☆ Event Log: Snatched, Part Two

[faileas]

Event Log: January, Snatched - Part Two

I. A Great Escape (20th, Evening) It's been a miserable six days for the Mirrorbound and refugees kept locked away in a basement cell block, subject to all kinds of torment and experimentation. They're a resilient sort, though, and their efforts to organize and bolster each other are not in vain. As the time passes with no sign of the City Guard drawing close to their operations, the Rathmore family grows overconfident, and characters can hear them talking to each other about another mass-kidnapping in the works. The best opening comes late on the night of the 20th. A few of the family's numbers are out - notably, Thomas Rathmore, his wife, and his mother are attending an emergency meeting of Parliament, and Constance is making an appearance at the Coven. This leaves the more inexperienced cousins in charge, the lesser known Rathmores with no particular skill outside of cruelty. Changing of the guard begins as usual, a handful of Rathmores delivering some sparse rations and taking their time to choose a few prisoners to remove from their cells, but this time, the Mirrorbound bite back. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Daenerys and Asura, along with the prisoners preparing an organized revolt, a fire started in the torture room provides chaos and cover - and one dead Rathmore cousin, whose body gives up some of the keys to a handful cells. Time to play the cards you've held close to your chest over days of torture, your held-back spells, your tricks, your items that weren't confiscated. A mass escape isn't likely, with so many people still present in the building and so many of the captives injured and tired, but with enough of a distraction in the form of a prison riot, which may be enough to overpower the three Rathmores initially left in the cell block, a handful of scrappy Mirrorbound may make it out to safety before reinforcements arrive. a. The Escape Attempt There is one door out of the cell block, the main, heavy, warded door that the Rathmores enter and exit from every few hours. It's locked down tight - but it's possible to power through it, pick the lock, or charm it open. On the other side of the door, in the greater basement area, they'll find themselves free of the Bond dampening. Witch magic make take some time to return, depending on whether they were drugged or only charmed, but it'll be important to move quickly. The Rathmores' basement area is large - the size of the mansion above and the grounds put together, and they'll find themselves on the lower of two levels. The cellblock turns out to be a room within an even bigger room, with the stairs at the opposite end. The dangers are numerous: magical and mechanical traps set in areas marked off-limits, illusions intended to confuse and turn people around. There is only one completely safe path from the cellblock door to the stairs, unless they take the time to disarm the traps and illusions with their returning magic and abilities. That safe path is faster but more exposed, with two or three Rathmores in pursuit, and also the other people that could occasionally be heard outside the door - young aristocrats in on the kidnapping, who thought the Mirrorbound would be sent home. They're just as surprised to see you as you are them. In fact, it's not difficult to overpower these non-Rathmore kidnappers; they're obviously shocked to see Mirrorbound still here, in such states, and some are quite angry, or scared to learn what they've inadvertently gotten themselves into. A good handful flee instead of fight, but some others follow through on the shouted orders to go after you. Use the chaos your appearance causes to your advantage. Once escapees reach the upper basement level, up the stairs and through a hidden door, a few more traps remain, but up here, it looks more like a normal basement; servants' quarters, empty for some time now, storage rooms full of antiques, and winding hallways connecting them. It's easier to hide in this dusty maze to escape any pursuers, and eventually, they find the servants' exit out onto the back grounds. From there, freedom is just a run and a decorative, wrought-iron fence away. b. The Chaos Back in the cells, everything descends into chaos. The Rathmores are furious; while two or three of the cousins go after the escapees, the rest begin to gather down in the cell block, put out the fire, and the interrogations begin. They don't bother taking prisoners out to torment them now - they can't, with their torture room charred and smokey. Their main focus is forcing prisoners back in, and locking everything down with magic and heavy chains, to ensure no one else gets out. They grow more vicious now, and they begin speaking directly to the captives - they want to know which ones got free, how they managed it, who helped them, where they're going, who they're going to tell. Those who refuse to talk will be gagged or muzzled or simply beaten without finesse, and they'll move on to the next captive. Preying on the Mirrorbound's camaraderie with each other is the tactic they quickly turn to, hurting one to try and make another talk. The talk outside the main door grows louder in these few hours, angrier. Occasionally one of the Rathmore cousins will go out to spin some lies, or simply shout down any protesting. Some of the enchantments were damaged in the riot, though - they can hear you, just as well as you can hear them, muffled but still mostly clear. The more they hear from within, the more the confusion outside grows; all the better for the escaped Mirrorbound. ..."What's going on? Those were Mirrorbound that got out-" "We thought you were sending them home!" "You told us there was no risk, that this would make them leave-" "You don't need to worry about that! Go back upstairs!" "Someone needs to get a message to our Uncle Thomas immediately-"... They're all panicking as their grand plans, flimsy as they may have been, start to crumble around them. It's just a matter of time, now. The OOC post for the escape plotting is here if anyone needs to refer back to it! Eight characters will be escaping first thanks to a joint effort. The rescue will be underway within two hours of their escape, but those two hours are likely to be unpleasant for characters who remain in captivity. Any NPC maimings or proposed deaths need to be reported on the City Tracker; please note that mass murder / killing NPCs will still have consequences and needs mod approval first, but we're happy to work with players however we can.

II. The Cavalry (21st, Very Early Morning) The City Guard is closer than the Rathmores think. Thanks to Mirrorbound investigative help, not always strictly legal but still appreciated nonetheless, they've all followed the clues back and determined a possible address. By the evening of the 20th, several members of the Guard and Witches from the Coven, along with any Mirrorbound who followed the trail, are camped out at a manse nearby, the home of a wealthy widow eager to see her nasty neighbors knocked down a peg. Without solid evidence, the Guard can't get a warrant cleared to search the property owned by a Mr. Barclay, assistant to Thomas Rathmore, but solid evidence comes as soon as eight Mirrorbound manage to fight their way out of captivity, returning to friends and Bonded. They are the last piece of the puzzle, and now legal action can be taken. Theodore Rosethorne, leading a small group from the Coven, sends out a magical message to just the Mirrorbound - they've been found. Anyone who wishes to help bring their missing fellows home, anyone who can help with much-needed healing, or anyone who wishes to bring their captors to justice needs to show up now, because time is of the essence. The Guard can't mobilize more men quickly enough in the middle of the night to be useful and they need all the hands they can get, without a floor plan of the mansion or solid ideas of the captors' numbers. They can barely wait an hour for more hands to arrive before it begins. a. The Rescue Sowilo, Theodore's Bonded Fae and a skilled hand at illusions (and seeing through such), leads the rescue efforts, along with some of Theodore's Witches from the Coven. With information from the escapees, they plan to go through the back, take the servants' exit, and make their way down to the basement levels, while Theodore's assault team will go through the front doors, making as much noise as possible. Sowilo's illusions will keep their presence masked at least until they get into the house. The aim is to get through as quietly as possible, find the cellblock, and secure a safe route to take the prisoners out without them getting hurt any worse than they are. It's easier said than done. Magical and mechanical traps of various types litter both basement floors, and heavy illusion work has been placed to obscure the way. Splitting into smaller groups to disarm the traps and deal with the illusions will be necessary, as the entire group will make its way down to the cellblock as quickly as possible. Sowilo hopes they face little to no resistance, with Theodore's group doing their job, but a few, Rathmores and otherwise, are bound to try and stop them; in that case, they will have to fight. "Make sure you can argue a case for self-defense, if you have to hurt them," Sowilo will tell the rescuers and later the freed prisoners on the way out, wings fluttering agitatedly. "Let them be arrested and publicly humiliated in court - ruin their whole family line for generations to come." He's not happy about it either, and will overlook some of the captors getting a taste of what they deserve, but deaths are not permitted on his or the Witches' watch: anyone who takes things too far will find that the person they're attacking has simply vanished - a convincing illusion - before they're handily knocked out with a spell. They face less resistance than the assault team, but less is not none; a few of the Rathmores are determined to salvage their efforts, and some of their unwitting aristocratic cronies have sided with them. Once they reach the cellblock, dismantling the enchantments that keep the prisoners restrained and addled is the first order of business for some. Others can start unlocking cells and helping people out of their restraints. Protection for the escapees on their way out will also be necessary, as well as medical attention back at the temporary base camp. The main focus has to be on those lost friends and loved ones, bringing them back out to freedom and making sure they're tended to - not on revenge. b. The Assault Theodore Rosethorne, along with some members of the City Guard and some Witches from the Coven, leads the assault. While the rescue team goes around the back, they plan to go through the front door, as loudly and conspicuously as possible. The mansion is large and needs to be swept from top to bottom for perpetrators and evidence that can be used in court. Those joining up with this team are warned that it needs to remain legal - the Mirrorbound and the refugees, all of them, have a very shaky, uncertain legal status within the city, and a mass murder could severely harm what good will they have from the locals as well as their status here. After all, many are still neutral to positive on the Mirrorbound, but that could change in an instant. The Coven will take as much responsibility as they can, but they cannot accept the blame for a senseless slaughter. Splitting into smaller groups will be necessary in order to cover more ground quickly. The aim is to locate, subdue, and arrest as many of the culprits inside as they can. The Guard provides magic-suppressing cuffs, and the Coven a basic knock-out spell, but since many will not go so willingly, some degree of force may be unavoidable. If there's one thing the rich fear, it's a legal black mark on their family name and reputation - the Rathmores will fight back harder than their underlings, but they're also the ones they need alive to face the justice system. Those outside the family, those who only knew about the kidnapping portion, are a mixed bag - some might fight back, siding with the Rathmores, but some might give themselves up once the realization of what happened in that basement sinks in. Once they make their entrance, things move quickly. Several wealthy aristocrats either flee or fight, but their attention is thankfully pulled away from the basement and toward the upper levels. There are dozens of rooms to search, and many are cluttered with an old hoarding family's antiques, furniture piled against doors and windows blocking access to some areas, hundreds of nooks and crannies among the sheer amount of stuff provide cover for culprits to hide in. It's going to be work to ferret them all out and bring them in. Worse still, the Rathmores have collected dozens of cursed or enchanted objects that may be used as weapons against the forces of justice. Some degree of force is expected, but still if anyone tries to take things too far, they might find themselves slapped into cuffs or knocked out with a spell themselves. Any NPC maimings or proposed deaths need to be reported on the City Tracker; please note that mass murder / killing NPCs will still have consequences and needs mod approval first, but we're happy to work with players however we can.

