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CountBezuhoff
Supreme Hero
Nihil sub sole novum
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posted March 21, 2021 08:46 PM |
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Dragan, for that was the traveller's name, decided to listen to the guard's advice and headed down to the arena. Loud chanting could be heard coming from the massive crowd besieging the white structure. Dragan gazed at the unruly mob with great interest. One can learn quite a bit about a city by studying the clothes of its residents. Suddenly, he noticed a familiar face in the multitude.
'Kostas, Kostas!', he shouted, grateful for his luck, and rushed toward the merchant.
____________
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Oddball13579
Supreme Hero
Grandmaster of the Hunt
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posted March 22, 2021 09:42 PM |
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Walking into the city had been a simple enough matter. Cyrus pulled the scaled hood over his head, kept his head down, and blended into the sea of merchants and peddlers that flowed into the city. He hunched his shoulders and stared at the ground, folding in on himself to appear smaller and shorter than he actually was. Projecting an aura of 'ignore me, don't see me' completed his disguise. Any attention that lingered on him was easy enough to divert. A simple mental nudge had people moving on and going about their lives, he became just another person in a crowded city, a blurry face that would be half remembered.
So many minds, so much mental chatter. Cyrus had forgotten what being surrounded by so many sentient minds was like. The constant noise. The audible speech he could hear around him plus the steady drone of internal monologue and flashes of images and memories. Bursts of emotions. Irritation at being gouged by a silk merchant. Sadness as two lovers broke up. The joy and innocence as children played in the alleys. It was grating. Like a raging sea pounding against rocks in a storm.
Such distractions would drive a lesser being to insanity. Cyrus felt his mental shields crack a bit under the strain they were under and he threw up several more walls. Until the constant roar of noise became a quiet drone at the base of his skull. Like gentle rain against a forest floor. Ever present, but easily ignored.
He wondered the city aimlessly, unsure of where he was supposed to go. Until he noticed people starting to walk deeper into the city. Several stray thoughts brushed against his shields. Something was happening at an arena deeper in the city. Several people's thoughts also seemed to dwell on the Hunter.
He must be at the arena then. Cyrus thought. That seems like a good enough place to start.
Cyrus continued following the sea of people until it led him to a tower monolith of stone and masonry. This must be the arena. Cyrus stood outside the arena for several moments, admiring the craftsmanship and stonework. After being walked into one too many times Cyrus decided it was best that he find a seat inside the arena.
Cyrus picked a seat further up in the arena. Close enough that he could see what was going on, but far enough away that he would remain anonymous in the crowds. He ignored the way his skin prickled when people sat next to him, their elbows and legs brushing against him. He resisted the urge to dive into their minds and tell them to politely screw off.
All around him people were murmuring about the Hunter and how he was about to square off against a cyclops.
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"Just slide her down a bit farther. I could wear her like a hat." - Gnomes
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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted March 23, 2021 04:56 PM |
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Edited by Galatea at 03:40, 24 Mar 2021.
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Her heart was pounding. Hard and fast. Her limbs, shaking and her mind, wandering. From below the stairs, Ivana could see only a part of what she'd concluded as an arena. Moreover, unknown creatures were also present, something that she'd encountered for the first time. She gulped nervously as facts dawned on her. Streaks of questions and doubts numbed her head and deafened her ears.
Could it be that I am in another world? The thief asked herself as she shivered on the thought.
No. Ivana pulled herself together. I can do this!
She looked closely above the stairs hoping to get more information and to her surprise, she got more than what she asked for. The man who hired her to steal the gem and just moments ago, the one she cursed for what had happened to her, was sitting among the crowd.
"That scumbag!" Ivana whispered, gritting her teeth while sharply eyeing at the wizard. "Hmph, I will make him pay!"
With haste, Ivana left.
____________
And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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Lith-Maethor
Honorable
Legendary Hero
paid in Coin and Cleavage
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posted March 25, 2021 08:21 PM |
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The Arena, Western Bailey, Thessaloniki
Notice: From now on, I will only post after you all have unless the scene demands otherwise.
---Inside the Arena---
The man turned to Tarkas, perking a brow before he gave the man a glance over. His gaze turned back to the fight, not wanting to miss a moment, even as he responded.
"Somethin' like that yeah... New in town, huh? Welcome to Salonika."
His accent was clearly local, carrying the trademark thick "L" the region was known for. He gestured with his head toward the white-haired fighter, eyes tracking his movements.
He's the archon ...and he's nuts. Not even he can't kill a cyclops with that toothpick of a dagger and no proper shield. If he dies the witch is gonna be mighty pissed...
