middaeg | [Closed] I've trusted lies and trusted men

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[Closed] I've trusted lies and trusted men

Who: Alice Elliot and ~~Ardbert~~ Elidibus
When: first few days of Feoveuer
Where: streets of Aefenglom
What: a thwarted kidnapping and some resulting misplaced trust
Warnings: aside from Elidibus being a walking FFXIV 5.3 spoiler, probably none

[In hindsight, Alice realizes that she should have been less stubborn.

She's aware of the kidnappings that have been plaguing the city, of course, and is also aware that an escort service to help lessen the possibility of being targets. However, she has made few changes to her routines as a result. As an exorcist who has faced down demons, monsters, and an alien-god, she figures she can handle herself just fine. She has her magic and isn't afraid to use it.

What Alice hasn't considered is her attractiveness as a target: a petite young woman, walking alone, encumbered by a few bags of groceries. All of the magical prowess in the world doesn't matter if one is caught totally unawares, which is exactly how she's found herself in her current predicament.

A black-clad figure grabs her from behind, covering her mouth to ensure that she cannot cry out for help. The familiar stench of a Cwyld infection fills her nostrils from the contact. Alice, however, doesn't have much time to consider the implications--the figure quickly pulls her into an alley off the main thoroughfare, the discarded bags of groceries the only sign that she had been there at all.

Despite her struggles to break free, the figure has her held tight and is pulling her further and further down the alley. Without outside interference, it seems that Alice is in trouble here.]

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It's just as well there are people who have taken it upon themselves to patrol the streets to prevent just such situations. Elidibus may have simply watched and studied the incident, using it to track the culprit back to whatever environment they were keeping their victims and thus gaining a better knowledge of the scope. May have. But the simple fact is that tonight he is 'Ardbert'. And such was a hero's lot, to place themselves in the forefront of evil and aid the stricken.

Well, it rang a familiar tone with Elidibus, the very being who embodied first gave form to the concept of the Warrior of Light. So it is really difficult to enact it. It was one of the few traits he shared with the long-dead warrior whose body he stole.

Don't look at him like that. Ardbert wasn't using it anymore.

Discarded groceries. But their contents still in motion from the inertia of fall and spill. The warrior with the hooded cloak arrived an instant too late to see the actual abduction, and he was looking for such alarming signs, so it is not passed unheeded. There are sounds of a struggled retreat down a dark alley. Because surely Alice is resisting her abductor's grip?

And the foul Cwyld stench still lingers in the air. One of the first things Elidibus has done since coming to this world was to familiarize himself with its signs. He'd taken care to keep himself from being silhouetted at the alley's entrance. His axe is taken from his back and held ready- while the alley might be too narrow for the full breadth of attacks, there is still a lot one can do with the long ends and overhand strikes of a big, heavy metal object.

To himself, he mutters an incantation. Something still struggled with but for the purpose he has in mind, it'll be enough, so long as he can manage to hold on to the energy. It is a ball of light. Not the element, mind you. That seems to have no traction here. But light, the luminescence. The trigger word is left unspoken until he spins into the alley and shouts its release: an orb that shoots down and explodes into a starburst. There's no damaging effect, except that of sudden intense light in a dark alley, which Elidibus is careful to shield his eyes from.

He is soon rushing in, seeking to close the distance between himself, the victim, and the hopefully somewhat blinded kidnapper. If all goes well, there'll be the blunt end of the axe's butt heading straight for the latter's temple.

[Even as she's being pulled down the alleyway, Alice continues her struggle to break away from her captor despite not being strong enough to break away. Gone are the days where she would quietly go along with capture--her time with Yuri long eliminated that sort of response.

She notices another figure enter the alleyway but doesn't realize what he's doing until a bright flash of light fills her eyes and blinds her to everything that follows. There's a loud thwack! and a pained grunt, and the hands holding her in place let go. Alice scrambles to put some distance between her and her would-be kidnapper, then rubs at her eyes to try and get some semblance of vision back. It's then that's she's able to discern a barely-conscious robed person on the ground and a man standing nearby, large axe in hand. She's smart enough to put two and two together.]

I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't followed us. Thank you.

You're unharmed?

[The first words from the man with the axe are obviously addressed to Alice. Naturally, there's a bit of tension as the cloaked warrior remains alert and he's no fool as to take his gaze off the downed Cwyld-infected kidnapper. The hood of the cloak has fallen, showing the man has short hair. The top of the axe-head has a wicked spike, which is being pointed toward the kidnapper's throat, the weight of the weapon borne in one hand. He's pinned down a wrist of his captive under his boot, though he's not doing something so crass as crushing. This is about control. And particularly a control that won't put him too close to any infection vectors. ]

Well, you sound in relatively good health. I'm glad I happened to be passing by.

