Gilgamesh
Knight
Gilgamesh morphing time!!
Posts: 48
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Post by Gilgamesh on Jan 5, 2012 0:39:12 GMT -5
"I wonder how this city is called Enkidu? … It's definitely not the Rift though that's for sure!" The large red hooded man looked down at the green demon dog creature at his side as they walked the streets of Cornelia. Gilgamesh wandered about trying to get a feel for the city stopping now and then to examine what the market stalls had for sale.
"I think this place will make a good base for us for the time we stay in this world.. what do you think Enki-..du?" The sword collector looked about as his companion wasn't at his side and couldn't be seen. "Enkidu! Where d'ya go?! Oi buddy! Come here you bad dog!"
The demon dog was at a stall where meat and such delicious things for the canine was being sold. Gilgamesh hurried to grab the many brightly colored scarfs tied around its neck like a collar and pull it away from the stall. "ENKIDU! No!" he paused to look at the shop keeper and bow a few times "… I'm terribly sorry about this! I hope he didn't cause any trouble.." he laughed loudly as he swung the dog creature over one of his shoulders as he prepared to depart. “good day.” And with that he left the market area and headed to the plaza.
"I can't believe you left my side to go steal food.. keep acting that way and I’ll have to unsummon you" Gilgamesh sat down with a loud sigh near the fountain in the center and let Enkidu down. "behave will ya?.."
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Firion
Knight
~The Wild Rose~
Posts: 19
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Post by Firion on Jan 5, 2012 10:30:35 GMT -5
Firion watched cautiously from a darkened alcove as a couple of heavily armored Chaos guards walked by his hiding spot. His eyes followed them as they went by, but he remained still and silent, not wanting to call attention to himself. He had forgone his usual arsenal, leaving most of it behind at his hideout in the city. He was armed only with his two boot daggers, carefully hidden, and felt rather naked because of it.
However, the guards were starting to crack down on anyone that looked even the slightest bit suspicious, and Firion most definitely did not want to be pinged as "suspicious." Once the guard had gone by, Firion left his alcove, looking for all the world as an innocent young man who'd just arrived in the city.
His eyes flicked about, noting places and people of interest. He knew he wouldn't get close to the palace right now, that was a mission for when he was better established in the city as well as knowing every escape route available to him.
Casually, he walked into the plaza as well, making note of the tall man in red near the fountain with the odd dog-beast. Smiling lightly to himself, he took in a breath.
'Yep, I'm thinking this is where I need to be,' he thought, going to lean against the side of a building, just watching the people and getting a feel for the city.
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Gilgamesh
Knight
Gilgamesh morphing time!!
Posts: 48
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Post by Gilgamesh on Jan 5, 2012 11:10:41 GMT -5
Gilgamesh looked around and took notice of the many guards around either standing guard or passing through. "Security sure is tight 'round here... I wonder If mercenaries can even get some work... guess time will tell eh Enkidu?" He glanced over to his companion who has now in the fountain and playing around in the water. The man in red just sighed and shook his head. "you act like such a puppy sometimes my friend."
The sword collector was quick to notice the guards coming closer. Enkidu splashing about brought their eyes in his direction and a large hooded man in red wielding a naginata accompanied by a demon dog couldn't be anything but suspicious. He stood up and rested his weapon against his shoulder as they walked over to him. They asked him a few questions like who he was and what business did he have in Cornelia.
Gilgamesh smiled before letting out a loud laugh. "I'm surprised you don't know who I am! Many are the adventures I've gone through and the legends I've left behind me! I have battled many foes and monsters and even battled through the darkness of the rift!" He paused for effect as he went into a kabuki pose. "I am the great man of legend, Gilgamesh! Bwahahaha! But if you really must know I'm just a mercenary looking for work and thinking of making this city my new home for the time being. Just me and Enkidu here." He pointed to the now very wet soggy creature.
The guards looked at each other for a moment and decided to dismiss the large man as some weirdo and let him be. though they would keep an eye on him since he did carry a weapon.
