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Post by Sprow on Feb 15, 2014 23:26:10 GMT -5
It was later in the evening when Elwyn dared to come out of hiding. She had been washed ashore earlier today but didn't come out. What had become of her friend? He wasn't the same anymore and on top of it, he had taken his amulet back and attacked the ship along with her crew, killing them. As far as she knew, Elwyn had been the only survivor of that wreckage. When she had come out of hiding, she had mugged a man for his cloak and now wore it as she walked down the street of the port she found herself upon.
As she stepped into the local pub, face concealed by her cloak, Elwyn found a table that rested in the far corner of it that was empty as far as she knew. It had taken her a while to recover from the day's event. It had been a lot to take in. Out of nowhere, he had returned, took the very amulet he had given her and destroyed her ship along with her crew. Her friends and what she had considered family sunk along with the ship.
After vowing to confront him, Elwyn had guessed the best way to gain information would be through the pub. Someone out here had to have heard what had happened and someone also just may have information as to where he might be. 'I'll get you for this!' Elwyn thought bitterly as she listened in on the conversations around her. She didn't think he would be here of all places. At least, not in the pub as far as she knew. After what she had seen, Elwyn knew there was no way to actually contend with that strength he had. Even still, one could be strong to an extent. As her former captain had once taught her, the element of surprise was a great advantage in battle.
"I'll take a glass of rum," Elwyn had stated as a waitress came over to take her order. When the woman returned to the bar, Elwyn scanned the sea of heads all around her. Despite her cloak concealing her appearance, she blended in well amongst the patrons.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2014 0:15:23 GMT -5
The pub was bustling with life, energy, and drunkards. It was the perfect place for very much imperfect people! Men and women everywhere were getting overly flirtatious and frisky, much to the discomfort of the staff. Such was the life of a place like this, however. The carefree air was not to last, however. Suddenly, everyone went silent, staring as several man in all black armor with matching cloaks strode in. The very clacking of their reinforced boots was enough to send a chill down the spines of most. Slowly and eerily, they spread out in a semi-circle formation around the tables, their demeanor and stance broadcasting a sense of foreboding. Then, one fateful glass went flying, smacking one of the soldiers in the back of the head. "Wha da ya think yer doin 'ere? I reckon ya missed da turn to the bloodied field, mate," a drunken man, likely the culprit, bellowed. "Shut your mouth, heathen!" the soldier barked, drawing his blade and closing in. "I serve the Vision of the Seers. I protect all of you. I would guard your tongue more closely, lest you feel like using it for trade! Just before dawn today, in fact, we struck down a notorious pirate ship and secured your bloody port! I would ask for some respect!" "An' I'd ask ya to leave, you bloke!" the drunk continued, standing, only to stumble. Out of spite, the soldier kicked him in the gut, drawing a pained groan. "Do yourself a favor and stay down," he spat, shaking his head with disgust. The bar's crowd then began to boo and hiss, ushering for the soldiers to leave. "That's right! Show us such a disgrace after we risked our lives for yours! I'll show each of you in turn!" "That's enough, Armad!" a voice boomed, drawing silence again. It was like thunder- sudden, forceful, and yet graceful, much like the owner. In strode Alistair, twirling the medallion between his fingers. "We serve the people, yes. We deserve their respect, yes. So tell me... what exactly are you and your men doing here to secure such a position of endearment?" "C-c-captain! Forgive me! I thought-" "You thought what!? That because we sunk one ship- ONE- that you're free to return to port and start a ruckus!? There will be more pirates, you craven dimwit! We have to prepare! We. Have. A. Job to do. Are you really, truly, going to stand here and tell me that you deserve praise from these people for one simple act of service? If you want to be a hero, I suggest you get out there and make one of yourself rather than the sorry, glory-starved wretch I'm staring at now. Spread the word. The men are to begin reloading supplies immediately, and are not to step foot anywhere but the market and ship until it's done. Then, maybe then will I allow your lazy tomfoolery," he scolded, eyes blaze with passion and rage. "Y-y-yes sir. Where will you preside in the mean-time, sir?" the cowardly soldier stammered, visibly shaking. "I've a grave to visit. I'm not to be disturbed. Understood?" came Alistair's curt, dry answer. "Y-yes sir! You heard him men! To market! We're resupplying the ship!" he reverberated. With that, each of the soldiers hastily cleared out the front entrance where they'd came, while Alistair himself took a smaller side exit out into the alleyways. After a while, the sorceror came to the outskirts of town, overlooking the pathway to the cemetery. He glanced around with his amber eyes, taking in the view for a moment. "Some things never change. If only the past could, huh, Elwyn? I wish you were still here with me. Not a moment goes by that I don't miss you," he whispered, clenching his fist tight around the medallion. Then, his eyes turned skyward. It had become a beautiful evening now; the moon's rays were shining brightly, a calm breeze blew, and there was scarcely a cloud in the sky. Then, a single tear dropped from his left eye. "You really left me with a dilemma, huh?" With that, he continued on towards the graveyard, the ironic gears of fate grinding in the background.
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Post by Sprow on Feb 16, 2014 1:02:54 GMT -5
It didn't take long for Elwyn to notice the abrupt silence. Quietly, Elwyn followed the gaze of those nearby. Soon, she had spotted the armored men that had walked into the pub. Judging by the look of them, they weren't here to be friendly. Elwyn, recognizing the armor, narrowed her eyes. She despised the factions. All of them, to her, were evil. After all, it was because of the factions that her village had been destroyed. Her father had to have died in the attack. Since there were many, Elwyn couldn't do a thing about them as they circled each table in silence. They were like a predatory feline, slinking the way they did until finally a drunkard had snapped at them.
