|
Post by Argoth/Maximus on Sept 16, 2013 20:19:53 GMT -6
((OOC: Okay, here is the scoop everyone. I apologize but Rii and I have decided that this specific plot will be solely with just the two of us. This means that for this entire story line none of you are allowed to join. It's not because we don't like you, I swear, you guys are the bestest. Its just that none of you are very reliable when it comes to getting on and replying and its killed many a thread. Before you call out my hypocrisy I would like to point out that this entire collaboration plot was my idea so if it dies it is all my fault and I take full responsibility. Anyway, with that out of the way let the story begin:) You are all more than welcome follow along. Its gonna be awesome.))
A festival had come to Market Town. Not just any festival either. It was the perhaps the most anticipated festival of the year, and it was in honor of the hero of time. However, the land's hero--Link-- was not the only thing being celebrated this night; time itself was in celebration. The sun and the moon were in perfect alignment. Tonight was the night that all past evils would be put aside and the harmony of time and nature would become one for a single night. Fireworks boomed in the sky, filling it with vibrant colors of blues, greens, and reds. A chorus of voices could be heard all throughout the city. A jubilation like no other had come to Market Town. Lights, food, games, prizes, and fun were what comprised of tonight's festivities. And Mathayus stood watching it all from a lonely building across from the festival.
While the rest of Hyrule celebrated a night of sheer exuberance and harmony, Mathayus stood early a half mile away feeling something he had not felt since the day he returned to end his old organization months ago...he felt...removed. As if the universe momentarily forgot he existed. But at the same time he felt at peace, for he knew something his friends did not. If you could call them his friends. Over the course of his time in Hyrule he had met many people that may consider him a friend. For example, little Max considered everyone his friend, which meant that he was no exception. He didn't know how the others felt. Maybe they considered him a friend and maybe they didn't. Mathayus had never really been a people person but maybe...just maybe, after all that was about to come into fruition he could consider them his friends. And that was a sobering thought.
"Let's just hope I can get you all out alive." Mathayus murmured to himself.
"Check it out!" Max called to Argoth. The young assassin had pulled a mask down from a little stand inside the festival. He placed it over his face and raised his hands over his head as if he were a monster. The mask did look monstrous in nature, with a wide open mouth full of jagged teeth, a mane of stark black hair curved down the back, the eyes were a bright crimson and the rest of it was painted in some tribal configuration. "You look ridiculous," Argoth laughed, swatting the mask of his head and placing it back on the rack. He nodded to the man behind the stand and the two of them turned back into the crowd. Max had face paint on his left cheek of the sun and on his right was the moon. He had a mask of the hero of time on the top of his head held on by the little leather strap resting just above the nape of his neck. It was apparent to anyone that the little tyke was thoroughly enjoying his time at the festival. "So where to next, Argoth?" Max asked with anticipation. "I don't know kid, where do you wanna go?" Argoth replied. "Mmmmmmm, what's that!?" Max pointed to a large crowd of people that had begun to congregate around what seemed to be a musician playing the violin. "Let's go check it out!"
|
|
|
Post by Rii/Thell on Sept 16, 2013 21:12:03 GMT -6
(ooc: That post makes me happy and so very exited.) "Home just in time," Cadven remarked, happily eying the decorations and festive mask stands as they were erected across the town before lifting one of his monstrous kettle drums and maneuvering it onto the wooden platform built earlier for them.
"Will it hold all the heavy stuff?" a young woman called from the alley behind the stage, referencing its wooden planking. Then, out of the depths behind the inn the girl appeared, black hair wild atop her head and in a dirt stained tunic and leggings. "And your drums of course. I suppose they're almost as important as you are."
The older goron shot her a good-natured frown. "Watch your tongue, little one. Who lifts that impossibly large chest of costumes you insist on keeping?" he reminded her as he placed the second drum on the platform.
"Just keeping you in shape," Ozzy assured with a laugh and a grin.
"And my wallet. Thank you," he replied sarcastically as she pranced out of sight, gripping the velvety curtain of the makeshift dressing room in the alleyway and vanished within it.
While the musician dressed, Cadven moved on to the lighting, lighting and stringing vibrantly colored paper lanterns they had picked up from an eastern kingdom. When the sun dipped below the mountains in a few more minutes, the lanterns would work their magic and take on the appearance of ethereal orbs. Decorations done, he gave a few experimental raps on his drums. Unlike hylians and zoras, gorons didn't need wooden mallets to get the wonderful sound of the kettle drums.
With the magic of the festival beginning to unveil itself, Hyrule had unleashed a flood of expectant tourists and knowing citizens. Children cast bright-eyed looks of curiousity towards the goron seated at his large drums, and he returned the questioning looks with a promise hidden in his warm, mysterious smile. Then he gave a few more taps. Children dragged parents over in a hurry, understanding what their parents did not. Missing any part of the show that was to come would be a sin.
Cadven's drumming grew louder and more frenzied as more interested people approached, and when he had reached the desired amount of spectators, he stopped. For a moment there was confusion and looks of disappointed.
And then came the light dancing of a well-rosined bow over the a-string of an aged violin. Ozzy pranced forth in her usual opening-night garb, complete with her father's orange tunic and her brass-buckled boots. Selective chains of gold hung from her neck, and her unruly hair had been tamed, pulled back into a loose braid. Her inky black bangs hung before her eyes as she slowly swayed and stepped forward, continuing her favorite fiddle tune as she wove through the crowd, rewarding them for arriving to the beginning of her show. And then Cadven's drums finally eased into the song, and her playing picked up bit by bit as she proceeded back to the stage. Then came the fun part.
The drums vanished as she leaped into a high-paced, adventurous tune and raced onto the stage spinning and tossing her head, sending mischievous glances at young men in the audience and winking at eager children. One blonde-haired boy with bright green eyes in particular had just arrived, pulling along an older individual, and she flashed him a wide grin as she reached the high point of the second song. Cadven had since pulled out wooden rods, clicking them together to add to the beat and the intensity.
