RuneScape Forum Archive | Scions of House Arenar (RP)

Inferi

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Rie’s hand in her own was barely even noticed, yet the response of squeezing it in return was both unconscious and automatic. Providing support for her sister in moments when she might need it was more important than anything else, and something like this was just second nature. Whether it was comforting or not was up to interpretation, though, given that her own hand was shaking in just the slightest manner.

From that point, the meeting swiftly came to a close, leaving everyone with their own tasks to complete while the search for answers could get underway. Remaining on standby was something she was used to, although, like always, it never gave her a good feeling. If she wasn’t doing something, then it just felt wrong, and even though she knew there was very little she could do it didn’t stop her from moving between security posts to check the status herself.

As expected, there was nothing new, but that was what she was expecting. The soldiers were just people, after all; she didn’t expect them to find answers here when the nature of the crime transcended the average person’s understanding. The target had been singular, and because there was nothing else to tie to anything or anyone they had nothing extra with which they might find an answer.

It was then that her brother approached.

Perhaps Roland’s statement wasn’t meant as such, but it was one of the worst ways to approach whatever topic he was trying to get to. It wasn’t a secret that many people thought Ariadne’s work was a waste of time, and laughed behind her back at the apparent futility of the effort that she put into it. There was no need for an army when there was no war, no need for anyone that could fight when nobody needed to. No value could be found in such things, and so why bother making an effort? Done in by the dubious doings of destiny.

28-Jun-2022 00:38:07

Inferi

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And yet, now that something had happened that threatened everything they knew, it seemed there was value to be had. It was one of the more asinine comments she could think of; if what she was doing had value now, that meant the value was always there. What people that thought as Roland apparently did refused to realize was that, without the work she had been doing, the military would hold little to no value in a situation like this. She had realized it from the years she had put in: it was impossible to make an efficient army in a short period of time when it did not already exist in that manner.

Still, she did not lash out, although a momentary clenching of her fists was in order before she took the time to speak. There was a tightness to her words that one very rarely heard from her; in fact, her sister, and perhaps her closer confidants in the military, would likely be the only ones who would have. It was only when she was being affected by something that she could do nothing about that this would happen, the hold being on her own frustration while she tried to push it down into a controllable state. It had almost entirely gotten there at this point, but Roland’s words just served to undo much of the effort.

“

What are you asking for, then?

” was her reply as she turned to face her brother. There was no point in beating around the bush here; she didn’t have the energy to deal with it. Her tone was not hostile, but neither was it the most friendly. “

If you have some idea you want me to hear, then say it.

” Done in by the dubious doings of destiny.

28-Jun-2022 00:38:18

Azi Demonica

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Dalhover escorted the tallest sister, Evalyne towards the vault. There, she would see the place of theft, and, hopefully, find a clue to solving this horrible incident.

Of course, if Evalyne had anything to talk about to Dalhover, perhaps she did, if so desired. If not, presumably they would reach the Vault without interruption, where she selected the correct brick to open the hidden room.

The senior knight would then stand guard, making sure nothing dangerous sneaked up on her--hopefully his old eyes and frail mind wouldn’t fail him.

Some illumination came from Evalyne’s magic flame, where she sensed past reverberations, feeling for what was once there.

Of course, Dalhover could not actually realize what the noblewoman was doing, nor could he access any of the Scions’ sorcery, though presumably he was not affected by any powers and would not have any issues standing watch. He could not actually do much to aid her or any other Scion directly, but what he could do was keep an eye out while they were busy.

After some abrupt movements, Eva’s flame extinguished--a clue?

Dalhover helped bring torches, aligning them where necessary based on Evalyne’s prompts.

The map, and Chloelle’s sketches, were used for Eva’s progression. Curiously enough, her senses lured towards Havelan. After some sort of episode, she knew where to look...and it surprised Leon.

Something was there, nowhere, yet there.

And there would be the critical event.

