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Post by Griffin on Jun 26, 2010 23:08:12 GMT -5
OOC: For myself, Kinda, and Laura.
It had been around two months since Reh last saw Daniel during their battle at the Crossroads. There, in his goodbye message, he asked Daniel to say hello to his wife and Reh's old friend, Emiko, for him. Honestly, he was sure Daniel didn't do such a thing and instead shared the tale calling Reh a whiny little crybaby amongst other more colorful things as Emiko patched his wounds.
Then, in his mind, Reh imagined Emiko defending Reh's emotional damage and Daniel scoffing at her as he took a large swig of booze.
Honestly, he wasn't sure how Emiko would react to him. About three years ago, the trio traveled together adventuring. At a point in there, Reh sold them out. He turned on his friends for money and never looked back. Since, he lost his only love and most of his emotion with it. In exchange, he received training from the practically unheard of Ranger Corps and was honed into a peerless tracker, marksman, and unseen mover.
Reh now regarded Emiko as his only friend, save the sullen dark mage, Elric. Emiko was one person who may still hold positive feeling toward Reh. He didn't do much to earn the affection of others. Emiko may still hold some...but she still may not have forgiven him for his betrayal.
Regardless, Reh had to see her. She had persistently appeared in his thoughts and he felt as if he had to see her, even if it risked another fight with Daniel, who he was sure would be unhappy to see him and flat out furious to see him with his wife. Reh tracked down Daniel and followed him to his house in a small woodland out in the country. Their house was a small cottage, likely a kitchen, bedroom, pantry, and maybe a small living area or a cellar. Reh stayed off in the woods for the next few days, recording when Daniel and Emiko came in and out so he could talk to Emiko alone.
When Daniel left, Reh waited for a half hour, trying to shake the butterflies in his stomach. He emerged from the woods unseen, his face concealed in his Ranger cloak. He took in a deep breath and exhaled, raising his fist gingerly and, after much hesitation, knocked three times on the front door.
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Post by killerinstinct on Jun 27, 2010 14:56:03 GMT -5
Emiko, who was supposed to be cleaning up, ended up on the couch, a book in hand. It was a worn-out book, that served no purpose, but which Emiko kept as a souvenir.
... A souvenir of three years ago.
Back then, she was 16, and had barely mastered the art of magic. The book she held now was one of the first ones she learnt from. It taught her basic spells that helped her grow her skill. She smiled as she thought back of her first mistakes, of how she first began, but what warmed her heart and ached it at the same time, was the adventure she had gone through back then. For it was at that time that she had met Daniel. And it was after that adventure that she began living with him, in this cottage, far away from the people.
And it was better off this way, as she and Daniel weren't exactly... humans. And their union caused much controversy. But that was all in the past.
Another memory that book brought her was another person with whom she had travelled... she played with a lock of her ebony black hair as she thought back of this person. Reh was his name. He was a good friend, and she had enjoyed his company, but their friendship had ended abruptly, with his betrayal. Even so, she often wondered how he was, what he was doing. Sometimes, she wondered if she should look for him. She wondered if he still even remembered her, though it would be quite hard to forget a pale young girl with ruby red eyes.
Three years... Back then, Emiko was a very young teenager. Now, she was 19. She hadn't changed so much, apart from seeming more mature, and her black hair was just a tad longer than before, reaching her shoulders instead of their usual ear-length, with bangs over her forehead.
The young woman was pulled back to reality when she heard someone knocking on the door. She found that a bit odd, as they rarely had visitors. Nevertheless, she got up, dusted off her long white dress, and put the book away before going to the front door to open.
"Yes?" Emiko simply said, as she opened the door. She came face to face with a hooded stranger, though something... something seemed familiar about him. However, she was very wary, as he seemed suspicious.
"Can I help you?"
