Corruption of Darkness - OPEN

[Golden Emblem]

Nina listened to Papillon's story intently, trying to make sense of it all and how it would relate back to Papillon... but getting nowhere. She nodded in agreement about the Midland Elite's leader providing a bit of a refuge for her friend, but it didn't mean she trusted him completely, at least not yet. "Well, I'm all for saving myself from oncoming destruction, so let's go!"

Nina ran out with Papillon to see the horses, and as Papillon easily got on one and moved along... Nina struggled to get on. After a minute or so of struggle, she eventually managed to sit up straight and follow Papillon forwards.

OOC: And you thought your post was bad? XD

[Griffin]

OOC: Unless anyone has a little side quest planned, I'm just going to speed things up.

Davian rode hard and fast, making sure to keep on a slow curve north to eventually reach Midland. Within the walls of the massive city is where the Midland Elite met and established their first base practically right in the middle of the city. It was simple, but then, it was home. The Elite began taking on odd jobs for the city guard. Eventually, they began receiving contracts from smaller towns around Solaris. They even took a few jobs that brought them into the swamps of Rufare. They began refurnishing their base, adding an extra level, more armaments, but keeping to a simple, spartan style of living. But, a few days before leaving for this contract, it mysteriously caught fire. The two upper floors collapsed entirely and the main floor took serious damage. Thankfully, the basement, where they kept all their loot, remained relatively unscathed. This old, burned down base is where Davian instructed his team to head.

It was a long ride, but the horses they had were built for speed. Davian glanced back every now and again to check for the silhouettes of his comrades. He noticed the ice wall keeping the Solaris guards at bay was weakening. It served it's purpose though. He and his friends were all speeding along back home.

**********

Hours past and the sun was still a fair deal above of the horizon. Davian, who was practically falling asleep in the saddle, stirred at the imposing sight of walls and towers on the horizon.

Midland's walls were a perfect circle: half in Solaris, half on Tenmau, hence how it got it's name. The Tenmau side had few pure Tenmauan residents due to their nomadic nature, but many Solarians and Rufarians fled to that side, bred with Tenmauans, and made a brand new mish-moshed culture. It represented freedom, fair trade, and openness.

The Solaris actually shared many of the same ideals, but with greater trade, it attracted more criminals. Guards were clustered about, streets had a definite filth to them, but the people accepted that was life. They endure, they trade, they live. So is life for most at Midland.

After about a quarter of an hour of riding, Davian slowed to a canter, then to a trot, and then walked his weary horse to the gate. Because of the sword at his side, he couldn't just walk in like a normal peasant. A guard stopped him and Davian spoke, "Davian Boyer, Midland Elite." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, circular badge with a lightning bolt emblazoned on it.

Once the guards knew about the Elite, the name and title were enough, but people began impersonating the Elite and it caused severe confusion. So, Davian crafted individual badges so ornate that they could not be recreated perfectly. Davian's was a lightning bolt, Lilliana had a fireball, Aero had a gust of wind, Tekrias had a summoning circle, and Simeon had a knife. Davian flashed his badge to the guard, he examined it, and let Davian pass.

"The rest of the Elite are on their way, sergeant."

The guard nodded and retook his post. Davian walked his horse through the crowded streets, took tired to take in the fact that we has home. With money. He dropped his horse off at an old friend's stable for free. He didn't need a horse right now. Minutes later, he was at the base. He managed a weary smile.

[shadowdeath]

OOC: Sorry for slight godmodding.

---

Aero kept on riding hard with the Lilliana and Tina on the back of his horse. He periodically checked behind him to make sure they were okay.

Many hours later Aero's entire body was sore from the riding but he kept his guard up. After that surprise attack Aero wasn't taking anymore chances. He kept his eyes peeled for any sign of enemies, and also sign of Midland.

They eventually reached the gates of Midland ((is this correct?)). Aero moved his horse forward and flashed his shiny wind badge to the guard. "Aero Smith, Midland Elite".

[Admin]

Holding Tina tightly, Lilliana stared cutely towards the guard.

"Might I have a minute?" she asked politely.

Lilliana was forgetful. Horribly forgetful. After about 20 times of losing the badge somewhere or another, she decided to keep it with her always. The girl slipped her index finger into her mouth, and tapping on her hard palate she pulls out the saliva covered badge.