'That's right, you tell them!' Elwyn silently agreed. Still, Elwyn knew what was going to happen. These men wouldn't approve of such an outburst. In her eyes, they were nothing more than bullies. As the crowd booed and hissed, Elwyn had half a mind to start a fight herself but thought better of it. She couldn't afford to let her anger cloud her judgment right now. After all, these men may know where to find her friend.
Ironically, the very person she was trying to find had arrived on the scene. A loud, booming voice had interrupted the soldier that seemed to lead this gang of soldiers. Bringing her bright green eyes toward the source, Elwyn's eyes widened if only briefly before narrowing rather dangerously. It was a...confusing feeling. Part of her was happy to see him alive but after what happened today, she had to remind herself that they weren't friends anymore. The pain of loss, betrayal and anger filled her once more. Most of all, how could he join them?
'And a captain no less!' Elwyn thought bitterly. Well, she shouldn't be surprised. He was an abnormally strong person. She had witnessed for herself the things that he could do at least twice. The way he seemed to twirl the medallion, although it had originally been his, mocked her. If caution didn't hold her down right now, she might've tackled him to the floor by now. Instead, she remained rooted in her seat as he thundered at this Armad guy. The power in his voice, although his anger wasn't directed at her, still washed over everyone in the room. Elwyn could feel herself quake a little.
Finally, Armad obeyed Alistair. When he had asked him where he would be, Alistair stated that he would be visiting a grave and was to not be disturbed. 'Ah, so her's my chance.'
As the men hastily left the pub, Elwyn discretely got up after she was certain where Alistair had gone. Slipping out into the alleyways, she did her best to follow him in silence. From the distance of where she had been lurking, when he had taken pause, she could not hear what he was saying. It seemed as though he were speaking to the amulet itself. In all the time that she had it on her, Elwyn was fairly certain the trinket wasn't alive. Had he gone insane? Quietly, Elwyn continued to stalk him through the shadows of the alleyways. So far, unnoticed or at least she hoped she had been unnoticed, Elwyn followed him to the graveyards. Now came the tricky part, remaining hidden amongst much shorter stones all around. When he wasn't looking, she dived behind the nearest one and waited to hear if he'd continue on his way.
'Alright...I'll sneak up from behind...and...er...tackle him? He can't do anything if I got him grounded, can he?' Elwyn debated in her mind. All this way and she still didn't have a clue on how she was going to confront him without it resulting in her own death.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2014 1:43:27 GMT -5
Alistair was unaware of his pursuer as he perused the graves. Under normal circumstances, he might have noticed, but his mind was too wrapped around the matters within his heart. He was definitely off his game; that much was blatantly obvious. He wasn't even scanning for potential threats like he normally would. It wouldn't have mattered to him in that moment though, for his mind was finally at peace. He believed he'd found the vengeance he'd been seeking. It was enough. Finally, he came to a small, beautiful blue headstone upon earth that had never even been dug before. Upon it were engraved the words, "To my best friend. Though your body was never found, may your soul find rest here, along with my unspoken words." Reading over it once more, Alistair knelt down on one knee, crying. "I did it, Elwyn. I finally did it," he whimpered as he lifted the medallion from around his neck, gazing at the stone. "I can return this to you at last." Gently, but firmly, he tied the necklace around the stone, letting it blow in the gentle breeze. Then came something Alistair didn't expect- a hand on his shoulder. Instantaneously, he drew his sword and backed away, tip of his blade at the ready. "You've some nerve sneaking up on me!" he declared, ready to strike- only to realize it was just a young, unarmed woman. "Please don't hurt me!" she wailed, instantly breaking into tears. "I just heard someone crying, and you were out here at the graves, and... and... and... I don't want to die!" Alistair sighed, planting his face firmly in his left palm. "Forgive me. It seems I startled you as much as you did me. You don't need to be afraid. I wouldn't hurt you," he assured, sheathing his sword. "You really should be more careful though. Pirates are all about these parts. A fair young maiden such as yourself would make for a prime target." The girl was indeed fairly pretty. She had long, black hair, beautiful green eyes, and a fair complexion, almost exactly like... Elwyn. It was eery, actually. "I... you're right... I'm sorry. But... are you going to be alright?" At that, the sorceror chuckled. "I haven't been alright in a very long time," he answered, dropping back to his knee in front of the grave. "Not since... her." The wandering girl shifted to the side, gazing sympathetically at him. " She. I take it she was more than just a friend to you, then? A man doesn't look like that just about a friend, after all." Alistair was silent, but nodded. "It doesn't matter now though. She can rest in peace." Then, suddenly, there was a sharp pain, but the captain couldn't make a sound. "And so can you, Sorceror scum," the young woman hissed, pulling a knife from his side. "Say hello to Elwyn in hell for us." D-don't you... dare... speak her name!" Alistair grunted, writhing on the ground in pain. The wound burned intensely; he had no doubt he'd been poisoned. "And what are you going to do about it? You-" she started, raising up her left leg, and stomping down on his chest repeatedly, "-should have kept your nose where it belonged! Do you even know how many men I lost to you in the past month alone!? It serves you right that I'm going to just leave you to rot here. And don't worry- you won't be healing yourself. That poison that's burning you so badly right now has chemicals within designed to seal your magic. I hope it just gets worse. Tata, Captain." "Ugh... Elwyn... I guess I'm coming to see you... a lot sooner than I thought," he murmured, slowly fading into unconsciousness.
