The Wandering Warrior Part 2

[Nexus Dorma]

(( Stay tuned for upcoming RP!! ))

[Nexus Dorma]

"Exquisite...just, exquisite."

 

G'leo jars awake in his darkened cell as a silhouette appears before the door. He cannot distinguish the face of the large form of the man who stands there, but his presence incites an air of unease. 

 

"It's a fine specimen if I do say so myself master," speaks a voice from behind the figure; the voice much less booming than the first. "But this one is clearly ragged, and it looks far to savage a prize. Shall we not continue our inspection before we choose upo-"

 

"No, we shall not." The first lines of a face can be seen as the much larger shadow turns his head. The traces of light from the torch, which were previously blocked out by the man, begin to display the distinct facial features of a dark-skinned Roegadyn with ebony hair. "It shall do just fine. You would do well to remember, that an esteemed man such as myself seeks the most exotic and rare finds this world has to offer, and since you are clearly lacking in a keener-eye, this one..." pointing back to G'leo. "Is of a unique breed and status. I want this one." 

 

The Miqo'te rises up from the makeshift bed of straw and cloth, stepping closer to the bars which separate him from the giant. "Who are you, and why have you come here?"

 

The Roe fixes his gaze on G'leo's eyes; a wince of what appears to be disgust crosses his face. G'leo's question remains unanswered as the man turns around addressing his comrade. "Yes, this one will do just fine."

 

The Roe joins the second; a tall, slender framed Elezen nods his head to his master, and offers a scowl in G'leo's direction. The guard on duty stands with them and escorts them both out of the cell block. He happens to have been flipping a large, gold coin in the air as he walks

 

G'leo watches them leave as silently as they came, but the feeling of unease doesn't accompany them as they depart.

[Nexus Dorma]

The Roe and his Elezen companion explore the hall outside of Lady Crote's office. Both having recently escorted have waited a fair amount of time for the Sultansworn's appearance; men of their class were not meant to be kept waiting, and the Roe elite clearly wasn't having a comfortable time doing so.

 

The Elezen was busy inspecting a painting of the Sultana in finer detail through half-mooned glasses, while the Roe stands still as a statue, hands behind in back, next to a very plush looking bench. He refused to sit on it on the pretense of finding it dusty and "lumpy-looking."

 

"Sir, are you sure you wouldn't rather just send a letter to the knight?" the Elezen pushes his long, white hair back as he addresses his master. "The prisoner isn't going anywhere after all."

 

"No, we will wait here until she returns." The Roe barks out resolutely. "The Flame officers of the prison were paid a well enough sum to provide us with at least a temporary service of loyalty...besides, I don't want my claim wasting away any longer in that dingy piece of shite they call a prison. The Flame's reputation for the care of their prisoners isn't glamorous by any means, I don't want them to spoil my prize."

 

The Elezen nods his head simply with a long, over-exaggerated sigh. He really does hope she shows up soon for his master really isn't one to be kept waiting.

[Coatleque]

Coatleque arrived per her usual time coming from the palace. She was walking with another speaking low as they rounded the corner. The pair ignored the Roe and his Elezen hound as they moved right to her office door. She stopped to unlock it before turning back to the other Sworn she was with.

 

"She will have to talk sometime. If she does not give me something to go off of, I will not be able to stay Anduron's hand much longer. He is not stupid, and knows it is a matter of time before the Captain forces me to relinquish her. I pray Captain Mynheir can at least offer some resistance when the time comes."

 

That was when she actually noticed her two guests - one of them looking rather impatient. She nodded to her comrade whom promptly saluted and continued on his way. Opening the door she gestured to the finer dressed Roe whom she assumed was in charge between the two.

 

"Good day, Sir. You look as if you were waiting for something. Might I help you?"

 

She did not wait for a response before stepping into the cramped office, quickly removing a small stack of papers from the desk and shoving them into a drawer.

[Nexus Dorma]

The Roe directs a look towards the Sultansworn as he passes by his servant, but it is the Elezen who steps into the office to answer.

 

"Pardon me my Lady, but yes, we do have some business to discuss. I will speak on behalf of my master, Lord Fortomb, as his representative." The Elezen says after an extravagantly performed bow. "My name is Balthamon, and it is quite the honor to make your acquaintance, Lady Crofte."

