RP:A Chance of Redemption

Synopsis: Rilla & Gunvald at the Remains of a Castle in Cenril. A meeting, an immediate kinship, and the potential for a new partnership in the future

Remains of a Castle

There had been a time when these streets were home, Rilla remembered it well, but it was different now. These streets were emptier, no longer bustling with life they way they were when she had practically lived here. Her head down, she made her way back through them to the familiar remnants of a castle that she used to haunt when the compound was here. Head down, she wandered to the edge of the cliff, crystal gaze focused down on the water foaming against the rocks below, timed her breath with the sound of them to steady her nerves. The white noise of the water made it hard to hear what was coming, but maybe that could be part of the appeal in the future. She was getting the hang of shoes again, and as she started to pace she made no sound, fingers tapping against the hilt of her dagger which rested against her thigh in its sheath. The winds picked up by the water sent mahogany curls flying haphazardly around her face, which prompted her arms to raise in an attempt to keep it out of her eyes. A sound from her only real exit caught her attention and crystal gaze shot up on full alert. “Who’s there?” She called out, her voice steady and calm for a change, possibly because there was nowhere to run to if she wanted for the first time since she had started running.

Gunvald Jurajsson is the cause of the sound that so causes the woman's alarm as he steps forth from out of the shadows cast by the light of the moon and into full view. The imposing figure of a man is usually the first thing that catches the attention, for he stands an impressive six foot four inches, broad shouldered and muscular frame making him seem larger than he really is. The round-shield strapped upon his back only adds to the shadows that still conceal most of him, only adding more to the large figure the woman now shares this space with. The glint of his axe blade can be seen as it rests upon his hip, ready to be drawn into his capable hands if needed. The 'clink" of his byrnie as he moves is almost drowned out by the crashing of more waves upon the rocky shores nearby, though even in this light the symbol of a white raven is clear as day to be seen, the sigil of his own choosing as he begins to forge his own path in life from the ashes of his father's failures. Blonde hair is shaven upon each side, with the long long braided and drawn back to form a single long braid that slides down past his shoulders and into the middle of his back. A well groomed beard covers his face, with two woven braids running from his goatee and a single, larger one running from his chin down to the middle of his chest. Where her emerald eyes gleam like polished stones in the light of the night, Gunvald's are a pale and crystal clear blue. His massive frame is otherwise covered in simple attire, though some runic-inscriptions can be seen here and there. His attire, looks and even his size speak of a man not from Cenril, and if one was to guess it wouldn't be a stretch to guess what he is. A Kuronii. One of the men of the west, warriors sworn under the banner of the Lost King Eboric. What one such as he is doing this far east is anyone's guess, but after a moment of silence he speaks, his voice smooth yet powerful as he replies to her question. "Gunvald Jurajsson." He'd step forward a bit more, so the shadows retreat just a little, before he'd also say. " I mean you no harm, I was here, taking a piss, before you walked in." And yes, that was the truth.

Rilla understood the strategic advantage of being backed onto water, but surely there had to have been a better place for the compound than this where anyone approaching had them cornered. The irony of finally having this revelation so long after leaving her role of tactical leader was not lost on her, and a wry smile tugged at rose-tinted lips as she took in the warrior, underdressed and far under-armed with just a small blade at her thigh, the woman didn’t really have any choice but to trust his word. “Aren’t you awfully far from home, Gunvald? Or are you settled in Rynvale?” She questioned; a brow lofted at the man as she eyed him suspiciously. The moon cast a silver haze over her porcelain skin as it peeked through clouds, the scars that proved she’d ever fought and won covered by the loose blouse she wore. More function than form, she stood all of 5’6”, lithe muscles hidden under the dark colours she always dressed in these days. She never was one to pass up a good cliché. A beat after he spoke and Rilla nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. “Rilla.” One arm outstretched, she stepped forward to offer a handshake in polite greeting, one leg dipped slightly behind the other. “If that’s the case, it’s I who owes you the apology, no?” Rilla offered, crystalline gaze fixed on the man, certainly not willing to let her guard down with her back to a cliff regardless of how dead or undead she might be. She glanced to the West where her compound used to be for an instant before her eyes flashed back onto him, a hint of wildness in her eyes that threatened to bubble up for a brief moment before she buried it deep in her throat once more with a deep breath. “That used to be the headquarters of Gisea en Adon, I was wondering if it still stood, if another clan had taken it.” Rilla explained, her voice soft and even as she toed the ground with one boot. “I can only assume it simply stood empty and fell to time. A shame, really. It was a wonderful building, location aside.” She half-joked, one hand gestured to the waters at her back as she moved towards the rubble of the building that was even longer left behind. “But we probably should have known better than to rebuild in such a vulnerable area anyway.”

