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 Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 7:55 pm
"Once we finally got the rabble out of the way, we were an amazing group. We all worked together, we were gonna unify so much, you see! There was a deal we were so close to finishing. It was going to bring worlds together." The man's tongue was loose with alcohol and the urge to impress a pretty lady, whose polite and patient smile only encouraged him. "Then this jerk came back and ruined it all. Outright took our group for himself, he did! Twisted it all for himself, kicking out and even killing those of us trying to do right in the first of it all." The man gave a snort and took an indignant swig of his drink.
"That sounds awful," Constynce offered earnestly, holding her mug of water to her chest. She had come to the tavern to get herself the biggest mug of water she could get her hands on, and had gotten caught up in the man's thrilling tale a while ago. It was her first time visiting Oba, and the Tale native was utterly parched from the trip through the desert. She had been tempted to end the trip and turn back, but this trip was too important to just drop because of a little discomfort.
This trip marked the beginnings of her life with Tryston. Taking time to be a couple rather than the guardian and the guarded was sorely needed. Taking time away from Zena and Tale and from the darker memories and paving the path for all the happy moments to come. Taking time to just be together.. She had been enjoying it beyond what she could have imagined. To be with Tryston, she could handle a little heat.
Their first stop had been to find an inn for the night, and their second stop was an associated tavern with a reputation for clean water and good meals. Constynce had begged to go to the tavern while Tryston put their things into the room, and had been contently guzzling down a mug of water. While waiting for Tryston, the rough looking Zenan native with a smooth voice had plunked himself onto the seat next to her.
She could hear how his tale echoed one that she had experienced, but there was no way it was the same story! At least, she really, really hoped it wasn't the same story. "Is that why you are here in Oba, then?" she asked him, taking another sip of water. "Is there any chance of going back to reclaim your crew?"
The man rolled his eyes dramatically. "If only it were that easy, my dear. The people who took over are a dangerous lot, as likely to kill you as to look at you! It would be a loss; even with my mighty sword~" He straightened up and put a fist to his chest. "I'm moving on though, you see! Those of us still around, we bought ourselves a nice ship and are looking on to better things. Maybe I'll show ya my ship later? It's got a good and sturdy mast, if you know what I mean," he said, winking playfully.
Constynce laughed. "I would hope so. I hear that the storms out on the water can be quite damaging to even large ships." No... she didn't know what he meant. A nearby pair of men laughed and teased loudly about masts going unnoticed, and the story teller's cheeks flushed. Constynce just smiled lightly. What a fun bunch!
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Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:15 pm
It was almost like a dream. Tryston was still in a daze of disbelief that he actually was roaming freely with Constynce in what was a supposed vacation. Or rather it was a true vacation and he was still trying to wrap his mind around the reality of it. The typically reserved iceling had felt almost giddy ever morning so far, especially when he woke up with the love of his life at his side. Every morning he would brush a stray strand of hair to the side and press a gentle kiss against her forehead before pulling away to prepare for the day. Perhaps he was not the most vocal with his affections but his actions spoke loudly in the way with each and every tender moment. Tryston wanted nothing more than to make certain she was happy and the gentleness in his gaze when he glanced towards her made his intentions obvious to any bystander. Many assumed that the traveling pair were indeed lovers if not newlyweds simply by the way that the warrior stood next to his companion. During their journey he did his best to make certain that Constynce was comfortable but Oba had proved daunting. The desert heat was something even he found himself barely tolerating and the sight of the inn had been a blessing indeed. He just hoped that the tavern would be safe enough for Constynce while he placed their belongings in the room. He had been a bit against separating but seeing how thirsty she was had weakened his resolve. Surely it would be fine if she was just going to grab a drink and he would be there soon enough, right?
Well at least it was supposed to only be a few moments. Tryston found himself tapping his fingers along the wooden counter, a rare sign of impatience in the typically collected man, and sighed for the third time as the innkeeper's grandson continued flirting with some local girls. "My room please." His shadow seemingly stretched through the whole room as he finally spoke from behind the younger man. Both girls found their attention diverted from the Oban who found himself swallowing at the intimidating presence of the older iceling. Still, Tryston was successful in his approach. A few moments later a key was finally in his hand and perhaps a couple of hearts broken as he specifically requested a room comfortable enough for two. Some of the frustration ebbed away as he placed his luggage in the room and finally managed to dart across the street towards the tavern. Now they could just grab some drinks and just rest for the rest of the....day?
