The Oncoming Storm [Open]

[Coatleque]

Coatleque narrowed her eyes and peered at him, not sure how to take his accusations at first. She decided to let it pass. These rumors were sadly becoming a daily nuisance around the plazas.

 

"Do not worry about the Sultansworn, and pay such rumors no mind. I assure you we are each a stronghold, fiercely loyal to her Grace, and fully capable of weathering any storm. I will find what I can about this friend of yours, and spread word to the others to be on guard."

 

She stood back to attention and bowed low breifly.

 

"Now, lest there was something else..."

[Melodia]

He bowed himself, and smiled at her.

 

"Nothing else at this time, Sergeant. I'd not keep such lovely woman from her duties. I appreciate the time and do hope you get the information to keep the city safe. If you find anything out about Ruru....please let me know. I miss my old friend....and I just want to help him get back on the right path."

 

He straightened and turned to leave.

[Melodia]

-The following day-

 

Nonotano looked at the dead man at his feet, the scorched armor and skin an indicator that he'd been killed in a vicious way. He knelt down and smiled. The Blade had been wandering alone in the wrong area at the wrong time when he'd run into Nono.

 

Nono had been skilled at making himself look more helpless and childlike than he really was and the Blade had fallen for it and had paid for it with his life.

 

"Ah but fear not....your sacrifice will reap a bounty for this game I'm playing."

 

He limped to his satchel and pulled out a fine sword, admiring it. He'd purchased it at the market the night before. It was a Paladin's weapon...sized for a Lalafell but the make and markings made it easily identifiable. Unsheathing the blade he looked down at the dead man and then back to the blade.

 

He swung the blade down hard, and it struck into the dead man's flesh, cleaving deeply, still fresh blood slowly pooling out. He swung again three more times, ensuring the blade was covered in blood before stabbing it into the corpse's stomach and leaving it.

 

"Sorry friend....but dead men don't need to look all that pretty."

 

Breathing a bit hard from the sword swings he gathered the satchel and looked back toward the gates of the city and began walking toward them and paused. His hand rose, and he summoned a blast of fire not at the man but at the ground surround the corpse. The ground erupted and the dust settled. He was confident that would disturb any footprints enough.

 

Walking back to the city he was quite pleased with himself. Not only was Ruru in trouble, he was also entertaining himself in the meantime, hoping two institutions tore themselves to pieces.

[Warren Castille]

Warren sat and considered the facts, trying to push the troublesome letter out of his mind. His initial searches had proven useless and the information had come to him second-hand on account of his status as a Free Paladin, but there was something that unsettled him about the incident. His seat on the stone bench of the fountain near the center of the city had him reluctantly sitting with his back away from a wall, but he shrugged off the unease and focused. Warren considered what he had been told.

 

The ground was charred. The victim was nearly unrecognizable and his armor was nearly melted. He had been skewered with a weapon matching that of a paladin's common design and had suffered multiple gashes. The attack had happened with no witnesses but not on Ul'dah's doorstep.

 

Content with the basics, he began to run down the list of question marks.

 

There were no hard rules against it, but a paladin would have no use, or time, for black arts. The sort of dedication required to cause a blast of that size was something that would have been difficult to keep up with on top of the patrols and drills and duties.

 

The sword. He knew better than to doubt the battle abilities of a lalafell, but this wasn't a random victim. This was a Brass Blade, and the wounds that had felled him were wild, splitting open chest and arms, and not the sort of practiced strikes that a free paladin was supposed to have drilled into them. It also stood that the weapon had been left standing like an ill omen in the gut of the corpse, a warning that matched that of the letters spread throughout the city.

 

Warren visualized the scene as well as he could and began to run arrows into his train of thought. The blast was simple enough to explain; The free paladin hadn't acted alone. The blows to the chest were most curious to him, however. A lalafell's strikes would have been lower on the body than the chest. This could still be explained that an accomplice had reeled the man down before the knight finished him off.

 

A reasonable explanation, but it didn't stick. Something didn't fit. Warren growled to himself, realizing he had zoned out of his surroundings. He shook his head and tried to collect his thoughts once again.

 

The ground was charred. The victim was nearly unrecognizable and his armor was nearly melted...

[Melodia]

Things weren't going along as he'd hoped, and Nono was fuming in his room. There was no pushback against the Paladins, something fun he'd hoped for. No  mass revolt against the Blades. He kicked the bed, a move an insolent child would and sat down on the mattress, cupping his hand in his chin as he pondered his next move.