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Terra
Knight
Terrestrial Discipline
Posts: 9
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Post by Terra on Jan 5, 2012 15:58:38 GMT -5
It had taken great effort for Terra to pull himself from the ensconce of his blankets that morning. Though he'd only been residing in the city for a week, he'd undergone a series of trials that had served no purpose but to give him a massive headache. He vehemently disliked the way in which the citizens were such wary customers, returning to his wagon many times without actually purchasing anything. It made the man fidget uncomfortably, keeping a close eye on his wares for the sole reasoning that customers that behaved as such were usually thieves, and he could not afford to lose any of his merchandise because of a careless lack of attention. Terra had no reason to suspect that he, a lone merchant that looked no different from the other vendors save for a more carefully sculpted frame, would appear as a suspicious character. However, he had been attracting unwanted attention the last few mornings.
The ride from the Inn with his bulky cart was always a tedious one; the city was heavily trafficked and he had to take much care in maneuvering around the busy streets with his horse to reach the marketplace. He was already enthusiastic about the idea of returning to his room later that evening for a drink and some peace, but he knew better than to slack on his work. It had been nigh impossible for him to turn a profit here, much to his disappointment. Regular citizens in this sort of city had no need for armor or weapons. The only sales he had been making were spices to the chefs of the wealthier citizens and furs to those who had an eye for finery, but also a source who would be able to turn it into something more than just a bolt of pelt. With an irritable face, Terra made his way through the busy streets; that is -- until he was stopped by one of the more overly curious guards, much to his disdain. He was already behind his usual schedule. He didn't need this again. Not today.
The lightly armored public guard approached his cart with a countenance that could only mean he was doing it for the sole purpose of harassing and irritable merchant. The man scratched his graying beard and inquired gruffly, "S'in the wagon, stranger?"
Terra gave him an incredulous look, furrowing his darkened brows as he reached behind him to remove the protective cloth from his inventory. "Twleve bundles of armor, four iron long swords, three rowan wood bows, a set of multiple sizes of axes, nineteen bolts of fur, and an assortment of peppercorns," he answered deftly, clearly eager to get on with his business. He shot the guard an agitated look, tapping his fingers against his thigh.
The guard returned the look with matched wariness, shaking his head. "You know you'll never be able to sell the armor and weapons here. Regular civilians have no need for any of that. You're wasting your time, peddler," he grumbled, working his way around Terra's cart to inspect the bundles.
Terra eyed him carefully, subtle amusement filling his features. He observed the guard paying special attention to the rowan wood bows. They were the most high-quality thing he carried, purchased from the alchemists he'd stayed with a little over a month before. Here was a good chance to rid himself of them. He slid a hand into his cart, withdrawing the three arches of sleek wood, along with the package of drawstrings. "Surely the finery pleases you, though?" he spoke quickly, gesturing at their lightly colored curves.
The gruff man before him failed at feigning disinterest, clearing his throat and giving his ratty facial hair a stroke. "Sure, but will they even last in combat?" The genuine curiosity in his voice was enough to force Terra to stifle a chortle.
"Of course they would," came his polite repartee, turning one of them over in his gloved hands. The more the alabaster bows caught the sun, the more the guard appeared unable to contain himself. Terra had found that even in large cities, men who knew weaponry found fine craftsmanship to be irresistible. Terra handed him the bundle, knowing the weight of precious wood would be enough to force coins from his personal sack.
"I'm sure you'd just over-charge for them," he tried to protest, trying to mask his desire with skepticism. Terra merely shook his head, tapping his chin delicately with a fox-like slyness crossing his faint smile.
"Fourteen bits each," he murmured, pretending as if the sale didn't matter to him either way. "However," he continued, eyes flashing with hidden glee, "I'd be willing to part with them for nine each, if you took two sets of armor with them." He didn't miss a beat.
The guard seemed to ignore the fact that he had just been tricked into spending a great deal more than he would have paying full price for the bows. When the word "nine" drifted past his ears, he fumbled eagerly for his personal coin pocket, withdrawing it from within his sleeve. His eyes fixed on the bows, he poised the purse readily, waiting for an amount so he could possess the weaponry. Even a strong man like himself would have no qualms in bowing before a merchant if it meant the spoils were fine.
Terra spoke quickly, masking the unabashed glee in his eyes. "Fifty-thee bits worth in gold coins, and everything is yours," he chuckled, holding out a hand to collect his profit. He did not waste a single moment.