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Post by Sprow on Feb 16, 2014 2:38:46 GMT -5
Elwyn, as she debated on what to do, finally heard Alistair from her hideout. It sounded like he was crying. What he said, however, caught her offguard. Elwyn? She was fairly certain that he had said her name. In response, her heart gave her an unpleasant lurch. Worriedly, she looked all around her but Alistair wasn't there. He was still some distance away from her hiding spot. 'Wait...what?' she wondered, perplexed. He didn't seem to know she was here...or did he? Confusedly, Elwyn dared to peer around the corner of the tombstone she hid behind.
Alistair's back was turned to her, focused on the stone right in front of him. Of course, such a thing greatly confused her. Was he crying about having pushed her into the water earlier and lamenting what he had done? 'Ooookay?' she thought, not sure what to make of the situation. Return this to her at last?! Alistair's words confused her all the more before she focused on the tombstone. Before she could get a better look, a figure suddenly appeared in her line of vision directly behind Alistair, grabbing his shoulder. Instinctively, Elwyn ducked behind the tombstone before she was discovered as Alistair reacted.
'Whoever that is, they'd better not kill him before I can get answers to my questions!' Elwyn thought nastily. It was the sound of a woman's voice that had answered Alistair's. The woman was wailing, making Elwyn want to cover her ears before finally, Alistair seemed to cave. As he spoke, Elwyn couldn't help but scrunch up her nose with disgust. Playing the hero after what he had just done! She might have been a pirate but she wasn't an evil one! Sure, she stole from others but only to give to those that didn't have a lot.
'Oh sure, we pirates enjoy mugging women! Did you ever stop to think some of us are women?!' Elwyn thought grumpily. She had to refrain from letting out an exasperated sigh as she remained put.
As the woman asked if Alistair would be alright, Elwyn crossed her arms then as she rapped her fingers silently on her arm's flesh. No matter how she felt right now, she had to wait. Since that woman took the opportunity to sneak up on Alistair, Elwyn's idea of sneaking up on him from behind had been snatched from her. Now, how was she going to get a hold of him without her ending up dead?
The conversation between Alistair and the woman caught her attention though. Hadn't been the same? Elwyn's eyebrows furrowed some more. The way Alistair was talking, it sounded as though he had believed she was dead. As the woman stated that Alistair couldn't have looked the way he did over a simple friend. 'Yet, he still attacked my ship and killed my crew!' she thought bitterly. It wasn't until Alistair stated that she could rest in peace that she finally got what he meant. Alistair hadn't recognized her at all. In fact, he had believed her to be dead!
The conversation some way behind her took a turn for the worse, however as Elwyn heard the woman hiss out words about how Alistair could also rest in peace. 'But I'm right here!' Elwyn thought with annoyance as the woman told Alistair that he could say hello to her in hell. Even though she was angry at Alistair, Elwyn felt an urge to go rushing to his aid. She had to remind herself of what he had done. Even still, she was just confused. She had been fairly certain that Alistair had attacked her on her ship but he had believed her dead. So, maybe he hadn't recognized her? Even still, he had killed her friends and what she had come to believe as family! Then again, this woman was killing Alistair without letting her get the chance to ask him questions!
'Damn it!' Elwyn thought as she repositioned herself to come to a crouch behind the tombstone. As the woman stated that she had lost many men thanks to Alistair and should have kept his nose out of things, Elwyn could only look on while Alistair writhed on the ground after spitting at her to not speak Elwyn's name. The woman asked him what he was going to do about it before proceeding to stomp on his chest. Angrily, Elwyn wanted to stop her but something held her back for the time being. It wasn't until Alistair seemed to fade that Elwyn finally forsook her hiding place. Drawing out her pirate's sword and her gun, Elwyn frowned at the figure standing over Alistair.
"Hey you, back off!" Elwyn growled. "That is...unless you want a bullet hole in the middle of that forehead of-huh?" Elwyn stated as she got a good look at the woman standing there. They looked...the same?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2014 12:25:21 GMT -5
The mysterious woman spun in shock, a knife in each hand, ready to defend herself in an instant. However, when she saw her target, she began to cackle triumphantly. "Truly this is too perfect! The gods truly pile the gifts at my feet tonight! We've been searching for you, girl. The seers said you were somehow still alive. It's a pity you didn't make an appearance sooner. I would have loved to kill you first- in front of him," the woman proclaimed, a wicked grin upon her face. "Then again... who's to say I can't do it now? After all, he's not going anywhere."
A strange purple mist began to whirl around the woman, enveloping her entirely. It swirled with a fierce energy, crackling like lightning and thunder. Then, the mist slowly dissipated, revealing the woman's true form. "You know," she began again, slender, graceful arms reaching out first, a knife between each of her fingers, "it's almost sad. That loathsome fool has no defenses against someone who even looks like you! Actually, I think the word I'm looking for is... pathetic." Again, that despicable laughter echoed. When the mist fully cleared, a gorgeous, graceful woman stood, long dirty-blond hair flowing down to her thighs. Her eyes whirled with the same yellow energy as Alistair, indicating a powerful magic user. She didn't feel the least bit threatened by Elwyn.
"I have to know though, Elwyn-" she began, only to stop at the sound of Alistair's groaning.
"El...wyn...?" he whispered weakly, struggling to maintain his own consciousness under the effects of the poison. Much to his displeasure, his words found another heel planted firmly in his chest, drawing out another pained cry.