A few rows behind them, Vosh had a good view of the Arena and the fight that held the audience's focus. It wouldn't take the genius he was to realise that most of the people shared the sentiment that this was borderline suicidal, though few dared interfere. One individual in particular, in fact, started moving away from the ring, slithering through the crowd toward the upper seats, in the general direction of Vosh and Cyrus.
It was, of course, the same woman that was seemingly bored with the show just moments earlier. As she made her way there, she would briefly draw the gaze of most men - and some women - in her vicinity. Being a step above naked usually had that effect, even for those not as stunning as she was.
---Outside the Arena---
Scav would find himself in the midst of a thinning crowd, as most were trying to get inside, despite the Arena being near capacity already. The merchants that were still active outside tried their best to peddle their goods, though it was clear that the most successful ones were those offering food and drink. One thing became apparent before long... the city was not wanting, at least not when it came to fresh fruit and meat.
A few meters away, one of the local merchants would turn his head around, looking for something, before finally locking his gaze on a newly arrived traveler, still leading his horse around. He put on a cordial smile and raised his arm for the other man to see.
"Dragan my friend! It's been ages. I did not expect to see you here! And just in time, too..."
He laughed as his target got closer, slapping his shoulder and grabbing his arm in a welcoming fashion.
"Come, come. Tie the horse somewhere and let's head inside to watch the show." he paused "...you just got here, yes? get something to eat. On me."
He gave another cordial smile, gesturing to one of the vendors. The welcome was perhaps warmer than Dragan might expect, but his acquaintance seemed a bit rounder than the last time they had met and had a couple more rings on his fingers. Clearly, business was booming...
---Below the Arena---
After a quick look around, Ivana would deduce that the safest route to her target was not the most direct. Instead, she managed to spot a staircase leading down, to what appeared to be an entrance to the sewers. If her nose was any guide, however, they did not seem to be in use and she could feel a breeze, obviously coming from outside. With any luck, it would lead her to Vosh from the other side. Worst case scenario, she'd return and try the direct route.
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You are suffering from delusions of adequacy.
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted March 26, 2021 10:35 PM |
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The crowd churned around Scav and the air churned in kind, stirring up his own rumblings as the smells from twenty different food stalls brushed across his face. He hadn't realized how hungry he'd been, as wrapped up by the bustle as he was. This many people, coexisting under the banner of a law higher than survival of the fittest, made him feel strangely claustrophobic, wary of a new threat around every corner that would never come. A strange sense of wistfulness came over him as he remembered this was how everything had been once, before it all went to hell.
Out in the wastes, a man could forage and scrounge and trade what he needed to survive, and in the wilds between cities this had served well enough. But here, everything was claimed and nothing was secret, and however strong he had been in the old world meant nothing against the might of authority that seemed to weigh on him now. He'd have to find some money or he would never live long enough to observe anyone, let alone get the information he needed to survive in this world and figure out what had happened. In the far distance, hazy but unmistakable, lay the remote chance that he could even find his way back one day, maybe even pre-Sundering.
"You're getting sentimental in your old age," he muttered to himself, shaking his head at the fantasies he'd disguised as hopes. Nearby, a shout rang through the crowd, old friends reuniting and entering the arena together. He shifted, and the coins in his pockets clinked softly, a reminder that his ties to the old world were not completely lost. His prized coin collection, their luck having carried him through countless missions before his last, was secreted into various pockets woven throughout his duster. But his situation was not that desperate.
He looked around, knowing he'd have to claim something that wasn't his if he were ever to gain momentum in this world. A pang of hunger brought with it the sharp thought that he could steal, but he was ill-equipped to do so with this many people around. Sure, he wouldn't starve in prison, perks of law and order and all, but prospects weren't too good once he went down that road.
No, he needed work. Scav began to scan the crowd, looking for untapped value.
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>_>
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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted March 27, 2021 02:33 PM |
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Ivana followed the breeze that she felt in the sewers. She had planned to get in this mess as quickly as possible. Being in an unknown territory worried her so much. Along the way, the rogue thought that she must have the wizard provide her with what she needed. She deemed him as an asset although still continuously cursing him from inside her head.
After moments of carefully threading the path, she got herself in front of two exits. It didn't take her much time to decide. She followed her instinct. No matter how she tried to compose herself, her mind was clouded with fear. She took a turn to the alley hoping that it will lead her to the wizard safely.
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And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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Geny
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
What if Elvin was female?
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posted March 27, 2021 05:48 PM |
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Quote: He's the archon ...and he's nuts. Not even he can't kill a cyclops with that toothpick of a dagger and no proper shield. If he dies the witch is gonna be mighty pissed...
