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Post by Vincent on Sept 1, 2011 3:46:41 GMT -5
"Ok, so lets say that there is something of interest in Doma aside from mineral deposits or... I dunno, massive truffle reserves. How, mind you, do you suggest we go about intervening and not breaking a states right to sovereignty?" Vincent was actually dead curious how Gwen was going to suggest a plan of action. "Walk up to the Count or Vector's council and say, 'hey you, yeah you, what gives? Just stop it an hand it over?'. We don't even know what it is that may be worth this much attention, if anything."
"Maybe they have secret WMDs!?" Nahla exclaims, far to excited than she should be. "Or zombie ponies!?" Miguel chimes in.
"No, and definitely no. You're not helping." Vincent scolds. "Back to this Count, do we even really know him? Despite his most cryptic name, I don't wish to try and cast him as some sort of pariah when we really know nothing about him. This whole thing doesn't strike me as obvious as the Order, or Sands, or Kefka, or Loci, or -" He continued, rambling off other dictators and conquerors. "Hell, what has even done but, how you make it sound, good things for the people of Doma."
((Yes defend yourself from Vincent's onslaught of doubt and reasoning.))
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Post by Guinevere on Sept 1, 2011 10:12:56 GMT -5
(OOC: Heh you make it sound like Gwen's told you everything up her sleeve)
::Guinvere spread her hands in a "what can I say" gesture::
I wasn't suggesting anything of the kind. I don't know anything about him either. But wouldn't it be prudent to see this with our own eyes? We may be required to akt sooner or later. It would be nice to already have a hand in play instead of koming to the table late in the game.
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Post by Iole on Sept 1, 2011 10:29:49 GMT -5
::Iole set her meat down with a *thunk*. Not that she was trying to get anyone's attention, that was just the size of her portion::
She's right. What kind of heroes would we be if we just sat back on this one when it's the Empire we're talking about. And besides...
::She reached into the pocket of her jeans and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Printed on it was a grainy photograph of a strange device with a dial and a row of buttons. It was quite old whatever it was, near ancient, but the broken timer on it revealed its nature and its intent. Below the table, she squeezed Oliver's hand::
This is what the LPA called Le Enfante Terrible. This is what toppled the Regent's palace. After my.... my time in Freya I came back to do a little digging. It never made sense to me how a group of rebels with so little resources could just happen upon something this big. At first I suspected Internal Affairs since they were playing both sides. But they never really cared who came out on top of the fight so long as they were on the winning side. Certainly not enough to give either one an advantage like this. So I started to investigate. I managed to trace it back to our good friend at Triceutical. It took some time to work my way into their employment. Eva's training in healing made me a pretty convincing nurse for awhile. When I finally got my chance to have a talk with...
::She stopped and forced herself to keep her eyes on the photo though she was very aware of Miguel's presence in the room::
Miss Bardi, she told me she laundered it to the LPA for someone in Doma. I don't have any proof it was the Count, if whoever handed it over was willing to give it to a group like the LPA, then it was probably a testing ground. That would mean there are more of these.
::Then she looked up at every face at the table, taking time to meet their eyes::
Now I don't know about the rest of you, but I've been in this business since I was knee-high to a chocobo and I think I owe it to this world to see this through to the end. I helped save it from the Empire once, it would leave a bad taste in my mouth to sit back and let them do as they please.
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Post by Oliver on Sept 1, 2011 15:46:19 GMT -5
Oliver looks over to Iole, curiously furrowing his brow. "So t'ats w'at ye were doing at Triceutical? Ye cou'd of told me t'at." He chuckled. "T'ats pretty damn badass of ye to weasel ye way in like t'at. A'ot better t'en my elaborate convoluted plan t'at went balls up."
Vincent and his two crew beside him look very confused about Iole's mention of Bardi and Triceutical. They had no idea what she was talking about. "Uh... think we missed something here." Vincent explained, he tried to dismiss that bit of history - with Gwen appearing, he couldn't help but think that maybe someone else was back from the past and he just didn't want to hear it that right now. One horrible revelation an hour was his limit.
