Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 5:25 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
Arlin suggested disguises as a way to get in. Neither of them could pass as Drow unless magic was involved, disguise magic was something Hiro lacked. Moliira brought up the point if the two of them would pass as slaves, but would likely be found out as well, since drow were adept at seeing through such ruses. Hiro scratched his head in frustration.
"Such a pain. Parley wouldn't work without saying, disguises won't work, we have to do this either stealthily or the brute force way. What if Moliira sneaked in, she's the only one that could pass as one of the cultists. We need more information, though, what are they worshiping? We need recon. That's what I'm curious about. I've heard stories of Drow worshiping some kind of spider goddess or some such. Maybe it's something like that? At any rate, I'll look forward to seeing Arlin in battle. I've never heard of a warrior tribe of Elves."They decided they would make their way to the church, they discussed small talk while they walked. Once they arrived at the church, Moliira pointed out that the stones around the church were different from the surrounding rock.
"That's strange, it wouldn't make sense to transfer rock from somewhere else here, considering we're surrounded by nothing BUT rock. Would this building have been literally MOVED from somewhere else? Would that make sense?" The front door or side door? He thought about that, any of them could be defended just as well as the others. Then it occurred to him.
"Why not both? There's three of us, right? We can split up, take the front and side doors. They won't know what's going on. They'll be confused about where the enemy is coming from. Surprise we can take advantage of. They can guard all the doors, but they wouldn't expect a pincer attack, I think." His father would probably approve of such a plan, since it seemed tactically sound, and wasn't underhanded. Hiro wasn't as concerned about honor as his father was, there were right things and wrong things, but most people would take advantage of you if you let them.
Author: Moliira, Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 12:04 AM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
There was something strange about the elf, something that Moliira could not quite put her finger on. Not without a bit of probing, something she wasn't going to do without a good reason. Again, she let the young Kouen have his words, and she was glad to see that he had learned caution. There were times that his father's brash attitude could still be of use, and Moliira found herself wondering if he would find a good balance. She nodded as the elf explained himself, he was a bit odd. Most elves eschewed up front and physical combat, even her kind.
For a few moments, she let them sort out what they thought might be a good idea. It wasn't until Arlin was done did she speak again.
"My kind can see through most disguises, be it in your mannerisms or something else. The best that we could hope for would be my claiming you as slaves, and there is a chance of that getting you killed as well," Moliira said, with a firm shake of her head. No, to retrieve an artifact, it might be better to try other tactics. Taking another sip of he tea, she considered the options. Moliira had a few thoughts as to just what might be going on.
"I think we should go take a look around that abandoned church first, make sure of our idea. they will likely be focusing on our kidnapped friend. I would guess they are trying to get more information from him. So let us go take a look and see what we can find out," Moliira said with a grin. She dropped a coin on the table and headed into the city at a calm saunter. She led the pair towards the church, making small talk to distract anyone trying to listen in. There was something odd about the church once they arrived, something Moliira couldn't put her finger on at first.
"Those stones, they are different from the surrounding stone. Even if our friend is not there, something interesting is happening. Front door or side?" she asked, curious as to what the two would choose.
Author: DarkArlin, Posted: Tue Feb 9, 2016 11:00 AM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
Arlin nodded as the two introduced each other. He quickly grabbed the chair in front of him, spun it around, and straddled it with the back between him and the table. “Indeed, I do need something to occupy my time here.” One could never be too careful with new companions. It also let him rise easily if any of the hostile drow in the bar behind him were thinking they would start trouble with him.
Let them, brother. I’m growing so bored. It’s been at least twelve hours since we killed someone. Do you ever shut up? The voice chuckled and lapsed into silence. Letting out one small soft sigh, Arlin continued listening to Moliira and Hiro.
