digitaljoel (
digitaljoel) wrote in
new_canton2010-06-09 11:05 pm
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6-26-1043 Anderson Sharug
Semael arose early from his bed at the inn. He hoped to get some time with Anderson Sharug before there were many people on the street. He also knew that Anders always got an early start on the morning in order to get as much done as possible before he had to mind the shop.
In the common room Semael invited his companions along if they were interested, then grabbed a butt of fresh sour dough and a bit of sharp cheddar to eat for breakfast on the way. The sun was just beginning to show above the trees as Semael began to walk down the street. The town was still quiet. Down the alleys a few bedpans were being emptied as people began to stir but was overridden by the smell of fresh bread coming from every inn and pastry shop along the road.
As he rounded the corner onto Smith street, the hammers and billows of the various smithies worked together sounding like an army fighting a heavy breathing dragon. Half way down the street was the smaller smithy run by Anderson Sharug. He was at the anvil working a piece of metal with surprising finesse, coaxing it into any shape he desired with a few strikes of his hammer.
Semael entered the shop, somewhat anxious about the reaction he would get, but of course none of that showed in his body language. Anderson had taken a beating, and Semael felt partially responsible. The wounds had healed some in the few days that had passed, but it was obvious there was lingering soreness. Semael began to feel a little guilty for not coming earlier, but hoped Anderson would understand that it was an attempt to keep from betraying their professional relationship.
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
"One water please." He said with a smirk, placing 2 coppers on the bar. Vanessa giggled, shooting a wink at Semael and a quick glance at Sven to see his reaction as she grabbed a mug and headed to the back room to fill it.
While she was in the back, Semael glanced at his normal table, surprised to see that it was occupied by two people. With the bustle in the room, he couldn't get a good view of them.
The water tasted of dirt and dish rags, but at least it didn't muddle his mind. The cheap ale they served here didn't really muddle the mind either, but it tasted worse than the water.
Semael decided to stay at the bar rather than intrude on the couple at his normal table. He didn't seem able to get a bead on them. The people walking around, and the few tables full of patrons in between him and the corner table continued to get in the way, but even when he felt he should have a clear view it just seemed difficult to pick out details.
The violent movement of exaggerated gestures continued to draw Semael's eye back to the couple at his normal table. It was as though the couple believed they were the only two people in the room. They were obviously arguing, but given the commotion Semael thought more people would be paying them attention. The hum of customers was fairly loud, but not even loud enough to dull the poorly played lute at the other end of the room. Semael certainly should have been able to clearly hear the heated discussion.
He sat at the bar for about 10 minutes waiting for his table to clear or for Neh-Tohon to return. In all that time he noticed that none of the barmaids waited on the table with the couple. Finally, the woman got up to leave the table. Semael knew that he would now get a good look at the couple. Vanessa stepped right into Semael's view to ask if he would like anything else. When he craned his head beyond Vanessa's ample bosom and shoulder, the woman was gone, and his eyes briefly met the man's.
Those pitch black eyes stirred something inside Semael's head, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it; Something from a previous life, clinging to obscurity like a dream he had just awoken from. At that point Semael saw Ruby making her way toward the door. Amazed that he hadn't made the connection before, Semael now recognized that Ruby was the one that had been arguing with the black-eyed man.
Semael hurried across the room to make sure Ruby was OK and ask what was going on. He put his hand on her shoulder.
"Semael! Anders is in trouble! He's got a tail. I need you to take care of it." She said before he could even get a word out.
Semael knew that his relationship with Anders was already on shakey ground, so he simply nodded and rushed out of the inn. His questions for Ruby would have to wait; again. He hated being her pawn, but so many times they seemed to have the same goals, and she obviously had more information. Before long he would have to take her down a notch.
Semael's pace quickened as he walked the route he had already traveled a couple of times this morning. He refrained from running in order to keep from alerting anyone, and maintained the emotionless face that came so easy to a Deva.
Semael had never been all that great at stealth, so he hoped a quick intrusion would grant him the element of surprise. Drawing Vera, Semael burst into the shop yelling, "Anders, where are you!" His eyes scanned the shop, looking for anything unusual. A single bead of sweat dripped down the side of his face. He was obviously ready for a fight if need be.
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
He jumps from the wall eight feet across the yard and sprints to the door preparing his shoulder for a blow he is sure will hurt. Bashing things is more Samael's style, Neh-tohon thinks as he strikes the door hard. It bursts off it's hinges carry him to the storage room. Just then he hears someone yell Anders name from the front of the store.
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
It traveled about 1/4 of the way through it's swing when there was a heavy grunt and it came flying back to its closed position before granting Semael any view of what was in the next room.
On the other side, Natan Sharug was just readying himself to face the attacker that had burst through the door to the back alley. In the act of drawing a massive broadsword from the scrap bucket, the door launched it out of his hands.
The heavy blade lodged into the frame of the exit, lazily swinging back and forth after impact right next to Neh-Tohon's head while Natan sprawled onto the stone floor face first between Neh-Tohon's legs.
Semael heard the collisions and grunting on the other side and prepared to rush the door. He needed to stop the intruder from harming either of the Sharugs. He didn't want them blaming him for another of their problems.
