Ьȴʊє Ͻ a r a v a n 🚙 🚙 🚙 (new thread!)

Favorite Character Poll Round 10!

Lucien Balthazar Mchale - Vicious hunter of humans and dragons.	27.3%	[ 3 ]
Vasul Calim Shahrad - Crown Prince of Shahrazad and righteous eagle among a flock of vultures.	9.1%	[ 1 ]
Lorelei 'Ellie' Katerini - Knight Errant and Defender of Justice who will kick your butt!	18.2%	[ 2 ]
Inyri Ven - Sharp-minded beauty and budding lady of wares.	18.2%	[ 2 ]
Eriol Epheis - Mysterious man with an eye for the prize.	27.3%	[ 3 ]
Total Votes:			[ 11 ]

This poll closed on November 27, 2014.
No longer accepting new votes.

[The Rectumbler]

"I'm sure that if there is food, someone will feed you. Is there food? If there isn't, I could ... manage to acquire some." Without paying. That was the key part of it. He proceeded to Rasheik's side, one finger running along the curve of his ear , lingering a second against his cheekbone for a second before his attention turned to the new -- guard was she now?

"Consul. There's two of them, brothers, and they rule together. I've met them. One is completely daft, just a hulking mass of brawn. The other though...he's the brains of the operation. He's my ... connection." Beck smirked, casting a side-long glance at Rasheik before looping his free arm into Rasheik's.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Beck, but again, don't hold too much stock in names." He tugged on Rasheik's arm, dragging both him and the seer away. "Let's get going. I have things I want to find out myself. Especially since there is a seer in our midst. I'll explain along the way." He strode proudly with both of them on his arms, the child still balanced on Rasheik's shoulders. As they parted from the others, he peered cautiously over his shoulder to make sure that they were out of ear shot. "All right, I haven't ever been in Belorner long, and never for the time of the festival. It seems they have minor ones every month, but a major one every year in order to worship all of their gods. The monthly ones are a dedication to a single god. This current festival is the big one.

"And I was ...being a little more than friends with a young man when he mentioned that something was going on tomorrow night, and that I should leave. Obviously the consuls must know what is going on...but I doubt they'd tell me. I only have enjoyed the luxuries of the one, and he's far too smart to tell me all his secrets. The other one likes girls, go figure. I bet he'd take an interest in our wily little seer here, and it'd be better for her that way.

"Besides, heaven forbid she have a vision of me bare a** over tea kettle in a compromising position. It'd be embarrassing for me, and then she'd tell you, and you'd be jealous. I just know it." Gently, he pinched Rasheik's cheek, knowing full well that it was a joke. Rasheik would never be jealous of something like that. "I can introduce you to the brother with a brain Sheiky dear, and you can have your little man pow-wow. I'll be at dinner with you if you wish, but perhaps someone should be near her in case something happens. I don't want her in danger, but I do want to know what is going on tomorrow night. If it's something stupid like a wedding, I'd like to peace out of Belorner. I hate weddings."

They continued on in silence for a moment, and then he spoke up once more, "Perhaps the boy can eavesdrop on them. He's an apt pupil. Besides, you can't keep a kid on your shoulders during dinner. It's rude." With a wink at the child, he smiled, genuine and rare. "Oh I have to stop doing that," he murmured, quickly erasing the smile from his face, "Wrinkles." Rotten things.

[John Van]

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• • • • • • • • • ⊶ ✠ ⊷ • • • • • • • • •

Life was returning to his limbs. A slight shock. Everyone made it through the first hurdle. So far so good.

"I've only been here once before. Either they have a fantastic memory or I just have one of those faces."

Joese seemed to shrink before his eyes. It was pitiful, but Linus couldn't help but smile. He rested his hand on the poor girls head, petting her her softly to brush away the bad thoughts.

"You did nothing wrong. These men just spend all day keeping God locked up in this dark place. They sometimes forget to let him out and enter their hearts."