Lilliana flashes the badge, and mutters her name. Putting it back in, she explains "I removed some of my hard palate... Nothing special."

[Will]

Tekrias, moving over some rugged terrain, slowed to a stop and looked over his shoulder. He could see the ice wall simply fade into nothingness. This meant only one thing - that Shiva had fallen. Sure, he could summon her again, but he'd give her a rest for quite a while. Tekrias put his head down and rode on.

Soon, he arrived at the main gate of Midland. Tekrias jumped off his horse, and reached into the sack that he had now tied onto his horse. He pulled out the badge that had a perfectly redrawn summoning circle on it - the circle of the lightning bird Quezacotl.

Davian sure pays attention to detail... and lightning.

He walked up to where Aero and Lilliana were already standing and silently presented his badge as well.

[Griffin]

Davian began walking toward the remnants of their old base. Their first base. He was crushed when it burned down. But, he had another contract on his mind and it would be unsightly of a leader to show weakness to his comrades.

Jagged wood posts and floorboards still lingered around the main level. Davian scattered them until he found the hatch for the basement. It was still locked, thankfully. He fumbled around for the key, unlocked the hatch, and then waved his hand over it to remove a defensive, and rather painful, lightning incantation on the hatch. Then, he climbed down the ladder and closed the hatch.

Nothing had been touched in a long time. That was clear. Their modest amount of money was kept in two chests off to the side. Spare swords, knives, armor, and clothing hung on racks on the other side of the room. In the center was a table with various maps and charts scattered upon it. On top was an enlarged few of the southern border of Solaris with a knife stuck in where their new base would be for the time. Davian took a seat on of the five chairs around the table and waited.

[Griffin]

OOC: Bump.

[shadowdeath]

"Ah this brings back memories..." Aero murmured. He looked around at the burned mess.

"Kind of," he said as he kicked a floorboard out of the way.

He finally noticed Davian's silence and decided to shut his mouth as Davian lifted the basement hatch open. Looking around Aero noticed that most of the stuff was dusty, but still in one piece. He reached out to touch one of the swords but decided against it, and just sat down.

[Admin]

Continuing to the base, she kicked around ash and dust.

"This place still looks like shit."

Lilliana crept low, put Tina down beside her, and took her seat at the table.

"Hello everyone..."

[Will]

After gaining entry, Tekrias proceeded on. He tied up his horse and arrived at the base. Tekrias noticed that the lightning seal on the trap door had been lifted recently.

Curiosity kills the cat. I wonder how many innocents have stumbled upon it.

Tekrias headed down low and silently sat in a chair.

[Griffin]

EDIT: OOC: Was stupid and finished my post too early.

Home sweet home. Not quite what it used to be...

Davian forced himself to breathe and slow down. Too much was happening at once. Fortunately, only the Midland guards have jurisdiction in the city, to avoid inter-nation strife. So, as far as the Solarian guards go, they were safe.

When his team arrived, he faced them and explained this fact. "As long as we stay inside these walls, we're safe." He sat and thought about their next move. Then he remembered he needed to slow down. It's been a long, long day, and they could all use some rest and relaxation.

"Guys, take the night off. We're all safe. We'll rough it and sleep here tonight. Tomorrow, we'll start planning. Dismissed."

With that, Davian left his armor back at the base, retiring to his casual wool clothing, but keeping his sword at his side. The sun was beginning to set now. He walked along the streets, easily making his way through crowds and around merchants. He arrived at a small side gate and was let through without a second glance.

No road led to this side gate, which made it a decent getaway from the crowds. Davian walked through the fields, the shadows of the tall city walls slowly getting shorter. He made his way to a place from his childhood, perhaps his favorite place. He called it Thunder Cliff. A typical name, maybe, but he wasn't going to change it now.

Thunder Cliff was where Davian first witnessed the raw power and beauty of storms. It's where he learned to control them. It's where he found himself most at ease with the world. Exhausted from the day, he dropped his sword and fell on his back onto the grass. Lying there, motionless, taking in the sky.

[Admin]

Something feels uneasy...

The small girl couldn't pin the feeling, but she felt it.

Lilliana crept along, following Davian through the streets, being careful not to be seen. She didn't know what she'd say when they were alone, but she knew she'd say it. The girl continued to pursue him, still careful about being seen.

What will I say?

