Quest for Redemption
Chapter 1
A call went out several days ago for a group of skilled people to escort the noble Marshwood family to the Necropolis in Nubswood swamp. Those who passed the vigorous screening process have now been invited to meet their employer Lord Nicols Marshwood in his study at the private family estate. The tall gentleman dressed in black mourning is waiting behind his desk as his guests are shown into his room.
The sound of burlap swishing over leather is heard as a young, tanned woman is admitted into the Lord's chamber. Murmuring her thanks to the guard, she approaches the desk, head bowed, hands clasped before her. "Word has come to me of your loss, Lord Marshwood, and I came as soon as I was able." Her voice is soft, slightly distracted, as though listening to things outside of the room. "If it please you, I would very much like to accompany your people, and see that she finds the rest she deserves."
The girl is soon followed by a tall, ebon skinned figure that trails after her with an obvious swagger to his step. The obvious confidence he exhibits somehow matching the expensive yet servicable clothes he wears, with greatcoat, leather jerkin and bright red sash, which together with the ornate blades at his side- a rapier and Cutlass- mark him as a well-to-do sellsword and swashbuckler. Casting his golden gaze around for a mere moment, he soon focuses on the Lord and greets him with a respectful bow and a simple, 'Sir.'
Eben follows quietly behind the other two, his steps slow and steady as he attempts to make as little sound as possible. This failing though as the fabric of his black coat shifts about yielding a metallic clinking sound from within. He offers a simple, yet polite bow upon seeing the Lord, remaining quiet even still.
Lord Marshwood takes a seat and looks at a piece of paper and nods "Lady Silmeria, your presence would be most welcome on this journey." He glances at the other two and inclines his head, "Master Vazkor and Master Eben excellent everyone is here. Thank you for coming. Our journey is simple and your duty clear. You three are tasked with supplementing my guards to escort my family and the casket containing my late mother to the Necropolis in Nubswood. We will fly by airship to the edge of the swamps and then overland to the Necropolis city itself."
Silmeria inclines her head, closing her eyes for a moment. "It would be a pleasure. It has been long and long, since last I was favored to visit the Necropolis." As the others enter, she glances over her shoulder, smiling and bobbing her head in welcome. "Ah! Able aid indeed... Perhaps there will be more stories to collect upon this journey." Turning back to the lord, the girl tilts ehr head to one side. "Does your mother have a Speaker, sir, for the ceremony? If not, it would please me greatly to tell her story."
Vazkor shifts his gaze to the other two 'mercenaries', giving a polite smile and nod towards Silmeria, "Miss." before nodding as well to the more familiar Eben, "Sir Eben." Before refocusing his attention to Lord Marshwood. He keeps his expression and behavior fairly neutral, forgoing his usual theatrics and dapper rogueishness in exchange for a more professional air. He speaks up then, "Can we expect any trouble on the journey, my Lord?"
Eben dips his head a bit more as his name is offered by the Lord, keeping a straight face based on the whole premise of the situation, it's only respectful. "Thank you..I'm prepared to leave at any point." He remarks softly, gaze flicking towards Silmeria while trying to place if he knows her or not. Not placing her he shrugs and peeks back to Vazkor with another nod of greetings.
Lord Nicols stands back up and smiles softly, "Thank you Lady Silmeria, I had been planning to speak myself but with your presence I would be happy to step aside to let you speak for me about my mother." he looks arond and nods, "My airship will be departing shortly, please one of my servants will escort you to the ship." he gestures at one of his guards.
Silmeria curtsies deeply, setting her battered old pack to shifting on her shoulders, the hilt of her Gunblade clinking on the floorboards. "Thank you, Lord Marshwood, ever so much. I hope my questions do not pester you greatly during our journey." Straightening, she turns, smiling once again to swordsman and mage, and waits, evidently wishing to follow the others out the door.
Lord Marshwood smiles at Vazkor. "Not whilst In the air but the swamps of the Nubswood are quite dangerous places so I expect some trouble crossing them to reach the Necropolis."
