RP:Arien Recruits Parsithius and His Mercenaries

From HollowWiki

Part of the Liberation of Rynvale Arc



LOCATION: Scenic view of Hollow

This small path breaks out from the sparse trees and becomes an open area on this cliff. People come from all over Hollow to look off of this edge and the view is amazing. As you stand you become slightly dizzy from the great height. Such a sight your deprived eyes have never seen before. As you walk toward the edge of the cliff, you notice small signs of a great battle, an array of booted footprints here a spot of blood there. Stepping to the edge of the cliff, a great slab of stone has been ripped free of the ground, and where it had been, there is nothing but a hole in the earth sloping ever downward to the edge. Creeping out over the edge you can see a heap of shattered rocks and piled up earth at the bottom. Something powerful had devestated this rocky cliff face. tearing your eyes away from this destruction, you can gaze over the most of the land. Towards the south you can see the mountain path you've once traveled. So small it looks from here, yet your legs can tell you differently. To the east you can see a great forest of trees, obviously being Sage Forest, with the little town of Kelay deep within. Beyond the edge of Sage Forest you can see the mountains to the north, although the path to the small town of Larket is not visible from this vantagepoint. At the very edge of the horizon you can just make out the beginning of Milious Planes, and beyond that you know is the great city of Cenril. You take in the wondrous view and wonder what this place must look like at night under the canopy of stars, lights glowing from the towns below and east of here. To the west is where you came, a mountain path. A small cliff in the area seems to lead up to a hill.


Arien approached the edge of the cliff, looking out over the expanse of the mainland of Hollow. The gas lanterns glowed in the buildings nestled in the towns below, an almost eerie sense of peace settling over the lands with nightfall. For a moment she stood lost in time. It was not the first time she had come to this precipice to ponder weighty decisions, and would likely not be the last. Something about the expansive view of the heartland, clear to the coasts of Cenril and the island lights twinkling beyond, always helped her to see the big picture. Typically she was alone..a soft smile tugged the pale lips unseen by others; but this time she was not, though not for any choice of her own. She had a n obstinate guardian. “ It is an inspiring sight..is it not Rho? Can you not appreciate why I wanted to come?” The elf drew her fur lined cloak closer around her body. This close to the mountain regions, in the dead of winter..the experience of being at the scenic overlook was not nearly so comfortable as in months past.

Rhocielle made no quip comment about his insistent station at her side. Both knew full well of his protective, oft overprotective nature, nature towards her. Paws kept to his sides with each stride taken with the elf's own pace until they had reached the site of their meeting. Casting a brief grey slated gaze to Arien beside him, he nodded before turning his muzzle back towards the distance. "Aye, I can..." the armored wolf remarked, though his body reacted much more to the scenery that his husky voice allowed. Beneath the black armor and cloth, his frame relaxed and he took in the peace of the moment contently. Such times were rare nowadays, he mused silently afterward, "It is very lovely..."

Parsithius 's own armor is discarded, save for greaves and boots, as he is saddled atop a weary Mithiera. With confident 'clicks' of the warhorse's mail, and the hoofbeats slowly in their cadence against the ground, the knight bears passage into the area whilst stitching up his left tricep. Upon completion, he flexes the appendage, content in its satisfactory; in fact, the entire body of Parsithius is bruised, if not scarred over a lifetime of war, but purple spots evident by recent battle -and atop that, caked in dried blood. Determined, the man dismounts, allowing his azure sights to fall upon the two others present. "Arien." He calls out, stonily.

Taeme stumbles less than gracefully along the rocky slope, bare feet padding softly despite the lingering chill in both the air and land. Sightless hazel eyes cast about as heightened senses catch the scent of those present, the sound of their pulse and eased breathing. Leaves and small sticks cling to obsidian and pearl strands that flutter freely in the nippy winds howling eerily through the range. Or perhaps it is only in her thoughts, the rising howls akin to that of a lone wolf. Heat course through her blood as the nearly full moon rests, pregnant, against a pillow of midnight velvet surrounded by a scattering of twinkling stars. Joints ache and an unsuitable hunger burns in her belly turning the once innocent druid into a wild thing, a creature of the night.

It was the sound of snow and gravel crunching under hoof, and the slightly belabored breathing of the knight’s mount that first alerted the elf to the arrival of another, and the sound of a familiar voice travelling across the clear air confirmed her initial suspicions. A meaningful glance was sent Rho’s way, -he should remain alert, but she did not expect trouble from the knight- before she moved forward, graceful steps bringing her into the knight’s proximity. In the light of the full moons his bruised and battered flesh was clearly evident, and momentarily distracting. “ Parsithius..you are hurt.” The obvious perhaps. “ Are you in need of healing?” The paladin was as yet unaware of the approach of any other, all of her senses fixed upon the male standing now before her.

