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Archive 22 / cobbler-and-key
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Angel™🌸 02-Dec-22 11:15 AM
It was quiet in the kingdom, save for the birds singing their morning songs. The sun hadn't even quite woken up yet; the sky was still dark, save for a sliver of light creeping up over the distance. Despite the sleepiness of her environment, Chesney was already snapping on her overalls, a hairbrush in her mouth as she tied back one of her pigtails. Gotta get downstairs, She thought as she rushed around upstairs, digging through the contraband she had stashed away in different corners of her room. Magic books handed down in secret, potion ingredients...ah there they were! Her favorite pair of shoes, enchanted so despite her lousy sense of direction, she could always come home. She shoved her feet in them as she made a mad dash past her grandmother. "Sorry Gran! Gotta get downstairs!" She hollered behind her, giving a wave as she ran downstairs just in time. She quickly flicked on the lights, turning the open sign to signal the shop was open. "There!" She panted, plopping down at her workstation. "Now that that's out of the way, time to add the final touch to these bad boys!" She looked at the pair of shoes in front of her, pursing her lips in thought. The client was an adventurer, traveling to distant lands in order to find rare cooking ingredients. "Maybe...hmmm..." Finally, she thought of it! She was trying to think of what the most important trait the shoes could have with such a client, and finally thought of it. Since they were looking for rarity, they would be bound to run into bandits. (Cont.) (edited)
11:15
"Juuuuuuust a little..." Her eyes narrowed in concentration, grabbing an innocuous tool. Despite looking like an awl for bookbinding, the purpose was a bit more...illegal. Carefully, she carved a sigil on the inside of the shoe. Sighing with relief, she wiped her brow, inserting the insole of the shoe to cover her handiwork. She designed her sigils to charge with walking, so no one would even notice her handiwork. Hearing the door open, she quickly shoved the tool into her overall pockets. "Hello! Welcome to the shop!" She called out, standing up quickly to greet whoever was there. "How can I help you!" She asked, pink eyes flashing with warmth. @Knight Night 🛡 (edited)
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Heartwick Key BOT 02-Dec-22 11:21 AM
(Looks perfect! I should be all set here in a moment)
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Angel™🌸 02-Dec-22 11:22 AM
(It's all good ^^ take your time :D)
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Chessney BOT 02-Dec-22 11:41 AM
(TW: TBD ^^)
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Heartwick Key BOT 02-Dec-22 12:17 PM
Junior Paladin Heartwick Key stepped into the small shop, an old pair of rugged boots in hand as he surveyed the many shoes adorned on the wall. He was a younger man, 22 years of age, and by all accounts had a bright future ahead of him. He wore the iconic red and gray armor of the King’s Paladins, the customary sword at his side. “Hello, shopkeep. I wanted to see if you might be able to repair these for me?” He stepped forward and set the boots on the counter in front of her. “They have some sentimental value. You see, well, they were my father’s and I’d very much like to restore them. A friend mentioned you were the best in town.” He smiled kindly down at her.
12:17
@Angel™🌸
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Chessney BOT 02-Dec-22 12:37 PM
Chessney looked over at the boots, trying to ignore the small twinge of anxiety. She had noticed the armor the young man wore, and knew what it would mean if he found out about the...enhancements...she added to her work. "Hmmmmmm," She was already loosing herself in thought, examining the difficulties she'd face with restoration. "Yea...yea I think I can fix these up!" Despite the fear of being found out, she couldn't turn down anyone. She loved to help, no matter who it was. "Your father's you say? They got lots of history then!! It'll take...hm...probably two days? I have a bit of a backlog, and I don't wanna rush and make a mistake..." Her words ebbed and flowed as she kept getting sucked into her thoughts, processing how she'd fix these up and what enchantments would suit the Paladin. She wished she could ask; she hated doing guess work, but it's not like she could ask a Palidin what flavor of illegal magic he'd like. "You can always stop in though to see the progress though!! The work should only cost a couple coin; I won't know an exact amount until I start working on them though!" She knew she undercharged for her work, but what could she say? She was a sap, and only wanted to charge enough to keep her shop and her Gran afloat. Ever the excitable one, she got to work further examining the boots, but stayed where she was in case he had more to add or talk about.
12:37
@Knight Night 🛡
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Heartwick Key BOT 05-Dec-22 02:24 AM
The paladin watched her intently as she looked over the books. “I father wore these almost every day when he would go to work. I know they aren’t in the best of shape, but they mean a lot to me. He always said ‘don’t judge a man by the quality his boots, but by his fortitude of his character.” The man smiled off into the distance, running through happy memories of his father from years past before shaking himself out of it and returning to the moment. “I just know he would get a kick out of his son, the Paladin, wearing his old work boots into the halls of the Red Keep.” Heartwick walked around the room, looking at all the different boots and shoes on display. He held one up, inspecting the sole. “It appears my friend spoke true; this is some very fine craftsmanship!” He walked back to the counter and placed a gold piece on it’s wooden surface. “Please, let me pay some in advance. I’ve been saving for some time, I can pay you two more gold sovereigns once they are done. I just want to make sure the greatest care is take with these.”
02:24
@Angel™🌸
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Chessney BOT 05-Dec-22 04:41 AM
Chessney couldn't help but smile a bit as she watched the paladin smile and reminisce over his memories. "He sounds like he was a smart man." She said softly, still smiling a bit as he looked over the boots some more. "Honestly, in my humble opinion, the more worn the boots, the better the character." She said thoughtfully, running a hand through her bangs. "Worn boots are a sign of getting things done and hard work, both being good traits!" She finished, and tried to ignore how her heart froze in her chest as he inspected the soles on one pair of shoes she had on display. For a second, she completely forgot about the delicate situation she was in; with how carefree the conversation had turned, she forgot how much trouble she'd be in if he inspected things a biiiiiiit too close. She let out a quiet breath of relief when he put the shoe back, giving a friendly smile. "I do my best with every repair and with every creation! My dad taught me the craft since I could toddle around the shop." She gave a bit of a chuckle, remembering trying to carry armfuls of mismatched shoes to her dad's workbench. However, she snapped out of it when she heard a coin being placed on her counter. "Oh! Thank you!! I'll definitely be sure to treat these with the upmost respect!" She assured, pocketing the coin. "Don't worry about the coin yet, like I said I'll have a better idea once repairs are done!"
04:41
@Knight Night 🛡
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Heartwick Key BOT 05-Dec-22 05:14 AM
Heartwick nodded, a tight smile crossed his lips. “Then I will leave them in your capable hands. I’m afraid I have some business to attend with the city watch, so I must be going. Last night they apprehended a witch in the Crumbtown Slum and they requested Paladin assistance.” He seemed to grimace as he spoke. “It’s distasteful work, but whatever it takes for the safety of the realm, right?” The man bowed his head slightly before turning to leave. He looks over his shoulder, having almost forgotten to introduce himself. “My apologies, my name is Heartwick Key. I will stop by tomorrow to check on progress. Please let me know if you require anything further from me, whether it be coin or materials.” With that he was off, out the door into the busy streets for his meeting with the city watch. Everyone knows what happens to witches and wizards in this city, and unfortunately that means a swift and public trip to the guillotine. You get the sense this man deeply disapproves of the executions, but feels deeply honor bound to uphold the law, still believing it to be for the betterment of all citizens of the realm.
05:14
@Angel™🌸
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Chessney BOT 05-Dec-22 05:26 AM
"A witch you say?" Chessney felt her heart jump to her throat, but tried her best to not betray the twinge of panic she felt. "Y-yea, safety of the realm and all..." Despite trying her best, she couldn't help her tone sounding a little flat and unenthusiastic. She only snapped out of her emotions when he introduced himself. She forced her cheery smile back on her face, trying to get back into her normal cheery attitude. "It's nice to meet you Heartwick! I'm Chessney, and I look forward to seeing you!" She said, her attitude turning a complete 180 now that the conversation had changed. She gave a wave as he left, only allowing herself to relax a little after the door had closed. Well, what a fine mess of things I got myself in, She thought, her internal thoughts dripping with sarcasm. She carefully took the boots to her workbench, doing a more thorough look over as she made mental notes of the materials she'd need. @Knight Night 🛡
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Heartwick Key BOT 05-Dec-22 05:51 AM
Paladin Key made his way through the city streets for his meeting with the city watch. He always dreaded this part of his job. He would have to secure the site and make room for the priest and exorcist to finish their to complete their interview and investigations. After that, transporting her immediately to the town square for the wailing, pleading witch’s execution. If this was the work of the gods, why did it feel so wrong? Heartwick thought on this, and the many faces of the damned he had drug away as they begged for mercy. Some of them had seemed like good people too. Then he thought of darker times. The friends in his company he had watched be torn limb from limb by marauding sorcerers and foul creatures of the night. The people needed protectors from the darkness. They needed him and his compatriots from the Paladin Order of the Exalted Red Keep. Junior Paladin Key steeled himself for the day ahead and continued on his way to the Crumbtown Slum. He did his duty that day, the only bright spot being the job he felt knowing soon his father’s boots would be renewed and ready for to wear. He looked forward to seeing what progress had been made the following morning.
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Chessney BOT 05-Dec-22 06:05 AM
More than anything, Chessney wanted to work on the newest order she had received. The sooner she got it done, the less chances of being discovered. She had never agreed with the total ban on magic; magic was something beautiful, just like any art. However, she was just one person. She knew she couldn't go against anything outright without risking her life and business. Her family didn't survive by being blatant with their magic. Instead, she got to work on one of her older orders; one that also just needed some finishing touches. Carefully, she pulled her tool out again to etch the sigil. With a steady hand, she etched a sigil to improve the young lady's dancing. She wanted the pair to be fixed for an upcoming party, and had let it slip she wasn't confident in her dancing. Even if it's illegal, She thought, gently placing the pair on her shelf of finished orders. There's no harm in wanting to make sure someone has a fun time dancing...or always clmes home... Her eyes went back to the pair Heartwick dropped off, and for once wondered if she should even risk enchanting a pair of boots. Normally, it wasn't a question; she loved enchanting the footwear that came to her. However, she knew the deadly consequences if she were caught. Well, I can figure that out later, She thought, taking the boots to her workstation to get to work. For now, let's restore these to their former glory!
06:06
@Knight Night 🛡
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Heartwick Key BOT 05-Dec-22 06:23 AM
The sun woke Heartwick from his deep sleep. He looked around his small quarters inside the Red Keep. A single window illuminated the space and his meager belongings. He stretched before leaving to begin his. After morning fitness with a few other Paladins he donned his armor and headed out. He swung by his favorite bakery and picked up several pastries in a small bag before headed to the cobbler’s shop to see the boots. He stepped inside the small showroom, looking around again at the many shoes before bringing the pastries to the countertop. He rang the small bell by the cash box and waited.
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Chessney BOT 05-Dec-22 06:54 AM
"C'mon...juuuuuust a little...there!" Chessney let out a breath, finishing up the part of the boots she was working on. She wiped her forehead with the spare rag she kept in her pockets, admiring the work she had done so far. She hadn't gotten too far from just the looks of things, however in reality she was probably about halfway done with making sure they were sturdy. She admired her work for a second before jumping a bit from the bell, accidentally falling off her stool. "Oh! Just a second, sorry!" She called out, getting herself to her feet. She rubbed the back of her head, wincing a bit when she touched the part that collided with the floor. Despite that, she quickly made her way to the front counter, giving a friendly wave. "Oh, welcome back!" She greeted, flashing a warm smile. "Here! I'm not done yet, but I'll show you what I've gotten done so far!" With that, she quickly ran back to her workbench, grabbing the pair of boots. "It doesn't look like much yet, but I'm almost done with making sure everything is sturdy and waterproofed! Next up is more cosmetic fixes than anything."
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Heartwick Key BOT 05-Dec-22 09:00 AM
Heartwick picked up the pair and closely inspected them, nodding his approval. “These look are looking great!” He beamed as he ran his fingers over the stitches and patch work. “I’m very impressed, Ms. Chessney.” There was a genuine smile on his face, something that had been missing from his countenance for quite some time. “I do have to ask one favor: three night from now we are leaving on a training mission to the Great Barrow Wood. Do you think your project would be finished before then? I would very much love to wear my father’s boots for the journey.” “Oh, don’t let me forget! I decided to bring some pastries by.” He presents the bag on the counter. “They are from The Jolly Bear in the King’s Light District. Just to show my gratitude for the care you’ve shown this project.”
09:00
@Angel™🌸
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Chessney BOT 05-Dec-22 09:08 AM
Chessney couldn't help but beam a little bit with pride as he complimented her handy work. "Thank you!! I've been trying my best to match the materials as closely as I can, so they look like they're back in their prime!" She explained, running a hand through her bangs. Her eyes sparkled a bit as he talked about the training mission, and gave a determined nod. "That makes sense! I'll be sure to have them done by then; it shouldn't take too much longer at all." She flashed another smile, giving a thumbs up. "You can count on me to get them done by then!" However, at the mention of pastries, her stomach gave a bit of a growl. She rubbed the back of her neck, a sheepish chuckle escaping her as she looked to the ground. "They smell delicious! I appreciate it; I might have forgotten breakfast was a thing this morning." She admitted, already hearing Gran lecturing her in her head about the importance of eating. "Sometimes I get a bit too into my work, so forgetting about food is a biiiiiit more common than my Gran would like." She gave a bit of a laugh as she explained that, her hands going back to her pockets. @Knight Night 🛡
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Heartwick Key BOT 05-Dec-22 10:12 AM
Heartwick let out a deep laugh. “I tend to forget breakfast some mornings myself. I’m glad I brought these by.” Heartwick rapped his knuckles on the countertop. “I should probably get going. I’ve been attached to the city watch until we leave for our training mission.” The Paladin shook his head. “Ever since they found that witch the other day everyone has been up in arms, worried about more witches living right here in the capital city. Can you believe that?” Heartwick chuckled. “I think we would know. People are just in a panic because that’s what they do.” He shrugged as he turned to leave, exchanging farewells before he did. His patrol with the city watch was uneventful. The city watch were just normal riff-raff in a uniform with a spear. Heartwick didn’t much care for them as he thought they were undisciplined. He was just grateful that they hadn’t also assigned one of the Jubilant Brothers to this patrol. They truly unsettled him. The Order of the Jubilant Brotherhood were the religion enforcement arm of the King. They were responsible for the exorcisms and other religious rights and rituals. They all had shaved heads and wore deep purple robes, typically sunken eyes from their long hours meditating in the service of their god. Heartwick understood their role, and why they were important to fight the blight of witchcraft and sorcery, but he still found them to be quite off. The rest of his shift was uneventful. The Paladin retired once again to his quarters after evening prayers. He placed his armor on it’s rack, staring at it for a while before finally deciding to go to bed. A new day tomorrow. He wasn’t sure if he was anxious about that, or excited. And with that final thought sleep took him. His dreams were vivid. Flashes of sickly green light. Trees rushing by. The heavy breathing of a man, no, it was his own heavy breathing. The shouting or orders mixed with the blood-curdling cries of men screaming their last. He wipes something from his eyes and-
10:14
looked at his hands. In the dim flashes of green the blood on his hands looked black. He brought the hand back to his head, feeling the wound before a growl from behind broke his concentration. He turned just in time to see a ghoul lunging at him and- with that he swiftly sat up in bed. A new day had found him at last, back in his little room in the Red Keep.
10:14
@Angel™🌸
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Chessney BOT 05-Dec-22 10:37 AM
Chessney laughed along, giving a nod before he mentioned more witches. Once again, her heart stopped, and she felt her smile falter just a hair before she tried to keep it up. "M-more witches you say?" She asked, clearing her throat after the words left her mouth. "I-I'm sure the recent capture just has people on edge; I think most would have the common sense to not live in the capital." Despite trying to sound confident, she could feel her hand tapping at her pocket, where her enchanter's tool rested. According to the underground communications, she and her Gran were of the only witches that dared live within the capital; and even then, it was only because her family owned the shop for generations. Everyone else tried to steer clear; it was a lot easier to get caught around here than anywhere else. "Have a good day! Good luck!" She called after him, only relaxing when the door shut behind him. She ran a hand through her bangs, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Darlin, you gotta be more careful!" She heard her Gran call from upstairs, and she gave a humorless chuckle. "I know Gran, I'm trying." She called back, taking the pasteries and boots back to her workstation. "I still have to figure out what decoration could be used for his order." "I wouldn't do that Chess dear," The voice grew louder as an older lady shuffled down the stairs, adjusting her glasses. "If he finds one of your decorations, you're likely to go on that long vacation." Chessney couldn't help but gulp a bit at that. Her Gran was right on this one; this one would be dangerous if she tried adding a sigil. However... "It's still the right thing to do Gran, even if the King and everyone else doesn't agree..." She mumbled, grabbing a pastry while getting back to work. "I think either a rabbit or a bird..." She heard her Gran sigh, the stairs creaking as the little old lady made her way back upstairs. (Cont.)