With a flourish she finished and took a bow as satisfied claps filled the audience. It was only the opening number, so they were just warming to her playing. "Jeez, you lot are making me wonder why I came to this kingdom for the first time in fourteen years. So that's all you're willing to give me, Hyrule?" she shouted enthusiastically to the crowd. "Fine. But I promise you this. When I'm through with all of you you'll be begging to give me the clothes off your back and your first born child. I'll have to remind you I only take rupees and maybe a kiss if you're lucky, boys. Next one!"
She launched straight into the next song, choosing to ignore Cadven's snort at her confidence.
...
Rii had been to the Festival of Time only once when she was very young, before she had gone to work for the Zora Royal Guard as their healer. She'd been to other festivals since then, some now more bitter looking back than she had remembered. But such things wouldn't keep her from the enchanting festival.
Upon entering, she found herself swallowed by the sound of competing musicians and the delectable aromas wafting out from numerous food stands and the windows of welcoming taverns. Where would she go first?
"Let's go check it out!"
Some people might assume they had mistaken the voice. After all, she'd run into him so many times before, how could coincidence be so repetitive? But it was because she had run into him so many times that Rii accepted she had heard Maximus instantly.
But in the crowd she couldn't be sure where he was. Straight ahead is a rather unfamiliar way to go, she finally thought to herself as she wandered passed salesman holding up masks and ocarinas painted to resemble the famed Ocarina of Time. One supposedly had touched the lips of a fairy, the other had been breathed upon by Saria. Whatever the claim, Rii had decided to ignore it for the moment. After all, they weren't making music, and the lively fiddler on the wooden stage in the distance was.
Short and petite, Rii was quickly lost in the taller guests, but this had happened many times before. Skillfully she weaved through the crowd and found herself right behind a group of children who had claimed front row, being the shortest of them all. No sign of Maximus.
And where there's Maximus there's Argoth, she thought, fondly remembering her first meeting of the man. She'd gotten her horse that night with his help. Of course, now Billiam was outside running loose. She was hoping he'd return to her when the festival was done, but she'd never tried to call him back before. Oh well.
|
|
|
Post by Argoth/Maximus on Sept 17, 2013 18:06:14 GMT -6
As the violinist began her crescendo Max became increasingly excited. He loved live music. However, as the two of them proceeded to get closer to the beautiful sound the crowd became thicker and it was much harder to see. "I can't see! There's too many people.." Max groaned. "Don't worry kid, I got'ya," Argoth replied back by hoisting the child up onto his shoulders so he could see. Max threw up his arms and cheered with all the other music loving citizens. The smile on his face was that one of a kind grin that only Max could flash. And if it was on his face, everybody knew he was happy. The song ended and Max clapped wildly. "Woooow," he said to himself, "She's really good!" The two of them listened to what the violinist as she gave her, what Argoth thought, arrogant intro into her next song. Max cheered and laughed while she began to play.
|
|
|
Post by Rii/Thell on Sept 17, 2013 19:16:49 GMT -6
Cadven pulled out a smaller lap drum to beat out a soft rhythmic beat while Ozzy continued her song, swaying slowly along the stage. And then Cadven broke away from his drums and started clapping his large hands together, encouraging the crowd to join him. The smaller kids joined eagerly. Ozzy often depended on them for encouraging the rest of the audience, as they tended to guilt trip their parents into participating.
Rii was quick to join, remembering some of the fonder moments in the few festivals she had managed to attend.
Ozzy had hit the rather repetitive part of the song that was more fun due to the clapping than it was because of her intricate playing, so she took the opportunity to scan the crowd.
There! In the front! Oh this was perfect. Ozzy grinned. Never had she had such luck with the song she planned to play next.
Ozzy approached the finale with fanfare, pleased with her playing. Fifteen years of playing and practicing had done her good. "That's more like it! We're not even that late into the night. Let's be wide awake, shall we?" Ozzy shouted into the crowd. "Now I know we've just met, and I'm afraid I've given you a very loud impression of myself. Don't worry, you weren't wrong to think so. What do you always call me Uncle?" Ozzy asked over her shoulder.
The goron smiled. "I'm sorry, what was that Frog Mouth? I was busy," he teased in return, earning a few soft laughs from the crowd.
She gaped at him, pretending to be appalled at his rude name calling. Then, as if after considering it with a few nods, she shrugged in agreement and smiled. "But now, I'm setting aside the Frog Mouth part of me. I'd like to show you a more sensitive side, but I don't do it often, so for this next song I need a few volunteers... Now I confess, usually I have plants in the audience for this newer song of mine, but you must understand, there's not usually a female Zora in the audience." Her bright hazel eyes fell on Rii, who laughed softly and bowed. "Come on up here, beautiful, I promise not to bite. Can I have some encouragement, folks?" They offered their applause as Ozzy pranced to the edge of the stage and offered her hand to Rii, who giggled as she took the hand and leaped up to join her. "Would anyone else like to give my fake volunteers a break? I could use a beautiful woman?" Only one hand was raised, that of a fiesty red-headed young woman in the back. "Ah, my plant offers her self up. Okay, and now would anyone like to replace my male plant? He's there in the back with the sandy hair in a ponytail. I promise it's just some simple acting. I practically tell you what to do," Ozzy shouted into the crowd, smiling. Cadven shook his head at her dramatic offer. Honestly, he already pitied the Zora for getting involved in his niece's antics.
|
|
|
Post by Argoth/Maximus on Sept 17, 2013 19:49:47 GMT -6
Max was instantly sold into the show. Everything the violinist as saying only drew him in more. He laughed during the frog mouth bit, clapped when she announced the sensitive side, and the instant she mentioned volunteers his hand rocketed into the air. That is until he saw Rii walk on stage. His little boy heart immediately jettisoned to the feeling of joy, "Look Argoth! It's Rii!" Max cried with excitement. The young assassin had loved Rii since the moment he met her, although, that really isn't any different from any of his other friends when he met them, but Rii was the first one he had seen in a while, so he was extra delighted to see her. Maximus frantically waved his hands at his friend and called out her name. "Hi Rii! Hey over here! Its me! Max!" She didn't seem to notice him at first but the second the violinist called for a male volunteer the young child's attention immediately shifted to the person he was sitting on. He began eagerly patting Argoth on the head saying, "Oh oh! You should go up there Argoth!"