The gate before them began to slowly creep up. Linus took a deep breathe before heading into the threshold of the next check point. The room split into two diverging paths. A sign lit dimly by the fire light directed observers to the left up a flight of stairs. To the right, another guard stood ready by a small wooden table. The final gate was behind him and beyond its bars there was a row of columns silhouetted by a soft light. The guard shifted in his spot, eying the priest as he approached the table. "Father Linus?"

A slight hesitation. "... yes?"
"Abbot Holmes is waiting for you at the spring. Something about a baptism."

This isn't good. In the dim light what little color left in Linus's face drained to his feet. The abbot had gone ahead of him. Whats more he wanted to do the baptism here. Coincidence after coincidence was a sign from God. Usually a bad sign.

"No containers. Empty your pockets and I'll pat you down. The woman will be searched on the way back."

Rules repeated. Always repeated. Its as if they trusted you to forget them. The search was quick. Gentler than the one before but still awkward and invasive. This was the last hurdle for the spring. Over his shoulder, the priest called out to his companions.

"We won't be long. Miss Archer, come in front of me please."

The gates rolled up. The glare from the light began to wane and the entire scope of the cavern was in view. The whole space was set up like an amphitheater. Behind Linus was the viewing spot, several rows of stone seats running along a full one hundred and eighty degrees around the spring. The ceiling and back end of the cavern were covered a stretch of moss that glowed softly in the darkness, illuminating the cavern with an other worldly glow. The moss seemed to explode out of the spring; a calm gentle pool of mirror like water. A figure already stood nearby, wearing a robe similar to Linus. Leading up to the spring a series of columns that stood about three heads taller than the average man. Archways connecting to columns served as platforms for a strange set of shadows that perched on top of them like gargoyles. They barely moved, but in the dim light one could tell that they were breathing. They were additional guards, their form clear as day but their features barely visible in the twilight. Are they even human?

With Miss Archer in front of him, Linus placed his hands gently on her shoulders.
"Now I need you to listen closely to me and do exactly as I say. The men up there are no threat. They're just there to put us out of our misery if something were to happen. As we pass the columns, and this is the important part, do not break contact with me. Your very soul is at stake."

Linus put extra emphasis in his last statement. His voice had turned low and solemn, indicating the seriousness of his warning. There was a reason why only priests and healers were the only ones allowed, capable, of escorting people to the spring.

⊶ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ⊷

Here abidith Faith, Hope and Love, these three
But the greatest of these, is Love.

[Nacht s t e a m p u n k]

Watch ❅ My ✾ Arrow ❂ Fly ❃

❅ She stared at the gate as it rose. Closer and closer. If Lucia tried hard enough, she could even hear the water from here. They approached the next guard as he stood at the table where he repeated the instructions Linus had given before they entered the Spring's entrance. Lucia stood next to the table as she had nothing else but her cloak to give. Looking at the Father after the guard spoke to him, it seemed he had received some sort of bad news. It doesn't matter. I can hear it. The air is so cold and moist. It is so close. She shifted her feet several times as she waited for the rest to unload their own personal items. They almost make it too easy for me.

Hearing the priest speak to her, she came forward and did as he bid. When the gate opened, she did gape at the beauty of what she saw. It was nothing like she had ever seen before! Lucia had never thought there would be such a place in the middle of the desert. Is this what it was like for the first travelers to be here? So amazed by what they saw, they were rooted in place.

Hands grasped her shoulders making her startle slightly before settling back into place. Looking over her shoulder, she saw it was only Linus and not the guard. Nothing to be scared of there. His next words did unnerve her though. My soul at stake? Too many priests would say I have no soul. It is kind of nice to hear. Lucia looked into his eyes for a moment, after seeing nothing mischievous or treacherous she nodded as she looked forward.

A deep breath. An exhale. One last deep breath. "I am ready, Father."