His gaze turned to Hiro’s questions first. “Ah, a warrior is close enough to the mark. My clan was…unique… Time molded us differently than our more scholarly, physically-lacking brethren given our choice in combat and in habitat. ”
Oh come now. Tell him you’re a blood-crazed fiend, a butcherer of babes and women, and torturer of men. Everyone loves you when the party starts. Sit in your cage silently until you are called. No. That is not how this works, brother. Arlin’s eye twitched in barely suppressed irritation as he patted his current arms. “These aren’t my usual choices however, so as soon as we leave here I will procure my preferences in the market outside. I have yet to battle test a dwarven-made blade. “
The redhead’s mind turned back to Moliira’s comments concerning the church and passages into the Depths. “What is our goal in seeking entry further into the Depths?” He glanced over at Hiro. “ Disguises, perhaps? We could seek out three cultists and steal their garb. I assume the cultists here are most likely dwarves or drow, so we could have Moliira take point and we keep our heads down to avoid the confrontations that would arise due to our races.”
Or…you could grow a pair and walk straight through. Are you getting a little squeamish, brother? Arlin did his best to ignore the voice.
Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Wed Feb 3, 2016 2:49 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
Hiro knew his father would probably storm the place and start knocking heads immediately, but the son was a little more cautious than his father. He did not have the raw power his father had. He had to be more careful in battle, considering he couldn't just flatten lesser mortals with godly magic. Moliira complimented Hiro on his thoughts, he smiled a little bit, pleased a bit, but not going to let it go to his head.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Arlin. I hope you can handle yourself, because it's quite dangerous here, especially for people like us. We both stick out like a sore thumb, unfortunately. I bring my swordsmanship and fire magic to the table. What are you? A some kind of ranger? A mage?" Those were typical professions of elves. He looked over the man noticing the shield and sword at his side. He didn't see a bow nor a staff on him.
"No, you must be some kind of warrior, considering how you're armed and how strongly you're built. That's unusual for elves, no?"Moliira brought out a map of the town, he noticed the tavern they were in was on the map, and there was indeed a church in town, built alongside one of the city's walls. It would indeed be easy for a passage leading into the Depths to be located there.
"I agree, though I'm wondering how to approach this without having an army of cultists and possibly city guards descending on us. Just barging in swords and spells a-blazing would get us likely killed. On the other hand, stealth was never my forte. Any ideas?"
Author: Moliira, Posted: Tue Feb 2, 2016 8:26 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
[Sorry about the delay, work has been utterly consuming my energy.]
She nodded in approval when Hiro reasoned things out, it was clear there was influence from Sabishii. And yet there was something else too, a touch of the more subtle. As much as she respected the Phoenix Knight, he could be very… brash at times.
"very good. Thinking before you act, that will keep you alive much longer. And you're quite correct. Most drow tend to either hide very well, or within plain sight," she said, offering the young man a compliment. Moliira was in one of her oddly altruistic moods, and she decided it would benefit the young Kouen.
Then the elf wandered over, and she eyed him for a moment. There was a reason, mostly that she had little wish to see anyone dead for simply wandering into the wrong place at the wrong time. He and Hiro could be of benefit to each other if they remained for too long.
"Those are all quite good reasons, and ones I understand all too well. But my people will hate you, whether it is returned or not. I am Moliira, and this is Hiro. You looked as if you needed something to do," she said with a grin. An elf, a human and a drow would certainly make for an interesting hunting party.
Taking a gulp of the tea, she pulled out a piece of parchment with a rudimentary map drawn on it. It was of this particular city, and there were a few landmarks drawn upon it. The bar they sat in, the marketplace she had found Hiro in, the ruined church he had mentioned. And there was something about the church that caught her interesting.
"I think we should try that church first. It is built into the wall of the city, it would be easy to have secret exits leading further into the Depths that way," she said, looking at the other two. While Moliira was willing to hear their opinions, she was determined to keep them on what she held as the correct path.
Author: DarkArlin, Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 1:23 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
Arlin caught the gestures from the drow and human and made his way over. His eyes never quit moving as he sized up each and every individual in the room while making note of the more openly hostile among them. Generally those were drow. Hatred was his bosom buddy, so he merely smiled openly at the hostility and kept the challenge in his eyes. A cage within his soul shook slightly.