Blinking in confusion, Tryston found himself staring towards the almost familiar thug that was leaning rather too close to Constynce for the knight's comfort. As Tryston noticed a hand snaking towards Constynce's leg, the stranger emboldened by his story and the obvious alcohol flushing his face, Tryston found himself moving forward like lightning. Knocking the eager hand aside, Tryston pulled Constynce towards him and placed himself in between the pair. No words were needed as his own gaze spoke volumes about exactly what he would have done had the guy tried to make another move. The other man still seemed almost familiar, a nasty feeling which made Tryston feel even more on edge as he stared the man down.
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Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2020 6:12 pm
Constynce continued to smile politely, though even she found herself leaning away when her tipsy acquaintance began to lean closer. She wasn't one to judge.. but he did smell rather strongly. Another offer to see the mast came up and she chuckled with confusion. "Yes, I understand you are fond of your ship. I don't really have time for- woah!" She gave a little yelp when she was suddenly yanked from her seat. Concern, surprise, relief, and confusion went through her as she realized who exactly it was that had her. "Tryston?" Why was he upset?
The man's jaw dropped slightly, needing a moment to register what had hit his hand and where exactly his fair maiden had vanished to. "Tryston, you say?" he asked, squinting to see who exactly it was that had gotten in the way of his smooth moves. “Hey, don't you be getting between me and that pretty lady. Mind your own business.” The two men that had been laughing at the nearby table jumped to their feet, sober enough to realize who had walked in. All at once, the first man was up on his feet as well with a scowl and his eyes widened with drunken paranoia. “Tryston! What, Zena not enough for you? Gonna come try taking over Oba? Or.. are you here to finish us off?"
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2020 11:39 am
Tryston rolled his eyes slightly, a rare show of obvious sarcasm coming from the typically more stoic warrior. "Yes, I tracked exiles all the way into Oba just to hash out more punishment." He quipped, his mood darkening by the moment as he tried to place a name with the face. The brotherhood had been vast when he was younger and many that survived the clash that day had taken to exile from Zena, their greed and vile hearts more suited to being bandits and the like. He wasn't certain how many bandits and smugglers the old leader had snuck into their ranks throughout the years but he had made certain to remedy that once he took over as captain. Thieves were easier to maintain, their greed making it perfect for disrupting trade routes and doing things that did not coincide with honor but now that the true brotherhood was back there was no desire for them to remain. They weren't honorable knights protecting the country for the good of the world after all. They had been promised gold and the ability to get away with whatever they wanted under the guise of justice. Disgusting. Tryston could not hide the disdain that made his gaze darken as he studied the other man. How many did he have with him? Would there be a fight? Did he want one? If Constynce wasn't at his side then perhaps but just seeing her there made him hesitate. They were supposed to be on a vacation and for him to strike up his duties here....dammit! It wasn't as if he could accuse them of anything either considering that they were in Oba and not Zena. Many had already been punished for their betrayal in Zena by exile and others by even physical wounds, limbs lost from the last battle as the brothers fought against the betrayers and infiltrators in their ranks.
"We are simply passing through so I would suggest that you stay back." He warned, his gaze surveying the room as he took a step closer almost as if to block Constynce from view. "Unless you have something going on that I must address?" If there was one thing that Tryston could not stand it was the thought of letting vile men like these getting away. Exile had been the compromise to save the ground from being completely soaked in blood but if they were hurting others even in Oba shouldn't he stop them? Frustration made his lips purse into a tight line as he stood his ground.
His gaze was focused on the other men and not on the one who was sneaking towards the doors, the heavy weight of the front bar being slipped into place to seal the room. There was perhaps a rear door behind the bar but it would be harder to get to considering the group inside. After all what if Tryston did report them to the authorities in Oba? The shadowed figure was not about to let that happen! Especially since he at least was not doing quite the most openly approved of business deals at this particular port.
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Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 12:46 pm
Constynce felt ridiculous, to say the least. To hear such a tale and think it could possibly not be related to the ordeal she and Tryston had gone through? It was just so hard to imagine that it could catch them all the way out here. However, there had been survivors from the other side. Seeing them outside of Zena was perhaps unlikely, but still quite possible. Case in point, the tipsy flirt and the alarmed men now standing and looking ready to strike.