The guard fumbled excitedly, withdrawing the payment and piling the coins into Terra's open palm. It was just too easy sometimes. The appeased merchant withdrew the two bundles of armor from his cart, dropped them at the guard's unsuspecting feet, and was coaxing his horse and cart away before the guard could realize that he had been left alone, in the middle of his work day, with a bundle of bows and and two sets of armor that he had no business carrying throughout the city.
Sometimes, it did indeed pay to be cunning; but it helped if customer was easily drawn in by shameless greed. Terra smiled to himself and shook his head, entering the marketplace with higher spirits than before.
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Post by Cecil Harvey on Jan 6, 2012 1:37:19 GMT -5
Cecil ambled on through the city square. For him, it was just another uneventful day trapped in this withering kingdom. However, there seemed to be more guards about today and...there was a noisy new-comer in the flashy, red robes. The Paladin chuckled to himself and shrugged seeing that the guards were leaving him alone now. These lousy guards never ceased to amaze him with their stupidity.
He sighed softly and made his way to take a seat on the far edge of the fountain and people watch. Seemed to be the only thing to really be done. Cecil's gaze soon fell to the ground and he began to get lost in his thoughts.
"Whyyy hello, beautiful~," came a slurred, arrogant voice.
The strange greeting caused Cecil to break from his trance. The Paladin looked up to see a tall, beefy man with a bottle in his hand. He blushed briefly from embarrassment. "Sorry to give you the wrong impression, sir, but I am a man," he stated slowly and clearly, hoping to get the message across.
"Coulda foo'd me!" The man said with a loud laugh. "Why doncha come we me, eh?" He grabbed Cecil's arm firmly causing the Paladin to fall forward onto his feet.
"I'm not interested," Cecil replied nervously as he slowly tried to draw his hand back. His actions received him a swift yank and grumble from the man. "I said I wan't interested. Unhand me," the Paladin snapped.
The taller man just smile wickedly and, without warning, picked up the Paladin and threw him over his shoulder. "Put me down at once!" Cecil demanded looking around hoping someone might intervene before he'd have to use force. People were now starting to watch the scene unfold, but kept to their own business. Some of the guards were even laughing! Frustrated, Cecil struggled and did his best to free himself from the inhumane grip around his waist.
The burly man laughed to himself as he began to walk off with the Paladin over his shoulder. Cecil desperately looked about the plaza for help.
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Firion
Knight
~The Wild Rose~
Posts: 19
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Post by Firion on Jan 6, 2012 2:06:30 GMT -5
Firion had closed his eyes briefly, listening to the sounds and rhythms of the people and the city. It was a trick taught to him by his long-dead blood father, how to listen and get used to a place by the sounds instead of just the sights.
"This oughta be good," he heard someone nearby state with a gentle chuckle, opening his eyes and looking to the speaker, he noted it was a guard, standing next to his companion. They were watching a scene unfold before them.
Firion followed their gaze to see a drunk hauling another man up over his shoulder. Firion growled softly, appalled that no one seemed to care what was happening right before them. Weighing his options, Firion quickly made his decision. Well, so much for his plan of NOT drawing attention to himself today.
Quickly, he stepped away from the building, walking up to the large drunk and his unfortunate captive. Firion stood before him, unafraid and un-intimidated. Let it not be said that a Wild Rose Rebel ever backed down from a challenge.
"I think the man said to put him down," Firion stated. The young man ignored the sniggers of the guards that were watching. They seemed to think that there might be some entertainment value in this "show."
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Post by Cecil Harvey on Jan 6, 2012 3:02:50 GMT -5
Cecil sighed with relief at the sight of the young man who stepped up; the feeling was interrupted abrutly as the mans grip around him became tighter.
"And who the hell are you?" The drunk growled irritably shoving the smaller man.
The Paladin bit his lip. Great, not only was he going to be kidnapped by some stupid drunk, but someone else was going to get hurt on his behalf. Come to think of it...this guy didn't look familiar at all to him. And the headscarf he wore was too exotic to make him a resident here. Cecil seeing that he was getting destracted he quickly decided to leave the questions for later rather and focus more on his current situation.
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Gilgamesh
Knight
Gilgamesh morphing time!!