"He's your ruler?" Tarkas made small talk while his eyes followed the archon's every move. "Now I understand. I understand the meaning of this fight and the warrior's unusual gear. At heart he is a fighter, an adventurer, a hero! But his duties and his love for the city keep him inside, so this is his opportunity to let loose. Such a noble and caring soul! You are lucky indeed, friend, to have such a man as your ruler!"
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DON'T BE A NOOB, JOIN A.D.V.E.N.T.U.R.E.
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted March 30, 2021 12:26 PM |
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Edited by NoobX at 00:59, 04 Apr 2021.
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With the fight quickly escalating, the crowd's cheers became even louder - something Vosh thought to be impossible. It all reminded him of his youth when he attended similar events; those were, however, mage duels and competitions of magical skill, not tests of physical prowess meant for the commoners. Yet there he was with masses of people giving into their primal desires to see conflict, bloodshed and whatever glimmer of glory could be had in the pit, all screaming their throats out for the white-haired man. All but one, actually, that being the dark woman he noticed out of the corner of his eye. Her uninterested demeanor appeared strange at first, but Vosh dismissed it quickly and reverted his attention towards the pit once more to see how the duel would be resolved.
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Ghost said: Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Oddball13579
Supreme Hero
Grandmaster of the Hunt
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posted April 03, 2021 08:51 PM |
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The fight was indeed quite a spectacle, that was for sure. Even so, Cyrus was bored. The crowd's excitement and the stakes of the battle did nothing to hold Cyrus' attention. It reminded him too much of the place he just escaped from. Fights for the amusement of the eggheads that liked to study them. Cyrus grit his teeth and suppressed the chill that ran down his spine.
Movement from a few rows down drew his attention. It was a scantily clad woman that was walking up the stairs. Cyrus rolled his eyes in the most dramatic way possible and returned his attention to the fight below. Feigning interest.
That was one of the people he was supposed to protect and the man was already proving to be insane. Cyrus made a mental note to punch Eddie whenever he saw him again.
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"Just slide her down a bit farther. I could wear her like a hat." - Gnomes
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CountBezuhoff
Supreme Hero
Nihil sub sole novum
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posted April 07, 2021 04:32 PM |
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Dragan, coaxed by the soft words of his old acquaintance, handed his horse to the guard Kostas had called over and followed into the arena, where something was driving the crowd mad with excitement.
'So, how is the olive oil business nowadays?', Dragan inquired, not out of concern for his friend, but for himself. 'Both you and the city look much better off than I could have ever imagined.'
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Lith-Maethor
Honorable
Legendary Hero
paid in Coin and Cleavage
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posted April 07, 2021 07:05 PM |
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The Arena, Western Bailey, Thessaloniki
---Outside the Arena---
Ivana did not take long to find the exit. The underground part of the Arena led to a half-collapsed area that looked like a particularly odd dungeon. On one side, it extended to what looked like a tunnel blocked by rocks. On the ground between the two ends, Ivana would see two parallel lines made of metal. The other side led to the stairs leading up to the alley. Her nose would lead her to fresh air and the smell of flowers.
Her ascent went unnoticed by the locals, giving her the opportunity to climb the vines crawling up the side of the Arena if she chose to reach her target that way. Despite that, something in the back of her mind told her that she was being watched even if she could not figure out where from, there was nobody looking her way as far as she could tell and she was quite perceptive when it came to such details.
---Inside the Arena---
"...has been an interesting couple of years let me tell you. Ever since the new archon took over things have been getting ...strange. And profitable!"
Dragan and his acquaintance managed to get inside just in time to see the cyclops brought a massive fist down, aiming for the archon's head. The attack was cut short by the man's shield, deflecting the blow enough for him to sidestep and slash at the monster's thigh.
The sound resonated throughout the Arena, coaxing another thunderous cheer from the crowd. The merchant glanced that way, eyes wide for a few moments, then scowled, glancing at Dragan and gesturing toward the fight.
"Of course, as you can see, our magnanimous archon has a very ...peculiar definition of fun." He sighed exasperated, then took a bite of whatever snack he had bought "At least his consort is a touch more reasonable." he paused "Usually."
The scantly clad woman would stop near Cyrus, still wearing the same neutral expression. When she spoke, it was made clear that she had been trained for a very select list of activities. Though it would take someone like him to identify them all accurately.
"One could think you are not enjoying the fight. Perhaps the match is too uneven for your tastes?"