[John Van]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxӺatђeɍ Ƚȋnuʂ Ӻoωʆeɍ

• • • • • • • • • ⊶ ✠ ⊷ • • • • • • • • •

The soft dirt absorbed the sounds of their footsteps as they went forward. Linus had his eyes fixed on the spring. Never straying, never wandering. His breathe quickened. His teeth clicked several times before his lips began to tremble. A string of hushed words spewed from his mouth. He spoke low and quite, rambling in strange tongues as he desperately tried to read unseen words within his head. He was racing something. As his foot left the last shadow of the columns he immediately stopped and drew a breath.

"You're late," spoke the abbot. How can I be late to somewhere I wasn't expecting to be? He was an older gentleman, decrepit but fierce. His cheeks were sunken in and his head was bare. With surprising dexterity, the old abbot pulled a long purple sash from his sleeve, holding it out to Linus.

"I refuse."
"That's not your decision to make."
"I am already leaving to spread the word. Why burden me further?"
"You have no choice."
"I can't-"
"Enough! You will take on your duties. This is an order from the papacy, not me."

Linus tightened his grip on Archer's shoulders, forgetting her presence for a moment. He moved quickly towards the abbot, releasing Archer from his grasp as soon as they were just an arms length from the spring. Without saying a word he snatched the purple sash from the abbots hands. His eyes never broke contact from the abbot, staring him down as he tied the purple sash around his waist. A small silver cross hung from its end, feeling like a ball and chain on Linus's soul.

Linus felt his face burn. He didn't make a sound, even as the abbot directed him to kneel in front to the spring. With a careful hand, the abbot brought his hand on Linus's head and lowered his head into the waters. With Linus's head submerged, the abbot began to pray. Linus tapped his arm once. Twice. Three times. The b*****d was taking his time. When the abbot finished his blessings, he pulled Linus out of the spring. Coughing and gasping for the air, Linus just stared at the waters edge. Just stared and breathed.

"I have packed your effects. You leave immediately." And with that, the abbot began to walk back to the checkpoint.

A minute passed before Linus spoke again. "Archer, come over here... sit by me."

⊶ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ⊷

Here abidith Faith, Hope and Love, these three
But the greatest of these, is Love.

[Ocoo]

A l e x a n d r i ******** you, she's a princess.

D e s m a r a i s

❝ Pissy princesses are the best kind.❞

Okay. So apparently this man was an a*****e. It not like she had said that as though it was some sort of revelation. It had been more for herself. It wasn’t like you saw that every day. But fine. Whatever. She’d just be on her way if he was going to be like that.

But noooo, he just couldn’t leave it at that. He had to go and insult her dignity. A copper? Really? If she wanted to talk to someone, she would damn well do it. Even if she had needed money. And then, he had to go even further, by calling her a wench. A wench. And that, really, really pissed her off. So much so, that she was compelled to pick up the copper piece at her feet and chuck it at the man, hopefully hitting him in the face. But of course, since she didn't really aim or anything, it hit him in the chest instead. Oh well. Her accompanying threats would have to do.

“Who the hell do you think you are, talking to me like that?! I can have your head chopped off! I’m the princess of ******** Albrind.” And then, she remembered that she couldn't have his head chopped off. Technically this city wasn’t under her control (or rather, her father’s, but that was just details), and because of that, she had not real power. So much for threats. If she was lucky, these people would have respect for her position, regardless if she could have executed on the spot.

“Besides, it’s not my fault I look like s**t.” And it wasn’t. If it weren’t for her maid running off and getting her throat slit in that stupid desert town, she would look stunning and dazzling as normal. But instead, she was left to do her own hair and makeup, and to dress herself. And it was really, really hard. Well, it wouldn’t be on someone else; she was sure she could do all that as good as her peasant-girl maid had. But doing it to yourself was soooo complicated. You couldn’t see stuff in back, and when you were doing your hair, you had to hold your arms up for a really, really long time, and they got soooo sore. It was terrible.