III. The After (21st On) Activity continues all through the night and late into the morning at the former Rathmore estate. All the Rathmores and a couple dozen other wealthy aristocrats are brought out in cuffs over the course of several hours, while all the prisoners are liberated to receive medical attention and reunite with their loved ones. The Guard take statements from everyone who will give one - what they witnessed, what happened to them, what they know - and all who were affected are told they will be invited to testify at trial. A gathering crowd forms at the end of the street, wealthy neighbors aghast at the horrors they're learning had occurred right in their District. Most are disgusted with the once-prominent family. On the steps of the Parliament building, Thomas Rathmore, his wife, and his mother, all sitting members of Parliament themselves, are publicly arrested in front of colleagues and on-lookers early in the morning. Constance Rathmore is taken out of the Coven roughly in magic-suppressing cuffs, surrounded by a small group of furious Witches, students of the Coven who spent the week trying to find the missing Mirrorbound and refugees with Divination. They escort her to the prison themselves. All who are arrested are transported to holding cells of their own within the City Guard - all except those requiring urgent medical attention, who will remain cuffed to their hospital beds until trial. Nessie and Mhairi make an appearance at one point to give the Mirrorbound their sincerest apologies for what happened, and Mhairi delivers the news that they're pushing for an expedited trial in Parliament, in order to keep Thomas Rathmore from bribing any contacts. They, along with Theodore and Sowilo, and the Guard, are all open and forthright with what will happen next: public trial and a certain conviction, followed by sentencing. They don't expect that the Rathmores will get away lightly; what they did is too public and too horrific for even the anti-Mirrorbound wealthy to stomach. Those others who were involved, who weren't aware of what was going on behind that metal door, they'll still face justice themselves, no doubt. In the meanwhile, those kept hostage will need all the help they can get to reach something resembling normal again. Hug your loved ones, nourish your Bonds with each other, and begin trying to heal together.

Welcome to Part Two of January's event log, Snatched! An aftermath summary of the trial and sentencing will go up on Feb. 4, the day after the City Tracker deadline, so get your submissions in if you have them! More politically-oriented characters may find an opening in the near future to enact change within Parliament and provide their own representation within the city...

And as a general reminder, please make sure to use content warnings where necessary in your headers!

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Enkidu | FGO | OTA

[enkidoh]

The Escape Attempt / Riot / Chaos

I.
[Smoke fills the hallway, doors open, familiar faces show themselves. This time the words they speak are those of hope, of encouragement. Suddenly there are keys and there’s the sound of chains being unlocked, the cheers of others being freed.

Despite all that has been done to their body they stand up on their feet, wincing a little because it’s difficult to walk when two toes are missing. But that glimmer of hope is somehow addictive.]

Come. [They turn towards their cellmate.] I believe something good is happening. I think we might be able to get out.

[Despite that glimmer of hope Enkidu doesn’t smile at all.]


II. (tw: death/blood)
[The one thing that Enkidu has discovered is that they need to step out of their comfort zone. They also need to realize that friendship is a complex concept that consists out of layers and paths that all change depending on the person they connect with. And they need to stop being someone’s weapon and had to live as their own weapon. They command themselves and they decide when they will be used.

And truly, it is the most difficult thing a sentient lump of clay has ever dealt with. Creating their own purpose. Deciding what reason is worth fighting for.

Still, it isn’t easy to make their way to a certain exit and eventually they wonder if they are going to make it out of this hellish place at all. And that is when they see him. That small stocky man who has been so fond of stabbing and cutting them. He still lives and Enkidu doesn’t think that is fair. As much as they love humanity, as much as they want to walk besides them and learn from them, that does not seem fair.

Enkidu manages to avoid the first swing of his knife. A longer one this time. One meant for mauling and slashing instead of crude slicing and stabbing. But despite the fact that their body objects and hurts pretty much everywhere it can hurt they have not forgotten how to function as a weapon. Almost automatically they know how to respond, they know how to find this man’s weakness.]

I am not one to hate. But I cannot forgive you for what you have done.

[And with all the strength they have left they slam into him, knowing exactly how to divide their weight, where to strike to cause this man to fall. After that everything happens in a surprisingly fluent motion.

For all faith they have in humanity. For all those reasons why they want to preserve its existence. For all they want to learn, know and experience. The moment they take hold of the fallen knife they lash out, thrusting it between his ribs first and once they manage to pin him against the ground they go for his throat.

If they might hate it isn’t visible on their face. Their expression is completely without emotion, completely neutral. The only difference is that they stab again, and then again, and then some more.]


III. (tw: torture)
[The most important lesson Enkidu has learned in a situation like this is to shut their mouth. Despite the severe beating they receive they remain quiet. Once they’re locked up inside a ridiculously small sort of cage and once their captor has left they dare to open their mouth.]

It might be impossible but… [They try to lock eyes with their fellow captive.] …try to hold on and try to keep your mouth shut. [Enkidu believes that this entire ordeal is going to end any minute now.]

There will be help.

[They believe in their friends.]


The After

I. Some comfort for your hurt
[The first thing they notice when they wake up is that everything around them is surprisingly soft. There’s a soft pillow underneath their head and blankets hide the bruises and wounds. Their hands are bandaged and someone took the time to braid their hair.

Enkidu blinks a couple of times before they speak.]

