He forced his mouth from rolling into a scowl as she came closer into view and allowed himself a false smile, as he raised his hands in a peaceful manner. He limped closer and up the steps to where she was in earshot.

 

"See? No tricks and unarmed. A simple weaver wouldn't really be able to arm himself so well I think."

 

As he neared, he bowed, hands still showing.

 

"I assume you must be Sergeant Crofte. I am Krell. Thank you for seeing me on this matter."

[Coatleque]

http://i.imgur.com/KDsyNVe.png[/img]

(( picture for context ))

 

The Knight heard his uneven steps before he even spoke. She tilted her head but did not turn until he addressed her directly. Looking down in his direction, the Lalafel was not what she had expected from so stern a warning message. Her expression belied her astonishment as she turned to face him and bowed in return.

 

"Aye, I am Lady Crofte. Pleased to see you unharmed after the warning you expressed."

 

She scanned the area to be sure they were not being overheard out in the open. Her arms were crossed while her sword hand remained at the tip of the hilt ready to draw.

 

"I understand you are privy to some information regarding the security of our citizenry."

[Melodia]

He lowered his hands slowly and smiled at the woman. "I didn't know they had women that looked like you in the Sultansworn....if I'd have known that I'd have changed professions years ago." He giggled, and shook his head. "Forgive me. I shouldn't talk that way to someone of your status."

 

He grew serious and scowled a bit. "Ruru...the man I mentioned. He's an old friend of mine. And he's gotten himself into trouble. I was over in Pearl Lane and had overheard a Hyur woman...highlander type and a female Roe discussing something about 'hitting the city' and that their man in the city would take care of things. That's when I heard Ruru's name. I worry he's gotten himself involved in something over his head."

 

He paused then shook his head a bit. "Tried to tell one of the Brass Blades yesterday and he told me it'd be a waste of his time without payment. That...that's just wrong."

[Coatleque]

She was almost taken aback by his shameless attempt to butter her up. Or at least she would have been if it wasn't so common place these days. Still, the Knight swept her bangs back with a finger and listened to him as they quickly fell forward again. She did seem to relax though, placing her hands on her hips. Her demeanor turns sour slightly at the mention of the Blades.

 

"Aye, I wouldn't much count on them for charity. I, however, am thankful you were brave enough to come forward quickly as you did. Pearl Lane, you say? I sadly know the area well. How long ago was this overhearing of words? I should probably start any investigation there. Is there anything else you could tell me about this friend of yours?"

[Melodia]

He watched her relax and mimicked his own posture, showing her that he was not any danger at all.

 

"Yes...Pearl Lane, I'm confident of that. Was in the evening hours if I recall, two suns ago." He shook his head. "Ruru....I worry about him. He always talked about Ul'dah....loved the city guard...even you Sultansworn. I surely hope he hasn't brought any of those fine people over to his misguided delusions."

 

He leaned closer and stared into her eyes.

 

"I'm not telling you how to do your job.....but I'd watch your people. If anyone had any contact with Ruru....well...you never know." He shrugged and tilted his head a bit, as if puzzled by some unknown mystery that he knew he couldn't solve.

 

"If we can find Ruru....then we might be able to root out any conspirators....or maybe the reverse is true..." He let the words hang in the air, as he wanted them to dig deep into her thoughts.