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Forum Thread

Bring down the Prince of Shadows

Forum-Index → Roleplay → Bring down the Prince of Shadows
possumboy
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Trainerlevel: 32

Forum Posts: 221
Posted: Thu, 16/06/2022 22:37 (2 Years ago)
Lizzie blinked hard a few times, her breathing becoming shallower. Still, she wasn't losing enough blood not to notice the man's obvious discomfort towards the situation. She grinned. "Seems like the oh-so-great pretty boy doesn't like blood, huh?" The wound didn't seem that bad, anyways. Still, despite the spinning of the room, she'd continue to make fun of him. "I really was right about you, spoiled little puppy."
RainRipple
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Trainerlevel: 62

Forum Posts: 277
Posted: Fri, 17/06/2022 03:23 (2 Years ago)
The noble gritted his teeth, growling, "You seem blissfully unaware that it would be barely an inconvenience for me to get up and leave you here like you deserve. No one would blame me, either." Bunching up some of the fabric strips, he forced himself not to recoil while he pressed them into the wound, acting purely out of desire to stop the bleeding in any way. He then tied more strips around her leg to keep them there. "Now I suggest you restrain your tongue and give me some information as to how else I ought to handle this. Have you even got a name? Most strays don't tend to, but occasionally some are given one by their masters before they get thrown out onto the streets."
Quote“Cause You make mountains move,
You make giants fall.
You use songs of praise, to shake prison walls.
And I will speak to my fear, I will preach to my doubt;
You were faithful then, You'll be faithful now."
-
"Faithful Now," by Vertical Worship
possumboy
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Trainerlevel: 32

Forum Posts: 221
Posted: Fri, 17/06/2022 19:11 (2 Years ago)
Lizzie could feel her temper rising, and for a split second, it combated the dizzy feeling in her head and her overwhelming desire to lie down on the ground and fall asleep. "Yeah, Why don't you call me the one who'll shove a-" She stopped. He'd saved her life, and her own energy was draining. Lizzie would've liked to continue this argument, but she needed his help, to her disgust, to get to help. "It's...Lizzie," she forced out through gritted teeth. "And I know someone who's not...afraid of blood, and...." Lizzie found her words slurring, but at least things weren't getting worse. The aristocrat had done his work well. "She'll treat the wound. You just need to take me to the apocothary by the town square. She'll find me." Lizzie paused. "Well, I told you my name, what about you, spoiled puppy? Or would you rather that I call you pretty boy?"
RainRipple
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Trainerlevel: 62

Forum Posts: 277
Posted: Fri, 17/06/2022 20:16 (2 Years ago)
The man sighed as the thief’s strength waned. There was no point in snapping back at her; though the bleeding had been acceptably triaged, the longer he waited, the weaker she would become. “It’s Paradox, acting head of House Arcturus. Hang on for a little while, alright? I’ll get you there in, well, as few pieces as I can manage.”

Getting to his feet and trying to shake away the dizziness her blood had brought on, he lifted her carefully into his arms. Lizzie, huh? She really is quite small… It felt as if she weighed almost nothing. Stepping calmly over the blood-covered beast on the ground, he left the gate behind him, filing away for later a discourse regarding whether or not to report the bloodshed.
Quote“Cause You make mountains move,
You make giants fall.
You use songs of praise, to shake prison walls.
And I will speak to my fear, I will preach to my doubt;
You were faithful then, You'll be faithful now."
-
"Faithful Now," by Vertical Worship
possumboy
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Trainerlevel: 32

Forum Posts: 221
Posted: Fri, 17/06/2022 20:41 (2 Years ago)
"Promising," she muttered, fighting to keep her eyes open. Paradox...what an odd name. But it certainly fit with the other names of Heads of Houses she knew about. But why in the world was he an "acting head?" Aristocrats would never make any sense to Lizzie. Still, he wasn't a completely miserable person if he would do this for her. Why exactly was he doing it? Still, the important part was staying conscious until they got to Ellia. "Paradox, huh? What..you got a sister named Mortal Comptenplation and a brother named Psychology?"
RainRipple
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Trainerlevel: 62