Before she knew it, she was hiding behind a tree, staring at Davian laying in the grass.

...gulp...

"Davian! Sorry to interrupt, but there's something wrong! N-Not with me or anything, but there's something wrong, I feel it. There's something corrupt going on... NOT with the group or anything! It's on a bigger scale..."

[Griffin]

Davian sat up and took in these words. He was exhausted and surprised Lilliana wasn't also. She seemed worried. Deeply.

"Lilliana, I know. But, there's not much we can do now. We just got away with our lives and I think we've earned a rest. Go back into town, use some of our money and buy something if you want. Just...take it easy tonight. Tomorrow, we can plan."

He smiled at her. She was always pushing herself. She needs to relax, he thought.

[killerinstinct]

Seeing where everyone was headed, Papillon remembered, from what she gathered in the past, that their old base was in Midland, and slowed down, as she knew the way. When they got near Midland, she stopped, and turned to look at Nina.

"Their old base is here. Seeing as you don't have any "visible" weapon, they'd let you in; you could rest at the inn for tonight. It should be safe inside. As for me..."

Papillon looked back at the gates leading to Midland, wondering what to do; they wouldn't let her in with her rapier, and she wasn't sure they'd be pleased to see her anyway. Though she was reputed as a treasure huntress, she was known not to steal from anyone, but only uncover unknown treasures. Authorities still didn't like her much, though. Therefore, entering might prove to be annoying.

However, at this moment, a figure comes out; a rather familiar one. Davian. Even at this distance, she was sure of it. She grinned; this was her chance to talk to him again. Try to change his mind. She turned to face Nina once more.

"I think I know what I'll be doing", she said, motioning towards Davian, who was walking away, "if all goes well, which it should, I should be able to join you in Midland."

And with this, Papillon got off the horse, entrusting its care to Nina, and followed Davian to the cliff. She noticed Lilliana's presence, and tried to hide from her, as well as from Davian. As soon as the coast would be clear, she'd approach him.

---

OOC: So terribly sorry for the delay.

[Admin]

Lilliana saw no reason to linger. She didn't respond to his command in words, she just moved at a constant pace back to town.

...I'm moving on in years... I'm almost 14 now... Most of my family was accomplished by now. I feel like the bum leg of the Myrym name. It's for the best anyway. I'm never pegged as the same person, since I'm always coloring my hair and clothes something different for every battle. I bet I'd have had assassins after me by now...

Lilliana passed more townsfolk as she settled by a tree near the base. The stuffy base wasn't conditioned for sleeping.

[killerinstinct]

Papillon watched as Lilliana walked away. It was perfect now; she would be alone with Davian. Just what she needed. She looked at Davian; he looked so tired... the life he had in his eyes when she first met him wasn't there anymore. As to be expected from someone who just lost a dear friend.

Papillon emerged from her hiding place. She gently walked out, as to not startle him. She stood a few feet away from Davian.

"I'm sorry for your loss", she simply said, a solemn expression on her face.

[Griffin]

Davian had returned to his former, relaxed position, lying in the grass. His breath felt heavy. He was losing himself in the pinkish sky as the sun was just beginning to set. For the moment, he wasn't a mercenary anymore. He was a child again, gazing into the mysterious beauty of the sky. He was away from his responsibility. He was away from battles and blood and blades.

He was away from all the death.

"I'm sorry for your loss."

His body shot up, a hand instinctively gripping the hilt of his sword.

"You..." he said in disbelief. He was shocked to see that this Papillon woman had found him. He drew his sword and took a defensive stance. "What're you doing here?" he said, pained to see her.

[killerinstinct]

Though she was surprised at the behavior he displayed, Papillon's expression remained solemn. She raised her hands.

"Relax. I'm not here to attack you or anything."

She reached to her belt. Grabbing her rapier, she detached it from her belt. Rapier in front of her, the young woman threw down her weapon at Davian's feet, now completely weaponless.

"I'm only here to talk."

[Griffin]

Davian didn't know how to respond. When she reached for her belt, he readied himself, awaiting an attack. But when she threw her rapier at his boots, he knew he couldn't strike her. She was unarmed and, despite being a mercenary, he kept to his honor most of the time. Fighting an unarmed person claiming they just want to talk is rather dishonorable.

He planted his sword in the dirt for a moment, reached down for Papillon's sword, and slid it into his own belt. He then rested his hands on his sword's pommel, just in case.