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Post by Golden Emblem on Jun 27, 2010 15:18:30 GMT -5
Daniel, meanwhile, was taking a path back to the house, carrying several bags with him. Maybe some would think that he was carrying in weapons, alcohol, or other sorts of nasty, nasty things, but in reality Daniel was not that cunning. Instead, he was bringing home the groceries, having left around half an hour ago, Emiko’s grocery list in his pocket. The walking there and back, along with carrying the bags, was helping in his recovery. After having three ribs broken by Reh in their fight two months ago, he was now starting to be able to do what he once did. It would sting every so often, but he didn’t want to be completely useless lying down on the couch.
Thinking about that made him think back to when the three of them had travelled together. It felt like such a long time ago, even though it had only been three years. He hadn’t been fond of anyone when he first joined the group, but the longer he stayed, the more he enjoyed Emiko’s company... and hated Reh’s presence. Then Reh had turned out to be a traitor, and he had hated him even more.
But that wasn’t important. Daniel was never going to see him again. The last time they had met left Daniel bloodied, having to return to Emiko with an excuse. He lied to her about how he got his wounds for two different reasons. Firstly, he knew that it would hurt Emiko to find out about what happened. Secondly, he didn’t want to admit that Reh had really hurt him. So, he lied.
But, that wasn’t important. He neared the house, but paused for a moment to lift out a small bottle of water and take a sip from it, even sitting down (as he knew he wouldn’t run into anyone here). It was a warm day, after all.
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Post by Griffin on Jun 27, 2010 22:00:32 GMT -5
Shit my cowl's still up.
Accustomed to intimidating thugs, peering at them with serious eyes through the shadows of the cowl, Reh had forgotten to remove it when he emerged from his hiding place. He nervously cleared his throat, recapturing the situation, and tugged his cowl down further, casting more shadow across his face.
"I-I, uh, pardon me," he coughed, "but I was wondering if you could spare some provisions? I've been traveling for quite some time on an empty stomach." Shifting awkwardly on his feet, ashamed of his stumbling over words, Reh took the moment to look at Emiko, his eyes shadowed. She was radiant, he thought. Her eyes were the same startling red as they were three years ago.
Like her eyes would change color, idiot.
"Umm-may I come in...please?" he awkwardly latched onto his request.
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Post by killerinstinct on Jun 28, 2010 17:52:54 GMT -5
Emiko seemed to be hesitating, as it took her a moment before she responded. In reality, she was torn with what to do; he seemed very suspicious, especially since she and Daniel rarely had any visitors, as their home wasn't so easy to find... but at the same time, he sounded sincere in his request. Perhaps he didn't mean harm, but so long as she couldn't see him, Emiko had a bit of trouble making up her mind.
"Well, um...", she began saying, scratching the back of her neck, "I'd like to help you, but... I'm sorry to ask this of you, but could you take off your hood first? You seem... way too suspicious like this, and we rarely get any visitors anyway."
She might sound a bit naive, but Emiko preferred to be direct. Besides, if he were dangerous in any way, she was prepared to react.
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Post by Griffin on Jun 28, 2010 18:09:59 GMT -5
Just do it. It's why you came here in the first place.
True as this was, Reh was stuck in his training. When he assumed an identity, he stayed in it until the time was right. Yeah, it seemed logical that a request to remove his hood would be right, but not to Reh. But, why keep lying? You lied to her enough already.
...that was it.
No more lies.
...
"No more lies," he said mostly to himself. Nervously, Reh raised his hands to his cowl and slowly pulled it down, the shadow on his face gradually receding. His mouth was slightly agape from his nervous breathing. His eyes were almost awestruck, staring into Emiko's. He gulped heavily when his face was fully exposed.
"Hello, Emiko."
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Post by killerinstinct on Jun 28, 2010 18:26:19 GMT -5
Emiko heard the stranger mutter something under his breath, but she didn't quite understand what he said. It didn't matter anyway since he was removing his cowl.
And the face hiding behind it wasn't the one Emiko expected to see.