10:40
"Go with a bird Chess, if you absolutely have to. Everyone should be able to come back home." Chessney nodded, watching her Gran go upstairs before returning to work. It wasn't long until she lost herself in her work. Hours and hours went by, and it wasn't long until she noticed the sun rising. "Oh my! Another all nighter..." She mumbled through a yawn, but smiled as she reinserted the insole of the boots. "At least...that's done now." With that, she rested her head on her workbench, falling asleep. @Knight Night 🛡
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Heartwick Key BOT 05-Dec-22 11:12 AM
Heartwick was still shaken from his dream the prior night. He walked though the streets, taking no joy from the sun’s warmth, or the smells in the Jolly Bear. He walked into the small cobbler shop he was becoming so familiar with and rang the bell. His eyes looked more sunken and tired than usual. “Good morning.” Heartwick said, trying his best to smile. “I brought pastries again, I hope you enjoyed the ones from yesterday.” He set the bag on the counter, same as before. “How are the boots looking?” He leaned slightly against the countertop.
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Chessney BOT 05-Dec-22 11:21 AM
Chessney was still fast asleep, a slight trail of drool making its way down her face. She jumped up when he greeted her, falling onto the ground. "O-oh! Sorry gimme a second!" She called out, quickly picking herself up off the ground and dusting herself off. In her hurry to get up and to the counter with the boots, she hadn't noticed her enchanter's tool had fallen out of her pocket and rolled under her workbench. "Sorry again; might have forgotten beds are more comfortable than work benches." She joked, gently placing the boots on the countertop. "I got them done though! They were an absolute delight to work on; I had a lot of fun fixing them up!" She said, sleepiness still heavy in her voice despite the cheer she tried to put on. "Here, do you mind trying them on for a moment? Just to make sure everything is spot on." She asked, gently nudging them towards him before eyeing the pasteries. "You keep this up, you might become my favorite client!" She teased, taking one out of the bag. "In all seriousness, thank you; these are absolutely delicious!" @Knight Night 🛡
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Heartwick Key BOT 05-Dec-22 12:00 PM
Heartwick took the boots from the countertop and sat off to the side on a small bench, removing his current shoes and slipping the revitalized boots onto his feet one by one. He wiggled his toes in them, smiling slightly. “They fit great, thank you!” He laced them up and walked back to the counter, pulling out his coin purse. “What do I owe you?” He asked, before something over Chessney’s shoulder caught his eye; the glint of something metallic under the workstation in the back. Heartwick Key had been accepted to the Paladin Academy at Zultak when he was 16. He spent years of his life being trained to hunt and track down one thing in this world: magic. To an untrained eye it may have looked like a metal tool forgotten under a workbench, but to him the air around the object seemed to crackle with energy. Whatever was under that desk was arcane by design. Paladin Key dropped the coin purse on the counter, his hand going immediately to his sword as he stepped around the counter. “Step back! Stand right where you are and don’t move. I hereby invoke Article VI of the King’s Code: any soldier of the crown will be given free license to inspect and remove any belongings or otherwise from a property connection with an investigation into magics or magical affairs!” The armor clad man was suddenly all business. He stepped past her and got down to retrieve the tool from under the desk, pulling it out to inspect it more closely as he stood in the back of the shop.
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Chessney BOT 05-Dec-22 12:09 PM
Chessney felt her stomach drop, her hands immediately raising above her head. "I-I'm sorry!" She squeaked out, being careful not to make any moves. She tried to loon around, trying to see what gave her away that's when she noticed her enchanters tool under the bench. She bit her lip, cursing to herself as she realized it must've fallen when she fell out of her stool. She watched carefully as he examined the tool, trying to blink away the fearful teats starting to well up. "Th-that's an heirloom; it doesn't even work anymore..." The words tumbled out before she could stop herself. The situation was bad enough, but lying was going to make it worse and she knew it. Ugh, that wasn't a good idea, She thought bitterly, still trying to calm herself down. "I-I promise even if it is functional, it wouldn't be used for evil things..." I really need to stop talking... She cursed to herself, seeing the deeper and deeper hole she was digging herself. "Young man, I must apologize," The older lady started making her way downstairs, her hands above her head as she shuffled down. "That would be my tool; passed down the generations. Please, my granddaughter didn't know it was still magical."
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Heartwick Key BOT 06-Dec-22 03:38 AM
Paladin Key eyed the two of them skeptically. He rested one hand on the hilt of his sword and with the other he held up the tool. “This is an arcane tool used in sigil-craft. Owning one of these would be a grave offense indeed.” He watched the two of them, not believing a word they were saying. Heartwick wasn’t sure to make of his situation. He could be in the presence of two powerful arcane practitioners, but then why wasn’t he dead yet? in that moment he made a decision that would change his fate forever: Junior Paladin Heartwick Key broke his oath. Setting the tool back on the desk he turned to the two women. “Look. Maybe what I saw was incorrect. Maybe I didn’t just see an enchanting tool in this humble cobbler’s shop. You have shown me great kindness in repairing these boots and I don’t particularly want to see either of you beheaded today.” The man walked back to the front of the shop, standing there with his back turned. “We will revisit this issue when I return from my training in the wood. I expect to find no trace of the arcane upon a reinspection of the premises a week from now.” Without another word the armor-clad man stepped out onto the streets wearing his father’s boots. He didn’t realize it then, but there two forces at work in those boots that would guide him through the challenges he would face in the coming days. The first was the sigil that would always keep him on his physical path, and the other was the wisdom of his father that would always guide his heart to it’s home.
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Chessney BOT 06-Dec-22 04:00 AM
Chessney didn't try to make any moves until Paladin Key had left the shop, and even after that she was still scared to move. She didn't move until she felt Gran's hand on her shoulder. "I told you, you need to be careful." The older lady scolded, but despite the tone, Chessney relaxed as she spoke. "I know," She groaned, gently taking the enchanter's tool. "You know I'm normally careful; it fell out of my pocket when I fell off my stool Gran..." "Then stop keeping it in your pocket! I swear to the gods you're so foolish sometimes." Despite the harshness of her words, Gran had a soft expression as she started to shuffle upstairs. "Now, put up the closed sign. We need a good lookover of the shop and home to make sure everything is hidden." We shouldn't even need to hide; we aren't hurting anyone, Chessney thought with a bitter harrumph. "Sounds good Gran." She called out instead, walking over to her workbench. Fortunately, she tried to limit her magic tools to just the enchanters took while in the shop, so there wasn't anything else that could give her away. However, when she went upstairs to join her Gran, it was a different story. She looked at all the magical contraband upstairs, giving a sigh and rolling up her sleeves. "Well, let's get started." She said quietly, starting to help her Gran clean up and hide the illegal goods.
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Heartwick Key BOT 06-Dec-22 04:50 AM
The Paladin hurried back to the Red Keep, still trying to process the decision he has just made. It was treasonous, but it just felt like the right thing to do. As he arrived at the keep he was surprised to see the other Paladins readying horses and supplies. His oldest friend in the Exalted Corps, Altung, rushed past him with two large bags of grain. “Training mission has been pushed up!” He said hurriedly. “We are headed out within the hour. Grab your things and let us be going, Heartwick!” Paladin Key was surprised. It was quite odd for a training mission to take place under such hurried circumstances. He shook the thought from his mind and went to gather his things for the journey. A few hours later Heartwick and the entire Exalted Paladin Corps, along with a small attachment of Jubilant Brothers were on their horses headed for the Great Barrow Woods. On the way the Lord Commander, Grand Master Paladin Zequel Pernifus, briefed them all on the various exercises and maneuvers they would be practicing. The journey took several days. Even still a day’s journey from the wood it’s towering 150 foot tall trees could be seen like a great green wall in the distance. The wood always gave Heartwick an unsettled feeling, but with his comrades at his side he quickly pushed any fear to the back of his mind. The Paladin Corps traveled half a day’s ride into the wood. Heartwick was grateful for two things: the first was that they were on horseback, not having to take the journey on foot, and the second was that he was not tasked with the navigation of the company. The trees were so tall, each one looking like the last. He remembered the stories he was told as a child by his mother about people going missing in these woods and he could understand why. Suddenly his company came to a halt. “We break camp here!” Came the booming voice of the Lord Commander. Heartwick and Altung shared a glance before dismounting and readying camp with the others. The evening was quiet. The-
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Heartwick Key BOT 06-Dec-22 05:08 AM
provisions they had brought were more than enough to feed them, and they are well on these expeditions. They all sat around fires they had built, laughing and sharing stories of conquests past. The Paladins were a tight knit group, and they stuck together sometimes to a fault. The Jubilant Brothers had made a camp of their own on the outskirts of the main camp, preferring to eat and work in silence. They are a strange bunch. Heartwick thought to himself. Dinner came to a close and Heartwick was assigned the night watch. Altung gave him a slap on the back and a passing comment about “better you than me, brother” before heading off to his own tent. Heartwick took up his station and began his night patrol, mostly helping to return drunk Paladins to their tents. The night air was cold and damp, like a wet blanket had been laid upon the woods. There was something scratching at the back of Heartwick’s mind, though he could not say what. Four hours into the night, the camp was silent and the camp fires burned down to embers. Paladin Key was on another round of the camp when a strange glow caught his eye in the direction of the camp made by the Jubilant Brothers. What in the gods’ names are they up to at this hour? Heartwick pondered as he moved toward the camp on the outskirts. A sickly green glow emanated from behind the row of shrubs dividing them from the main camp. Heartwick’s heart pounded from inside his chest, blood rushing in his ears as he reached forward to part the bushes before him. What he saw turned his stomach. The Jubilan Brothers stood around a green circle, ritually carved with runes and glyphs. In the center of the hole seemed to be a gateway to the Abyss itself, and through it the Jubilant Brothers were summoning all manner of foul, ghoulish creatures. A twig snapped behind Heartwick, bringing him out of his trance just in time to see one of the Jubilant Brothers bring a club down on his head. And with that, all went dark.
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Heartwick Key BOT 06-Dec-22 05:48 AM
The world was a blur as Paladin Heartwick Key pressed off the ground forced himself to his feet. That same sickly green glow permeated the forest, along side the red glow of many tents sent ablaze. He turned toward the camp, his friends, his companions, and willed his legs to carry his forward. The trees sped past and he ran faster, and faster. Orders were being shouted and men were wailing, some as they lay bleeding upon the ground others from inside burning tents. It was chaos. He came to a stop at the edge of camp, looking to order in the chaos, but there was none. His chest was heaving, gasping for air he reached up to feel the throbbing pain coming from his head. His hand came back covered in blood, turned black by the dim glow. He suddenly remembered the dream. He had seen all of this before. That familiar low growl emanated from somewhere behind him, bringing him back to the moment. He turned just in time to see the snarling ghoul lunge at him. His hand went to his sword, but not quick enough. He was knocked onto his back as the ghoul attempted to claw and gouge his face and neck. Heartwick had just enough mind to kick the creature backwards, and as it came at him again the Paladin pulled his sword free of it’s scabbard and from the ground thrust it upward at the gray-skinned terror. The creature fell to the side and Heartwick scrambled back to his feet, wiping the green blood from his blade. Heartwick searched frantically for the rest of his comrades, moving toward the din of battle muffled by the green mist that now seemed to encircle their encampment. He passed countless bodies of fallen Paladins, but saw no sign of the living. Then, in a clearing, he saw a sight that made his blood run cold. Grand Master Pernifus stood, shoulder to shoulder, back to back, with Altung and four to five other Paladins of all different skill and abilities. They were encircled by at least forty of the snarling, vicious ghouls. Heartwick jumped into action, doing his duty.-
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Heartwick Key BOT 06-Dec-22 05:59 AM
He rushed the rear flank of the enemy and hacked down three or four of them before he was noticed by one of the ghouls, who instantly set upon him. The fighting was fierce, not only for Heartwick, but also for the men trapped within the wall of ghouls. Before Heartwick could dispatch his foe he took several deep gashes across his chest, another ghoul had taken notice and slashed his back, wounding him most gravely. In the background, over the sound of combat and men dying he heard the booming voice of the Lord Commander. “Junior Paladin Key! Flee this place! Return to the Red Keep and warn the King of what is coming! This is your charge, my boy! Tell our story and make us proud!” Heartwick shook his head as he felt tears well up in his eyes. He did not want to leave his friends to die. “Your Lord Commander wills it, and it must be so!” The voice boomed again. Heartwick steeled himself, deflecting two more blows before swiftly dispatching this enemy. He shouted to his companions. “It shall be so!” And with that he turned and ran. And ran. And ran. The Paladin looked like a man half alive, but he ran still. It was another week before Chessney heard rumors that the Paladins of the Exalted Red Keep had been wiped out in the Great Barrow Wood. If the old wives were to be believe there was only one survivor, who just this morning had miraculously escaped and found his way home to the city gates. You over heard a gate guard tell a friend “I was there. He looked like he had no life left in him, all caked in blood and viscera. I don’t know how he was still walking, but it’s like his legs carried him without thought back to us. He should be dead, but we got him to the infirmary at the Red Keep pretty quick. Eerie quite, that place is right now.”
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Chessney BOT 06-Dec-22 06:18 AM
The rest of the night was quiet for Chessney; she spent the whole time cleaning the shop and home of any traces of magic. Frantic footsteps filled the empty building as she and her Gran shoved magic tomes and tools in the floorboards and empty chests, even doing a charm here or there to make them look more ordinary than normal. Then, they waited. A day went by, and she helped her customers. She sold shoes, did repairs, and despite the warning she had received still enchanted each pair with hidden sigils. She knew she was on thin ice, but this was her calling. She couldn't shake the feeling her magic was important. Despite her feelings of righteousness, the fear still gnawed at her. Throughout each day, she'd catch herself staring at the door, waiting for the paladin to return with a changed mind to send her and Gran to the guillotine. Then, another day passed. And another. And another. After a week, Chessney couldn't help but feel a small spark of hope that maybe he had forgotten. Maybe he decided to wash his hands of this mess and move on. Sure, it was a long shot, but surely the time limit had been reached by now. Despite still worrying, she had her satchel packed up, getting ready to grab some food and other home goods. "I'll be back Gran! Tell anyone looking for repairs I'll be back soon!" She called out behind her, gently closing the door. While she was walking, she overheard one of the guards at the gate talking to their friend. Could that... Surely there wasn't any connection. There couldn't be; but the idea that his feet carried him home despite the injuries... (Cont.)
06:18
Sorry Gran! She thought to herself, changing directions to get to the Red Keep. While walking, she eyed the bakery, and deciding to stop in. After all the pasteries I got, she justified, purchasing some before continuing to the Red Keep's infirmary. She hesitated at the door, wondering if this would be crossing any sort of line. She couldn't deny she was still scared; what if she walked in, and he remembered he was supposed to inspect her shop? What if he wouldn't be so kind about the whole thing this time? No, no it didn't matter. He was kind enough to overlook it for now, she should extend the same kindness to at least make sure he was okay. With a stomach full of knots, she gently knocked at the door. "I-I'm sorry to intrude," She said softly, trying to ignore how hard her heart was pounding. "I-I just wanted to see if you were okay...I brought some pasteries; I figured I owed ya for the ones you got me..."
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Heartwick Key BOT 06-Dec-22 06:59 AM
Before her was a man, barely recognizable under all the gauze. He was laying in bed, propped up by several pillows and staring out the open window. His head was wrapped, primarily obscuring one of his eyes. His head did not turn from the open window. From what she could see if his face there was a vacant expression as he stared. One arm as in a sling around his neck and thick, bloodied bandages sat upon his chest. He looked broken. The mouth moved, but at first no voice could be heard. A sister from the Maidens of Her Lady’s Mercy passed by the room and called out to Chessney. “He’s been like that since we brought him here. He hasn’t said a word. I shudder to think what that poor man has seen. No sign of any of the other Paladins either. Gods only know what happened to them out there..” she trailed off as she carried on with her daily tasks. Heartwick was a broken man, confined to his bed and seemingly unable to process the trauma he had been through. Just then a tall figure emerges behind you. “Pardon me, young lady. Might I have a word with our brave Paladin here?” The voice seems to drip poison as Vargus Idlehoft, the Most Jubilant Brother and head of their order inserts himself into the room. He is a tall, lanky man with the typical shaved head. He has the same purple robes, though his robes have golden filigree woven in elaborate patterns. Upon entering the room you can see immediate discomfort in Heartwick posture. The one visible eye seems to be fearful at the presence of this man. The Most Jubilant Brother looks back at Chessney and raises and eyebrow seeing the bag of pastries. “And who might you be? A lover perhaps? You do know he’s taken an oath of chastity, do you not? Or has our Paladin friend here been breaking oaths?” She can get the immediate sense that this man is looking for any excuse to discredit Junior Paladin Key.