Ah, brother! Can we play with them? Just a little bit? It’d be so easy to make them attack first, kill them, and play the role of innocent victim just defending oneself. Pleeeeeeease? It’s been so long since I got to stretch our legs. The wood elf’s face contorted into a grimace as he pushed down the voice in his mind with a supreme effort of will.
No. You will not run free here.By the time his internal conversation had completed, the redhead found himself standing before the table. Bowing his head slightly in greeting to the two at the table, the elf glanced over his shoulder before acknowledging the human’s questions with a smirk. “Adventure, wanderlust, and boredom, truth be told. I do not hate the drow, specifically, so their animosity makes them simplistic prey.” Arlin brushed a few stray strands of hair back over his ears, broadcasting even more his heritage. “The danger is acceptable. What else makes one feel so alive?” A smile spread slowly across his face, yet it did not touch his cold, ice-blue eyes. “Oh, forgive my manners. I am Arlin.”
He bowed again, but this time his eyes took in the female drow a bit closer. Both of them gave off auras of power but her’s was vast. One did not survive as a killer without being able to sense the innate differences between a predator and a prey. This woman was no prey, nor was her companion. Arlin’s smile finally touched his eyes as he waited to see why they had called him over.
Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2016 1:33 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
One moment they were discussing their plans for finding the artifact, the next moment, the man, Blue, was kidnapped by a group of drow, who disappeared in a puff of smoke. Hiro blinked, the drow didn't attack the rest of the party. They just walked up to him, grabbed him, then disappeared, poof!
"Well, if they wanted him dead, they'd have just stabbed him in the back. I guess they needed him alive, for whatever reason. We need to track them down. He said they're in the city somewhere, right? What would a likely place for their hideout be? An abandoned church maybe? I don't know this area well enough, but I know you do, Lady Moliira." He noticed that she was looking at something, or rather someone who had just entered the tavern. A non-drow elf? Here? What the hell would a wood elf/high elf/whatever elf have to do in a place like this? He'd be disliked more than the humans like Blue and himself. He's lucky he doesn't already have a dozen daggers sticking out of his back.
Moliira flagged the elf down. Maybe he'd be trustworthy to help them track down the cult. Additional assistance wouldn't hurt. Moliira probably could take on the whole cult herself, she was a very seasoned warrior and a Goddess, but she wouldn't want to do all the work. She was hiding her presence of who she really was from everyone else.
"What brings an elf of fair skin down here? Most drow hate you, and dwarves don't get along with you. It's dangerous down here in the Depths."
Author: Moliira, Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2016 9:08 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
They spoke, hashing over the details of the party that had stolen the artifact. She was also keen to know just what this artifact why, trying to figure out why her kin would want it. Her eyes drifted through the tavern, settling for a moment on an elf. The male seemed rather ill at ease here, and Moliira wondered at his intentions. Most wouldn't even be caught dead in a cave, much less a major city of the Umbral Depths. His red hair made him stand out, only the dwarves had similar coloring.
It was then things started to happen. A trio of drow stood up in a different corner of the tavern, and they all gestured at the man who had been speaking on stolen goods. And he vanished before Moliira could react. Well, more along the lines of 'chose' to react. If nothing else, this would likely be a good training exercise for the young Kouen.
"Well now, I think this just got more interesting. Hiro, what do you think that our first move should be?" she asked, a smile curling her lips. She knew it was unlikely they would kill their kidnap victim. If they wanted him dead, then they would have done it in the tavern.
Her eyes drifted to the strange elf who had wandered in, and she gestured for him to join them. Perhaps he would be of use as well…
[Apologies for how long this took, work has been eating my time.]
Author: DarkArlin, Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2016 1:33 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
Arlin wandered the length of the marketplace, his ice-blue eyes taking in the new sights though never quite leaving the stone roof above.
Damned caves. Feel like I’m suffocating down here. He shook his head, instantly causing a cascade of dark red hair to fall into his face. Reaching a slender, but callused, hand up, the man ran his fingers through his long hair to push it back over his ears. The ears were long and pointed. This mixed with his tanned complexion gave Arlin away as an elf, albeit one far more suited to the wilds than to the civilized and pompous community of the northern island many of his kin called home.
