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Post by Delaela Fenastra-Asiliari on Apr 7, 2023 15:18:33 GMT -5
As the fight begins, Del exhales a little breath and starts to move from cover to stay at the flanks. She's still tired, hasn't had proper rest and there's yet more people to fight.
Still, she presses on.
Del attacks the back left flank, a battering ram of a woman moving like liquid shadow through and between enemies, throwing them into one another and causing chaos within the ranks. Though, more to her surprise, Del sees that the reinforcements are... attacking the opponents? Friends of friends? She isn't sure, but Del has no qualms about receiving aid. She merely stays out of their way.
And, privately, wonders what she might have wandered into.
Her portion of ten is very quickly decimated in a matter of seconds, and the sudden inclusion of additiona allies sends the bandit-led enemies into a tailspin. Being attacked from all angles, at this point, they would have no choice but to flee or surrender. And the one bandit leader, in Del's mind, had quite enough second chances.
Stepping back from the fray, rubbing her bruised knuckles, she watches Javal and his retainer finish off the enemies that remained, however they saw fit. She looks on curiously at the new group, stepping back to observe, wondering who they are and how they had known to show up. How any of them had known to show up. It was unnerving that they had known the exact location of where Javal's shelter had been placed. This was an awful lot of people to be involved around. Made her deeply uneasy.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 7, 2023 21:53:12 GMT -5
Javal was done for the most part it seemed like the bandit reinforcements were finished with the total power of Drakon Security Company, Del, and this mysterious group that arrived to help. At first, Javal was surprised and honestly a bit worried about fighting them already tired from the bandit forces. Suddenly one of these blue-cloaked riders approaches Javal and hops off their horse. Javal readies his katana still uncertain of these new people’s allegiance.
“My sincerest apologies for all that has occurred to you tonight we should have known that he would’ve gone to these lengths to stop any help we asked for. Oh, my apologies I forgot to introduce myself my name is “Isarell Zenrath the daughter of the man who has sent a letter seeking your employment these are my father’s forces. The only reason we were able to come as fast as we can is that a spy within their forces informed us of a potential ambush against you. Follow me and we can speak more about this on our way to my father’s estate. Men take the bandits prisoners we’ll deal with them once we reach my father’s estate.
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Post by Delaela Fenastra-Asiliari on Apr 13, 2023 19:02:47 GMT -5
Del watches this from her space off to the side, her expression wary. So many people converging worried her, but there wasn't anything specifically that made her feel as though anything was off. Apart from everyone seeming to know where Javal was at all times, which was the primary reason for Del's uneasiness about this whole thing. It felt too exposed for the Shadow Dancer.
Still, these people had come to help. Taking a slow breath, Del takes a few steps forward, inclining her head as she stands near Javal. It was still the middle of the night, and she personally had not yet slept. She could not say for certain how far away Darkveil was from here, considering she and Javal's group had met near the border of Zeinav, but she holds up a hand, as if to ask for a 'halt' to the proceedings while she... got her bearings.
"Hi. Thank you for the help; I'm Del. I'm not part of Javal's company, but I'm, ah. Invested." That worked, and was true enough. "How far is your fathers estate from here and how are you planning on taking..." she looks over her shoulder, counting. "Thirty six... Forty bandits captive?"
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 14, 2023 23:15:51 GMT -5
Israell now staring at Del responds earnestly, “Hello there Del, it is nice to meet you although I regret the circumstances around it. I do sincerely apologize for our negligence leading both you and Javal into direct danger. As for your questions, I have answers, My father’s estate lies within Darkveil City, only days travel from here, and we shall accompany you guys to the estate. As for the murdered men, I have a cleanup crew coming to transport them to an undisclosed remote location.
“Well, sounds good to me”, Javal says excitedly.
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Post by Delaela Fenastra-Asiliari on Apr 22, 2023 12:56:08 GMT -5
Del relaxes a little. Darkveil was a few days away, and if they weren't carting the other prisoners alongside them as they went along, then it seemed a little more weildly to be able to get to where they were going. She had handled a few days without rest before; she could do it again if need be, though she suspected Cyran would not be as pleased if he could feel her exhaustion through their connection.