 

Fortomb focuses his gaze on the Sultansworn as he attempts to assess her; it is stony, if not a bit lifeless gaze. His counterpart, however, is more enthralled by the sight of the Sultansworn's office and looks around in awe. His overly-flamboyant clothes match noting in the decor of the room. 

 

"Lord Fortomb, and myself (doesn't want to leave himself out), have stumbled upon the knowledge that you have acquired a certain select, "elite" prisoner by the name of G'leo Nuhn. He has been following his bounty quite closely, and found it...rather enticing that Nuhn would be hunted down in the city of Ul'dah. Even more remarkable enough to hear that said Nuhn actually turned himself into your custody, considering the charges pressed against him."

 

Balthamon offers a knowing smirk to Crofte. The guards were bribed not to tell her that they both were in the prison not to long ago.

 

"Lord Fortomb, and myself, would like to remove the prisoner from the Flame cell. The Lord offers to pay his bail, as well as interest, for the Nuhn's custody into his care."

[Coatleque]

As the one called Balthamon spoke, she had circled the desk and sat down. Her fingers she laced in front of her on the desk as she had seen her Captain do many times before. She listened to the man's proposal in its entirety, not batting an eyelash or betraying any emotion at how well informed they seemed to be. Her eyes did not leave the one who was talking all the while. It may have even seemed as if she was ignoring the Roe now since he hadn't the time to use his own breath on her.

 

"Absolutely not.", she replied curtly at the end of his speech. Her expression remained calm as she regarded the man, waiting for his next set of terms.

[Nexus Dorma]

A scowl sets on the Roe's face, but it isn't directed at Crofte.

 

His servant takes note of it, gulping as he turns to face her again.

 

"M'lady, this is certainly a first...you would turn down the Nuhn's opportunity at a second chance. Would it not be wiser to bring the (need I remind you) prisoner who is wanted for treason, murder, and theft into a more civilized abode where he might be better educated and watched over carefully rather than in a cell which affords him no better state of living? Money, of course, isn't an obstacle for us, Lady Crofte. You merely have to name a price, and the master can pay for it. Please...explain your reasoning, I'm sure we both would like to hear why."

 

Lord Fortomb turns his gaze back to Lady Crofte. A knowing look etched on his face; he actually seems amused watching his servant's attempt at persuading the Sultansworn.

 

------------------------Meanwhile--------------------------

 

G'leo is pacing in his cell like a caged lion.

 

"Sit back down will you, savage. You're making mah nauseous just watchin' you."

 

G'leo takes a breath, sitting on the hard ground. He flinches as he actually manages to sit on his own tail...Not a good sign. 

 

The guard on duty leans back in his chair; balancing somewhat expertly as he peels an apple with a blunt knife. "Yah not goin' anywheres animal, and wearin' a hole in tha ground would afford you nuffin' to overcome 'at fever ya 'ave to get outdoors. Just sit on yah arse an' be still."

 

G'leo watches the guard rock back and forth. "Is there no way to at least get a cell with a window? Something...I don't understand how the people in the city are able to stand remaining in such tight quarters for so long."

 

"Eh, well ya get used to it. 'Ere." He tosses G'leo a sliver of the apple, which he catches. "Tell us a story, eh? Sumfin' about where ya from?"

 

G'leo looks at the guard. "There are many stories to tell...what kind do you wish to hear?"

 

"Sumfin' good...sumfin'...sumfin' wif' a woman, eh?" He sounds a little bit enthused. "You lot got anythin' like that, if ya get mah meanin'?"

 

G'leo chuckles. "Aye, I understand...Hmm...I suppose, The Nuhn and the White Rose would be appropriate. Long ago, back when my father's father was but a boy, there was a Nuhn by the name of G'usemet Rah Nuhn..."

[Coatleque]

Her expression did not change as she listened to his second plea. If she felt anything at all it would be sympathy that the man had no choice but to try again. She turned one hand over in a questioning sort of gesture.

 

"Apologies, but you misunderstand me. Even if I wanted to hand him over to you, it is not within my power to do so. It was not Ul'dah who wanted this man, but his home tribe. The reward they offered the state was significantly more than the bounty we offered for his capture, and I am not about to step on some monetarists toes to hand him over to you now.

 

As of now he is being kept at the Hall of Flames until his tribe comes to collect him. When last I checked the Flames are not in the habit of selling prisoners. What interest is this man to you anyroad?"