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Chessney BOT 06-Dec-22 07:11 AM
Chessney couldn't help but bring a hand to her mouth, forgetting all the fear she had for herself when she laid eyes on the paladin. She didn't move from her spot, still clutching onto the bag of pasteries until a sister had called out to her. "I-I see," She said softly, her eyebrows furrowing in concern as she kept walking towards him. "I-I'm sorry...I wish I knew what to say." She told him, snapping out of her thoughts when she heard Vargus speak. "O-Oh! I didn't mean to intrude at all," She said, but noticed the fearful look Heartwick had in his one eye. "U-uhm, I'm not sir," She said, trying to think on her feet quickly. "I-I recently did some work on his shoes, and...well he would keep me company while I worked, and brought me some food, so I wanted to return the favor!" She said, slowly starting to get her thoughts in order. "I didn't think he'd return so hurt after a training mission, so I just got a bit worried is all." She kept trying to think of an excuse to stick around. She could tell something was...off about this man; and it wasn't just the anxiety of his brotherhood being one of the biggest reasons she had to hide. Something just didn't sit well with her, especially with how uncomfortable the paladin seemed. "Here! I do have some extra pasteries if you want one! I just wanted to see if the repairs held up; plus, again, I wanted to repay his kindness. I hadn't had such a nice client in a long time! I was thinking I could keep him company while he recovers; it seems rather lonely in here after all."
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Heartwick Key BOT 06-Dec-22 07:29 AM
Heartwick’s eye never left Vargus as he spoke, fearfully watching the man’s every move. Vargus leaned down, taking a pastry from your hand, then lifted it in front of his face, inspecting it. “No, I think not. It looks dreadful.” He sets the pastry down on a small writing table in the room and walks to Heartwick’s bedside. Leaning down he asks “Do tell me, dear Paladin; how is it you survived? We were all stricken with grief when your troop did not return, and some of the Royal Praetorian Guard were dispatched to investigate the happenings in those woods. But how is it that you are here, and they are not?” Vargus stood and began to pace around the bed, his sunken eyes never leaving Heartwick’s. “Did you, perhaps, desert your comrades in a time of need? Or maybe you are even the cause of their misfortune?” The Most Jubilant Brother stopped at the foot of the bed, putting on a frightening grin. “Do not worry, my dear Paladin. We will sort all of this out. Given that the Exalted Red Keep’s command structure is.. missing, I have been placed in charge of the investigation. I assure you, I will be most thorough. We will see that the truth prevails.” Waiting for a response, but getting none Vargus turned to leave. The same creepy smile plastered on his face like so many of the Jubilant Brothers you’ve seen before. As Vargus leaves, Heartwick Key begins to breathe heavily, seeming to have a panic attack. His eye fills with tears as he watches the lanky man go. A sense of failure and terror overtakes him along with an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. Trapped in his bandages and can do nothing.
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Chessney BOT 06-Dec-22 07:47 AM
Chessney frowned, watching the man carefully as he put the pastry back down on the table. She stayed quiet as Vargus talked to Heartwick, only growing more and more confused as he went on. When he left the room, she released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "What...was that all about?" She asked, her eyes still on the exit before her attention turned back to Heartwick. Her look softened a bit, seeing how the whole conversation affected him. "Hey, hey it's okay..." She said softly. She went to place a caring hand on his shoulder, but hesitated. She didn't know if that'd just aggravate his injuries, so she took her hand back. "Something about him gives me the creeps," She said softly, shuddering a bit. "I mean, the whole lot of those guys do, but him in particular..." She shook her head, trying to clear it a bit. "But hey, I'll stick around if you want me to. I wasn't kidding when I said it looks lonely around here. If you don't want me to though, I understand..." She paused for a moment, waiting for him to say something before scratching the back of her neck. "S-sorry! I forgot, you aren't really able to say anything! Uhm...I guess...blink twice if you want me to stay?" She asked sheepishly, giving a bit of a half smile. "I don't wanna stick around if it'd make you uncomfortable at all..."
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Heartwick Key BOT 06-Dec-22 08:23 AM
Heartwick blinked twice and slowly nodded as he tried to control his breathing. He was breathlessly trying to speak, but the words just wouldn’t come to him. He big man began to cry with frustration and exhaustion. He wept for himself, for his condition, but also for his brothers who had been to mercilessly slaughtered. He felt weak and helpless, though he was grateful for the company. The day drew to a close, and the shadows grew longer across the room as the sun set. Heartwick wasn’t able to say anything, at least not yet. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to see another day or succumb to his wounds in the night. He had been appreciated Chessney’s visit. A small kindness in this harsh and cruel world. It gave him a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe tomorrow could be better. A dreamless sleep took him, and he rested harder that he would have thought possible. Heartwick imagined the Merciful Lady herself guarding his rest. As he awoke to the dawn of a new day he hoped secretly that Chessney would visit him again.
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Chessney BOT 06-Dec-22 08:37 AM
Chessney nodded, giving another half smile. "Well then I'll stick around! It's the least I can do," She said softly. While she never admitted to being good company, she did her best; she talked about her Gran, her family, just about anything that came to mind, save for the magic. She was smart enough to know she couldn't fathom what he was going through, so she tried to just provide a decent enough distraction. Eventually, however, it was time to go home. She gave a small wave to Heartwick as she said goodbye, walking out the door. "Where have you been? I've been worried sick!" Her Gran was already chastising her, a wooden spoon in her hand from cooking. Chessney laughed it off, rubbing the back of her neck. "S-sorry! Got caught up in something." Her words sounded sheepish, and Gran rolled her eyes and hurried her to the table. "I'll probably be gone tomorrow too; you can handle sales, right Gran?" "I may be old, but not foolish." Gran teased, laughing a bit as they both enjoyed their soup. Eventually, they both were in bed for the night, Chessney tossing and turning. While she couldn't remember her dreams the next morning, they didn't sit well with her. Without much thought, she waved goodbye to her Gran, packing up a few things before heading back to visit Heartwick. "Hey, I hope you don't mind me coming back," She said, walking back into the infirmary. "I-I know I'm probably not the best company, but it's better than nothing, right?"
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Heartwick Key BOT 06-Dec-22 09:08 AM
This morning Heartwick looked much more alert and well. On his head, only the bandages around his crown remained, revealing a bloodshot eye and deep scars running down the left side of his face. He smiled when he saw Chessney. “I wasn’t sure you’d be back.” Said a hoarse, almost unfamiliar voice. Heartwick tried to sit himself up in bed, but his arms quickly gave out under his own weight and he resigned himself to being only slightly propped up. “I’m sorry you have to see me like this.” His raspy voice croaked out.
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Chessney BOT 06-Dec-22 09:18 AM
"Don't worry about it," She said softly, finding a spot to sit next to him. "If anything, I should be the one who's sorry; I didn't mean to intrude on you yesterday, I was just worried." She stayed quiet for a minute, trying to think of something to say. "Oh! I know it isn't the most fun thing in the world, but I did bring you something!" She said, starting to dig through her satchel. Before long, she pulled out a book. "I-I'm not sure if you like stories, but I figured at the very least something human would be nice." She admitted, gently setting the book on the writing table. "It's nothing too special; just different poems and soliloquies." After that, she was quiet again. She wanted to ask what had happened, but didn't want to pressure him on the subject. "Uhm...I won't bug ya on what exactly happened," She said quietly, rubbing the back of her neck. "But, if you ever do wanna talk, I'll listen, okay?"
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Heartwick Key BOT 06-Dec-22 09:32 AM
Heartwick sat in silence before speaking. “I need you to help me make sense of something. How did I end up here? Back in the capital? We were deep in those woods, Chessney. I should have never come out of there alive, and yet here I am. I keep going through it in my head, but none of it seems possible. Did any of the nurses say anything?” He watched her, looking genuinely confused and hoping for some insight from the world outside of this little room. He was weak, but trying to piece everything together was helping him find his strength and resolve.
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Chessney BOT 06-Dec-22 09:39 AM
Chessney thought for a second, biting her thumbnail. She knew of course what had happened; the sigil she added to his boots made it so he could always make it back home. However, she figured it was probably not the best thing to admit out loud, especially with where they were. "Uhm...no one's told me anything," She said slowly, still thinking a bit. "I guess someone was looking out for you that night!" Despite trying to smile, she felt awkward lying so blatantly. She knew it was for the better if she kept quiet about her magic, but she hated every second of it.
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Heartwick Key BOT 06-Dec-22 09:51 AM
Heartwick sighed deeply, shaking his head. “None of it makes any sense.” He leaned as best he could toward Chessney. “It was the Jubilant Brothers that did this.” He whispered, looking around the room as if someone else might be there. He continued. “The Brothers performed some kind of ritual. They opened a portal to somewhere, maybe the Abyss? Anyway, they summoned an army of ghouls and used their new army so massacre my friends.” Heartwick’s eyes looked wild as he recounted that night’s events. His breath was ragged as he tried to stave off another panic attack while reliving his harrowing experience.
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Chessney BOT 06-Dec-22 10:01 AM
Chessney couldn't help her eyes from widening at the news, a confused look on her face. "That's...that's horrible..." She said, a hand going to one of the low pigtails she had in her hair. "I knew they were kinda...off...but not that off." When she noticed his breathing, she put a gentle hand lightly on his shoulder. "I'm so sorry," She said softly, biting her lip. "The Abyss is terrifying magic; casters worth their weight in salt wouldn't touch the magic that comes from that place." She paused a moment, biting her lip again. "F-from what I've heard at least; not that I'd know much personally." She let out a breath, not wanting to let on how much of magic she knew in such a public place. "I...I like to learn about lots of things, and the Abyss is something that's come up every once in a while. That stuff is pretty much like poison to the soul, from what I've read. It'll corrupt whoever stares at it too long..."
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Heartwick Key BOT 06-Dec-22 10:41 AM
Heartwick frowned. “Corrupt is right. Those bastards are dogs who deserve to be put down.” He clenched his fist. “Who would have thought the Jubilant Brothers were capable of this level of treachery?” He nearly shook with rage as the betrayal. “I need to kill them, Chessney. They all need to die, burning.” Heartwick clearly didn’t have the strength to be exhibiting this kind of rage and anger. Chessney could see a crimson blotch growing under one of his chest bandages. Heartwick’s hate might actually kill him in this fragile state.
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Chessney BOT 06-Dec-22 10:48 AM
"H-hey! Please, you have to calm down for a moment," She pleaded, looking at the crimson splotch. "Even if that is the right answer, you have to heal first..." She tried to think on her feet again, trying to figure out how best to help. "Not only that, if they are capable of this level of treachery-not to mention, staring into the Abyss-you can't go head first swinging your sword, you'll just die too..." She added the last part quietly, concern still etched in her features. "You can't fight corruption with violence; they'll twist it and warp it to make you look like the bad guy...trust me I know." At this point, she was making sure to speak quietly as to prevent anyone other than him hearing her. "That's how I lost my parents, and many friends. Corruption has no morals, especially this level of it. If you try and get revenge that blatantly, they'll frame you as the traitor, and unfortunately they'd have an easy time of it with what happened..."
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Heartwick Key BOT 06-Dec-22 12:34 PM
Heartwick looked downright miserable. He wanted so badly to strike back at the powers that caused him such great pain, but at this point it sounded futile. He relaxed into the bed, withdrawing into himself as he pondered his predicament. “There must be something I can do.” He sulked. “I just need to get out of this damn bed. Get away from prying ears. Do you know how long they will have me laid up here? Did the sisters mention anything on how I could heal my wounds more quickly?” Heartwick was grasping at straws and he knew it, but at this point he was willing to try anything, even if it meant staring into the Abyss himself.
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Chessney BOT 06-Dec-22 12:46 PM
Chessney shook her head, thinking for a second. "They...haven't really told me anything. I mean, I haven't asked, but seeing as I'm just a cobbler who you just met not too long ago, I doubt they'd tell me anything." She tried to think more, having an idea. She knew it would be risky, but didn't know if it'd be worth even mentioning. Seeing as he was a paladin-not to mention more than likely has a negative view on magic-she didn't think recommending anything magic related would help. She looked back over at Heartwick, gritting her teeth. No, she had to try and help; maybe there was a way she could help without letting on too much. Maybe hinting at it, so he could refuse? But what if he decides to persecute her for even mentioning it? "However..." She said, trying to think through her words carefully. "I-if you're up for it, my Gran makes a really good soup. It might just be a placebo effect, but I always feel better after eating it." She tried her best not to give anything away. Her Gran's soup was definitely not a placebo effect; there were some magic ingredients that helped speed up healing, if only slowly as to not draw attention to oneself. She had the recipe at home, buried in one of her family tomes. It was risky to offer, especially to him; however, he overlooked her enchanter's tool. Maybe he'd overlook the soup too, especially if it helps him heal faster? She wasn't sure, but she knew she had to help. "It's up to you at least; I understand if you'd rather not, I know homemade food isn't exactly the same as buying pasteries from the bakery." She gave a bit of a chuckle, rubbing the back of her neck as she tried to read his facial expressions.
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Heartwick Key BOT 07-Dec-22 03:25 AM
The Paladin eyed her sternly, his mind trying to work its way through the subtext of her statement. “I assume was are speaking about the elderly woman with the ‘family heirloom?’ And if I’m making the proper inference, I take it this soup recipe is a family heirloom as well?” The man sat and thought, then looked to the boots sitting in the corner of the room as if searching for some hidden wisdom to guide him. So much had changed for Heartwick in the past fortnight. He felt conflicted. Already he had broken his oath once, but at the same time he felt no shame in that. What good was an oath when all those who practiced it were slain? What good was his creed if he could not avenge those who needed justice the most? Heartwick turned his attention back to Chessney, resolute in his course. His scarred face held a look of determination as he nodded his agreement. “Bring me the soup, but you must follow very strict guidelines: it must be in a canteen no larger than three cups and lined with lead. This is the only way to avoid detection in a place like this. Do you think that is possible?” He waited for the answer expectantly.
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Chessney BOT 07-Dec-22 04:19 AM
Chessney gave a nod, shrinking back slightly from his stern gaze. "Y-yea...but like I said you don't have-" She stopped talking, listening to him carefully while he explained the parameters. "I can do that," She said, thinking through what she had at home and what she'd need to grab on the way. "It isn't an overnight cure; it's subtle enough to just make everyone think you're a slightly faster than average healer." She said quietly, making sure no one else was within earshot. "Worse comes to worse, you knew absolutely nothing, okay? I'm the big bad guy who tricked you." She added the last part as she leaned back, tugging at a pigtail. "And I can whip up a tasty batch tonight for ya! Honestly it's delicious, even if it is just a placebo effect. Good for the soul." She said with a smile, going back to speaking normally. "I'll bring some for ya tomorrow; I hope ya like carrots!"
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Heartwick Key BOT 07-Dec-22 05:10 AM
Heartwick nodded, a tight smile on his face. He knew the gravity of his decision and he didn’t take it lightly. He was betraying his order’s code to stop a much greater evil. What cost is the forfeiture of one soul to avenge the death of hundreds? I only pray the Dawn Bringer can forgive me for my actions. Heartwick did his best to hold conversation the rest of the day, talking about a variety of things such as the weather and how he left home at 16 to join the Paladin Academy. He even talked about his parents, which he hadn’t planned on doing, but something about Chessney made him feel comfortable and safe. “-you see, mother had passed from a fever when I was twelve. That left only father and I to work the farm. There were dark days initially, but father had an indomitable spirit. He was always finding ways to cheer me up. I know he was sad, but he rarely showed it.. he was so proud of me when I was accepted to the Academy. ‘The son of a farmer, a Paladin! I can hardly believe it!’ I remember the smile on his face. I’m just glad he lived long enough to see my graduation ceremony. I think he cried when I passed my Squire’s Trial and was given the Junior Paladin cloak. About a month after that he was caught in a terrible blizzard traveling back from the market. He didn’t make it, but I feel like his spirit is still with me whenever I look at those boots. I just hope I make him proud..” Heartwick trailed off, suddenly feeling as if he was over sharing.
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Chessney BOT 07-Dec-22 05:20 AM
Chessney would listen happily, glad that the subject had changed. It wasn't that she was ashamed of her magic; far from it, she was proud of the gifts she had and loved to share them to help others. She just didn't want him to get in trouble. She was sure she'd get caught eventually, and made peace with the fact she'd meet the same fate as her parents. However, he had so much more going for him than she had for her. She didn't want his life to crumble even more because of her. "I'm sure you do make him proud!" She said, her ever present smile still on her face. "Honestly, mom always told me there's very little one can do to make someone's parent ashamed or anything." While she believed her words, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. She didn't know how proud her parents would be of her right now; they never agreed with hiding in the shadows. They felt the gifts they had were for everyone to benefit from, and that's why... "Honestly, my parents passed when I was small; it was...uhm...a public affair where they were." She said, rubbing the back of her neck. "They left me with my Gran to make sure I wouldn't get wrapped up in their affairs. They died fighting for their beliefs and convictions." The corners of her mouth tried tugging downward, but she shook if off. Sighing, she leaned back in her chair. "But I'm sure they're still proud of me! I try to help in my own way, and that's the biggest lesson they tried drilling into me before they left."