Gunvald leans against a nearby wall as the woman moves about, eyes watching her every step, as to relax just as much as display a less threatening posture for her sake. The woman has just stumbled upon a strange man, in the dark, who is armed. Yes, the knowledge of how this may seem does come to mind for the warrior, but it was she who came upon him, and as said, he was just taking a piss. This spot was chosen due to its seclusion away from the town, even as his men took up rooms with women or sat within the tavern drinking or fighting. For Gun, he chose to go out and look about, for his mind was a curious one and he often likes to find spots within towns and cities and kingdoms as a whole to simply be away from the noise of... well, people. A few drinks in and one man spoke of a spot that was cursed at one time, a dark elf having placed upon the land a death curse, so was said. This rumor was enough to garner the man's attention, and so he came to see for himself. Alas, he was not struck dead, and so the halls of the fallen would have to wait to raise a drink in welcome for now. Her first question was addressed simply enough. "Travel is not too uncommon a matter, the west can be a bit boring at times." In that comment he semi answers her second inquiry. The look in her eyes almost adds a glimmer that one would say sparkles in the night. Most men would think it a thing of fancy, but in the Kuronii world, women are looked at as equals among men, and many women are warriors who love for battles is as lustful as any man's. Yes, the scars were seen, and that look alone shows him she is not only ready for a fight, but possibly eager for one. But she seems to have settled that internal struggle. As she speaks of a former clan having had claim to this land, he puts two and two together, though he does say. "I've learned that time, and the gods, have a funny way with the world." He looks around, and imagines how impressive this place may have once been, and yet now they stands within the ruins of its former glory. How many kingdoms have shared the same fate? A thought back to his own family, and their own glory and he cannot help but smirk at himself more than anything. "It seems many great things are almost destined to fall." As for her comment on locations, he only adds. "Well, now you know better, and you can reforge and rebuild and come back stronger."

Rilla truthfully was suspicious of everyone, a trait shared by many but not always worn so openly. She couldn’t take her eyes off the man, letting her guard down had always ended very badly. Perhaps it could be flattering, but Rilla had been in the midst of a two-year-adrenaline-rush. “I understand the allure.” A curt nod and she rolled a stone under the sole of her boot, rarely one to truly hold still. Her discomfort was far overshadowed by the nagging sense of inferiority created by the cowardice she had shown, how dare she run from a fight for so long? It compelled her to try to find a path of redemption, she had to figure out how to feel human again. “Truthfully, I’ve never stayed anywhere long enough to see time in action. I suppose now I’ll have a chance to.” She laughed bitterly; a flash of ivory teeth peeked from between parted lips. She had an honor code of sorts, a way to ensure she didn’t lose her mind entirely, he was perfectly safe. The stone under foot bounced as Rilla kicked it slightly out from underfoot again. A dip of her chin noted her agreement, “nearly always. Lands are never truly vacant; every civilization is pillaged land.” Crystal gaze shifted as she looked around them once more, never quite letting him out of her sight. “Whatever you build will eventually fall. The world will go on.” She fixed her gaze back onto him once more, offered a slight nod. “But certainly, a more strategic location, not backed on a cliff unless it’s a clan of Avians which I certainly would not belong in.” At the very least she could joke about it, Rilla certainly didn’t have aspirations of leadership anytime soon. Slender shoulders shrugged as she moved once again, slowly getting her back away from the cliff. It was practically an instinct; she couldn’t help it. One hand rested upon a ruin as she stopped one again, eyes flicked down to look at the crumbling stones. “It seems that a lot has changed here since I lived here last. Have the Kuronii made a resurgence?” She questioned with a tilt of her head, examining him once more with her crystal gaze.