Being the center of that kind of attention made her skin crawl. No more death... She gripped Tryston's arm and gave it a tug. "I'm sure there is nothing to address, right boys?" She waved her hand and forced a laugh, peeking around Tryston's protective barrier. "We can just be on our way and you be on yours. There's no need for trouble." She just wanted to go. By the time she looked back for the exit though, she was gripping his arm even tighter. "Tryston," she whispered in warning, breath catching in her throat.
The bandit swiped an arm across his mouth and scowled, attempting to stand upright, oblivious to Tryston's sarcastic tone. "I knew it! Couldn't just leave us alone!" The men at the table rolled their eyes at their compatriot, but also began to spread out. Knowing their enemy's exit was blocked, and that there were only two of them compared to their crew haunting the tavern, they felt quite confident in their position.
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2020 9:28 pm
Tryston's gaze narrowed as he surveyed the room. There had to be something that he could do, some way to get Constynce to safety before any blood was spilled. "Stay by the wall if you can. There should be a rear door." He murmured in her ear, a gentle hand touching the top of her arm in reassurance before he carefully plucked her hand away so that he could reach for his sword. It would be troublesome if anyone died within the tavern, especially since he didn't know how the Oban authorities would react and Tryston was not fond of the idea of ruining their vacation with exile from the country. Or worse what if they were branded as criminals instead? The thought caused his mouth to press into a firm line as he opted to leave his broadsword in its sheath, his hand still lingering against the hilt just in case.
"I'm giving you fair warning to just let us pass." Tryston stated again, his gaze flashing in warning as he studied the tavern full of tipsy smugglers and similar rogues. He was cold and collected as he slowly started to walk towards the back wall of the bar, the bottles of booze shaking slightly against the shelves as the workers conveniently disappeared at the sight of trouble. Maybe if he was fortunate some went ahead to already grab soldiers or whatever bouncers they kept for the bar. Who would expect trouble this early in the afternoon though? It was just their luck..."Honestly I don't even recall you nor do I even care to do so considering. Just stay out of Zena and we won't have any issues."
"Well that's just damn insultin'!" The bandit swayed on his feet as he raised a finger towards Tryston. Though after a second his expression shifted from anger to something more jeering, a lewd expression flashing across his features as his gaze shifted towards Constynce."If you want you can always leave behind your companion to poor me some drinks to salvage the pain of yer betrayal. Ya ruined our comfortable positions and can't even remember our names? What a hoot! Go ahead and leave if ya want but I wasn't done talkin' to the lady!" His companions grinned in agreement as they took steps closer, some grabbing knives and daggers while others had bottles in hand as they waited for Tryston's response. A silent glower was all that Tryston gave them as he stepped in front of Constynce and shook his head. He would rather risk himself than let any one of those grubby hands touch Constynce. A lot of dirty bastards....it sickened him thinking that they had infiltrated the Brotherhood for so many years! His gaze narrowed before he pulled Constynce into his arms and pushed her against the wall to protect her from the shattering glass as a bottle smacked against the wall. There was someone else in the crowd looking to rile them up and to cause a fight it seemed. But it was hard to tell with so many tipsy bandits gathered in one area. "Guess he's thinkin' to just ruin our fun no matter where we go, boys! Let's just show him how we feel about that, eh?" Someone hollered while others rushed forward, Tryston letting Constynce go to shove a shelf so that its contents rained down against some of the approaching men. Soon enough the room would be engulfed in chaos as a brawl began and he found himself trying to urge Constynce towards the back exit, his attention torn between her and pushing off any attackers with whatever various objects he could find in the bar.
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2020 8:07 pm
Constynce's fingers tightened on Tryston's sleeve before reluctantly slipping off under his guidance. He might need to have his arms free; hopefully it would not come to that. She reached a hand back to touch the wall, but found minimal comfort in the barrier her fingers pressed against. Instead, it made her feel more trapped, brow tightly knit when she looked out at the men crowding them. Were there really so many, or was it just her imagination? She tried to turn her focus elsewhere, looking for another exit so that Tryston could focus on his task. Surely the staff had gone out another way. Through the kitchen, maybe?
She reached to tug on Tryston's coat, hoping to guide him toward what she thought was the kitchen door, but her whole body paused when she noticed the look she was getting. If only preventing this altercation could have been so easy as pouring a few drinks, but even she knew there was more behind those lecherous words. "Please don't," she started, voice barely able to rise above a whisper. She knew words would be meaningless, but she couldn't help trying. If only they would listen! Instead, the glass shattered next to them and she let out a shriek as she huddled against her protector.