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Heartwick Key BOT 07-Dec-22 07:37 AM
“Public affair? What do you mean?” Heartwick leaned forward, pressing the question. If she was saying what he thought she was then she should hate him and his order. He needed to know the truth, and if so he needed to know what kindness could overcome the centuries of oppression and hatred. He watched her intently, waiting for the response. There was a budding relationship here, but it contradicted itself. This girl was tied up in a magical history, and he was a Paladin, the last of his order. He struggled to wrap his head around the dichotomy.
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Chessney BOT 07-Dec-22 07:48 AM
"Uhm..." The question gave her pause. She couldn't just outright admit how they died, not in such a public place. However, she also knew that a good foundation for any friendship was made with the truth, and she didn't like betraying people's trust. "Let's uhm...just say that they didn't hide their family heirlooms. They thought it was inhumane to hide their gifts...they thought our gifts should be used to help people, and not something to be ashamed of..." She scratched the back of her neck awkwardly, looking down to avoid meeting his gaze. "They also didn't want me to get tied up in it, and they didn't want me to go down with them at such a young age, so they had Gran raise me up. Gran taught me that the people who enforce rules aren't the problem; they do what they feel is just, just like mom and dad did. It's the people who make the rules who are at fault there..." The more she rambled, the more she wanted to stop. She didn’t talk about her family this much; especially on such thin ice as to barely conceal the truth of things. "But to be fair...I think they just don't fully understand what our gifts can do...people are scared of what they don't understand, you know? And if I'm just bitter and hate everyone, I'll just be proving their point that people with my gifts are evil monsters who should be slain for the good of the kingdom." Finally, she looked back up. Despite trying to keep a friendly face, her eyes shone with tears she kept fighting back. She rubbed them away, shaking her head. "E-either way, that's why I just try to help in my own way! Even if no one knows how, I like adding my own bit of positivity and help into the world."
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Heartwick Key BOT 07-Dec-22 08:08 AM
“Could you hand me my father’s boots?” Heartwick asked politely. Once he had them he began talking about. “Something never sat right with me about how I got home from the forest. I should have gotten lost and died in those woods. But I didn’t, and I couldn’t figure out why.” Heartwick peered inside the shoe, then reached in and grabbed the insert, pulling it up to reveal the tiny, glowing sigil of a bird. “This was you, wasn’t it?” He asked in a hushed tone. “This is how you help people, why you had that tool.” He stared at her, watching for a reaction to confirm his suspicion. “Look. My order was founded on the principle of destroying this” He gestured to the sigil. “Wherever we find it, but the Jubilant Brothers have been operating right under our nose. I think they have been oppressing other magics for a reason, and I believe I am starting to see my own path. A path that prosecutes on the implementation of magics, not just their existence.” He spoke as quietly as he good, needing to get all of this off his chest
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Chessney BOT 07-Dec-22 08:20 AM
Chessney nodded, handing him the boots. She felt her stomach drop as he spoke, and felt panicked as he revealed her sigil. "I...yes." She admitted, bouncing her leg once she sat back down. "I didn't think it was bad though...I just wanted to help-" She stopped talking again, listening to him as her leg kept bouncing. She stayed quiet until he was done, giving a slight nod. "Honestly...my dad thought they wanted to try and erase any dieties they deemed lesser than the ones they followed..." She whispered, hesitantly meeting his gaze. "Like...the diety we believe in for example. Her domain is house and home, which is why honor, honesty, and family are dear to me, and why I chose that sigil." She pointed to his boots, trying to ignore her pounding heart. "Our diety's crede is 'Everyone deserves to have a home.' You were talking about your dad, and how you wanted them for the training mission...so I wanted to make sure that no matter where you were, you could always come home." Her gaze was back to the floor. Despite not thinking she was in trouble, she still felt anxious. She had never admitted to anyone about her sigils, or why she chose the ones she did. "I could see anyone who works with the Abyss oppressing other dieties and casters...while there isn't normally true evil in magic, that is the exception...the diety who formed the Abyss is pure evil incarnate...from what I've learned at least."
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Heartwick Key BOT 07-Dec-22 08:30 AM
“Bäzak-Túl.” Heartwick nodded, knowingly. “God of murder, betrayal, and blood-lust. I just never would have guessed the Jubilant Brothers would have been involved with him. Their influence runs all the way to the king.” He shook his head. “They always held themselves as worshipers of Lothal, god of laughter, wine, and trickery. I don’t know whether they have been lying all this time, or if something more foul is at play.” Heartwick looked at the ground. “Regardless of what is happening here, thank you for saving my life and helping me find my way home. I swear no harm will come to you or your grandmother while I still breathe.”
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Chessney BOT 07-Dec-22 08:40 AM
"I...I'm not sure honestly." She couldn't help but breath a sigh of relief. While talking about magic to anyone besides Gran-not to mention outside of her home-scared her, she felt a bit more at ease talking about it with Heartwick. If she were being honest, it was nice to share what she knew with someone else. "I just know the Abyss corrupts and poisons the soul; for all we know, they truly do believe they're followers of Lothal. I have heard myths of dieties like Bäzak-Túl pretending to be others in order to steal away followers, or in order to cause exile..." She paused a moment, biting her thumbnail. "Honestly though, I'm not sure of anything with them; even without the persecution, they always creeped me out..." She looked back over at Heartwick, the friendly smile making its return as she dipped her head in respect. "Please, just don't put yourself at risk for our sake. We know the risks that come with our gifts and using them, and I'd feel horrible if we ended up costing you your reputation or job." Not to mention your life, if Vargus is snooping around. She thought, her hands fidgeting with the hems of her sleeves. While she didn't add that final thought, she could feel the idea of it hanging in the air.
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Heartwick Key BOT 07-Dec-22 09:03 AM
Heartwick smiled sadly. “I’m afraid I don’t have much left to lose. My order is gone. I’m sure they will pull Paladins from the other major orders to fill in the ranks here, but I’m sure it will never be the same. And I feel more and more that justice will never be measured out for my friends if I’m not the one to do so.” Heartwick looked out the window again, seeing the sun on it’s way down once again. “I don’t want to keep you, I’m sure your Gran is worried sick. Before you go tonight would you mind leaning my sword up against my bed? Tomorrow afternoon they expect me to give a report before the King’s Counsel and I fear someone may try to silence me before I get there.”
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Chessney BOT 07-Dec-22 09:11 AM
"That's fair enough..." Her words were thoughtful, her mind being made up about something. She looked back over, a small flame of determination in her eyes. "If you'll allow me, I wouldn't mind helping you. I know it's rich coming from me of all people, but I feel the powers that be will just sweep the matter under the rug." She couldn't help but chuckle. A magic user calling the government corrupt? For some reason, the idea made her laugh a bit. She stood up, giving another nod as she picked up his sword. "Gran probably is worried; I'm usually a homebody, spending my time in the shop." She gently set his sword down, resting it against a corner where the bed met the wall. "If you're to give a report, I'll stop by later in the day with some soup. I'm not sure if I'm someone who should intrude on the King's Counsel." She said, a slight timid tone tinging her words. "But rest assured, I'll come back to keep you company!" With that, she gave a wave as she walked out. She ended up loosing herself in her thoughts as she walked home, doing a mental checklist of what she'd need for the soup.
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Heartwick Key BOT 07-Dec-22 10:28 AM
Heartwick spent his evening, unsurprisingly, in bed. Bleven Chow, Master of Coin did stop by briefly. Ever the power player he was trying to glean any information he could ahead of the others on the counsel. Other than that I’d was a largely uneventful evening, followed by an uneventful night. As the morning came a full compliment of Praetorian Guards arrived to escort the Paladin to the Iron Palace. They had brought a wheelchair for him, and carefully loaded prepared to load Heartwick into it for transport. “Gentlemen, if you would grant me one request: please help me with my armor. I would be quite remiss to present myself to the King’s Counsel in these rags.” The Guards nodded and helped the injured man slowly into his full Paladin attire. In no time at all Heartwick was being wheeled into the Great Counsel Chambers of the King. The massive iron doors were at least 40 feet tall, and the interior was just as daunting. The ceilings stretched upward into darkness. Each of the king’s advisors sat atop great 10 foot tall podiums, with the kings throne vaulted 15 feet up. Heartwick’s heart was pounding as he was wheeled to the center of the ornate golden ring before the podiums. The king gestured a welcome to the Junior Paladin. “Junior Paladin Heartwick Key of the Exalted Red Keep. You have served the realm and have clearly paid a terrible price for it.” Heartwick knew the bandages would be plainly visible, but he had hoped no one would draw attention to what he felt was a great failure for him. The king continued. “However, there are many outstanding questions. My Praetorian Guards inspected the area and found signs of a great slaughter. The bodies of your entire Exalted Corps were found, along those of many hundreds of ghouls. They also found your company’s duty roster showing you were on patrol that night. Do you care to enlighten us on the events that unfolded?” Heartwick cleared his throat and began to explain the events as they had happened, but he had-
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Heartwick Key BOT 07-Dec-22 11:35 AM
barely started his retelling before Vargus stood in his podium and objected. “I’m sorry for the interruption, my lord, but the Paladin is mistaken. He said a detachment of my Jubilant Brethren did initially leave the city, but they only traveled with the Exalted Corps as far as Moore’s Fork where they turned east to continue their journey to the Gleeful Monastery. If there is some discrepancy, I’m sure we can bring have the Quite Jubilant Brother who oversees the monastery deliver swore testimony at a later date as to the Jubilant Brothers’ arrive date.” Heartwick and Vagus shared a tense glare, each one making their distain for the other known in that moment. The king broke the tension. “Most Jubilant Brother, we will absolutely follow up on this at a later date. Paladin, if you please continue your account?” Heartwick told the counsel about setting up camp and being on patrol. He told them about the eerie green glow and what he saw the Jubilant Brothers doing, how one of them had knocked him out. This accusation brought gasps from the counsel, who quickly erupted into throwing accusations of their own, some directed at Vagus, others directed at the Paladin. Vagus shouted at Heartwick many different things including “Traitor” and “Vile dog! Your lies will not be heard here!” The room only quieted when the king’s command boomed across the chamber. “SILENCE!” He ordered. “The Paladin will speak!” He said before turning his attention back to Heartwick. “Tell us more, boy.” Heartwick swallowed hard. His mouth felt dry and he was sweating profusely from the strain on his body and his emotions. He told the council how he came to consciousness and how he discovered Grand Master Pernifus encircled with a few surviving members of the order, including his best friend. He told them of the Grand Master’s order, told them of his grievous wounds, and how the next thing he remembered was making up in the infirmary. Unsurprisingly Vagus was the first to speak as Heartwick-
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Heartwick Key BOT 07-Dec-22 11:53 AM
grew silent. “So you want us to believe that you were knocked unconscious, missed almost the entire battle, and then were conveniently ordered to leave before you were killed alongside the rest of your Paladin brothers? I, for one simply cannot accept this order of events.” Vagus continued. “My lord, this man has already lied about the presence of my Jubilant Order, I don’t believe we can give his testimony credence! I would wager he fell asleep at his post allowing the company to be taken by surprise in their sleep by a roving band of ghouls. The boy probably deserted his post when he realized all was lost and the gravity of his own failure!” Heartwick’s blood boiled. He tried to stand from his wheelchair to rebuff the accusations, but immediately collapsed on the marble floor inside the golden ring. The Paladin’s world was a blur as he hear the king’s voice. “Get him out of here, he is clearly in no condition to remain here. Return him to the infirmary!” Paladin Key was lifted under his arms by two strong Praetorian Guards as he watched the blood seep from within his armor and drip onto the white marble floors, crimson smeared and streaked as he was dragged and lifted back into his wheelchair and quickly wheeled out of the chamber. The exhausted man lost consciousness and remembered nothing of his return trip back to his infirmary bed where he was stripped of his armor and returned to his hospital tunic. The armor was placed back on it’s standard in the corner of the room, and was the first thing Heartwick’s eyes focused on as he regained consciousness hours later.
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Chessney BOT 07-Dec-22 12:13 PM
Chessney made a few stops on her way home, picking up some ingredients for the soup. It wasn't long until she stepped into the shop, being met with a stern looking Gran. "Where in the world have you been going lately?" She asked, concern etched into the worry lines on her face. Chessney paused, trying to think. "Uhm...well...remember my last client? The one who wanted the boot repair?" She asked, getting a nod from her Gran. "Well, he returned from his training mission pretty banged up...I've been keeping him company." "You're playing with fire dear." Gran huffed, turning to walk upstairs. "If he finds out the extent of our magic, we'll meet with your parents by the end of tomorrow." "See...uhm...that's the thing..." Chessney's voice took on a sheepish tone as she followed her grandmother, eventually blurting out everything she and Heartwick had discussed. The whole time, the look of astonishment grew on her grandmother's face. "Foolishness! Why would you speak of your parents? Of our gifts??" Gran scolded, aged hands slamming against the table. "For all you know, he could be trying to trap you, to execute you for blatantly going against the law!" "I know, I know," Chessney was already in her room, digging through the new hiding places to find the recipe book. "Honestly, I think this is what mom and dad would want though; even if it is a trap, what if it isn't? They'd want me to treat this as if it were sincere." "Yea, well, look where that line of thinking got them!" Her Gran retorted, following behind as she ranted. "Public execution, and leaving an eight year old child alone in a world where her magic is shunned!" -
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Chessney BOT 07-Dec-22 12:22 PM
"Even so, it was still noble of them." Despite feeling frustration building up, Chessney tried to keep an even tone. She knew Gran loved her, but they had different views on magic and what had happened to her parents. While she saw their sacrifice as honorable, Gran saw it as unnecessary; while she saw magic as a gift to be shared, Gran saw it as something to be ashamed of. "Noble would have been leaving the whole mess of magic behind them to stay with their child! They were more selfish than anything." "No they weren't Gran!" At this point, the frustration had started to boil over. "They were brave folk! Trying to band a bunch of casters together to publicly go against the oppression we're facing was noble of them; they didn't want me to live in a world where I'm ashamed of my gifts." The two ladies glared at eachother, each unblinking and unmoving of their viewpoints. Even though she understood her grandmother's viewpoint, it was outdated. The world was due for a change, and she wanted to be a part of that change. Gran was the first to break, giving a frustrated sigh as she looked away. "Chess, I already had my son and his wife ripped from me; I just don't want their parting gift to me to get killed too for the same reckless thinking." Her voice showed her age; no more did it crackle with the intensity and ferocity it held a few moments before. Chessney could swear she even saw a tear threaten to spill down her face. "Please Chess...do this old lady a favor and back off. I'm begging you, I cannot bury more young people in this family..." "Gran..." It was Chessney's turn to take a deep breath, feeling shakey. It wasn't the first time they bickered about magic, but it was the first time it got so intense. Despite this, Chessney still had to follow through. "I'm sorry Gran...I already promised I'd help." She said simply, grabbing the recipe book from the stash of books. "And for now, that help is making your soup." -
12:29
Despite not looking up, she could feel her grandmother stare at her. She couldn't tell if it was out of anger, or out of worry, but she couldn't afford to look. She had to get cooking. When she woke up the next morning, Chessney quickly went to check on the soup simmering on the stove top. She had followed the instructions down to the letter, and wasn't about to stop now. Carefully, she scooped threw cupfuls into a lead-lined canteen, and went downstairs to work for a bit before heading out. She wasn't sure how long the meeting would last, but by midday she figured it would be okay to leave. She said a goodbye to a still upset Gran, then headed out. She quickly made her way to the infirmary, giving a gentle knock as she reached his room. "Hey, I brought some soup! I think I did a good job of it." She said, a cheerful tone contrasting the somewhat sleepy look on her face. Again, she knew she had bad dreams, but she still couldn't recall them. Not to mention loosing sleep over the argument she and Gran had. She sat down beside his bed, setting the cantine down on the writing table next to the book she left the previous day. "How did the meeting go?" She asked, a touch of concern in her voice.
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Heartwick Key BOT 07-Dec-22 12:37 PM
There was a grim look on Heartwick’s face. “I played right into Vargus’ hand. That bastard had me right where he wanted me.” The man gritted his teeth.”He’s calling me a liar and deserter. Says I can’t be trusted.” Heartwick’s fist clenched. “He needs to be dealt with.” He said grimly. Heartwick reflected on the very last thing he heard Vargus say as he was wheeled from the room. “I caught a woman visiting him in the infirmary not two days ago. If he has taken a lover and broke his oath of chastity, then what oath isn’t he willing to break?!” The memory ended with the sound of the heavy doors thudding shut.