Posts: 48
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Post by Gilgamesh on Jan 6, 2012 11:27:30 GMT -5
((holy text Terra! XD feel free to head over to the plaza and join the group! ))
Gilgamesh stayed in his signature kabuki pose for a good moment. Completely still and silent as he watched the guards leave him alone. It was a bark from Enkidu that got his attention and made him look around to where his friend had gone THIS time. Enkidu had sensed tension and distress in the air and had run off to investigate.
At the site of the scene where the drunk held his captive Enkidu soon found himself snarling and barking at the burly drunkard in hopes of looking intimidating. Gilgamesh, once he got closer, tilted his head slightly to one side as he examined what was going on. sure.. the guy looked big but he was dwarft in comparison to the Great Gilgamesh. he walked up behind the drunk with his weapon resting against his shoulder before speaking loudly. "What seems to be the problem here? Enkidu doesn't like what you're doing to that other person and my friend here, has a great sense judgement!" He'd hope that just seeing his build would be enough to scare away the drunk but if push comes to shove he wasn't not against having a little fun and using force.. not to kill the man though.. the man was only drunk afterall. Killing a citizen on your first day in a city wasn't exactly on his to do list either.
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Terra
Knight
Terrestrial Discipline
Posts: 9
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Post by Terra on Jan 6, 2012 12:58:52 GMT -5
{{ Waah. <A> Sorry. I can get ridiculously into introductory narratives. I didn't expect it to be such a... wall. }}
Terra halted his cart, pausing to listen intently as several voices broke out over the incessant chatter of the city's plaza. A small distance from him, a scuffle was taking place a the edge of a grand fountain in the form of a cluster of incredibly out-of-place looking people. It was one of the strangest standoffs Terra had ever seen. He shook the reigns in his hand gently, goading his horse forward to get a better view of the commotion.
He observed the plethora of eclectic characters huddled around the fountain; the blatantly caught-off-guard, long-haired male, the extra-foreign one with the extravagant headwrap, and the large one with the bulky, red armor, all with their gazes poised upon a fat drunkard. This was an ordeal likely to end in trouble, or so Terra thought. Raising his eyebrows in a way that seemed as if he were only mildly interested, he parked his cart along the outer-wall of a homely-looking structure and hopped out of his seat.
He approached the group calmy, a kind smile spread across his features as he gave the lot a polite nod. He hated to interfere with things such as this, but he had found in his travels that simple threatening an oaf would only cause problems at a later time. He inclined his head in a respectful manner to the drunkard, taking his beefy fist to give it a friendly shake. At least--- that's what he appeared to be doing.
In actuality, he palmed a few silver bits into the drunk's hand, staring him intently in the eyes, a warning behind his friendly demeanor.
"Lovely to meet you; but weren't you on your way to take care of something important?" Terra urged in his most level of voices. He gave a low chuckle, waiting to see if the burly trouble-maker was truly as stupid as he looked.
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Firion
Knight
~The Wild Rose~
Posts: 19
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Post by Firion on Jan 6, 2012 14:21:09 GMT -5
Firion held his ground, the drunkard's shove barely making him move. He might not be very tall, or bulky, but he had it where it counted.
"I'm no one you'd know, but that doesn't matter. Now I think he said to let him go, and I'm going to make sure his wishes are honored," Firion said, his tone harsh. Subtly, he pulled one of his daggers from his boot, lightly turning it over in his hands, playing with it in a way that showed he was intimately familiar with the weapon. "One way or the other."
It was at that moment that that the dog-creature approached, barking, as well as the tall man in Red. Firion smirked lightly at that, reassured by the fact that there were other people around who were still willing to stand up for what was right.
"Looks like you're outnumbered... friend," Firion stated, poison honey dripping from his voice as he spoke the last word. But even in his confidence, he kept a wary ear open to the conversation of the guards, who were currently taking bets among themselves over who would win in a fight. But those conversations were quickly being replaced by whispers of if they should step in and arrest the whole lot of them.
The tension in the air was starting to become too much for Firion to bear when another young man approached, nodding politely to them. He certainly had the air of someone who knew what he was doing, a confidence that comes with success. Firion backed up a step, waiting to see what this new comer would bring to the table.
Hopefully, it would end before the guards decided to get involved... he didn't need an arrest, not now, not ever...
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Post by Cecil Harvey on Jan 6, 2012 14:22:21 GMT -5
The drunk looked into his hand and then to the larger man in red. "Guessss yer righ'!" He chuckled as he threw Cecil to the ground. The man waddled off to go cause chaos somewhere else.