Argoth cocked an eyebrow and declined, "Nah, kid. If she is doing what I think she is doing then I'm gonna have to dance. I'm not much of a dancer. Why don't you go?" Argoth was of course lying about being a bad dancer. There were many instances in which specific contracts he went on required him to know how to get close to his targets.
"Cause I'm too small, but you aren't. Besides, she is our friend, Argoth, what's a dance between friends huh? It'll be fun! C'mooooon." Max wanted to see Argoth dance just as much as he wanted to see his friend Rii. By now it was less about letting Rii know they were here and more about getting Argoth on stage.
"I don't think so, Max, we can always find Rii after this. I don't do well in front of people." Another lie.
Max smiled a deviously and said, "Fine." He flipped off of Argoth's shoulders and when he landed, grabbed onto his master's wrists. Young Max then began to pull Argoth toward the stage. "C'mon! Max shouted delightedly, "You're going on stage."
Argoth sighed and rolled his eyes. There was no getting out of this one. Once the boy had his mind set on something it was pretty much over. Reluctantly, Argoth followed the boy to the front of the stage.
When Max had successfully dragged Argoth to the front of the stage he yelled, "Here is your volunteer right here!" And pointed at Argoth.
|
|
|
Post by Rii/Thell on Sept 17, 2013 20:39:52 GMT -6
(ooc: No music for you this time.) Ozzy had done volunteer songs in the past, incorporating men and women and children alike, but the goddesses were looking down on her for sure that night as she watched a small boy haul a man in his late twenties (early thirties, maybe?) up to the stage. The woman plant, familiar with her part, had gone to the curtain to fetch her needed prop, while Rii put her hands to her mouth in utter glee at the sight of Argoth giving up and coming to the front with his young charge.
Ozzy was quick to leap at this chance. "Why thank you, young man. You've just made the show! Take a front row seat while your offering joins us up here. Uncle will give you a special treat to enjoy while you watch," Ozzy informed his sweetly. For a moment Cadven was skeptical. What treat, exactly, was she offering up? Certainly not his caramel apple. No, of course not. Instead he reached for the small bowl of chocolate dipped pastries Ozzy had been saving for herself and approached Max, offering one of them to him.
With Argoth now on stage, the cast was complete. "Give it up for our two volunteers, ladies and gentlemen!" she called into the audience, gesturing widely with her arms to Rii on her left and Argoth on her right.
Rii was still laughing at her good luck. "I'll try and watch out for Argoth while he's up here with me, Maximus."
"Oho, and the volunteers know each other. Perfect! Now, where's my beautiful plant?" The red-headed woman appeared on cue, hair now hidden beneath a fine wig made of platinum blonde horse-hair that flowed to her elbows. She was already set as far as clothes went in a rich purple gown with a slimming black corset and silver jewelry adorning her creamy neck and slim wrists.
"The beautiful woman who has just arrived is named Striska. She has rehearsed this many times and shall play the maiden. Our wonderful zora friend shall be the maid, the one with sealed lips. And this strapping man here will be our lord. Now, if you're lost just follow Striska, or simply dance to the mood. We are going to be telling a story I'm told is true in a land to the north of here. Let's do it justice, shall we folks?"
Cadven returned to his kettle drums, starting up a low rumble while Ozzy procured a small stool to sit upon. She set her fiddle horizontal on her lap and began to pluck a mysterious tune. Luckily she came from a family of musical people, so while math did not come easily to her and archery was beyond her, singing and violin playing came to her with the ease of breathing.
A lord came down who bore A cruel and merc'less hand Which summoned lightning and raked havoc Over our mountainous land He killed our lord on battlefield Then sought a maid who's lips were sealed
Rii put a scaled finger to her lips, twirling over to Argoth with a smile obviously pulling at her lips.
And oh, we begged for him to leave, we cried 'We haven't what you need' But he laughed a laugh, a laugh so cold 'But could this maid then succeed?' He rescued her with sealed lips From worn feet and salty weed
Ah, so that's why she had to be chosen. Salty weed and feet unused to hard ground. This was a story of a zora. What an interesting idea.
And over months the ravaged land Witnessed a great man freed This maid would dance among us Appearing in good will
Ready to please, Rii left Argoth to prance across the stage, remembering times when she would participate in tribal dances in villages where she was commissioned to be a healer. She even allowed herself a melodious laugh as she twirled and as Ozzy beat out a bit of her own rhythm on her violin before plucking once more.
But ‘neath her scaled skin Was a maid who planned to kill
In the middle of her twirl she froze. A maid who planned to kill... Why did this sound so... familiar? Rii's heart beat grew uneven in her chest. It couldn't be.
Our lord told of a lover A mysterious maiden fair
Rii had stopped dancing once 'kill' was mentioned and had bowed her head, trying to portray her fear off as anger at the audience. Striska had now appeared, elegantly striding forward and taking Argoth's hand to dance with him, an alluring smile on her glowing face.