[Nexus Dorma]

"The immediate concern for the Nuhn is it's own well being; our intentions being purely noble a-"

 

"Shut up, you idiot. This isn't an argument you can win by your silver tongue alone."

 

Lord Fortomb looks to his servant in disgust. He motions his head towards the door; dismissing the defeated looking Balthamon. The Elezen rises, as he attempts to regain his composure, bows politely to Crofte, and saunters his way out of the room. He closes the door with practiced hand, leaving only a 'click' as the door shuts. 

 

Lord Fortomb turns his attention back to Lady Crofte, scrutinizing her as any predator would. He approaches the desk, resting a large hand on it as a kickstand for his frame.

 

"Tell me Mrs. Crofte, what is it that you stand for as a Sultansworn?"

[Coatleque]

Coatleque watched as the Roe whipped his cur into submission and pushed him out the door. As the door closed, she sighed and folded her hands once more on the desk. As the man turned his eyes upon her she met his scrutiny with her own measured glare.

 

"It is Miss, thank you, and you are certainly a stranger to Ul'dah if you do not know what this office stands for; Seeing how it is lambasted by the Lantern at least twice a week.

 

So this is your chosen strategy already then? You bring mine own loyalties into question and then spend much needed breath on systematically proving how they are flawed to try and gain some form of leverage, and then use said lever to pry what you want out of me. A tiring game these politics are.

 

Perhaps I should save you the trouble and merely reiterate what I've already told your servant. Oh, but you have left me at a disadvantage, Master... ?"

[Nexus Dorma]

A wicked smile stretches across the Roe's face. He never averts his gaze from Crofte, even as he begins to chuckle. "Amusing...really. It is Lord Fortomb, in case you had forgotten."

 

"You're right about one thing, but that is all, I am not from Ul'dah. I find this place to be a retched pool of worms, climbing atop each other's backs, but finding only their efforts for naught; for a bird will always come...and swipe away the ones that rise to the top. You're reputation as a Sworn is not withstanding, I myself can admire the position from which you lead as a military man myself; long ago of course."

 

He walks boldly around her desk, flanking it as he drags his hand across it's surface, even moving behind her chair as he speaks. His eyes fixed on her.

 

"Your loyalties are not in question today, Miss Crofte, we both know what position you stand on...and that this isn't one that is earned easily. Even you have to walk on the backs of others. I don't give a damn about your false impression of me coming here today was, but what I do care for is your answer to my question...what is it you stand for?"

 

He stops again as he stands in front of her desk, his back facing her, but his eyes still looking in her direction. 

 

"You've made your point about the prisoner, that much is clear, but I'm not as interested right now in the pissant as I am you...what is it you stand for, or rather...what is it you stand upon?"

[Coatleque]

She sat rather uncomfortably as the man circled her desk, only moving to lean back when he stopped at the front once more.

 

"I appreciate your bravado, Master Fortomb, but you have just admitted to being the foreigner here. Quite odd that you come seeking me out and then demand that I declare mine intentions to you. I serve the interests of her Grace, Nanamo Ul'Namo, the right and proper ruler of Thanalan. Is this answer sufficient for you? Perhaps I should ask whom you serve as well?"

[Nexus Dorma]

"Hmm...heh...Hahahah!"

 

He pats his chest as he laughs. He turns around to actually face her this time. 

 

"Such grand assumptions...even for you Miss Sultansworn." He claps for her, slowly. "I didn't come for you, I came for the prisoner; you, my dear, are sadly not as enticing as what we had planned for the Nuhn. As I said before, I don't give a damn about your intentions, all I care about is an answer to my question. Which...you've chosen to evade again, even if you find your answer 'sufficient'."

 

He gradually approaches her desk, searching his pocket for a specific item. The illusion appearing as if he grows in height and size as he walks closer.

 

"Suspicious and honorable to a cause that has you squirming like bait on a hook, even if you don't know it yet. I'll at least answer your question...I don't work for anyone but my own interest, and you have actually managed to pique that."

 

He sets down a card in front of her with his name and an address on it: Hollyfrost Mansion, Middle La Noscea.

 

"Continue your work then, Sultansworn, for I must return to mine. Your suspicions aren't completely wrong, but your assumptions, I'm afraid, will be your undoing. Keep the card, even if you don't want it...You'll be needing it soon enough."