His features were not overlooked in the cavernous Umbral Depths. Though the dwarves would merely look at him as another curiosity, it was the drow that glowered at the sight of a surface elf. Arlin smirked at the smoldering anger hardly concealed within their eyes. It was not in him to hate an entire race by the examples of a few but nor was it his lot in life to be a victim. Not again. The boundless pit of rage within his soul stirred at the animosity directed his way. His right eye turned red.
NO! Not here, and not now. There is no time to deal with the mess and I am sorely ill-equipped after that last failure. As if in understanding, the maelstrom within the wood elf became less turbulent. However, he could still feel it undulating against the barriers in his mind.
The elf sighed internally, sending off a silent prayer to the gods and goddesses for one disaster averted this day. But in appeasement of his hidden nature, he turned his gaze to those who showed him open hostility. And smirked. His currently hetero-chromatic eyes pierced the distance and bore into the closest antagonistic drow. The challenge was not accepted and they broke eye contact. Arlin strode forward without another glance, his eye returning to its original hue. Realizing he was tired of perusing shops which held no interest for him as well as making note that he did not have the silver to purchase replacement gear from the dwarven blacksmiths, the elf decide to head for the closest inn.
His black booted feet barely made a sound as each step was placed forward carefully and precisely onto the balls of his feet. He moved as if stalking prey. His black trousers and white tunic fit him comfortably but gave subtle hints to the lithe, corded muscles beneath. Arlin adjusted the shield on his back and broadsword at his side with minor discomfort.
Better than nothing though nowhere near my weapons of choice. This must be remedied soon or I won’t survive long with unfamiliar arms. His thoughts were interrupted when his gaze fell upon his destination. He opened the door and stepped in.
The sounds and smells of a crowded tavern hit him like a hammer in the nose. It took a moment of self-control to stop himself from covering his nose and ears, a task with which he would need one more hand.
Ugh. The reek of crowds, alcohol, and barely digestible food is obnoxious. Why did I leave the forests? Why did I trek across the plains? Oh that’s right. Because I listened to a bloody gnome merchant and their rumors. Arlin began breathing through his mouth, which made the smells less potent, and stepped inside to scan the tables. The one thing that was true of taverns everywhere was you could always find an adventurer, or someone to kill. The grin that lit his face was as dark as the glint that sparked behind his eyes.
Author: Sigurdson, Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 10:59 AM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
(((I no longer have the time to Roleplay with my Revaliir account. Im sorry. Feel free to either kill of my character or use him an npc :( )))
Author: Moliira, Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2015 4:19 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
The drow only nodded at Blue's comment. She considered herself to be a shade of gray, and it suited her quite well. It was a bit difficult to hide a smirk when Blue commented of her being named after the Storm Wolf, but somehow she managed. Glancing at the young Kouen, he seemed almost amused by the idea.
"Expectations, a good luck charm, something along those lines. My people are notoriously superstitious. Something you can use to your advantage when you need to," Moliira said. It was good advice in general, knowing the weaknesses of anyone you might come up against. Something that both of them could likely stand to learn.
She listened quietly while the man spoke, but said nothing until the tea and beer arrived. Her mind was working over the possibilities, of whether or not she even wanted to get involved in the first place. She poured a cup for Hiro first, then one for herself. Dwarven tea was very strong, and required a lot of cream and sugar, which she relayed to the young man before he took a sip.
"That is a good place to start, this artifact of yours. And describe the mages to me. Male, female, or both? Did they have tattoos? Any details would be helpful," Moliira said. It would be interesting to know if they were dealing with an organization, or just a group of renegades.
Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Tue Dec 8, 2015 4:38 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
"I would say, most Drow aren't trustworthy. I just met Lady Moliira here, but she met knew my father, and he has told me she was trustworthy, even though if they came to blows occasionally. He respected her as a person and a warrior. He told me she was . . . a shade of grey. I heard tales of other Drow who constantly plotted and schemed against each other." He heard tales of Drow, their society was dominated by the women, and they were notoriously Machiavellian. The man, Blue, mentioned how Moliira was named after the huntress Goddess. Blue didn't know that this woman WAS the Goddess. He wasn't going to say anything about that, he didn't want to invade her privacy or speak for her. He went silent on that matter.