And the maid of sealed lips announced The maiden carried his heir And briefly peace shined through
Oh no. Rii put on her game face, the face she had when attempting to heal someone who appeared beyond hope with their organs spilling out and burns riddling their skin. She spread her arms as if to announce good news, and Striska leaned into Argoth with a hand on her stomach. Rii couldn't look. Hopefully Argoth was distracted. Hopefully Max was watching his mentor. They were the closest to her in this audience, and if they looked would they see her shaking?
But before the babe was due The maiden glanced a lair The wat'ry lair of jealous maid Who had laid a scare
Rii found herself turning towards Striska much like a wooden puppet poorly guided by its master. Striska, playing the part of the fearful and confused maiden, approached her hesitantly, and Rii held out her hands, already knowing how this ended, webbed fingers threading through the actress' silver hair before sliding down to her neck, where she hesitantly wrapped her hands.
The maiden froze with fear And was gripped by her silvery hair Lost was our lord's happiness and heir
Except instead of being frozen with fear, the maiden's eyes were widened in shock as silent tears slipped down Rii's cheeks. The actress seemed to be examining the shaken zora's eyes intensely, but just as she seemed to realize something, the wooden platform revealed a trap door beneath her, and the actress vanished out of sight, leaving Rii alone.
Our lord bore a tightened smile He kissed maid’s sealed lips
Rii felt hollow as she hurriedly approached Argoth, and at the sound of the next line, another tear slid down her face. The music paused expectantly, and Rii realized they were waiting for that kiss Ozzy had sung about. Blood feverishly coursing through her body, she smashed her lips against his before pulling away just as fast.
And eerie most, he died And we knew the maid had lied She ran that day, his gold in hand And spells all tucked away
Rii backed away from Argoth, her breathing quickening.
So should the twilight fall And you spy another realm Seek out the wretched maid of fish Tear out her emerald eyes But if tempted to, do leave the lips Her sealed demise
She ran. She stumbled off the stage, shaking as she dashed for the nearest alley. Unfortunately for Rii, there was an acrobat changing costumes, and she bolted for the next one, which was luckily empty and dark and went far back. Running to the end of the alley, Rii struggled to breathe, clutching at her stomach before vomiting into the dirt. Goddesses, she'd never thought... Not in Hyrule. Surely they wouldn't have come for her there. Strangled gasps and coughs wracked Rii's body as she tried to calm down and kill her sobs. This wasn't supposed to happen. She needed to breathe. In. Out. In. Out. Slower. Slower. In... Out... She shuddered, choking out another sob and grasping at her pack, fishing out a water flask and some mint leaves. Her breath smelled of vomit.
She chewed and swallowed fast. It still smelled, but this time it was likely from the ground and not from her mouth. Rii stared at it, breathing picking up again the longer she looked. Why was she looking? She needed to look away.
The music faded away. Ozzy was impressed at how realistically the zora had portrayed her part. She'd even bolted off the stage! "Let's give our volunteers a hand, everybody!"
|
|
|
Post by Argoth/Maximus on Sept 18, 2013 18:21:21 GMT -6
Argoth smiled when Rii mentioned she'd look after him to Max and hopped on stage. When the music started he didn't really know what to do. He had assumed he would be dancing with Rii, but apparently this was not the case. All the training he had in dancing was for couples only. Never had he practiced dancing by himself. Crap, he thought to himself. After dwelling on his misfortune for a moment he noticed Rii elegantly dancing toward him, tugging at her lips. His eyebrows raised and he smiled at her; still standing there like an idiot. Argoth then realized something he may have overlooked when the two of them first met. She was cute. Really cute in fact. But before his mind could continue the thought any further something caught his attention that he didn't particularly like. At a specific time in the song (which he wasn't really paying attention to in the first place) Rii suddenly stopped, and it wasn't part of the song either. A strange feeling in his gut told him that something was wrong with the zora healer. Argoth furrowed his brow and thought about interrupting the song to see if she was alright but decided against it. He didn't really have much evidence other than his own instincts. While examining the situation Argoth was intercepted by the plant who was playing the maiden and the two of them began dancing. While she smiled up at him and tried to make eye contact Argoth kept an eye on Rii. As the situation progressed Argoth caught sight of exactly what his gut had told him; tears were streaming down his friends face. A little knot formed in his stomach and Argoth wanted this to desperately be over so he could talk to the poor girl. Something isn't right here..perhaps I should have been paying attention to the lyrics. All he could do was wonder what had upset her now and wait for the song to be over.
After realizing that he should probably pay attention to the song the maiden let go of him, leaving him back to being awkward. Then suddenly the maiden fell through a trap door, there was a pause in the music, and Rii rushed in to kiss him.
If it hadn't been for Rii's utterly sad expression with tears digging into her cheeks, Argoth might have placed that kiss in his memory so he could think about it later. However, the only thing occupying his mind right now was what was eating away at Rii so badly that she was brought to such a state.
As the song ended Rii bolted off the stage, heading for goddesses knows where. Now Argoth really knew something wasn't right, and without thinking chased right after her. "Rii!" he shouted after her, concern clearly present in his tone. None of what she had been doing was acting at all, he just hoped the crowd didn't notice her. But Max probably did..shit..she probably doesn't want the kid to see her this way. Argoth quickly looked behind him and sure enough the little assassin was trailing right behind him.
"Stay here, Max." Argoth ordered when the reached the opening of the alley Rii had retreated to. "But-" Max tried to protest. Argoth gave him a look that he knew all too well and immediately he backed down. "Alright..I'll watch to make sure nobody else comes down." "You can see her in a moment, alright Max? Just give me a minute."
Max nodded and Argoth lightly jogged down the alley to where Rii had finally stopped. The first thing he noticed was the vomit on the ground beside her. Afterward was the sobbing. Without even thinking Argoth drew the weeping zora healer into a hug and began to comfort her. "Hey, hey, Rii what's going on? What happened back there? His voice was hushed and soothing, obviously trying to console his friend.
