Sinners or Slaves [Markus, Nari, Blythe, Sondra]

by **Blythe** on May 16th, 2011, 2:31 pm

Blythe gave a slight smile as she pulled her bag off her lap. She stood up, before swinging it over her shoulder, and following the small procession of two Sylirian knights and two Konti into the mines. For the most part, she kept her eyes fixed on the backs of the two knights, whom she followed only a few paces behind, although from time to time, she allowed her gaze to fall on the sides of the caves. For the most part, the only thing she could spot were torches, and rock that seemed to tumble on top of each other, trying to mirror the side of a small mountain, or perhaps the waves of the sea, despite the fact that nothing ever moved. Everything simply seemed so dark to Blythe, and it made her shiver more than the rain and the cold had outside. But no one truly seemed to notice.

Deciding that it would be better to keep her eyes on the knights, Blythe returned her gaze to them. She followed in silence for another few minutes, wondering when they would get to their destination, wherever that was.

Finally, the group reached a large fire. Blythe smiled weakly as she strode up to it. She pressed the palms of her hands together and slid the left over the right one for a while, to help shake off any excess rain, and to begin to build up heat. After a few moments, Blythe lifted her hands, and held them out to the side of the fire. The orange flames threatened to lick her palms as it cast her entire body in an eerie orange glow. Blythe welcomed the "danger" however, the heat the fire offered. How here, she could stay warm and watch some of the things that were going on inside the mines themselves, instead of simply hearing someone else's perspective.

Blythe's lavender colored eyes passed over the miners that huddled over the fire. Some looked tired, and worn, like they hadn't had a chance to rest in weeks. Their eyes seemed to have sunken into their faces, and they had a sort of worried look about them. Or perhaps it was simply that of an exhausted man. Blythe had come into so little contact with men, that she couldn't be sure. Then there were men who were drinking- and to her, they hardly seemed happy about it. Isn't alcohol supposed to loosen one up and lift their spirits? Blythe wondered, as her gaze settled on the bottle of whatever they were drinking. To her, they seemed to be desperately trying to drown the world out with that single bottle. Why else, if not for that, would they be sharing a bottle? Something is wrong here, Blythe's mind told her. Although she didn't quite believe it. There has to be something the knights have failed to mention. Blythe ignored that too. That just couldn't be right. The knights were good men, from what she had heard, they wouldn't let anything go wrong in the mines, would they?

A snicker from the two haunted-looking men broke through the silence; Blythe's thoughts. She looked up at them again, not realizing she had fallen into a sort of trance before, causing her gaze to seem far away, as though it were looking through the bottle of liquor the men had been sharing. Should they have done that? Surely there is something not quite right about them snickering. Perhaps the knights... NO! Blythe stood silently, waiting, trying to allow her mind to calm down as she continued to warm herself by the fire. She expected the two miners to say more, but after a few moments, there was still nothing. Blythe had half the heart to press the matter, but could not help but wonder if it was truly her place to do so. After all, she was a stranger in a strange land. Maybe if you keep it general... "Wha... what was that all about?" Blythe asked, as her bottom lip began to tremble, perhaps because she was so cold, perhaps because she was feeling a little nervous.

The area around the fire did seem a little tense, it wasn't just her, was it? Blythe turned her head to look at Sondra, wondering if the other Konti could feel it as well, or if her mind was simply imagining things after hearing something so simple. "Or did the snicker simply slip out... because you're so tired?" Blythe's voice shook. Why was she so nervous?

OOCSorry for such a lousy post.

by **Markus Andres** on May 22nd, 2011, 6:24 pm

Markus noticed the complete lack of attention to him, compared with the Konti ladies. Not that he could blame ser Thompson. They were a lot more interesting to talk with than a young insignificant squire. Markus just stepped in behind the Konti's. Taking up the rear guard. Something he didn't think would be needed. The mines were protected by the knights, after all. He felt safe there. Even with hardened criminals around. Markus listened to ser Thompson with half an ear, trying to pick up anything . Instead looking around for anything interesting that might catch his attention. Something that might give him a clue to the grandmasters suspicion.