Rhocielle whirled slowly on one of his paws that served for a foot to the anthropomorphic wolf. The voice behind them prompted an ear to flick lightly. It had been some time since last he had seen the Outcast Knight, before his official involvement with the Fold. Now, the wolfen male stood beside the High Elf, his membership marked by a crest engraved on his breastplate. The eyes set over a canine muzzle roamed along the human male's battered body with some concern. If the knight was to lend aid, it would surely require time enough to allow the injuries to heal, unless there were no objections to healing of the magical sorts. The once flickering ear now twitched and came to a perk, digigrade legs taking to a quick shuffle towards Arien and Parsithius. Nostrils flared faintly and expelled a firm gust of hot breath from his lungs, alerting Arien that the wolf was not at ease. By the brisk jostling of his muzzle in a scanning arc in front of the group, it was obvious he was looking for something or someone he could not yet visibly see, but could certainly smell.

Parsithius wrinkles his nose slightly as Arien moves closer toward him, bearing himself in straight-backed manner and rigid to the point of a stark determination; "I need not healing," he puts, blatantly, before setting his eyes upon the high elf with efficient ruthlessness. A cold glitter within them, but nothing more, akin to the meticulous scrutiny of his former self. "You are 'liberating' Rynvale. From humans, no doubt; such is the way, not a care for the refugees, I take it." He shoves the butt spike of his halberd into the ground, leaning against it slightly, as his chest rises and falls gently with his breath. "My crew could help you. We're the only help you'd need. That is, if you're willing to pay the price for it. If you're not, well, I'm certain the humans that oppose your so-called 'liberation' will be more than willing to accept my aid."

Taeme pauses midstride as still human ears catch the hint of a masculine voice she'd not heard for near a month, a single voice that could chase the storms from her eyes and return her sunny smile. "Brother." Roseate lips part issuing the soft whisper from the slender column of her throat only to be caught and carried into the clearing where the three stand unseen to her blind gaze. Lips quirk, silent steps resuming only to have frigid toes catch beneath a loose stone, sending the lithe woman near sprinting into view as she attempts to regain balance and control. "Parsithius!" His name this time is an exclamation that washes over the small gathering with joyous relief. Dirt clings to her violet robes marking her a student of Larket still despite the leave of absence taken from humanity, her refuge being a hidden cave still a ways off from where she now stands close enough to inhale each body's scent. Silver rays of light bathing the otherwise quiet landscape catch the hint of sparkle flashing in her eyes as she attempts to amble nonchalantly to his side despite the fine hairs lifting along her nape and arms in warning. She can feel the presence of another like herself yet untainted by the curse fighting to claim her thoughts, to consume her control.

Arien was not surprised by the knight’s rejection of aid..it had never been his way to acknowledge anything that might potentially weaken his position-in most cases it would seem he was able to negate that possibility by sheer willpower anyway. She -was- however, surprised by his apparent awareness of her plans, yet again, regarding the city. Or perhaps he just knew her well enough to know that she would never give up. She eyed the knight in pensive silence for a few moments; there was something different about him, something that made him more dangerous..more volatile a factor than he had ever been before. She would have to tred wisely. She lowered her gaze to her gauntleted hands, stalling a moment to make a minor, unnecessary adjustment, before Rho’s approach and scenting gave her genuine cause for distraction. “ What is it Rho?..” Her answer came with the tumble of female figure from the brush, and one familiar to the elf. “ Taeme..” The name was spoken with quiet surprise, it had been months since the girl was last seen. Her approach towards the knight was enough to redirect her thoughts to the purpose and delicate dance at hand. “ I had heard that you had gathered a team of warriors around you..I do not doubt that you would certainly be an asset to our cause.” She hesitated briefly before continuing. “ I seek only to free the isle of the remnants of the Time Lord’s control Parsithius..he was no human. There will always be a place for your people on the isle.. it is unlikely that they would feel the need to rise up against those who come to free them of their shackles- In any event, I am more than willing to pay..and pay well for your hand at the till. I am well aware of what you are capable in war, and would rather you be on my side for a change.” This last might once have been said with an undertone of humor..but the vessel that stood now empty of emotion before her would not see or appreciate the humor..and so, she let the statement speak for itself.