"Quiet you. I'm speaking right now, and I don't appreciate interruptions," the woman hissed. "As I was saying, I have to know, Elwyn. How did that little reunion go for you? I'm sure that was quite a shock. I do hope you took it quite personally. Trust me, what you saw was the least this monster has done. Would you like to do the finishing blow yourself, I wonder? After all, he killed everyone you've cherished since your... unfortunate separation. I would permit it. It would feel great, wouldn't it? That satisfaction of vengeance? Trust me, I know the feeling all too well."
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Post by Sprow on Feb 16, 2014 15:47:02 GMT -5
Elwyn didn't think the woman would have magical powers. She should have put that into her calculations before making an appearance. However, she still had questions that she needed answering. She couldn't afford to let the one that likely knew the answers to her questions die. It just wouldn't do. As the woman turned to face her, Elwyn heard her laughter. Even still, Elwyn remained steady. It was, of course, worrisome but she didn't show it on her face. Instead, she hardened her expression as the woman spoke. The woman that looked eerily like herself.
After the woman spoke, a purple mist began to swirl around her. Elwyn braced herself in case the woman intended to use some sort of magical attack on her. Elwyn, since becoming a pirate captain, hadn't managed to learn anything of the magical arts that her father and people in the village had known. She had been deprived that knowledge due to the attack done on her village that killed a large number of people she knew there as well as her father. As the mist crackled, Elwyn watched as the mist dissipated finally, revealing the woman's true face. It wasn't clear at first but Elwyn could see that she wasn't like her. So, she had been using a guise to conceal her true identity. Well, at least now Elwyn knew she didn't have some sort of strange long lost twin or anything.
According to the woman, Alistair had non defenses against anyone that had looked like her. "Really? Could have fooled me," Elwyn stated, sparing a disgruntled glance in Alistair's direction. Was that poison meant to kill Alistair or was it just a means to prevent him from using his magical powers? Bringing her gaze back over to the woman, Elwyn finally got a good look at her. The energy in her eyes told Elwyn that she was dealing with a powerful magic user. Well, that ruled out the bullets that Elwyn had in her non-magic arsenal.
It didn't take long before the woman spoke directly to her, something that she had to know. As she said this, a voice interrupted her. Elwyn and the woman looked over in Alistair's direction. It was clear that he was greatly weakened by the poison. Time may not be in his favor if it was meant to kill him. In response, the woman had planted her heel into Alistair's chest, causing him more pain. Despite herself, Elwyn felt anger toward the woman. Yet, she knew that she should still be angry with Alistair. It was a confusing situation, at best. Finally, the woman spoke to her again. She somehow knew their reunion hadn't been a good one. Now, the woman sounded as if she would relish the idea of Elwyn killing Alistair.
"And what makes you think I'm anything like you? I despise everything the factions are. It's because of them that I lost what family I had and my home. Pirates took me in and raised me like I was one of their own. For a time, I was and rose to the rank of captain." Elwyn replied, glaring at the woman and ignoring Alistair's incapacitated form for now.
"I deserve answers to my questions that I have. Oh, don't get me wrong, I've an idea of what sort of punishment I'll be giving but until I find those answers, I cannot let you kill him. I owe it to my friends to be the hand to do it myself!" Elwyn growled. Honestly, it was easier to say it than actually do it. Elwyn wasn't sure if she could do it.
"You seem to know me but I can't say I know you."
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2014 21:50:19 GMT -5
"Tch," the mysterious woman hissed, giving Alistair a firm kick in his right rib cage. "No, I suppose you wouldn't know me. Why would you? You and your merry little band were always an elusive bunch. I'll be the first to admit, even though you were on our radar, this one here was probably the only one capable of tracking and taking your ship. You little rats excelled at finding new holes to crawl into. Our seers were even useless. By the time we received word of your whereabouts, you'd already have moved on. This bastard, on the other hand... he's too predictable. It's laughable, really. He's always coming back here, talking to this stupid rock." The woman began laughing again, quite sadistically.
Then, what no one, even Alistair saw coming, happened- the young sorceror lashed out, bringing his sword around in a lightning fast motion. The blow was superficial, only nicking the woman's left cheek, but she wailed in horror and reeled back regardless. "You wretched-" she wailed, only to cut herself short, narrowly avoiding a second strike. Not taking any chances, the woman surrounded herself in the same strange mist as before, vanishing into the night.
"Ugh... That... witch..." Alistair murmured, dropping back to one knee. He was now sweating horribly, and on top of that, his pupils were unnaturally dilated. He attempted to stand, but instantaneously fell to his left, landing harshly on his side. "Elwyn... Elixir... satchel..." Beginning to shake, he struggled to muster enough strength to gesture to a pouch strapped to his belt. The contents wouldn't wouldn't cure him, but would diminish the effects temporarily.
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Post by Sprow on Feb 16, 2014 22:16:03 GMT -5
Elwyn's eyes narrowed as the woman spoke. As she did so, she spared Alistair a kick to his ribcage. As she spoke, explaining that while Elwyn's gang was on their radar, the pirates had been elusive enough to avoid them. Their elusiveness was what made them hard to deal with. According to her, Alistair was one of the only ones able to track her ship down and taking Elwyn's ship. The reminder made Elwyn's eyes narrow further. By the time the faction had any word on Elwyn's ship's whereabouts, they had already long since moved on. As for Alistair, according to this woman, the only reason she had been able to surprise him was because he had been so predictable since he came here often to speak to this rock. Well, no doubt she meant gravestone. Elwyn had figured out that Alistair had believed she was dead. It was likely her tombstone now that she had put two and two together.