After a few more moments of careful consideration, Del again nods carefully. "As you say. Please lead on, I would be happy to return to Darkveil with you all and find out exactly what is going on."
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 24, 2023 18:20:51 GMT -5
After Isarell finished speaking with Del the entire voyage began their journey towards Darkveil City. Israell left a handful of her men at the site of the former battlefield to wait for the other men to transport the bodies to a mysterious location. The journey was fine at first, that was until the fatigue of the battle started to rear its ugly head. Javal and Nadia began to slow down their wearnes slowly crept up until Israell spoke up and said they should rest for a little bit which they did. After the decent rest they began once more on their journey this continued for about two days with small rest in between. After that they finally appear at the entrance of Darkveil City.
Israel dismissed her men and told them to secure their path from any threat and her men dissipated into the city’s crowds searching for any potential threats.
As they made their way from the slums of Darkveil to the wealthy areas, Javals eyes sparkled with excitement, “Woah Darkveil looks so fun”.
Israell chuckles, “Yes, Darkveil’s beautiful landscapes provide a pretty backdrop to its dark environment”.
Soon after their short trek up a hill they arrived in front of the gate, a large mansion. Guards soon opening the gates and Israell said, “Welcome to the House Zenarth follow me into my father’s study”.
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Post by Delaela Fenastra-Asiliari on Apr 28, 2023 20:52:27 GMT -5
Del herself soldiered on as the group started to move out. By her estimation, she had likely slept the least out of all of them, but she was, sadly, used to this kind of life. Before settling in Darkveil, she had wandered for decades, place to place, trying to escape the past that never seemed to stop haunting her. She could have kept going if she needed to-- she'd done it before. Even so, she's grateful for the moment of rest that is eventually provided.
It makes Del wonder just who Israell and her family are. There weren't a tonne of nobles in Darkveil; they existed, sure, but the city was by and large one of the biggest hives of criminals and their organizations in Charon. It made her wonder what sort of lions den she might be walking into, especially given her own past.
She keeps this to herself, though. No reason to make a mountain out of a mole-hill-- she just neeed to be careful.
It takes a while before they are once more at the gates of Darkveil, and Del breathes a sigh of relief. Home. She can't wait to get back to the orphanage and check in on Cyran and the kids, but first, she needs to see this through.
"It certainly can be," Del replies to Javal with a slight smile. She follows the group up one of the hills to... a mansion. A large one, in fact. She looks up at it dubiously efore proceeding. Zenarth was not a familiar name to her, but that wasn't atypical; Del tended to keep her eyes and ears out of other people's business, even if it was mostly for her own self preservation. She nods quietly and follows them in, looking over the guards as they pass beyond the gates.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 29, 2023 2:27:27 GMT -5
Javal’s eyes were filled with curiosity and wonder as Isarell took them up the stairs and then walked all the way to her father’s study.
Once they reach the door where his study was Isarell pulls them aside and says, “Alright guys once we get in there I recommend being polite and honest. My father is a kind man but gets very upset when people aren’t honest with him so I highly recommend following my advice”.
“No problem”, Javal says, “I treat everyone like that, your father sounds like a very honorable man”.
Israell then opens the door wide and lets the two inside of it as they go inside Javal is mesmerized by how big the room is, it's filled with bookshelves, and papers everyone as well as a handful of weapons in display cases.
Soon the chair that was facing the opposite direction of the new people in the room swings to face them, before them lies the head of the Zenrath family as well as the only person it seems that can give them answers on what was going on. He stands up and offers his hand to shake Javal and Del’s hands.