30-Jun-2022 04:58:03

George Rozas

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Even as he sifted through the many texts contained within the Scion library Flynn could not help but consider the exercise something of a waste of time. He had spent many a late hour here as a child, delving through the sehlves in search of lost mysteries and forgotten lore. Not to mention his desperate attempts at finding texts inclined towards necromancy, of which there were only two throughout the entirety of the archives. Neither had proven especially useful during his time studying them, so long ago.

Teleportation magic, however? He was under no illusions that they would find more than mythical mentions.

Duty carried them through the dedicated scouring for a time, but it was during his and Gallus' search of the more obscure sections of magic that his brother spoke up with a hesitation that caused Flynn to pause. He raised his head from the book he was pouring through, eyes shifting over to Gallus - watching him as he waited for the man to ask what he wished to ask. There were a few seconds of quiet that followed, and if Gallus were to look at his brother he would find Flynn mulling over his words thoughtfully.

"There are many stories about myself and my retinue, brother - many false entirely, some true to a fault, most dance somewhere in between with grains of truth sprinkled amidst the embellishment."

He chuckled idly, thinking of a few of his favourite butchered tales the smallfolk liked to tell each other.

"I could argue technicalities, but in essence what people have said is not wrong - albeit, there is more complexity to it. Still... that is not what you're asking me."

The prince's eyes returned to Gallus, piercing the man with a cool curiosity.

"You ask if they could be raised from death in full, to be restored to true life?"

I am Inferi.

30-Jun-2022 22:51:13

NotFishing

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Roland and Ariadne

Roland did not seem put off by Ariadne's blunt words.

"You administer the army,"

he said simply.

"We now find ourselves in a situation where the army is needed. Talk of rebels, cults... who knows what threats they might be called to face?"

he wondered.

"Thing is, the army isn't exactly been kept up to standard, has it?"

the Prince questioned.

"I will grant that the Slayer Companies are rather useful, when they're stationed in the areas that actually need them. But I've often found it's gallant knightly lads like myself who do most of the killing work."

"The rest of the army is, well..."

he paused meaningfully.

"I'm not saying it's your fault - you've only held your post for a relatively short time - but I have doubts as to its readiness. I must wonder how far you have gone in correcting it."

---

Flynn and Gallus

Gallus nodded.

"That is indeed what I am asking,"

he admitted.

"Is there a way to... bring our father back?"

There was clear doubt in his voice.

Simply by studying Gallus's tone and expression, Flynn would realize that his bastard-brother already suspected what the answer it would be, but it was a question he had felt compelled to ask out of a sense of duty if nothing else. Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.

03-Jul-2022 02:17:38 - Last edited on 03-Jul-2022 02:24:43 by NotFishing

Inferi

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“

You could have simply asked, instead of underhandedly suggesting the pointless nature of the military’s existence.

” was Ariadne’s reply, and she didn’t bother trying to keep the exasperation out of her tone. Of course it wasn’t ready for something like this; it didn’t take a genius to figure that out. While Roland could tout his own achievements and the love that the common folk had for them, all while pointing out that none of that could be said of the common soldier, the facts remained that he simply had far more freedom to deal with such things than she could ever afford her people

Rules, restrictions, roadblocks…everything conspired to make her work as difficult as possible. How could someone that needed to speak to seven different nobles, all with schedules that made a meeting of that type unavailable for the next five weeks, and who never got along and refused to work together or with her, compete with someone who could simply go out and do whatever they wanted?

Holding up a hand to prevent an interruption, she continued, although from this point she sounded annoyed and more resigned, “

I will not, however, say that you are entirely incorrect. For the great majority of our fighting forces, attempting to effectively deal with something like this will be far more difficult than it should. I have the utmost confidence in my officers and their ability to coordinate and deal nearly anything they should be expected to. However, you need to understand that nothing like this has happened in the lifetimes of anyone I have under my command. They simply don’t have the experience to deal with all of this in a manner that would be deemed…optimal. Most of my soldiers have never been in real combat; there’s never any need or opportunity for it. I cannot forge soldiers in combat when there is no combat to be had.

” Done in by the dubious doings of destiny.