 

He turns around slowly, humming in amusement as he passes through the doorway. His servant waits for him outside, and they exchange a few words before the door shuts with the same dull 'click'. 

 

"The seeds we sow, Lord Fortomb, the seeds we sow."

[Coatleque]

As the door clicked shut she let out a slow breath she did not realize she had been holding. Shaking her head in measured disgust, she opened a desk drawer and withdrew a yellow and orange colored pearl. Switching out the one in her right ear she spoke to no one in particular.

 

"Commander? Apologies for such short notice.

Is the Nunh still in custody?

I see...

No word yet?

Very well. I shall be there shortly. I need a few words with him.

Understood. Crofte out."

 

Replacing it with the original peal, she quickly hid it away in her drawer once more before leaving the office and locking the door.

[Nexus Dorma]

[align=center]Southern Thanalan[/align]

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

The Forgotten Springs have been void of much attention as of late. Nothing especially new besides the occasional resort goers, adventurers, and Ala Mhigans seeking respite after making their way across the desert. 

 

U'odh Nuhn himself has found these past few weeks rather droll without one of his ilk back. The Miqo'te was to return within the month. The shipments U'odh had ordered had arrived on schedule, but the young one didn't return with him. The huntresses had caught wind of his rather unsightly mood; it's never been like him to worry for this long, but nevertheless, he fears the worst.

 

Rumors have spread, even this far on the border of Ul'dah, but he was never one to indulge in rumors.

 

"They arrre like the sand devil, rrrumor's trruth loose powerrr as they continue along through the land"

 

But G'leo has never been away this long without any word...

 

He sits in his usual spot with the door open; His eyes have not left the Aetheryte all day.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Coatleque]

It was late in the afternoon when Coatleque arrived at the Forgotten Springs. She had made the treacherous journey herself from Little Ala'Mhigo down through Zanr'ak. The trip was dual purpose for her. She had promised the Flame Commander stationed at her departure that she would report back on any Amalj'aa movements she could spy on as she hugged the mountains down through the pass. Thankfully the trip was uneventful.

 

She kept to the side of the cliffs as much as possible to shield from the desert winds. At least her target was a known destination. There was no envy lost for those who had need to wander aimlessly into the Sagolii. The springs were a stationary landmark, and the last, best source of water for at least three days.

 

Having stabled and made arrangements for her bird at the Flames outpost, she first checked in with the local Commander to make her report. They would be able to send word back north as soon as a runner was available. Once that business was settled she proceeded to question the Commander about her own business.

 

There was a prisoner back in the city who was waiting transport to his clan. They had offered a five-hundred thousand gil reward for his capture. The Blades promptly accepted the task and put out their own bounty notice of seventy-five thousand to whoever could bring him in. There was profit to be made here. What a surprise when the man had turned himself in. He may have even saved his own life by doing so to a Paladin rather than a Flame or Blade.

 

But that was almost a sevenday ago, and there had been no word. While the Blades would have been content to simply let him rot, and the Flames had nobody to spare for such a menial task, contacting the G tribe had fallen to the woman who brought him in.

 

Unfortunately for her, this outpost knew barely any more than the last. There was only one advantage here, however, which was the presence of the U tribe. It would take a Miqo'te to find a Miqo'te. And so as the sun hung low in the sky she found herself slowly approaching U'odh Nuhn with hand raised as if to hail him.

[Nexus Dorma]

"My Nuhn! My Nuhn!" One of the female scouts runs into the house where U'odh usually resides. U'odh shakes his head as if summoned from a trance as she finishes. "One of the Sultansworn is approaching the springs!"

 

"Prreparrre for the knights arrrival, stow away the drrakes, and lock G'leo's rrroom." The Huntress runs off at her instruction as U'odh turns to address both of the Tia's. "Come with me, we will meet her at the gate." Both nod in response.

 

It is in a mere matter of seconds before a small clamor of life surges back into the Springs. As everyone scatters to prepare for the unexpected arrival of the Sworn, U'odh shoots a wavering glance at the Aetheryte; hoping that this time G'leo would appear.

 

He doesn't...and this guest doesn't bode well. They've not entertained a Sultansworn for some time, and when they have ill news is sure to follow. A lump rises in U'odh throat as he walks to the gate, the two Tia's trailing behind, and takes a deep breath.  