They both mentioned the tavern, so he followed the two into the tavern. He felt a little nervous, because he didn't want to be pressured into drinking alcohol when it was something he hadn't touched yet. Something told him it wouldn't be a good idea to try alcohol in this kind of setting. Considering he was in the Umbral Depths, and surrounded by strangers on all sides, including a near death experience, he'd be better off to keep on his toes and not get drunk. Especially if they were to go on an adventure together soon. If the quest was right. The innkeeper gave a look of hostility towards Moliira, and curiousity towards the two humans. Hiro was younger than either of them, and being in this tavern, filled with mostly drunken dwarves, he felt out of place. But he was an adventurer, it was something he would have to get used to.
"Ah, yes, tea! Tea would be lovely! I'll take a cup of that, please," Hiro listened to Blue tell his story, an artifact was stolen from the man by a group of drow mages. Their base was supposedly in the area, and he needed a group to recover the artifact.
"See, you need to be careful about who you talk to. Moliira saved my life, but she could have been a member of the clan of Drow that robbed you. I doubt she is though, of course. I'm also curious, what is the nature of this artifact? I'm wondering what the Drow would want with it."
Author: Sigurdson, Posted: Sun Dec 6, 2015 9:55 AM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
Since Blue came to this world just a month ago he had little knowledge about the social norms and the people of Revaliir. However he had experienced the treacherous nature of the drows. However seeing this one save what Blue perceived to be a total stranger to the dark elf. He didn't know that the drow was acquaintance of the boys father.
" You just saved that boys life without hesitation, you don't seem like 'bad people' either", he told her with a smile.
" Moliira, fitting name for a huntress. Your parents must have had high expectations for you, naming you after the storm wolf herself.". Blue felt sorry for Moliira. It must be tough to live in a reality where even oneself thought ones people to be evil.
As they walked into the bar, blue took note of the hostility in the eyes of the innkeeper. He added "resentment of drows" to the list of what he knew about dwarves. The huntress found a table near the back of the tavern. The inn was filled with loud and drunk dwarves, and the place smelled of spilled mead. When the barmaid came the table, Moliira a said something in the Dwarven tongue. The barmaid turned to him, and he pointed towards a small empty tankard sitting on a empty table.
" A small tankard of beer please", he said in Adelunian hoping the dwarf would understand. Back in a Adeluna, the father of the family he had stayed with had told him they dwarves brewed exceptional ale.
Taking the huntresses hint, he began telling them about his offer.
" I have a business proposition for you. I was recently robbed of an artifact by five drow mages. I am certain that their base of operations is somewhere in this city. They are very skilled and possess a variety of spells. I will pay you a fair sum for helping me. I bet they are in the possession of other valuable artifacts as well, which we later can split between us."
Author: Moliira, Posted: Fri Dec 4, 2015 2:31 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
Her head tilted to one side in curiosity, it wasn't very often that someone would approach a drow and ask for help. It was possible to Moliira that Blue might be even more naive than the young Kouen.
"Not rude, though rather uncommon in my case. Most would not put any trust into a drow, especially one they do not know. But my name is Moliira. And I am most certainly not 'good people'. That being said, I am not as evil as most of my kin though," the drow said with a grin. But it was better to clear up any misconceptions sooner rather than later.
Nodding at the mention of the tavern, it seemed as good of an option as any. The one here appeared to be run by a dwarven male, who narrowed his eyes at Moliira as she entered. But he said nothing, and the drow found a table further back in a corner. that would be safe enough for conversation. Choosing to sit with her back to a wall, it was a small thing for most, but it did allow Moliira to watch the rest of the tavern for anything else that might happen.
When the bar maid came around, Moliira spoke a quick order in the Dwarven tongue, making her blink in surprise. But she nodded, and hurried off after checking if the others wanted anything to drink.
