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 Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 3:30 pm
Things were quiet within the castle. Only a few moments ago, it was in chaos, but now, it was almost as if nothing had happened. But, everyone knew that it did happen, especially a now childless mother. Her tears echoed through the halls surrounding the ballroom. But, word was sent around that a meeting had been called, and all crew must go to it. Perhaps answers would be provided.
Within a room, was a long table, with many seats. At the head, was a larger table. Though normally sat in by the captain, she was ill. In her place, Rath was running things, and this time he sat in the chair. It was his burden, this time. He waited there, for the rest of the crew to arrive, his elbows on the table, his hands firmly pressed against the sides of his head. As he waited, he calmed his mind, and began to think more clearly.
After a while, he looked back up to see that most, if not all of the crew had arrived. He looked them over, and then sighed. "I think one obvious question arisen in our minds...." He paused a moment. "What... just happened?" He lowered his hands, and placed them upon the table. "Anybody who knows something... Who that was, the purpose behind the intrusion, why a girl was taken, how they vanished... Speak." He looked at them all once again. "Now."
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Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 3:41 pm
Isadora was one of the crew who arrived arrived. Although she wanted to comfort the tactician for her loss, she knew that following the order of the leader came first. It was part of her code of knights.
She sat down in her usual seat, waiting for those to come. They hadn't had used this room since Last Halloween. The time when Madriana came to Eyris. Never would she expect to end up in this place again. It was as if they were going to give the final judgment.
After listening to what Rath had to say, the paladin kept her tongue quiet for the moment. She then spoke.
"To be honest, I think most of us had no idea what just happened. It came all so sudden and quick. And I don't think anyone in the party has an alibi either. I don't think any of us knows who this intruder is or what her motive is. However, I think it's best to ask anyone who looks suspicious and continue to search for the intruder. Surely, for whatever reasons, she must have something against us."
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Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:25 pm
We're part of a story, part of a tale... ... Sometimes beautiful, sometimes insane... ♫ ◄NILS► ♫
◘══════════◘
Nils' hands slid slowly off the table, curling in his lap. He had arrived fairly quickly, though he lingered a moment, afraid to take a seat that was established for someone else. However, he began to feel awkward about doing so, so he slipped into a seat quietly, eyes focused forward and his mind spinning in confusion, trying to make sense of the recent events.
What had happened back there? One minute, that person (Was it really Vika? It didn't seem like it was... but then who was it?) appeared, then there was some bloodshed and screaming... and then there was silence, except for the wails from Alihi and the spoken word of others. It all happened so fast... His heart ached with worry for the missing child and sympathy for the mother. Losing family was hard... he knew this. He lost Ninian once before, and just got reunited with her and his nephew after a few months. Losing a child must be even harder, especially when the fate of the child was unknown.
At Rath's words, he sighed quietly. "I'm... not sure." The bard closed his eyes for a moment, thinking of what else to say. Nothing came to mind, though, so he remained silent, his eyes shifting between Rath and the other crew members.
◘══════════════════◘ ... No one remembers how it began...
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Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:09 pm
 Tibarn sat with his arms crossed at the table, eyes closed. His ears twitched a bit as he listened to the crews cleaning up downstairs, his chair back on two legs with his boots braced on a rung beneath the table.
Rath's question made him, at last, open his eyes and look around slowly. "I don't know why you're all looking at me. If Ulki had told me anything like this would happen, surely I would have taken steps to prevent it. She was a raven, but that's all I can tell you. I don't know every laguz in Learania. Even if I did, that could have been any raven."
He sighed, closing his eyes again. "For my part, I have never heard of any laguz wielding magic who hadn't already Fallen. The manipulation of magic is a beorc art, but many of my kind have tried, and no laguz I have ever heard of has successfully mastered it. I believe the goddess has done this to limit us and prevent us from becoming too powerful... but I suppose it may be possible. If you ask me, though, something more is going on here than just a lone nut. Few laguz bother to master swordplay. For one laguz to master both swordplay and magic?" He shook his head. "This is more than it appears. She must have had help."
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Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:44 pm
Rath listened to Tibarn's words, thankful that he had finally spoken up. His knowledge of laguz was limited, even after the time he has lived among them. "....I agree." He noted. It was the only logical thing to think. For this laguz did know some sort of magic, and she did use a sword. She had to have learned it from somebody. "...There is more here than meets the eye."