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Chessney BOT 07-Dec-22 12:47 PM
Chessney couldn't help but wince a bit at the information, biting on her lip a bit as she thought. "That's...I'm sorry." She said softly. She wasn't quite sure how to respond to that; if she wasn't worried before, she sure was now. "I still think he's a creep," She said quietly, breaking the silence. "He rubbed me the wrong way; like I said, all of the brotherhood creeps me out, but he's on a whole new level..." She thought about the first time she had seen him, giving a slight shudder. "But I'm sure the real truth will be brought to light. If not immediately, then eventually." Despite saying that, she was still worried. She knew Heartwick was a good man, and didn't want any harm to befall him; especially at the hands of someone like Vargus. "Either way, I'll stick by you. If anything else, I believe you." She gave a bit of a chuckle, looking back down. "Not that that's worth much; if anyone knew too much about me, I'd just bring your case down."
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Heartwick Key BOT 08-Dec-22 03:55 AM
Heartwick shrugged off her final comment. “There is a city full of people who could help me, but you’re the only one stepping up and doing it.” He smiled kindly. “I see all you’ve done. You’ve risked a lot for me, and it hasn’t gone unappreciated.” He winced slightly as he tried to adjust himself in his bed. He reached for the book on the reading table. “Thank you for this.” He said as he flipped through the pages. “I really liked ‘The Primrose Darkest Night,’ I though it was really eloquent and perfectly summed up struggle and sacrifice in the pursuit of something beautiful. I’ve been reading what I can at night. Definitely keeps the mind from wandering too dark a path.” Suddenly, Heartwick remembered the soup, closing the book in his lap. “Did you have any luck with that soup? I’d kill for something homemade right now. The sisters are lovely, but they favor potatoes far too much in their meals.”
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Chessney BOT 08-Dec-22 04:26 AM
Chessney scratched the back of her neck again, giving another chuckle. "I-I haven't done much at all though; I'm just doing what I think is right. I've come to terms long ago that I'll probably meet the same fate as my parents." She watched as he picked up the book, and bounced a bit as he brought up the story. "That's one of my favorites! Although, my favorite of all time will still be The Maiden's Bird." She bunched the hems of her sleeves in her hand, happy to chat about the stories. "I'm really glad the book has been a help; it's one that always makes me feel better." When asked about the soup, she gave another nod, taking the canteen she had set down on the table. "I followed the recipe down to the letter! I hope it's as tasty as my Gran makes it; but it has lots of yummy veggies!" She chatted happily as she handed the canteen to him. "And I still have plenty at home, if you want more later on!"
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Heartwick Key BOT 08-Dec-22 06:38 AM
Heartwick nodded, taking the canteen and smelling the seasonings a bit before he brought it to his lips. He greedily ate, or rather drank, the mixture down. He wiped his mouth after a satisfied sigh. “Absolutely delicious. Having anything that isn’t directly from the sisters is a treat enough, but that tasted truly phenomenal.” He thought to himself for a moment. “I hope I’m well enough to leave this place by week’s end.”
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Chessney BOT 08-Dec-22 06:45 AM
Chessney couldn't help but beam witha little bit of pride as he complimented the soup. "Thank you! Gran is the better cook, but she's been teaching me since I could hold a spoon." She gave a bit of a chuckle, pondering the magic of it. "Well..." She tried to figure out exactly how long it would take him to heal up with the magic. "I know the soup makes me feel better when I have nasty colds; I usually get better in a day or two with that..." Despite talking about illnesses and not physical injury, she hoped he would pick up on what she was trying to say. "Who knows! Maybe with enough bedrest, you'll be right as rain by the end of the week. I'm sure the sisters are taking great care of you, and you seem like a strong guy!" She flashed a smile at him, running a hand through her bangs. "Plus, I do have more soup if you want some; something about old family recipes just feels different."
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Heartwick Key BOT 08-Dec-22 07:31 AM
Heartwick smiled, catching her meaning. “I’m definitely looking forward feeling more like myself again. I need to get out there and start my own investigation.” He looked at the doorway, making sure there were no prying eyes. “Apparently my testimony was incendiary enough that Vargus was removed as special investigator on this matter. I don’t yet know who they appointed in his place yet, but I’m interested to find out.” His eyes darted again to the door. “They also have summoned several dozen Paladins from the Pegasus Corps in Iltar, the Blooded Angel Corps of Strega, and the Worshipful Corps from Halgren to come and fill out the Exalted Corps after the massacre. I hear the first of them should be arriving in the next two weeks, but we will see.”
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Chessney BOT 08-Dec-22 07:39 AM
Chessney listened intently, giving a nod every so often as he spoke. "Well, it's a relief that he's been removed from the investigation." She said softly, biting a thumbnail. "I just hope the Paladins coming in will at the very least be neutral. Call me paranoid, but I'm just worried about how deep the Jubilant Brotherhood can manipulate situations in their favor, especially after what you told me you saw..." She shook her head after saying that, giving a shrug. "But again, I could just be paranoid. With my background, it's hard not to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best." She chuckled a bit, her hand again going to the back of her neck. "At the very least, I hope they're kind to you. I'll probably just continue to try to stay undetected; as kind as you are, and as much as I like your company, I'm not sure if other Paladins would be as kind to me."
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Heartwick Key BOT 08-Dec-22 09:23 AM
“I think that’s best.” He frowned. “Who knows that they would do. Some of the Senior Paladins are much more perceptive at picking up the traces of magic than I am. I certainly don’t want you in harms was. When they start to arrive you probably shouldn’t come around the Red Keep” Heartwick looked a little more hopeful. “Hopefully I’m out of this place before they arrive.” He looked out the window. He would be glad to have Paladins roaming the halls of the Red Keep again, but he would be lying if he wasn’t still pensive all the new faces. He had lost his friends hardly a week ago and he was miles from coming to terms with his emotions on the matter.
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Chessney BOT 08-Dec-22 09:32 AM
Chessney gave a nod, her ever present smile dwindling down to a bit of a frown. "I know...but I'm just gonna say what I said before; you knew nothing, okay." She tried to flash another smile, but it felt a touch strained, even to her. "No sense getting yourself in trouble because of me, okay?" After that, she looked out the window, still looking concerned. "Honestly, this is the most I've been in the Red Keep; I tend to stay in the shop, easier to stay hidden if I don't draw attention to myself." Despite that, she did enjoy spending time there. It was nice to leave the shop, if only to visit one of the more dangerous places in the city for her. "But I'm sure you'll be up and about before they get here; and you're always welcome to visit the shop!" She looked back over at him, giving a smile. "Gran is really nice, once you get to know her. And if you like the soup I made, you should try her homemade bread!" She gave another smile, patting her tummy. "The bakery is good don't get me wrong, but she makes a really nice bread during the holidays that just makes everything feel right, you know? But that might be a ways off," the last part was added sheepishly, once again her hand going for the back of her neck.
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Heartwick Key BOT 08-Dec-22 11:22 AM
Heartwick smiled kindly. “I’ve very much enjoyed your company and all of the kindness you’ve shown me. I hope you know I would be quite distraught if anything were to happen to you while you were trying to tend to me.” The Paladin sighed. “This city, this country has been so crazy the past few years. I just hope things change for the better. I’m starting to see that people like you and your Gran shouldn’t have to hide in the shadows for what you do. I hope others can start to see that too.”
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Chessney BOT 08-Dec-22 11:38 AM
Chessney flashed another smile, looking back over to try and meet his gaze. "And I've enjoyed your company too! Don't worry, I'll do my best not to let anything happen to me." She said, trying to keep her tone cheerful. "I just don't want you to get dragged down with me if something does happen; while I've come to terms with how my life might end, I don't want to drag good people down with me." Or anyone for that matter, she added to herself. She had sworn to help others who needed her help, and even as young as 13 had to come to terms that her way of living would bring her death. However, just because she knew her beliefs would cause her death, it didn't mean the idea of others trying to protect her was welcome. Quite the opposite; she always figured she'd be a martyr type like her parents were. She was snapped out of her thoughts as the Paladin continued to speak. She gave a halfhearted chuckle, looking out the window again. "Honestly, I've been hoping for that change since I was small; but I don't know if it'll happen..." She looked back over at him, trying to smile. "My mom and dad tried to bring on that change years back...do you remember the chaos that happened around 14 or so years ago? The one where a bunch of magic users made their own settlement to use their magic?" She looked down at her lap, starting to pick at some lint on her pants. "They weren't even being violent; they just kept to themselves and did as they saw fit...even so, the sheer idea of their existence and using their gifts were too much." She gave a shrug, rubbing an eye with her sleeve as she gave a humorless chuckle. "S-sorry! That was a lot of useless information...I guess I just don't think that change will happen; I mean, I wish it would. I'd love to not hide anymore..."
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Heartwick Key BOT 09-Dec-22 05:39 AM
Something changed for Heartwick in that moment. For the first time in his life he was seeing the aftermath of his order’s choices. He decided in his heart that he would no longer stand for the oppression of people with good in their heart. It’s something he thought his father might be proud of. He reached out and put a hand on Chessney’s shoulder. “Not useless at all. You’ve opened my eyes to your world. I don’t think I can ever again carry out my Paladin duties without knowing the intent of the magic user. I’ve seen evil and I’ve seen normal people trying to survive. I can’t prosecute these people just for living their life and culture anymore.” Heartwick thought about his path forward, seeing a fork in the road and he wasn’t sure anymore if the Order was a part of both paths.
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Chessney BOT 09-Dec-22 05:58 AM
Chessney looked over as she felt him place a hand on her shoulder, a bit startled by the sudden contact. She gave a nod, rubbing her eyes again. She wasn't much of a crier; she hated it, especially in front of people. "Intention is the most important part," She said, trying her best to smile. "Many of us either want to use our gifts to help, or at the very least keep to ourselves." She looked out the window again, giving a bit of a smile. "Honestly though, I wish more Paladins thought that way. I'm sure there's casters who'd love to help by enchanting armor and weapons in their favor."
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Heartwick Key BOT 09-Dec-22 08:13 AM
Heartwick thought for a second. “You’re actually right. I can’t imagine how much more effective we would be with blades that never dull or armor that can deflect mage fire.” Heartwick smiled at his friend. “I’m glad we crossed paths, Chessney. You’ve taught me a lot.” He looked out the window as the shadows grew long once again. “Please stay safe on your way home today. I promise to come and visit as soon I can out of this bed.”
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Chessney BOT 09-Dec-22 08:19 AM
Chessney smiled back, giving a nod. "Right? Or even a charm to always hit your target." She could have rattled off other ways enchantments could help; not only was enchantment her specialty, she had often daydreamed about her shop expanding into helping with armor and shields. She wasn't a blacksmith, but it was still fun to think about. She saw the sun going down, and tried to fight off a bit of a frown. "I promise I'll be safe on the way home," She said, looking back over with a smile. "And you better keep that promise! Or I'm gonna worry about you." Her last comment had a bit of a teasing tone to it, punctuated with a slight laugh as she stood up. "I'll see you around, okay? I'm sorry I can't visit more, but stop by the shop when you can!" With that, she gave a wave, walking out to go back home.
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Heartwick Key BOT 09-Dec-22 12:35 PM
Heartwick smiled at the girl as she left, faltering only slightly after she disappeared down the hall. He was going to miss his friend’s visits. He never saw the Jubilant Brother that had been hiding in the courtyard, taking notes as he watched Chessney leave. Heartwick settled in for the night, exhausted as though his body was working overtime to repair itself. He slept peacefully thought the night until a vivid dream pulled him in. He floated toward the rafters, looking down on him own self, bathed in the same sickly green light he had seen once before. Wake up a female voice seemed to whisper in his left ear. Heartwick jerked his head to the left only so see nothing at all. Wake Up! The silky voice hair again in his right ear, more urgently this time. Again, nothing was there. Heartwick looked down at his sleeping form and his heart began to pound in his chest as he noticed the the gray bodies of two ghouls crawling along the floor to where he slept. WAKE UP! The smooth, feminine voice commanded. It would have sounded frantic had it not been for the strength and composure behind the source of the voice. Heartwick suddenly fell, crashing back into his body and instant before bolting upright. With hardly a thought the Paladin regarded the creatures on either side of his bed and grabbed the sword by his bed. As the two creatures launched themselves at him he moved with a speed and agility he could swear he didn’t have the evening before. With a single swing he removed the head from the ghoul on the left and firmly lodged the blade in the skull of the second. Screams and shouting could be heard in the hallway as one of the sisters ran by the door in a panic. Heartwick stood, trying to move toward the door. His legs were still far too weak to carry him, and as he collapsed to one knee he caught a glimpse of a dead ghoul in the hall, with several more engaging with guards further down the way. As soon as the chaos had started it was over. The final ghouls-
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Heartwick Key BOT 09-Dec-22 12:56 PM
were dispatched and city guard cleared the remainder of the Red Keep before several sisters helped to return the Paladin to his bed. The full scope of what had happened would not be known to Heartwick for several more days, but a series of attacks had been carried out throughout the city. It seems portals had somehow been opened at three different locations; one in the slums, one in Uptown, and another somewhere in the grounds of the Red Keep. What Heartwick knew immediately was that the guard around the Keep was tripled, and now two Paladins who had rushed to the capital were stationed outside his room at all times. Over the course of the next week the Red Keep became alive with activity again. The detachment fro Pegasus Corps were the first to arrive in their distinct white and blue armor. Next the yellow armor and capes with the white accents of the Worshipful Corps began to show up in the halls, and finally the Blooded Angels joined the flurry of activity in the Keep, their uniforms looking quite similar to Heartwick’s save the ebony accents on their armor and trim. Eventually they would all be formally converted to the uniform of the Exalted Coprs, but for now they were exactly what one would expect: a mishmash of troops hastily brought together to replace a truly decimated force. Many of Heartwick’s new comrades stopped in to meet him and express their condolences, but even with so many new members he was left with an empty sense that things would never be the same as they were. By the end of the week the strength of the Paladin was returning. He was able to get out of bed and even join the other Paladins for light training. He grew fast friends with Cedrick, formerly of the Pegasus Corps, and Thalin from the Worshipful Corps. They were an unlikely trip, but they quickly found a kinship in their shared experiences growing up on a farm. It wasn’t much longer before Heartwick was on his own two feet, filling mostly recovered. What surprised him was that
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despite his efforts he was unable to match the range of motion he displayed the night of the ghoul infiltration. Must have been some damn good soup. He privately thought to himself, though he knew in his heart something else was at play. He had seen divine forces at work in the life of man before, and the thought continued to gnaw at the back of his mind. The next week as soon as he could excuse himself from the Keep he found himself headed back to the familiar cobbler’s shop. The portal attacks can continued, two more since that night, and he hoped none had been near his friend’s humble shop. He found his pace quickening as he turned down the last alley to reach her store.