"I do not drink down here. But the dwarves brew a fine tea, and I prefer that for conversation. Such as ones about items stolen," Moliira said, looking to Blue for him to explain. It was quite possible she might help in this situation, but she did want to know more first.
Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 1:11 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
Moliira explained to him that the drow that just tried to assassinate him was probably just after him because he was human and was in their territory.
"I see, that makes sense, I hadn't considered that they just hate me because I'm human, maybe they wanted to rob my body and take my things after they finished killing me. At any rate, thank you so much, I don't know what I can do to repay you. My magical senses need some work, that drow would have killed me if you didn't step in." Moliira suggested that he merely owed her a favor.
"All right, I owe you then."A man older than Hiro appeared and asked if everyone was all right.
"I'm all right, my heart's just beating fast, I'm a little unnerved from that experience." The man introduced himself as Blue (which Hiro thought was a weird name, maybe it was just a nickname), and told them he was seeking help obtaining an item that was stolen from him. He offered the two of them a drink and asked them their names.
"My name is Hiro Kouen, and I was here to purchase some fine dwarven equipment. I needed a better sword and armor." He looked at Moliira to see if she would accept the offer from this stranger. He seemed out of place in the Umbral Depths, but so was Hiro as well. He appeared human, so could Hiro fully trust him? If this man secretly wanted to rob them, it would be very poor luck for the young Hiro indeed, to get threatened by two entirely different people in a row. But this man seemed to be a good man, so he would try trusting him. Maybe he was just on edge because someone just tried to kill him.
"I . . . suppose I could go for a drink? It would be nice to talk in a more private setting, even if it's a bar. Moliira?" He asked to see if Moliira approved of taking this man's offer. She was someone his father knew, and wouldn't betray him, right? Though one thought crossed his mind.
He was sixteen years old, and hadn't had alcohol before. That also made him a tad nervous.
Author: Sigurdson, Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 3:50 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
What about you two*
So he didn't need to ask about the motives of the assailant*
((( Sorry for the bad language, I have norwegian auto correct and a small concussion)))
Author: Sigurdson, Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 3:42 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
Blue nodded in agreement to the drows advice. As it was the rougeish behavior of the residents of the Umbral Depths that brought him here to begin with. The horrible people she was talking about was probably the dwarves listening in on their conversation, he figured. "
It's true I didn't come down here for the backdrop. I don't care much for caves. I came here to reclaim something stolen from my possession." It was best to be vague, as he didn't know the drows, nor the humans alignment. There was also a chance of an unwanted listener among the crowd as well. "
What about you too? what are you doing here?. Would it be rude of me to ask for your names? My name is Blue." Blue had caught the last part of their conversation, so he did not need to ask why. Rather, he stared at the crowd listening in on their little talk. "
I take it the walls have ears here in the depths. Shall we move somewhere more private. I would love to buy you a drink. Both of you seem like good people, which is a sight for sore eyes." Blue nodded towards a nearby tavern. In the noise of the drunkards within, it would be notably more challenging to listen in on their little chat. This was beneficial to Blue as he wanted to discuss business with the two. If he could hire them to help him get his artifact back, he would maybe have a chance again the mages. These didn't look like the sort who would betray him either.
Author: Moliira, Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 2:12 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
The confusion on the young man's face told Moliira a great deal. Mostly that he carried his father's idealism of the world, and that he was still fairly innocent of how many people would simply kill him for the coin in his pocket.
"Possibly the first, more likely just one of my kin with a hatred of humans. You are stepping into her territory in a way, after all. Something to remember," she said, then chuckled when the young man confirmed what she had deduced. The drow only nodded when he asked the truth of the rumors he had learned of her. She did not want to draw attention to herself here, and Moliira had a feeling that her name was enough confirmation for the young Hiro.
"Just owe me a favor. Much easier to call on," she said with a slight grin. There was no malice in her tone, adn her eyes drifted to the stranger that approached them. She studied him for just a moment before answering him.