She commented, her voice just loud enough to be heard by Cyrus and Vosh. Her accent marked her clearly as a non-local, though she spoke the language with more fluency than many native speakers. Her eyes were now on the combatants, though it was dubious whether her attention was focused on them as well.
Scav's cursory scan of the crowd would easily identify men of wealth and influence. Most of them had no problem flaunting it with valuable trinkets and accessories, be they crafted or born. He would quickly see a cluster of them near one of the most stunning women he had ever seen ...and least covered, for that matter. Surprisingly, most people around her had found it prudent not to stare.
Suddenly, a sharp metallic sound was heard, and the archon's shield released smoke. Its sides extended vertically, turning the buckler into a thyreos shield, capable of covering him from head to shin. He used one end of it to jab at the cyclops' ribs, then flicked his hand with the dagger. The same sharp sound was heard again as the blade extended in a cloud of smoke, turning into a proper xyphos.
"...Well damn! Never seen that one before! The man next to Tarkas exclaimed, watching the fight as they continued their conversation. "Huh... wh-- oh. noble and caring, you say? HA!" He let out a bark of a chuckle, before continuing "Oh he certainly took care of the previous archon, I can tell ya that. As for him lettin' loose... this is nothing." He leaned closer to be heard easier "Plenty of rumours going around about him and the witch, let me tell ya... can't argue with results though."
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You are suffering from delusions of adequacy.
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted April 10, 2021 01:12 AM |
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Scav's eyes widened as they swept the crowd, the color and shine a stark contrast to the sheen of dust everything had carried in the wastes. Even for those of means, as he had been, ostentation was a challenge even the most well-connected could never hope to afford. If you didn't make yourself useful, you could barely keep hold of clothes to shield you from the elements. But here everything seemed artificial, valueless. Society had given even the meanest of those in the crowd an ease Scav had never known.
His distaste grew as he pushed toward the knot of erstwhile admirers, hoping he'd find someone of substance to defy his expectations. Part of observing meant throwing out a lure, seeing who reacted to it and how. The men around the scarce-dressed woman were all pointedly not staring, so he'd simply be blunt and comment on how beautiful she was. All he got were disgusted glares at first, and as he wound his way through the crowd he finally got a response, just as one of the others he had talked to motioned a guard in his direction.
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>_>
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Geny
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
What if Elvin was female?
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posted April 10, 2021 07:42 AM |
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"So he took control by force (which-is-totally-fine, succession-is-a-weird-and-unexplainable-thing), and his gear was just a prelude for normal weapons. And there's a witch involved. Not that I judge that sort of thing. Everyone can be whatever they want... or must be... Oh that was a good move! GO!... anyway, is that... alternatively dressed lady the witch you were talking about?" Tarkas jerks a thumb to the direction the woman went, not taking his eyes off the action, "she certainly looked... beguiling."
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DON'T BE A NOOB, JOIN A.D.V.E.N.T.U.R.E.
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Oddball13579
Supreme Hero
Grandmaster of the Hunt
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posted April 14, 2021 10:44 PM |
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Cyrus looks away from the fight and regards the woman. She was confident, that much was obvious. But it was confidence backed up by training. The way she carried herself was the same way someone who held money, influence, power, or all three walked.
Her mind was...... unique. While it was obvious she had training, it was hard to discern just what she was trained for. Cyrus stood on the outside of her mind, he didn't bother delving in. He would probably be discovered if he did. Her thought patterns were confusing, trained mental discipline he realized. She had been trained to conceal her thoughts. Interesting.
"You're right. I've seen my share of blood sports. You see one, you've seen them all. Man versus man, man versus beast, monster, ghost, whatever. They're all the same. Plus, with his," Cyrus motions to the man in the ring down below, "reputation. This fight's outcome was predetermined. I hardly think his...." Cyrus searched for a word that would not tip his hand, "partner would allow him to do something that would truly put him in peril. Then again, what do I know? I am just a traveling adventurer."
Cyrus turns back to the fight, but keeps his attention on the woman standing next to him.
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"Just slide her down a bit farther. I could wear her like a hat." - Gnomes
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Lith-Maethor
Honorable
Legendary Hero
paid in Coin and Cleavage
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posted April 16, 2021 10:15 PM |
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The Arena, Western Bailey, Thessaloniki
Gonna be controlling Ivana for this post, as per Galatea's request. She's free to counter my post when she gets to it. Also, I will be using bold for names, so that you guys know where to look for your respective part of the post.
---Outside the Arena---
As Ivana made her way up the Arena's wall, she'd find the climb far easier than she originally anticipated. It was almost as if the vines had formed natural handles precisely where she needed them. That, of course, did not make the feeling she was being watched go anywhere, and every instinct she had would urge caution.