Ah… Where am I exactly? [The room doesn’t look familiar to them and the scent is new to them as well. Slowly they start to move, wanting to sit up.] Ngh. [No, sitting up is a mistake and they fall back between the pillows.]

It is over, isn’t it?

aftermath sort of?

[ua_duibhne]

[Over the next few days, the medical bay of the Coven will have become something of a second home to Diarmuid. The nurses know him by name and who he stops by to see and, after some gentle coaxing and the promise that it will be a short visit, even allowed him to bring his hound along for a few hours. It's on that day that he hears of a particular green-haired patient in another ward.

Enkidu's visitors are heralded simply by a cold, wet nose poking into their hand as Mac-an-Coill's curiosity gets the better of him. Sitting by their bed is a dog with the elegant look of a greyhound and the considerable size and colouring of a wolfhound- and his owner is just behind him. With a tired smile, Diarmuid edges around Coill to take the seat at the head of the bed and holds out a small bouquet of wildflowers. The simple brown string tied around the stems and the strong smell of earth still lingering on them suggests he probably stopped to pick them himself.]

... I was worried that I'd catch you while you were sleeping.

i

[scatmaam]

[ A familiar woman in a fur cloak sat not far off, the scent of blood hanging over her but hardly the sort that would specifically evoke memories of what he'd just been through. No... it was definitely the blood of that noble family, taken by force, and worn as a symbol of reckoning. There was no pride from the warrior that held it, only relief that...

They were alright. ]

You certainly know how to give an old woman a fright...

The After

[weirdnecro]

It's done.

[Sokie had been going through the quick check around, seeing who was here, seeing about what sort of spells might be needed, or at least some tlc. Seeing Enkidu in their current state...well, they weren't in a good way, at all.

Cripes on a crutch. But she came forward, offering a lopsided smile.]

I mean, I understand why you're getting up. You're excited to see me. But you're still not in a great way beautiful.

ii

[darkcharge]

[ See now... Vanitas could have stepped in, right? Could have maybe have taken care of things or even get Endiku to stop. But he doesn't. What's it too him if they want to take it out on someone who clearly deserves what they are about to get? It doesn't effect him in any way whatsoever.

So he stands there from his spot and kind of claps. Endiku sure has some pent up rage, eh? ]

Papyrus | Turnskin | Kidnapped - restraints, aftermath of torture

[spaghettimonster]

I - THE GREAT ESCAPE - OTA

Ia - RIGHT TO FIGHT
In the immediate aftermath of the riot and escapes, one could reasonably expect the Rathmores to realize that their plans are falling apart. That the cruel, privileged nobility might fear for their futures, even that they might take that fear out on the captives still in their grasp. They've taken all sorts of other things out of them, after all.

But of all the things to do in their panic over the escapes, Papyrus wouldn't have guessed interrogation. That they'd take to interrogating them so sincerely about where the escapees are going, or even more ridiculously who they might be talking to. The Rathmores don't need to resort to torture to get information, in the last few hours: he's happy to oblige, answering those questions with the sorts of answers they deserve.

"What do you think?!? They're out!" The skeleton waves chained arms as best he can, while he still has some slack in his restraints. The questioner doesn't look impressed, moving toward his cell to tighten his restraints while he goes on, "Telling everyone they can!! Anybody can see what you did... It's all over them!"

Ib - MAKE SOME NOISE
It doesn't take long to realize that the spells keeping sound within the cellblock are damaged. Not with the way the (now regrettably-familiar) voices outside go shrill with worry and confusion, asking about the Mirrorbound they'd just seen escaping.

With his newly tightened silver restraints, putting him through a fresh round of burns, it's hard to muster his thoughts to answer the fragmented bits he hears through the walls. But he can contribute pained yells and whines to the overall cacophany of the place, making it that much harder for the Rathmores to convince anyone that all is well. Just a shame it's louder for his neighbors in the cellblock than anyone else.

Ia - IF YOU'RE WITH ME
It's been at least an hour, maybe more. There's been fresh screams and cries around the cellblock, another round of questioning and torturing, and the flush of triumph from the riot is wearing off. Still, there's at least one cause for hope.

"They... weren't brought back," Papyrus says, as though to reassure the people in cells around him. It's just a little too unsolicited to be convincing as anything but reassurance for himself. "That must mean... they got away, they'll call for help. They'll call..."

II - THE RESCUE - [CLOSED]
The sounds of chaos outside the cell block are clear enough, drawing his waning attention, but it's too hard to be sure what's going on. The walls muffle the sound, there's an ongoing clash of weapons and spells and screams.

At one point, he thinks he hears Mettaton's distinctive robot voice, which bodes... terribly for his hopes that the escapees got away. What if there was another larger cellblock beyond this, and they'd all been re-captured? If those within were just given false hope for a little while, as another in the ongoing torments?

But a little while into it - he couldn't begin to guess the time elapsed, between the pain and confusion - there's another familiar voice. Chandra, as familiar and near and dear to him as anyone in this city, especially after the months they've been bonded. He can't feel her, as that tie's still numbed and yet aching, but it's more than enough for fresh hope - and fresh fear, that maybe she's been captured too. He begins to howl, looking out the cell doors for signs of what's coming.

III - THE AFTER - OTA
As much as he would like to just go home and sleep until it's all over - and wouldn't that feeling be horrifying to the self of six months ago - it's not an option. His home is likely burnt down, his part of the barracks being among those torched. And, like many of the ex-captives, he's injured enough to need medical care before he goes anywhere - especially with all those silver burns, one of the people helping gently warns him.

A blanket won't do much for shock in a skeleton, but it's offered anyway, and he sits in a little cocoon as one of the Guard goes around taking statements from any up for talking. Papyrus is... willing enough to try. But, not being in the best shape, he sometimes stammers through mis-remembered details. Help him get the truth across, a little more accurately?

Rescue

[fieryimpulse]

Paradoxically and against her usual nature, Chandra had signed up for the Rescue team. Why, one might ask? Because she knew that if she joined the assault team, she'd be put to death for killing every last one of the kidnappers. Every...last...one.

They had taken one of hers. Her friend, the jolly skeleton, and they had stolen the bond from her. Suppressing it was more likely, she knew, but she was all set to work herself into a frenzy just in case it was needed.

So when she heard the howling, that familiar howling, she made a bee-line for it. Checking every door, every window, until she reached the barred doors of Papyrus's cage.

"I got you!" she yelled, voice thick with emotion...mostly anger...

"Stand back from the door!"

Rose | Kidnapped | OTA (cw: PTSD, psychological torture, mention of physical torture, burns)

[poisontippedcure]

[The Great Escape (A)]

[Through luck and happenstance, Rose manages to make it out of the cellblock. She’s being ‘escorted’ to the torture room when everything begins to go awry, and with the helping hand of someone else, manages to escape her captors.]

[Her right arm is broken, hanging limply at her side, and her left arm is badly burned. Thankfully, her legs haven’t been touched. Once the adrenaline kicks in, she starts running, and doesn’t stop.]

[Once she reaches the upper basement level, her magic begins to trickle back to her, albeit slowly. It’s enough to see a thin outline of the traps within the room, and she begins motioning (with her barely functioning arm), to everyone around her.]

Follow me!

[Great Escape (B)]

[She manages to make it up to the servants quarters before being separated from the rest of the group. Now, the fear begins to kick in. Escaping has always been a gamble, and if caught, she’s well-aware that a far worse fate awaits her.]

[Rose moves as stealthily as she can, before footsteps begin to echo throughout the hallway? Are they friend or foe? She can’t tell. Fearing the worse, she scrambles into an armoire, closing the door behind her.]

[Perhaps your character wanders into the room in their attempt to escape. Or perhaps your character is also hiding in the armoire, and the footsteps aren’t friendly. Either way, the door begins to open.]

[Coming Home - Closed to Exarch]

[It’s past midnight when Rose makes it home. On a different day, she might care for decorum. Tonight she doesn’t. She rushes into the house and slams the door behind her before her legs finally give in.]