Forum Posts: 277
Posted: Fri, 17/06/2022 21:31 (2 Years ago)
“Caprice, actually,” he grimaced. Psychology? Where did she get that from? What a stupid idea for a name. As the man approached the town square, he had to slow his pace. He didn’t care one bit for the opinions of the commoners, but basic sense told him that troubles may arise in the future if any were to take particular notice of the comparatively powerful nobleman carrying the tiny outlaw. He kept to the backroads and shadows, though taking care not to hold himself in the way someone seeking to avoid notice might. The journey was rather long, and his hope to remain subtle only perpetuated it, but eventually, he found the location. When he was sure he would not be seen, Paradox slipped in through the door of the apothecary.
Quote“Cause You make mountains move,
You make giants fall.
You use songs of praise, to shake prison walls.
And I will speak to my fear, I will preach to my doubt;
You were faithful then, You'll be faithful now."
-
"Faithful Now," by Vertical Worship
possumboy
OFFLINE
Trainerlevel: 32

Forum Posts: 221
Posted: Fri, 17/06/2022 23:06 (2 Years ago)
By then, Lizzie was too weak to speak, and quickly losing consciousness. She’d lost a lot of blood already, and she was lucky that Paradox had stopped the bleeding in time. So she wasn’t aware of the woman who answered the door, skin unusually pale and hair black and frizzy. A pair of spectacles were balanced on her nose, and she looked distant and distracted, wearing a brightly colored dress embroidered with with flowers. “Oh, hello! Welcome to-” Seeing Lizzy in his arms, the woman’s demeanor instantly changed, grabbing him by the shirt and spinning him into the room, slamming the door behind him and locking it, closing the curtains. She turned to face him, a gun drawn and pointed right at him. “What are you doing with her?” she said in a low, angry voice.
RainRipple
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Trainerlevel: 62

Forum Posts: 277
Posted: Fri, 17/06/2022 23:19 (2 Years ago)
It was all Paradox could do to not lash out at the woman. He was really getting irritated by all of the disrespect he'd been receiving recently. The gun was really unnecessary, not to mention quite crude. "I would recommend watching your tone. Despite my better judgement, I'm attempting to save her life. I was told you would care for her; naturally, if you require compensation, that can be arranged," he growled. Glancing around the store, he moved away from the woman, searching for a place to lay the limp thief.
Quote“Cause You make mountains move,
You make giants fall.
You use songs of praise, to shake prison walls.
And I will speak to my fear, I will preach to my doubt;
You were faithful then, You'll be faithful now."
-
"Faithful Now," by Vertical Worship
possumboy
OFFLINE
Trainerlevel: 32

Forum Posts: 221
Posted: Fri, 17/06/2022 23:35 (2 Years ago)
The woman caught sight of Lizzie, and her eyes went wide. She put the gun down, and went to the back of the apocotheary, shoving a shelf aside and pushing on the bricks. One of them popped inwards, and bricks began to move and slide with loud crunching noises, until a doorway was revealed. “Come with me, then,” the woman said brusquely, gesturing impatiently for him to follow her into a small, dark room only lit by the candles in holders on the wall, which she quickly lit, pulling the cover off of a cot, pulling away the boxes and gesturing again. “Put her here.”
RainRipple
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Trainerlevel: 62

Forum Posts: 277
Posted: Sat, 18/06/2022 00:14 (2 Years ago)
Paradox followed her with great apprehension. He felt that he could handle it if she chose to become violent, but he was entirely unsure what else she could be planning. The passageway and its hidden nature greatly aroused his suspicions. Despite that, he didn't turn back, his concern for the woman in his arms, which had been steadily growing without his awareness, overcoming any hesitation.