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Chessney BOT 09-Dec-22 01:20 PM
While the trip back home was uneventful for Chessney, she couldn't say the same for the days following her last visit. She had noticed the same figure passing by her shop every other day or so, but she tried shrugging it off. It's a small city, She tried to rationalize. The same people are bound to pass by. However, when the first portal that appeared by her shop came up, she wasn't so sure about that anymore. Fortunately that time, the ghouls that had appeared seemed more distracted with other citizens. While they hadn't attacked her shop that night, she was more than uncomfortable with the fact they were there at all. "I don't like this at all Chess," Gran said the day after that attack. "Something is fishy; no caster worth a mouthful of spit would be so blatant." "Not to mention, wouldn't summon ghouls in the first place." Chessney sighed, picking at her food. "I know you hate the idea, but I think we really should set up wards." "Absolutely not!" Gran's tone had suddenly sharpened, defensive even as she stared at Chessney. "And what happens if they're activated? Won't matter how many ghouls show up then." "Gran, you don't have to know about it," Chessney tried to rationalize, a pleading look on her face. "I can take the fall; I just don't want you getting hurt." "Child, I've been on this planet for almost 83 years; don't martyr yourself for someone who'll be in the ground soon anyway." Gran gave Chessney a hard look before going back to her dinner. "Why don't you ask that carpenter to come by and reinforce the door? I'm sure he'd be more than happy to after the work you did on his work boots." "I'm sure he does appreciate the fact his hammer doesn't fall on his toes as much anymore." Chessney said with a chuckle, remembering the accident prone client. "But sounds good; I'll try asking him tomorrow." -
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Chessney BOT 09-Dec-22 01:32 PM
After that conversation, it was again uneventful around the shop. More and more people had mutterings and rumors about ghouls showing up out of green vortexes. The conversations and recountings were enough to convince Chessney to place a few wards on the doorframe. She etched them carefully, slowly; painstakingly working with her enchanters tool to make the wards and sigils look like nothing more than mundane designs. She even casted a charm to prevent them from glowing. They were set to just make the shop invisible to anything deemed an enemy; their focus would never be able to be on her shop. After that, she double checked her door at night, same with the window by her work station. Despite all the work she was doing, Heartwick would always cross her mind. Especially with the ghouls, she couldn't help but worry for his safety. With every new report or sighting, she felt a pang of guilt that she was no longer able to check in on him. The night before his visit, her wards had failed her. A particularly stubborn ghoul had managed to see through her wards and charms; something that panicked her. None of the ghouls should have been able to see through the magic, but one had managed to tear the door off it's hinges. Both Chessney and her Gran ran downstairs, panicking. The entire alley of shops and homes were in a panic, the stench of copper filling the air. Before Chessney could snap out of it, the ghoul had reached to grab her Gran. "Gran!!" She shouted, tears welling in her eyes. Without thinking, she put an outstretched hand in front of her, shouting two simple words. Two words that could hold grave consequences if anyone had heard her over the screams and chaos in the streets. -
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Chessney BOT 09-Dec-22 01:40 PM
"Stilla!" She commanded, her voice sounding almost ethereal as her eyes glowed with magic power. The ghoul glared, trying to give a roar. However, despite itself, it's gangly fist dropped her grandmother. Without a word, Gran did her best to run out of the store. "Auferet!" was her second command, her words booming throughout her shop. The ghoul roared in defiance; the creature was probably frustrated that it's body was acting without its permission. Despite that, the ghoul walked backwards out of the shop; looking almost like an invisible force was dragging it out. After the ghoul was gone, Chessney collapsed to her knees, panic swelling high into her chest and throat. Wh-why did I do that? What if someone saw? Where's Gran? Why am I so tired? Her thoughts raced around her mind faster than she could comprehend, and were louder than the screams outside her shop. She sat like that, frozen, for a while; by the time she snapped out of it, the screams had died down. The guards must have made their way to where they were; she heard the clink of armor and swords. Despite the ghouls, at first she was terrified they were there for her. She didn't know if anyone had seen her, so for all she knew, someone had already turned her in. Eventually, she stood up and took in the damage done to her shop. She no longer had a door, and deep gashes from the ghouls claws littered the floor. Exhausted, she resigned herself to taking care of it tomorrow. For now, she just wanted to sleep. The sunlight streamed into Chessney's room the next morning, causing her to groan and roll to her side. She didn't want to wake up; she didn't want to face the aftermath. However, she thought of Gran, and sat upright. Had she made it back safe? Chessney stood, walking around her upstairs. No, no signs of Gran. She slowly made her way downstairs, feeling tears well up as she saw the state of her shop. -
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"Well...no sense crying over a shop that's been in our family for generations...it's not like I totally failed keeping the shop and Gran safe..." She mumbled as she walked to the detached door, struggling to try and pick it up. Sighing, she resigned to just dragging it out of the shop. She grabbed one end, and slowly started inching it out of the shop. She took a small breather once it was halfway out, seeing Heartwick making his way over. She gave a wave, trying her best to give a smile, but ultimately failing. "I-it's nice to see you well!" She said, but despite her efforts, her tone fell a bit flat. "I-I'm sorry, I probably won't be a good hostess; ghouls got into my shop, and Gran hasn't come back yet..." She took a deep breath, trying to suppress the panic as she thought of her grandmother. "I just hope she's okay," she added softly, going back to dragging the door out of her shop.
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Heartwick Key BOT 12-Dec-22 05:12 AM
Heartwick was overjoyed to see if friend. “Chessney, hello!” He walked toward her as quickly as he could, though obviously still stiff from his injuries. He raised his arm to wave, but the arm didn’t come above his shoulder. His wounds had taken a great toll on his range of motion, and though he was still improving it was obvious there was yet a long way to go. He hurried toward her, seeing the concern on her face as he grew closer and taking in the true extent of the damage. He quickly bent down to help pull the door from the entry way. “I heard about the ghouls ravaging the city. I have so much to tell you! The first night they portals appeared, one was opened in the Red Keep. I have a suspicion I was a target.” His face grew grim at the comment about Gran. “You have no idea where she is? Maybe she was taken to one of the war shelters managed by the city guard? Let’s put this door back up and we can search the city together.”
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Chessney BOT 12-Dec-22 05:29 AM
Chessney shook her head, gently trying to push him away from the door. "Nono! I'm fine I got it, I'm sorry!" She said, still obviously struggling. "You might feel better, but you're still recovering." She stood back up, leaning to stretch her back a bit. "Plus, the thing ripped it straight from the hinges; I'm not sure if it's gonna get back on easy..." While saying this, she was still trying to take deep breaths. Guilt kept washing over her in waves; she failed to protect the shop and grandma. Even the magic she grew up believing in wasn't enough. "You...said they first opened in the Red Keep?" She asked, immediately looking over with concern. "You're okay right?" All she could think of was what he had told her about Vargus, and what he'd seen at the training excursion. However, that concern got overshadowed when the topic of Gran came back. She felt her stomach churn at the idea of her being in a war shelter; not because she'd be treated bad, but because of what Chessney had done. "I-I hope she isn't there..." She said softly, going back to dragging the door. "I really need to be careful...honestly it might be best if you keep your distance." She sighed, trying to fight back the tears gathering in her eyes. She cleared her throat, her voice lowering to a whisper. "I didn't mean to...the ghoul had grabbed her...I had to use magic I had no choice...if someone saw, and she's there..."
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Heartwick Key BOT 12-Dec-22 07:41 AM
Heartwick struggled along side Chessney, pulling the door out, then lifting it to sick cockeyed leaning against it’s door frame. “I’m sure she’s fine. With all the chaos I can only imagine people were more focused on their own problems.” He patted his hands together, dislodging the bit of dirt on them. “No near for distance. I could use a good wall around the city with my friend anyway. The first of the siege shelters is only a few neighborhoods over, let’s go check it out together.” He started off in the direction of the shelter. “Don’t forget to lock up!” He teased, trying to lighten the mood as he waited for Chessney a few paces away. As the two walked through the city, Heartwick elaborated on his harrowing experience. “Whatever was in that soup was incredible! Does it normally cause out of body experiences?” His eyes were filled with excitement as he recounted the woman’s voice in his ear, and how he dispatched the two ghouls with a speed and agility he never had before.
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Chessney BOT 12-Dec-22 10:42 AM
"B-but..." Chessney took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "In my experience, they don't care about anything; it's always guilt by association. It's why mom and dad didn't take me with." Despite that, she did give a grateful nod of thanks as he helped her put the door up. She even gave a bit of a chuckle at his joke, following behind. She walked quietly by his side as she listened, adding a bit more guilt to herself as she wished she could've been there. She knew she wouldn't have been much help, but she still... "Oh! The soup?" She asked, the question snapping her out of her thoughts. "Not the recipe I used; it just accelerates your healing. I did dilute it though, but even then it shouldn't have cause that..."
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Heartwick Key BOT 12-Dec-22 11:29 AM
Heartwick thought for a long moment. “Oh.” He said, disappointed. It wasn’t the answer he was hoping for. The answer just lead to more questions. He mulled over her response before returning to his story of that night and everything since. “-so that’s how I met Cedrick and Thalin. They seem like good men.” He finished his story as they came to the large stone dome that housed the siege shelters. The shelters were built for the residents to take shelter in the event of war and were rarely used, but with all the attacks they were filled to capacity some nights. A few arms guards stood outside talking as Heartwick headed for the door to search for Gran inside.
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Chessney BOT 12-Dec-22 11:37 AM
Chessney noticed the disappointment in his response, biting her lip. "I mean, there are...soups...that could cause that; it's just not something I did that night." She elaborated, running a hand through her bangs. Especially after last night, she was especially anxious when the subject of magic came up. Of course, she wanted to talk to him about exactly how that ghoul got in; how despite wars that should have made her shop safe, it was still better than that. She wanted to know how that could happen, but talking about magic was just... "I'm so glad that you made some more friends!" She said excitedly, flashing a smile. While it wasn't as bright as it normally was, it still felt a bit better to be smiling. It also felt better to not talk or think about magic. "Other than...last night...it's just been quiet. Although..." She paused for a second, wondering if it was worth bringing up the figure that passed by her shop so often. While it was strange, she tried to shake it off. There were lots of shops after all; maybe it was a new worker, or someone frequenting a certain shop. Either way, she wasn't sure if it was worth bringing up. However, she seemed to get a bit more excited as they got to the shelter. The fate of her Gran had been weighing on her; she just wanted to know if she was okay. "I really hope she's alright," she added softly as they walked inside.
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Heartwick Key BOT 12-Dec-22 12:13 PM
Heartwick gave her a reassuring smile and nod. Me too. He thought to himself. He had a lot if reservations about all of this, but he kept it to himself for his friend’s sake. He had no clue how the ghouls had taken someone as capable at Chessney by surprise. What’s more, he was noticing a pattern in the attacks. They were spread across almost all the entire city with one exception: the cobbler’s shop. While the attacks didn’t occurs there every night they were certainly more frequent than anywhere else, almost as if it was targeted. He had a hunch he knew who was behind it all too. The similarities are too much. He thought as he descended the stairs into the dark shelter. Heartwick didn’t waste any time once below. The armor of a Paladin brought a lot of attention and he leveraged every once of it to question the family’s and guards there. He made his way through the crowd asking those he passed if anyone knew Gran’s whereabouts.
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Chessney BOT 12-Dec-22 12:22 PM
Chessney followed behind closely, trying to describe her Gran to anyone who'd listen. "She's an older lady...silver hair, it was up in a bun...her name is Evangaline Collins..." If she recognized someone from her area, she made a beeline to them to ask. Unfortunately, the responses she and Heartwick were getting more and more grim. "Oh! I think..." "Wasn't she the one dear who..." "Oh Chess, I'm so sorry..." With every person she questioned who knew anything, her anxiety deepened. It wasn't until they were there a few minutes someone had confirmed what Chessney was dreading. A seamstress who often shared tea with Gran put a hand on Chessney's shoulder, a look of pity on her face. "I saw her be grabbed by a ghoul...one that was lingering by your shop, almost like it was waiting for something...I'm so sorry Chessney dear..." Chessney froze, not moving an inch as the seamstress patted her shoulder and brought her into a hug. Her eyes stared straight ahead, and for once she didn't fight back the tears that quickly started making their way down her face. The seamstress looked around, finding Heartwick. She gently took Chessney's hand, making their way to him. "Excuse me, sir? You came in with Chess, right?" She asked, and once she got confirmation she looked over at Chessney. "Here dear, I brought you to your friend. I have to go back to my family now, but he'll take care of you, right?" When she asked that, she looked back over at Heartwick, giving a stern grandmotherly look.
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Heartwick Key BOT 13-Dec-22 05:21 AM
Heartwick stepped to the side with the seamstress, questioning her further. “Is there any chance..?” Heartwick let the question hang in the air until the woman shook her head. The Paladin looked grim as he turned back to Chessney, putting his arm around his grieving friend and pulling her close. “Come on, Chess. There’s nothing more we can do here.” Heartwick guided his friend through the maze of people back to the exit. It was a long walk back to the quiet cobbler’s shop as the sometimes emotionally clumsy Paladin did his best to comfort his friend. A dignified and commanding female voice whispered in his ear. “All is not as it seems. Darker days are ahead, and you will lean on each other greatly. For now, comfort my child. She is so closed off from my peace.” Heartwick looked over his shoulder, and seeing no one he shook off the voice he had heard and guided Chessney into the shop after moving the door propped against it’s frame.
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Chessney BOT 13-Dec-22 05:53 AM
Chessney leaned against him as she followed by his side. She didn't say anything, her mind was blank other than the guilt. She didn't do the one thing she always tried to do; she couldn't protect her family. Not as a child, and not now as an adult. It was her fault; the ghoul probably chased Gran after she sent it out. She sent it out with magic, and it still wasn't enough. Her magic had failed her when she needed it most. The thought replayed in her head for a moment, a horrible symphony on loop. Her magic had failed her when she needed it most. Maybe the government was right about her magic after all; if it can't be used to help protect those she held dear, was it even worth practicing? She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she hadn't realized when they made it back to her shop. She looked around, almost as if snapping out of a daze. She rubbed her eyes, trying to wipe away the tears blurring her vision. "S-sorry," She said softly, sniffling a bit. "A-apparently a ghoul got her just as she ran...she said it was just...it looked like it was waiting for something..." She tried to choke back a sob rolling up her throat, taking a deep shakey breath. "Do...do you know anything about ghouls? It...it saw through my wards...it shouldn't have...I followed the instructions...it wasn't enough..."
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Heartwick Key BOT 13-Dec-22 06:24 AM
Heartwick’s disposition was cloudy. He was clearly deeply troubled by all of this. “N-no. They aren’t suppose to take instruction.” He said as he snapped out of his own thoughts.” He shook his head. “They are too organized. The two that came after me that night in the infirmary were specifically after me. I could be wrong, but I think the ghouls targeted your shop. They aren’t smart enough for that on their own, but they can- well supposedly- according to some old Paladin tales a Ghoul Summoner can take control of many ghouls and direct them as he pleases.” He shook his head. “It’s highly forbidden and we thought that knowledge was extinct. We would know if someone like that came to to city.. unless..” Heartwick stepped away, looking out the shop window. “What if this was the Jubilant Brotherhood? I know what I saw in the woods that night, and it seems like the corruption goes all the way up to Vargus. What if they could be behind this?” He mused.
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Chessney BOT 13-Dec-22 06:32 AM
Chessney gave a shrug, looking at the ground. She felt empty; it seemed the normally bright and bubbly girl lost the spark that made her so happy. "I...I don't know..." She said softly, still trying to take deep breaths. When he mentioned being targeted, and pondering the Jubilant Brotherhood, her thoughts again went to the figure. She tugged at one of her pigtails as she pondered that herself. "If...if someone is targeted...someone stakes out their target, right?" She asked, looking up briefly. "I-it's...it's probably nothing, maybe someone new...but...someone had walked by my shop every so often before last night..." Her voice was still soft, barely audible as grief choked her. "L-like I said, maybe it's a coincidence...I-I haven't done anything special to be targeted...Unless someone knew about my magic I guess..." She flinched a bit as she mentioned her magic, biting her tongue. She wasn't sure how to feel about her magic at this point; it failed her for the first time. She was conflicted now.
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Heartwick Key BOT 13-Dec-22 08:35 AM
Heartwick could see how distraught his friend. He had a sense for that feeling of loss from when his mother, then his father had passed. He wished he could take that pain from her, or at least catch those responsible. As she mentioned the individual walking by, the thought resonated in Heartwick. This is the lead. He thought to himself. If that person was still coming around he knew he could catch them in the act. He knew just the people who would be willing to help him. He was committed to stay with his friend as long as she needed, but he knew he had lots of planning to do when he got back to the Red Keep. He winced at the comment about her being targeted. “I don’t know if it has to do with your magic. I worry this may have something to do with me and what I saw in the forest. If someone saw you come around that could have made you a target by association..”
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Chessney BOT 13-Dec-22 08:46 AM
Chess brushed a hand through her bangs, giving a shaky, humorless laugh. "I guess guilt by association is all anyone knows nowadays, huh?" She asked, not being able to keep a twinge of bitterness from her voice. She shook her head, taking a deep breath. "S-sorry, that was extremely uncalled for..." She looked back over at Heartwick, trying to offer a smile. "Would...would you like some tea? I'm sorry I didn't offer sooner...told you I'd be a bad hostess today..." She gave another humorless chuckle, an empty smile on her face as she went to go upstairs. "Fortunately, nothing got upstairs; it should at least be better scenery."
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Heartwick Key BOT 13-Dec-22 10:03 AM
Heartwick followed her, a concerned look growing on his face. Once upstairs he searched for the took the tea pot and took it. “You just sit down.” He said softly as he assembled the other necessities for the tea. He wasted no time in starting the wood stove and getting the water to a boil as he prepared the tea cups. She is so closed off from my peace. The words echoed in his mind. He wanted to help her find peace, whatever that looked like. He shot up a silent prayer. Look. I don’t know who you are, or what you are, but I do know my friend is hurting and you seem inclined to help. What do I do? The question hung in his mind. Heartwick’s back was to Chessney as he poured the first cup of pipping hot tea. He almost dropped the cup when a violet aura emitted from his hands, enveloping the mug for a moment before vanishing. Allow her to drink and she will know my peace once more. That woman’s voice was back, echoing through every corner of his mind. Heartwick barely had time to think before he was handing over the tea to Chessney. He flashed her a half-genuine smile and said “Here, drink this. Something tells me it’s exactly what you need.” Unbeknownst to the Paladin he had just cast his first spell: pure divine peace in a cup. He would later find that this particular spell was great not only for a great night’s rest, but could also help the recipient to overcome even the deepest despair and doubt. Heartwick watched on, a puzzled look on his face as he waited to see what Chessney would do with the mug.
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Chessney BOT 13-Dec-22 10:11 AM
Chessney looked over at him, still trying to fight back her tears. "O-oh, okay." She said quietly, giving a nod and walking to the old dining room table. There were two chairs there, and she stared at the empty one in front of her. Gran should've been sitting there; she should've been giving a stern lecture about her magic, but still having a loving look that only grandmas had. They should have been working out a plan to fix the shop together; she'd joke about the carpenter again, and Chessney would laugh and pretend to be annoyed. She could see the scene so perfectly in her head. But Gran wasn't there. And as soon as Heartwick would leave for the day, she'd be all alone. That was a thought that hadn't occurred before. She was never alone; she always had her parents, or her Gran when they passed. Never in her 22 years of life had she been alone in this world, and the realization cause a chill down her spine. She didn't snap out of that spiral until Heartwick had come over with the mug. She looked up from where she was sitting, trying to give a friendly smile; however, it was just a ghost of how bright it used to be. "Th...thank you," She said softly, gratefully taking a sip. She could tell something was different about it, but she shrugged it off. No one made tea like Gran did, and now no one will.