Only after he had spoken did Argoth realize he had Rii pressed up against his shoulder. He didn't even realize he did it when he got to her. When did this happen? he thought to himself. Subconsciously, that's probably what happened. The sight of a sobbing friend must have instinctively initiated the hug to comfort her. Putting wandering thoughts aside he turned his attention back to Rii and awaited her to respond to him.
|
|
|
Post by Rii/Thell on Sept 18, 2013 20:00:35 GMT -6
The longer she stared - though how long could it have been, a second, two at the maximum - the more ripped apart she felt inside, and suddenly the tears were back. Had they even stopped? She was still shaking, watery eyes wide. One webbed hand was slowly rubbing her stomach in circles. It hurt, just a little. It could have hurt a lot, but something was shaking inside her, shaking her insides so roughly she couldn't truly feel the unnecessary pressure she was putting on her belly. Flat... smooth... She shuddered again, feeling a chill and then...
Warm. Rii was suddenly... very warm. Someone was wrapping their arms around her, strangling her, trapping her. She stiffened and her hand tightened around her stomach. A horrifying image appeared in her memory of a shadowy figure over her and an uncomfortable tightness, and a sob ripped through her throat again. She wanted to break free, run away from-
"Hey, hey, Rii what's going on? What happened back there?"
No, that was a different voice entirely.
Suddenly the strangling had become a hug, gentle and soothing. The voice was low, soft, and Rii felt her muscles melting. "You have memory loss?" This was Argoth. She should have known. Hugging Argoth had been warm right from the start.
She shuddered again and exhaled unevenly into his shoulder.
Safe.
Rii wasn't sure why she thought that.
Evidently something had changed, because now the immense pain coming from her stomach had become stronger, and in horror she froze her hand. Nothing's there... I need to... stop. "I-I went up to a northern land once..." Rii started out shakily, her right hand still on her stomach, her left stiffly reaching out for Argoth, pulling him closer, because right now the only things she needed were safe and warm, and he seemed to have a lot of it as far as she was concerned. "There...Th-there was a lord. S-so unfamiliar." She sobbed again and buried her face into his chest as she forced out the next words. "And that song... was s-so... so very unfamiliar... b-but I... but I knew she was singing about me." Her voice died as she inhaled again, trying to breathe normally. She just needed to listen to Argoth's own inhales and exhales. In. Out. There. She got it again. Hopefully it'd stay this time. She just needed to listen to Argoth's own breathing and his heartbeat. His very alive heartbeat.
|
|
|
Post by Argoth/Maximus on Sept 18, 2013 20:37:26 GMT -6
The knot in his stomach tightened a little harder when Rii reacted to his presence. He didn't know how, but he could feel the fear she was experiencing right before she realized who it was. To some point this terrified Argoth, and he knew why. Many a time when he would pursue specific targets, right before he ended them they felt the exact same way Rii had, which meant only one thing.
Someone was after her.
I need to calm her down, get her to open up. It's the only way I can be sure. He thought.
Then Rii started talking about the song, gripping him harder and drawing him closer. She barely got out coherent sentences through her sobs but Argoth was able to pick up on it. Unfortunately, he hadn't listened to a word of what the violinist was singing. No matter, he would just have to get her to tell the whole story. First things first, however, he needed to make her feel safe, calm her down enough to be able to speak to him.
Argoth didn't like seeing Rii so terrified. Not one bit. And somewhere inside him he felt obligated to make her feel better. So he began to speak. "It's okay, Rii, it's just me. Breathe. In. Out. In. Out. That's it. You're safe, alright? No-one can is going to hurt you." He said this in the most soothing voice he could, hoping to calm her down. The next thing said was something that Rii was probably not expecting, but he was pretty sure he was right. "Now tell me Rii, Who is after you?"
|
|
|
Post by Rii/Thell on Sept 18, 2013 21:10:36 GMT -6
Rii tried so hard to focus on his words. Breath in, breathe out. Again. Again. The pain of existing slowly left her, and she let a broken sigh escape her lips just before he asked his question.
She paused. Argoth hadn't heard the song. Argoth truly didn't know what her confession meant. Was she relieved? She wasn't sure, but he still tried to understand. She gave a slow inhale. "If a kingdom thinks that y-you... that you have murdered their loving king and queen and..." Rii swallowed. "And their baby... then wh-who comes after you? Tell me Argoth, because I don't know... I... She called me the maid." She turned her head slowly, pressing her ear to his chest, absorbing his strong heartbeat. They'd be her drums. They'd keep her steady. But what did she do now? Where did she start?
With the part he'd missed? "A lord came down who bore a cruel and merc'less hand which summoned lightning and raked havoc over our mountainous land." She stopped, wondering if she should continue. If she could continue. But Argoth needed to hear the song. She kept going. "He killed our lord on battlefield, then sought a maid who's lips were sealed..." She paused occasionally to inhale, gather her share of air and keep herself from freezing up. The words seemed engraved in her mind, burned there. She wanted them gone.
So she sang them softly, in a whisper.
And then she finished, voice breaking and bitter as she came to the final verse. The whole song. Goddesses how she hated that song... she could feel the panic coming back, and she kept talking. If she took a pause now she'd break down for sure. "But the song is wrong... impossible, actually," Rii added at the end, laughing bitterly, nervously even. "Because I'm the maiden, too."