[Even though she’s made it out, it doesn’t feel like it. She knows the Rathmores will be after her; as heinous as their crimes were, they’ll do anything they can to avoid loose ends. Going home was the worst possible choice, and she’s well aware of it.]

[Still, she’s tired, and can’t manage to pick herself off the floor. She’ll stay leaned against the front door until someone finds her—assuming anyone is home to find her at all.]

[Rescue (?) Attempt]

[Rose doesn’t know the exact number of escapees, but she knows it isn’t high. The faces of her fellow victims haunt her; how many made it out? Are those who didn’t still alive?]

[As much as she wants to stay curled up in a ball, she forces herself to join the rescue team. ‘Forces’ being the operative word. She makes it all the way to the stairs leading to the basement before her fight or flight instincts kick in. No matter how hard she tries, she can’t force herself to go further, and she collapses onto the floor.]

No! I can’t go back!

[Aftermath]

[Anyone looking for Rose in her usual haunts will find her missing. She’s not anywhere near her garden.]

[Instead, she’s in her room, locked away from the rest of the world. Visitors are welcome to knock, but it doesn’t guarantee an answer.]

coming home | shb spoilers!

[exarchal]

[There is no happy greeting, only the tension of a silent house to greet Rose. For a moment, and then two, and then there is a staff pointed at her face--

-- and a shocked Exarch behind it. He drops his staff, red eyes wide with recognition and then relief. She looks like hell, like rats have been nibbling at all her corners, and there's something awful about her arms...]

Rose—

[She's been gone for a week, much like K'rihnn. He hasn't heard anything. He's been searching, of course, everyone has, but... but it's not enough, it hasn't been enough. He was growing desperate, he hasn't slept since that first night, and a part of him doubts what he's seeing right now. But his emotions still work, and he surges forward to wrap an arm about her waist for support.]

Come now, into the parlor. I will heal you—you are safe now.

Elliot | Witch | Aftermath Healer

[fiddlestick]

III-A. Here for your Healing Needs - Infirmary
[Elliot hadn't taken part of the rescue mission. He had wanted to, but the staff at the infirmary had insisted that he should save his strength - a healer like him will have a lot to do in the coming days.

Which as much as he hated to admit it- those witches had been right. So many of the injuries caused by the Rathmore needed so much care and attention, more than what a quick heal could fix. On top of it, there were many mirrorbound victims that were simply unwilling to receive care from any locals - making Elliot work twice as hard to care for them.

So for long hours in the following days, that's where you can find Elliot - working hard to treat the patients that need the care. He does what he can to main an calming and positive attitude, talking calmly to people as he heals their injuries or treat infections. He's empathetic to people's woes, but always being careful to restraint his own feelings to avoid adding onto them. These people have gone through enough without him piling on problems. ]

III-b. Here for your Soothing Music needs - Infirmary
[It's one thing to treat injuries, but it's pretty clear that these people need some mending to their hearts and souls as well. Elliot isn't a therapist, and he doesn't have a cure-all...but he does want to give them some peace.

So sometimes during the day when there's no emergency, he'll bring out his violin. Without any grandeur, he'll play soothing songs to the ward of beds. The songs are meant to help soothe, to get their minds off their pain for just a little while. Sometimes the tunes will even be slightly enchanted to encourage healing.

Music can't solve all the ailments of their hearts, but it can help them take the first step.]

III-c. Downtime - Away from the infirmary
[As much as Elliot tries to be there for the patients, he's only human. A human that's had a pretty rough month even before all of this went down. So sometimes he disappears from the infirmary for awhile - either by another staff member insisting he takes a rest or just knowing he needs a break himself.

During these breaks, he can be often be found sitting somewhere quiet, arms wrapped around knees so he's curled up. Maybe he's trying to nap during these times, but more likely he's staring into space, too tired to even rest.]

Wildcard
[You know the drill - come at me with a prompt! Contact me at neutronstar or surprise me]

[OOC: Elliot is available to cover healing for anyone who is staying in the Coven infirmary! He's a good healer, but i understand people want some good old h/c - so how fast or how effectively Elliot will heal your character is up to you! ]

iii-a.

[tryhard]

[ Waver was one of the first in the Coven's care. After escaping from the awful conditions he'd been kept in, he'd initially refused very much healing save for what was strictly necessary to keep him going until the others were found and the rescue mission was completed successfully. It's been a couple of days since then, but the complicated nature of his wounds have kept him at the Coven.

After being constantly bound with silver restraints that burned his skin, there are still raw marks around Waver's throat and wrists, the silver slowing down healing even with magical assistance, and any natural healing abilities he might have had as a Turnskin have been dulled as well by the strength-sapping and experimental alchemical concoctions he'd been given for nearly a week. Most of the smaller bites and cuts were easy to treat, but deeper wounds are proving to be more of an issue.

A particularly nasty bite on his right thigh especially is having a lot of trouble closing up, where a certain dragon accidentally used a large dose of venom on him. Not that Waver has been going into much detail; it wasn't Berserker's fault. It's just unfortunate that the damned thing refuses to heal. There's still an unpleasant grayish color around the tooth marks, the flesh around the wound swollen and irritated and terribly painful, though it doesn't look like a regular infection.

When the door opens to let in the healer, Waver pushes himself up higher on his pillows with a muffled groan, trying to sit up a bit. ]

Elliot, right? [ He might have treated Waver before, or maybe Waver's seen him around treating others. ] Hey.

Zero | Dragon | Kidnapped

[monotonality]

The Great Escape

[Even if they run, the aristocrats will recieve no mercy from Zero. It's a miracle she has the strength to get out of here. More than not she's running entirely on adreneline and the desire for vengeance at this point. After all they put her through--]

Give me one fucking reason I shouldn't crush your skull right here and now...

[She's not joking. Her claws have been ruined but there's still some strength in her. If she's not stopped she might actually do it.]

The After

[Even now her head still feels full of smoke. The pain is intense; her body has been pushed to it's limit and back again. Too long has she been accustomed to being able to do whatever she wants. The right leg she'd been walking on was clearly broken; the bruises surrounding it are a dark purple shade. Her draconic left arm is also broken; and there's so much blood that it's hard to tell where the wounds are, not to mention her claws have been drastically cut down to a point that it's clear that there was a great deal of pain. Scales have been ripped from her torso and hips and her once white outfit is more red than white from trip after trip to that damn room.

Well. It had been her fault anyway.]

Hahah, funny. They want me to testify at their little trial. Isn't that a riot.

[No one's laughing. And Zero-- she's not moving.]

...damn.

[Just... let her lie her for a while...]

Wilcard

[Anything else-- hit me.]

[guardianreaper]

[Randy is still relatively new to the whole bonding thing, but he’s been keenly aware that Zero’s been missing. When the connection comes back, it comes back like a wave, and Randy immediately seeks out his partner-in-debauchery.]

[When he finds her, she’s in pretty awful shape. He rushes over, and drops down on one knee. Shit, why didn’t he study more healing magic? Shields can’t do shit for this.]

Zero, what the hell!?

[He looks over at her leg. It’s clearly broken. The fuck?]

I’d ask about the other guy, but I’m pretty sure he’s in pieces right now.

Marianne von Edmund | witch | kidnapped

[beautyisthebeast]

The Rescue (cw: injuries)

[The woman who was oh-so-fascinated with Marianne's crest had been working on her 'project' yet again when the assault started. With little time to prepare, she'd had a guard toss her current victim into the nearest cell before hurrying off to meet her fate.

Exhausted and injured, Marianne is huddled in the corner listening to the shouts and clamor around her. It sounds like... an attack? Does she dare hope they've been found? That rescue is coming? That she might actually see the light of day again?

She's in no condition to run or escape, but she can huddle in the corner and pray. And wait. Perhaps the Goddess will hear her pleas. Perhaps someone will come for her.]