"We are fine. Only a lesson learned in dealing with the denizens of the Umbral Depths. Turn your back on them as little as possible. Except for you honorable folk," Moliira said, raising her voice for a moment to address the dwarves who were still listening in. Turning her attention back to the young Kouen, she wondered just what his destiny would be. It would be curious to see if he followed his father's footsteps or struck out on his own path.
Looking to the other person who had joined them, Moliira wondered at his story as well.
"And what are you seeking down here? Most don't wander down here just for the scenery," she said, keeping her eyes on the crowd more than anything else. There was likely still danger here, and Moliira had always been more than a little paranoid.
Author: Sigurdson, Posted: Fri Nov 27, 2015 10:00 AM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
As Blue walked towards the young warrior and the drow huntress, he felt ashamed. When the assassin had lifted her dagger, blue had frozen on the spot. The tension of the situation and the killing intent in the rouges eyes as she drew her blade, was too much for Blue. The mage was truly not ready for a real battle yet. Fortunately, another drow had come to his rescue in Blues place. She had a powerful presence, and had scared the other one with mere words. “Are you guys okay?” he asked worryingly as he approached. He wanted to know what the motives of the assailant were, but securing the safety of the victim was far more important. The smell of moist moss and wet rock tickled his nose, reminding him how far he was from the safety of the open sky. The only reason he had traveled so far below was because somebody else had forced his hand. On his way from the ancient ruins of Tinashe, a group of five drow mages had attacked him. They defeated him with ease, as each of them had been on his level of strength. The sorcerers had stolen the artifact in the ruined city and Blue had followed their trail all the way down to the Umbral depths. However, he would need help if he wanted to get his artifact back. He was not strong enough alone. This was an opportunity to gather allies. If he could help the huntress and the knight, maybe they would help him in return.
Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 3:59 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
Hiro was unaware of the drow stalking him until the last moment, when he whirled around to see a female drow holding a knife, and another one stopping her from plunging it into his back. He would have finished unless this woman didn't save him.
"W-what the Hells?" His face showed shock and confusion. He had no idea there was an assassin attempting to take his head until it was almost too late. He had to keep his guard up, and learn how to sense auras, else he would get killed sooner or later when he wasn't expecting it. He waited for the assassin to slink off into the darkness before speaking.
"Thank you, ma'am, it appears you've saved my life. Was she just a thief? Or someone with an axe to grind against my father? I haven't done anything to anyone to incur wrath like that. I've only recently started traveling alone in these lands on my own, having left home."She spoke to him, introducing herself as Moliira, that she knew his father, having crossed blades with her.
"Ack! It seems everyone knows this crest. The dwarven blacksmith showed me respect after seeing this crest. You knew my father? He mentioned he knew a drow woman, he had respect for her. He said he didn't always agree with her, but respected her anyway. He said she became a Deity of Air or something. It seemed like everyone my father knew was either a God or Goddess. Is that true? My name is Hiro Kouen, son of Sabishii Kouen. I owe you my life." He bowed to Moliira courteously. His father always taught him to respect his elders, who knew how old this drow woman was, she was likely hundreds of years old, despite looking like a woman who was possibly in her twenties or thirties. Elves and drow were deceptive in their appearance, they lived much longer than humans did, despite looking young and fair.
{Sigurdson, you might want to try and interact with us or something, we're not trying to ignore you lol}
Author: Moliira, Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2015 10:49 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
While Moliira only glanced at a person and moved her gaze on, others of her kin were not so subtle. She noted another drow staring at the young human, though her gaze was unflinching and filled with hostility. It took her a few moments since she was not in her realm, but Moliira knew why he seemed so familiar. There was only one she knew with that sort of crest, and it was that of Sabishii Kouen. While she had never entirely agreed with the man and his methods, she still held respect for him. From the look of the young man, this was likely his son. If Sabishii had survived and come to Revaliir, that was a good thing. Perhaps this young man could enlighten her.
But only if her kin did not sink the dagger into his back. She moved like the wind, grabbing the other drow's wrist when the dagger was inches from the young Kouen's back.