 

He was no closer to finding Ruru and it irritated him. He held his hand out in front of him and popped small bursts of flame above his palm. The dancing fire was small, just a tease of what he typically unleashed. The dark arts had always tempted him, and he enjoyed the flames.

 

Snapping his palm closed, he extinguished the flame and nodded. He needed to get back to it, and that meant heading back to the Quicksand.

[Melodia]

The mail made him chuckle. This Sultansworn was proving to be more entertainment than his brother ever could be, nor the drones at the Quicksand. If they knew how he loathed them they'd have his head just for that alone. He muttered to himself as he drafted his own reply. "'Has born fruit....' Ha! Fruit of a poisoned tree my dear Sergeant."

 

Wrapping up he note, he walked and delivered it, looking sidelong down the street past the ridiculous dancers that seemed to thrive outside the Quicksand and to the large walls of the city. Perhaps he would find something to keep his mind occupied soon.

 

Nono walked back toward the Steps of Thal, wanting some solitude prior to meeting with the lovely Sergeant. He was truly curious what she'd found.

 

His note read:

 

Sergeant Crofte,

I am receipt of your letter. Perhaps we should meet at the same location as before in one sun. I pray we still have time to save the city.

 

Krell

[Coatleque]

As was her habit, the Knight was early once again. Dressed in her full blue regalia, she stood vigilant at the foot of the fountain, watching the shadows grow longer. Master Krell had best be prepared to present a speech tonight. She did not appreciate being played as a fool.

[Melodia]

Approaching the fountain, his footsteps were a steady rhythm of alternating weights against the brick street. He saw the woman standing, waiting as she'd done before. He decided to wear a simple set of pants and a back tunic top, his crimson hair toussled by a slight breeze. As he ascended the steps with a slight groan he lookad at her with slightly narrowed eyes.

 

"A pleasure to see you again, Sergeant. So you have news I assume?"

[Coatleque]

She turned toward the man and clicked her heels together at attention, but did not bow. "Master Krell.", she replied as her arms crossed. Her sword hand resting upon her hilt.

 

"Indeed, I do have news regarding the man you seek. But before I divulge any information I must administer a test. You see, it has been implied that I am conversing with spirits. Now, I am no fool, Ser, as I can see you plainly before me. What I propose is that you explain yourself now before I decide to run you through to test the theory."

[Melodia]

He didn't move. He merely grinned at the woman, watching her dangle the threat before him as others had done. This woman was no monster....no Melodia. She was a sworn officer of the blah blah blah. He shook his head crossed his arms before and tilted his head a bit, still grinning.

 

"Well, now. Guess I'm in big trouble then."

 

His face suddenly went serious and he glared at Coatleque with a stare that cried a level of malevolence that was a complete switch from the pleasant grin before.

 

"Now listen to me, Sergeant..." The word was layered in heavy sarcasm. "....I relayed information to you. You told me to come here. And now you threaten me in such a manner? I ought to report you to your superiors."

[Coatleque]

She met his glare with her own, trying hard as she could to match the ferocity in his eyes.

 

"You relayed nothing to me. You baited me here with false information pertaining to someone whom I have found was not even IN Ul'dah at the time. I do not know who you really are, Ser, but the amount of trouble you are in depends on your cooperation going forward."

 

"I would also watch your tone within MY city. I will brook no threats from an outsider. Now, if you would be so inclined to explain your false accusations..."

[Melodia]

His eyes never wavered...never blinked. Again, mind flashed back to the cruel and sadistic Melodia and the pain she put him through and knew this woman wasn't her. At least he was betting she wasn't.

 

"As I recall you leveled the first threat....and that was running me through with a sword. Befitting I admit, of one allegedly guarding a Lalafell that's never around. Getting bored so let's terrorize the public."

 

He laughed softly and shook his head, moving his hands behind his lower back and taking a step to the side, still watching her.

 

"So you found Ruru....and the lost little lamb had what to say? He was 'out of town,' right? Sounds convenient. Sounds just like Ruru....always away when things happen." He giggled and turned his back on Coatleque dismissively.

[Coatleque]

She watched him through narrowed eyes.

"You have taken me away from my normal duties under false pretenses pertaining to the security of Her Grace. You should be grateful that mere threats are all I have leveled against you at this point."

 

She gestured at the Lalafell with her left hand, still keeping her right crossed over to her blade.