For the first time she looked up at Argoth, a sad smile on her face. "Stories get twisted sometimes... right? That happens? Because..." Rii looked down at the hand still on her flat stomach. "I know the story that song was trying to tell. And it's mine." She swallowed again. If she put on her game face, maybe she could... get through it, if only in the simplest of ways. "I was captured by a lord. He brought me to the kingdom he had claimed, and I met his unhappy people and I tried to help. I thought it was working. He changed, the people changed. He was... happy and they were happy. With him, at least. I did announce that their lord was going to have an heir... but it wasn't a mysterious lover, this... this maiden," she began. "It was me. I was... when I was at his castle he... he..." She couldn't say 'raped'. She couldn't get it out of her throat. "And it was me. The maid didn't murder the maiden and the heir she... she couldn't have done that because she... I gave birth to something already..." Rii couldn't say 'dead' either. Her hand had started up again, rubbing her empty stomach once more slowly. "It was fine, he'd said. He didn't need the baby... evidently he didn't need any of it, because one morning I woke up and... gone... the lord was gone. And I... I escaped when the villagers came to the castle gates... looking for him, their beloved lord, looking for me their hated fish woman, because somewhere along the line the story was twisted."
Done. In simplest yet completely inadequate terms Rii was done.
|
|
|
Post by Argoth/Maximus on Sept 18, 2013 22:25:52 GMT -6
When Rii began to speak Argoth felt a little sigh of relief course through him. He had at least calmed her down enough to talk. That was until she asked him who comes after you when people think you murdered a lord, his queen, and their baby. Terror almost gripped Argoth because he knew exactly who they would send.
Rii kept going with her story and immediately anger boiled up inside him. Captured, raped, giving birth to a dead infant, and being chased from your place of capture by deranged citizens because your captor is a coward and a creep. Argoth balled both hands into fists and his eyes grew a shade darker. A personal vendetta spawned in his head even though it was not his to hold. And with it, a personal responsibility. He looked down at Rii for the first time, pulling her in a little closer. His fists uncurled as he quelled his anger. Both hands moved away from Rii's back and up to her face, removing it from his chest. Argoth moved the zora's face up so he could look into her eyes.
"Listen to me, Rii. Nobody, and I mean nobody, is going to hurt you, understand? I don't care who they send." Argoth cracked a smile and attempted to make a joke. "Besides, not one of them would be strong enough to take the little guy." He said, briefly letting his eyes wander over to Max's position at the end of the alley.
Argoth could tell Rii was physically and emotionally drained and decided enough was enough for tonight. He still had a myriad of questions but he thought it would be best to ask her in the morning. "You look exhausted. Why don't we call it a night and get you a room at the inn eh? You can even take Max with you if it makes you feel more comfortable."
|
|
|
Post by Rii/Thell on Sept 18, 2013 22:52:51 GMT -6
Ozzy had barely managed to keep the crowd maintained, suggesting that perhaps the lord and his maid had truly fallen for each other during thier little performance. Since then she had played two more songs.
"We're done for the night, yeah? Nial and I were thinking of getting a drink."
Ozzy had just slipped into the makeshift changing room for a change in outfits, hoping to get something a little more dark and mysterious for her wilder songs to come. "Yeah, thanks for the good work. We're meeting at the Medallion if you want to collect your tip."
"You think I joined your little act for your personality? You southerners and your soft hearts." Striska teased, and Ozzy heard Nial's footsteps join hers as they left.
"Well her familiarity with the song really sold it, don't you think?" Cadven asked when the eighteen-year-old reappeared in black leggings and a sweeping cloak, violin tucked beneath her arm.
"Yeah," Ozzy agreed, dazed with the rush of performing. "It's a show stopper. I'm so glad she taught it to me when we went up north. No one will forget that performance." Excited as always, Ozzy bounded back onto her stage to reclaim her public.
Cadven meandered over to his kettle drums, eying Striska and Nial as they headed for the second alley way. "But at what cost, little one?" he muttered, brown eyes narrowed in suspicion as Striska and Nial turned to enter the alley.
Rii had stopped talking. Silence was best when trying to accept reassurance. Luckily, she believed herself to be a mostly optimistic person when not in very special circumstances. Unfortunately, it was one of the circumstances, so she couldn't help but shake a little with uncertainty.
"Nobody, and I mean nobody, is going to hurt you, understand?" She did understand. Most people might have nodded dumbly at such a promise, to agree and silence the one hopelessly trying to protect them. But this was Argoth, and that meant something to her, despite the fact she hadn't known him too long.
Safe. She repeated the word in her head as she brought her webbed fingers up to grasp his hands that cradled her face, squeezing them gently.
It wasn't so much that they were out to potentially kill her that scared her. It was the loneliness and the drowning in these memories and these false accusations. It was the fact that there were people who wanted to kill her over something that wasn't even correct. Her life was only a small portion the reason for her fear.
And yet the idea of sleeping safe and not alone tonight was more appealing than she visually let on.
Though wouldn't that leave Argoth alone?
"Where is Maximus?" Rii asked, her right hand shifting against his with the urge to rub her stomach. She snapped her head in the direction of the alley entrance in search of him.
"You're sure it's her? What are the odds that this is the exact fish you remember seeing as a teenager when-"
"You said she had green eyes. And you saw her reaction. There's no way it isn't her! The staff was the same and everything."
Striska paused, spying a small person near their destination. "Fine, but they've got a lookout. What do you propose?"
"Just wait. Everyone is still out being loud in this damned festival. They'll have to go somewhere on the outskirts that's quiet for poor little fish girl. When magic fish and her lord and lookout are fast asleep we'll take it from there."
"Your call then," Striska said with a shrug, and the two made their way over to a fortune teller's stand nearby, keeping an eye on the alley.
|
|
|
Post by Argoth/Maximus on Sept 18, 2013 23:34:49 GMT -6
"Hey Kid! You can come down here now." Argoth called out to his apprentice. Seconds later little Max came running down the alley. "Rii! Rii! Are you alright?" Max didn't stop running even when he reached the zora, barreling into her with the biggest hug he could give. "I don't like it when you're sad.." He hugged her even tighter and looked up at her, flashing his best smile to try and cheer her up.
"Rii has had enough for one day, Max, we're gonna go crash at the inn. Come on."