He looked around, curious to see if anyone else would speak up about something they knew or had found out. However, no mouths opened. "Very well then." He finally said, after the pause. "For the time being, we will wait to see if this kidnapper makes contact. Perhaps she is simply after a ransom. In the meantime, I have tasks I need you all to do."
He looked over at Nils, and Sophia, who had shyly said nothing the entire meeting, obviously not knowing of anything that should be said. "Sophia, I would like you to go and help out with healing those who were injured. I would also like Nils to go as well. Play a tune, and lift their spirits." He looked over at Tibarn, noticing some scratches from the glass. "... ...You should get looked at as well, but I will not force you. Afterwards, I want you to find anybody who may know something about the intruder or her plans. While you're at it, tell the watch to stand down. I will not allow the streets to be filled with chaos. " He then looked at Isadora. "Alihi is still in the ballroom. ...Stay with her, and do what you can for her." Finally, he turned to Heath. He was out of orders, but couldn't just leave him to do nothing, even if he preferred it that way. "Er... ...See to it that all the guests have indeed made it out." Rath then stood from his chair. "I'm afraid this is all we can currently do. You should all get going. It's going to be a long night. As for me... I'll be in my office. Direct anybody who wishes to see me, there. " He then walked out, and departed for his office, detouring only once, to his captain's room.
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Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 9:59 am
Morning had already risen over the mountains and the paladin was riding her horse. Isadora was heading over to Alihi's cottage to see how well the Tactician was. Last night, Alihi was a wreck, crying over Amara. The paladin had tried to comfort the mother of the abducted child the best she could. However, it wasn't easy when the Tactician went to hyperventilation. Other than that, Alihi calmed down later on and the paladin took her back to the cottage.
Isadora wasn't sure if Abel was at home with Alihi. She knew that Abel was living with Alihi due to the reports she read from the crew and guards. However, after hearing that Abel received injury last night, she was unsure if the Hero was released from the health room of the FEF castle or not. If he was, the paladin hoped that he would tried his best to comfort the Tactician.
When she reached the cottage, Isadora got off of Tuomas and tied the reins to the nearby tree. She then untied the package that was tied to the saddlebag. Inside the package were pastries that she had brought from the Hostess Club. From what her members and the crew told her, their food and drinks were delicious. She figured that maybe Alihi would sample those. After all, the paladin was unsure if the Tactician was well enough to serve snacks to guests.
Isadora walked to the cottage and knocked. "Alihi, are you well?"
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Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 10:47 am
♦ ◄ALIHI► ♦
————————————
The world was crumbling in front of Alihi's eyes. Everything that she cared for was slowly slipping between her fingers like grains of sand. She couldn't stop it... she couldn't save anyone. It was bad enough that Amara was gone. She already felt like a failure then, unable to protect her daughter from harm when she swore that she would. The memories had flooded into her mind, leaving her screaming and crying in agony. It hurt. It hurt.
The pain only intensified when she heard that Abel was injured that night. It threatened to swallow her whole and leave nothing but broken remains, scattered and unrepairable. She managed to regain her composure for a few moments, though, and allowed herself to be lead back to the cottage where she was staying for now.
Once she had wished Isadora a good night and closed the door, the guilt and sorrow came back with full force and she curled up on the floor, whimpering. Akihi stayed by her side then, comforting her the best he could, but after an hour he gave up, took her rapier, and went to get some sleep, leaving her alone in misery. No matter how much she tried, Alihi couldn't blame him. After all, she mentally snapped. First, she was spewing nonsense. Then, she remembered the rapier and tried to stab him when he was telling her to calm down and get some rest. And when she realized what she was doing, she turned the rapier point around and aimed it at herself.
Her side throbbed slightly at the thought; a gash ran down her side, still red but no longer bleeding. It was deep and it hurt, but it wasn't as fatal as she planned it to be.
Alihi's head tilted slightly to the door when she heard the knock. She knew it wasn't Akihi; he wouldn't have bothered to knock. Besides, he left earlier, taking the rapier with him just in case. "Nngh..." Her face was puffy and pale, with dried tear stains on her cheeks. She hadn't bothered to move since last night, so her clothes were still dirty and bloodied. Her body screamed in protest as she tried to sit up from her curled-up position on the ground; her side sent jolts throughout her, her head throbbed, and she just felt so heavy. "Is... Isadora?" Her voice cracked when she spoke; she was dehydrated from all the tears shed the previous night and early morning. Normally, she would have shot up immediately and answered the door, but her body felt too numb to respond. Alihi was weak and tired. She got no sleep last night, for whenever she closed her eyes she saw Amara's face, smiling at her with endless joy. It hurt, so she had kept her eyes open the whole time, just staring forward at the wall.