Gunvald listens to the woman speak her mind with, perhaps, a far more understanding train of thought than most men. Many places still believed a woman's only use were in the home, or in some court in a nice dress singing the praises of their lords. Not to the Kuronii. No, within these people's way of life the women and men stood as equals, with many women having risen to power and prestige, even some known for being legendary warriors the bards still spin tales about. So, as Rilla speaks the man does not shrug it off as the chattering of a song bird, beautiful to hear but just noise none the less, no, he listens as she vents a bit of frustration and tells him of herself all freely. He appreciates it, and returns this gesture in kind as he replies. " Many say the gods used the seasons as a base when the gifted us our free will, so that as do seasons change, so do people." A deep sigh escapes the man as he speaks, for much has changed in his absence from home that has had a great ripple effect in his life, leading to him venturing away from his lands to get his own thoughts together. "Yes, things change no matter what, and all we can do is adapt and prepare for the next season." He knew it could sound like vague nonsense, so he gladly accepts the chance to discuss anything else, and replies to her last question about his people. "If that were so, this meeting would be very different, no?" He speaks of the love his people have for expansion and settling new lands, be they occupied or not. "No. The throne of my people sits vacant, while earldormen bicker among one another about dying lands and who has what claim to what." He spits on the ground as he speaks of the nonsense he saw upon his return. " No, my people sit and squabble like old crones, while our lands still suffer." A bit much, he knows, but its a fresh cut that still bleeds for him. Having returned from a three and a half year long raid, Gunvald could not believe what his people have allowed themselves to become while he was away. Eboric's departure, be he dead or simply vanished, has done nothing but leave the Kuronii confused and ill prepared. Such thoughts remind the man why he decided upon taking a visit east. To see if his people simply were doing what all realms do, or if they were being left behind as kingdoms advance and grow in power and wealth once more. So far, it seems as such, and this saddens the warrior as much as angers him. "But that is neither here, nor there... I am here, and I seek to taste what the world has to offer. And that is all, for now."

Rilla was long used to being underestimated, although there had once been a time when people knew her strength. She had been respected once, at least by some. Arms crossed in front of her chest as kept him firmly in her line of sight, though her shoulders relaxed lower. If Gunvald was going to attack her he certainly would have done so already. She had learned of the Kuronii when she was initially studying under Kail, although she’d rarely encountered them. Her instinct was to think the honorable, although she’d never seen it for herself. Her shoulders shrugged lightly, navy-blue fabric creased and flowed around her lithe form as she shifted her weight. “I’m not surprised everything is different, I left behind quite a mess in these lands. I can’t imagine they fared better without their Admiral.” Her words were bitter as she identified herself as, in her mind at least, the one who had let Rynvale – and all of those in Cenril who needed her to do her damn job – down. Rilla hadn’t been brave enough to ask what happened after her departure yet, had no way of knowing what happened, but she could only assume that it hadn’t been good. She shuddered at the thought, straightened up. “If they were lucky, Ranok put together an offense and took back the proper control that we lost when Arien left us.” Rilla explained, eyes softer now. This was her first trip back since her return, it was infectious. There was the shadow of who she used to be here; she was trying not to let it show. A slight nod at his words, still trying to figure out exactly had happened since her departure. “From what I’ve seen the time for talking about these things is over.” Rilla agreed, arms fell to her sides and she walked in wide strides as she paced in thought. “But I suppose anyone could likely step in and improve upon this.” She gestured widely, stopped in her tracks again, although when she did, she was on the other side of him, having effectively circled to get her back away from the cliff. She’d seen far fewer people these days, and hardly any that she had known in her time there. It was strange to see it all erased. “Then Kuronii, I can only wish you luck. There is a lot of good in these lands regardless of whether or not everyone can see it.”