Vazkor nods in understanding, and answers in a simple, matter-of-fact tone, "My blade is at your service in either case, my Lord." Followed by a brief bow before he then turns towards the guard, and motions with one of his dark hands, "Well, lead the way, my good man." And gets ready to follow the escort to the airship.
Eben gives a meek smile to Silmeria as she begins to move past him, turning at about that time to head at as well might cause his coat to open partially, showing within just the smallest glimpses of mechanical items like pistols, and potentially a few hand bombs. "Doesn't sound like we'll really be put to work until the swamp." He comments to himself mostly as he follows the others.
The guard shows the party onto the airship and too seperate cabins were they can stow their belongings. Up in the main lounge of the ship a large Casket is set, ebony wood and glistening with magical seals to keep what is inside safe and secure. Lord and Lady Marshwood and there three children are aboard and in no time at all the airship is lifting up off the ground and flying north....
Silmeria's pack is safely stowed in the cabins, her Gunblade kept to her back as she wanders the airship, drawn to the lounge before liftoff. The Lord, Lady, and children are greeted again, and at first she spends a moment circling the casket, eyes picking out the grain of the wood, the flow of magics keeping the body intact, and seems to find satisfaction in this. "I'm afraid I know little of you and your family, Lady," she says to the casket, not quite a whisper, but certainly not at normal volume. "I hope that by the time we place you to rest, that will have changed... I would prefer to do justice to your story."
Vazkor moves onto the ship with a certain familiarity that only comes with experience with such vessels. Only spending a moment in his cabin, not having brought much but the barest essentials, the swashbuckler soon moves towards one of the railings as the ship takes off, a faint smile crossing his dark features as he enjoys being on an airship again. Spending a few minutes like that, he soon enough turns around however to silently study the casket and Silmeria's activities around it, looking fairly curious.
Eben looks about the airship with a mildly trained eye, taking note of it's construction and any key defensive features it might have, etc. Unlike the others though, Eben stays in the cabin that was given to him, unpacking and sorting through his supplies...He's not to invade on a time of grieving with questions.
Lady Margalotta Marshwood stops by Silmeria and inclines her head, "My lady Silmeria it is good that you are here with us. It is a pleasure to have you aboard for this journey." Meanwhile up on deck Vazkor is approached by a sailor who bows and offers him a folded note. Down in his cabin Eben is interupted by a knock on the door swiftly followed by Vivienne the young daughter of the family slipping inside. "Can I have a word Eben?"
Silmeria chuckles softly, turning to bow her head to the Lady. "Of course, Lady Marshwood... I would do the same for anyone. The thanks must honestly be mine, for it's rare that my duties allow me to visit the home of Hades' followers on Ivalice. Truly, it is a treat to be afforded to me. Please, though... Tell me of the Matron? I would know who it is we commend to Hades' rest... the whole of her, if you well. Hades does not judge worthy or unworthy, and I shall not do the same."
Vazkor arches his brow at the approaching sailor as he stands there, casually leaning back against the railing. Taking the note one-handed and folding it open, his keen gaze quickly scans the contents, promptly causing another raise of his brow, before he looks back up at the man before him studyingly. After a moment he nods, idly tossing the note over his shoulder and across the railing, before he shrugs and casually states, "Tell your master I'll be there." Apparently he's atleast curious.
Eben is caught digging through a smaller bag he had brought along, full of what looks like a large amount of spare parts for weapons, or potentially random knick-knacks. The knock does catch his attention, causing him to step back to allow Vivienne room to enter to whome he gives another humble little tilt of his head to. "Of course, how can I be of assistance?"
Lady Margalotta begins to tell Silmeria about the Matron's life, "She was a good woman, a true believer in Hades and his work. She inherited after her oldest brother was choosen for the first duty and no longer able to inherit. She raised her children and saw them married and settled. She held a good life and a true one and was neither oppulent or over indulgent in her wishes and actions but a kind hearted lady who did what she could for others.
The sailor who brought the note bows and pads off on bear feet, seems Vazkor is in for an interesting voyage, meanwhile Lady Vivienne leans in close to Eben and smiles. "I am sorry to interupt, but... I am in terrible danger and may need your help, I was assured you would be able to help me. See my family intend to leave one of us to be the slave of the Necropolis! All for the duty of burying the old woman in the crypt there... a life of slavery and burying the dead against our will! If they try to choose me I shall be most greatful to the young man who helps me flee such a wicked sentance" She touches his cheek, "Please... you must help me if that happens."