At least she had tried.



❝How could anyone survive without having
someone to do basic, menial tasks for them?❞

[Nacht s t e a m p u n k]

Watch ❅ My ✾ Arrow ❂ Fly ❃

❅ They walked. Lucia did not ever look at her feet, but she knew the moss was deep enough to be like rich carpets and just as soft. It was strange. There was a lack of noise here except for the pair's breathing for most of the beginning. The lack of noise was not nearly as disturbing as the noise that soon began behind her from Linus. Lucia had been to many places with different languages, but none such as these. This was the first time for her to have a man holding on behind her without the words coming out is rasped pleasure. She dearly wanted to look back at him, to see what was happening but she felt like her head was locked in place, leaving her to stare only at the spring. When they reached the shoulder of the spring, the Father stopped and she followed in suit.

The older man was a fierce one. If she hadn't been in character, Lucia may have sneered at the energy he gave of to her. The two spoke sharp words as if she was not even there. Even Lucia felt like she was an invisible onlooker between these priests had it not been for Linus's grip on her shoulders. I feel like this isn't right. s**t. Just go away, old man! Shoo! Scat! Hissss! At that same moment, Linus released her and moved around her towards the older man.

They went to the spring. Lucia took this as the only chance she had. With slight movements of her hand, she took out a small, empty vile and held it in her hand before clasping her hands before her. Lucia watched as she moved. It almost sickened her to watch such an archaic thing. It looked like the old man was trying to kill Father Linus more than he was trying to baptize him. When the old priest let the younger one go, Lucia took a step forward forgetting herself. I don't have my weapons. She glanced upwards towards the archways. I probably wouldn't make it in time to do anything anyways. The woman bit her lower lip softly, continuing her vigilance.

The old man left with Lucia's eyes following him out. She paused before actually understanding Linus's words and came next to him. Spreading out her cloak, Lucia knelt at the bank of the Spring, her eyes on her hands. All I need to do is drink. It is so easy right now. Her head titled towards Linus, and she peered at him. Strands of wet hair hung lose on his face. In the eerie light the waters gave off, the Father looked almost attractive. Interesting. Must be the air in here. Seems a little stale. Maybe the pressure is making my head loopy? The woman gave a mental shrug. "Father?"

[jadeshaw88]

If only night could hold you...


Ari did not like the direction the conversation had taken and she fell silent even when the questions were directed at her. She stiffened when Rashiek actually said the man's name out loud and a small whisper escaped her lips. "Please don't say his name." She breathed though it was so quiet that she doubted anyone had heard it...even Beck who was right next to her. She let him lead her along, certain that even if she had been able to see that she wouldn't have been able to keep walking. Memories flooded back to her and she could feel her body go cold despite the heat. She bit her lip to keep from whimpering but she swore she could almost smell that terrible wagon...smell his breath...feel her cold hands gathering up and carrying her off...feel the pain, all of it.

Then she really could smell the wagon. It was a very distinct smell and from what she had learned about Beck in the short time that she had known him, she very much doubted that it was his slave wagon. Even if he did treat his slaves poorly, she was almost positive that they would be kept in a clean environment and bathed regularly. She didn't see him observing his own slaves somewhere with grime on the ground and an ungodly stench. Rashiek spoke with the guards and then....well she sort of checked out. She was aware enough to know that she was standing and that Beck still had her hand but that was it. Perhaps she was simply too frightened to even comprehend the wagon. That evil witch was bound to be here somewhere. If the pale woman saw her again...

Suddenly she was in open air again and they had a few more people in their little group. One had been a slave from the wagon or at least that was what she gathered from the conversations that followed and the other...she wasn't quite sure about. She and the bandit seemed to have their own private language that her head couldn't even begin to fit around. It didn't matter anyway because they were soon changing directions and the voices of the others seemed to disappear and all that was left was Beck's.