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Heartwick Key BOT 13-Dec-22 10:32 AM
Heartwick made himself a mug of tea and came to sit across from his friend. “I don’t know how exactly, but I’m going to make this right. Whatever it takes, I’ll find the people responsible and bring justice.” He had a determined look on his face, the gears in his mind still working as he planned his ambush of the people responsible. “Is there anything else I can do? Anything at all?” He’d never felt more genuine hurt on someone else’s behalf and he wanted to help Chessney heal the best he could.
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Chessney BOT 13-Dec-22 10:37 AM
Chessney finished her sip, gently putting the cup back down. She traced the rim of it, looking down inside. A nice cup of tea always made her feel at least a little better; she already felt more at ease. She looked back over at him, giving a smaller smile. Despite not being as big as her normal smiles, it felt more...genuine. More full of emotion than the ones she tried and failed with all day. "I...I just hope that you can...more for your sake than mine," She said softly, picking up her cup to take another sip. She set it down again, thinking. This tea was really good; she hadn't felt this peaceful in what felt like ages. Even the baseline worries about her magic seemed to fall by the wayside. "I don't know," She sighed, coming back to the present. "Honestly, I just appreciate the tea and the company...I think it would have been harder if I was alone with this right now."
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Heartwick Key BOT 13-Dec-22 12:55 PM
“Well I’m here as long as you need me.” Heartwick smiled kindly, seeing a calm washing over his friend. He was only one man, but he felt like he had a real shot at untangling this whole thing and getting justice for Chessney, the fallen Paladins, and all the countless civilians who had died in the past several nights. He broke his own silence with question. It was a simple one, but had massive implications. “So what’s next?” He knew what he had to do, but he was still worried for his friend. She seemed so so lost in this moment. He understood it, but she had such hope and faith before. He worried how a person can find that again after experiencing so much loss.
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Chessney BOT 13-Dec-22 01:17 PM
Chessney gave another small, yet genuine smile. She still was exhausted, she still felt alone, but it didn't seem to matter right now. She needed a clear head, she needed to figure out how to fix up the shop. Gran flashed in her mind again, making her wince slightly. Gran wouldn't want her life to stop just because of her. She looked back over at Heartwick, feeling grateful for her friend's presence. However, her smile faltered a bit at his question. "Well..." She said softly, thinking about it. She wasn't sure what steps to take next; especially alone. Sure, Heartwick was there right now, but tonight was going to be rough, and she knew it. However, she shoved that to the side; she didn't him want to worry himself over her more than she already had done. "I suppose...I'll have to reach out to Strey; he's a carpenter...I fixed his boots a while back. He jokes they're his lucky pair now, since he doesn't drop his hammer on his toes anymore." She explained with a bit of a chuckle. Slowly, but surely, she was getting at least a hint of herself back. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind helping..." However, she didn't know exactly what was next for her. She kept tracing the rim of her mug, trying to mull over what all needed to be done.
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Heartwick Key BOT 14-Dec-22 05:51 AM
“That sounds good. Look, I don’t want you to be worried tonight. I’ll do what I can make sure everything is quiet for you. You just need some time to rest, I’m sure. I can stay until sunset, but after that you need to recover a bit. It’s been a very difficult day.” Heartwick looked out the small window as the quiet street below, in his mind scoping out some vantage points for later that evening
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Chessney BOT 14-Dec-22 05:55 AM
Chessney gave a nod, looking back up. "O-oh! I don't mean to keep you; I'll be fine. You're right, I probably just need some rest," She gave another small smile, finishing her cup of tea before giving a nod. "I think I'll talk to Strey tomorrow anyway; he probably has his hands full with all the damage lately."
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Heartwick Key BOT 15-Dec-22 05:17 AM
“I can only imagine.” Heartwick’s characteristic tight smile flashed across his scarred face. He sat and talked with Chessney into the late hours of the evening not wanting to part ways, but knowing he had to. Eventually the time came to excuse himself. “I’ll be back, I promise, tomorrow I hope to have some good news for you, but we will see what the night holds.” He placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “You’re strong. Stronger than you know. I’m sorry for your loss.” And with that he headed out into the night. Heartwick hustled back to the Keep, knowing his place would hinge on timing. Cedrick had gone to bed early and awoke to the thudding of Heartwick’s gauntleted fist rapping against his door. Thalin was next, though he had been up reading a book. Heartwick crowded his friends into his quarters and talked to them in hushed tones. “Look. I trust the two of you with my life. I’m asking you both to trust me now. I have a hunch about who is responsible for these attacks, but I need your help to confirm my suspicions.” Heartwick laid out the plan to stakeout the cobbler’s shop to see who came around before an attack. He left the details vague, but did tell them he had a hunch that a ghoul summoner was responsible and targeting the shop specifically. The paladins two friends looked stunned at first. Cedrick, the more cautious of the two, had concern etched on his face. “If there is a summoner, you expect the three of us to take them on?” Cedrick asked. “Oh please, we’re more than enough for one simple summoner! And if we take down whoever has been causing these attacks we’ll be heroes!” Thalin said excitedly. Cedrick protested the whole way there, but seemed to settle once he saw the stakeout location. Heartwick had scouted a rooftop balcony earlier in the day that gave them a perfect view of the whole alley. Cedrick could tell a lot of thought and planning had gone into this. The trio settled in on the balcony, silently taking shifts at watch and taking mental
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notes if any comings and goings. Heartwick and Cedrick were stiff, anxious, waiting for something to happen. Thalin on the other hand tried to break the tension from time to time with an occasional joke. The beginning of the night was quiet.
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Chessney BOT 15-Dec-22 05:40 AM
Chessney had enjoyed her time with Heartwick, even being able to put what happened in the back of her mind until evening had come. Despite the anxiety she had about being alone, she did her best to put on a brave face. "I-I'll be fine, I just need some sleep." She said, the tight smile doing little to hide the despair she felt. She walked him to the door, giving a bit of a wave as he went back to the Keep. She stood there for a moment, letting the quiet sink in. For the first time, she was truly alone. She winced at the realization, but shook her head to try and clear the tears starting to gather. "Now's not the time," She said quietly, even though she knew there was no one to hear her. She desperately tried to think of what Gran would tell her, to think of what she'd want her to do. Taking a shaky breath, she went to the counter of her shop to scribble a note. Due to damages, I cannot accept repair requests. I apologize. She scrawled, then she took one of her nails to stick the note to her damaged door. Well, let's at least sweep up, She decided. She swept the shop, and sweeping turned to picking up. Picking up turned to wiping down her surfaces, and before she knew it, she was reorganizing her work area. She paused, looking down at her tools. She realized exactly what she was doing, even if it wasn't purposeful. She was stalling. She didn't want to see Gran's bed, or her empty chair. She didn't want to go upstairs to a lack of cooking smells, or Gran's whistling. She walked to the stairs, staring blankly. The stairs were normal yesterday, even earlier with Heartwick, but now they seemed as insurmountable as a mountain. She stayed frozen to her spot, dreading the idea of going up there alone. You need to rest more Chess...come on, I've made some stew and bread...you've been working too hard... the different phrases Gran would call from upstairs swirled in her mind, and for the first time she allowed herself to cry.
05:40
Uncontrollable sobs echoed in the empty shop, and at this point she didn't care. She always prided herself on being happy, being hopeful despite the odds. But how could she do that now? She didn't know how long she stood there sobbing, but eventually she managed to calm down enough to again stare at the stairs. Hesitantly, she started climbing them, the grief making her limbs heavy and tired. I think... She took a deep breath as she reached the top, nodding to herself. She walked around, gathering the ingredients needed for the spell. While it only took a few moments, she finally was ready. Just an apparition; it won't be him, more like a portrait, She recalled her Gran explain. There was only one other time she had seen this spell done, and that was as a child who missed her dad. She started her spell, a pale blue light surrounding her and the empty chair across from her. Shortly after, an apparition of her Gran sat in front of her; unmoving and unblinking. For the hour the spell lasted, Chessney just chatted. About the shop, about her worries, and most of all how much she missed her. By the end of the hour, Chessney was crying again, resting her head on her arm as her body was wracked with sobs.
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Heartwick Key BOT 15-Dec-22 12:20 PM
Cedrick had taken up watch, keeping a sharp eye. Heartwick and Thalin were resting when he had an idea. What if we’re looking in the wrong place? He quietly left their perch and started to patrol the streets, casually peering in windows as he went. He nearly fell over when he saw the glowing pale blue light emanating from the upstairs window. He ran back to his fellow paladins as quickly and quietly as he could manage.
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Heartwick Key BOT 16-Dec-22 06:28 AM
“Guys, guys, quick! A glowing inside the cobbler shop!” Heartwick was roused from his sleep by the frantic words of Cedrick. “What? Glow? What kind of glow?” Heartwick asked, rising quickly to his feet and pulling Thalin up to do the same as he started to move toward the dark shop. “The glow, it was this pale, eerie thing. Definitely magical. Probably summoning magic, if I had to guess.” Cedrick said quickly as they crept up the street. This description sounded familiar to Heartwick and he pressed on through the uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. You’re making a mistake. The invisible force whispered in his left ear. He ignored the voice, drawling his sword as he lead the trio to the front door, worried that something may have already happened to his friend inside. The paladins stacked up on the door, swords drawn, waiting on Heartwick’s lead. He gave the nod and they yanked open the front door. Cedrick was first, followed by Thalin, then Heartwick as they quickly cleared the first floor. Thalin, ever eager was the first to head up the stairs. “No, wait! Something isn’t right.” Heartwick said, seeing no disarray in the shop. Unfortunately, his eager friend was on too much of a war path. Heartwick was beginning to realize the terrible mistake he had made as Thalin crashed through the door at the top of the stairs and spilled into the room where Chessney sat across from the apparition of Gran.
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Chessney BOT 16-Dec-22 06:45 AM
Chessney didn't even notice at first when the trio had barged into her store, just crying and sobbing as she talked to her Gran one last time. "I just...how am I supposed to run this shop Gran? How do I-" She didn't get a chance to finish her question as she finally heard the commotion downstairs. Despite feeling panicked, she couldn't get herself to move from her spot; just staring at her Gran's apparition, unblinking and unmoving. There was a deep pit in her stomach, some part already knowing what could be happening. "Gran...I'm sorry...I love and miss you..." She hiccuped through her sobs, rubbing her eyes and face as she heard Thalin crash through the door. Her head whipped around to look over at him, her eyes red and puffy from the crying. She tried to give a smile, but it was shaky. "I-I'm sorry, I-I can't do repairs due to the damage..." She said, trying her best to take deep breaths to steady herself. She tried to wipe away her tears, the sobs she was holding back still shaking her shoulders. The poor thing had finally broken; curling into herself and looking small and pitiful. Normally, she'd do her best to hide this from anyone and everyone; however, with how off guard she was, she had no time to even think about it.
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Heartwick Key BOT 19-Dec-22 08:01 AM
Thalin looked between the apparition and Chessney, blinking several times before he found his resolve again. He pulled his sword back, pointing the tip at her throat and reaching out with his other arm to push her backwards against the nearest wall. “You were right, Heartwick! There was caster in here!” Cedrick was close behind, sword also drawn. Heartwick was the last up, slow from his injuries and already feeling sick to his stomach at what he might find. Fix this, paladin. Do not allow one of the hairs on my child’s head to be touched due to your carelessness. The voice just out of view sounded cold and unamused. Heartwick felt a chill as he entered the room. Thalin held Chessney against a wall, sword pressed against her neck. “Heartwick! We should dispatch her now before she can cast a spell on us!” He called out. Cedrick stood, blade at the ready. The unblinking form of Gran glowed in the corner. Fear and shame gripped Heartwick’s chest. This was his fault. He never should have let this happen. He had to fix this. He would fix this. Please. Help me now. I cannot fix this alone. Heartwick prayed silently to the woman always just beyond his sight. Like lightning through his veins he acted without thought for his own safety. In a flash his blade was drawn and he moved inhumanly fast, swatting Thalin’s blade to the side, pushing the man backwards, and standing with his back to Chessney protecting her. “No!” Heartwick shouted. “We are hear to hunt the scourge threatening this city, not terrorizing innocent citizens trying to live their lives!” “But-” Cedrick started, but he was cut off. “I said no!” Heartwick stood resolute. “This woman has never hurt anyone. We are here to protect people like her, not hunt them!” Thalin stood to his feet. “Our order is charged with finding exactly her kind! You can’t be serious! She is obviously a magic user so she must removed! It is our oath, brother!” “What if the order is wrong?!” Heartwick shouted back.
08:01
“I have spent time here. Gotten to know this woman before I ever found her abilities. There is great evil. I saw it in the wood. And it has run afoul in this great city, but this simply is not that evil. This is a woman who wants to help others. Every second we waste with our blindness is another moment that true wickedness is able to grow its roots deeper into our city!” Cedrick seemed to be the only one contemplating in that moment. Thalin stood to his feet, glaring as Chessney behind Heartwick. There was a moment of silence that hung so thick in the air any of them could have cut it with their blades.
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Chessney BOT 19-Dec-22 08:19 AM
Chessney stayed still, not daring to move a muscle as Thalin drew his sword and shoved her against the wall. The only movement she dared make was to slowly raise her hands in the air, trying to show she wasn't a threat. "I-I apologize," She managed to squeak out after he had called down to Heartwick. "I-I just...I missed my Gran..." She sniffled. She knew excuses wouldn't work now; she had been caught, and would probably be sent to see her family soon over it. She watched as the other Paladins came up the stairs, trying to avoid eye contact with Heartwick out of shame. She didn't want him to get in trouble, especially over her carelessness. She heard what Thalin had said, and her eyes went to Gran's apparition. I'm sorry Gran... She thought, still feeling the tears race down as she tried to choke down her sobs. She knew anyone in her position should pray, to ask the gods to save her...but she couldn't. She knew the consequences her magic would bring her, and had prepared herself for when this day would inevitably happen. And it finally happened. However, the one thing she didn't expect was for Heartwick to stand in front of her. Never in her wildest imaginations of her life did she see someone protecting her. She watched quietly as the Paladins discussed amongst themselves, trying to take deep breaths to calm herself down. She looked between the other two, feeling the terror grip her heart. She wanted to say something, do something, but was terrified of making one wrong move.
08:19
"It...it's okay," She said quietly, trying to rub her eyes and get rid of the tears. "This...this is the consequences of my actions...I knew magic is outlawed, and I was foolish enough to try and practice it..." She tried to straighten herself up, to look even a bit more strong than she felt. "If you must dispatch me, I won't stop you; please, just know I never meant any harm to anyone, and I am not the summoner behind the ghouls." She glanced back to Gran, taking another breath to keep her resolve. "If anything, I want to stop them too...they've caused so much damage to everyone here, including the Paladins in the woods. If you would allow me to try and help, I would be honored to. However, I understand your orders, and I understand that they must be followed..." She shut her eyes, taking another deep breath. "Just...please know I never meant anyone harm. I swear on my Gran's grave I never wanted to ever hurt anyone..."
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Heartwick Key BOT 19-Dec-22 08:38 AM
Thalin bristled at the amount of information Chessney knew. “How could an enchantress ever be of help to the mighty Paladin Order?” He spit on the ground prompting Heartwick to raise his sword to his shoulder, ready for a fight. “Let’s all calm down, she may have a point.” Cedrick said, sheathing his sword. “Maybe what we need to combat this magic is a mage of our own? Heartwick, you trust this woman? Enough to stake your life on it?” Heartwick nodded, sword still poised for combat. “This is treason!” Thalin yelled. “I will have no part of it!” Furious, he marched out of the room, heavy boots thudding down the stairs. Cedrick looked to Chessney. “What is it you do here? How have you been implementing your craft? Please speak plainly. No need for secrets here.”
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Chessney BOT 19-Dec-22 08:47 AM
Chessney winced a bit as Thalin spat out his words, leaning onto the wall further as if she could melt into it. She did her best to speak her piece, and it still wasn't enough. She watched between everyone, and released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "I...I apoligize," She said quietly, looking again over to the apparition of Gran. She felt the tears well up again slightly, watching it vanish into thin air. She did give a nod though, taking another breath to steady herself. "U-uhm...as you probably saw, this is a cobbler's shop...s-so I try and use my gifts to help people with footwear..." She spoke softly, looking over at Cedrick as she answered his questions. "I...I try to take the needs of the customer in mind; like...with Heartwick, I put a sigil in his boots, so he could always come home. Even if lost, or badly hurt, his feet could always take him home. He didn't know that though!" She added the last part quickly, eyes widening for a second. "N-no one ever knows...a carpenter came in needing repairs on his work boots, a-and was always complaining his hammer fell on his toes, so I put a charm in to make it so nothing fell on his feet...or with adventurers, I make it so they can always outrun bandits, or other enemies..." She rattled off another few examples, then gave a sigh. "My...my Gran always told me to stop, that it wasn't worth this risk...but...I think it would've been a shame to not use my gifts to help, you know? If I can help someone always come home, or outrun danger, that...that can't be completely bad...right?" She asked, looking back to the floor. "I-I mean...I know it's illegal...but I just wanted to help make the world better, even if it's on such a small scale..."