"So, the Lindblum bomb came from Doma? Interesting. I did some gunrunning some years back with a black market dealer from Zozp. I'll put a feeler out with him, see if anyone has been dealing in illegal explosives the last few years. Something as high-profile as a magitek explosive had to make someone talk. Maybe, if we're lucky, flush out the trafficker. In the mean time, how are we to go about dealing with our soon to be best friend Count Sigismund?"
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Post by Guinevere on Sept 1, 2011 17:26:50 GMT -5
::Gwen unfolds the invitation in her hand::
Simple really. We play his game. Vincent and I have formal invitations that allow us to bring three guests. Let's see, Kerion, Lilly, and Kenny are my plus three. Vincent, you will have to add Gideon to your entourage. Iole and Oliver, you will need to be there in a different kapacity. But don't worry, I've already arranged a way for you to get into the party without drawing too much attention. Well... Oliver anyway. Iole, I'm afraid your part will require you to draw attention.
Lillith: ::Suspiciously:: Why are you singling them out?
Bekause Oliver is the most likely in our party to pass as a waiter, and Iole is the only one here who kan sing.
(OOC: Sure the Burmecian looks like a waiter. Gwen's such a racist)
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Post by Lillith on Sept 1, 2011 17:30:51 GMT -5
Sounds like a good plan. I just have one problem with it.
Gwen: And what would that be?
You. I don't like how heavily we have to rely on you in this scenario.
Gwen: I'm afraid you don't have much choice. So you'll have to get used to it.
::Despite her self assured statement, Gwen did have to give in to the number of eyes on her::
Gwen: Is there anything I kan do help you have a little bit of faith in me?
Not likely. I'll probably be looking over your shoulder the whole time to make sure you don't have a knife behind your back.
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Post by Oliver on Sept 1, 2011 17:44:21 GMT -5
Oliver was taken back by Gwen's suggestion - and slightly insulted, but what worried him most is he wasn't exactly refined and proper. Portraying wait-staff at what sounded like a state dinner wasn't something he was use too, much less experienced. Not only that, he was a one-eyed Burmecian in a region that wasn't exactly populated with his kind. A bubble of apprehension built in his stomach.
"Wait, w'y me? I'm not exact'y 'wou'd you 'ike some more champagne sir' type. But t'e real question I got - can I keep t'e tips?"
Vincent curiously looked to Gwen, leaning back in his chair with his arms cross. "And who, might I ask, is Gideon?"
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Gideon Lightfeather
Experienced Novice
No matter what world I am on, one thing is always the same; What is good, and what is evil.
Posts: 97
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Post by Gideon Lightfeather on Sept 1, 2011 17:49:25 GMT -5
Ahem.
::The pale elf at the table raised his finger::
That would be me. Pleased to meet you.
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Post by Vincent on Sept 1, 2011 18:22:12 GMT -5
Vincent does not appear amused by this revelation. "You mean pretty boy over there?" Vincent asks, stunned. "Oh this is getting good. Can't I just bring Miguel? He might look plain wrong in a dress and smells like bilge, but least I know he can handle himself if fists start flying."
Nahla and Miguel don't appear amused as well. "I think I could take him in some bare-knuckle brawl." Nahla comments, sizing up Gideon. "Looks can be deceiving." Replies Vincent. "Not as deceiving as a lowdown, dirty... deceiver." Says Miguel. "Well said. Wasn't that well said, Nahla?" Scoffs Vincent. "Had a kind of poetry to it, sir." States Nahla.
Vincent throws his napkin on the table. "Well, that settles it then, we get the elf. And Nahla, we need to get you a dress." "If I'm going to wear a dress, I'd want something with some slink." "You want a slinky dress? I can buy you a slinky dress. Captain, can I have money for a slinky dress?" Begs Miguel, being slightly creepy. "I can hurt you." Nahla says to Miguel.
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Gideon Lightfeather
Experienced Novice
No matter what world I am on, one thing is always the same; What is good, and what is evil.
Posts: 97
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Post by Gideon Lightfeather on Sept 1, 2011 18:26:47 GMT -5
::Gideon kept his composure despite the mocking he endured from Vincent and his crew. How he hated being trapped at this age. Though he narrowed his eyes at Iole when he noticed she was smirking::
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Post by Guinevere on Sept 1, 2011 18:38:34 GMT -5
::Gwen smiled with delight::
Then it's settled. The ball is in a week. That should allow us each time for travel and preparation. Vincent, your crew and Gideon should go on ahead of us. Arriving together would look suspicious. Iole I assume you have nothing to wear, so I shall provide an ensemble for you.
