LastCinder — Roleplayer Guild

Rudolf’s eyes widened as he took in the sight of both an unconscious Tirian and Aaerynn. He quickly followed after Elrithos but paused to look back at Velim. “If you have your wits about you dear friend, you should come up. This is the whole of the group and perhaps your smarts may help.”

Rudolf didn’t really know if now was a good time to incorporate him within the group or not, seeing as he reeked of ale, but he had an inkling that whatever happened involved the group as a whole. . So Rudolf didn’t look back as he waddled up the stairs behind the Desert Elf.

As soon as Vordan opened the door to his room, the twins followed behind him and gently laid the Durandal warrior down on the floor. As soon as he was settled, both twins sat back on their butts. Setna was catching his breath, having taken on most of the weight of the red head, while Serna pulled her knees up to her chest, hugging her legs close to her.

The group piled into the room and shut the door behind them. Rudolf finally took in the damage. Tirian seemed alright, but Rudolf knew better. He probably was experiencing a kickback from his magic and would be paralyzed for a while. Aaerynn on the other hand, he was worried about the most. Such a pretty thing now marked by a gruesome burn scar, and even in her sleep she looked pained. The dwarf finally looked up and to Vordan, then the twins. “What in the god’s names happened?”

Setna’s face twisted in guilt and Serna flinched, holding herself together as a new wave of tears filled her eyes. The boy finally leaned forward and held up a hand to speak. “It’s my fault…”

Setna looked to Rudolf and then the rest of the party. He had only told Tirian their story, but now was perhaps a good time to tell the whole truth to the rest. “We ran into Executioners…they’re the Syndarean King’s men. They are the only ones allowed outside of the kingdom, in order to perform deeds for the King himself. One of these deeds is to go after and kill those that have escaped the Kingdom.”

Serna buried her face in her knees and Setna watched her before his dark eyes looked up at Rudolf. “In Syndarea, men are the only ones allowed to use magic. If a woman inherits it…she’s used as a human sacrifice to the gods. They burn the girls alive on stakes during their eighteenth year on the summer solstice. It’s a fucking festival.”

The boy’s rage was rising, his hands clenching into fists as he looked at the floorboards. “I couldn’t let them do that to her. I couldn’t watch my sister get burned alive while people celebrated her death as if it was a fucking honor. As if it was a good thing that another person’s horrible death would please these invisible fucking gods.”

He was shaking with anger and tears had sprung in his eyes which he quickly wiped away. “So I stole her, and we escaped. That act alone breaks a multitude of laws. I wasn’t expecting them to send Executioners though…especially because she is a sacrifice. They’re anal about their traditions. I thought if anything the scouts would come to convince us to come back… I didn’t expect…well, this.”

Setna looked lost as his anger slowly disintegrated into guilt and anxiety. He bowed his head slightly toward Vordan as he muttered. “I’m sorry…I didn’t…I didn’t mean for this to happen…I didn’t want anyone, even you, to get hurt…”

The boy ran a hand nervously through his hair. “Thank you though. If it wasn’t for everyone…it’s obvious I’m not…strong enough so…”

His voice broke and he turned silent as he mulled over everything that happened. His thoughts drifted to Sino, the man he killed albeit accidently, and the boy’s face darkened with guilt.

Elrithos was extremely curious as to what may have happened to his fellow travelers. Having seen the condition of Tirian, Aaerynn and even Vordan, it must not have been good. The pain the mercenary was suffering was maybe invisible to most, but he could read it in his expressions. What had they done out there or even the night before? Sure, the Twins and the Durandal warrior were there the other night, but not the mercenary and the wood elf. Elrithos let everyone who needed to come in enter before shutting the door and standing in front of it… Velim had followed which was odd but would not say anything as it was Rudolf’s comrade.

Vordan, after laying down the elven lady, backed off to one of the chairs and sat down, finally feeling the repercussions of using the bandages and his magic a little too much. He was drained now, but still could move normally. He looked down for a moment, his breathing deeper… He could feel it turning in his stomach. The last few days had proved to be pushing his limits too far and he would soon pay for it… He would have to leave the room soon.