Javal quickly accepts and shakes his hand firmly, after that the man sits back down into his chair and begins speaking, “Hello there it’s a pleasure to finally get to meet you two in person. My name is Antoine Zenarth leader of House Zenarth as well as president of the Zenarth Trade Company. I have beseeched Javal in order to pay for his services in a very difficult and dangerous mission. Let me explain with a bit of personal history, my family has for generations fought with another noble trader family named the Brunnigans. For a long time it’s been pretty simple and petty with insults, small sabotages, the occasional threats, etc. but recently they have started to get more unruly and more brave in their attempts to win the family feud. They have gotten a lot more militaristic in their family and have started to hire people from very dangerous backgrounds and started directly attacking us. Just the other day I even saw one of my couriers get killed in the streets and robbed for our product. I ask for your help in solving this, this isn’t some petty squabble between nobles, it has not gone on to be a full-on war. Once again I ask you two to please help us in our time of need. You two will be paid very handsomely for your efforts. I can promise that and some political connections as a reward".
Javal turns to face Del, “I’m down if your down Ms. Del what do you think”?
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Post by Delaela Fenastra-Asiliari on May 4, 2023 20:33:04 GMT -5
Del acquiesces to the handshake, politely nodding a hello, the warning of Isarell still ringing in her ears as she takes a step back. Her hands clasp at the small of her back as she listens with silent attentiveness, her eyes moving about the room. The shelves are full, weapons on the wall-- good quality ones, too, if she is any judge (she is). It made her wonder how much was for show and how much was actually functional, in use. The weapons at least looked cleaned and sharpened, and the books themselves did not appear to be covered in the dust of disuse.
Her eyes shift back to Antoine Zenarth, brow slightly furrowed, as he described the ongoings of his business lately, internally bristling, but keeping her thoughts to herself. She helped people, not corporations.
Del looks to Javal at the question, and then back at the man. She keeps her posture stalk still, her amber gaze sharp and steely. "I am not sold just yet. Mr. Zenarth, you yourself already have a veritable army at your disposal. They were instrumental in taking out the forty-odd souls who attacked us, who were brought to... some other location, evidently. For what purpose would you need the skills of Javal and myself when you already have the resources to end this yourself?" The corners of her mouth twitch slightly. "I am not unwilling to help, but I am also not interested in monetary or political reward."
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Post by Javal Zarrias on May 14, 2023 0:53:24 GMT -5
“Ah Yes, I can understand your reluctance to help me see all my available resources. My private army doesn’t stand much of a chance against the coming Brunnigan Militia especially since they have hired some of the most infamous criminals to their side. My army is smaller than theirs and has only decently trained knights. Those forty souls that attacked you are just a small portion of their large army. My men can't compete with them in terms of numbers and skill. As for why I need you two specifically, I knew of Javal’s exploits with the Black Dragon Pirates and believe that he can even the odds of my company's survival. As for yourself, please heed my call of need. I am but a simple merchant who trades in famous weaponry, food, and jewelry. I'm not a man of war. I just want to be able to sell my wares in peace without worrying about having my people or even myself eventually killed".
He then points over to a display case on the wall, “Javal I have a replica of the great captain Wilford’s bicorn sitting right here in my office. I’m a big fan of yours, I beg of thee to protect me against the threat of the Brunnigans".
“I am in, I cannot ignore the call of those in need of help”, Javal says he then turns to face Del, “What do you say, Del?”
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Post by Delaela Fenastra-Asiliari on May 21, 2023 0:37:58 GMT -5
Del maintains her calm stoicism throughout the speech, taking it all in while doing her best to give nothing away while she takes in the words. The Brunnigan Militia was not a name she was familiar with, but then, now that she wasn't suriving day to day, Del was discovering that there were plenty of things that she had missed.
She turns her head to look at Javal and slowly feels the walls crumbling. He was a new friend and, made a good point. He could not ignore those in need of help, and neither could she. She looks between Antoine and Javal each, before she inclines her head slightly but resolutely. "I'm in as well. What do we need to do?"