With her hands pressed over her ears, Constynce tried to fight off the urge to crumble. Curling into a ball would have been so much easier.. but she wasn't the woman she had been before. Though her heart was pounding in her ears and her vision blurred and her knees weakened, she managed to grab the back of Tryston's coat and resumed her mission; tugging him toward the kitchen where she prayed another exit laid. "This way!" She was no warrior, but she was determined to be helpful rather than the desperate damsel she had once been.
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Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2020 2:41 pm
Hearing Constynce's shriek was like plunging a dagger into his very spirit. Tryston swore under his breath as more chaos raged about them, several of the drunks picking fights with each other now as fists and other objects started flying about in the tavern. It was more than just those wanting to pick a fight with Tryston in here after all and there were some that just wanted to brawl with the bandits. His icy gaze swept over Constynce, his mouth tightening in concern before he nodded and allowed her to lead the way. If he could just get Constynce out of here and back into their room then surely this would resolve itself. Most of the tavern seemed to be too tipsy to think straight and surely he could find some guards or something to warn about potential smugglers or bandits if they did want to stir more trouble later on. If only this was Zena so that he could call on his own backup! Tryston hated leaving a fight but at the same time he knew that it would be smarter to try and flee, especially since they were in a foreign country outside of his jurisdiction.
Eventually he was forced to stop, a pair of brawlers coming his way and Tryston shoved Constynce forward so that he could block her from getting injured by any stray blows. Ducking at the last moment, Tryston watched as they duked each other in the jaw and spun backwards before another form swiftly entered the fray. "Oiy! Tryin' ta just leave?" The rugged Zenan growled at him before slamming a bottle towards Tryston's face. A curse left the ice warrior's lips as he raised an arm, the blow catching him by surprise so that he couldn't dodge completely. Even as pieces of glass pierced his arm, Tryston managed to slam the other man back with his sheathed blade. A loud crack sounded as the man's head connected with the corner of a shelf and while he was disoriented Tryston jumped over another fallen shelf so that he could rejoin Constynce.
Turning the corner revealed the kitchens and the light from outside that flickered through an open doorway to the side. "There." He breathed, his voice strong despite the wince that escaped whenever he held his injured arm tightly to his side.
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Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2021 7:51 pm
A vice seemed to grip around her chest when she was pushed forward, bad memories making her feel like her feet were pushing through snow while a bitter wind cut along her cheek. She dropped to one knee with a yelp as the wooden floor scrapped her flesh, and blinked rapidly to clear her vision. There was no snow. There was no avalanche. There was no ledge for Tryston to be swept over.
There was just the door she needed to get to.
Gritting her teeth against the pain in her knee, she pushed back up and stumbled those last few steps to grip the door frame. She shoved the door open and held it tight. Once Tryston was back at her side, she slammed the door shut.. only to realize it was a swinging door. Damn. Tryston's voice pulled her attention back, eyes instantly catching sight of the wet sleeve he was gripping.
She bit her lip to keep her composure and hurried for the next door. A couple staff members had remained, tucking themselves in the back of the kitchen to wait out the chaos. That was going to be quite the mess to clean up. "Apologies!" she called to them as she ran by, sailing on out the back door with a breath of relief. It wasn't quite over yet though. She wouldn't feel better until they were at their room. Or at a clinic for Tryston's arm. "How bad is it?" she finally asked, turning to reach for his arm.
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Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2021 7:47 am
The fresh air hit Tryston like a wave of relief and it took all of his willpower to not fall to his knees onto the ground. The iceling's body instead tensed when Constynce reached over and he tucked the injured arm against his chest rather than allowing Constynce to touch it. Despite everything he was still a warrior and would rather protect her than let her worry about his wound. "It's manageable." He managed as he glanced towards Constynce. "Are you alright?" They could save small talk for later he supposed but the warrior wanted to make certain that she was okay. Spirits only knew what chase was going to happen soon enough. Just the very thought made Tryston grimace. Could they truly not have a peaceful journey for once? His gaze softened as he studied Constynce and he wish he could just give her a hug of support or something in this moment, but the noises from the bar were getting increasingly louder and he worried that more trouble would be appearing soon enough.