 

Please...have news of G'leo, but most of all...Please...let it be good.

 

 

U'odh raises his hand in response as the Sultansworn's greeting as she approaches the Springs. His face taking on his usual stoic but cheerful demeanor despite his worry. 

 

"Sultansworrn, it is an honorrr to welcome you to the Forrgotten Sprrrings."

[Coatleque]

She smiled and bowed low to the Nuhn, one hand remaining on the hilt of her sword all the same. Righting herself slowly she stood with feet slightly parted. "The honor is mine, Master U'odh. It has been quite some time since I have been this far south. Even longer since I had attempted to traverse the Sagolii. Be at ease, however. I am not here in official capacity. Her Grace certainly has no qualms with your tribe."

 

Pausing for a moment, she shifted slightly on her heels. "I am here, rather, to discuss the fate of a prisoner who decided to turn himself in recently."

 

She proceeded to explain the situation of how G'leo came to her and accepted his imprisonment without aggression, of how nobody had come from the G tribe yet to claim him. Her words were laced with sympathy to his plight, but it was clear she had come to perform her duty to the city just the same.

 

"So, you know my predicament here. He is unharmed, well fed, and waiting. I've come to find someone who is to take charge over him that we may receive the promised payment."

[Nexus Dorma]

U'odh ushers Lady Crofte to the house as she recounts the previous event over the last week. A huntress, one of U'odh favorites, brings them both water from the spring and bows as she departs. U'odh remains stoic and resolute for the majority of Crofte's tale, as a Nuhn should, but he can feel his heart sinking with each word. 

 

How did it come to this...G'leo...have I failed you?

 

 

He allows her to finish before responding, "I thank you forrr showing hospitality to G'leo Nuhn, and yes I do underrstand the currrent situation you arre in; howeverrr, to answerrr yourr question on the werreabouts of the G trrribe is difficult. They rrremain isolated frrrom much of the known worrld, living farrrtherr south of Sagolli. They chose to rremain this way keep theirrr part of the worrrld excluded frrrom ours, but I do have some news that will benefit you. One of the U scouts had rrreporrted seeing memberrrs of the G trrribe moving accrrross the deserrt not but 2 days ago. By this time now they should be arrriving in Ul'dah rrrelatively soon."

 

He pauses as his face looses some of it's temperance. 

 

"If I may ask..." U'odh's strength actually begins to fade to deep concern. "Is therrre naught that can be done to save him? To save G'leo? If therrre would be a way...I would seek it."

 

Both of the Tia's in the room look at U'odh in shock; they've never seen him like this except in times of desperate need, and even that was only once before.

[Coatleque]

Coatleque had since taken a seat within the house. Her legs bent straight in front of her, and her posture rigid. She may as well have remained standing as it may have been more comfortable.

 

"Save him? From what, exactly? The man has confessed to the crimes. I know not what he meant to you, but I would be a very poor Paladin if I simply allowed him to walk out of his cell before answering to a charge of murder let alone treason."

 

They sat in silence for a moment as she allowed him to consider her words. Coatleque took that moment to drink from her cup before continuing.

 

"Master U'odh. It is my job to see that justice is served. Justice, however, must be blind as they say. What I know of this man is what we have been told by the G tribe's representative when the bounty was posted. Perhaps, however, you can shew me a different perspective of the man?"

[Nexus Dorma]

U'odh shifts slightly. Even under the rigidness of the Sultansworn's demeanor, he has never found himself to be uncomfortable under the scrutiny of another (he's fucking fought Titan for Hydalen's sake), but his request to the woman is what stokes the sense of uneasiness that he feels kindling inside of him. 

 

"Please do not misinterrrprret what I ask of you, Lady Crrrofte. I underrrstand your position in this matter verrry clearrly, and I have faith in what that boy is doing, but I will not rrrevoke what I have said earrlier...if it werre up to me..." his voices wavers, even falters, as he speaks. "I...I would see that boy be finally able to walk frreely without being hunted forrr the crrrime of simply defending himself."

 

U'odh adjusts his posture in his chair, trying to retain his stoic demeanor. It is unlike him to react so passionately and he knows that. U'khuba Tia sees the Nuhn's pain and places a reassuring hand on the Nuhn's shoulder, who nods his thanks in reply. U'odh corrects himself before his emotions reign free of his judgement, and looks back to Crofte. 