[This is spoken in a more cheerful tone despite the fact he hasn't turned around. Elidibus is well aware his expression doesn't match the voice or emotion he's using. The Ascian makes use of the limited time he has before the mortal will probably take an interest in seeing the features of her rescuer to correct this. By the time he mutters a phrase and conjures a small but effective light, he'll have a bit of concern and relief working its way over clean-shaven features. A Witch, then. And a faint smile for her. The light flickers as his concentration thins a bit, brightens again when he frowns and refocuses.

A new Witch, if he's having trouble maintaining such a basic spell.

But it's important. First, to catch a glimpse of the source of infection smell, how far this mortal is gone. And whether there are any obvious signs that Alice might have gotten infected just by being in contact.]

Can you wait a moment? I will escort you to the Coven to be checked over. I just want to examine this person before I move them.

Edited (Brackets) 2021-02-09 17:25 (UTC)

[Her rescuer's inquiry causes Alice to inspect herself briefly. She doesn't see any broken skin from being grabbed and manhandled, but it's dark and Cwyld infection can be insidious and non-obvious. He's right--better to be seen by someone, just in case.

In any case, she returns his smile with a deeply relieved one of her own. The face of this witch isn't a familiar one to her, and the way in which he struggles to maintain his spell of light further suggests that he's new (or at least relatively so) to Geardagas. It seems new arrivals are still trickling in. Curious.

Not that it makes any difference right now. He requests a moment, and Alice is happy to give him all the time he needs.]

Of course. But before you do so, allow me.

[Alice closes her eyes and murmurs a few words under her breath. A flash of blue light encompasses Elidibus briefly before vanishing from sight. She gives him another smile and follows up with an explanation:]

A barrier. Cwyld-infected have been more violent than usual of late, and I'd hate to see you hurt.

[It's clear if Alice happened to be watching Elidibus while casting her spell, that the man's suddenly alert to it. Either he is wary or keen to know what she's casting. For someone keen on the knowledge of how to do better, perhaps.]

Ah, I thank you.

[The kidnapper is secure with the manacles and a gag for good measure. The rescuer has looked for signs of the infection's progression on his prisoner, and with the safety of the shield adding an extra layer of protection, gets the still dazed... man? Woman? Well, they'll be getting the same treatment, which is firm, cautious, and perhaps surprisingly lacking any particular desire to put the kidnapper out of their misery.

Withdrawing the always familiar comms 'watch' from its place on his person, he spends a moment or two sending a message. One is soon returned, though it brings a small frown to his lips. Whatever the contents are, they do well enough to distract him, for the light also goes out. The man sighs.]

Well, it seems I'm to wait for a moment. Someone will be arriving soon to secure this individual. Wouldn't want to risk escape of an infected into the streets, no doubt.

[Of course that leaves a matter he seems torn about. Between having to wait a bit longer and the need to keep his promise to Alice to escort her to the Coven. He seems to be waiting to see her reaction to the news.]

Though I suppose we should get out of this alley and back to the street. Ah, and I'm forgetting my manners. You may call me Ardbert.

[As he speaks, the warrior walks with the captive toward Alice, looking to encourage movement out of the alley. The large axe had been set down long enough to deal with restraints but is still held by one hand. He's not ready to just yet to secure it away.]

[Alice notes that her rescuer pays close attention to her cast, but doesn't ascribed any motive aside from interest. She cast it on him, after all. If the situation were reversed, she probably would have reacted the same way.

As he restrains the would-be kidnapper and sends a message out for assistance, Alice continues checking herself over. Even though she realizes that the most likely infection site would be her face (which she cannot check without a mirror and a light), she's still too shaken to simply stand still. When he suggests they move back out onto the street, she gives a nod and a grateful smile.

Yes, it'll be good to get out of the dark.]

My name is Alice. It's nice to meet you, even if the circumstances aren't the greatest.

[It could be worse?

As they arrive to the street, Alice starts cleaning up the groceries from the ground and trying to determine what she can salvage. Not much, it seems. She sighs.]

It looks like I'll have to go back out tomorrow morning sometime.

[It most certainly can be worse.

Elidibus, currently known as Ardbert, exits the alley, certain to keep the kidnapper a distance from Alice. The man (as it turns out) is straining already, but is kept under control.]