As the woman laughed, something happened. It happened so fast that Elwyn didn't see it coming either. Alistair, despite what the two women had thought, had gotten to his feet slashing at the woman with his sword. He only grazed her cheek but the woman reacted as if he had stabbed her in the gut or chopped off one of her limbs. She didn't have time to react further as Alistair made another slash forcing the woman to narrowly avoid the next strike. Not taking anymore chances, the woman became covered in that mist again before vanishing into the night. Elwyn carefully watched her go in case she returned. It didn't look like she was coming back. He seemed to have scared her off.
Now, it was just Elwyn and Alistair. As Alistair spoke, she watched as he dropped to one knee. It was clear to her that the poison in his system was effecting him greatly. Even his eyes looked strange. Alistair attempted to get to his feet but the result was him falling onto his left side. Elwyn winced as she witnessed it. Then, Alistair spoke to her. After making sure that woman wasn't coming back, Elwyn finally looked down at him. Part of her wanted to tell him no but there were answers she sought after. Allowing him to die would not achieve the goal she was looking for. Hearing him mention an Elixir in a satchel, pointing at it in a pouch strapped to his belt, Elwyn rose a brow.
"You do realize that's not going to cure you?" Elwyn stated before sheathing her sword but keeping her gun at the ready in case this was some sort of trick. Fishing through his pouch, making sure he wasn't about to try anything, Elwyn uncorked the Elixir. Tipping the contents into his mouth, once that was done, Elwyn had let him go and backed away several steps. After having witnessed what he had almost done to that woman from before she wasn't going to take any chances.
"So...Captain...did it help?" Elwyn asked him gruffly. It was clear by the way she was keeping her distance and the way she still had her gun out that she didn't trust him. Now, she could finally get some answers. That is, depending on how cooperative he would be. He didn't have a choice though. If he tried running away, she'd tackle him.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2014 23:11:13 GMT -5
Alistair wasn't certain whether to expect aid or not. He wasn't even certain what was really going on. This woman was... Elwyn? She was alive? Impossible, he thought, mentally scoffing. Much to his relief, the woman, Elwyn or not, decided to assist him after all, and pursed the elixir to his lips. The honey-like substance soothed him as it went down, relieving the tension in his throat and quickly diluting the poison. His breathing eased, and the quaking of his body ceased altogether.
Though his eyes remained dilated, the sorceror lifted his gaze to meet Elwyn's. "Thank you. I don't know what I would have done if not for you," he murmured weakly. "Is it... is it really you then? ... Elwyn?" His jaw dropped in disbelief, realization washing over him. It had to be. That hair, those eyes, and that posture. "Gods help me... I've been such a fool! I thought... I thought I'd lost you forever!" he whispered as his eyes began to water. The sheer amount of emotions coursing through him were almost more overwhelming than the poison flowing through his veins.
Alistair was first and foremost, shocked. The last several years of his life had been lived for a lie. Then came the realization that he had done her a terrible wrong. The guilt was heavy, almost crushing. But Elwyn was alive! That was something to be happy for, right? ... If she didn't want to kill him for what he'd done, anyway. "I'm... so happy you're alive, I can't even..." he trailed off, breaking into a sob. It was a pitiful sight to behold- a grown man, let alone a fierce sorceror and captain for one of the most prominent factions, breaking down into tears over the woman he loved. "I'm so sorry, Elwyn... I should have looked harder!"
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Post by Sprow on Feb 16, 2014 23:52:29 GMT -5
Elwyn watched Alistair carefully as signs of the Elixir taking effect seemed to wash over him. When he locked eyes with Elwyn, she braced herself. It was strange considering how much time had passed and seeing him for who he was now. He had changed but so had she. As he thanked her, she just kept that hardened and unreadable expression on her face. Her gun was still in her hand in case she had to use it.
"Don't thank me." Her words were gruff and guarded. A large part of her wanted to remain indifferent to him. She had to avenge those he killed on the ship! As he spoke to her, asking if it really had been her, Elwyn scoffed at him.
"Of course it is!"
Elwyn watched as the realization had struck him. He had surveyed her, more closely it seemed, and finally realized it was her. It seemed to have hit him pretty hard. As it dawned on him, she saw his eyes starting to get all glassy. It had caught her off guard. If he had looked at her with that wrathful expression like he had done on the ship, this would have been easy. No, instead, it looked almost like she was seeing that innocent boy she found in the woods all over again.
"Oh great!" Elwyn grumbled as she realized what he was about to do. His eyes were all watery now. How the hell was she going to kill him like this? She wanted to hate him for what he had done but his sobbing made it hard or her to find the will to do it. 'No, I can't cave!' she thought bitterly, trying to put up that wall to keep herself from giving up the idea...and from keeping herself from getting emotional. Her hurt from earlier had been opened up again. Damn it all! Damn him!
Elwyn furiously shook her head as he continued, saying how happy he was that she was alive as he sobbed. When he apologized for not looking harder, she wouldn't hear anymore of it. Determined to stay strong, Elwyn pointed her gun at him although it was clear her arm was shaking a little.
"Don't you...dare!" Elwyn growled at him. Even though she was upset, it looked like she was struggling with herself. "I should hate you for what you did! You killed my friends and those that were like family to me!" she snarled at him. It seemed like she was talking more so to herself than him. As if she were trying to convince herself that she had to hate his guts. Yet, she could feel herself caving. Her own eyes were welling up with tears from the pain of remembering her fallen friends and that feeling of betrayal when he had pushed her into the water which could have killed her if she wasn't a good swimmer.