If Isadora turned the knob, she would find that the door was unlocked.
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Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 11:26 am
The paladin heard her name, but the door remained closed. Curious as to what happened to the Tactician, Isadora grabbed the doorknob and turned. It opened. It seemed that Alihi had forgotten to lock the door.
"Alihi, are you okay?" Isadora repeated again as she entered the cottage. When she saw Alihi on the floor, she was shock and nearly dropped the package.
"Alihi!" Isadora cried as she went to the Tactician and knell, placing down the package and looked at her. Alihi looked horrible and a mess. Her eyes were red and puffy from the crying. Her hair were messy and side-lopped. Even her clothes were dirty- Wait? Was that a patch of dried blood Isadora saw? Isadora prayed to St. Elimine that the Tactician wasn't planning of committing suicide. They hadn't received any news of whether Amara was alive or not.
"Come on, let's get you clean up," Isadora said as she helped the Tactician to get up and took her to her room. It took the paladin three times to find Alihi's room before entering. Once they entered, Isadora helped Alihi undressed and redressed into fresh clothes. She even helped cleaned the gash that Alihi had stabbed. Thanked St. Elimine it wasn't critical; otherwise, they would have another injured person.
After cleaning Alihi up, Isadora helped walked Alihi into the kitchen to make tea. Judging from what had happened, it seemed that the Tactician was incapable to help herself. While Alihi was sitting in her chair feeling depressed, Isadora rummaged through the cabinet to find the materials she needed to make tea. As the kettle was sitting on the stove, Isadora went back to the entrance to retrieve the package.
When the tea and pastries were readied, Isadora set them on the table and sat besides the Tactician. In front of Alihi was a cup of hot tea along with a piece of cake. Isadora shoved the cake toward her. She knew it was not healthy to eat cake in the morning, but she didn't want Alihi to starve herself through depression.
"Alihi, have some cake. You need to eat this to restore your strength." Isadora said concernedly. "I know you're upset as to what happened last night, but we don't want you to be miserable forever. Amara is still out there alive and I'm sure she doesn't want you to be sad. Besides, the FEF guild are here to help you and we're doing our best to find her."
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Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 12:18 pm
♦ ◄ALIHI► ♦
————————————
Alihi cracked the smallest of smiles, though it was obviously fake. "Is-Isadora..." She slowly rose to her feet, though she shook as she did so. Her body ached and her head spun a bit from moving too quickly. Luckily, Isadora was there, otherwise she would have collapsed. She made no sounds as Isadora helped her move around and change her clothes and treat her wounds, though inside she was screaming.
Alihi felt like a child again. For once, it was a terrible, terrible feeling.
She masked that feeling the best she could by keeping the weak, forced smile on her face. The tactician tried to appear cheerful. She really did... but she didn't know why. What was the purpose of this deception? To make others get off her case? To motivate her to become happier? Or was it something else completely? Eyes cast down at the cake and cup of tea in front of her, she raised her fork and poked at the treat a few times before stabbing downwards. A piece of it broke off and she nibbled on the piece, noting that there was some sort of creamy taste accompanying the cake. It didn't taste of strawberries or cherries, though, so she continued eating.
Alihi dropped the fork against the plate, hearing it clatter against the table for a few seconds before falling silent. "... I'm sure she doesn't." She said softly, in a voice that was so unlike her usual. It was softer, hollower... more empty and devoid of emotion. "A-after all, she's so young, so cheerful, so... innocent..." Alihi forced herself to take a sip of the tea, her hands shaking as she held the cup in her hands. The hot liquid burned as it slid down her dry throat and reflexively she coughed into the crook of her elbow. "... I-I don't want her to go through the same thing I did..." At that moment, a single emotion leaked into her voice.
It was pain.