Rhocielle snorted abruptly to the spoken imputence from the fallen knight. Having spent much time on the island in the recent weeks, he was quite aware of the Imperial lack of care for even its own conquered populace. Squaller and filth that threatened plague-like outbreaks, the sewers and streets of the harbor were overrunning with waste and refuse. Liberation was an understatement. Salvation was what awaited the Imperial annexation. That the desire of gold was uttered, and the threat of aiding the enemy followed, the lids of the black furred male's eyes slitted visibly. His faintly growing ire was cut abrupt by the reinforcing sounds of the ever encroaching fourth presence. A female, was the obvious trait observed, and a familiar female to the knight, at that, from the name she cried out. Irritation was replaced by curiosity to the state of the new arrival. Disheveled appearance, in the mountains, and in the deathly cold air; the answer wafted towards his canine muzzle. It was an unmistakeable scent from the swelling presence of the curse of his kin. Bitten, most likely, as there was a lacking presence of born Lycanthrope traits, and for her age, she did not exude an air of control over her swelling primal emotions. Relaxing somewhat to the visibility of Taeme, it still prompted a higher state of alertness. The twin moons of Hollow were swollen with light that beckoned their wolves to resign to their true nature. Born to a full bestial appearance, his own nature was always present. A lifetime of being in this visage, however, granted him an elevate level of control over that which the most others seemed to lack entirely. He was no puppet of the moons, any more than he was a puppet to his basic instincts. They were his to bend to his will, not the other way around. Scrunching up his muzzle slightly at the name provided by Arien, Taeme, it served to further ease her warder into merely observing the conversation with the previous heightened state of readiness.

Parsithius hears Taeme from the distance, but, as Rhocielle snorts, Parsithius casts his own stare at him, meeting his eyes; until Arien is heard. Abruptly, the knight breaks into a smile, chuckling into the air despite a creeping blood from the corner of his lips, which is wiped away by the back of his forearm. "Hahah. Yes, we've always seemed to be at opposite sides. Well, that was one of my conditions; that the humans are not discriminated against, and given their homes to keep." As Taeme approaches, the normally cold knight seems to brighten slightly, "Ah, Taeme. You look worse for wear! Come, come, lean upon me." He offers her his arm, which is recently stitched, to lean upon as he turns his gaze toward Arien. "I seek not gold, as you know. Merely that condition, and one other. When the isle is free, you ally yourself with Larket." Odd, considering the man no longer serves Larket. "With these conditions honor-bound to your oath, I will aid you, as will my crew." And then, he turns his gaze toward Rhocielle, "Snort at me again, and I'll be sure to cut your muzzle from your head." That, that part was cold. He did not like being insulted.

Arien blinked. The knight had laughed. Laughed and called upon another for an embrace. Was this Parsithius? And he seemed so…amicable. She turned to Taeme with brief explanation. “ The time has come to restore the isle as a place where liberty reigns Taeme..and the knight is willing to help it seems.” Turning to the blonde male, she responded to his proposed terms with hesitant caution, still feeling for the mental or verbal trap that could clamp like a vice in her experience, with dire consequence. “ I am more than willing to agree to those terms Knight. I have already given my word to..” The name of the pirate captain almost slipped past her lips, before she remembered that any discussion of pirates was likely to irritate the male. “ ..to others who have expressed similar concerns, that the relationships between the High Elves and humans on the island will be amicable and one of partnership. Discrimination will not exist if the isle comes under my governorship. The royals are well aware of the debt they will owe their human brethren before this is all over.” She smiled slightly. “ And I have already taken steps to secure official relations between those under my authority and Larket..I do not see why Rynvale should be any different.” While she spoke, a subtle motion of her hand, moving to rest lightly upon the wrist of the wolf might go unnoticed by most others. Rho would not have taken kindly to Parsithius’ threats and she wanted to be sure that he understood the need for restraint.

Rhocielle drew his own gaze back to the knight at the statement forwarded to him. The Lycan was not one to apologize for what he initially felt as correct. He did not like working with those that once followed Vuryal, through whatever channels, but he trusted Arien's judgement far above allowing such selfish opinions to threaten her cause. Too much trust, any other would state, he had of her, that he repeatedly held himself at bay, for her sake. Recognizing there after that the knight had his own causes to fight for, and it was not for sense of keeping purses filled, he dipped his muzzle low and uttered clearly for the others to hear as well, "I humbly apologize for my misunderstandings." This had been done without anticipation of the High Elf's reassuring touch, and the low point of his muzzle granted him a brief visage of her lithe fingers upon his black fur. A glancing smile appeared on his muzzle, and faded before he lifted his head fully once more. More often than not, as of late, both High Elf and Lycan thought along similar paths without a word spoken between them.