"Y-You-!" Elwyn had to cut herself short before her voice cracked. Her own emotions were overcoming her. Her arm shook even more. "You are one of them!" she said, referring to his allegiance with the factions. Well, at least one of them. Even so, she knew that she wanted to hate him but...somehow, now that she was faced with him, she couldn't. She was willing herself to fire that gun if only to injure him to make him see just how upset she was with him but she couldn't do it. She couldn't get her hand to obey her.
"Y-You...should have known it was me!" Elwyn said. Her voice was accusatory and for good reason but it shook. If she even wanted to shoot the gun now, there was no point in doing so. Her hand was shaking far too much to get a good shot in if she ever did pull the trigger. In fact, it was hard to even hold the gun in her grip. Fight it as she may, she couldn't stop the tears from welling out of her eyes and spilling down her face then.
"Wh-Why?" Elwyn quaked. "Why a-are you...one of them?" she sobbed. "Why...did you...kill them?" Elwyn demanded but her resolve was fading fast. Eventually, she couldn't do it anymore. Dropping to her own knees, Elwyn had dropped her gaze as she finally broke down and gave in to her emotions.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2014 12:44:29 GMT -5
Alistair recoiled at Elwyn's accusations. Her words were like knives piercing straight into his heart. As she stared straight at him, gun ready to fire, he closed his eyes, grimacing with the internal turmoil that was tearing him apart. Death at her hands would have been just; welcome, even. "Do it. If that's what's truly in your heart, I won't even try to stop you. Not after knowing..." he stated surprisingly calmly, having regained some of his composure. "I'm so sorry, Elwyn! If I had just known... if I hadn't been such a damned fool! Maybe, just maybe, I could bear to look at you. I turned my back on everything that I was- on everything you taught me to be, all because I thought I'd lost you. I see now that I was nothing more than a tool. I was blinded by rage and grief when I was told you were dead. All I wanted was vengeance." There it was at last- an explanation of sorts. Alistair expected those words to be his last, but death did not come. Not yet, anyway. As he opened his eyes, listening to Elwyn, it struck the sorceror that she wasn't going to do it. Now she too was wracked with grief and despair. Some friend he was, bringing her to this state. Her only question- why? Rightfully so. With the facts thrust into his face, Alistair couldn't ignore that he'd been blatantly stupid. "I'm... going to make this right. There are answers I need, and I'm going to get them if it's the last thing I do!" Though his eyes were ablaze with passion and determination, the captain's body was... uncooperative at best. Wearily, the man forced himself to stand, wincing in pain. Clutching his wound, Alistair turned away from Elwyn, and began stumbling back towards the docks. What if I can't, though? What if I can't make it right? Even if I can, do I deserve forgiveness? Do I deserve to be in her presence? He'd barely finished his thoughts when he stumbled over a root that had escaped his notice in his distraction. Swiftly, he fell back to the ground, grunting in pain. How embarrassing... Undeterred, however, he got back up again, slowly but surely, forcing his body to obey. "Keep going. You have every reason to again," he whispered quietly to himself, ambling weakly and pathetically onward.
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Post by Sprow on Feb 17, 2014 16:53:27 GMT -5
Elwyn couldn't find the will to fire her gun. After vowing to put a stop to what her friend had become, she hadn't expected to discover any of this. She had believed that he had been lost entirely. After finding out the real reason why he acted the way that he did and after confronting him, it was all just too much for her. The more she looked at him, the more she saw that innocent boy she had befriended when she fell down that ravine. That innocent boy that she had taught all that she knew. It broke her heart more than she thought it would.
The way he spoke to her too was...she just couldn't do it. Alistair's reason for acting the way he did was because he had thought she was dead. It made things even more difficult for Elwyn. Just when it looked like she was going to pull the trigger, she had collapsed to her knees and broke down, asking him why. As her tears fell, she heard Alistair's answer. He had been foolish and was going to set things right. There were answers that he, too, needed. Slowly, Elwyn brought her gaze upward to look back at him.
It was clear to Elwyn that he meant what he said. She had known him long enough, in the past, to know what that look in his eyes meant. Blinking, she watched as he struggled back to his feet. The way he was walking though, Elwyn didn't think it would be wise of him to go alone. Armad or even one of his men could take advantage of his current state. As he went, Elwyn wiped at her eyes before looking down at the ground. Her gaze fell to her gun again. Now what should she do? Should she believe him? Should she make sure that he didn't get himself killed? Why should she care? He killed her friends and technical family. Yet, it had been because he had thought that Elwyn and her crew were responsible for Elwyn's death. It was...strange. Quietly, she brought her gaze back up to the tombstone that was her's.
Elwyn stared at it for a moment while Alistair, in the corner of her eye, struggled onward. How was he going to set matters straight while his power was sealed? If she let him continue, he'd be walking into a death trap! Pushing herself back up onto her feet, Elwyn wiped away her tears. Gazing again at the tombstone, Elwyn approached it. He hadn't been joking when he said that he had believed she was dead. What would she have done if she had been in his shoes? Would she have fallen from who she used to be? Her eyes settled upon the amulet, the trinket that symbolized their friendship. Even now, it still blew in the slight breeze.