::The way she said it made it sound like she were looking down her nose at Iole's wardrobe and it put a scowl on the dragon girl's face::
Are there any other questions?
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Post by Lillith on Sept 1, 2011 18:50:41 GMT -5
::Lillith rose from the table and brought her hands down on its surface::
Hold it right there. You mean to tell me you're staying in our house an extra night? One night was bad enough.
Gwen: What's wrong Lilly? Are you afraid I'll go rogue and eat one of your students?
You say that like it's a joke. But have you forgotten what happened the last time you were under this roof?
Gwen: I was a different woman then.
Prove it.
Gwen: And how exaktly do you propose I do that?
::Lillith narrowed her green slitted eyes::
You know exactly what you can do. You say you've moved on, but your past is still here, and its been threatening my students every day since you brought it here.
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Gideon Lightfeather
Experienced Novice
No matter what world I am on, one thing is always the same; What is good, and what is evil.
Posts: 97
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Post by Gideon Lightfeather on Sept 1, 2011 18:59:08 GMT -5
::Gideon's fingers itched for the sword which despite Lillith's protestation had remained hung over the back of his chair like a coat::
What is she talking about?
Lillith: Gwen here made a deal with an evil god that she served since before Natalia's death. In exchange for her service she was given two demon slaves. They've been sealed in the basement of this manor since the day she disappeared; proof that her pact still holds.
::Gideon's eyes flickered between Lillith and Gideon::
Jezebel?
::Lillith, Kenny, and Vincent each snapped their heads towards him::
I'm familiar with her dealings. She originated from my world after all. Sometimes a pact with one of her contractors can linger for extended periods of time depending on the terms of the contract and the measure of darkness in the individual's heart. But if Guinevere truly has turned away from her, then she should be able to banish them without a problem.
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Post by Guinevere on Sept 1, 2011 19:26:33 GMT -5
::At this Gwen looked slightly apprehensive::
Is there another way?
Lillith: You wanted my terms. There they are. It's your mess. Get those things out of my house. Unless you're reluctant to give up your lackeys.
No it isn't that. It's just...
::The sorceress' pale hands began to tremble, and suddenly Gwen looked very small. It was odd seeing someone of her stature and regal confidence appear to cower::
You have no idea the measure of her power. That darkness... it swallowed me once. The weight was unbelievable. I've spent the last few years running from it. I don't know if I'll eskape if I face it a sekond time.
::Gideon rose from his seat::
Gideon: It's a daunting task, but it is possible. We cannot run from the mistakes of our past if we are determined to change the future. If you want to be truly free, you have to face them.
::Droplets of sweat were forming on Gwen's brow now. And her eyes looked feverish. She was silent for awhile, then she gulped a hard swallow and meekly nodded her head. Gideon rose from the table and looped the strap of his scabbard over his shoulder::
Gideon: This is a personal matter, no one need witness it. I'll go for her protection. Lillith, this is your house and these monsters have plagued it, so you are permitted. If you would show us to the basement.
May Kenny kome as well?
::Gwen spoke in a hoarse voice. Lillith narrowed her eyes::
Just as a friend.
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Post by Lillith on Sept 2, 2011 0:50:22 GMT -5
::Lillith headed for the door with Kenny behind her:: Everyone else stay here. This shouldn't take long. www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjlBCAx6330::then she headed down the stairs, eager to make her school safe again. The four of them made their way to the student's dining hall where the glamored doorway to the basement was hidden. Lillith held her hand towards it:: Stand back. ::The wall in front of them hissed as the crevices along the doorframe unsealed themselves. It swung open to admit them, revealing the all too familiar staircase of stone. The Witch of Storms turned her hardened gaze to Gwen:: After you.
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Post by Guinevere on Sept 2, 2011 1:06:01 GMT -5
::Once they began their descent, the oil trenches along the wall ignited themselves. Gideon remained close to Gwen::
Gideon: They know you're here.