Silmeria inclines her head, gesturing toward the nearest chair in the lounge. For herself, she settles on the floor nearby, folding her legs up well beneath her robes. "This is the story of a kind and gentle woman, Lady... Did she, perhaps, have any regrets? Pride? People she wronged, deeds she would wish remembered? Few manage to walk this life without touching others, after all..."
Vazkor ponders on the note some more after the sailor departs, following him with his eyes. He shrugs a bit to himself then, and turns back around to watch the land pass by below the ship and feeling the wind in his shaggy black hair. In the meantime deciding to not go to the meeting unarmed. He's had too much experience with noble intrigue to not bring atleast a dagger or a hold-out pistol to a mysterious meeting with a nobleman these days!
Eben can't help but arch a brow at Viviene's statements about being potentially left at the Necropolois in payment "They're going to leave you, one of their daughters? That just won't do I think.." He murmurs with a soft sigh and shake of his head "Isn't there a family servant that could be left instead? Or is it required to be family itself." He murmurs, not pulling away as the lady touches his cheek. "I'll try to help as I can, though."
Lady Margalotta Sits down as does Lord Nicols, "She used to say she regretted the chance her brother was given. To become a Mortician in the true sense of the word. She also used to feel quite some pride in our family and our tradition. Unbroken for seventeen generations now in serving the Necropolis and the church of the lord Hades."
Lord Edward is waiting for Vazkor when he arrives and smiles, "Ah Master Vazkor good, i will keep this brief. My father may attempt to leave me in the Necropolis as payment. I will see you rewarded by 5000 platinum pieces to break me out of there and get me back home to Emberstrand if they do not pick my sister or my other brother. It is a simple task, get me back to safety and civilization and you will be rewarded."
Vivienne shakes her head, "Alas not, it is a stupid and outdated tradition, no longer sensible in our age. They may pick one of my brothers and we are meant to "Accept" our task willingly and with grace but if they try to leave me you must help me escape" She touches Eben's wrist, "Thank you... I must go we cannot be seen together too much or they will suspect!" She leaves the room then and is soon gone....
Silmeria nods quietly. "It is a good thing you do, indeed, serving the Lord of the Dead, and I am glad that it warms her heart. But of course I must ask... why does she regret her brother's service? Did she wish it to be herself to tend the garden of bones? Did he wish it so? Please, Lord, Lady... it is important."
Vazkor is glad he finds no cause to have to stab or shoot a nobleman on something as relatively inescapable as a moving airship. He simply listens to the proposal, studying the man before him, before he cocks a smirk, "5000 Platinum? For that amount of coin, I'd likely break you out of the underworld itself." The swashbuckler showing some of his mercenary nature, and even treating Edward more as an equal, being a noble's son himself. If only a bastard one!
Eben nods softly in return to Vivienne's explination "Well, I'll see what I can do then, hopefully it doesn't come to anything like that though." He smiles and turns back to his work as she departs, not really knowing much about the Necropolis or what sort of guards and defenses it might have within.
Margoltta smiles "She always spoke how in her heart she had hoped it would be her to be called to service. But she always tried to do her duty as the Lady of the House instead of the Servant of the Necropolis." The days pass as the journey moves on, many facets and information about the departed Lady Helena are imparted by the family, servants and crew of the Marshwoods. Of the clandestine meetings little else is seen by either Eben for the rest of the journey. Edward smiles and nods to Vazkor, "I have been saving for this and should it not come up I will still impart with 1500 platinum for you to remain silent on the matter. We would not want the old folks upset with me." Edward soon takes his leave and the rest of the journey is quiet and uneventful until finally the ship is coming in for a landing at the shore of the Nubswood.... the twisted trees and dark swamps of the country leading off toward the seer towers of stark brown granite in the distance
Shrugging her pack into place, Silmeria steps off the airship landing with a smile, breathing in deep of the murky swamp air, eyes turning toward the granite towers beyond the marsh. One hand reaches back, undoing the catch securing her Gunblade in place, and she bows her head toward the towers. "Soon, Lord Hades, we will commend another soul to rest, in your garden of bones... May our journey be swift."