 

"What I am about to tell you has not been sharred except with a select few of this trribe and most trusted allies; I would ask that you would rrrespect this knowledge forrr it's lack of disclosurrre. G'leo Nuhn is the orrrphaned son of his fatherrr, G'anu Nuhn (who was my verrry close friend) and exile of the G trrribe, but morrre than that...I am his Rrrito, his godfatherrr. When his fatherrr was defeated in an dishonorrable conflict with G'rrramau Tia, who used magic to poison and overrpowerrr the former Nuhn, G'leo was subject to be hunted by his own trrribe; he was only eleven at this time and had just barrely earrned his rrright to manhood. As dirrrected by G law, any offsprrring of the defeated (in this unlawful case, murdered) Nuhn should be hunted down and killed to prrrevent the sprrread of lesserr offsprrring. This law, was instituted by G'rrramau Nuhn, who still rrrules the G trrribe with an irron fist."

 

U'odh pauses, drinking from his cup of water, before continuing. He'd spit on the floor from just uttering that bastard's name, but he retains his composure.  

 

"G'leo's brrrotherrs and sisterrs werre hunted down one by one and killed along with G'leo's motherr who was defiled when she rresisted G'rrramau's rrright to rrrule. The boy...He trried to sneak back into the camp and kill G'rrramau, but the cowarrrd knew of the boys intent and capturred G'leo. He allowed the boy the chance to challenge him in the same fashion as his fatherrr, but G'leo was no match forrr him. G'ramau was and prrobably still is a powerrful warriorr, and, despite his outlawed use of magic in battle, was able to defeat and injurre the young G'leo. G'leo still carrries the scar of that fight acrross his chest and back." U'odh motions with his hand showing that the scar would cross from his shoulder blade down to the length of his lower abdomen.

 

"The boy did the only thing he could think of after his defeat and rrran for his life. Frrom then on he was labeled as a trrraitor to his trrribe. G'rrramau sent his own sons to hunt down G'leo, but they werre not as skilled a hunterrr as the young G'leo was; the boy has always been verrry resourceful and managed to evade them forrr some time in the desert, but, as fate would have it, he was forrrced to face them eventually. G'leo was able to kill one of his purrsuers by taking him by surrrprrise and then stealing his weapon to face the others, and his valor caused the other pissants to flee. Alas...he was forrrced to surrrvive in the Sagolli alone forrr the next month; it was afterrr that time when I found him."

 

U'odh finishes with a heavy sigh; he hasn't recounted that story for a long time now. 

 

"His fatherr asked me to be the child's godfatherr in the event that anything unforrtunate should happen, and when word of G'anu's death rrreached mine earrs, I stole no time to mourrn my frrriends death...I simply went looking forrr the boy...That brrrave, stupid, noble boy...Therre is no doubt in my mind that when he turrrned himself in he did so to prrrotect anotherrr. He has always been like this, always seeking to defend those he carres for, and always being stubborrnly Irrrational in his decision making...I admirrre him for that fact, but...it pains me to see how much he forrrces upon himself to sufferrr when he has alrrready sufferrred enough. I love that boy, as if he werre my own son, and that is why I ask you...if therrre is any way my tribe can unite funds to buy his contrrract, or to keep him from the hands of that madman...please, let us. What you subject him to is a fate that is worrse than death if he rrreturns there. Not only will he be victim to G'ramau's torture, but also the furrrther disgrace of his family in frrront of his trrribe. It would brrreak my heart to see his legacy end in such dishonorr."

[Coatleque]

Coatleque sat quietly as she listened to the story. If she had felt any emotion either way she did not show it. Her eyes remained fixed on the Nuhn and she occasionally sipped water from her cup. Even after he had finished his pleas, she was silent while left to her thoughts. As his looks of despair began to fade she set her cup down on the table and broke the thick silence that had settled.

 

"I will tell you true that I am glad my journey led me to you. You have shed much light on not only the man's past, but why he behaves as he does. As a Paladin, I am charged with administering justice where it is due. Surely justice is not deserved by the man, G'leo, in this case.

 

However, I am also charged with upholding the law. That is not the same as enforcing it, mind you. His tribe offered the Brass Blades a substantial amount of coin. They would laugh me out of their offices if I arrived with the notion of dismissing such a sum. This is especially true because it is Miqo'te tribal laws, not Ul'dahn which are now in question. In short, they have no incentive to care about the man except by whatever goodness of their hearts they can muster.