Markus looked at the people gathered around the fire. It wasn't hard to see the difference between miners and criminals. Markus did look a the bottle with suspicion. Was it normal for the miners to be allowed alcohol? That did not mesh well with Markus' sense of discipline and work duty. Markus gave the knight keeping a watch over the two criminals a respectful nod. But none to the people he was watching over. - He did her the words that left ser Thompson's mouth prior to the snicker. Markus hoped that those two things were not related. He hoped it had just been a crude joke between the two criminals. None the less - he gave the two a stern glare.

Markus was abit annoyed that they had been brought to an even more crowded location. He really would have liked to talk with the other Konti's alone. He looked to Blythe when she asked her question. Then to Ser Thompson. Waiting for a response.

by **Sondra** on May 26th, 2011, 5:17 am

Sondra’s ears perked, another Konti about? How long until she came out of the woodwork. Or maybe Sondra was getting hyper sensitive. Just because her summons was auspicious it didn’t mean every piece of information was interconnected.

Despite her reticence, Sondra cared, perhaps a bit too much. She did not want to blow this. Her track record was overwhelmingly depressing, another flub might kick her right back to Sunberth. Goddess knew that story would have a wretched ending.

Sondra had to feel bad for Blythe as they proceeded into the mine. Here she was with the especially unwashed masses, and they weren’t on good behavior.

As the spirits were being passed around the fire, Sondra found herself being a trace distracted. Gods, a splash of heat in her throat would be good against the chill. Her fingers itched to reach out and take the anxiety from her bones.

Thompson was going on in the background about how everything was puttering on in the usual fashion. Ship-shape her ass. If that was so, why was she compelled to show up here and why did the miners snicker in the background?

Then again, Sondra wasn’t particularly keen on the knights and their swift dispensation of justice. She knew her own bias could color perception. The trouble could be something entirely independent of their presence. Thompson didn’t seem so bad, either. She liked that he rambled. Sondra didn’t trust a man who spoke perfectly.

Part of her was tempted to grab the hand of anyone around that fire, but there was no promise she would see something useful. At least chatty Blythe was at it again. Sondra felt obliged to chime in like an older supportive sibling.

“It’s a bit ominous when the hired help laughs as you talk about everything being fine.”

by **Dusk** on June 24th, 2011, 1:20 am

The miners who were sharing a drink glanced over at the pack of newcomers with open curiosity, watching the upcoming interplay between the Konti and the other two bedraggled men as if wondering themselves what might come of it.

The ones Blythe addressed so carefully just shot wicked grins at each other, and one turned his exhausted gaze to Sondra - and there was something so like hatred in his eyes that it might have been shocking. "We ain't exactly the hired help, lady," he said, spitting the title out at her. "But don't worry, love. I'm sure I could be of some use to you," he added, his lips turning up in an obvious and somewhat disgusting leer.

The knight who'd been standing behind them didn't hesitate after that - a hand shot up and he smacked the man hard in the back of the head, which got a yelp from the man, who grumbled and rubbed his head while shooting another look of hatred at everyone in the vicinity except his partner in misery.

"I beg pardon, friends," Ser Thompson said, frowning darkly at the pair of men who simply went back to ignoring the lot of them. "There are more than a few here who are serving a sentence for their crimes, and unfortunately they aren't inclined to be polite to visitors. It's best if you don't bother with them. They know their place well enough not to bother you, or it's steel they'll be tasting for dinner tonight." The last was said loud enough to be sure the two men heard it, though they didn't react. "Now. If I might ask, what is it that brings you ladies? Markus is here for his tours, I understand, but I'm not quite sure what it is you expect to find here?" he said, brows going up as he focused his attention first on Blythe, then on Sondra.

by **Blythe** on July 3rd, 2011, 2:41 pm

A shiver shot up Blythe's spine as she inched closer to the fire, bringing her hands ever closer. She could feel the heat of the fire burning into her palms; see the slight trembling of her hands as she fell silent. A shiver shot up the woman's spine, and she inched even closer. Why was it so difficult to lock in the slightest semblance of heat in such a place?