The three of them headed to the closest inn in market town, which unfortunately happened to be halfway across town. When the three of them walked in the door the inn keeper was reading through a local newspaper at the bar. Argoth approached the man and said they needed two rooms. Without even putting down his newspaper the clerk handed him one key with the room number attached on little piece of parchment. Argoth tossed him some rupee--probably more than he needed--and took Max and Rii up to their room.
"Why don't you go inside and get comfy while I fill little Max in." Argoth looked over at Rii with an expression that said he wouldn't reveal too much to Max. He felt she wouldn't want him to know the whole story.
When Rii left to go inside Argoth knelt down in front of Max and put on an extremely serious face. Alright listen. Some people are after Rii. The details aren't important but chances are they are dangerous. I'm not talking measly bandit dangerous Max, these guys are going to be trained and they will be deadly. You best be on your highest level of caution. Now you are gonna crash with her so it's your job to protect her if they get in the room somehow. I'll be down at the bar for the night, if anything happens, you know what to do."
Max said nothing and nodded. Rii was his friend and he wouldn't let anything happen to her. If there was one thing he cherished most in life it was his friends. He nodded once more at Argoth before disappearing into the room with Rii.
Argoth stood up after Max left and breathed out heavily. He really hoped nothing bad happened tonight.
|
|
|
Post by Rii/Thell on Sept 19, 2013 13:14:08 GMT -6
"I don't like it when you're sad.."
Rii smiled at the feeling of his small arms around her, ruffling his hair lightly. "Me neither, Maximus, but sometimes unfamiliar things are good for you... in the end," she reasoned in a whispered, and then they made their way to the inn.
Argoth chose to stay at the bar area, despite the fact that he paid for two rooms and despite the fact that Rii felt it was an unnecessary expense, despite the fact that this was not the way she believed he'd hoped for this festival to go. I hoped it'd be different, she thought as he vanished out of her sight and Maximus and her entered their own room. Her hand was on her belly again when she found herself before the bed, and she removed it slowly, allowing her right hand to then hang limp at her side. That baby had left her - in most ways - two and a half years ago. Emerald eyes sad yet thoughtful, the zora cast her gaze over at Maximus. There were so many other people to take care of, so many people that it was within her power to heal. She'd let the wound breathe again until she went to sleep. And then it would be wrapped underneath new bandages, bandages to replace the ones she hadn't realized were fraying and ruined. She'd try another salve some other time, seek another answer for where the lord went and who had twisted the story and why she failed in something she was sure of, and if none of her attempts proved effective, there was always time.
"Thank you for being here, Maximus," she murmured to the nine-year old. And Argoth. "When you need to cry, I'll come to you, too. Remember that. Now good night. Tell your dreams I said hello." With a kiss on his painted face she slid into her bed, and despite her best attempts she found herself rubbing her stomach as she uneasily entered sleep.
"Why did he stay behind?" Nial whispered, glancing from a distance through one of the windows of the inn.
"They know each other, Nial, and now he knows her story. He's the lookout this time."
Nial sighed, retying his sandy ponytail before looping resting his head upon her shoulder. "He doesn't know what he's protecting."
Irritated, Striska shook her shoulder and instead looped her arm through his while downing something from her flask and spitting it against the wall. "His own misunderstanding is not our concern. We're going for our scaled... friend, and that is it. Now come on. Tilt your head back," she ordered, and as he obeyed she pressed a flask to his lips for a few moments. "Now spit it out. Our public is waiting."
Nial regretfully did as he was told, sending the deliciously strong alcohol she had poured into his mouth onto the street corner. Then, with a doll-like toss of his head to one side, he lightly staggered beside the red-headed woman and into the inn.
"And he was looking at me like I was the idiot. I mean, excuse me, is what I mean... meant to say, but these, this... this is my..." Where Striska's story was heading didn't matter as Nial and her fell into a fit of giggles, swaying as they made their way for the bar.
"Gold. What did he say to... Oh, Strissy look, what... whe... no, wasn't that the guy from the show?" Nial lazily gestured to where Argoth was sitting, and Striska drew out her gasp as she rushed over to encounter him again.
"Oh it is, it is! Look at that face. It's so... it's so..."
"Should I leave you alone?" Nial asked with an arch of his eyebrows as Striska fell into a seat beside the assassin.
"Go, go, get us a room, would you loony... loony love," Striska giggled, covering her mouth with her hand to stop the stench of alcohol on her breath from reaching Argoth, though she did so rather slowly. "Oh I'm much to drunk for... for whatever time it is. So sorry. Where's your friend? That little scaly scaly actress, stole my stage she did didn't she? Ran right off and..." Striska dramatically gesticulated something rather nonsensical. "Disappeared! Poof! But you went after her, ri-i-ight? Was she a good a dancer alone as she was on stage or did you have a nice. Little. Chat?"
While Striska tried to distract Argoth, Nial made his way over to the front desk. As luck would have it, the innkeeper had just gone off to fetch a bucket. Someone was more drunk than everyone else and was about to make it extremely clear. Smiling to himself, he picked up a quill and started to write something on the edge before dropping it onto the innkeeper's side of the counter. "Whoops," he whispered with a grin, leaning over the edge to snatch it back. A quick glance showed him all he needed to see, and while snatching his quill he snatched something else, a spare key the innkeeper kept for each room in case the boarder tried to stay more days than he'd paid. Then, true to his act, he stumbled over to the inn's front window and tossed both the quill and the key into the street. The latter never hit the ground, instead plucked from the air as a cloaked person walked by. By this point the inn keeper had returned, and was not all too happy to be seeing a drunken guest trying to dispose of his quill. "Sorry, sorry, sir. Tryin' to get a brooo-a, a room, sir. Room. yes. Me and my lady friendy friend."