A loud gasp escaped her lips, as she put her hands over her mouth and stumbled backwards, barely catching herself. She couldn't believe what her eyes saw; a face she hadn't seen in several years, a face she often imagined... a face she never forgot. A whirlwind of emotions went through her, and the shock made her feel faint. It was as though, all of a sudden, all the memories, the thoughts, the wondering, came at the same time, racing in her mind.
"No... it can't be...", she spoke, her voice quivering, as she did her best to fight back her tears.
"Reh..."
She couldn't stop the tears from forming in her eyes. She still tried to keep them from rolling down her cheeks.
"What... w-what are you doing here...?"
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Post by Griffin on Jun 28, 2010 18:32:08 GMT -5
"I came to visit," he said with a weak smile. It was a silly answer, truthful as it may be, but he knew she'd want more. "It's been so long and after my latest run-in with your husband, I got you in my head and, well, I haven't seen a friendly face in a long, long time."
Reh spoke slowly and calmly. He figured seeing him after years would come as a shock. He didn't want to cause her any more stress.
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Post by killerinstinct on Jun 28, 2010 18:38:10 GMT -5
Emiko was still shocked, but she managed to calm down a bit, as she listened to Reh. She had so many questions to ask him, so many things were coming to mind at once, but first things first.
"Well... come in", was her response, "we'll talk more inside."
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Post by Griffin on Jun 28, 2010 18:43:36 GMT -5
Reh bowed his head lightly in thanks. He scraped the mud of his boots and, once inside, he shrugged his bow off his shoulders and took it to a corner near the available seats. Rangers remove their bows when in one another's homes. It was also seen a gesture of good will to others. Regardless of the reason, it was practical. Interiors of houses, especially small ones, leave little room to shoot. He looked at Emiko and nodded his head lightly at an open seat, asking if he could take it.
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Post by killerinstinct on Jun 28, 2010 18:49:58 GMT -5
Emiko returned the nod, giving him permission to take a seat, and closed the door. She went to a seat adjacent to Reh's, and sat down. She remained silent for a moment, wondering where to start first, whether or not she should ask... and whether she wants to hear the answer or no. But her curiosity took over her, and she thought it was for the better to know everything, or at least, as much as she was told.
"You don't mind me asking you a thousand question, do you?" She asked, looking intently at Reh, "there's just... so much I'd like to know."
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Post by Griffin on Jun 29, 2010 14:42:40 GMT -5
Reh took the seat, moving his cloak out of the way. "No...no not at all. I encourage it, actually. It's...better than the alternatives I've imagined."
Reh's worst case scenario was Emiko being outraged at the sight of his face and then rolling on the ground aflame. A thousand question was a much nicer outcome.
"Just...let me say something first. I've changed...sadly. Not for the better in any way. Maybe I'll share the story one day. But, til then, ask what you want."
Reh leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, contemplating Emiko's questions to be. Then, he wondered, how much he could answer truthfully, question about the Rangers, and not breaking down, question about these past years. Those, he imagined, were inevitable, and braced his will for answering them.
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Post by killerinstinct on Jun 29, 2010 17:22:41 GMT -5
Emiko won't ask about the alternatives he spoke of, but she could already imagine what he thought. That wasn't the point though. Emiko looked at Reh as he spoke.
"I... can tell you changed", she softly spoke, unable to hide the menlancholy from her eyes, "you look so much different than when I first knew you."
Emiko thought for a moment about what to ask. There were so many things she would like to know; why he betrayed them, why he disappeared, where he went, what happened, etc... the questions were unending. But she had his permission, and she wasn't going to hold anything back.
"Well... I'm sorry if I have to make you think of all that happened in the past few years, since, I believe, they weren't the happiest, but... please, tell me. Why did you betray me? Us?"
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Post by Griffin on Jun 29, 2010 21:35:59 GMT -5
Reh exhaled deeply in thought. This was the crux of their relationship. Sure, Reh could easily craft a lie putting him in the position of danger and having to betray them for his life or something of the matter. But he knew the value of truth.