Vazkor has taken position at what has been his usual spot by the railing as they reach the swamp, the swashbuckler looking out over Nubswood below with a keen gaze. One hand subconciously touches the hilts of both his blades as he mentally prepares himself for the adventure up ahead, spurred on further by the promise of increased pay. And in the meantime silently thanking himself for the foresight of packing more pragmatic and sturdy footwear then what he usually wears in the city as he thinks upon the mud and grime of the swamps.
Eben, upon hearing that the airship was to be letting them off quickly gathers up his supplies and equipment, hopefully ready for the trials that may be upcomming. This time a gun holster is visibly worn along the outside of his coat, the weapon most likely ready to be pulled at any time. "So then...I've never travelled through a place like this." He murmurs as he prepares to leave the airship himself.
The party are ready to travel, the casket is hovering in mid air, being led by Lord Nicol's magic and they set off across the swamp. The path is a winding one and the Lord leads it as if he is familiar with it. Mud sucks at their boots and sometimes they have to walk with it up to their ankles but otherwise the journey for the first day goes well. Camp is made and that night all seems quiet until a strange howling piping noise from the woods has everyone up and on alert. The cry goes up and Lord Nicols appears with a large rifle in hand, more a blunderbuss. "Nubswood crickets! Arm yourself and defend the casket they come for the dead!"
Throughout the journey through the swamp, Silmeria has alternated between pleasant silence, or speaking with the children of the Lord and Lady. Asking questions of their grandmother, their own life in the Marshwood family, telling them some of the tales she has collected throughout her years in service. That night, as the alarm is raised, she is on her feet with a put-upon sigh, Gunblade drawn from its sheath and readied. Standing before the head of the casket, she runs her fingertips over the blade of her weapon, murmuring a blessing as her eyes flick here and there, out into the darkness.
Vazkor has been mostly silent himself throughout the trip, content with just trying to limit the damage the mud might do to his proudly immaculate appearance as he travels along near the back of the profession. His slumber is peaceful that night, until the cry of impending danger goes out, the swashbuckler soon appearing wide awake with his Cutlass firmly in hand, briefly wondering as to the nature of these 'crickets'.
Eben is awake a few moments after the warning cry goes up, the man getting up and attempting to prepare himself for some upcoming foe he has no clue what might be. "Crickets? Aren't those things small?" He asks in confusion as he fumbles for the gun at his side, eyes scanning about the area to see what might be coming.
The cricket that leaps into the clearing onto one top of Eben is about twice the size of the Casket. Lord NIcols; fires at it witha BOOM from his Blunderbluss "They are not small Mister Eben." he says helping him back up then spinning to shoot another one. They are leaping into the clearing from all directions. One of them lands on the casket, two in front of Vazkor and Lord Edward and another lands by Lady Vivienne who backs up and then stumbles with a cry!"
Silmeria looks back over her shoulder as the tremendous insect thumps to a landing atop the casket. Spinning on her heel, she sweeps the weapon around in a shallow arc, the heavy cutting edge rising to take the insect from beneath, finger tightening on the trigger. If timed just right, the weapon would be very likely to hurl the bug off the casket, if not slaying it outright.
Vazkor amps up his situational awareness as the bugs all spring into view and the fight errupts around him, feeling the sudden rush of adrenaline hitting his system as a vicious grin springs up on his suddenly tensed features, his gaze meeting the two giant insects before him. Cutlass at the ready, the swordfighter springs forward with almost gleeful speed and purpose, the damast blade in his hand arcing down towards what must be the head of the left creature in a swift precision strike. Wasting no time to attack.
Eben is caught quite by suprise as the /giant/ cricket leaps out and pushes him to the ground, metal tools clanking heavily as he hits the ground. "Well, I can tell now." He growls out, hands finding his gun much more quickly now that he has been helped back up. It only takes him a moment longer to rotate about and first level the gun at the insect perched upon the casket, but seeing Silmeria take care of that one, quickly turns about to the one facing Vivi. Holding his gun slightly lax he lines up a shot with the creatures side and fires off a bullet matching the sound made by Nicol's rifle.