Carefully, he set her on the cot, adjusting her arms so they lay as comfortably as possible at her sides. For a moment, he just stared down at her, a hint of worry in his expression. He caught himself, though, and stepped away, arms behind his back. "It's her leg," he said simply, voice, as usual, devoid of emotion.
Quote“Cause You make mountains move,
You make giants fall.
You use songs of praise, to shake prison walls.
And I will speak to my fear, I will preach to my doubt;
You were faithful then, You'll be faithful now."
-
"Faithful Now," by Vertical Worship
possumboy
OFFLINE
Trainerlevel: 32

Forum Posts: 221
Posted: Sat, 18/06/2022 02:20 (2 Years ago)
The woman just rolled her eyes. "I can see that, obviously," she said patiently. The woman opened one of the boxes and set to work. She really was the best for the job, a fast and efficient worker that moved silently, like some kind of strange, brightly colored owl. Within minutes she'd replaced Paradox's fabric torquinet with bandages, clean and tight. "I need to replenish the blood she's lost," the woman said gravely. "Once that happens, she'll be pratically good as new."
RainRipple
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Trainerlevel: 62

Forum Posts: 277
Posted: Sat, 18/06/2022 03:02 (2 Years ago)
"Very well," he nodded, turning back towards the passageway from which they had come. He paused with his hand on the side of the exit way, glancing down at the floor before turning around and bowing. "Thank you. I trust she will be safe with you." With that, he whisked out of the room, out the passage, and into the street, boots clicking against the cobbled stone, hand covering his mouth as he furrowed his brow deeply in thought.

That evening, Paradox sat in a large deep red arm chair in one of the more private parlors of the Arcturus estate. He didn't particularly care for the color, but he'd allowed Caprice to decorate the room, and it was a particular favorite of hers, along with the dark blues and golds seen in the curtains, carpet, and various ornaments that accompanied it. The guest he was expecting had quickly realized his sister's part to play in the general aesthetic. The man was focused on a black book with silver bindings, perusing it through a simple pair of rimless reading spectacles. A knock sounded on the door, and a servant stepped inside. "Lord Ezan to see you, Lord Paradox." "Send him in."
Quote“Cause You make mountains move,
You make giants fall.
You use songs of praise, to shake prison walls.
And I will speak to my fear, I will preach to my doubt;
You were faithful then, You'll be faithful now."
-
"Faithful Now," by Vertical Worship
possumboy
OFFLINE
Trainerlevel: 32

Forum Posts: 221
Posted: Sat, 18/06/2022 03:18 (2 Years ago)
Ezan came into the room quickly, as smoothly as a ghost would have if it passed through the walls. The closest thing Ezan had to a smile, a soft grimace was on his face. "Paradox," he said quietly, "You're looking well." His eyes flickered around the room, taking it in, and his smile grew just the faintest bit, even if his hands behind his back clenched until his knuckles turned white.
RainRipple
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Trainerlevel: 62

Forum Posts: 277
Posted: Sat, 18/06/2022 03:36 (2 Years ago)
The noble set his book aside and got gracefully to his feet, bowing. "You as well, my friend. It is always good to see you. Please, sit down. Could I get you anything? Wine, perhaps?" A very faint hint of humour bounced in the twenty-three-year-old's tone, proving that he knew quite well the limitations brought by his friend's age. "I jest," he added without waiting for a response, and a wave to the servant at the door resulted in two glasses of water and a plate of water chestnuts wrapped in pork being brought in.
Quote“Cause You make mountains move,
You make giants fall.
You use songs of praise, to shake prison walls.
And I will speak to my fear, I will preach to my doubt;
You were faithful then, You'll be faithful now."
-
"Faithful Now," by Vertical Worship
possumboy
OFFLINE
Trainerlevel: 32

Forum Posts: 221
Posted: Sat, 18/06/2022 03:53 (2 Years ago)
Ezan's eyes narrowed, and his jaw worked, but in an instant, he recovered, taking the water and a chestnut, and sitting down next to him. "How is your father?" He said quietly, taking a sip of the water. "I haven't had time to catch up with you. Some new business has come up and I've been awfully busy. Had to attend a funeral for that poor mayor that died a few days ago. Terribly tragic."
RainRipple
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Trainerlevel: 62

