The intro, added in from Nari's perspective.
[center cass]
Snowwhite says, "Walk with me".
You beckon to Someone.
Someone has started to follow you.
Chasity has been slain by Furion, the Forsaken.
Chasity returns to haunt Avalon as a ghost.
[a few troubles with the dragon and stuff]
Inside the Halfway Tavern.
Squire Sabrelon Mornehollow is here.
Chasity has been slain by Furion, the Forsaken.
Chasity returns to haunt Avalon as a ghost.
Narissa mutters in frustration, lightly rubbing her hands to her temples. Growling beneath her breath, she jerks her head at the barmaid.
You are able to see by the light of the pipe. Perhaps more comfortable than the inn's exterior might suggest, this tavern is decked out with a splendid arrangement of furniture all carved from highly
prized timber. Each chair to each table has incredible carved artwork not only on the chairs' backs and seats but on the legs too and with equal precision and care. All the tables are polished clean as if they had never felt the rough scrape of a metal tankard on their surface, but then you have already noticed that some of the tankards are carved from wood too. Above the bar is a price list for the various ales and spirits; beside the bar is a small wooden stairway that leads up to another
floor, a sign next to it informing you that it leads in fact to the guest room. Squire Sabrelon Mornehollow is here, surrounded by an aura of protection. He wields an adamant longsword. A flag bearing the emblem of a pair of crossed cutlasses has been raised proudly here. A blonde barmaid works nearby, her hair shining in the light. You notice a single exit, north.
Narissa strums her fingers on the bar, waiting rather impatiently for the barmaid to bring her a costly, full glass of wine.
Squire Sabrelon grins in an amiable manner.
Narissa takes a deep sip, swallowing slowly.
Snowwhite says, "Better".
Snowwhite says, "Now".
Squire Sabrelon nods his head emphatically.
Squire Sabrelon takes a seat, leaning back in his chair.
Narissa lets out a soft sigh, smiling faintly as she regards you.
Snowwhite says, "Little Sabrelon, little Knight...".
Squire Sabrelon gives a cough.
Narissa smiles wryly, her expression a mixture of barbed amusement and cruel teasing.
Narissa leans back against the bar, taking another drink from her goblet. "So. Mercinae..." she slowly drawls the word out, her words curdling in slight, mocking tones.
Squire Sabrelon gives a slight smirk, a mix of fear, and amusement.
Narissa widens her eyes in interest. "Do I scare you?" she asks with a light laugh, leaning closer, her petite frame barely casting a shadow in the dim lighting.
Narissa crosses one slender leg over the over, resting her elbow on her bent knee to study you silently.
Squire Sabrelon Grins, leans back further and replies " Terrify ".
Furion reveals himself, emerging from his hiding place.
Furion doffs his hat.
Squire Sabrelon nods his head at Furion.
Narissa lets out a snort of disdain, tossing her head. Taking another sip of wine, she inclines her head at Furion.
----
Inside the Halfway Tavern.
Narissa is here.
Squire Sabrelon Mornehollow is here.
You discern presence: (the raised standard of Parrius).
"You/Furion" looks around, surveying the scene. With an arrogant smile he says
"Well, well, well. What have we here?".
Snowwhite smiles at Furion in a cold, yet tender glance. "Greetings, Furion,"
she says in a low voice. "Excellent slaying earlier.".
Squire Sabrelon stands up, saying " Excuse me for a moment " And with this,
walks over to the bar and orders a glass of whisky, then returns to his seat.
"You/Furion" inclines his head slightly. "Aye, but there was little competition".
Snowwhite turns back to Sabrelon, narrowing her eyes and pursing her mouth.
"Just a little lost knight I found," she says, her voice growing soft and
childish.
Squire Sabrelon grins in an amiable manner.
Snowwhite wiggles the fingers of one hand at the knight, chuckling beneath her
breath. "He's so...scrappy!" she beams.