On the upper floor of the inn, a hall window was being skillfully pried open, and three sets of feet landed soundlessly on the hardwood floor. All were very human, though it was difficult to tell with their skin painted milky white and their bodies and faces generally shadowed by their sweeping black cloaks, articles of clothing easily removable by the dull silver clasps in case agility or flexibility was required. A flash from beneath one cloak revealed who possessed a key, and with a swift flick of the wrist they unlocked the door.
Rii and Maximus were no longer alone. One instantly went for the boy, procuring a dagger from each wrist brace to hold in his hands. The remaining two, one female and one male, approached Rii from either side of her bed. The female took out a delicate glass syringe, and the male withdrew a dagger in his left hand and a wet cloth in the other.
Just then, Rii shifted in her sleep and her eyes fluttered open. Blurred and not yet accustomed to the dark, she only saw the vague outline of someone and the flash of moonlight hitting glass.
And not just any glass. She knew what object was made of that particular material. What now? Gripping her staff beneath the sheets, she shifted her legs slowly once more, knocking her pack off of her bed with a loud thud. If Max wasn't awake, hopefully he was now.
|
|
|
Post by Argoth/Maximus on Sept 19, 2013 15:05:21 GMT -6
"Tell your dreams I said hello."
Yeah..I don't think I'll be sleeping much tonight. Max thought to himself. After the way Argoth had told him how severe the situation was, he knew that would be up most of the night. The young assassin takes friendship very, very seriously, and if somebody of such skill was after Rii, he would do all he could to ensure her safety. Max crawled into bed with Rii, laying down next to her and snuggling his small body up close to hers. He did this not only for her comfort, but for his as well. The boy was scared for his friend and having her close made him feel better. Eyes wide open, Max made sure to keep his entire field of vision on both of the entrances.
The only thing Argoth ordered from the bar was water. Anything else would have put him off his game, and at a time like this he needed to be aware of all his surroundings. Just then the door opened and two rather intoxicated patrons mumbled about something ridiculous and then began giggling to themselves.
"...Oh, Strissy look, what... whe... no, wasn't that the guy from the show?"
Shit. Argoth didn't need this kind of distraction right now. Besides, he didn't like dealing with drunks, always ended with him hitting one of them. The woman who played the Maiden stumbled her way over to Argoth and began to speak to him about his encounter with Rii. At first he didn't find this odd. She was on stage with them after all and Rii did sell her role rather well with what had happened. He also figured the guy who came with her was just a stage hand or something that she had some fling with. Argoth would have suspected nothing wrong at all if it weren't for one thing. Her eyes. Argoth had been around enough drunk people (and been drunk himself enough times) to know exactly what its effects were on the body. Every part of Striska's facade was spot on except for the one thing she couldn't fake: the heavily glossed eyes that comes with being intoxicated, and Argoth noticed right away.
They're acting. He thought. And as soon as he realized that he knew exactly what they were up to. Argoth turned away from Striska with enough time to catch her friend "nonchalantly" drop the quill onto the innkeepers side of the bar, whom was gone dealing with some other drunk patrons. After knowing that the two of them weren't actually inebriated made it all the easier to see through their elaborate reuse. He saw the man grab the master key and then head toward the door. However, just before he could witness anything else, Striska distracted him by dragging on his arm to stabilize herself.
Now was the hard part. How did he deal with the situation. Clearly these two were after Rii, but he couldn't let them get to her.
Max was damn near asleep when the door to their room opened; eyes nearly shut and his brain descending into unconsciousness. He tried his hardest to stay awake most of the night but then again he was only nine. Although as soon as that door opened it was as if he had never been tired at all. Instant alert awoke his brain and snapped his eyes wide open. Within a second he was between Rii and the assailants. Just as fast as he reacted, however, they did as well, and one of them was already coming at him.
3 on 1...not good. I need to drop this guy right now. The young assassin's mind instantaneously focused on retaliation. The cloaked figure coming at him with dual daggers swung at his throat, hoping to quickly dispatch the boy. Unfortunately for them, they underestimated little Max. What they saw was just a little boy accompanying a friend. Their first mistake. Max ducked under the dagger and sent a punch directly into the diaphragm of his attacker. He keeled over in utter surprise that a nine year old could hit so hard. While he was in shock Max grabbed him by the wrist, pried his dagger from his hand, and slashed the inside of his right thigh all in one fluid motion. His opponent cried out but didn't fall, so as if he had never stopped moving Max delivered a kick to the side of his right knee, dropping him to eye level. Max jammed the knife into his shoulder, twisted it, and then ripped it back out. All in the same motion (and while the stabee still screamed in pain) he turned and whipped the dagger at the syringe the woman was holding, effectively knocking it from her grasp. The syringe fell to floor and the tube shattered, spilling whatever its contents were all over the ground. He slammed a fist into his first victims face to finish him off and then rolled over to place himself between Rii and the last two assailants. The small assassin withdrew his own dagger and held it out in a defensive position.
The two that were left looked utterly perplexed. In fact, Max almost giggled at how silly their faces looked. The last thing they expected was for a little kid to put a wrench in their plan to take Rii. They backed up a few steps and withdrew their own weapons.
Max felt fear try to take him but he refused it. Now was not the time to give in to such an emotion. He had to protect Rii.
Argoth heard the cry of agony coming from the room Rii and Max were staying in and immediately shoved Striska off of him. He knew Max could hold his own but he didn't know how many people were in the room with him. This drastically changed the situation. If Striska and this guy came with more people, then this could turn out to be a bigger fight than he expected. He just hoped Max could keep them from Rii long enough for him to get there. Although...it wasn't really Max's life he was worried about, no. In fact, Argoth feared more for the lives of whoever was in the room with him. If they provoked him too much, he knew all to well what would happen, and that is the last thing he or anyone in the general vicinity wanted.
Keep it together Max, just until I get there.
|
|