Rudolf finally came around to asking the question both him and Elrithos wanted to know… Then Setna started with the whole story. Elrithos was shocked to see that, even after the war, their tradition did not change in the slightest. Even worse, those men that were used in the war by the Syndarean kingdom still lived. Were they really acting like this? Why? Elrithos felt bad that they had to live through this hell… And oddly enough, even Vordan, who was still in some discomfort, did not show that hatred towards them. He was showing compassion. It was still something Elrithos could probably the one seeing.

Vordan looked at them, cold sweats dripping from his forehead now. He shook his head. “Setna. It is not your fault…” It was probably the one of the few times he actually used his name and not ‘kid’. “It is the Syndarean king’s fault. You defended your family over stupid traditions… Which is the noblest act I have seen in years from a Syndarean.” Vordan’s voice was getting a little weaker and his pain now showed clearly. He stood up rapidly, seemingly holding his stomach. [/b]“I’ll… be right back…”[/b] He said as he stumbled across the room and out the door. Elrithos moved out of the way in shock, wondering what was making him so sick… Elrithos turned his eyes to the twins. “What happened to all of you… Any major injuries?”

Vordan stumbled down the stairs of the Inn, moving people aside as he went for the front door, quickly going to an alleyway… He fell to his knees and he felt the bile going up his throat. He did not try to hold it back as it was pointless. It would come out either way. He hurled out, a mix of half-digested foods, some blood and a strange bright green liquid forming. Vordan was having a hard time breathing, but he knew it would be fine… He needed to rest again, even if it was just morning.

“By the gods… I need to stop abusing…”

The Syndarean boy looked up in shock as Vordan spoke. It was really the first time he had ever heard the mercenary use his name. His slim shoulders slumped slightly both in relief and heartwarming surprise. To think that this man, who had expressed such hatred to the twins in the beginning, was willing to sympathize with them now. It was nice and it felt good to know that the people in this room knew where he was coming from, but it didn’t make him feel better. He had thought that he was strong, strong enough to protect and defend his sister no matter what. Yet it had become quite obvious that he was nothing of the sort. He was cowardly and stupid. Sure, he had been able to take Sino’s life…but that was from an accident. He didn’t even mean to do it, and it left a horrible taste in his mouth. The bandits had been easy. He didn’t know them and instead could focus on killing them. He could find pleasure in the way his blade sliced through their flesh. Sino’s death was different. He had known him, for most of his childhood. He knew where he had lived, the name of his sons, the face of his wife. Taking his life in surprise and in such a pointless way was…awful.

Both twins shifted as suddenly Vordan stood and quickly exited the room, holding his stomach. Everyone seemed mildly surprised at that, and silence filled the room until Elrithos changed the subject. The floor creaked as Setna shifted again at the desert elf’s question. “Aaerynn was the one to tell me they were in the city. We went out and she was the one that ran into them first, there were three of them. Two lackeys and the leader. Uh…”

The boy paused and rubbed the back of his neck as his dark eyes drifted down to gaze at the floor. “We got separated. The two lackeys ended up following me, and I ran into Vordan. Vordan and I…took care of them. Vordan got pretty beat up.”

Silence filled the room for a moment as Setna collected his thoughts. He paused as he looked to his sister and then to Aaerynn and Tirian. “Uh… I went and found them. I don’t know—.”

“Sir Tirian and I went to train.” Serna’s voice piqued up, causing her brother to jolt slightly in surprise. Serna continued, pulling her legs in close to her chest. “Th-that’s when the leader came. He trapped Tirian and went for me…”

Setna stiffened at that and watched his sister with wide eyes. Serna’s voice wavered with emotion and her lip trembled as she attempted to hold back her sobs. She wiped her eyes hurriedly, sniffling quietly as she spoke. “B-But that’s when Miss A-Aaerynn came. She was able to hold him back but…she-she was injured.”

The girl started to shake, her voice cracking and lilting with sadness. Her brother put his arm around her shoulders, feeling his sister shake. His grip tightened, becoming her support. Serna looked up at Elrithos and Rudolf. “She-she stabbed him…but he hit her away. B-By then she was bleeding really b-bad…and some of her bones were broken. T-Tirian was able to break the barrier and come help. He was the one to finish off the leader…but he used a lot of magic and c-collapsed. H-He burned M-Miss Aaerynn’s wound closed. Th-Then Set came, and Sir V-Vordan’s bandages h-healed the rest.”