A pleasure to meet you, Alice. [Elidibus watches her try to salvage the groceries. Practical certainly, though he narrows his eyes a little when she mentions going back out. Clearing his expression, he offers a light chuckle.]

I hope you find someone to journey with you this time. If I may, what was so important that had you out without company tonight?

[He's certainly not suspecting she decided to foolishly travel on her own. ...Okay, he certainly is. The more dangerous something is, the more foolish mortals seem to be in the face of it.

There's a streetlamp nearby. It provides suitable illumination and, while 'Ardbert' has settled in to wait, for the members of the Coven to come and secure the Cwyld-infected kidnapper, he's also staying on high alert.]

I'll be certain to travel with a companion come tomorrow, I promise.

[This has definitely been too close a call for her to consider otherwise.

At Ardbert's inquiry, Alice looks up from her re-packing with a sheepish smile.]

You're looking at it. Just groceries and the misplaced confidence that I could handle myself.

[He has the right of it: she decided to foolishly travel on her own. Alice can practically hear Yuri in the back of her mind scolding her for being so reckless, especially for such a basic errand such as this. If he were still here, she's sure he wouldn't have let her out of his sight.

The thought is enough to make her sigh sadly, but she quickly rallies and stands with what's left of her shopping, giving Ardbert another smile.]

It's gotten much more dangerous lately, and I guess I hadn't really accounted for it.

Too much confidence oft becomes man's undoing.

[It's kind and sounds a bit sympathetic, although the words are a bit more polished than 'Ardbert' has been talking. Maybe he was quoting something?]

I suppose I shouldn't be one to judge. I too am on the streets without companionship. Ah! Until now that is.

[He nods at Alice. Of course, he wasn't talking about the still struggling captive he's wrangling. Fortunately, Elidibus had thought to search and disarm the individual, but the Cwyld infection seems to have upped the kidnapper's aggression. The only time he settles is when he wears himself out and needs to take a moment.

Elidibus sighs. Then looks to Alice with a bemused expression.]

You wouldn't happen to know a sleep spell, would you?

[Too-polished or not, Alice can't help but acknowledge the statement. She has been in over her head more than once due to the confidence of herself and others.]

The difference between you and I walking alone is in the level of awareness. Either way, it seems to have worked out all right.

[And really, that's what matters. The willingness and readiness of people to help one another is truly one of God's greatest gifts, and it makes the world worth living in.

She notices the captive struggle and watches for a few moments, her mouth setting in a firm line. Arbert realizes it too--this really can't be allowed to continue as it has been.]

I don't know any sleeping spells, but... [Alice digs through one of her pockets and produces a small glass bottle filled with some strange liquid.] Here's a sleeping potion. My business partner and I have been using these to help subdue infected citizens around the city so that they have some hope of treatment before they become full Shades.

[Well first let's handle the matter of the potion and the captive. After briefly studying the jar, Elidibus gives a short nod. Though he'd been about to ask how to administer it, another surge of struggling has the man change his mind.]

If you would be willing, I seem to have my hands full.

[Rest assured, without needing to struggle with both the kidnapper and the dose, the warrior keeps firm control on the captive. Both for the procedure and a bit after to make sure the potion has properly taken effect. Elidibus guides the man to the ground. There's a moment's additional search where he checks for any missed weapons or dangers. ...Or clues. But in other respects, he soon straightens and takes a guard stance near the perpetrator.]

As long as the lesson remains remembered, I am indeed certain it will keep you safe.

[That everything has worked out... such a flippant, mortal perspective. But Elidibus manages to keep such opinions away from his expression.

It isn't too much longer before a team of Witches from the Coven come to retrieve the captive. And although the victim and her rescuer are questioned a little about the incident, their aim seems to be more toward securing the prisoner into a safe transport. Advice is still given that both should stop by the Coven for a thorough check.

One can't be too careful now. Not with all the infected appearing as they are.

A very astute observer may be aware of one thing. 'Ardbert' did not hand over every possession he obtained from the kidnapper. Weapons yes, small possessions such as a money wallet (and it's money), and even most personal momentos. But there had been a small pocketbook. A couple of vials. They had not made the exchange's inventory.

If Alice was taking note that is.]

Well then, if you will allow me, I shall keep my promise to escort you to the Coven. Though I suppose it is now a matter of fact that we are both heading in that direction?

[There's a bit more cheer in the act now, given the seriousness of the moment has passed.]

Yes, of course.