The camp is in uproar, the bullets slam into the cricket about to leap on Vivienne and is beaten back. Harold the youngest son runs screaming under the casket and hides as a cricket chases him. Lady Margalotta sweeps out of a tent and thrusts out with a mages staff and fire incinerates the bug. Vazkor's cutlass slices through the left bug easily, killing it and Lord Edward takes down the right hand bug with a well thrust lance of flame from his upraised hand. The guards are rallying, pulling back to back in groups as the family converge around the casket fighting off bugs. As Eben saves Vivian she pulls out a pair of daggers and goes low and slashes out at them, moving in to cover Silmeria as she is yet again faced with another bug atop the casket as the one already on it is blown off and explodes!
Silmeria's face is grim as the bug is blasted off the casket, determined, but neither angry nor exultant at the need for battle. As the younger noble stands beside her, she nods. "I will defend your Gran, child," she says quietly, "see to my back, and let none by." Her 'blade lances outward, this time, its tip seeking to pierce the creature's chitin, and burst its innards with the shock of her weapon's report.
Vazkor seems to revel in the violence, as men of his ilk should, the bladeslinger swashbuckler moving around and meeting the giant crickets headon wherever they appear to cut and slice and hack with expertly wielded blade. His movements swift and economical, yet carrying that vicious grin and intensely focused expression throughout.
Eben quickly prepares his pistol for another shot at a nearby insect, not taking too much heed to his own safety or what might be a threat to him as he fires the weapon at the insect atop the casket in turn. Determained in his own way, it's easily told that this man isn't used to combat as well as the others seem to be, movements a tad sluggish.
The fight is over all too soon, soon enough things are quiet and Lord Nicols is looking out at the siulent swamp. "Break camp... we go now... I do not want another attack like that. Let us get to the Necropolis by dawn" The guards nod and hurriedly begin to break down the camp as the Marshwoods draw together near their hired help. "we must push on through the swamp until dawn. If the crickets are out worse is likely to be abroad."
Silmeria nods once, wiping the ichor from her weapon with a patch of rag tugged from one of the side pockets on her traveling pack. "The trail to our rear is where they will come," she says, to the Lord, his family, and her companions. "Death may stalk ahead of our path... but death will draw more in our wake. If one other will aid me in guarding our rear, it would be a kindness."
Vazkor finally stands still as all foes are vanquished, and with a simple flick of his wrist he clears his blade of the same ichor before smoothly sheathing the weapon once more, his fingers guiding it at the scabbard. Taking a single deep breath, letting some of the previous exhilaration leave him, calming himself once more, he soon looks over at Silmeria and nods firmly, "I shall aid in guarding our rear. Then men with firearms will do more good at the front, from whence we can see our foe coming." He glances at Eben.
Eben remains quite on edge for a while longer even with the current onslaught of crickets fended off. "So these things, are going to come for the casket?" He asks quietly with a quick glance about before scooping up the rest of his belonging nearby, his gun remaining out of it's holster for now. At Vazkor's glance he nods quickly and moves nearer the front of the group, gun still held at the ready.
Lord Nicols nods his head "That and anyone who falls they are drawn to the dead. It is a test come we must carry on!" Soon the party is moving through the woods together as one... walking in a single file, leaving the wooded grove behind and out onto the flats of the swamp. Ahead the glimmering lights of a great towering metropolis rise, glittring in the distance! As the night passs they are attackjed, fron the front, the sides, the rear.... crickets and worse in the flickering shadows of the night! But the party persever... pushing onwards step by step!"
Silmeria backs down the trail at the rear of the party, Gunblade held loosely in hand, eyes flicking left and right in search of the creatures to come. When the monsters descend upon the party, she fights with some skill, the sheer weight and force of her chosen weapon doing much to cover her lack of pure mastery. Watching her, it would seem the fight is a chore, to be borne in silence and finished as swiftly as can be managed.