Parsithius continues to eye the wolf with some semblance of narrowed gaze; his own hatred for Vuryal had been held in check by his relationship with the Queen, a relationship that is no longer sustained. So thereof, he had no qualms with doing as he pleased, by his own code, and his own orders. When Taeme touches him, the knight wraps his arm around her shoulders, allowing her to embrace his wounded frame without so much as gritted teeth from the pain; erased thereafter with his azure eyes sliding back upon Rhocielle. "Yeah, whatever. Just don't snort at me again. I don't give a damn, otherwise." Off to a bad start; things can quickly turn sour with knight at a moment's notice -however, his 'sister' beside him does give him some sort of reprieve from emotions quickly spiraling downward, tilting his head at her, "You've been gone for awhile, Taeme. A month, I think. Where've you been?" Then, subjected to Arien's words, the knight lifts his gaze toward the elf, sizing her up swiftly. "It's not me you have to convince. I'll base my own opinion on whether you meet the standard when the people respond to you. As for Larket, you best ally yourself with them straight away. Then, and only then, my crew and myself will be at your full disposal." He grins slightly at this, the prospect of more battle -kept his mind off of more disheartening things. "It'll be interesting to fight alongside you for once."

Taeme slips her own arm around his waist as that of the Knight's thicker appendage falls to rest upon her slender shoulders allowing her to draw even closer to his stout frame. Conversation flows freely between the three companions, her presence unbidden and most likely unwanted at this juncture though she cared little for what the others thought save for Parsithius. When a pause allows she tilts her head back lifting her blank gaze to his scrutiny. "I have been gone a month yes, hiding and fighting what is to be. I have not seen Mahri since her promise of helping me through the trials to come tomorrow, if my calculations are correct." Roseate lips lift, her sunny smile waning into a sadder thing betraying the hint of fear flashing through her gaze as a shiver works its way down her spine. This conversation between them was one to be saved for later when company had been shed, but for now attention must return to the Elfess and her Lycan companion. To the unknown male she finally speaks, ice dripping from her lyrical voice with each spoken word. "Insult directed to Parsithius will not oft easily be forgiven or action muted, even for the sake of an old acquaintance sharing life-altering experiences. Arien, perhaps we should have lunch at some point. Catch up on old gossip. Times have changed, indeed."

Arien remained in this instance, focused upon the knight, although some of the tension in her frame was released upon hearing the uttered apology of the wolf. She uttered a prayer of silent thanks to the gods. Changed or not, the knight still had a very particular means of communication, and a hair trigger reaction to perceived disrespect. Practicing the art of disagreement without causing offense had long been one of the burdens she had bourne in her relations with him-though he seemed to have no qualms about treading thus lightly, or respectfully with her. She bit down on the reflex to remind him that she would make and break alliances as a leader on her own terms and not as directed by another, choosing instead the more diplomatic route. “ As for the question of an alliance knight, I cannot offer the alliance of a city not yet won..and while I may propose such an agreement to the queen, it will ultimately be her decision to accept or reject it. I do not think she looks kindly upon The Order..or my role therein..it is to be hoped that the more neutral office of governorship will provide some new bridge to be built between us.” Her eyes followed his actions as he embraced the blind girl..she still could not get over just how..alive he seemed. To the girl she responded in kind. “ I would be delighted to renew our acquaintance Taeme..it has indeed been too long.”

Rhocielle diverted his focus to Arien briefly. It was most likely to be another audience with the queen of Larket. The next meet was to exceptionally different, expecting the human female to be of a much healthier state. Fur coated ears latched on to the words exchanged between the knight and bitten Lycaness. The name Mahri echoed faintly. There was little acquaintance between the ex-Alpha and the lone wolf, save for passing words and mourning for another they both knew. That the woman before him was promised aid by the older she-wolf, it was something to be understandably questioned. Mahri seemed very much reserved and reclusive since the dissolution of her pack, and he very much doubted the promise of help would be kept. He merely nodded to Taeme when addressed to. Nothing needed be stated, save the silent agreement of her comment. The guardian was curious, however, as to the relation between the two females. A conversation of its own to be saved for more private moments.