[Alice deftly applies the potion when asked, taking care to avoid being struck as the infected kidnapper thrashes. It's clear from her actions that this process is well-practiced--she wasn't lying when she said that she's been working with infected persons for the past few weeks. The fact that she has been interfering with the spread of infection and therefore a possible target of the Order ought to have made her more careful in travelling.

Once sleep takes hold, the pair waits together for the Coven to arrive and handle the crime scene. In the commotion and questioning, Alice doesn't notice Albert's sleight of hand. She doesn't even really notice the handing off of the kidnapper's possessions at all. After all, she has no reason not to trust him.]

I appreciate the company all the same, thank you. With any luck, they'll be able to give us both clear bills of health.

[A gentleman might have offered an arm to Alice when they start on their way. But Elidibus... well, there are several reasons not to. The primary ones are disease and the area's danger. Where there's one kidnapper, there could be more. It is best not to do something foolish like tangle arms together.]

After you, Alice. I believe the best route would lie in that direction.

[Said direction her rescuer indicates may not be the quickest route. But it's undoubtedly the safest. Once Alice begins, 'Ardbert' will fall into step with her. After a short while, Elidibus offers conversation.]

You seem quite adept. [Spells. Application of sleeping potions to subdue a struggling captive. Not everyone is recognizable as a Mirrorbound. And she might have used an unusual term like 'citizens' earlier, but that isn't exactly proof on its own.] Mishaps aside, do you often find yourself dealing with such circumstances?

[For what it's worth, Alice doesn't expect much gentlemanly behavior after spending the better part of a year traveling with her beloved Yuri and the rest of their party. Being arm-in-arm is a sign of affection and generally initiated by her, so this arrangement works.

The conversation is appreciated, especially as they are taking a longer, safer route.]

Thank you. Until recently, such circumstances were more or less everyday life. I'm an exorcist back home, and have faced a lot of monsters and apparitions as a result. Or rather, I was...

[Because she's pretty much dead once she returns there. It's a dark topic, however, so she quickly moves away from it.]

You're quite adept, yourself. Is it safe to assume that you're also someone who has experience in this area?

[An 'exorcist back home' and other phrasing does suggest Alice numbers amongst the Mirrorbound. And death is an awkward topic at the best of times for mortals. Elidibus would find it reasonable for her not to want to speak on it if he'd known. Tedious. But reasonable. Besides, it didn't concern him greatly, except as a possible manner in which this star convinces people this is the 'better' option.]

I still have a lot to learn about using spells the way this world requires. But you are correct in your assumption. I come from a star rife with conflict.

[Elidibus gives what seems to be a wry smile.]

Though I serve as an emissary, recent needs required I don the visage and arms of a warrior. In such pursuits were where this world snatched me from.

[Literally donning a visage even. Though surely he meant the accouterments and skills of such a fighter! Surely.]

[~~Of course! What else could he mean?~~

Alice listens intently as he confirms what she suspects: his own homeworld is no peaceful place, either. From what she's come to understand in her time in Geardagas, few Mirrorbound here come from backgrounds that don't involve great conflict or other exceptional circumstances. It makes sense, given the responsibility they've been tasked with. She has nothing to prove it one way or another, but Alice suspects that there's a selection bias in the types of people this world pulls in.]

"Star" is an interesting way to refer to a world. Is that turn of phrase common where you're from?

[It makes her imagine his world as some heavenly realm, set in space or perhaps something beyond it. She's kind of right. If one squints.]

Regardless, I suppose in a way we're all serving as warriors of a type. The Coven hopes we can save the world, and it's a calling I take seriously.

[It's not the first time a turn of phrase was questioned since he arrived here. Elidibus offers Alice a wry smile.]

A world, yes. But also Star and a few other terms come to mind. Sorry about the habit.

[He doesn't try to offer up 'shard' as an example. That one's... complex talk for someone he just met.]

Bells are hours here, yalms are... yards? Meters? [Alice's rescuer adopts a quizzical expression as he spreads his hands apart to measure a distance. Could probably be either term or maybe a bit in between both.] These words do not seem to be translated to the terms people are familiar with. I suppose it must be the nature of their use.

[This had been a moment of casual speech and easily kept up. But then Alice speaks of service in this world. For just a fraction of a moment, the mask of the good-natured man freezes. It's quick to relax, but Elidibus seems to turn a bit somber while he looks at the young woman. It's obvious he's going to stop before he pauses and shifts to regard her more easily.]

Serving, is it? What has the Coven told you about why we are brought here, exactly?