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Heartwick Key BOT 20-Dec-22 06:36 AM
Cedrick nodded, looking to Heartwick. “If you believe she can help us, then I will follow your lead, brother. Don’t worry about Thalin. He is stubborn, but he will come around. He has to.” Heartwick looked out the window, watching Thalin run down the street back toward the Red Keep. Heartwick turned back to his friend, falling to his knees and taking her hands in his big, armored hands. He bowed his head and held her hands to his forehead. “Chess- Chess I am so sorry.” He lamented his own foolishness. “I thought we could find the Jubilant Brothers responsible by staking out your shop, but I never-” “Wait, you think the Jubilant Brotherhood is behind these attacks?” Cedrick interjected, his brow furrowed.
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Chessney BOT 20-Dec-22 06:43 AM
Chessney seemed to relax a bit more, seeing as she wouldn't be killed in her own shop. She still stayed quiet for a moment, trying to get her thoughts in order before she felt Heartwick take her hands. She went to say something before Cedrick interjected. She bit the inside of her cheek, trying to figure out if it was her place to speak. "U-uhm," She said quietly, shuffling a bit. She knew she was on thin ice, but she wanted to help still. "I...my word isn't worth much I know, but Heartwick and I both believe the Jubilant Brotherhood is responsible...although the reasonings why are more his story than mine." She explained, then looked back to Heartwick. "A-also, please don't be sorry..." She knelt down too, trying to meet his eyes. "You were trying to help, I don't blame you...if anything, I'm sorry for causing all this trouble..." She took one of her hands, rubbing her eye with it. "I...I just wanted to see Gran one last time...I didn't mean to bring trouble to you or your friends..."
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Heartwick Key BOT 20-Dec-22 07:34 AM
Heartwick nodded, standing to his feet. He turned to Cedrick and explained the full story of what happened in the Great Barrow Wood and since then. Cedrick looked grim, but receptive. “If all of this is true then something must be done. I think I may know where to start looking. We will have to continue our search in the morning. Key, I will be downstairs whenever you are ready to go.” Heartwick turned back to Chessney. “I’m sorry for all the trouble tonight. If Cedrick is right then I do hope you’ll help us continue our search in the morning. Hopefully we can find a promising lead and bring these traitors to justice.”
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Chessney BOT 20-Dec-22 08:40 AM
Chess gave a nod, standing up herself as Heartwick explained. She even gave a bit of a wave as Cedrick went downstairs, saying a quiet 'good night' as he did so. When Heartwick turned back around, she did her best to give a bit of a smile. "Please, don't apologize." She said softly, a hand going to her hair. "I-I'm the one who should apologize; I didn't mean to cause any trouble for you or your friends..." She took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. "A-and of course I'll help in the morning! If you guys will have me at least; I'll be here, like usual." She added, the tense smile she had easing some into a more relaxed one.
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Heartwick Key BOT 20-Dec-22 09:18 AM
Heartwick stood there in the darkened room with the cobbler be met only weeks before. It felt like their lives had become such a complicated web since they had met. He had so much on his mind, but still he worried for the woman. “Chessney, how are you doing. Really.” He thought of the apparition of Gran. He knew she was hurting. He also knew she would do anything not to share her emotion. Heartwick just hoped he could get through to her.
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Chessney BOT 20-Dec-22 09:26 AM
"O-oh! I-I'm fine, I promise!" She said, trying to force a bigger smile on her face. She had already caused so much trouble, she didn't want to cause anymore. "I...I just really miss my Gran; she did a spell as a kid where she made an apparition of dad, so I wanted to try it again..." Despite trying to hold it together, she felt her eyes well up with tears again. Quickly, she brought her hands up to them, trying to rub them away. "I-I should've been more careful with it...I-I didn't mean to get caught, least of all by your friends...I just..." Finally, the dam broke in her. She had been fighting so hard to keep her feelings in check; she didn't like anyone seeing her look so miserable. She made a feeble effort to hold back the sobs she felt rising up again, to try and blink and rub away the tears blurring her vision, but it wasn't any real use. She leaned her forehead against him, just standing there and crying. "I...I'm sorry..." She hiccuped, squeezing her eyes shut. "I...I've never been alone...Even when mom and dad...I had Gran at least..." Her thoughts came out in a disjointed mess as she kept crying, not making any sense even to her. "I...I didn't think it'd be this hard to be alone..." She whimpered, her shoulders trembling as the weight of it all crashed around her again.
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Heartwick Key BOT 20-Dec-22 12:42 PM
Heartwick wrapped the sobbing girl up in a tight hug against his cool armor. He didn’t know what to say or do other than just be there for this girl from another world. There was so much about her he could never relate to, but he knew the hurt of feeling like you’ve been left alone in the world to find your own way. Almost imperceptibly took on a more soothing warmth as a soft lavender glow emanated sourceless in the dim room. A kind woman’s voice sounded from no particular direction. My children, may you know my peace. Your destiny is entertained with one another’s. Together you may either save this realm or damn it. The mouse shall guide the lion, just as the lion shall guide the mouse. And with that the glow disappeared and the voice was no more. All that remained was Heartwick and Chessney, alone in a dark and empty room that have once been filled with so much joy.
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Chessney BOT 20-Dec-22 12:51 PM
Chessney slowly hugged him back, still shaking as sob after sob escaped her. She felt guilty; she hated being like this. She was always the happy one, never showing anyone how sad she could be. Despite that, she still hugged him tightly, almost as if he'd disappear too if she let go. "I-I'm sorry I made you worry," She said quietly, her voice breaking some before she heard a voice speak. "Wh...what...?" She asked, eyebrows furrowed as she looked around to see no one. She replayed the words in her mind, mulling them over. "Wh...what do you think that means?" She asked, looking back over at Heartwick. "I...I'm not special enough to save the realm..."
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Heartwick Key BOT 21-Dec-22 03:20 AM
Heartwick down to Chessney. “I must say; you’re handling the sourceless voice speaking from nowhere better than I expected-” The paladin paused before continuing. “She speaks to me like that sometimes. I think she has saved my life the night the ghouls attacked the infirmary. I don’t know who, or what, she is, but she seems to have a grander plan.” Heartwick shrugged. “I wish I had a better explanation for it all, but I think she wants to help.” He paced around the room. He was out of his depth here and he knew it. He hoped Chessney would have more insight to all of this he was wrapped up in.
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Chessney BOT 21-Dec-22 04:09 AM
"Well," Chessney said, running a hand through her bangs. "I've heard stories...it's never been confirmed, but there's stories of deities reaching out to speak to people..." She said, thinking more. "But those were just stories...I've never personally seen that..." She finally moved from her spot, starting to dig around her hiding spots. "I can try to see if I can find some of them; I'm sure I have some at least," She said quietly, still thinking. "Like I said, I've never seen it, but maybe it'll at least help narrow down what's happening?"
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Heartwick Key BOT 21-Dec-22 04:50 AM
Heartwick nodded. “Anything I can do to understand what’s happening. A few times now I’ve felt this power channeling through me. I can’t really explain it, but it’s like I’m faster. Like I’m faster even than before my injuries. I know if sounds strange. I don’t even know who they are, deity or otherwise” Heartwick stepped over, trying to be helpful. “Is there anything I can do?” He asked. He knew the answer was probably no, but he was always one to at least try.
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Chessney BOT 21-Dec-22 05:40 AM
Chessney looked up at him as he stepped forward, shaking her head a bit. "Nono, I can find it, it should be just...aha!" She said, pulling out a thin leather-bound journal. She looked over at him, brushing herself off a bit with her free hand. "And it does sound a bit strange; honestly, I've only heard rumors and legends about this sort of thing, so don't hold your breath on it, okay?" She asked, handing him the book. "This is the best I have; it's just word-of-mouth stories, so for all I know they're just that. Stories, I mean." Despite that, she gave a warm smile, trying to stifle a yawn. "Please take care of it; it's special to me." She asked, flashing a tired smile.
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Heartwick Key BOT 22-Dec-22 08:09 AM
Heartwick took the book from her, cradling it carefully. He nodded. “I’ll take care of it. I should let you get some sleep. It’s been a harrowing night.” He turned to leave the room, carrying the book close to his body. He would have a longer night ahead of him studying tomes and pouring over this journal, but Chessney at least could rest. He opened the door to the stairs and turned around to meet his friend’s gaze. “Again, I’m truly sorry for all the trouble tonight. And even more sorry for your loss.” And with that he was gone.
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Chessney BOT 22-Dec-22 08:17 AM
Chessney gave a bit of a nod, trying to stifle another nod. The adrenaline was finally wearing off, her body feeling heavy and tired. She gave a wave as he started heading down the stairs. "Take care of yourselves, okay?" She called after him, rubbing her eyes as she finally let the yawn go. She looked around the room, trying to decide between tidying up now or in the morning. However, sleep won out; she dragged her feet to her bed, allowing herself to flop down fully dressed. She fell asleep quickly after that, holding a pillow close to her.
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Heartwick Key BOT 27-Dec-22 04:22 AM
Heartwick walked back to the Keep with Cedrick, discussing everything he knew so far and what he thought the future held. Once there, the paladin threw himself into study. He burned many candles that night trying to read ancient tomes and scrolls in the Red Keep’s expansive library, comparing notes with the book the young enchanter had given him. He was looking for anything that might point him in the right direction. He studied deity after deity, looked into the Jubilant Brothers, anything he could think of to find the truth behind elaborate plan unfolding around him.
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Chessney BOT 27-Dec-22 04:40 AM
Chessney ended up sleeping in the next day; the previous day taking a toll on her. She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes with a yawn. For a moment, she was curious as to why Gran wasn't up already, cooking breakfast and chastising her for sleeping in. However, it all came back in a huge wave. Sighing a bit, she got up and started making herself some breakfast, thinking about what the day would hold. When she finished, she ended up going into the shop, looking at the door and floor, trying to figure out if the damage was even worth bothering the carpenter about.
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shayshayrian 07-Feb-23 09:13 PM
((@Angel™🌸 @Knight Night 🛡 Hello! It’s been awhile since a reply was posted here and I just wanted to check in and see if you two wanted to continue this RP. Let me know either way!))
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Chessney BOT 07-Feb-23 11:00 PM
((I know I do eventually if Night does ^^))
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Heartwick Key BOT 08-Feb-23 03:30 AM
(( @shayshayrian @Angel™🌸 I’d absolutely love to continue, just had a full plate lately. Hopefully it’s something I can pick back up when life slows down for me))
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Heartwick Key BOT 21-Mar-23 02:29 PM
Heartwick slowly woke as the beam of sunlight struck his face. The musky library was still in the early morning light, specks of dust dancing their good morning to the world in the sunbeam. The achey Paladin righted himself, pealing the scroll that had been his pillow from his face. If books could seep into one’s mind from proximity alone Heartwick would have been the wisest man in the Keep. His eyes blinked as he tried to make sense of the world again. The night lost in endless study began flooding back to him. The most useful thing he’d read that night had been from Chessney’s journal. It was a folktale about a deity he’d never heard of before; The Lady of the Periphery. According to the story she was the defender of the outcast and ostracized, orphans and the falsely accused. He had no clue if the stories were true, or if she even existed, but it certainly sounded like the same sourceless voice that had been speaking to him. The only other lead he’d gotten was an old tome that spoke of a dark god known for infiltrating religious orders and twisting, corrupting the followers to it’s own ends. This god had no known name, as it always took on the identity of it’s target order’s deity. He had a hunch the Jubilant Brethren may have had a run in with this unknown god. He was excited to fill his friend in on his discoveries. He quickly gathered up the journal he’d borrowed and left the library. He headed toward his quarters to speak with Cedrick before his departure to the young cobbler’s. As he turned the corner he saw two of the Keep Guard outside his own open quarters, discussing something. One of them spotted him and said in a stern voice. “There he is! Heartwick Key! You are hereby placed under arrest for associating with witchcraft!” Heartwick could barely protest as he was quickly hemmed in by the guards and irons slapped on his hands. He knew one thing for certain in the moment: Thalin had sold him out. (edited)
14:29
@Angel™🌸
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Chessney BOT 21-Mar-23 03:48 PM
"Okay...juuuuuuuust a little bit..." The door crashed in front of Chessney, not staying up as she tried to hammer the nail into the hinge at the top. She sighed a bit, a quiet cuss word or two escaping her lips as she wiped her forehead of the sweat gathering on her brow. She had to admit, this would be a lot easier if she had some help, but she was trying her best to avoid the carpenter, and she didn't want to risk going into the keep to get Heartwick. The memory of the confrontation from the night before replayed in her head, and she gave a shudder. She had never seen such anger one someone's face, let along had a sword to her neck. I just hope he didn't get in trouble over it, She thought to herself, swallowing down the lump in her throat. Just as she was about to leave to talk to the carpenter, she paused. No, I said I'd be here, She reminded herself, trying again to get the door up. I don't know how to help, but I definitely want to try. Despite this, she didn't want to just sit around doing nothing, and she was getting nowhere with this damn door. So, she propped the door against the frame, and walked upstairs to prepare some tea. Her Gran always taught her that if she were to be a good hostess, she needed tea prepared for her guests. She filled the kettle and put it on the fire, then waited. And waited. Eventually, she started to feel uneasy. Even if she hadn't known him for long, Heartwick didn't seem to be the type to just up and fall through a commitment. Her leg started bouncing, the steam from her tea gone by now. She took a sip from the cold cup, grimacing. After waiting a little while longer, she decided maybe he should try to find him; even if the idea of running into Thalin made her stomach turn. She wiggled her way through the small gap the door left from being propped up instead of on it's hinges, and hesitantly started to make her way to the Keep.
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Chessney BOT 08-Apr-23 02:30 PM
@Knight Night 🛡
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Heartwick Key BOT 14-Apr-23 04:29 AM
Before she could get far Cedrick rounded the corner at the top of the street in a full run. He spotted the girl and jogged toward her. He pointed toward the other end of the street. “Turn around and head the other way! Hurry!” He jammed a thumb in the air over his shoulder. “They aren’t far behind me and they’ll execute you if they find you.” He came to a stop in front of her, taking only a moment to catch his breath before taking her hand and urging her in the opposite direction of the Keep. As he started his brisk march, holding he wrist as he went, he elaborated. “They already arrested Heartwick, he’s in a cell in the Keep. We need to get you somewhere safe so we can figure out how to rescue him!” The Paladin seemed almost frantic. He was reeling from the discovery the night before, the betrayal of his friend, and now the capture of Heartwick. It wasn’t like him to make such rash decisions, but he felt it was his responsibility to protect Chessney.
04:29
@Angel™🌸
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Chessney BOT 14-Apr-23 03:02 PM
When she saw Cedrick round the corner, she went to give him a polite wave and a greeting. However, before she could get even a syllable out she was grabbed by the hand, stumbling a b it before keeping with his pace. "W-wait, what happened?" She asked, her eyes wide as Cedrick explained the situation. They arrested Heartwick? But why? He wasn't the one practicing magic after all, she was. Unless... "Did they find my book?" She asked, trying her best to keep up with the Paladin. At the moment, she could only think of how much easier this would be if she had charmed her own shoes, however she shook the thought out of her head as she just focused on what was ahead. "Do you have any ideas on where to go?" She asked, trying to ignore the burning in her lungs and legs the further they ran. "I-I don't, really. I only have the shop." She could hear her blood pounding in her ears, almost matching the rhythm of their shoes hitting the pavement. Being a cobbler, she couldn't say she was in the best shape in the world, but so far she was managing to keep pace with Cedrick. "I'm so sorry I got you guys in trouble," She said after a moment, breathing heavily after the apology. "You're right though, we need to figure out how to get him out." @Knight Night 🛡
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Fentiman's Botanical Bunny 20-Jul-23 09:47 PM
Hi there! @Knight Night 🛡 @Angel™🌸 l We noticed this roleplay has been inactive for 30 days or more. Please reply to this message so I am pinged if you would like to keep this roleplay open. In addition, roleplay must begin within 7 days, otherwise this channel will be moved to our archives. All archived roleplays are eventually uploaded onto http://rphq.me/ and can be viewed there.
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Chessney BOT 21-Jul-23 06:55 AM
@Fentiman's Botanical Bunny hi!!! I think it might be best if it was archived; I don't have time to rp anymore between my sister's wedding and selling my crochet goods 😭😭😭😭😭
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