"I was desperate. I have...had a brother. During our travels, I received a letter from my family saying he was deathly ill and they were asking for money, assuming I'd found treasures and riches. I sent back what they asked, which amounted to about half of my money. Weeks later, I received another letter from them saying he had a relapse, so I sent the rest. Three days and another letter arrives, asking for double what I payed them already. Without a penny, I sold you and Daniel out. Only I never got paid. Instead, I got these."
Reh stood up, turned his back to Emiko, and lifted up his cloak and his shirt, revealing three fang shaped scars on his back.
"So, I lost control and killed everyone in their hideout. Hopefully you and the rest of the gang had less resistance for the rest of the way. I was sure you wouldn't accept me back after betraying you, so I went home. Turns out my brother had already passed away after the first letter and my family was just trying to milk money out of me. Bastards..." his voice trailed off.
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Post by Golden Emblem on Jun 29, 2010 23:16:50 GMT -5
OOC: I just have a question that'll affect my post. Where are they sitting? Living room or kitchen?
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Post by killerinstinct on Jun 30, 2010 2:26:25 GMT -5
OOC: Teh LIVING ROOM!
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Post by Golden Emblem on Jul 1, 2010 0:02:26 GMT -5
OOC: XD Thanks. I'll wait a little longer to post.
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Post by Golden Emblem on Aug 17, 2010 14:45:22 GMT -5
OOC: Should I bump or post?
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Post by Griffin on Aug 17, 2010 22:39:03 GMT -5
OOC: Up to Kinda, I believe.
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Post by killerinstinct on Aug 19, 2010 8:02:26 GMT -5
OOC: Let Griffy post once more, then Daniel can barge in.
Emiko listened to what Reh had to tell, taking in every word he said. After his betrayal, she could doubt his story, but somehow, she knew he was telling the truth. And besides, the marks on his back were proof... She was rather shocked to see them. When he was done, Emiko pondered for a moment. Throwing everything one has got, losing a brother... the pain he endured must have been terrible. And Emiko couldn't help but wonder...
"But... what did you do once you were back home and discovered the truth?"
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Post by Griffin on Aug 19, 2010 16:22:10 GMT -5
Reh, resituated back in his seat, resting his elbows on his knees, gave the answer that Emiko probably didn't expect.
"I fell in love..." the Ranger said pensively with a half smile, dropping his gaze as he fell back into his memories. "A childhood friend of mine was there to comfort me about my brother, but she didn't know about my family. She told me they moved weeks before I returned." Reh returned his gaze to Emiko's eyes. "That night, I burned my house down. Lidda helped me regain my head and kept me sane for years. I debated tracking down my parents as my next move...but I was too afraid of losing my head and murdering them all."
Reh rested back, debating whether to continue his story. No, he thought. She of all people needs to know. Still, he wanted to take things at her pace.
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Post by Golden Emblem on Aug 19, 2010 18:33:31 GMT -5
Daniel had only taken a short break, so by the time the conversation was getting interesting, Daniel was walking up to the door, bags in hand, and just about to enter. However, he was looking at the ground, and noticed that there was some dried mud on the porch. He knew Emiko wasn't the type to go around and roll in the mud (especially in a white dress), so he had to wonder how the mud got there.
He soon found out, entering the house. "Emiko, I'm home! They didn't have any raspberries in yet, but the guy I talked to said they would have some in about half an hour."
Daniel walked by the living room towards the kitchen, dropping off his bags before he began to step towards the living room. He had a smile on his face as he continued speaking. "I can just run back-"
Then he saw the bow. Glancing around, he saw Reh sitting there, as if he was some sort of guest.
"Once I kill him."
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Post by killerinstinct on Aug 19, 2010 19:10:00 GMT -5
Emiko was definitely not waiting for that; she gazed sympathetically at Reh as he began his story about Lidda. It seemed that, amidst the chaos, Reh still found happiness, and she was glad for him. Just as she was going to ask for him to continue his story, she heard Daniel's voice. Emiko didn't expect him to be back already, but then again, she didn't feel the time pass. And his return alarmed her; she wasn't sure how he was going to take Reh's presence. Just as Daniel declared he was going to kill Reh, Emiko jumped off her seat.