Ah Beck. She was really starting to like this guy, slaver or no. He made her laugh and for someone to make her laugh after revisiting that nightmare was good in her book. "Well there really is no need for me to get the vision now that you've told him." She pointed out with a laugh, her body finally relaxing. She wondered if Beck had noticed how tightly she had been clutching on to him. If he had, he certainly hadn't said anything. "In any case, if someone is going to be taking an interest in me, it might be a good idea for me to visit the baths and to acquire some clothes that aren't tattered and torn." She hoped this consul brother was at least handsome. She was curious as to what was going on as well and if Beck thought that the only way to get that information was to do some....undercover work, she would do what she could. Plus it had been a while and a good tumble might do her some good.

...Where I can see you, my love

[Watervoir]

Ѵeȴɩus Kɩɾʈɑ
ɳoble

He wasted no time climbing the steps to the spectator’s area above, his pace only slowing once he reached the top. “This place is amazing!” He twirled around with his arms outstretched to his sides as if welcoming the girl following behind him to the lines of granite seats. “Don’t you think?” His voice was clear to the both of them, but its intensity was not yet loud enough to create echoes, let alone audible for the folks below them involved in the ceremony and, hopefully, the ominous shadows above. Chuckling softly, he spun on his heel and hopped down the carved terrace of steps down to the lowest set.

His fingers ran atop the smooth surface of the stone ledge that parted him from those involved in the sacred healing as he made his way along the inner circumference of the observer’s area. It was only once he discovered the perfect place did Velius finally stop. Leaning on the ledge, he was silent for a moment as he studied the verdant scenery before him. A cool draught that never existed aboveground in the religious city wound through the chamber and moss decorated the curves of the magnificent archways. It was stunning how even in such a dank environment flora could flourish in mass abundance. The stage had been built, but then left untouched by civilization save the few holy men that frequented it. The quality of natural isolation must have been a form of purity in itself, for it was in such an untainted environment that a divine substance existed.

And how close was he to this substance. Absolutely aware he was completely visible to everyone within the room, both seen and unseen, he reached a hand past the space above the edge towards the spring many lengths away. He pointed his index finger at Linus. “Pow pow pow!” With each spoken sound came a little bounce of his hand, his fingers casting make-believe curses at each of the figures below in turn. Then, he sat down and propped his elbows on the edge of the seat behind him, throwing his head back with a childish grin on his face. His eyes made a sidelong glance at the girl, themselves shimmering in the faint light with their own juvenile property. “And then we would be the only ones left in this big room.”

His gaze left the girl as the ceremony appeared to start. The chant was barely perceptible and quite anticlimactic, although the banter between the clergymen made the wait worth it. Velius’ hands laced together to form a platform for his chin to rest on. “Sure looks like they’re trying to drown him, doesn’t it?” Velius admired the clerics’ struggles to bring life to the ritual – he truly did. He didn’t see it necessary, but it sure was entertaining to watch. Holy men and their desires to look like fish.

[Freya Sauthmagl]

Oº°xxxxɌ ɧ ε ϯ ϯxxxx°ºO

〖 ☠ ↘↘

xxxxxxxxxxThunk.

Something small collided with his chest. Ah. The copper. Well. He certainly wasn't willing to waste a silver or a gold on a wench. Rhett clasped the cigarette between his teeth as he knelt to retrieve the coin. Bribery had failed to shoo away the woman, but he honestly hadn't expected much to come of such a paltry offering. A shame, really. The coin he flicked back to Fendali before he turned his attention (or at least the attention that was not focused on the object in his mouth) to this woman who apparently was not a whore. Could have fooled him.