'He can't do it alone...if he's true to his word...I should go to see whether or not he is!' Elwyn had thought. Furrowing her brow, she reached out and grabbed the amulet. Placing it in her pocket for now, she figured it wouldn't do to just leave it there. If he was true to his word...well, only time would tell. Turning on the spot, Elwyn realized that Alistair had gone far ahead of her already. Sighing to herself, Elwyn set off after him. 'I'll make sure you stick to your word!' she thought.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2014 18:11:23 GMT -5
As Alistair trudged on, he didn't even spare a glance back to Elwyn. He wanted to ask for her forgiveness- nay, to beg for it- but his pride and guilt wouldn't even let his eyes wander towards her. Unfortunately, his eyes weren't exactly on the road ahead either. Instead, his gaze was within his own mind, trying desperately to sort through the frenzy of thoughts and emotions within. I have to find Admiral Howl. He'll point me in the right direction. Ugh... I still can't believe it's come to this though. How could I have been so stupid!? Change was fast approaching, however. Alistair would not be prepared. Subtly at first, the wind began to pick up. Storm clouds were now gathering overhead. The smell of an incoming storm permeated throughout the air, much to Alistair's chagrin. Being out in this with his condition could be extremely dangerous. Fate apparently had quite a bit in store this evening though, it seemed. Lightly at first, the rain came, little more than a weak drizzle running over him, dampening the ground all around. Cautiously, Alistair slowed his steps, treading forward warily. That woman had staged a successful ambush already, and he wouldn't have been surprised if there were more lying in wait. He had to press on though. The answers were out there, and he even had the resources to seize them. Well... at least, he could when he recovered. As he walked along the path back to the port, he began to trudge up a hill, but the mud kept sliding underneath him. Alistair attempted a few times, but only achieved the same result. Growing irritated, he gave it more effort, planting his feet more firmly- only for them to slide backwards and out from underneath him, resulting in a rather amusing faceplant. Somewhere, some divine power is laughing hysterically at me, no doubt, he thought.
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Post by Sprow on Feb 17, 2014 19:11:18 GMT -5
Elwyn, finding a new duty to uphold, trekked through the dark after Alistair. Knowing the condition he had to be in, or suspecting it at least, she figured he couldn't have gone very far. Her mind wondered what he was going to do to try to make things right again. Would he hold true to his word? Regardless, she was going to make sure that he did. It would be a befitting payment for the lives of her friends if he took out the factions. Unfortunately, she didn't think he could manage it in his current state. That meant she would likely have to join forces with him. However, right now, they weren't friends anymore. At least, not in Elwyn's eyes right now. She might have let him live but it was only because she couldn't find it in herself to kill her best friend.
The trek, surprisingly, took some time. She didn't think Alistair would have stumbled along so fast. She had no idea how driven he was now. Even so, he was still worn from the assault. He had to be feeling it as he walked.
The air suddenly became wild, the wind picking up which was only a sure sign that there was a storm brewing. Glancing skyward for a brief moment, Elwyn narrowed her eyes a bit. 'That can't be good...and near a port no less...' she thought. Elwyn had seen many storms on the high seas. She had also seen what damage can be done to a port by the sea during such storms. 'I'd better find him fast.'
By the time that she had happened upon him, Alistair was firmly faceplanted in the ground. Blinking, Elwyn had walked over to where he lay in the mud, face down. "You know, there are better places than sleeping on the ground!" she stated. Her hands were on her hips then as she gave him a slightly mocking smirk.
"Alright, Shorty, let me help you back to your feet."
Elwyn had extended her hand to him as she waited for him to grab hold of her hand. Depending on what he did, she'd still pull him back to his feet anyway.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 20, 2014 22:33:12 GMT -5
Slowly, Alistair turned his gaze shamefully upward towards Elwyn. In that moment, he was not a feared Sorceror, or the dread Captain of the Black Dragon. No, those eyes, that weariness, and that fear... all of those were the makings of the boy she found in the woods. Weakly but gratefully, he reached out and took her hand, breathing a sigh of relief as she pulled him up. Yet, one glance into her eyes was all Alistair could muster before turning his own away. The weight of shame was too great. "Better places to sleep indeed. At this rate, the next will be my grave," he scoffed, wiping the mud from his face. "Just where do you get off calling me 'shorty,' anyway? You haven't been taller than me since you were fourteen!"
His tone was uncharacteristically petty and immature, indignant at the the very thought. Back then, the sorceror never heard the end of it from Elwyn. Everything was a joke about his height. Sure, they stopped as soon as his growth hit its stride, but his irritation on the subject never really faded away. It left a bizarre sore-spot on his pride. "Shorty indeed," he huffed, scowling almost like he was a kid again.
The attitude quickly gave way to empathy and compassion, however, and that pained, guilty look resurfaced as he quickly shifted his eyes to and from Elwyn. "... You have every right to put me in the ground, you know? I'm halfway there already. I'm stubborn, but this poison will overtake me if I can't get treatment. Heck, I wouldn't blame you for letting me just rot here," Alistair stated bluntly, but quietly and slowly, struggling with sadness and self-loathing. "... Why didn't you?" The question surprised himself as he found himself turning to face her, searching her over for some clue to an answer.
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Post by Sprow on Feb 20, 2014 23:06:58 GMT -5
Elwyn had almost flinched at the sight of Alistair's gaze. He wasn't that wrathful Sorceror back on that ship of her's destroying it. He wasn't even that Captain that blew up on Armad. No, what she saw was that little boy again that she had found in the woods. As he reached out, Elwyn took hold of his hand and pulled him to his feet. As soon as he was back on his feet, Alistair immediately turned away from her after meeting her gaze only briefly.
When he spoke, she placed a hand on her hip then as he wiped mud off of his face. She had to bite on her lip to keep from laughing. What he had said in response sounded exactly like that little boy she used to know. Despite herself, Elwyn couldn't help but smile. It quickly went away when she reminded herself to not get too friendly with him. "Since you'll always be "shorty" to me no matter how tall you get." That had been her simple and mocking answer. She knew it always got on his nerves and honestly, she fund his reaction amusing. Elwyn made a silent chuckle at his scoff.