The firelight danced across the Konti's face several times over; casting portions of it in light, and the rest in shadow. As Blythe remained silent, she forced herself not to cringe at the miner's words, or the actions of the knight, silently wishing that this place were a little more like Mura, where everyone seemed to get along.

But Blythe hung onto Thompson's words, silently wondering what the men could have done to deserve such treatment; servitude within in the mines. Of course she could have tried to use the gift Avalis had given her to delve into the men's past, but she was not so sure she would like what she would find. She was not so sure that would be the best idea to carry out. So perhaps she should ask? No, she would not ask. But if the men had the audacity to say anything more, then perhaps she would listen to them. After all, the truth must be caught somewhere in-between what the miners were saying, and what the knights were explaining to her and her companions.

After what felt like an insurmountable silence, Blythe spoke. "Oh it is quite alright Ser Thompson," she began in a rather quiet voice, just loud enough to be heard over the crackling of the fire. The tiny sparks that it spit out towards those that surrounded it every few moments, reminding them not to get too close. "Everyone struggles to find the right words at least every one in a while." There was a slight pause, as Blythe tilted her head slightly to the side, allowing her blonde hair to fall towards the left side of her face. "And as for why we are here, that is difficult to say. We simply go where the call leads us, and hope we find the answers to our questions when we get there... or at least, another direction to go in."

OOCSorry for the delay and the semi-blah post. I am a little rusty >.<

by **Markus Andres** on July 15th, 2011, 4:39 pm

When the prisoner started to talk back to the mouthy Konti - Something Markus understood - he wondered why there was a lack of reaction. He didn't think prisoners were allowed to talk to guests. But when the prisoner stepped far over the line, Markus' hand immediately dropped to the hilt of his blade. But the knight behind the prisoners reacted and smacked the man. Markus just glared back at the prisoner. Not one bit intimidated by the scum. Markus gave another respectful nod to the knight behind the prisoners. He heard Thompson apologize and issue a clear threat to the prisoners if they bothered them again. But Markus saw no reaction from the prisoners. Did they simply not care? Or did they know it was a hollow threat? Markus thought about this, without reaching any conclusion.

His mind drifted away from those thoughts when he heard Blythe answer the question. She openly stated she were on a call. Something every Syliran Knight knew about. Which in turn meant that ser Thompson knew something more was going on. If he connected their call with Markus.

"You're here on a call?" Markus asked with wonder in his voice while at the same time looking at Sondra. "Is something big going on I didn't know about, ser?" - Markus asked Thompson afterwards.

by **Sondra** on July 18th, 2011, 4:26 am

Sondra barked a loud laugh as the “hired help” was whacked soundly. She smiled at the striking knight with a surprisingly girlish look.
“Thanks, luv.”

Her attentions pivoted back to Thompson as he explained the situation. Workers from the clink, eh? Lady-Lis, she wondered how close she came to joining their ranks in the upright city. The Konti had a bit of a wild streak leftover from Sunberth that wouldn’t go over well in most of the stone city.

Then things got personal as the Knight tried to discern what brought them. Sondra pondered whether complete honesty would raise attention she may not want. Who was to say what hands were weaving the problems that required the focused attention of several Kontis. However, what else was she going to say? Oh I just fancied a walk underground?

Soft-spoken Blyth made the decision for her by answering articulately. Marcus looked between them and Sondra shrugged. What? He knew she was tagging his steps for a reason.