 

"I have found your man, as you say. I also know he has been away far to long for your own story to line up correctly. Furthermore, he has gained the trust of the Immortal Flames - something that is not taken lightly. And yet you have besmirched him."

 

The Knight slowly paced back and forth as she continued her tirade, never looking away from him.

 

"I would be curious to your intentions, if I were not so put off by them at the same time. You have more than enough information from me as it is. I would suggest you make yourself scarce from this City lest I am forced to bring you in under false threats of violence to Her Grace."

[Melodia]

He turned his head only slightly back toward her, his body still facing the other way, hands still clasped behind his back. He was smiling.

 

"So that's it then. Tried and convicted without any evidence....sounnds like the Ul'dah justice I've come to rely upon over my years in the city."

 

Turning, he winced slightly as the pressure on his knee was a bit much. His gaze was one of pity.

 

"You have been duped...but not by me, my dear. You were duped by Ruru himself. He's been doing it his whole life. And you fell for that stupid smile and his white locks just as everyone else does. So loved and yet so worthless..."

 

His words were becoming more heated and said through gritetd teeth at the end and he was looking beyond Coatleque to his childhood. He caught himself and refocused.

 

"Two questions, Sergeant....for posterity. How long do I have to vacate the city?"

 

His grin showed his teeth and he had a look of a wolf ready to pounce on his target prey.

 

"And two....where was Ruru?"

[Coatleque]

The Knight was still on guard for any retaliation to her remarks. Her trust of this Krell fellow was quickly dwindling as he made his demands without offering information of his own.

 

"I shall give you until sundown on the 'morrow to vacate. More than enough time I am sure. As to your second question, I will only tell you he is not in Thanalan. As you are unwilling to divulge your own information, you shall allow me the same liberty."

 

She paused.

 

"If there is nothing further, I believe our business is concluded."

[Melodia]

He nodded. Plenty of time indeed.

 

"I do believe we're done." He turned and limped away, not bothering to exhange wasted pleasantries. He moved toward the direction of the Quicksand and muttered quietly , a shade above a whisper. "....for now, anyway."

 

He stifled a childish giggle as he moved out of her sight.

[Melodia]

Back in his room he slowly packed his gear and smiled to himself. Nono was happy for the first time in a while. He sat on his bed in the Inn and laid back clasping his hands over his head. He had been aimless for so long and had worried his life was not worth spit.

 

But then he found Ruru.

 

And now he'd found the lovely Sergeant.

 

His time with both of them was not nearly over.

 

Not even close.

[Coatleque]

Alone once more after the messenger left, Coatleque turned up the flame of her lantern and looked down at the letter.

 

Sergeant Crofte

 

The handwriting looked familiar. Cautiously she opened it...

[Melodia]

The letter addressed to Coatleque in the sealed envelope read as follows:

 

Good morning, Sergeant Crofte,

If you have this then surely you saw my gift to you. I admire a woman so spirited and while the game is far from finished with you, I will be taking my leave of the city, as ordered. My prey, as you stated, isn't in Thanalan so I will extend my search elsewhere. But be on guard my dear.....we are far from finished, you and I.

 

And fear not....I've no desire to have you end up as the boy. I'd not let this game end so quickly.

 

Maybe someday you'll get your man.

 

See you soon, Sergeant.

[Coatleque]

She quietly folded the letter and placed it at the side of her desk to file with the others. She would have to deal with this madman later. For now she had to warn someone else while there was still time. Taking a fresh parchment and her quill she set to work penning a new letter.

Chief Flame Sergeant Melkire,

 

It has come to my attention that your man in Limsa may be in danger. I speak of the one I had requested information about when we first traded services. We should meet in person to discus at your earliest convenience. I know this may not be the best time considering the events of the past night, but I must insist for the safety of all.

 

Sincerely,

Ser Crofte, Sgt.

She sealed the letter with the royal crest of Ul'dah and extinguished her lantern. Strapping her blade to her belt once more, she made for the door. There was a delivery to make, and some poor street rat who deserved his last rights.

[Melkire]

A parchment: the handwriting is sloppy, as if the writer was so inattentive as to not even glimpse at the page as he scrawled.

 

 

Ser Crofte, Sgt.,

 

I will not meet you in person for reasons we discussed over the 'shell last sun. I will not meet you while he has her.