She shivered visibly, gently setting the cup of tea back on the table. The tactician still couldn't think of the hellish torture she went through last year. Before more could be said on that topic, she continued to speak, this time on a different subject. "... I-I'm trying, Isadora, I'm... trying... It's... so hard, though." Her eyes watered as she forced herself to keep talking. "N-no matter how hard I try... it's not good enough. It's just not good enough... why..." She closed her eyes, a couple of tears rolling down her cheeks. "It's so hard... knowing that she's in the hands of some... some stranger... and I can't fix it. I-I can't... not on my own."
Alihi fell silent for a few moments, breathing quietly to herself, her body only moving as she inhaled and exhaled. It was... creepy. She was so still and quiet, it was like she were a battery-powered device that was running out of energy, slowly shutting down.
Suddenly, though, her hands clenched and shook. "... Amara's not dead." She stated aloud, eyes opening slowly as she looked straight at Isadora with a piercing gaze. "I'm sure she's alive... She can't be dead. Until I hold her bloodied corpse in my hands, I won't accept her as dead!" She slammed her fists down against the table, causing the objects on the table to shake due to the sudden motion. Some drops of tea spilled out onto the tabletop, but they were ignored.
"We'll find her. And once we do, I'll kill the one who is responsible with my own two hands!"
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Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 1:00 pm
Isadora listened carefully to Alihi. She felt pitied as she listened to the Tactician, explaining how she was unable to help the person she loved. The paladin wanted to hug her and reassured her that it was okay to cry, but she held back. She didn't want to make Alihi feel more miserable.
Quiet took over the atmosphere. She patted her hand across Alihi's back for comfort. It wasn't long until she heard a new emotion. It wasn't sadness. It was anger. Isadora jumped a little when Alihi slammed her fists at the table., listening to her about Alihi being alive and not dead. Although the paladin was unsure what had happened to Amara, she had hope that the child was alive. After all, there must be a reason why the kidnapper took her.
Isadora then placed her hand on Alihi's shoulder. "Of course, Amara is alive. I'm sure the kidnapper must have a motive if she take your child. And don't worry, you have us to help you."
When she heard Alihi said about wanting to kill the kidnapper, Isadora frowned. "I understand how much you have suffered, but killing a person for kidnapping will not solve your problem. We still don't know what is the kidnapper's motive is."
She couldn't tell Alihi that they had no information of where the kidnapper took Amara. It would upset the Tactician more. She then decided to change the topic. "Tell you what, I'll take you back to the castle to talk with Rath and the others of what our plan will be to help save Amara. In addition, I think we can visit Abel too. He's in the health wing of the castle and I heard that he's doing well. Would you like to visit him? Surely, I think it will lighten both yours and his mood."
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Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 2:10 pm
♦ ◄ALIHI► ♦
————————————
Alihi laughed bitterly. A motive for taking Amara? "Well, whoever is responsible is rather smart... taking the daughter of one of the tacticians. Any person with a shred of a heart would feel devastated over the lost of a loved one, especially a child..." Her eyes cast downwards as she reached for the cup of tea again, taking another sip. The liquid was still warm but it wasn't painful to swallow. "I don't care if there's a motive, Isadora... I don't. They took my daughter. Whoever is responsible is going to pay. It's... as simple as that." She set the tea cup down again, turning to look at Isadora with a cold expression. "My problem is that she's gone. Killing the one who took her could solve the problem, would it not?"
Talk... save Amara... visit Abel... doing well... Only bits and pieces of what Isadora said stuck in Alihi's mind, but it was enough to calm her down. Her expression relaxed slightly and she pushed herself up from her chair, with a bit of assistance from the table. "The sooner, the better..." She walked towards the front door, a little bit of staggering in each of her steps. Hanging from a peg was her green cloak, which she snatched and slipped around her shoulder. Her hands shook as she did so, fumbling a bit with the clasp that held it together. Amara... With a small "click", the cloak was secure.
The tactician turned to Isadora, a weak smile on her face. "... Shall we go?" She gently turned the knob, pulling back with more force than necessary. The door swung open and she stumbled backwards, narrowly missing smacking her face against the door. Hold on... I'm coming, Amara. Shaking her head slowly, she stepped outside, waiting until Isadora exited the cottage before closing the door behind her. I will save you. Even if it means trading my own life away, I'll do it. I'll set you free, Amara...
"I swear..." Alihi muttered softly, looking up at the sky, as if the wind would carry her thoughts and promises to her daughter.