The After: The next day


Early Morning(Closed to Lorenz)


[It's shortly after sunrise, far too early given the night everyone had, when Marianne awakes with a frightened shriek. It was almost impossible to find sleep that night. But she was so exhausted, so drained, that she drifted off on the sofa. And right into a nightmare. The cats scatter as she tries to scramble to her feet and stumbles on her injured ankle.

It takes her a few panicked minutes to remember, to realize where she is. She's safe. Out of that awful place. Safe.

If she keeps thinking it, then maybe this won't turn out to be the dream.]


In the afternoon(open)


[That afternoon finds Marianne sitting outside her house, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Surrounding her are a number of cats, mostly vying for her attention. Two in her lap, two playing at her feet, and one perched on the back of her chair, and another under it. It's quite a sight. The two scampering around at her feet are getting a bit rowdy and may lunge at the legs of passersby.]

Careful!

[That was directed to the cats, to the one they were bothering she offers a quiet apology.]

I'm so sorry about them. They've been so excitable today.

Closed

[bergamotrose]

[Lorenz was drained from the eventful day before as well-- for various reasons that he didn't dare discuss with Marianne. There were some things that just weren't proper to be uttered within earshot of the deeply pious... and, were they in Fodlan, Lorenz wasn't certain that the Goddess would forgive him for some of his deeds.

His sleep had been the deep kind that was only wrought by exhaustion, but his senses were alert enough still that Marianne's terrified shriek had him reaching for a weapon.]

Marianne!

[He called, darting into the room-- and he heaved a deep sigh of relief at the sight.]

Thank goodness, you're okay!

[Physically, at least. The emotional wounds would take far longer to heal.]

Hubert von Vestra | Witch

[bloodypath]

No Extra Is Too Extra — Cavalry (assault)

[Through the front door, as loudly and conspicuously as possible... Some clearly took that as a challenge.]

[Like the Witch that showed up with a large clay jar, runes etched on the outside, full of blood. Once the assault begins, he begins conjuring, the blood flashing crimson as it dissolves into raw magic—and a ten foot tall thing manifests out of Hubert's shadow.]

[Lanky and spindly, it was made out of shadows and embers and stone, its thin arms ending in talon-like claws; its face half-insectoid, all faceted eyes and chitinous skin, but ended in a bestial maw of long teeth. Shadows trailed behind it, flicking sometimes into the shape of wings and sometimes like a fluttering cloak and sometimes pointed like living blades.]

[The conjuration shrieks ethereally—just shy of ear-splitting—before barreling inside the manor. Hubert trails behind it, smiling grimly, one hand taking on a faint purple glow. A little sweat beaded at his temple, the only sign of exertion from such a conjuring.]

[He chuckles.] They did want us to make an entrance.


Wildcard
[Throw something at me or request a prompt, I'll write something.]

The Cavalry is Here

[unyieldingmarch]

They did indeed.

[Through the front door? Doable.

Edelgard is more than happy to let Hubert have his macabre fun. It's a touch grandiose even for her tastes, but she appreciates it all the same. IT's an outlet for her feelings that are beginning to boil over, the rage she's barely internalized. Corrin's friend Azura was inside. Marianne was inside. Good people were being held and tormented for no reason at all.

How else would she feel except wrathful?

Her own entrance, fully armored and with a bared Aymr is less disturbing, but dramatic in it's own way.

She wades into the smoke ahead of Hubert, her weapon's orange glow causing strangely monstrous shapes to flicker in the debris-strewn entryway. Her boots tromp ominously, and the first of their foes arrives, holding a sword in shaking hands.]

Hubert, would you like to deal with this one, or should I?

Yuya Sakaki | Witch | Kidnapped

[hippocarnival]

[Rescue | Closed for Wataru]

[When the commotion starts up again, Yuya doesn't look up from the corner of his cell he's wedged himself into. It's a little cowardly, but without the strength to join in on the riot, the best he can do is stay out of sight and mind of the Rathmores so they don't torture him worse out of frustration.

He's not completely hidden in the shadows, though. He just hopes if he's still, that much won't matter.]

[Aftermath | OTA]

[1]
[Yuya's settled in the immediate aftermath by the other rescued captives, sitting with his back to the wall and loosely wrapped in the blanket. He's thinner, paler, exhausted, but despite it all when he sees familiar faces he offers them a bright smile.

He's so relieved. Maybe it's not all over yet, but the worst of it--they got through it.]

[2]
[Or for the next few days, Yuya can be found at the hospital, being treated for lacerations, dehydration, and malnutrition.

He may be having some trouble stomaching the hospital food, but really, can you blame him.]

2 because I have to

[eluci]

[Noctis hasn't really hung out with Yuya since they agreed to Bond, but mainly because they tend to run in different circles. But for those days Yuya spends in the hospital, Noctis is also spending a good deal of his time there--at least when he's not shooed out by resident healer Witches for one reason or another, usually 'making them nervous'.

He's not the one being treated and has to eat and bathe sometime, so he ducks out to get some food, smuggling in some in for Yuya: a couple pastries from a local shop, triple-wrapped to mask some of their smell.]

How's it going?

Newt Scamander | Witch | Kidnapped | OTA

[newtralize]

[CW: Detailed injuries; broken bones, burns, missing flesh, etc]

I. A Great Escape
A.
[It's hard to keep track of the time has passed, and it doesn't really matter. The length of time really meant nothing because any amount of time to keep them captive like this was much too long as is.

So it's no surprise that they would bite back when finally finding the opportunity to do so.] Come on Pickett. I need you to help out a bit. [A small creature had been hiding about with Newt for the entire duration. The stick bug-like creature is useful. He could pick locks after all. Newt hasn't found a lock that Pickett couldn't pick, so of course he has the creature go to task.

Perhaps a shackle or door needs to be unlocked. Pickett is happy to help with getting through locks.

Alone, Newt thought it too risky (especially because the last thing he wanted was them to take Pickett from him to either sell or kill), but with everyone in a frenzy and time of the essence, Newt wants to help as much as he can.

He'll swing open doors with some difficulty (at this point, his hands and fingers are broken and useless), but that does nothing to stop the Brit.] Come on, quickly. Let's go.

B.
[He has always had a high tolerance for pain, he thinks. Maybe the saving grace is that he does well to be quiet as possible even as he can taste his own blood in his mouth and every part of him aches and burns.

Taking whatever they give him as far as violence goes won't get him to speak a word. As if he was actually going to say who escaped (and if they were honest, it was impossible to know exactly who escaped and who didn't).

Though Newt might falter when they switch to more underhanded tactics. His expression distraught. He knew better than to talk, but watching someone else suffer and them saying it was his fault for not talking? It was a hard pill to swallow whether it was true or not.] I'm sorry...

[Eventually they either give up on torturing Newt or yourself and move onto the next captive.]

II. The Cavalry
[There's something so relieving when countless people suddenly come streaming into the basement and start freeing them all

He smiles weakly as he looks at whoever enters.] Hullo. [He'll need a bit of help. His hands and fingers are bent funny which makes it obvious they're broken. He has some nasty burns and areas where flesh seemed to have been removed and those might look like they're infected. The state of the cells aren't very healthy, so it really isn't surprising at all. His usual white dress-shirt is tattered and no longer white at all. If it isn't caked in blood, it's probably got dirt and grime too.]

Honestly, you're the best thing I've seen as of late.

III. The After
A.
[Newt has no qualms with giving a statement. Of course, he also was happy to detail everything. Observing things had always been something he was good at. Studying and the sort. It was painful to have to go over it all, but a necessary pain.

He's exhausted once the guard leaves him.

There's not a lot of Newt that isn't covered in bandages. While his hands and fingers are no longer broken, healing is a slow process. Healers only really healed what was necessary, not risking to push bodies with accelerated healing on injuries that could do with healing naturally for a bit.