"Royalty?" He spoke the word slowly, rolled it about on his tongue. Interesting. "What are you doing running around with no guards, Your Majesty?" An insincere smile snaked across his face. "And... isn't it dangerous to tell a complete stranger that precious bit of information?" Another draught from the cigarette, followed by a momentary pause and an exhalation of smoke. "I could be in the slave trade, and you'd be none the wiser until you were bound, gagged, and shoved in the back of a wagon with a dozen other squirming bodies." The smile dropped from his face, his expression returning to one of innocuous boredom. Rhett shrugged his shoulders pathetically. "But what do I know. I haven't received the same formal education as a princess."

But the brat doesn't stop talking there. For pity's sake, were all princesses this... mouthy? He'd been under the impression that princesses at least knew how to mind their mouths, and ******** was a very unladylike word.

And it isn't her fault she looks like s**t.

Rhett snorted. Really. Really now? Amusement sparkled in his eyes as the smoke spiraled upward, guided by warm breaths. Then he had a good two-second laugh about it. "Did you even try looking in the mirror once while you were dressing yourself?"

Maybe he's being too hard on the brat. Maybe a tornado will suddenly ravage the city and drop a wagon on his head.

__________________________________________________________________________________

beware i'm toxic☣
take in one breath suffocate☣

xxxx✡xxxx
Ɍ ɧ σ ɗ ε s

[Ocoo]

A l e x a n d r i ******** you, she's a princess.

D e s m a r a i s

❝Oh s**t.❞

So maybe he was right. She probably shouldn’t go around spouting out her social standing without having a few guards around. Not that she currently had any. Except for that one boy, but he had been dragged off by the bandits and used as a hostage. Or something like that.

But that didn’t matter at the moment. She had was here, and she had blabbed, and the way the man so bluntly spoke about possibly being a threat to her made her really uncomfortable. s**t. She probably should’ve handled the situation with more tact. And she would’ve, if she hadn’t already been pissy about her current circumstances. Or so she’d like to think. But whatever. Right now, she needed to get on better terms with this guy, and quickly, before she did end bound in the back of a wagon.

“Okay, so maybe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Alexandria, and it’s… nice to meet you.” She felt like she was a child again, being forced to use prompted platitudes. She had always hated that. If felt so forced and awkward.“And as it so happens, my mirror is broken.” She didn’t say it like a retort (though it really was); more of a statement. And it was a truthful one. Sort of. Her mirror had been broken during her travels, but it wasn’t unusable as she implied. It just had a crack. A really big crack.

Well, she had done her part. She had been polite to a complete b*****d, and hopefully, he’d have the decency to reciprocate.




❝And no, it wasn't my face that broke the mirror❞

[The Rectumbler]

Oh Aria was right. She did smell a little....like something rotten was afoot in Denmark. And her clothes were an atrocious mess. How did Amir ever expect to make a profit when she looked like this? Ah well, he was an idiot, always the truth of the matter. Thinking of which -- "Sheiky dear, I have another favor to ask of you later...or perhaps I don't. But -- you're not ...friends with this Amir fellow right? He's not under your protection?" If so, Beck would have to work a little to get Amir out of that situation and onto Rasheik's bad side. If not, all the better for him.

"I'll ask him if you can use his bath house. I'll tell him you're a countess from Shaharazad who had a rough travel over and was attacked by bandits. Terrible bandits with this swarthy leader. He'll let you use it. As for the brother, he shouldn't be too hard to wrap around your finger. He's seriously foolish, and hung like a horse. Not that I know from personal experience, but I may or may not have just happened to have seen it." Beck shot Rasheik a look, as if daring him to accuse him of something. "I'm pretty sure that when he was made, whatever deity crapped him out was like, 'Oh no! His brains is tooo small. Better make up for it elsewheres!' So he wound up with no means to carry on an intelligent conversation but a third leg. Evolution of the species has some very nasty side effects."