Was that a shadow or a person over there? Could they even make it to their inn room without being followed? Perhaps he would have to distract them....Tryston took a deep breath at the thought. "You could go to the room while I lead them away. I can join up with you later." He glanced down towards his tunic, the material splattered with blood and other grime from the brawl. He could easily tear that for bandages soon enough....it wouldn't be his first time ruining a good outfit for similar matters.
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Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2021 4:10 pm
Brow knitting sharply, Constynce let her hand drop back to her side. It wasn't as though she could do anything to help. Her herbs and poultices were in their room at the inn, and that wound needed more intensive care first. She nodded silently, not worried about herself in the slightest when she could see the blood soaking Tryston's sleeve.
"Tryston!" she gasped, hands fluttering nervously to grip over her chest. Let him lead that group of thugs away on his own simply for her? Despite the tone of denial, she knew well enough by now than to argue. She would only be a further distraction should a legitimate fight break out, and he had been compromised as it was with that injury. If this was going to work, she couldn't linger with her fears.
Pressing her lips, she nodded and leaned in close. All she wanted to do was hold him. "As soon as you can," she whispered firmly. "You better come back as soon as you can."
With that, she spun and darted away, feeling her heart sink into her stomach. She hated this plan, but there was no time to plan anything better. She could remember a couple stores that she had passed on her way to the tavern. Surely she could hunker down in one of those until things calmed down enough to get to the inn. With so many eyes possibly watching, definitely watching, she thought it might be better to seek out some company rather than the lonely room right away.
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Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 9:38 am
"Constynce." The name came out firmly, but there was a gentle expression on his face when he studied his companion. "I'll be fine, I promise." He murmured, that rare warmth in his voice like a spot of sunlight gleaming across the snows, but it was gone soon enough when Tryston heard noises down the alleyway. All he could do was nod at Constynce's words, his heart fluttering despite the seriousness of their current situation, and Tryston waited only a moment until she was out of sight before moving into action. Clattering some boxes he made certain a trio of thugs spotted him before cutting down the opposite direction, his arm in agony but his years of training training keeping his movements mostly smooth despite the pain as he fought until he knocked all three of the smugglers out, locking them behind a pile of crates so that he could alert the local authorities later.
Once that was accomplished, what felt like an eternity later even though it had honestly been only a few minutes of combat, Tryston turned on his heel and started making his way down the alley towards where he had watched Constynce disappear moments prior. While he walked he had taken the time to haphazardly rip the bottom of his tunic and wrap his arm, the material dark with blood but helping to stop the flow for the time being. He wasn't worried though...his focus was completely on returning to Constynce and assuring her safety.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2022 9:31 am
Constynce hurried down a few buildings before she turned to get onto the main road. There, she took a deep breath to focus on where to go. She had been thinking a shop, but maybe the local healer would be better? She could get them ready for treating Tryston's arm. She looked around as she walked, trying to keep a calm and subtle appearance. It would be better to not draw attention to herself by running around like she was running from something! Yet, the moment she reached her hand out toward the healer's door, a hand grabbed her wrist and something sharp pressed against her back.
"Hello, darling," a voice crooned warmly, every word underlaid with roughness. "Don't worry about bothering the good doctor. Tryston's going to be fine."
Her eyes snapped up at the name, meeting the eyes of a man with a nasty gaze. It was one of the men from the bar, but he'd been sitting away from the more footloose party that she had been around. This one was sharper than the others, and knew Tryston as well. "Let go of me," she growled, feeling only slightly more confident being out in the open still.
The man only chuckled and nudged her back with the blade a little harder. "Please. Don't make a scene." Anyone who glanced at them would only see a concerned man trying to guide around a distressed friend. He leaned his mouth right next to her ear to whisper softly, "make a scene, and I will not hesitate to end this now."
The next nudge got her moving. Constynce craned her neck around, but Tryston was no where in sight. It looked like they were headed toward the shore. The docks? "Is he really okay?"
The man paused with surprise before snorting. "Knowing him, he's fine. He'll be less fine if he finds you dead in the street though, and we have more plans for you. Come on."
Sabra Knight sweatdrop 
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2022 7:48 pm
She wasn't there.