Vazkor is quite the opposite, still reveling in the fight whenever they pop up, and wielding his light-weight damast cutlass with obvious expertise (he doesn't own a fencing school for nothing!) Chopping through the creatures that get into his blade's reach, and even not yet worrying about the insect blood and swamp grime that splatters his clothes with each skirmish.
Eben doesn't do too much from his spot nearer the front of the line, well, nothing spectacular anyways...Firing his pistol at any insect that might pop up in the way, reloading when it's needed and in general just trying to not get in the way of the other more experienced people near the front.
The night as all nights must come to a close... as dawn is lighting the far horizon the monster attacks drop back and they leave the swamp.. walking along a paved road now toward a mighty archway. A group of people, pale skinned and wearing tattered black velvet clothing meet them. One of them at the head an elderly man bows. "Welcome Lords and Ladies, I am the Moulder of the Necropolis Nubswood, please be welcome within our silent halls. Who do you bring to inter?" Lord Nicols nods to Silmeria to do the introductions.
Silmeria steps to the front of the group, a wide smile splitting her tanned face. "Kind Moulder, how pleased I am to hear your voice. The Lord and Lady Marshwood seek to bring their Matron to rest with her family, and find her peace in Hades' ashen realm, and if it please you and He, I would serve as speaker for the ceremony. ...Also, I'm told that one of their family has been chosen to serve under your number."
Vazkor remains near the back of the group, momentarily busying himself with studying the stains upon his clothes with a look of distaste, before his attention manages to be focused on the ritualistic greeting before him instead. He listens with an idly perked ear, and soon glances briefly towards Edward, remembering their arrangement should the young man be picked to serve.
Nicols bows to the Moulder, "We as is tradition have nominated one of our own to take up a place at your sides as Apprentice. We have nominated Harold!" The causes a gasp from Harold the portly younger son staring at his father. Vivienne and Edward look relieved and seem to lose some tension. Then Harold screams. "WHY ME! What did I do!" Nicol blinks, "You are the only one of my children who expressed interest, I would not nominate one who did not wish..." he gets no further as the boy shoves past the moulder and runs up the gates, "NEVER! Never!" He flees into the city and around a corner and there is pandemonium for a moment as everyone tries to work out who should be following the boy... Then there is a howling SHRIEK that buffets everyone with wind and tosses even the hardiest soul to the ground.
The moulder picks himself up and grimaces, "The boy has fled into the Catacombs....." he looks at Nicols, "He has been nominated as apprentice and he fled into the to city, this is acceptance under the oldest tradition. If he had fled out he would not have been accepted..... but he has enterred the catacombs which means one or more of your party not of the family must seek him out."
Silmeria picks herself off the ground, frowning and brushing at her robes. With a quiet sigh, she nods slowly at the Moulder's revelation, turning to the Lord and Lady. "I am sorry for this trouble, sir, madam... If you don't mind...I will follow. It's been long since I walked the hushed maze, but much of its turnings, I remember. Any who wish to join me would of course be most welcome...?"
Vazkor arches his brow at the whole situation, watching Harold run off, followed by that demonic shriek. Considering it wasn't Edward however, he feels no immediate need to intervene... But as Silmeria offers to follow the boy, he ever so quietly sighs before stepping forward to do the proper thing as a gentleman, raising his voice, "You shall have my sword, whatever good it may do in that haunted place..."
Eben seems to have been daydreaming for a bit as he witnesses the great city before him...Luckily the great screeching instantly snaps the man back to attention, eyes narrowing as he's knocked down. Picking himself up quickly enough he sighs and shakes his head "I'll go, if the other two are..." He murmurs after hearing what's taking place.
As the party gather themselves Edward bows and offers to Vazkor a strange silver and copper lantern. "Take this to light your path." To the Moulder Nicols sighs and nods "I understand... my brother did the same... we shoul dhave been expecting it." He looks at the group of heroes and bows. "The trials of the Necropolis, to see if my Son will serve as an apprentice or be taken to serve in the Catacombs. If you can find him and bring him back he will live a long life as an apprentice and a happy one. If not then he will have been claimed by the Path of Shale.... good luck and walk wisely" One of the Morticians bows and offers to shwo you to the Catacombs, leading you to the tall doors of bone in the clifftop above the city...