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Post by Javal Zarrias on May 29, 2023 2:15:39 GMT -5
Antoine Zenarth then clasps his hands together and then bows his head towards the duo, “Thank you two for your help me and my company shall forever be in your debt. Now as for what you guys can do for me, I have a couple of trade routes with some couriers of mine. If you could follow them and accompany them to make sure that the Brunnigans don’t kill them that’d be very much appreciated. This will also be a good chance to show you how brutal these buttons are. You guys can start with the following: Davel and Rockstin. Those two are going to be delivering some food supplies to two of the stores I have here in Darkveil City. Rockstin was actually attacked and beaten up during his last delivery so I’m sure that the Brunnigans will strike again. Please help us. We have spare lodgings in this estate if you two would like to rest after your journey the two couriers make their deliveries tomorrow morning you two can discuss what ways you’d like to do this”, Antione remarks.
“Sounds good”, Javal says, now leaving the office and heading towards that spare lodging Antoine mentioned being guided there by a relieved-looking Israell.
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Post by Delaela Fenastra-Asiliari on Jun 2, 2023 0:50:45 GMT -5
Del listens, the careful expression still worn on her face like a careful mask. The job sounded simple enough; guard and make sure that the two couriers made it to their destination and back safely, and without interference from these Brunnigans. She thinks for a moment on the offer of a place to sleep, and nods, exhaling slowly. Normally, she would decline up front; she already had a place to stay in Darkveil. But, she'd had so little sleep over the past few days that it was starting to wear on her. If she went back to Shade's Valley and crawled into bed now, she wouldnh't be getting out of it for at least three or four days.
Here, though, she would be a certain lebel of on-edge at any given time. She would get the rest she needed, without being able to succumb to her need for true rest. She inclines her head. "Thank you for the offer. We will see you come the morning," And with that, she leaves, following behind Javal as they head towards the spare rooms to sleep for the night. She looks at the Fellblood from the corner of her eyes. "What's your take on this? You and your friends were the ones that were waylaid, twice. The whole venture seems reasonably risky; there's a high chance for retaliation, especially after what happened out in the wastes."
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Jun 7, 2023 23:18:24 GMT -5
Javal followed Isarell as she showed them the way to the extra guest rooms showing one room for Bootsamon and Javal and another one across it for Nadia and Del. She then wished them goodnight and headed to her chambers to sleep. Javal then sat in the middle of the hallway and responded to Del’s inquiries from earlier.
“Well honestly although you and Nadia are reluctant and suspicious honestly probably for the right reason about this I still can’t shake it off the feeling that I have to help them. They could’ve just left us to die in that desert. They've been so nice to us I just have to repay that kindness back. Plus if this turns out to be some sort of ploy to take advantage of us there is nothing to worry about I shall simply make it right and bring justice to whoever needs it. For now let’s just handle these Brunnigan fellows and assurance that this city goes back to as normal as it was before without Brunnigan vs Zenarth armed war and just petty pompous people bumbling around comparing gold”.
Javal then bids Nadia and Del goodbye and enters the boys guest room accompanied by his buff straw man friend. The two lay their heads in their respective beds and fall asleep with nothing of note happening that night at least on their end.
Javal is woken up by a knock at the door and Nadia’s voice saying, “My liege it’s time to begin our mission hurry up and make your way to the mansion’s gates”.
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Post by Delaela Fenastra-Asiliari on Jun 17, 2023 16:11:17 GMT -5
Del nods carefully as she listens to Javal's reasoning. It seemed straight forward enough... wanting to repay kindness was, of course, admirable, but Del was deeply concerned by the price at which it came. While helping the group seemed innocuous, she was very well aware that rarely, if ever, was something as simple on its face. Especially in Darkveil.
While it sets off all kinds of alarm bells for Del, she knows she won't be going anywhere. Foolish though that may be, she gave her word... and more to the point, Javal was a new friend. Del was not one to ever let a friend go off into something she felt might be dangerous, at least not alone. At least this way, she could keep an eye on the situation.
"It's worth seeing through, at least." Del nodded slowly. "Have a good night."
Her own sleep is fitful at best-- then again, it always is, plagued by a nightmare she has had every night for the past fifty or so years. Perhaps longer.
So when they are finally woken, a knock at her own door to rouse her, Del is on her feet, already saturated with adrenaline. Eager to see this through.
She is waiting out by the gates of the mansion already by the time Javal and Nadia arrive, wasting no time.
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