Newt is quiet mostly. Perhaps its the exhaustion that settles deeply, but he often seems to be lost in his thoughts; eyes unfocused as he looks down at his shaking hands and how they struggle to do simple actions like clenching them into fists.

He'll only really snap out of it if he realizes he has company.] Ah, sorry. Did you need something of me?

B.
[Shouldn't Newt be resting? Well, yes. probably.

Still. Newt hated idling and he wanted to keep himself busy and away from his thoughts. While he'll not be allowed to expend any magic or do anything too strenuous, he seems to at least be allowed to do small, menial tasks. Newt might come by hand you water or supplies of some sort. Nothing too heavy.

Though if his actions seem sluggish, he probably should be sent off to rest some more.

Perhaps the other reason he was moving about though was to find familiar faces. In particular-] Sorry, have you seen Theseus? Uhm, Theseus Scamander. He's my brother. [He hasn't seen the other as of late...]

C.
[Returning to the barracks was nice. A little sad though to see just how much was lost during the fires. The amount of work that would need to be put into fixing everything and replacing everything that was lost. There was some silver linings where not every part of his place had been hit or damaged. It was still a lot of work and a lot of work he wasn't exactly well enough to quite tackle. How frustrating.

Newt tries not to think too much about it, but let his creatures out for fresh air as he seems to be figuring out a proper plan to tackle the work he has ahead of him.

If anyone were to visit him, they'll find a plethora of creatures running amok. From petalwolves to pantherhound to pygmy jacks to his swooping evil. They move about freely in the open area, though none never seem to run astray. Newt was sitting on the floor with the large zouwu curled up around him protectively. He seems at least content. After all, he hadn't seen his creatures in a week and this was possibly the most comforted he has felt in a long while.

One might find a creature or two coming over to them curiously to sniff at them.] They won't bite. They're well behaved. Usually.

IV. Wildcard
[Drop me a starter or hit me up via PM or plurl. I'm also happy to write up closed starters to anyone who might be interested! Just let me know.]

II

[integrous]

[ Honestly, this is probably what Asahi should have expected to see when she decided to join the people going in to rescue the kidnapped Mirrorbound.

And yet.. now she's actually seeing someone in this awful of a state, she feels terrible. It's like her blood instantly runs cold in her veins. Because of the state he's in, it takes her a moment to even realise that she's seen this man before - he was the one playing with those strange.. monsters, or animals, whatever they were, right? He had seemed so happy with them back then, but this..

Suddenly Asahi realises she's just gaping at him in horror, and she quickly shuts her mouth, although she's sure the damage has already been done. ]

I..

[ She almost says "are you okay?" But she knows that's a useless question. Of course he's not okay. Look at him. ]

I-I'll help you get out of here, okay?

ozymandias | rescue team

[fulgency]

i. rescue

a. rescue team

[Nothing about the pace of all this has been satisfactory to Ozymandias. That their people were left languishing in these conditions for nearly a week due to beauraucratic nonsense is unacceptable. But the pace that the rescue team has to take in its journey through the compound to the holding cells is not one that he completely disagrees with. The Rathmores have protected themselves well and rushing through this would only put more lives in danger.]

[He grabs the arm of one of the nearby members of the team, pulling them back suddenly.]

Hold on a moment. I believe that's a mark of one of their traps.

[It's possible that the trap has been moved from that spot, but Ozymandias would rather that his companion does not test this out foolishly with their own bodies.]

b. captives

You're growing quiet.

[Whether Ozymandias is in the process of removing restraints or helping someone walk, it seems paramount that those who have retained consciousness hold onto it. Although he's willing to spare a glance to their face, he doesn't pause in what he's doing.]

What were you saying?

[He was actually paying attention and listening, even if most of what was being said was inane or nonsensical. There's really no telling if something more meaningful might come out of them abruptly whether it is about their captors or any current discomfort, and Ozymandias doesn't want to miss it. But if it's too difficult for them to string together words for something new to say, he'd rather they focus on repetition and stay awake.]

((ooc: for the prompt involving fellow rescuers, limiting that to 2. will leave the captives prompt unlimited.))

ii. after

[At this point, Ozymandias' trust in Aefenglom and its natives has waned considerably. He cares very little for the offered apologies, but tolerates them. He has to exert what little remaining restraint, forcibly making himself bite back his anger until the conclusion of the impending trial, but he tolerates them.]

[What he is less tolerant of is seeing his fellow Mirrorbound not tending to their injuries, regardless of whether they were among those taken or not. When it comes to those he observes outright refusing the intervention of the Coven's healers, Ozymandias steps directly in the way of the Coven Witch. He holds up a hand, stepping around them, speaking to his fellow Mirrorbound instead. His tone is firm, clearly not inviting debate to the matter as it borders on command.]

Don't be foolish. Allow them to at least begin the process of healing.

[But for those that it's doesn't appear a matter of stubbornness that they neglect themselves, Ozymandias is gentler in his approach.]

I believe the Coven has called upon more healers. You may want to approach one of them before someone else takes your place.

iii. wildcard/closed starters

((ooc: if these aren't grabbing your attention, feel free to wildcard it! feel free to have something before, during, or after the rescue. i'm cool with hurt & comfort things or if you want more discussion-y things about the mirrorbound's place in aefenglom after all this. alternatively, if you'd like a closed/private starter, hmu. for questions about a potential wildcard or if you want a closed starter, i can be reached on plurk [rebreather] or with a pm this journal!))

i.

[blackbonded]

[ Beneath that hold is an arm made of metal. There's no give but for the clothing covering the limb. Thankfully, Shiro's instincts are quick enough not to retaliate the moment he was grabbed. He does come to a stop instead of pushing on. ]

What mark?

[ His eyes flick around the area, searching for the markings. ]

Archer | dragon | kidnapped

[boneofsword]

Early Morning Dragon

[Archer stumbles, leaning on the wall. Edges of decorative brick dig into his bruised skin and the brightness outside makes him wince. His right hand is useless, shoulder burning under dirty wraps. While his strength and fire affinity is back, he's in no shape to fight. It's been pure luck and nothing else that allowed him to get out of the mansion.

Suddenly he glimpses a movement and he squints trying to recognize this person - a guard, or one of those nobles? Another Mirrorbound? No, they're too prim and proper and there's no scent of blood. Anger and resentment festering since the kidnapping that he's been suppressing threaten to choke him. Something snaps.

With deafening roar Archer surges forward. Fire burning in veins, drowning the pain and weakness of his body as it changes He spreads his wings wide, finally free of chains. The threat is gone, either thrown aside or buried under the rubble from the damaged corner of the building.

Huge white dragon coils in the air where Archer's been a moment ago. Red and black markings cover his body. He's furious. In the state he's in there's no recognizing friend from enemy - he growls low and swoops down at the first person he notices - you.]

.wildcard

((ooc: have any other idea? throw it at me!))

[towards_okeanos]

[Of all the possible threats Iskandar could have anticipated, an attack from above is absolutely last on his mind. So it's equal parts luck and instinct, honed by years of warfare, that he's able to throw a shield spell at the very last moment before the dragon's talon rip him to pieces.]

Whatever or whoever you are, this is the worst possible moment to go berserk!

[Only when he's able to disengage he take a better look at what hit him. Huh? An albino dragon? Though this one looks more like a winged serpent. That's new. If only that gave him any clues to the dragon's identity.