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Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 2:47 pm
Back at the castle, Songhua was making his way down the hall. What happened at the party was truly shocking, but he understood the nature of evil people. The fault could not be placed upon Learania, and he wouldn't let it affect his outlook. The important thing was that he could tell these people cared, and were open to friendship. And they also had amazing food dishes! That was also very important.
After the party was abruptly ended, and a crew meeting called, he was led to his guest room, and given sincere apologies. Really though, Songhua found no need for apologies. He was actually quite impressed with the way it was handled. But, there was nothing he could really do to help, so he went to bed for that night. When morning came, he awoke with a loud yawn, and found that breakfast had already been delivered. Delicious eggs, from Learanian chickens! Juice from the Oranges of the trees! Sliced ham with maple syrup! Truly, this was a magnificent opportunity. After consuming his meal, he had set off to meet with Rath, which is why he now travels the halls.
When he reached the door of Rath's office, he gave a firm knock. "Alive in there, my friend? Hwah ha!" He belted out, not noticing the guards on both sides of the door he just knocked. "Able to break away for a moment?"
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Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 3:12 pm
Upon hearing a knock, Rath looked up from his work. ..He hadn't quite realized how much other things had started to stack up, in preparations for that party. No matter, he would get it done. It was his responsibility. When the source of the knock spoke, he was somewhat relieved. "...Come in." He drearily answered. He had been awake all night, doing a multitude of things, so a short break was welcomed.
When Chieftain Songhua entered the office, the guards outside instinctively closed the doors. "...Time for you to leave, already? Apologies, I.. lost track of time." He stood up, and walked to the front of his desk, rubbing his eyes as he did so. "I know you have no need for it. However... I will apologize anyway. Not only that our plans were ruined, but also that I could not see you off properly. I will make sure the other crew are notified you told them farewell." Rath extended his hand, as a farewell gesture. "...I wish you safe travel back to your home."
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Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 3:25 pm
Songhua smiled brightly, and chuckled. "Well, I suppose I can't keep a man from his heartfelt gestures, now can I? Ha hwah!" Upon reaching out to take Rath's hand, he then pulled the vice captain in, and gave him a friendly hug, and a slap on the back. He laughed aloud, knowing that the man wasn't one for hugs. However, he couldn't help but feel that it was expected. It almost took the fun out of giving the hug. Almost.
He then moved toward the door, then turned back toward Rath once more. "Yes... and may the spirits guide your path in these current affairs, as well. Call out to them... they will hear and they will come. It is their duty." He smiled again at his friend, then departed from the room. However, a faint yell made its way through the doors. "And don't forget to ask Tibarn for some of his recipees! I don't know if I'll be able to last without some of his dishes in my stomach! Hwah ha ha!" The voice then faded away, and Songhua departed down the hallway.
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Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 5:47 pm
Isadora bit he lower lip bitterly. She knew that what the kidnapper did was wrong. However, an eye for an eye?
"I'm sorry, but no. I still stand firmly to what I said; that killing a person will not solve your problem." Isadora replied. "I know how upset you are, but killing the person who is responsible for Amara's abduction is not the answer you want. Besides, will Amara be happy if you kill someone for her? No, I don't think she will. So please, don't let your emotion get the best of you."
She knew very well how emotion could drive a person to the edge. It had happened to her during the Ragnarok battle and the Tura incident. She didn't want to see someone's else following down the path she went before. "You don't want to level or lower yourself to that kidnapper's level. What will Amara think of you if she saw you take a person's life on her behalf? I think that what the kidnapper did is wrong, but please, don't let your emotion drive you to killing. That kidnapper is not even worth it to kill. Not for Amara's sakes."
The paladin watched as Alihi got up and headed to the front down. She followed her. Isadora noticed that the Tactician was still unstable, even from walking. When she closed the door, Isadora assisted of giving Alihi a ride. She feared that the Tactician would be unable to make it to the castle on foot.
As she galloped to Eyris with Alihi riding, Isadora remained silent. She was unsure whether the Tactician was thinking of a strategy or sinking into her emotion. However, she figured that the Alihi would want to talk to Rath and the crew first before meeting Abel. After all, Amara was her daughter and that would be her first priority.
After few minutes of riding, they reached the castle. Isadora helped Alihi get off her horse as the servants come to take Tuomas to the stable. She led the Tactician through the castle to Rath's office. Isadora gave a nod to the guards as both nodded back to her, letting the paladin and the tactician to see Rath. Isadora knocked on the door. "Rath, Alihi is here to see you."
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