Tryston's fist connected with the wall in frustration, a rare sign of emotion from the usually collected warrior, and he turned on a heel to try and track down his companion. His gaze was bright with anger as he started his search for Constynce. At first he had hoped that she had made it to the room but the empty room told him otherwise and no one at the inn had seen her even near the building. A worried worker had offered to quickly stitch up his arm and promised to hurry as she stopped him from bleeding across their floor, Tryston only sitting still long enough for fear that it would hold him back to have an injury like this left open. The woman barely had enough time to apply the healing ointment before he was on his feet again, the iceling taking the bandages with him so that he could finish wrapping up his arm as he took back to the streets in his search.
He was rougher than usual with those he questioned but the burning desire to protect Constynce was driving his actions. He had brought her out of Tale and had gotten her involved with this mess in the first place. There hadn't been any activity for years since he took over the brotherhood and cut out the remainder of the traitors, exiling those who had been proven guilty but not guilty enough to hang...perhaps a weakness on Tryston's part which had resulted in this situation now that the traitors were moving again. One would think allowing them to live and not taking their heads would have been motivation enough to behave for the rest of their lives outside of Zena but apparently not.
In the back of his mind it made him wonder why there were so many here in Oba together like this. Was there a purpose? Was someone trying to stir up trouble again? But they couldn't invade the brotherhood, they had made certain to root out the traitors over three years ago. Why? Why was it when he finally was able to leave and find Constynce that things came back to haunt them? Tryston's fists clenched in frustration as he continued his hunt. Eventually a pair of street children told him about a strange iceling who had been escorting a pretty leaf woman. They had wanted to try to beg for coin but the man had been so rude to them before that they were honestly fearful that he would have harmed them. Fortunately for them Tryston wasn't completely enraged and even gave them coin before starting off towards the docks.
A few men tried to block him but Tryston was in no mood for games today, not when it had already been a couple of hours since he had lost Constynce. Eventually there was a pile of bodies on the docks, some haphazardly tied together with ropes laying about from loose crates, and Tryston found himself pulling forward to keep looking for Constynce. There was a lone ship there and a warehouse...which one? Tryston's lips pressed into a tight line as he started sticking more to the shadows, trying to not arouse anymore suspicion now that he was in the heart of things and hopefully closer to Constynce again. If only she could give him a sign somehow! Tryston just prayed he would make it in time to find her. After he found Constynce then he would start seeking his answers about what in the seven hells was going on here. If someone was trying to interfere with the brotherhood's work again then they would not get away with it. That much he was determined.
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Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 2:18 pm
The trip to the ship was nerve-wracking. Constynce wasn't so much worried about herself though as she was for Tryston. What would he do when he got to the inn and she wasn't there? Would he bother taking care of his arm? Never mind that there was a surprising number of people going back and forth on the ship. There were sure to be more inside, and Tryston could not face all of them alone.
One of the Zenans on the entrance to that particular dock looked up and his eyes widened with shock. "What the hell're you doing bringin' her here?" he snarled, already on the march to intercept the pair. Constynce recognized this one from Zena... He'd been part of the caravan when Tryston had fallen in the pass. Where she was supposed to have died.
Her captor rolled his eyes. "What, you think she's gonna kill all of us herself? Don't worry; Tryston's a tool, but he's here with her alone, so far as I could tell. You're the one who said he'd do anything to help her. She's the perfect bait. There's plenty of us here to keep her in line anyway. He can't get through all of us."
Constynce couldn't help flinching. Bait.. "Haven't you lost enough?" she managed to blurt out with irritation, glaring her gaze at the one she recognized. "We're not here for you."
The iceling stared a moment before he reached out to smack her cheek. "We've lost everything because of him and you. Only fair that we return the favor." He shook his head and let out a breath. "If Tryston's here, then we can't stay. Get her secured on board and we'll move on to the next port asap. Still have a couple recruits to get before heading back."
She tried to piece together what was being said, but the smack was making her skin throb painfully. Return the favor? What did that mean?
Whatever it was, she knew she would be stuck if she got on that ship, and Tryston... The iceling had quickly left to inform others of the change in plans, and she was once again alone with her captor. The knife at her back had relaxed, the man at ease with the crew so close. Time to remember what bit of training she'd had. It was now or never. Constynce squeezed her eyes shut and spun. Her movements were clumsy, but the man had definitely not been expecting that.
The moment she was free, she bolted for the road. It didn't take long for her to be tackled to the ground, but surely someone innocent further along the dock would be able to hear her now! She fell with a shriek of surprise that was quickly followed by another, more purposeful yell before a hand could silence her.
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