[Sure, 'Ardbert' still sounds the same as he did before. Curious, a bit mild in manner. But something suggests he's being polite while not quite towing the party line which Alice seems to wield.]

[Alice listens intently and watches as Ardbert attempts to go through conversations as they walk and chat. It's very strange that units of measurement, of all things, don't seem to translate like most other language does here.]

A yard and a meter are similar in size, so "yalm" could be either. But there's no need to apologize. I was merely curious, that's all.

[The conversation turns more serious, and Alice catches the briefest of hesitation on Ardbert's part. She doesn't try to ascribe motive--she doesn't know him nearly well enough to do so--but it's different enough from the rest of his behavior that it bears noticing.]

The Coven doesn't know why we're here. I arrived several months ago with several other Mirrorbound, and the Coven sat us down, tended to the ill and wounded, and told us everything they wanted us to know about Geardagas. That it's a world in trouble, facing blight and internal strife, and that they hoped we would be the ones to help turn the tide. From what I've seen since, much of what they said is undeniably true.

[Alice pauses, considering her next words carefully.]

I don't blame people who would rather go home. I did, when I first arrived, but as time has gone on I've realized that nothing in this world is simple and that people have their reasons to resent being here. But for me, this calling--whether brought by the Coven, or the world itself, or some higher power--is more a blessing than a burden. I truly believe that I was brought here with a purpose, and I want to help save this world.

But then, I'm dead back home. [Not technically, but close enough.] So all of that is easy for me to say, when I have nothing to lose.

[Elidibus won't linger on the apology. So he smiles and nods, letting Alice dismiss the need to explain himself further. There are matters of more interest he desires to linger upon anyway.

And thus the man listens as the young woman explains her outlook on their status as Mirrorbound. In truth, every piece of conviction which falls from her lips could be in whole or in part find a parallel result from whispers he has placed in the ears of mortals over his long life. It is so typical in fact, that he has no trouble adopting an expression of one who is interested and invested in such tales and does so subconsciously.

But she is not one of his pawns. And everything Alice says gives him reason to reflect on a simple fact. That some level of Will decided that Ascians- particularly the Unsundered such as himself, were to be equally preyed upon. Inwardly, the Emissary finds an uncharacteristic rise of irritation. What most would call seething in truth, yet he distances himself from it, as is so easily done these days. Usually.]

Spoken every bit like a Warrior of Light. [The phrase must be from his Star. He sounds neither derisive nor complimentary, however.] You would suit the role well, I wouldn't wonder.

['Ardbert' begins to walk again, though only after he's given Alice a moment to begin moving again herself.]

I won't say to not look upon this as a Calling if you wish. Yet never let it prevent you from continuing to ask why for whom you truly fight. And whether it is truly the correct path. Not until you are absolutely certain.

[There's enough of a pause to suggest Elidibus might not bother speaking about how she brought up her death 'back home'. And yet...]

We.... mortals. [He keeps a straight face.] Are all too easily unaware that death need not be considered the end, so long as you still have the means to think and act. [A gloved finger is lifted to tap the side of his head.] So long as your world is still there, do not be led astray by the belief you cannot find a means to return. That you have nothing left to lose.

[Alice realizes that she's being assessed, but she's not sure his reasoning or even if she's passed the test. He declares her as a would-be Warrior of Light, which is clearly a title with meaning, but fails to elaborate further.

Instead, he takes the time to impart some wisdom to her. Alice decides instead to focus more on that and less on what he thinks of her. His words hit their mark, causing her to take several moments to think them through before responding.]

I will keep that in mind, thank you.

[She still believes that her presence here is more blessing than sacrifice--that will be a hard belief to shake--but the advice to be careful about what and who she decides to believe is salient.]

[If she were to ask about Warriors of Light, Elidibus would likely explain. There is no reason to hide such information. And it has enough weight as a compliment however layered the phrase might be from his perspective.]

That would be wise.

[It is not his duty to tell Alice what her purpose should be. It would also not be prudent, when still assessing her worth as a pawn, to press too much.

Their walk has brought them closer to the Coven. Indeed the building and courtyard's entry can be seen, though there is likely several minutes more walk ahead of them.]

Once we have finished with the examination, will you be able to contact someone to escort you home? Or shall I continue to offer my services?

[It is not without a faint smile designed for such occasions as altruistic offers.]

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[Closed] I've trusted lies and trusted men

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Oops, didn't notice the format choice! Got it now!

No worries--I'm not super picky about whether formats match, personally

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