Gunvald can see that it almost appears these two strangers have similar thoughts and matters ailing their lives, and finds it ironic that fate would make them meet at such an odd and random place at such an odd and random hour. But such is the way of the gods, yes? She speaks more, and with every word he feels a sort of kinship with this woman, or at the very least an understanding. She hadn't tried killing him, though naturally he'd welcome any such attempt gladly. And for the short time they have been here they have shared honest and raw truth with one another that many seem to not be able to do, even among close inner circles. Perhaps it was the thought that this stranger would never come across their path again, or, as many say the gods put in where they wish so that you do as they want when they want it, Was this meeting fate? The god's will? It has happened, and Gunvald feels the better for it. So, he simply replies with. "Well, I seek a chance to prove I am not the legacy my father left behind. So, if you seek to no longer stand idle, I am sure the roads can be traveled better in a group, versus alone, would you not agree?" Here, he faces her, still leaning against the broken stone pillar, as he says. "Why not? We both seek to reforge anew that of like what we once had, or at least carve out a new one all together. Either way, I seek adventure. So, what say you?"

Rilla once more met Gunvald’s gaze directly. It was tempting, she would admit, to jump into a partnership with someone seeking power, but the idea of allowing herself to count on a perfect stranger sat wrong in the pit of her stomach. Once upon a time she would have been impulsive enough, sure enough of her own abilities. Rilla wasn’t sure that she would ever be able to trust herself again, an assassin assaulted in her own home, how pathetic. She scoffed at the thought, blue eyes flashing as she shook her head. “I’ve heard that before,” Rilla said simply, her head tilted to one side sending loose curls cascading over her shoulder. She tucked it behind one ear as she continued, “perhaps if it proves to be beneficial, I’ll consider the partnership.” She wasn’t going to say no, the vigor with which he spoke sparked something in her that she’d thought long dead, but she couldn’t just -trust- someone outright. A hint of a smile tugged rose-tinted lips though, a glint of mischief in the way her eyes flashed. “It’s been a long time since I worked with another person, you’ll have to excuse me.” She dipped her head in apology, “trust is earned.” The vampire didn’t want to be this way, but that was the hand she’d been dealt. “I’ve been staying in the Northern Sage forest if you have an itch though,” brows lofted as she spoke, “I’ve been looking to get back into more honorable means of fighting.” Gunvald is actually glad she doesn't leap at his offer like a young pup to the hand of a stranger, and it shows in her a wisdom he can appreciate. Of course, if she had said yes he would have been happy as well, but in the long term of things one must choose carefully those in which they allow close. And so, he once more listens to her and her statement of earning trust, replying to that with. " How can I earn your trust then?" As far as the mention of honorable fighting, he cannot help but smile a wolfish smile. Fighting is what he lived for. "Something tells me that if we seek to build a new life that is our own, fighting will be unavoidable. And, well, I cannot travel with a person I felt could not hold their own." A smirk, showing he meant no offense. "So, if you'd like I can make sure my travels back west take me to your home and we can see and discuss matters more, in not so dark and ill timed place?"

Rilla likely looked younger than she was, but what else would you expect from a vampire? She had more experience than most people her age, and having fallen from grace, the humility to recognize her own shortcomings. “I’ve been living in The Sage since I’ve been back, nowhere in particular. But on your way back, come and find me.” She agreed, fingers tapped on her thighs once more. “If, by then, I’ve re-acquired a blade I like by then, perhaps we can practice.” The idea was thrilling, it had been nearly a decade since she’d had a chance to fight with a sword. Rilla needed to know if she still knew how to fight after all these years of running from it. “I used to spar on the daily, something to work back up to if you’ve got any ambition.” Gunvald considers the matter settled then! The warrior could already taste a good ale and some roasted chicken, maybe he'd even find a woman to share the night with, though truthfully such things never stay within his mind long. Warm food, good drink and a warm bed would more than revitalize the man for his travels, and by the looks of it, he has something to look forward to and that is more than enough to sate him for now. So, for the first time in some time the massive man moves, making sure to not seem threatening, as he makes for the exit, looking over his shoulder before saying. "Until then, Rilla. May the gods keep you." And with that, for not at least, the kuronii would vanish into the night allowing the vampire to have the area of her former clan's headquarters to herself.

Despite her hesitation it was thrilling to know that there was a chance for a new partnership. It had been years on her own, it wasn’t second-nature anymore, but Rilla knew that other people were what she needed. She gave him a fair berth as he moved by her once more, the man far more physically intimidating than she had ever been. “And you as well, Gunvald. Until next time.” She said with a nod as she sank down to sit upon a broken-down wall, lost with her own thoughts for a while longer.