---Inside the Arena---
The summoned guard would approach Scav after giving the one who summoned him a brief nod. As soon as he got close enough, he'd look the man that apparently warranted attention over briefly, before offering a professionally friendly smile.
"Is there some kind of a problem, sir?" He stood at a rather relaxed posed, as he waited for Scav's response. He was still glancing at the fight but his attention was clearly on the potentially dangerous visitor, a hand idly resting on the sword hilt.
A few meters away, the man sitting next to Tarkas would look at the woman in question, uttering a short bark of a laugh. He'd look back to his new companion, offering a rather unsavory grin.
"Not the word most would use, friend... but nah, that's not the witch. Corina there is part of her harem. Next to the witch, she's... passable."
Corina would seemingly ignore all others except for Cyrus at the moment, though she had not turned her gaze to him, nor did she move from where she now reclined, not too far from where Vosh was seated as well.
"Mistress does not begrudge the Archon his fun." she said with the faintest of shrugs. "And I would appreciate it if you did not insult my intelligence, nor hers, otherworlder... you and your friends here are quite easy to spot in a crowd."
____________
You are suffering from delusions of adequacy.
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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted April 18, 2021 10:32 AM |
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Ivana's eyes narrowed as she locked them at Vosh. She then studied the area and checked which path was best to take to reach the wizard. But before she could decide, the hair on the back of her neck stood again, reminding her of the feeling that somebody was watching her.
Streams of thought, doubt and fear of the unknown filled her mind. Determined and focused to finish her goal, Ivana shook it off and started to climb again on the wall. She had chosen to reach Vosh as fast as she could and settle everything.
____________
And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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Oddball13579
Supreme Hero
Grandmaster of the Hunt
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posted April 19, 2021 02:48 AM |
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Cyrus stared back at Corina, cocking an eyebrow. "I don't recall insulting you. I simply commented on the fact that I doubt the Archon would be allowed to do something truly dangerous. As for your mistress, I can't insult someone I don't know, now can I? Seems like you are making connections that simply do not exist."
Cyrus turned back to the fight. "As for being inconspicuous. Who said I was trying to be subtle?"
As he watched the fight, something else popped into his mind. "Wait.... friends? I travel alone."
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"Just slide her down a bit farther. I could wear her like a hat." - Gnomes
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted April 19, 2021 03:48 PM |
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Just as the stranger turned and started talking, he noticed the guard and his expression hardened as he suddenly became more interested in the fight.
"Is there some kind of a problem, sir?"
In the wastes Scav would never have had to answer to this man except to provide some mutual benefit. He'd have never put himself in such a vulnerable situation had he any semblance of control, yet here he was now, stuck negotiating for what seemed to be his freedom. Well, perhaps negotiation was too strong a word, as he had nothing the man wanted except a return to perceived peace so he could go back to passively watching the crowd. But Scav could not just give up and starve, either. The power imbalance stared him right in the face as he searched for a way to mollify the guard and continue his pursuit of work unhindered.
"Sir?" An edge of impatience crept into the guard's voice, warning against making him ask a third time.
"None from me," he said smiling conciliatorily, trying to keep his tone light. "Sorry, not from around here. Didn't know small talk was frowned upon in these parts. Man can't even appreciate a little beauty in peace." He chuckled as he nodded at the woman.
If the guard had a sense of humor about the whole thing, he would be good to go. If not, well then things were about to get a lot more interesting.
____________
>_>
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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted April 19, 2021 05:54 PM |
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At last! Ivana managed to set foot inside. She began moving close to Vosh, naturally mingling with the crowd but closely keeping an eye of the wizard. Squeezing through the narrow space of the seat just behind Vosh, Ivana finally got close to him. She sat there and slowly pulled one of her daggers, still observant, making sure nobody noticed. She then moved closer to Vosh.
Carefully, Ivana slightly pushed the tip of the dagger on Vosh's side. "Looks like you are enjoying the show? I hope you haven't forgotten me."
____________
And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted April 19, 2021 06:10 PM |
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The dagger's point came as an unpleasant surprise to Vosh who had become quite invested in the show below. His teeth clenched, he muttered in Common: "Put away that weapon, you don't want to make a scene in this place. If you haven't noticed, we're far from home now, and any mistakes you make here will make it so you never go back again."
Vosh then gestured with his right hand to the seat next to him: "Come, take a seat, enjoy the fight since you're already here. We'll talk in detail once the spectacle is over."
____________
Ghost said: Door knob resembles anus tap.
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