03-Jul-2022 05:07:26

Inferi

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That was only part of her concern, of course, but for the moment she did not bring up the other part: intervention by opportunistic nobles. That was something else, but something she dealt with far more than she should ever have to. There were some who undoubtedly would use this opportunity to try and get some kind of advantage for themselves, and she did not doubt that they would attempt to get around her attempts and what she had already tried to put in place. Done in by the dubious doings of destiny.

03-Jul-2022 05:07:36

Mar

2023

Bluefirecan

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Adrienne was not surprised when the siblings were divided to their various tasks, and even less so that she and Kathlyn were assigned to attend to the nobles still gathered in the secondary ballroom. Though she loathed that these circumstances necessitated her skills, both magical and trained, she knew that it made the most sense for her and Kathlyn to be the ones receiving the nobles’ comments.

It never ceased to amaze Adrienne how shallow some of the nobles could be. Their father was just murdered and some of them were upset by the searches and interviews being conducted?

Still, the great lords of the land came, and they at least offered their condolences. Earl Kalric spoke first. Despite his heavy accent, Rie could tell the man spoke sincerely. The diplomat solemnly nodded her head, accepting his sentiments. Though, inwardly she hoped to show at least some mercy – even if just to understand what drove the killers to such extremes.

The Marquis of Talongard spoke next. Rie had always had a bizarre relationship with the man. Everyone in the kingdom knew Ariadne, Adrienne, and Chloelle were the same age, though the former twins were not the late Queen Adrianna’s daughters. Beyond that, Ariadne and Adrienne’s names were extremely similar to the late queen. The man sounded sincere, but Rie knew that was not what he felt. Still, she felt it was not worth the confrontation – he was not the first to offer empty condolences, and at least his sounded more sincere than others’. The diplomat received his wishes with a faint smile that was obviously more polite than a true reflection of her feelings.

The Jarl was, of course, coarser in his choice of words. It was true, what he said. But it didn’t make it feel any less dismissive of the situation. That said, Rie could tell he wasn’t intentionally malicious. He was just making the next logical step in a situation as unprecedented as this. Adrienne bowed her head briefly at him, her expression remaining carefully neutral.
I just play FFXIV at this point. DC: Crystal

04-Jul-2022 00:07:29

Mar

2023

Bluefirecan

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The only one who had not spoken yet was the Duchess. She had seemed offended by the Jarl’s tough words, but she was also the only one to blatantly lie to Rie and her sister. Her next statement was what Adrienne had been bracing for since she returned to the nobles. Do either of you know who your father’s heir is?

It was a tough question. The diplomat didn’t want to lie, but she also understood the value of a well-placed half-truth. And in such a tumultuous situation, half-truths were more valuable than ever. “

My lady, the Scions are doing what we can to solve the murder of our father. Seeing as we are in the dark about the criminals’ end goals, I believe we will be refraining from potentially assigning them their next target by announcing the heir.

” Adrienne spoke matter-of-factly, though a brief flash of warning in Rie’s eyes would let Duchess Helena know that this was not a matter to be pursued at present.

“

I trust you all understand?

”
I just play FFXIV at this point. DC: Crystal

04-Jul-2022 00:07:40 - Last edited on 04-Jul-2022 00:07:51 by Bluefirecan

Drahcir Evan

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Reyner waited impatiently as scions scurried around like rodents hunting for whichever crumbs might lead them to the meal they sought. With nothing personally to add, he was unceremoniously left to follow those rats and bear witness to it all. He maintained his usual stoic composure, but amidst the wait his mind wandered to the ballroom and his people there who had already been directly threatened not long earlier.

He was torn from his thoughts the moment Evalyne made her conclusory indication. A look of surprise briefly flash across his face, and he was fortune the empath wasn't near enough to catch the wave of uncertainty that slipped through his facade before he quickly recomposed himself.

"...Wheelton." he said blankly. He, the lord of said place, was all too familiar with the area. While ordinarily a chance to entertain high nobility at one's proud estate could be a boon of status to the locale, Reyner knew all too well what the implications would be - more water to a seed he'd struggle to unplant.

04-Jul-2022 19:08:46

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