Serna finally let her tears flow again and Setna rubbed her back. Rudolf let out a sigh as he observed the two and then stepped forward slowly. He leaned down as he approached Aaerynn and touched the scar that covered a part of her stomach. Even though she was in pain, her heart was beating and she was very much alive. They were blessed this day. “Well thank the gods everyone is alive and alright. I am sorry you all experienced something like this. But it is as Vordan said, do not blame yourselves for it.”

Rudolf paused as he noticed Velim and he nodded gently at the twins. “Everyone should get some rest, excuse me.”

Both Rudolf and Velim exited the room, and it was engulfed in silence. Setna’s face hardened as he went over the events of the day. Finally he gave a last rub to his sister’s back and then stood. He faced Elrithos, his hands clenching into fists as he lifted his chin to display his resolve and determination. “Sir Elrithos…if the offer to train with you is still available…Please, train me. I want to learn all I can. I want to get stronger.”

The boy bowed his head, his fists shaking at his sides. “Please, help me.”

Rudolf sighed as he waddled down the stairs after his chat with Velim. Turns out his friend backed out of the trip, but the dwarf certainly didn’t blame him. The journey was safer within a group of people, but compiling a group of strangers didn’t mean that their past lives were left behind. Friends and strong companions can be made through a journey such as this, but it certainly didn’t mean it would be easy.

Ah, well.

The dwarf was now on his way to see if Vordan was alright. He wanted to personally thank the mercenary too, for his hand in helping the young twins and saving the wood elf’s life. The short man ended up leaving the inn as he saw no trace of the mercenary within any of the other rooms or the lobby. As he drifted towards the nearby alleyway he finally caught sight of the tall man and hurried closer. “Are you alright dear man? Would you like some help?”

Elrithos listened to the painful story as the young boy described what had happened… Elrithos took a seat on the bed as he watched Setna simply trying to keep his composure as he spoke. This was a horrid day for him; he could see it in his eyes. The Syndarean boy was suffering emotional distress and it wouldn’t fade away. It was to say that he wanted to become a warrior, yet his fear would push him back on it. He looked at both Tirian and Aaerynn, who seemed to be in not that bad of a position, considering what was happening.

The young man seemed to fumble with his story, and then Serna picked up, revealing her training with Tirian for her magic. Elrithos figured that it was what they were doing… His eyes set on both the twins now. They were living a lot of misery for their young age, living a harsh reality. He could understand their pain in a certain extent. The poor twins… Elrithos continued on listening to the story, looking at the wound of the Wood elf… It seemed to be in quite a good condition for a burn and a possible stab wound. Vordan’s bandages and Tirian’s fire. Tirian clearly had magic… But what was Vordan hiding? He clearly knew something or could do things he had not told anyone.

Rudolf resumed how Elrithos thought and him and the new guy walked off… It left Elrithos to stand up and look at Tirian again. Magic was dangerous and the effects were showing. Paralysis… Unable to move or act even conscious. Elrithos had shivers run down his spine at the thought. He sighed lightly, thinking the last few days have been the abyss on earth for most of these people. Elrithos would have offered more words of comfort, but Setna came forward with a demand that the desert elf went wide eyed for a moment… He stood there a second then brought a gentle hand onto his shoulder.

“I will help you Setna… I’ll help you become a warrior, but for now, rest. You are living a difficult situation; I can see it in both your faces. Take the day to stay to relax and stay near the Inn. There no point in training for now, not in your state. We will start tomorrow morning. Bring your sword and your shield outside when the sun comes up.”

He spoke with gently, showing a small smile, hoping to take the heavy atmosphere away for one second.

Vordan threw up two other times, the strange liquids and chunks of food onto the ground… He was feeling like crap at that moment, but at the same time, it got it out of his body. His breathing was deep and slow. He was happy that no one in the street was coming over to see as they would probably question what was happening. A drunk probably, most of them wouldn’t care until they saw the liquids on the dirt. Yet, someone came by, Vordan raising his head as he head the gruff voice of the old dwarf.