The Paladin stood and dusted off his clothing. Looking to the small audience he gave them a grateful smile. "Thank you very much. I was afraid no one would come to my aid," he said with a sigh. "My name is Cecil. Cecil Harvey. I'm one of the local White Mages," he added as he tried to not feel too awkward. After all, he had nearly been carried away...
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Gilgamesh
Knight
Gilgamesh morphing time!!
Posts: 48
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Post by Gilgamesh on Jan 6, 2012 14:51:21 GMT -5
Enkidu was quick to greet the paladin. The demon must be able to sense Cecil's white magic and gentle nature and felt it was more than safe to go and see him. the creature gave a playful bark before rubbing itself against one of the half Lunarian's legs and giving a hand a gentle nudge with its snout.
Gilgamesh smiled brightly and losened up once the drunk was gone for the need to fight left along with him. he let out a loud laugh. "The name's Gilgamesh! Bwahaha! looks like Enkidu here likes you! glad to see you're safe. I can't imagine what the local women have to go through if the men are being taken away by drunks."
He then looked over to the merchant and gently patted him on the shoulder. "looks like you have a way with drunkards my friend! Had to deal with them often i'm guessing? haha!"
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Terra
Knight
Terrestrial Discipline
Posts: 9
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Post by Terra on Jan 6, 2012 17:28:50 GMT -5
Terra raised his brows subtly, watching the fat bastard hobble off with a small fraction of his profit. Oh well, It was worth it to not see a terrible scene erupt in the center of the plaza. He cast his gaze to the one who called himself Gilgamesh. He was a bit more unorthodox than what Terra was used to in terms of people, but he didn't seem as if he meant any harm.
"Quite," Terra responded, straightening the collar of his shirt. "It is the merchant's gambit, running into unpleasant strangers. However, fools are easily persuaded into silence when a bit of metal incentive catches the sun," he chuckled, the same furtive gleam returning to his smile. He faced the group as a whole, gesturing to them with a light, introductory bow.
"Merry met," he spoke softly, inclining his head. "I am Terra, a traveling merchant from the north."
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Firion
Knight
~The Wild Rose~
Posts: 19
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Post by Firion on Jan 6, 2012 20:33:25 GMT -5
Breathing in a sigh of relief that there hadn't been a huge scene, Firion once more tucked the dagger into its sheath hidden in his boot, glancing to make sure the guards were once more uninterested before turning to properly greet the small group that had assembled as well as introduce himself properly.
"Well met, Terra, Gilgamesh, Cecil," Firion said, lightly inclining his head to each man as he spoke their name. Now that the threat had passed, his previous harsher tone of voice and expression had been replaced by something softer and shier. "My name is Firion... as you can probably tell I'm not from around here. I just arrived in Cornelia not too long ago."
Lightly, his eyes settled on Cecil. He could see why the drunk had taken an interest, Cecil certainly was pretty, in a very unearthly way. But he also had the glow and energy of one who walked in the light, the sort of energy that drew people to one, be it for good or ill. It had been some time since Firion had met someone like Cecil. What was the word that described them? Paladins? Chaos himself had outlawed Paladins, especially since many had served directly under Cosmos herself. If Cecil was indeed a Paladin, that would make him a very lucky survivor of the war, which also meant he could be a powerful ally to the Rebellion.
"Blessed be Her name that you're safe, Cecil," Firion said softly. It was dangerous to even whisper Cosmos's name, so Firion was taking a bit of gamble to even imply he was speaking of Cosmos. However, if it got a Paladin over onto his side, it was worth the risk.
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Post by Cecil Harvey on Jan 6, 2012 23:28:50 GMT -5
He laughed softly as the demon-dog pranced about and leaned down to pat its head. Cecil smiled at the three and nodded. Quite an interesting group of people. A swordsman, a merchant, and a foreigner. "Thank you all again for helping me out," he said again.
The Paladin continued to stroke Enkidu's head softly until Firion's words made him freeze. He regarded the other with wide eyes, not sure how to respond. His gaze fell to ground and a sad smile sat on his lips. Cecil sighed softly. "Thank you," he replied simply not wishing to say anything more for fear they'd be over heard.
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