Beck sighed and gazed about lazily, running his tongue along his teeth, checking for any signs of food particles jammed there. It would be so disgusting. Nope, all clear. "If you do get a little bit hankity pankity tonight, make sure you throw a lambskin on that. Heaven forbid you wind up with a child. They're such terrible litt--" He paused, looking to the child on Rasheik's shoulders, and then to Rasheik himself. Ah well, screw it. "--terrible little monsters." He could have said far worse, and it still would have been true.

He could see the Hall of Justice, looming over the bustle of busy people scurrying past. Not too much longer, and he'd be able to introduce the consul to the Bandit King.

[John Van]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxӺatђeɍ Ƚȋnuʂ Ӻoωʆeɍ

• • • • • • • • • ⊶ ✠ ⊷ • • • • • • • • •

Linus didn't answer right away. He was staring at himself at the waters edge. His eyes flicked back and forth, studying the features on his own face. Searching. Looking. Wanting some sort of answer. He found none. He looked to Archer, studying her face as he studied his own. His voice was barely above a whisper, away from the ears of others.

"You know... paint doesn't make a very effective disguise. Lesions on the skin are elevated and cause the skin around it to be irritated and red. I've also heard better stories in a confessional."

Archer claimed to have met a shaman about her affliction. A follower of the light would never do such a thing and yet she specifically sought out Linus at the Hall of the Gods. Another tip off was her weapons. Sai's were not a very common weapon and they required a lot of skill and dexterity to use. A sick person would have used something more practical or even went without them. Her appearance was the clincher, especially since there was no discoloration in the hair.

"As it stands, its obvious you want more than just to taste the waters here. I can get up and leave you here right now and you wouldn't make it past the pillars, even with your act fooling the guards. When we entered, I was praying. Do you remember? As we passed the columns? That was to keep the demons inside them at bay. That's why priests and healers are needed to get to the springs. We're trained to withstand possession."

Linus dipped his fingers in the spring. Gently he brushed at Archer's cheek, rubbing some of the grim and paint from her face to reveal the clean smooth skin beneath. Figures as much.

"I can help you get out of here, with your prize if you truly deserve it and provided that you're honest with me and follow my instructions. They will search you and even if you don't take any water they will find your container. And then they will probably kill us both. I'll baptize you, like the abbot did to me minus trying to drown you bit, and you fill up whatever you have with it hidden under your palm."

Will she take it or would she walk. Whether she decide to go through with it or not was her decision to make. The consequences would be less severe if she didn't take the water and they were caught...

"What say you... Archer? Or should I call you by a proper, maybe even real name?"

⊶ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ⊷

Here abidith Faith, Hope and Love, these three
But the greatest of these, is Love.

[Nacht s t e a m p u n k]

Watch ❅ My ✾ Arrow ❂ Fly ❃

❅ Lucia stared at him. That was all she could do for a few moments before she cracked her usual smile. Smooth with a touch of mischief. She gave out a quiet chuckle and looked across the spring into the darkness, her voice coming out soft but in her regular tone, "Very good, Father. Most would not have seen through, though it has been some time since I played such an innocent. I have grown a little rusty, maybe to sinful." Lucia glanced at him and shook her head as if at her own foolishness. "And it isn't paint, so to speak. It is a skin dye, but I did not have enough time for it to fully set in. Had I been fully prepared for this venture, you would have thought me actually possessed."

Giving a sigh, she adjusted her position on her knees (one leg was growing tired of this way of sitting.) "As I am already compromised, I might as well explain to you. It matters not for me to get this water, really. Just a nice payday if I do. Though, now that I see it-" she looked at the water once more, "I would not mind taking my own sample. Just a memory or souvenir for this little adventure. I doubt many people have come this far."

Her hand reached toward the water, but she held it back from going further. Letting out a soft sigh, Lucia tucked several strands of hair behind her ear. "My name is Archer. Well, it is one of my names really. And you won't learn the real one until I wish it so. Names do have a certain power, don't they Linus?" The way she said his name was almost mocking companionship with him. The woman's lips pursed and she played with the vial hidden in her hands still.