"Daniel, wait, please!" she pleaded him, "He means no harm, there's no need to be violent!"
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Post by Griffin on Aug 19, 2010 19:19:02 GMT -5
Oh shit. He's home early.
Instinctively, Reh's hand dropped to the pommel of the heavy knife at his side and his feet shifted in a stance for better maneuvering. He could escape easily if he wanted to, or just fight Daniel off. He would prefer the latter in all honesty, but in his own home with his wife present, after the headway they made...Reh didn't want to destroy that. Holding the stance, he waited, hoping Emiko could resolve this peacefully.
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Post by killerinstinct on Aug 19, 2010 19:26:09 GMT -5
Seeing Reh getting ready to fight worried Emiko even more. Without thinking, Emiko got in between them two.
"Stop it, you two, just stop! There's absolutely no reason to fight!"
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Post by Golden Emblem on Aug 19, 2010 19:31:56 GMT -5
Daniel wasn't happy that Emiko was telling him to calm down and not kill Reh, but even though it would be his greatest joy right now, it wasn't worth blood on the couch he would probably find himself sleeping on for murdering someone in the house. Daniel sat down slowly beside where Emiko found her seat, his eyes not leaving Reh as he did so. He hadn't drawn a weapon, but only because his sword was in the kitchen.
"You heard what she said, sit down," Daniel growled, holding the familiar tiger-eye necklace closely. "Or you can leave, I would really enjoy that. In fact, I think I should ask first what the hell you're doing here after what happened."
What happened could mean either the betrayal, or the secret battle the two had partaken in. Daniel didn't mention their fight, mainly because Emiko thought it was a stranger who attacked.
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Post by Griffin on Aug 19, 2010 19:40:32 GMT -5
Reh slowly lowered himself to the seat, keeping his eyes on Daniel at all times. He forced himself to rest his hands on his knees and not on the pommel of his knife.
"I came to ask forgiveness...and I figured things would go more smoothly without your sword at my throat. And after nearly tearing my arm off my body," Reh growled back, referring to the sword wound that stretched the width of his arm, "I figured your wife would be the more sensible person to speak to..."
Reh's words hung in the air. He knew the risk of death was looming over him, and it occurred to him that he couldn't cause harm to Daniel without deeply offending Emiko. Though, by that same rule, it may protect Reh.
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Post by killerinstinct on Aug 19, 2010 19:48:47 GMT -5
Emiko watched as both sat down, while she remained standing. The air was very tense, and Emiko was feeling very uneasy. She was breathing deeply, her heart was pounding. Even though both had sat down, she was still afraid they would end up beating each other.
As she listened to them, Emiko couldn't help but feel curious about something that was said.
"Wait a minute... Reh, what do you mean your arm nearly got torn off?"
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Post by Griffin on Aug 19, 2010 19:53:56 GMT -5
Reh glanced briefly at Emiko, noting her confusion. Surely Daniel couldn't have hid his injuries. Surely she tended to those very injuries. Reh continued to stare at Daniel...and it dawned on him.
"You sly bastard. You didn't tell her...did you?"
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Post by Golden Emblem on Aug 20, 2010 8:16:40 GMT -5
Daniel knew he was trapped now. He hadn't told Emiko, but it looked as if his lie was coming to the surface now. Besides, it seemed now as if telling the truth would work in his favour to get Reh out of the house. He just hoped that Emiko wouldn't be too upset for his lie. When he spoke, he didn't even turn to face her, instead keeping his steely gaze on the person he hated most.
"You remember when I came home with those broken ribs and told you I was attacked? Well, I got into a fight with Reh and nearly ripped off his arm. I didn't want to tell you because I knew you were friendly with him before he became a traitor. But I guess he wanted to make sure you knew."
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