“I’m fine… Just a little sick… Have anything I can wash my mouth with?” He said as he came and leaned against one of the building walls. He was trying to regulate his breath, closing his eyes for a moment. He then spat out a few chunks and some blood before letting out a long expiration. “Today is a shitty day and it is still just morning…”

The dwarf unlatched his canteen that was attached to his waist and unscrewed the cap for him. The alleyway reeked of vomit and Rudolf couldn’t help his nose from scrunching up. He silently hoped Vordan didn’t mind a splash of alcohol as he held the canteen out to the mercenary to use.

“Well, I hope you feel better my dear man… I heard you helped the twins, and it was your invention that healed up Aaerynn.” The balding dwarf’s smile was somber as he looked up at Vordan. “I thank ya for that. It was a fine thing you did.”

Vordan reached over and grabbed the canteen and took a swig of it… Alcohol. Not exactly what he needed, but he knew this would be coming. Swirling and swishing the liquid around his mouth, he spat it back out, handing back the canteen as he considered the words he had just said. He looked up at him and smiled lightly.

‘’What kind of human being would I be if I didn’t help?” A small laugh came as he then looked in front of him. ‘’They all don’t deserve what is happening to them. Aaerynn, the Twins, even Tirian. You and Elrithos seem not to have a hard time in your lives, maybe it’s your age. Either way, they need help in their lives… So why not help while I’m there? You know what I mean?’’

He looked back up at the dwarf before slowly rising to his feet with the help of the wall.

Rudolf looked at the mercenary with curiosity, before he finally laughed and a warm grin filled his face. "I suppose so, I suppose so."

It was hard to let go of what Vordan said. A human being whose duty was to help? Many other races would have laughed at the words. Yet the mercenary seemed genuine. Even so, the old dwarf couldn't help remaining curious about it. He had made a comment about Elrithos and him, and perhaps it was true, that their lives were no longer hard, that peace might be had with old age, but Rudolf couldn't help wondering about the life the mercenary was leading. A man for hire looking out for others.

"Yer a hard person to come by these days." The dwarf finally commented, the smile still on his face. "Well, kindness such as your's will always be reciprocated, you'll see. If you want to rest, you are welcome to take up my room, since your's has become quite crowded."

The dwarf's hands rose just in case the man needed some support. "At least for the time being. I'll find something for Tirian and Aaerynn so they don't have to remain on the floor. I doubt that's good on injured bodies!" The dwarf made a guffaw of a laugh.

‘’Your offer is kind, but I’ll just stay at the Inn and maybe strike a conversation with the ladies or the hard working gents…’’ He said as he then looked to the sky. ‘’You know, being a Maker is harder than I thought it would be, but it is more than worth it.’’ Vordan was bluntly admitting that he was a Maker now. He knew none of them would judge him for what he was, not anymore. He pushed himself off the wall and looked at the small man.

‘’You have time for a drink and tales Rudolf? I am pretty sure you have amazing stories to tell.’’

The dwarf smiled at the announcement that Vordan was indeed a Maker. He knew the mercenary was certainly capable of something magical, but the fact that he was able to say it out loud to someone else, showed quite a lot of trust. Rudolf lit up completely at the mention of drinks and stories.

“But of course I have time! Who do you take me for? The first round is on me!” The dwarf laughed as the two proceeded back to the inn, and immediately jumped into story telling. “Have I ever told you that if Aaerynn drinks too much she’ll sing like a choir girl? Beautiful sight really! Of course don’t ever tell her I told you this or she’d have my head on a plate! It happened quite a few decades ago, but I swear…”

Setna’s eyes widened and he looked up as Elrithos put his hand on the boy’s shoulder. The teenager’s face wavered with emotion between happiness and utmost relief as Elrithos agreed to train him. He quickly brought his hands to his face as he felt his own eyes become watery and he quickly rubbed them as he said, “Thank you….”

He finally looked back up and grinned happily. “I’ll be there! I promise, bright and early.”

Serna watched her brother and a small smile returned to her tired face. Surely things would get better, bit by bit.