"You/Furion" looks at Sabrelon curiously. "Lost, you say? He seemed quite able
to handle himself on the battlefield earlier...".
Snowwhite raises her eyebrows in interest. "Go on," she prompts.
Squire Sabrelon laughs, taking a sip of whisky.
"You/Furion" pauses, thinking about his words. "I'm not sure, he just seemed
like he belonged there, fighting.".
You smile encouragingly at Squire Sabrelon.
Snowwhite utters a short, "Hmm," staring at Sabrelon.
Squire Sabrelon " Well, i'd like to think that's where i belong, but with my
current skills, i'm not so sure".
Snowwhite takes her goblet in her hand, slowly twirling it by the stem between
her palms, watching the ruby liquid slosh within. "Is that where you wish to
belong?" she asks quietly.
Squire Sabrelon takes another sip of whisky, "No doubt about it ".
Snowwhite glances up at Sabrelon, as she raises the glass to her lips in a
small salute. "To combat," she says, taking another sip. Swallowing quickly,
she adds, "And how exactly will you forge your path there?".
Squire Sabrelon gives one word, "Practice".
Snowwhite shifts her stare to Furion, her eyes dancing in amusement at a
silent, unspoken thought.
Snowwhite slowly drawls, "Just practice? All alone?".
Squire Sabrelon corrects himself "Er, no. Practice with others, not always on
your own terms.".
Snowwhite says, "I believe Furion here tried that. How exactly did
your Princess treat you, back in Mercinae for that, dear?".
Squire Sabrelon blinks.
"You/Furion" smiles, but not a hint of amusement reaches his eyes. "Well,
M'lady, she actually accused me of wishing to defect, whilst I was being
attacked and stripped by Alister, if you can believe that.".
You let out a pained sigh.
Snowwhite nods sharply. "An odd reaction to a promising fighter, dying - quite
literally - to learn.".
"You/Furion" continues, his voice growing more impassioned, as if he was
preaching. "My Patron then cast me out of my order, and my dearest friend out
of my guild.".
Squire Sabrelon looks down, sighing.
"You/Furion" looks at Sabrelon carefully, a sad look in his eyes. "I was once
lost too, my friend.".
Squire Sabrelon returns the look to Furion. "I can understand how you feel".
Snowwhite leans back against the bar, silently draining the rest of the wine
from her glass. Snapping a finger, she beckons the barmaid towards her,
gesturing to the empty goblet.
Snowwhite nods in satisfaction as the wench refills her cup, before sliding
off her seat and slinking closer to sit beside Sabrelon. "Now, what are you
going to do about it?" she purrs.
Squire Sabrelon looks down, a puzzled look on his face. "I'm not sure".
Snowwhite sips from her cup, letting out a soft snort. "How disappointing,"
she replies.
Snowwhite says, "I can tell you what your options are, then".
Squire Sabrelon "Although".
Squire Sabrelon says, "I know that in the position i am, i'm not going to learn
anything".
Your rune-bug picks up words; Snowwhite says, "You can stay as a knight,
continuing to struggle and learn, despite those apathetic at best (your
citymates, dear). Or...".
Squire Sabrelon looks to Narissa.
Snowwhite smiles sharply, glancing sidelong at Sabrelon. "Or you take your own
future in your hands.".
Snowwhite says, "There are two ways to wear crimson, darling".
Squire Sabrelon grins and nods.
Snowwhite says, "The first is in your own blood - the second is in the garb of
the Cavalier".
Squire Sabrelon looks again at his glass. "I have Considered that".
Snowwhite tilts her head, smiling gently. "More practically - Let me say this.
Thakria does not shun future fighters." Her words are coaxing, soft. "We pay
them to learn. Quite literally.".
Snowwhite says, "Furion, how much coin have you earned this month from combat?".
You remove seven thousand and sixty-six gold coins from inside a hessian sack.
You wink knowingly.