Forum Posts: 277
Posted: Sat, 18/06/2022 04:05 (2 Years ago)
It was Paradox's turn to be somewhat unsettled, and he pursed his lips before taking his seat after Ezan; despite their friendship, he still did his best to act with proper social etiquette when in his presence. "Yes, tragic indeed. The Lord Arcturus is as well as he ever seems to be. His health has neither improved nor declined. I assure you that, should it ever permit him to be capable once more of clear thought, he would be greatly honored by your continued presence here. In his stead, though, allow me to express that sentiment. Caprice also wishes me to convey to you her gratitude, as well as an invitation to dine with her at your earliest convenience. I am not meant to tell you this, but I was originally included in said invitation as well, but I fear that whichever day works best for you, I shall be sadly caught up in a set of meetings on the far side of town." There was a lightness beneath the usual cold formality to his tone that could be brought about by discussion with few others. It was curious to him how such a close friendship had formed between himself and the hallowed ruler of Wolfshire.
Quote“Cause You make mountains move,
You make giants fall.
You use songs of praise, to shake prison walls.
And I will speak to my fear, I will preach to my doubt;
You were faithful then, You'll be faithful now."
-
"Faithful Now," by Vertical Worship
possumboy
OFFLINE
Trainerlevel: 32

Forum Posts: 221
Posted: Sat, 18/06/2022 04:29 (2 Years ago)
Ezan stared at Paradox, silent, as he traced his finger around the rim of the glass. He blinked, then went back to that strange smile. "Of course, of course, perhaps a day next week?" He looked down at the table and tried not to smile before his face went blank again. "I'd be happy to spend more time with your sister, she's a lovely woman indeed."
RainRipple
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Trainerlevel: 62

Forum Posts: 277
Posted: Sat, 18/06/2022 04:37 (2 Years ago)
A flicker of amusement passed across Paradox's face. "I will convey your acceptance to her. I'm sure she will be quite pleased to hear you think so of her."

Two days later, Paradox walked quickly into the vast building where meetings between Lord Ezan and the Heads of Houses occurred, his dress cape flaring behind him. No words needed to be given as every eye in the room glanced towards him, then back at their ruler. Once again, the acting Head had been caught up in the ailments of his father. He dipped his head towards his kind and friend in apology, taking his seat as quickly and gracefully as he could and tuning in to the briefing.
Quote“Cause You make mountains move,
You make giants fall.
You use songs of praise, to shake prison walls.
And I will speak to my fear, I will preach to my doubt;
You were faithful then, You'll be faithful now."
-
"Faithful Now," by Vertical Worship
possumboy
OFFLINE
Trainerlevel: 32

Forum Posts: 221
Posted: Sat, 18/06/2022 04:43 (2 Years ago)
Ezan nodded slightly in Paradox's direction, before returning to the discussion. "As I was saying, we need to redouble our efforts to catch this thief. She's a menace and a danger. But our best efforts have not been enough." He leaned forward slightly. "But we have new information from an informant who managed to catch one of her allies. The real name of our little thief is Lizzie Guildian." The heads of the other Houses began muttering to each other. Ezan's smile grew. "And, we know her next move, and where to find her and ambush her. She has many, many crimes to...pay for."
RainRipple
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Trainerlevel: 62

Forum Posts: 277
Posted: Sat, 18/06/2022 05:03 (2 Years ago)
Paradox leaned back in his seat, plastering his usual look of calm observance across his face despite whatever he may be feeling inside. It couldn't possibly be the same fiery woman he had assisted the other day, could it? And then, against all common sense, a flicker of concern pulsed through him. He knew the look on his king's face well. He should ignore this and play his part, but as the meeting progressed, his conscience, something he hadn't even been truly aware existed, tugged at him more and more. Despite everything the young noble knew, everything he stood for, he couldn't leave the woman to face the punishments that would lie in store for her if she were caught. She was terribly annoying, sure, but something in him reacted strangely to that acknowledgement. It almost felt like a positive.

When the briefing ended, Paradox whisked out of the room as quickly as he could, leaving all under the assumption that he was returning to his ailing father's side. However, he'd heard enough to know exactly where to head to catch Lizzie before she could fall into the hands of the soldiers currently about to ambush her.
Quote“Cause You make mountains move,
You make giants fall.
You use songs of praise, to shake prison walls.
And I will speak to my fear, I will preach to my doubt;
You were faithful then, You'll be faithful now."
-
"Faithful Now," by Vertical Worship