"OK. I'll give you a chance. You broke out of our cell and followed us across the kingdom to want to talk. It better be important."

[killerinstinct]

Just as she had expected, Davian lowered his guard, and accepted to talk. Things were going smoothly for now. She only hoped he'd believe her, as he seemed very suspicious of her.

"I've been journeying across the world in search for something... I can't explain what it is now, but it is important to me. I've been to all sorts of places in search for this thing, but one place... Solaris. Namely, Castle Solaris. I've never been anywhere near that place, and something tells me what I'm looking for might reside there."

She marked a pause, looking into Davian's eyes. Somehow, the same feeling she had when she first looked at him through her cell door was coming back now; for some mysterious reason, her eyes seemed... locked into his.

"And, I'm sure you'd like to return there", she continued, "especially after what happened to your friend... Though our objectives may be different, our aim is similar; Castle Solaris. For this, I ask to join your group. I know you have not an ounce of trust in me, but hey, if I didn't try, I'd never find out."

[Griffin]

Davian stood, utterly confused. He gave himself time to think. This woman seems dedicated to her goal, whatever it may be. She's acted very straightforward toward him, which implies she's being truthful. Perhaps I just haven't given her a chance with all that's been going on...he thought.

"Papillon...you're asking quite a lot. The Midland Elite are more than just a rag-tag band of mercenaries. We're a family. We grew up together on the streets of that city," he said, pointing to Midland. "To let someone I hardly trust into our ranks is something I just can't comprehend doing."

He paused and recounted her words. He did need to get back to Castle Solaris. He needed to uncovered whatever it was Hawley was up to. And he needed to avenge Simeon...

Simeon...

Davian's gaze involuntarily dropped. As he though of Simeon, he could feel the tears behind his eyes and the lump gathering in his throat. He shook it off. He thought about his needs. He only had a team of four now and there's no way they'd be let anywhere near the castle. Hell, they're already probably enemies of the kingdom. Papillon's strength and know-how might just be necessary.

"Although...we share a common goal. I doubt you can get into the castle alone, and we defiantly can't take it with four people. Working together might just be necessary, but you have to understand that you have to prove yourself to us. You can't replace..." he swallowed hard. "You can't replace Simeon, but..."

He found it too hard to continue. He'd repressed his feelings of loss for his dear friend for too long and it was coming back to bite him. He turned away from Papillon, staring off into the sunset.

[killerinstinct]

Papillon lowered her eyes, lost in thought. While she never faced someone who lost a beloved person, she understood what it was to lose someone. And so, even if a leader of a well-known mercenary group fell apart, as intelligent, brave, and honorable he was, she perfectly undersood that.

"I never asked to replace him...", she said under her breath, before looking up at him and talking more clearly, "I understand that you don't trust me, and thus don't want to accept me in your group. However, if you..."

She stopped. Perhaps now is not the time to talk about it, she thought. He seemed too much in turmoil to even be thinking about it. Papillon wondered what to say; it was her first time facing such a situation.

"I never knew Simeon", she began, taking a deep breath, "but if he was such a dear friend of yours, then you shouldn't let his death torment you. That would be an insult to his sacrifice. Mourn over him as much as you need, but move on afterwards. He gave you his life, so don't waste it. Do what you believe is good, for the sake of this world... and for his sake."

[Griffin]

Davian couldn't believe what he was hearing. He didn't need her sympathy. Her words felt false and it pushed Davian passed his sadness and into anger.

"What the hell are you getting on about, anyway?" he started, turning back toward her and stepping closer to her. "Don't you dare pretend you know what I'm going through! I lost my best friend and I had to put it all aside to get my team out of that kingdom alive! And, with our heads likely already on wanted posters in Solaris, I won't get the time to even mourn the poor bastard! So don't you dare try and act sympathetic."

He starred intently at her, locking her chocolaty brown eyes to his, anger and frustration obvious on his face.

[killerinstinct]

"What do you know about what I've been through?!"

Her voice broke. Her calm demeanor evaporated. She was having a hard time to breathe; her breath was short and shallow. She was utterly confused; her emotions never burst this way. She was always under control. What was happening to her now? Why was he making her feel this way? And why, oh Lord why, did his eyes hurt her?

"Do you honestly think I'd sympathize with you and spout bullshit just for the heck of it? Don't you dare insult me like this!"