::He drew his sword::
::The Hag and the Wolf stepped into the flickering light, their hideous faces twisted in glee::
Wolf: Our Mistress of Webs! You have returned!
Hag: But why do you return with the Witch of Storms and the Immortal?
::Guinevere stood resolute and spoke levelly as a true high-born woman, though she could not stop the trembling of her hands::
I am here to renounce my pakt.
::The skulking figures hunched like a pair of buzzards, their eyes narrowed::
Wolf: You believe it so easy? You gave yourself willingly to our power. But that power came at a cost. It is not something you can simply wish away.
Hag: The damage you have done cannot be undone. You cannot change what you did in the name of our mother.
I know I kannot change the past. But I kan strive for a better future. I want nothing more to do with you or your kind any longer.
::The wolf snarled at her and the hag flicked her forked tongue in and out::
Hag: You think so.
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Gideon Lightfeather
Experienced Novice
No matter what world I am on, one thing is always the same; What is good, and what is evil.
Posts: 97
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Post by Gideon Lightfeather on Sept 2, 2011 1:11:09 GMT -5
::Gideon held his sword at the ready::
She has made her choice, and she chooses to step out of the darkness. Tempt her all you like, that is your right. But even your master is bound by the law of free will. That is an eternal principle.
::The demons shrunk back from the elf's blade, but remained defiant::
Wolf: Free will. You mortals use that gift so well. It is the actions of yours that spawn beings like us.
Hag: So long as darkness exists in the hearts of mortals, we will never be gone.
But unless we choose it, you have no hold over us. Now get out.
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Post by Guinevere on Sept 2, 2011 1:23:34 GMT -5
::The demons recoiled, but only slightly::
Wolf: Oh we'll go.
Hag: But this sleeper's contract was not without a price.
Wolf: And we will take what is ours!
::Without warning the demon's sprung. A wave of shadows shot from the Hag's hand, engulfing them. Lillith and Kenny dropped to their knees, choked by the weight of the darkness. Gwen shielded her face with her hand, but something was pushing her. The Hag had her long writhing fingers wrapped around her arm and was pulling her further into the dark, while the Wolf hunched over her from behind pushing her. She tried to scream. She couldn't. She couldn't see a thing. Then one thing in the dark became clear; a pair of eyes the color of fire that burned like the depths of hell. Behind those eyes, a tall elven woman in a long black dress with white blond hair that moved like smoke and a faerie sheen to her ethereal flesh. The woman's eyes tore away from whatever beauty she may have once posessed and revealed her for the monster she was. She extended her sparkling hand with a half smile. Gwen could feel her pull and looked down. emerging from the depths of the specter's billowing sleeve was a pair of heavy chains. She followed it with her eyes to find them shackled to her wrists, and they were pulling her further and further towards that costly payment. This time she did scream::
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Gideon Lightfeather
Experienced Novice
No matter what world I am on, one thing is always the same; What is good, and what is evil.
Posts: 97
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Post by Gideon Lightfeather on Sept 2, 2011 1:28:52 GMT -5
::Within the shadows, Gideon held his sword longways in front of him::
Gods of Light grant us thy strength. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from this evil
::He ran two of his fingers along the blade, and where he touched it began to burn brightly. The chains were clear to him, as were the captor and the leash holder. He leaped into the air, raising his sword above him and brought it down on the chains. In a flash they shattered at the center and vanished in a blinding light that took the darkness with it. The woman gasped and staggered as though she had been struck before she too was erased completely. The flash knocked the hag and the wolf back, and Gwen fell to the floor, clinging to her phoenix pendant for dear life::
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Post by Lillith on Sept 2, 2011 1:38:12 GMT -5
::With the darkness no longer strangling her, Lillith got back on her feet. The demons only had time to look in her direction and know what was coming, but that was all. The Witch of Storms roared with vengeance as lightning shot from both her hands. She released every bit she had into them until they fell to the ground, their hateful yellow eyes still frozen open like a dead frog's. They did not rise again. At long last their bodies shifted back into the shadows they'd been created from and whisped out of Leah Garden like sand in the wind, never to threaten her students again. Lillith breathed a sigh of relief. Gideon was sheathing his sword::
How were you able to move freely while the rest of us couldn't?
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