Snowwhite grins wryly.
You put seven thousand and sixty-six gold coins into a hessian sack.
Snowwhite says, "That was this -avalon- month".
Squire Sabrelon takes a sip of whisky, emptying it out. "None".
Snowwhite says, "Indeed - a rather sharp difference".
Squire Sabrelon says, "So i can see".
"You/Furion" glances at Narissa, a glint in his eyes as he says, "Sabrelon,
let me ask you this... Do you seek to be at the forefront of the defence of
your city? The first line of assault upon those who would hurt you and your
friends?".
Snowwhite gestures the barmaid to her, subtly indicating Sabrelon's empty
glass. Swiftly the wench returns with a full shot of whiskey.
Squire Sabrelon grins. "that's all i wish for".
You wink at Squire Sabrelon.
Snowwhite says, "And yet, he's a knight".
Snowwhite lets a musical laugh fall from her lips.
Squire Sabrelon gives a cough.
"You/Furion" grins slyly, chuckling as he says "That was from the Cavaliers
description, my friend.".
Squire Sabrelon "Oh?".
You say, "Indeed".
Squire Sabrelon says, "Indeed".
Squire Sabrelon says, "Interesting".
Snowwhite inclines her head, indicating the refilled drink. "A gift from
Thakria," she says with a smile.
Squire Sabrelon thankfully takes a sip of the whisky.
"You/Furion" smiles as he looks at Sabrelon carefully, "Well, it sounds to me,
like all you wish, is to be a Cavalier".
You smile encouragingly at Squire Sabrelon.
Snowwhite takes a slow drink from her own cup, smiling over the brim at
Sabrelon. "With many more to come - to be EARNED through your own potential -
if you choose to grasp the chance.".
Snowwhite nods her head at you.
Squire Sabrelon looks toward the glass, an intent look upon his face.
Squire Sabrelon "I see".
Snowwhite leans back, taking another sip of her wine.
Squire Sabrelon looks up, smiling. " This is interesting, i have thought of
joining thakria multiple times.".
Snowwhite grins wryly.
Squire Sabrelon coughs and corrects himself, "Rejoining, i should say".
HEY! A VISITOR! JUST IN TIME!
Inside the Halfway Tavern.
Narissa is here.
Squire Sabrelon Mornehollow is here.
Count Trakea, Visionary of Vengeance is here.
You discern presence: (the raised standard of Parrius).
Count Trakea snaps his fingers.
You show some respect and salute Count Trakea.
Snowwhite says, "Lovely timing, Trakea".
Count Trakea says, "What's all this then?".
Snowwhite gives Count Trakea an encouraging smile.
Squire Sabrelon gives a cough.
Your rune-bug picks up words; Snowwhite says, "A future Cavalier, I dare say".
Count Trakea replies, "Oh?" with a puzzled expression.
Snowwhite says, "Isn't that right, Sabrelon?".
Snowwhite smiles broadly at Sabrelon.
Count Trakea says, "Now THAT"s irony".
Squire Sabrelon says, "Possibly".
Count Trakea says, "I was coming to kill him for bashing Orcs".
Count Trakea utters a deep, rumbling laugh.
Snowwhite lets a musical laugh fall from her lips.
You chuckle long and heartily.
Count Trakea says, "I jest actually".
Count Trakea says, "But would've been funny".
Snowwhite says, "He's shown rather impressive interest in combat of
late - and has earned a place back in Thakria".
Squire Sabrelon says, "Indeed".
Snowwhite says, "Bear in mind, I don't grant second chances often".
Count Trakea says, "So, are you actually interested in Cavaliers Sabrelon?".
Your rune-bug picks up words; Snowwhite says, "Nor do I extend them for long".
Snowwhite gives a cough.
Squire Sabrelon says, "From what i've been told, they are exactly what i look for".
Count Trakea says, "Well, I've no doubt Narissa and Furion represent them well".