 

As for "my man in Limsa," ask around that city for a streetrunning Keeper by name of Kink. Alias. You'll know her by the bend in her tail and the shite falling off her tongue. Disagreeable, that one, but if you need to pass on word or warning, she's the one to contact.

 

Burn this letter after reading.

 

Regretfully,

Chief Flame Sergeant Melkire

[Coatleque]

The Knight stood in the training yard watching the latest recruits spar. She held a folded letter in her hand as she leaned against a pillar. Next to the pillar stood a brazer of smouldering coals. Osric would do what he felt was necessary, and if he didn't want her counsel she could not force it upon him. At the same time, Master Krell knew his target was not in Thanalan, but had little else to go on. Or so she thought. She had time, but was unclear as to how much. She tossed the letter into the brazer and watched as it shriveled into ash, the remnants of the seal sputtering as the wax drooled over the coals.

 

Her mind was set. She had made a promise and intended to make good on it.

 

Continued here...

[Melodia]

The talons ripped through the dirt pathway and the woods were alive all around as the chocobo tore its way through the early morning fog.

 

The Shroud.

 

Nonotano had always hated the place as it was hell on his allergies. Besides the fact that he always felt like eyes were on him here. He drew his cloak over his head tighter and urged the bird toward the gates that were barely visible in the fog. He'd ridden through the night and had finally arrived at Fallguard Float.

 

Passing through the gate and stopping, he dismounted with a heavy groan, his thighs sore from the ride and he stretched his knee for a moment before walking up the wooden walkway toward the tavern, keeping his head down. He'd hoped that his passage through here would be quick and with little trouble. Nonotano knew that the eager Sultansworn might have tried to dispatch notice to the Adders in the Shroud and wanted as little contact as possible for the moment. He didn't want to get derailed so close to Coerthas. But he needed some drink and a small bit of sleep. It would be a shame to get so close and the pass out from exhaustion in the snow only to be ripped to pieces by Snow Wolves or Giants.

 

Walking into the tavern, he kept his cloak about him and sat at one of the tables heaving a sigh of rested relief.

[Melodia]

The humid air was hell on his skin, and Nonotano was happy to be inside...well, kind of inside. The Drowning Wench was open on both ends and he questioned the foolish designer who thought that was a good idea. The coif around his head masked his red hair and he sat near the far wall, watching the bar across the way....

 

.....watching his brother work so damned hard at trying to blend in.

 

Oh that dye job is atrocious Ruru. The thought ran through his head as he sipped at his drink, and he smiled.

 

It had taken some doing but he'd finally seen him. The other day in fact, as he'd been perusing the local markets in Hawker's Alley. Nono had inital doubts.  Ruru had white hair and had never carried himself in such a confident manner before. But after watching him for some time he knew it was Ruru.

 

And so here he was, watching from afar, waiting to see what little brother was waiting for. After some time, he saw....a woman entered. She, too, was trying so gods damned hard to be inconspicuous and yet she stood out like a sore thumb. The hat alone would be enough to draw attention but her mannerisms gave an extra layer of absurdity to the scene.

 

He took note of her, the green haired Miqo'te woman. Took a sharp image in his mind, so he could remember her. This one was working with Ruru though he didn't know what it was related to.

 

He didn't care. He could have his fun with this one. The brilliant part of finding Ruru was going to be destroying Ruru piece by piece without laying a hand on him.

 

He waited for the conversation to end and watched Ruru get up and leave. Nono waited a few ticks and followed, but not too close. His brother was heading to a slightly run down inn and Nono stopped dead in his tracks with wide eyes and grin taking over his face.

 

Ruru was meeting another Lalafell outside the door. A young woman.

 

And they embraced in a loving manner.

 

It was all Nono could do to stop himself from breaking out in laughter. Things were improving by the moment and as he watched them enter he turned to  walk to the moogle delivery box. He had one more task before he began to have his fun.

[Coatleque]

Continued from here...

 

Coatleque sat at the edge of her bed. It was the next day after she had sent Jancis and Warren away. The Innkeeper had left the letter with her breakfast that morning.

 

Of all times for this to happen, why now? She was roped, and cowed. Her orders were to 'lay low'. Both her friends and enemies knew her current location. A trip to La Noscea was not in the plans.

 

Yet she was still a Paladin. This looming threat could not be ignored. Against her better judgement she would have to play both sides now.

 

"Master?... I request permission to leave Thanalan. I must see to... unrelated business in La Noscea."