The day went by slowly. The twins transported Aaerynn and Tirian into their own room, allowing each of the injured their own bed while the twins volunteered to watch over them for the night. Rudolf had come up to give them dinner and tell them that the plans to leave tomorrow were still set.

Serna now sat in a warm tub of water, silently scrubbing off the black blood of Aaerynn’s that had dried onto the skin of her arms. Her wet hair was piled onto her head to avoid the dirty water as it slowly turned gray. The young girl hadn’t stopped thinking about what had happened that morning. Setna may have taken the blame, but it was ultimately her fault. The executioners had been looking for her, had wanted her, and now people were hurt because of it. Aaerynn could have very well died.

Serna held up her hands, flipping them over to look at her palms that had once been pressing down on a bleeding wound. Her eyes would have filled with tears once more, but she didn’t have any left. How could she repay these people for protecting her? For putting their bodies and lives on the line for her?

Her small hands turned into fists as she buried her face against them. She thought over everything that happened, every move that had taken place. Perhaps if she were stronger, she could have protected them. She had the ability, didn’t she? Whether or not it was good of her to use it, whether she could do it or not, she had the power.

The frequency beneath her skin pulsed as Serna closed her eyes and focused on it. She thought back to Tirian’s lesson and she opened her eyes as the magic lit up between her hands. She needed to learn how to make it stronger, how to bend it to her will, that way she’d be able to protect everyone. She focused on it, watching as the barrier molded to her will, elongating and compacting again as she bent it. Then it disappeared as she felt the dull ache reappear behind her forehead. Through more use perhaps she’d be able to deal with the kickback a bit better.

Like her brother, she wanted to get stronger.

As the day turned into night both twins sat beside the invalids taking up their beds. Serna sat beside Aaerynn and Setna beside Tirian. Setna was the first to fall asleep, exhaustion both emotional and physical took a hold of him and he was out like a light, slightly snoring as his chin hit his chest. Serna however, couldn’t allow herself to sleep. Her thoughts were rapid and guilt stricken as she looked from the wood elf to the red headed warrior on the other side of the room. She couldn’t sleep until someone woke up and confirmed that they were ok. Serna couldn’t find rest until then.

It was a few hours before dawn when she noticed a change in Aaerynn. The wood elf had begun to sweat and her body jerked every so often. Her face was scrunched with what looked to be pain, and the young Syndarean girl didn’t know whether it would be best to wake her up or leave her in that state.

She didn’t get to choose, as suddenly Aaerynn jolted upright, her body flailed slightly and she fell off the bed. Startled, Serna jumped to her feet, running around to make sure the wood elf was alright. But she froze up as she watched Aaerynn struggle to breathe. It sounded as if she had just sprung her head out of water after losing air. The elf’s body was shaking and Serna could see the sweat that dripped of her face onto the dark floorboards. Before the teenager could make a remark, Aaerynn began to get up and stand, she took a few shaky steps before collapsing and Serna rushed to support her. “Miss Aaerynn!”

At the sound of her name, Aaerynn seemed to still, her body calming as she turned her head and her eyes met the concern of Serna’s. Slowly, Serna helped the wood elf sit down on the bed and watched as Aaerynn put her head in her hands. “A-Are you ok?” Serna asked quietly, beginning to fidget.

There was a pregnant pause before Aaerynn finally looked up and then down. Her hands slowly touched the new scarring that marked her smooth stomach. Serna played with her hands as she softly explained. “T-Tirian c-closed your wound, h-he had to b-burn it. A-And Vordan’s b-bandages d-did the rest.”

Aaerynn stilled as she held her stomach before her hand reached up to touch her collarbone. It was almost perfectly set, but the pain was still there as the bones had to shift. In all honesty, she felt like shit. Her body couldn’t comprehend what was happening to her, and the rot, like a familiar friend was still in the background, pestering her insides. “I see…” The wood elf finally commented.

Serna stood around awkwardly, clamming up. She didn’t know what to say. How exactly do you deal with waking up from almost dying and having your body riddled with new scars? What do you say to a person that has experienced that? But her eyes turned wide as she watched Aaerynn try to stand up. “Wh-What are you d-doing?”