Your rune-bug picks up words; Count Trakea says, "But to be clear".
Count Trakea says, "You'll be expected to fight".
Count Trakea says, "And to defend Thakria loyally".
Squire Sabrelon says, "Just what i want".
Squire Sabrelon says, "To fight and defend my city".
Count Trakea says, "I'll gladly teach you what I know".
Count Trakea says, "As will our other citizens".
Count Trakea smiles encouragingly at Snowwhite.
Count Trakea says, "And, I will expect some honour as well".
Squire Sabrelon says, "Of course".
Count Trakea says, "But that I assume you have no problem with".
Snowwhite nods her head in satisfaction, taking another sip of wine.
Count Trakea says, "We Cavaliers prefer to challenge ourselves, not be
babied into thinking we are powerful".
Squire Sabrelon says, "You must respect those of higher rank then you".
Squire Sabrelon nods his head emphatically.
Count Trakea says, "Do you think you could handle loyalty to Thakria?".
Squire Sabrelon says, "Well".
Snowwhite raises an eyebrow tentatively.
Count Trakea says, "You'll find we're quite misunderstood, frankly".
Snowwhite grins wryly.
You nod your head emphatically.
Squire Sabrelon lets out a pained sigh.
Your rune-bug picks up words; Snowwhite says, "Don't ruin my reputation!".
Count Trakea says, "We value independence and the pursuit of personal excellence".
Count Trakea says, "Not necessarily just evil,although we are a bit more open
to those so inclined".
Snowwhite's face breaks into an encouraging smile.
Squire Sabrelon nods his head emphatically.
Your rune-bug picks up words; Squire Sabrelon says, "I've noticed".
Count Trakea smiles openly.
Snowwhite lets a musical laugh fall from her lips.
Snowwhite says, "Our main goals are power and excellence".
Squire Sabrelon nods his head emphatically.
Squire Sabrelon says, "Which, so far, is my goal".
Snowwhite says, "We're simply not afraid to ackowledge that ruthlessness can be
necessary or valuable".
Count Trakea nods his head emphatically.
Squire Sabrelon nods his head emphatically.
Squire Sabrelon says, "Do what is needed".
You say, "Indeed".
Count Trakea says, "I will say up front, I've no need for an apprentice
without his whole heart behind his pursuits and our city".
Snowwhite waves her hand idly, taking another swig of wine. "He has my
blessing," she says in a soft laugh. "For as long as this glass of wine
lasts, at least.".
Squire Sabrelon grins in an amiable manner.
Count Trakea says, "Ragnor and Wystan are proving ample students,
and I'd be quite happy working with them".
Your rune-bug picks up words; Squire Sabrelon says, "I've noticed them".
Squire Sabrelon says, "Even though they've not been around long, they are good fighters".
Count Trakea says, "But, I do think you are coming along well, and would
be pleased to have yet another strong student in our ranks".
Squire Sabrelon says, "It would be a honor, but".
Count Trakea says, "Be honest with us, what are your concerns?".
Squire Sabrelon says, "Mercinae".
You raise your left eyebrow and glance at Squire Sabrelon.
Count Trakea says, "What of them?".
Count Trakea says, "Your loyalty?".
Squire Sabrelon says, "I don't know if i could fight those who have been my friends for so long".
Squire Sabrelon says, "Exactly".
-
Count Trakea nods his head emphatically.
Snowwhite snorts arrogantly.
Snowwhite says, "Sabrelon, darling".
Squire Sabrelon tilts his head and listens intently to Snowwhite.
Snowwhite says, "There comes a point where you have to assess things".
Snowwhite says, "Do you wish to achieve your OWN personal goals, and become
strong and talented?".
Squire Sabrelon nods his head emphatically.
Squire Sabrelon says, "As well as help towards my cities".
Snowwhite says, "Or do you wish to be dragged down by those who profess
friendship - yet sit and weigh you down with their own fears and weakness?".