She chimed in her own interpretation of why she was there.
“Er… well, I just got a powerful feeling I needed to show up here. You know Konti mysticism and such. So anything out of the ordinary happening? I’m pretty sure I dragged my ass out of Sunberth for a reason.”

by **Dusk** on September 17th, 2011, 9:31 pm

Thompson looked from one Konti to the other in surprise, then just shrugged to Markus. "Damned if I know," he said with a shake of his head. "We get a bit of grumbling out of the prisoners as you've seen, but nothing worth bringing two Seers here so far as I know."

There was a moment of silence - and then, like some awful harbinger, the prisoner who'd been smacked for mouthing off began laughing lowly. "You don't know shyke," he growled, but he was grinning, a frightening death's-head smile.

Thompson flinched, and the Knight behind the men immediately reached for his sword and drew it with a distinctive shink! of metal. The miners, expecting violence, scrambled backwards and put their backs against the wall, unwilling to risk their skin for the coin they earned here. Thompson's hand went to his hilt as well, and it looked as if a painful interrogation was about to start right then and there.

And then the world exploded.

Blythe :

Sondra :

Markus :

OOCFeel free to read each others' spoilers, but keep in mind that what you read is completely out of character since your PCs are separated and partially deaf from the explosion and can't yet tell where the others are or what's going on with them. Have fun!

by **Blythe** on September 18th, 2011, 5:51 pm

When Blythe finally came to, her body was still trembling. She could hear the sound of footsteps, scraping dirt and small stone across the surface of the mine as she struggled to keep her eyes open. Her entire body felt as though she had walked into the center of a fire, and had her flesh peeled away as the flames licked at her body. Her bones felt as though they had been stomped in two, but her ribs felt the worst. She was certain those had been broken with the explosion.

The Konti tried to draw in another breath, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she pulled some air into her lungs. The attempt stung, bringing only greater pain to her body as she lay on the ground, slowly raising her right hand so she could run it through her hair. When she felt the frayed, burnt edges against her flesh, she jerked her hand away. It was still too hot, perhaps still smoking.

What in the name of Avalis happened? the Konti wondered, as she tried to sit up, whimpering a little as she bit her bottom lip to keep from being too loud. The pain that coursed through her body was excruciating, worse than when she had been lying down. She wished she could stay there, but if the mine had really been blown to bits, she had to search for a way out, no matter how much it hurt, or she'd die soon enough.

When she managed to sit herself up, Blythe shut her eyes tightly, trying to block out the pain as she pulled her teeth off her lips. "Sondra?" she called, her voice trembling and weak. "Markus? Ser Thompson? Are you guys alright?" She groaned as another spasm of pain rippled against her flesh. Hopefully they're not hurt too, Blythe thought as she opened her eyes and glanced down at her feet.

Gingerly, the konti pulled herself up off the floor of the mine, leaning up against the wall for support. "Avalis help us," she whispered, as she clutched her side, wishing it were enough to contain her pain.

by **Markus Andres** on September 26th, 2011, 9:08 pm

Markus saw the surprise in Thompson's eyes as genuine and not at all frightful that he had been discovered. But he didn't have long to think about that new fact, before a laughter broke the silence. Markus looked at the disgusting prisoner and hoped the knight behind him would smack him again. But out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Thompson reach for his blade. Markus, instinctively, did the same. His fingers managed to touch the hilt of his grandfather's blade before Markus was struck by something hard.

He hit the ground even harder. The heavy plate saving him from any terrible injuries. He lay unmoving for a moment. Confused and partly deaf from the explosion, he couldn't hear anything going on around him. He looked to the side and saw Thompson lie there. Unmoving. He tried to speak out, but before a sound could leave his lips. Something hard and cold was pressed against his throat and he could just see the lips of the man move. His words were lost to the ringing in his ears. But it was quite clear that the man wasn't asking him out for tea. Although he was scared of that knife against his throat, he could still see the unmoving knight next to him. Ser Thompson was dead? He couldn't believe it... He had to make sure.

"Please let me see to Ser Thompson." Markus said and halfway pleaded. "He might be badly injured!"