Then, everything went back to why Elwyn hadn't killed Alistair. Truthfully, she didn't really know why it was so hard except that she had known him for so long. They had been best friends once before. She couldn't find it in herself to kill him for what he did even though part of her knew that she should have at least injured him for what he did. The inevitable question came, why hadn't she killed him?
"...Don't get me wrong, I intended to." She crossed her arms then, looking directly at him when he turned to face her. "...I...guess it's because..." she sighed, shaking her head. For some reason, telling him her reasons made her feel self conscious. For some reason, she didn't want to tell him why. Instead, she chose to dismiss that and change it to what she had in mind. Thankfully, it was still dark. Otherwise, there would have been a slight coloring of her cheeks from the sudden onset of embarrassment. She didn't want him to think she was weak if he wasn't the same Alistair she knew. Not only that but she had overheard his discussion with that woman from before and didn't want him to know that she did. Unless, of course, he had already guessed at it but she didn't think he did.
"The reason why doesn't matter right now. What matters is whether or not you stick to your word. I plan to oversee that and make sure you are genuine. I will aid you, so long as you're true. If you are...and only if, as well as a huge maybe, I'll consider it payment. As is the way of the pirates." She examined him then. The way he was going, he'd not be able to for much longer.
"I...think an antidote would work...but as for the chemicals where your powers are concerned...not sure how to cure that." Shaking her head, Elwyn wrapped an arm about his waist and slung his arm over her shoulders. "Either we'll find an antidote somewhere around here or you're going to have to tell me where we need to go to get one before you expire." With that, she started to walk, supporting his weight. For now, they had a truce. If he could live up to his words, she might be able to find it in herself to forgive him.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2014 22:42:22 GMT -5
Alistair childishly grumbled at Elwyn, his face curled into an amusing, immature pout. "Great to know that one of the most accomplished and skilled warriors in all the realm will immortally be 'Shorty,' in your eyes," the sorceror whined indignantly. Though he wouldn't admit it, however, he'd missed her teasing. He'd missed her terribly enough as it was. It still almost seemed unreal that she was here, helping him along.
As Elwyn admitted she'd intended to kill him, however, the man's heart sank, as did his gaze and demeanor. The knowledge pained him just as much as his guilt. Together, the two emotions almost weighed upon his heart as heavily as a life without her. Yet, he was glad that she hadn't, on some level. At least, this way... at least he could spend time with her again. The only home he'd ever known was the shadow and arms of the very woman who stood before him. Even with all of this pain, Elwyn's presence alone gave him the greatest happiness he'd had in years. Confusion, however, washed over Alistair when she refused to reveal her reasons. Then again, considering he'd already caused her enough distress, he opted to let it pass unchallenged for now.
"Well, Miss Swashbuckler, I owe you more than a pretty penny, if you're looking to make us even. Without even the current circumstances, my debt to you is already nearly boundless," the captain jested, managing a weak chuckle as his friend undertook his added weight. "As for the antidote, well, that one's easy. The poison they used on me is Wordsbane, a tonic that inverts the flow of life energy in a person's magic, disrupting and corrupting it into a wicked miasma. Attaining the antidote however... well, that's a much more difficult task. The antidote is refined Teargrass, which has been farmed nearly to extinction. The good news is that I know where to find some. The bad news is that doing so is as likely to get both of us killed as it is to save me," Alistair explained, grinding his teeth nervously.
Being so close, he couldn't help but take in Elwyn's heavenly scent. Despite the musty situation and the distinct scent of saltwater, her own unique blend broke through, sending his heart racing and turning his face red. Feeling his cheeks burn, he averted his gaze, attempting to hide his embarrassment. How unbecoming! Alistair mentally scolded himself.
"Th-the t-teargrass... I found that it grows back home, in the woods where we used to spend our time together. Unfortunately, since the war ravaged your village, the forest has become host to some rather... unwanten creatures, the like of which I'd rather not face even with magic."
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Post by Sprow on Feb 22, 2014 22:03:13 GMT -5
Elwyn, as Alistair made that face, had to refrain from laughing at him. At the edge of her mouth, her lips curled upward bemusedly. "You got that right...Shorty!" she mused. Oh, how she knew he hated the name. It was one of the only two names she ever gave him, one she wondered if he officially still went by. When he spoke next, she glanced over at him as he stated that he had already owed her enough as it was even before their current situation.
"Well, sounds like you've got a lot to do, Alistair. Best to get cracking now!" Elwyn replied. As they started to walk, she heard the chuckle Alistair made before he went on to describe to her what he had been poisoned with. Elwyn couldn't help but glance over at him and blink as he went on.
"I see someone's become a bookworm since last I saw him." When he had finally finished, Elwyn bit her lip. Just how much time did he have? "Well, if you plan on being cured, it looks like we've got no other choice. Do you have any idea how long you have? Anything we can do to slow down the spread of the poison until we're able to get back home?" Elwyn questioned him.
"We should also probably get that wound of your's tended to. If you've time, we'll have to take up a room at the inn so I can fix your injury up out of the rain and wind." Of course, to Elwyn, it didn't occur to her how awkward that might have sounded. Her intentions were merely innocent. She did catch on to Alistair's stuttering but thought it had been because of his injury, not because he was embarrassed. Luckily for him, it was too dark for her to see the coloring on his face.
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