"I would not advise doing that. Especially in an open market such as this. Now go," she spoke, voice as chilled as the mountain winds. For emphasis, Moliira clenched her fist hard enough to leave the other drow with a thoroughly sprained wrist. The grip made it clear she could have easily broken the woman's wrist.
Turning to the young man, there was a calm but curious look on her face.
"I know the crest you wear, boy. Your father and I crossed blades once or twice. I am Moliira," she said with a bow of her head. It was because of who she was now that she knew she was correct. It only remained to be seen if Sabishii had mentioned any of his old acquaintances to his son.
Author: Sigurdson, Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2015 7:22 PM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
Blue felt uncomfortable so deep underground. Although he had devoted Himself to travel the world, he still regretted coming the umbral depths. He felt insecure when he knew the blue sky, he once fell from, was so far away
The mage looked around the market, scouting for something to buy. Thats when he saw a strange looking scene. A drow staring at teenager from across the gap between them filled with dwarves. Afraid she would hurt the boy, Blue observed from a distance, readying his spells and fearing the worst. Normally he wouldn't be this tense but the lack of the open sky was getting to him.
Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2015 12:57 AM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
Hiro was told by his father he could trust the dwarven blacksmiths. It seemed he was right. They looked at him oddly, he was just a young'in, especially compared to the long lived dwarves. But they actually recognized the Phoenix Crest of Kouen he wore on his coat once they got a good look at the young lad. They treated him well, and with his recent jobs, he was able to afford a nice masterwork bastard sword, and he got a deal when he purchased a mythril breastplate. He hadn't the silver crescents for a full suit of armor, but he needed a better weapon than the worn old broadsword he started out with, and he needed some kind of armor to shrug off the blows of battle. The armor was very light and flexible, but extremely durable. It fit him like a glove. The dwarven blacksmith was so nice and kind to him, it was like he was part of the family. How did these blacksmiths know of his family? Did they meet his father some how? Was he that much of a hero that his legend reached the Umbral Depths?
Hiro left the blacksmith's shop with his new sword on his belt and wearing his breastplate. He walked through the crowd, filled with all sorts of people, dwarves, humans, races he couldn't identify, even an occasional drow. He did not notice yet the woman staring at him through the crowd. His sense of magic was not as keen yet as his father's was. He could not yet see auras, despite being able to cast fire magic. That was one trick he had to pick up on his own. He had his father's face, but the raven hair of his mother. However, he had the striking, blue eyes of both parents. He wore the phoenix crest on his overcoat, though he did not wear all red clothing or armor like his father did.
Author: Moliira, Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2015 12:35 AM, Post Subject: An Open Secret [Open to one more]
The dwarven marketplace was busy, and that pleased Moliira. While she typically avoided those who held the drow to be enemies, even she had to admit that their crafts were some of the best. A few of her people were present as well, exchanging weapons, fabrics and metal ingots for the most part. It seemed an uneasy truce had been reached in this part of the Umbral Depths. The drow traders had their own area, and Moliira visited them first. And it was there she learned some very interesting, and useful information. It seemed to her past had been very similar here, from her birth to the point of her exile. But The point where paths had diverged was still not clear to Moliira. Accepting a trade for the bottle of elvish cordial she had brought with her, Moliira moved on.
The dwarves eyed her warily, but she engaged them in the rough dwarvish she had learned. That softened the woman's attitude towards her, and Moliira was able to make herself understood. Handing the metal to the dwarven woman, she waited patiently. The silver was pure, and she did not have the skill to forge it into the shape that she needed. Once the dwarf spoke, Moliira nodded. She was not surprised there would be a price, but it was not as much as she thought. She was told to return in a couple of hours, and the drow nodded. It was just another step in her plan.
Moving away, she headed for another section. This seemed relegated to those from the surface, and a mix of languages was being spoken here. Perhaps there would be other things that would be useful here. But Moliira found herself wary. She was not as powerful here, and the drow knew there were quite a few people who would stick a dagger in her back simply for existing. Glancing at a young human, there seemed something familiar about him…