The tears were forming in her eyes. Her feelings were more out of control than ever before.

"I know what it is to lose someone you care for! If I'm telling you this, it's because I know what it feels like. I know the pain, and I dealt with it. If you don't want to listen to whatever I say, fine! But don't..."

Her eyes were brimming with tears. No, no, don't cry, don't cry, she thought, trying her best to hold her feelings back. Through her tears, she continued to stare into Davian's blue eyes.

"... Don't talk to me as if you know what I've been through."

[Griffin]

It was the last thing he expected. To see someone, completely calm locked up in a cell break when talking about death.

He stood only a few feet from her. He could see the shimmering of tears forming at her eyes. Her vulnerability opened up his own, and the tears he tried to fight were beginning to form at the edges of his eyes. His Adam's apple bobbed in his throat, trying to make words. The only thing he could muster was a full-hearted, "I'm sorry."

His tears began to drip down his cheeks and his face dropped. His confidence was shattered. His emotions were open. He just wanted to get away from it...

[killerinstinct]

As soon as his tears spilled, Papillon looked away, and closed her eyes. A single tear rolled down her cheek, and she immediately wiped it. She was calming down; her breathing was returning to normal.

"No... I'm the one who's sorry", she said, her voice had got back its serenity, "I lost control of my feelings, and I picked the worst time to do so."

She turned to him, and watched him as he cried. She didn't say a word, letting him cry his heart out. It was time it all came out, after all. She sat down where she is, and leaned against the tree behind her, as she slowly gained her usual demeanor.

[Griffin]

Davian swallowed to try and make the nagging lump in his throat go away. His legs felt weak and his stomach ached. He stumbled over to the tree Papillon was leaning against and sat himself down beside her. It took some time before he was capable of speech again, but when he was, he starred out into the sunset and asked, "Who did you lose?"

[killerinstinct]

Papillon felt odd again, but this time it was a different sensation, in a way; first, her feelings showed up, and now, she was opening up to someone, something she rarely did. Especially to someone she barely met. But, for some reason, she felt safe; like it was okay to talk. She looked up into the sky, gazing as the sun slowly hid behind the horizon.

"My.. adoptive father", she said, hesitant to talk at first, "He taught me everything. From the very basic things, to the most important things in life. Everything that I needed to know... He was the one to have told me about it. He gave me valuable lessons in life, by which I live by now. He was my everything. He was the only one I had. And then one day... he suddenly died."

Gazing at the sunset, she recollected that fatal day.

"It was a shock. I was out that day, and when I got back, I couldn't understand a thing. Not a damn thing. He... there was blood all around him. He was already cold. I was too late."

[Griffin]

Davian took in her words without a word. He now understood that they shared a close bond. His image of Papillon was blown as he saw her as a person. He wasn't a mercenary and she wasn't a treasure huntress. They were two people, sharing their memories.

"Simeon was a crazy fool. It always seemed to me like he was trying to blow himself up with all those chemicals he worked with." Davian chuckled at a certain memory. "We always used to debate magic and science. Sword and knife. We argued over everything...but we never got mad at each other. I loved that guy."

He looked over at Papillon for a reaction, but her eyes stayed focused on the sun. His did the same. "Inside the castle, the king's adviser, Hawley, was tampering with what I thought looked like dark magic. He saw us and we tried to escape. Simeon distracted the guards while I ran out of there." Davian reached a hand down to his boot where he slid the knife Simeon gave him. He took it out and played with it in his hands. It was as simple as you could make a knife, which was ironic for the master complex inventor. It would be his memento of his fallen friend.

Davian suddenly felt tired. The sun was nearly set now and he felt now that he could bring Papillon into the group. The others might not be to keen, but he felt that his word would be enough for his comrades to welcome her.

[killerinstinct]

Papillon continued looking over the distance as Davian talked. As he spoke, she regained her old, usual demeanor. her calm composure was back again, as was her neutral, serene face. She remained silent, even after Davian finished, taking in what he said. What troubled her more than Simeon's death was what he and Davian witnessed. She had a terrible premonition, but for now, she couldn't think much. Just as her composure got back, the tiredness settled in. The sun was nearly gone. Papllion slowly got up, and faced Davian.

"We should go back. It has been a long day, and you need to rest. We all need to rest."