Be baptized. Get the water. Leave safely. Eh, sounds like a good deal to me. . . Nonetheless. Moving her body towards him, she leaned forward and asked, "I am all for this idea. It has no real hurt to me. However, I haven't survived in this world as long as I have without knowing that nothing comes free. Now tell me, Father, what is in this for you?" Lucia's hand reached for his and she placed her forehead against his knuckles as though she was a servant and he was of higher class if the guards from above looked on. As she lowered his hand, she brushed her lips against those same knuckles with a burning look. "You don't seem like the type to ask for a night with me in return, not that I wouldn't mind Father." She gave him another smile and released his hand completely.

[Watervoir]

■ □ ■ - - Evelyn Alinari

┐

Evelyn’s eyes remained on the road as she nodded in agreement with Abel. “The desert is a natural barrier that separates your homeland and this city. As a result, the two societies develop autonomously and independent from one another. Arising from this detachment would be countless differences, population density being one of them.” The brief and formal lesson in human geography offered out of her free will. As young as she was, she shared Abel’s candid wonder, understanding his marvel associated with seeing new places with one’s own eyes and his surprise coupled with the discovery of an unfamiliar world. Her life thus far had not been spent entirely within the walls of Shahrazad, although much of it was. Each of her few trips outside the Jewel of the Desert had been made in accompaniment with other individuals, usually a member of the Kirta family. This particular venture was would add to her list of experiences, as well as the first of such she had made with Velius.

She wasn’t exceptionally proud of her accomplishments to date. Already, she had failed once, failing to successfully counteract a single member of the invading bandit forces, and now she had made another slip-up: falling short on basic knowledge on her setting. It could hardly be considered a matter deserving of unease, for she had not known of their destination in advance and thus had no opportunity to find resources on the religious city.

But then again, she had one sure source of information: her charge. She had no intentions to further punish herself for not having asked him about Belorner however. Instead, she speculated on why he had not told it to her in the first place. This was not the first time, nor was it the second time, that he had neglected to provide her common knowledge. Only in half of those cases had she ever gotten a suitable explanation for it. It wasn’t to say she placed blame on him for what she lacked, although it did ease her heart to ponder on doing so. She would enquire for his reasons later, and she would leave it until that time came to decide on an appropriate course of action.

That left her with the matter of tomorrow night, the current topic of deliberation. “A time of fear?” It was a suggestion offered at the woman’s murmurs, delivered in a tone as hushed as that of the others. Her attention travelled from one concerned citizen to the next, her ears incapable of discerning aught on the details of ‘tomorrow night’. Her eyes trekked further ahead of them, where the path opened out. Having seen the site before them not long ago from a different road, Evelyn was able to identify it in spite of the new angle. It was the Hall of Gods.

└

[John Van]

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• • • • • • • • • ⊶ ✠ ⊷ • • • • • • • • •

Oh good holy God, beat me with a rock. Without skipping a beat, Linus dipped his knuckles in the spring. No way in hell. This girls over confidence is gonna kill her someday.

"What I get out of it, I doubt someone like you would understand. I could take the time to explain it, but we've been here long enough. Sooner you're honest with me, the sooner I will be with you. Quid pro quo."

Linus took a number of vows when he entered the order. One was the vow of poverty, promising to own nothing apart from two sets of robes, sandals a bible, writing utensils, parchment and a box. Another was the vow of service, rendering help whenever asked by all who are in need as long as it coincided with the teachings of the Lord. Then there was the one of celibacy. Not that hard in this case. Not my type.

With one hand, Linus moved behind Archer. With one hand he cradled the back of her head. With a quick glance to the guards behind him he began to slowly lower her down to the spring.

"Fill whatever you can than grab my hands and act like you're praying with me. I need you to hand off the water to me then, got it?"

⊶ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ⊷

Here abidith Faith, Hope and Love, these three
But the greatest of these, is Love.