 

The Sultana has allowed the tribes of the Sagolii to handle their own affairs in this way out of a cultural respect, so neither shall I infringe upon it. The man is not guilty in Ul'dah, nor the borders of Thanalan except to the extent that his tribe is willing to hunt for him."

 

She leaned forward, her gauntleted hands steepled in front of her.

 

"I regret that I myself cannot release him. But do not lose heart. This man surely requires some aid, and I do know a branch of the Immortal Flames who specialize in humanitarian relief. I will contact them to see if they can have him moved discretely away from the city, right from under the Blades' noses. What happens to him then is his own affair, as well as yours I would imagine, and his tribe's.

 

I can almost guarantee the bounty notice will also be drawn up again. I have a ... contact who has some pull with the Blades. Perhaps I can trade a... favor to have this ignored. I highly doubt they will ignore the sum of five-hundred thousand though. Do not wait for me in this matter if you have your own way to call of the hunt.

 

If these terms are acceptable to you, then I will declare my judgement complete and return to my duties in the city."

[Nexus Dorma]

U'odh nods his head to Crofte's verdict to his plea. 

"Everrr faithful to the law forrr which you serrrve to protect; The law we find ourrrselves all subject too...You have hearrrd my plea, and forr that I am thankful that it didn't fall on deaf earrrs."

 

He sounds bitter, but of course the man would only wish for more for his own godson. 

 

"Thank you, Lady Crrrofte, for yourrr visit. I hope that the inforrrmation my trribe has been able to prrrovide you will aid you in yourrr searrch to find the G trrribe, and that you arrrive to yourr city beforrre they do. Please, feel frrree to use the Aetherryte to see you home safely. You go with my best wishes in yourrr success, and may the fates everrr guide yourrr blade in the rrright dirrection."

 

He rises from his seat nodding his head to the woman.

 

-----------------------------------------------Meanwhile----------------------------------------------

 

[align=center]Refugee Camps (Central Thanalan, Ul'dah)[/align]

 

Norrington huffs a cloud of smoke in the tent he currently occupies. Myst has been doing her best to console the drake, which has fallen under a spell of depression, by stroking his large, hard scales 

 

She knows what he is feeling, for she is feeling similar...She misses G'leo, a lot. 

 

The drake has reached an unhealthy level by this time having eaten little and rarely going out to warm himself under the sun. Norrington has been grateful to Eva for not completely neglecting him. (( :B )) She'd been gone, he believes, to train with a male no-scales; he was currently keeping to himself.

 

He raises his head to nudge Myst's hand as a sign of reassurance for the girl who smiles in response.

 

"The scent is close! I can alrrready feel my blood boiling knowing that ourrr hunt forr the trrraitorr is overrr! I'm ready to drink this cur's blood, and cut of his tail! Death to the disgrrraced!"

 

A chorus of cries can be heard throughout the camp as a savage band of Miqo'te move through the camps and onwards to the gate. The G tribe has finally arrived. 

 

Norrington scales begin to ripple at the sound of their cries; his belly filling up with fire as danger approaches. Myst's looks around inside the tent nervously seeing the Drake become suddenly aggressive. Her scream pierces the air as a large, savage-looking, Miqo'te male peels away the tent flap and, with a sinister smile, glares at the Sundrake. 

 

"Therrre you arre..."

[Gharen]

>Continued from here<

 

"Seems we be startin' with a practical lesson lass." He motions for Evangeline to follow, and promptly begins to move in the direction of the scream.

 

He weaved through tents and the refugees emerging from them in response to the cries with a nimbleness that belied his size, the lance in his hand remained peace bound with a strip of leather as to avoid injury to his student, for now though, it remained in place.

 

He skidded came to a stop when he arrived at what he assumed to be the scene.

[111]

Evangeline jogs after him, her long legs allowing her to keep pace with the man.

 

She see's the strange armed figures roaming the camp, and does not stop to ask questions. From the folds of one dingy shelter she see's a small familiar face, and the unmistakable scaly head of Norrick. "Haven't these people had enough?" She yells before charging forward and low. She sets her feet suddenly and strikes outward with her shield. Placing her full weight behind it as Gharen had taught.

 

"Get away from her!" She growls, as she attempts to knock the man from the tent's entrance.