Iskandar weighs his options carefully. He's not sure if the stun spell he knows will be enough and he'd rather not use a sword. What he can do is to lure the frenzied monster out to the more open area and count they'll encounter someone with magic more reliable than his.]

w. a. mozart ⋆ witch ⋆ kidnapped

[fordeath]

I. the chaos

[ they knew immediately how to deal with him. amadeus never did keep to himself, after all, with continued, minor transgressions against the native law and side-eye worthy enchantment specializations. coupled with his complete lack of combative ability, the musician was an easy target.

it was equally as easy to decide on their methods.

after all is said and done, amadeus is running a fever, harmony-weaving fingers and wrists broken, brands on his back and – most noticeably from afar – hair messily sliced off. one too many remarks and his continued attempts to sing or strum or play something earned him a gag and bonds on his wrists and ankles.

when the commotion sets off, amadeus flags down anyone with free hands and tries, to the best of his charades ability, to indicate the gag. he can be of no use except to distract. ]

II. more chaos

[ how he didn't miss being ill. now that he's no longer a servant, amadeus is blessed enough to possess the susceptible body he did while he was alive. though the weight of his long hair is gone, the fever sets in deep and he can barely stand. there's no chance he'll make it out with the rest of the escapees, but he must do something with the little bit of magic and strength he's stored.

after his gag is removed, and in spite of his broken fingers, amadeus ask any in his vicinity: ]

Please. Do you have anything I could play?

III. the cavalry, outside

[ it's a miracle that he makes it close to the end, stumbling miserably through the rescue and dodging of rathmores. he hums a deep, heavy tune to keep himself going, but just before they reach the exit, amadeus braces himself against a wall, panting and soaked with sweat. he'll tell whoever listens: ]

If you happen to meet Salieri or Maria out there, tell them – I'm - I'm resting here. [ there is no strength left in him to describe the two bonded before he collapses on the ground, still conscious – but in no shape to move. ]

IV. the aftermath, infirmary

[ a day spent unconscious in the infirmary has given him all the gumption needed to cause trouble for busy healers. it should be obvious to everyone, he thinks, that if he can't play or write music that there was little point in rescuing him in the first place. after a week of literal torture, the cruelest of all was being unable to play, enchant or help with his music, so when the healers inform him that they must prioritize other, more serious injuries over his broken fingers, he can take it as no less than an extension of that horrendous punishment.

when, in spite of the splints on his fingers, amadeus is caught conjuring instruments to play and attempting to write on cloth and bandages, they lay on extra gauge and render his hands mostly immobile. ]

Ugh, these bandages are so thick I couldn't wipe my own ass! I'm begging you. [ heal his fingers? wipe his ass? your call. ]

V. wildcard

( ooc: if you have questions, want to hash things out further or want to request a specially made starter, let me know! here's a contact post. discord, plurk and PM are all great ways to reach me. )

IV

[enkidoh]

[Enkidu allows the healers to wrap their hands with bandages. They don't really speak, though. They also do not have the energy to ask them about their fingers. Would they be able to conjure new fingers? Nah, they don't trust them so they don't want to ask.

And then they hear a voice coming from the bed next to them.]

If they are thick enough...you could use those bandages to wipe your ass.

[Their voice sounds tired.]

You would not have to reach out for...anything...just...

Antonio Salieri | rescue team

[amurder]

I) The Rescue.

[All good things must come with a price.

It is not merely a law adopted by the humble or the wise. It is the truth that comes with receiving blessings willingly or unwillingly. In his long months of living in this place, he was gifted with an unclouded mind and a soul unburdened by the grip of the Grey Man. A life which seemed all too good to be true— regardless of his changes.

But now he is paying the price for this second chance. A dismantled system, a city infected by illness and greed.

And his Bonded taken and held captive.

Salieri weaves through the corridors with his heart lodged firmly in his throat. Once the information regarding the captives had been sent, he was shown firsthand just how far this supposed family would go to reach their objective. He does his best to avoid the traps and mechanisms set up in this place, helps when he can and lights dim hallways with his flame where all other forms of illumination have been snuffed out.

As much as he wishes to rush ahead and find Amadeus— as much as he tries, he cannot recklessly put himself or others in danger. And if anyone happens to reach out for him for help—] ... You're in worse shape than I.

Do not force yourself. [He reaches out to steady you. He won't leave you just yet.]


II) The Chaos.

[Being guided through the levels makes navigating through the cell blocks much easier, but the steady pace in which he's been forced to go makes his apprehension all the more potent.

He reaches yet another cell block when he finally comes upon that familiar scent. Dashing ahead, Salieri sees that the cells have already been opened, and a lone figure stands almost dumbstruck among them. A hapless guard, who has more than likely hidden himself to avoid the confrontation that came upon the Rathmores. And it just so happens that beside the guard is a familiar scent- that of his Bonded, still lingering in one empty cell. There's his scent... and also a decent amount of both old and new blood.

Blood.

Salieri is moving before he can comprehend it. With a curl of his lips and a heady snarl he snatches the stunned man by his collar, twists the material and brings him up to his level.] The captive that was here.

[W-wait— The guard grapples and stammers. This block wasn't my rotation— I-I don't know where they've—!

Salieri all but lifts him clean off the ground.] What did you do? What have they done to him?!

[Obviously, this is no good- and if Salieri is not stopped something unfavorable might just happen.]

III) Wildcard.
(Feel free to toss any scenarios at Salieri!! As always hmu for anything super specific over at plurk: jikaku i'm also good with almost all torture/hurt content, but still feel free to ask if you're unsure about starting a thread.)

closed to amadeus.

[amurder]

[With the captive Mirrorbound now freed he can finally focus on realigning his priorities. All too easily he is blindsided by the state his fellow Mirrorbound have been placed in. Around him there are many who are still weakened from captivity, having made their way out of the mansion and mostly meandering around in order to see medical aid. Salieri side steps them, keeps his eyes focused on any slight sliver of green or purple, a simple flash of yellow- anything, anything that will help him find him faster.

He thinks of calling his other Bonded to let her know of what's become of the situation- he thinks, and then stops when a familiar scent strikes him. Salieri turns to the very entrance of the mansion, and sees one thin stumbling figure emerge.

Almost simultaneously a head of bright golden hair comes into view and all at once his body prepares to run right toward the sight—

—and Salieri's breath catches.

His heart drops. A heavy stone in a deep pit.

Amadeus... Amadeus, your...

Quiet, seething pain wells up in his bowels and twists his face. It's gone. All gone—

He's making his way over to him now, taking in the rest of the state he's in— tattered clothes, gauze and bandages on both of his hands, all too pale and weary. He knows, he knows, he cannot think of what has happened, refuses to think of it just yet, not yet— he only wishes to reach him until—]

Wolfgang!!

[Despite his Bonded's fragile state Salieri's arms come around him, swooping in and bringing him in tight. The immediate contact sends a surge of both energy and relief through him, expanding through his limbs like so many fireworks. His hand comes up to gently tangle into his hair- only to fruitlessly find short, choppy strands.

His ears lower instantly, his expression a sad and yet longing grimace. Pulling away ever so slightly he keeps their foreheads together, keeps them connected as he whispers and cups his Bonded's face- anguished.]

Wolfgang... you're safe. You're safe.

Wataru Kurenai | Witch | Rescue team

[kivatteru]

i; infiltration — sneaking in, avoiding traps, maybe some fighting

[ Being as quiet as possible is probably the one thing Wataru can do best in any situation. After splitting up for better management of the traps, Wataru sticks close to his own team as they proceed, not saying a word unless necessary. ]

A: [ Suddenly, they stop when one of them almost gets their foot pierced by a spike falling from above. With a frown, he turns to his teammates. ]

I could try to disable the mechanism, but I will likely need some help with that.

B: [ A handful of Rathmores finds them, and battle ensues! Wataru is backing the melee fighters up with his spells, but the focus is so much on them he belatedly notices one of the enemies sneaking up behind him and about to strike him down.

Well, it would be bad if he was knocked out before they even reach the cells. A bit of help getting rid of the rascal would be appreciated! ]

ii; rescuing — bridal carrying everyone outta here

[ Once they all finally reach the cellblock, chaos is already all around Wataru. Trying not to bump into enemies or being an obstacles to allies, he's proceeding towards the cells and making quick work of the locks. His degree of worry will depend on which state the prisoner he's rescuing is in, and soon he'll be supporting them with an arm, while casting a medium-level healing spell on them. ]

You're safe now. If you can't walk, I'll carry you.

iv; aftermath — checking in

[ And then, it's over, and he's... very much exhausted. He's going to still check in on people, mostly the escapees, giving them assistance.