Parsithius turns his gaze upon Taeme, "I do not trust Mahri." Is all that he reminds her of, slightly squeezing her shoulders before once again the azures trail up the scenery to fall to Arien. Narrowing slightly, and only to better pierce the night's haze, the knight opts to speak then. "I said I will aid you. When you have Rynvale, you will seek out alliance with Larket. For, if you do not, it will be the second time you've lied to me. I am not one of deceit, Arien." He is very adamant about this. If she desires the juggernaught that is his crew on her side, and not the Empire's, she'd need to do this. After all, the Empire would ally with Larket in a heartbeat. Though, it shouldn't be of concern, considering the mercenary no longer works for Larket. It is something that he, himself, cannot wrap his head around. His eyes then slide toward Rhocielle, scrutinizing the born lycan for a moment as he continues to speak to Arien, "Leave your assumptions at the door. You did not assume I would aid you, and here I am. Things change, Arien." His gaze slides back toward her, as he breaks into a slight smile, "And I hate the Empire."

Taeme falls into momentary silence as the bartering of aid resumes with the rise of terms and their fulfillment or the promise thereof. Silken strands littered with flora and gray dust slides forward, veiling her pristine visage from sight with the resting of her head against the Knight's chest. The slender arm wrapped securely round his waist squeezes in turn to remind him that she now understands his reasoning for distrust as the promised aid no longer seems plausible. Wiggling doubts of fear and panic flirt at the edges of consciousness. Pale light, unseen, burns over her body forcing her even closer to the Knight's larger frame in hopes of hiding away fully from the curse that haunts her every step.

Arien nodded then, sealing their agreement with a verbal affirmation to the knight. “ I give you my word, I will seek the alliance, it would have been my intention in any event. The queen still holds the reigns of the most powerful military force in the lands, and Larket is a model of organizational prowess. There is much that could be learned, if she was willing to engage.” She smiled suddenly. “ Come then, let us speak in terms of how your resources may be applied. It is my intent on this incursion to use smaller units, of higher degrees of skill to target objectives more specifically. A simultaneous seizure of military and governmental assets should be enough to give the citizens motivation to rise up in their own liberation effort. I have not as yet applied a means of securing the armory there..or the main barracks of their ground forces. That will be critical if we are to prevent reinforcements from coming to the aid of the few who will be on patrol at the time we make our advance. Might your men prove useful in such an endeavor?” As she spoke, her gaze found that of her warder, asking silently if she had forgotten any other target that might feasibly be applied to the mercenary crew.

Rhocielle took silent inventory of the objectives on the island, and the allocation of the participating Fold members with their respective allies. With only the armory and barracks remaining for direct assault, the task seemed very much a clean fit for the potential mercenary forces. More than likely, these two points were to have the largest concentrations of combat, not that Knight would complain. Shifting his head to meet the look from Arien, there was nothing spoken or gestured silently. As far as either was concerned, the remaining pieces slotted easily into the soon to be completed puzzle.

Parsithius nods slightly upon there, tilting his head before speaking, "Both. My crew could neutralize both."

Taeme blinks slightly, lifts one hand to discretely rub at her wearied eyes and leans up to whisper softly into Parsithius's ear something along the lines of her need to retire for the night.

Arien nods briskly then, her gaze narrowing to observe what becomes more evident with each passing minute, the Knight is fatigued from his wounds. “ Then we have an agreement Knight. I will be in touch..soon to let you know the where and the when of the call to action. I am sure that you are more than capable of establishing the how.” Again, that faint smile. “ You need to rest..we can discuss these matters another time. I bid you good night..And you as well Taeme. I do believe I shall remain a little while longer..I am not yet done with my thinking..” Indeed the arrival of the others had disturbed her pre battle ritual. It must needs still be completed.

Rhocielle kept to his station at the High Elf's side. At her comment of remaining upon cliff overlooking the now nocturnal landscape, it needn't be said that the wolfen male would stay as well until she would return to Kelay.

Parsithius leads Taeme off to take her to her home, where there he will leave to his own... Whatever it may be for the night.

Taeme follows him off into the night.

Arien watched the retreating backs of the pair.. drawing her cloak around her against the cold. When they were gone from sight she turned quietly on armored heel, back to the edge of the cliffs..back to thoughts of war and oddly enough, back to thoughts of one of whom she had been thinking entirely too much of late. The waning moons would silhouette the lonely figure on the crest of the ridge, wondering what the morrow would bring.

Rhocielle flared his nostrils faintly at the departure of the others, but not sigh or heavy burst of air escaped this time. The gesture merely noted his weariness, if it could be called that. The High Elf knew full well of her warder's firm and consistent restraint when it was required. Ears laxing against his scalp, he turned away from the direction the pair had left towards, and too turned his granite hues towards the dark lands below them. Against the canvas of black void stood the shadowed figure of the elf. Muffled steps of his feet's leathery padding took him towards the edge as well. His husky drawl did not break the silence that loomed between them. Maws kept shut, and only his slowly wagging tail could be heard disrupting the cold and still air.