Aaerynn grunted as her body betrayed her. Her legs were shaking and numb, and her light headedness forced her to close her eyes. “I have to go somewhere.”

Serna shook her head and placed a hand on the elf’s arm. “Y-You shouldn’t b-be going anywhere! Y-you just s-suffered s-some major injuries! B-Besides it’s almost dawn, you sh-should sleep more! R-Rudolf is planning to c-continue the journey tomorrow.”

As much as the teenaged girl tried to coerce the wood elf back into the bed, Aaerynn stiffened up and pushed back. “That means that I definitely have to go. So let go of me. This has nothing to do with you.”

The wood elf pushed herself to her feet and Serna bit her lip as she watched Aaerynn wobble on shaky legs. “It does h-have to do with me! Y-You were injured helping m-me, s-so please l-let me help. Th-This is my f-fault.”

Tears had sprung back into her eyes as she watched the usually strong wood elf look weak struggling to maintain a proper posture. She sniffled quietly and Aaerynn grimaced in irritation and spoke coldly. “Would you stop blubbering? It’s annoying.”

Serna stiffened up but the tears continued and Aaerynn sighed. “It has nothing to do with you. Why are you blaming yourself for my own actions? I made the decision to step in. I decided to help. If this is the consequence that comes from it, that is something that I have to face. Taking the blame for whatever happened is selfish and incredibly stupid. Gods, humans and their need to make everything about themselves.”

It was cold but perhaps it was what Serna needed as her tears finally stopped. Aaerynn was right, she shouldn’t blame herself…instead she should be thankful for the people that decided to step in and help.

Aaerynn fumbled to the door as she muttered. “I have to go.”

She made it out into the hallway before her legs gave out and she nearly fell until she came into contact with the smaller girl offering her support. Aaerynn looked down at the girl and Serna looked up with a determined face. “L-Let me help you. Since you helped me.”

The wood elf groaned in annoyance as Serna helped to lean her against a wall. As much as she wanted to ditch the little girl, Aaerynn doubted that she’d make it to her destination on her own. She was still too light headed and her body was weak from trying to recover from trauma. If she wanted to get there, she’d need help. “Fine,” she mumbled as she reached into her trouser pockets and produced a key. “Go to my room, there should be a satchel on the bed filled with money. Bring it to me and I’ll let you help.”

Serna smiled brightly as she took the key and hurried down the hall to Aaerynn’s room. She retrieved the satchel and returned to the wood elf, who slowly put her arm around the Syndarean’s shoulders to use her as a support.

“W-Where do you w-want to go?” Serna asked quietly as she helped Aaerynn move to the stairs.

“Cromerth’s Cemetery.” Aaerynn answered softly.

Before the sun could reach the horizon, Setna was up. He rubbed his head and yawned loudly. He had heard some type of commotion a bit earlier, but hadn’t thought much of it. He looked over to see that his sister and the wood elf were gone. He guessed that must have been the noise and talking he had heard.

The teenager scratched the back of his head as he frowned. He relied on his inkling to get a sense of if his sister was ok or not, and nothing bad came to him. The two were probably together, perhaps in another room and Setna’s worries faded. Instead, excitement began to fill his blood as he picked up his sword and shield. He looked to Tirian however, not quite sure if the red head was conscious or not. “I’ll be back soon!” Setna said quietly, not even sure if Tirian could hear him.

But then he was out the door, sprinting down the steps to head outside. Today was the start to getting even stronger. The boy breathed in the cold morning air with a grin as he stretched out his body. He looked up in surprise though as he caught sight of Rudolf. “Morning!” Setna called out and the dwarf answered him.

“Mornin’ you’re out early my boy!” Rudolf smiled, but looked around hoping to catch sight of the boy’s sister.

Setna’s eyes narrowed. “She isn’t here dwarf, she’s most likely with Miss Aaerynn. Oh, that reminds me! I’m training with Elrithos this morning, and Tirian is still in bed if you want to check on him.”

Rudolf nodded, hiding his disappointment at not seeing the young female twin. “Will do lad, I just have to fix up the oxen.”

The dwarf waved his good bye as he began to whistle and head over to the inn’s farmhouse.

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