Alternatively, people can also check on him, as he'll be sitting somewhere isolated to recover his stamina and be lost in his thoughts. Make sure you'll make your presence known, though... he might be startled otherwise. ]

iii; wildcard

[ Those are a bit generic prompts, so if you want to plot something specific about them let me know! You can find me at gaiamemories or PM or the Discord game server! ]

ii

[rightfoot]

[ It's nice to see a familiar face. Even better that the familiar face is someone he actually likes and enjoys the company of. Despite the circumstances of this. He shifts closer towards the exit of the cell when he hears people coming, but after he sees it is someone from the outside, here to help, he approaches. He seems to walk okay, despite the knock-off prosthetic they blessed him with.

He'll accept the help, though, leaning a bit into Wataru. ]

Hey, you've gotten pretty good at healing magic, huh?

[ Not that it's the point right now, just an observation. ]

Caster (Cú Chulainn) | witch | escaping

[futhark]

1. Through the streets, [closed to Iskandar]

[ The endurance spell pushes him forward, pain receptors turned off allows moving the broken body without any kind of consideration for it. They must have split with Waver at some point. Was it deliberate? Was it by accident? Everything's a haze, if someone stops him, terrified of the state he's in, he quickly gives information and moves forward.

But he can't make the directions clearly and time is running out, suddenly he runs into someone— someone much bigger and taller than him. His fingers grab said person's clothes, like claws. ]

Forge, am I close to the forge?

2. The After, the infirmary [open]

[ This whole night went through like a haze, pumped with adrenaline, Iskandar's healing spells and drugs probably. All those who needed their messages delivered to received them. Cú remembers that he tried to follow the rescue team, to make sure everyone that has been left behind saw their salvation. There's something that comes with leaving behind those closest (for the greater good at that), maybe some would call it a strength of character, or maybe a hardness of heart. One of these decisions that have to be made ruthlessly and worn like wounds.

—he can't remember an exact time where he quite literally drifted off and got back to the infirmary.

First 36 hours he spends mostly resting in the infirmary, sleeping one moment, waking up from nightmares next. Should he wake up a neighbour he will apologize for that ]


———————
[ Later, when enough of his strength has returned he starts to bug the healers. His arms, legs where they used to be covered in runic tattoos now they are covered in bandages with wards and soaked in healing herbs extracted. One would think someone attempted to drown him in chamomile tea, or at least that's what the smell reminds him of. ]

How much longer exactly? [ He keeps asking, and the answer he gets doesn't change no matter who he asks ] If you need dates I'd say a month, recommend two at least. The enchantments you play with, sound like they could not work well with the healing treatment

[ The healer leaves the moment she sees someone else approaching and Cú greets the visitor ] Yo, didn't notice you there. Don't mind her, I'm not sticking around here for long.

[ There could be a joke made here somewhere, but instead of teasing lilt it comes off as frank ]

———————
[ Give him some more time, and Cú starts paying visits to his fellow bedridden Mirrorbounds. ]

How's it going, feeling any better? [ It's more in terms of checking on them though, rather than purely on the basis of socializing. Though lifting of spirits might be attempted. ] Have they visited you for a statement already?

2

[ua_duibhne]

[The moment Diarmuid hears that Caster is awake, he goes to find him with his hound in tow. Luck is, for once, on his side; it's not a difficult task- most here recognise descriptions of a stubborn, blue haired man with a lilting accent- and he catches the door to his room already wide open as the witch treating him takes her leave. He'd prepared himself for the worst but seeing him wrapped up like that, the ghosts of his captivity written over his body-

It's an instinct more than anything. Without a word, Diarmuid steps past the healer and throws his arms around Caster, holding him as tightly as he dares with all of those bandages discouraging him from getting too rough. The herbal scent is one he's gotten used to over the last few days but it's still comforting, much moreso than the less tangible healing spells he's seen used in tandem with botanical cures, if only because it reminds him of home. Different times, different places, different plants- but the same smell and feeling. He stays there for a good while, face buried in his shoulder before, finally, stepping away so that he can greet him properly.

But rather than sitting on the bed or in one of the chairs intended for visitors, he instead kneels on the floor in front of him, placing one hand on his knee.]

... I didn't get a chance to thank you before but I'm truly grateful. For your message, that is.

[Behind him, Mac-an-Coill noses at the healer as she heads out, earning a pat on the head and a warning to behave himself.]

For Connor

[cyclopticsadist]

[Niles is a great asset to the rescue mission, but that doesn't mean he's necessarily a good man for the job. He really doesn't care about most of the people he's freeing. He flits from one cell to the next, making short work of any locks in his way, uncuffing prisoners and doing little more than pointing them in a direction before moving on. He cares about finding one person and one person only. Sure yes, he's also helping and that's good yadda yadda, but he is here for Azura.

So when he pops the lock, steps into Connor's cell and halts in his tracks it's not out of alarm or concern. He's faced with a question he already knows the answer to, and hates that he knows it. Connor has earned enough respect from him that he won't leave him like this, but gods above he wish he were a worse man. Azura didn't need him, she needed rescuing and this was a large scale operation. The odds of him being her valiant savior were low, and Connor could not get out of here on his own. He glowers, tail twitching angrily as his selfish nature is grappled into submission by pragmatism and just a little decency.

In a tone that can only be described as grumpy, he greets Connor as he picks his cuffs.]

I suppose you can't just flop your way out of here can you?

[plasticasshole]

[Connor has been sitting in his cell waiting, knowing it's only a matter of time now. He was fully expecting to see Hank come to his rescue, but seeing Niles instead isn't a bad thing. As long as he gets out of here.]

Sadly, no. I can dry off and walk, but that might take a while.

[He looks around at the chaos uneasily. With his cuffs picked open he can use his magic again, but he's still very much in pain and very vulnerable like this.]

I'd rather get out of here as soon as possible.

[He looks up at Niles pointedly.]

Thancred | harpy | rescue team

[wordsinthesoul]

1. Downstairs

[It doesn't surprise Thancred that there have been traps laid for them- to have all thi unguarded would be too much to ask. So he's on the lookout for whatever is down there, ears twitching- in no small part due to knowing that there are illusions down here, too.]

There- does that seem off? Tell me- do you sense anything?

[He's looking for illusions, before he goes in to work on the mechanical side- but it would be good to know that he's not about to walk into something else first.

Further down- there's a noise. Thancred's expression shifts, and he reaches for his dagger.]

Well. I suppose we were going to run into interference. Not for long, I should think.

[…that's what the rope is for. It'll help if they have witnesses, or so he hopes…]

2. Rescue

[He doesn't have much capacity to heal- more fool him, he thinks in a bitter moment, before turning his attention to the people here. A little bit of field medicine isn't beyond him.]

Here- let me help. We'll get you out of here.

3. Evidence (possibly getting into mentions of blood/torture)

[For everything that's happened- they can't avoid doing something. No doubt there will be voices raised in outrage, and yet- they're part and not part of Aefenglom society proper. With that in mind- Thancred heads back down, the better to try to document exactly what's gone on. But… even now that they've put an end to people being hurt, it's not easy.

He's stepped outside, to stop for a moment, and try to calm the thoughts inside him- if he'd moved faster, if he'd searched, the moment he realised his Bond was gone- so it takes him a moment or two to realise someone is nearby. He glances up, clearly trying to seem put together.]

Were you seeking evidence as well?

4. Infirmary

[Once that's as settled in his mind as it can be, Thancred turns his attention to trying to help those injured. Bandaging, carrying- whatever he can help with, he offers to.

He does stop- or slow down, at least, to fuss over the people he knows, staying close.]

Do you need anything?