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
"The intruder must be in the shop with the old man", Neh-tohon thought. The Elder Shrug was no where to be seen. Quietly, Neh-tohon prowled toward the door, taking care to stand to the side opposite of where the door would swing open. He had no desire to take a nap like Natan. He needed more information about this assailant or assailants so as he deftly neared the door he listened.
"Only one breath. Does this mean he's already killed the old man? The breath is thick and heavy. This thug is a large brust. Even the mighty Steepe Bison can fall to the cunning hunter. He tried entering this room once. I'll wait for him to try again and then I'll pounce." Neh-tohon thought as he waited for the unwanted guest.
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
No. More.
And then he hears what is obviously his door being broken from his hinges. He reaches underneath the anvil he had been working behind earlier and grabs his weapons.
His training had made him dangerous with a rapier and dagger, but they were meant to defend and disarm. He didn't want to kill this imbecile, but he definitely wanted to injure him. The Deva had yet to see him, he had known this. He was obviously more interested in heading towards the back room. Maybe Ruby hadn't convinced him well enough that we were all on the same side, was he after Natan?
Anders quickly rounded the back side of the anvil, staying out of view of the Deva. He rounds the corner, just about ready to make his move when the Deva finally m akes it to the back room and slams against he door. He obviously hit something solid, as he bounces back and loses his balance. This is the chance that Anders needs, he quickly sneaks behind the Deva before he is able to recover and slips his rapier arm around his waste, his hand flicking the tip of the rapier to come under the chin of the Deva and his dagger point finds the nape of the Deva's neck. This had been his favorite hold as a duelist, and it required the school's shortened rapier in order to pull off.
"Raraaggrarrffsssrsrssttt"
"Son of a bitch" Anders swears in his head. He still wasn't used to the loss of his tongue.
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
Semael immediately dropped his weapon. The massive forearms of the man seemed much more fit for an axe than a rapier, but he obviously knew what he was doing. He had captured a heavily armored paladin without giving up his identity, and all in a single, swift action.
Semael could shine with the divine radiance of Bahamut and sear the man behind him, but without knowing his opponent better, it would be foolish for Semael to resist given his precarious situation. He wasn't sure what the man had said, or if it was just a battle cry, but it didn't sound friendly. Slowly, reluctantly dropping Vera, Semael spoke, keeping his body still in order to avoid a rash movement by the assailant.
"Regardless of what you do to me, Bahamut will see you pay for anything that happens to the owners of this shop. I just hope he chooses me as his hand" He said, his voice full of venom and menace.
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
Realizing the brute must be distracted, Neh-tohon decided to change his strategy. Assuming the Masterful Spiral stance, he kicks the door with the full force of the attack traveling through the door into the thug behind it.
As the lumber strikes his victim with crash a wicked smile crosses Neh-tohon's face. The following grunt and return swing of the door suggested Neh-tohon contacted some bit of soft tissue covered by armor. Not a deadly strike but something to slow the thug down.
The smile is quickly ripped off Neh-tohon face as he hears the voice of the thug, but not it’s not a thug at all.
"Semael, is that you?"
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
"Natan!" Anders thoughts are filled with his son. Whoever was behind the door had obviously decapacitated his son. Anders swore to himself, if his son was dead, this intruder would spend weeks praying to whatever God he believed in that he would find release, any release, a mercy that Anders would not bestow on him. With a flick of his wrist, Anders swung the tip of his rapier under the chin of the Deva, cutting a small line. "Deep enough to cause it to bleed, but not so much it was anywhere near fatal," Anders thought, "A perfect stunning wound." Releasing the Deva, and allowing him to bring his hands up to his chin, Anders stepped to the side and forward, into the Deva's field of vision. Recognition flashed in the Deva's eyes for just a second.
A second was all that the Deva had, and then the door had swung open, connecting with his beautiful face with full force. As Semael took a single step back, Anders saw the blood gushing from his mangled nose. Anders was more and more surprised by the stamina and willpower of this person, as the Deva staggered back a couple more steps and then finally succumbed to the darkness. He was out cold.
But that wasn't what had made Anders laugh. And he couldn't stop. For a full minute his eyes teared up and he was barely able to stand. Of course the door hitting the Deva in the face was funny, but not nearly as funny as the knowledge of the person that had kicked the door with such force, that its connection with the Deva's face had knocked him completely unconscious. Anders had just caught a glimpse of him when Neh'toan had slammed the door open with his powerful legs. AT that point, everything made sense. And it was hilarious. Anders was trying to catch himself and stifle the laughing before Neh'toan caught on, but when he heard a muffled "Semael? Is that you?" he couldn't help himself. He was on the floor, arms clasped around his stomach.
And despite it all, what made him laugh harder was just how ridiculous he sounded, laughing without a tongue. He hadn't laughed, and had rarely smiled since they had taken it. But damnit, this was funny.
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
The blacksmith's odd laughing fit, if you could call the sounds coming out of his mouth laughing, added to Neh-tohon's confusion. Was this some sort of sick joke?
Seeing that Semael was unconscious he disregarded the blacksmith and went his friend at started trying to revive him. As he tended to the Deva he searched after who could be responsible for this mess. Had Ruby orchestrated this or was it someone else? Hoping he hadn't done any real harm to Semael he tried to forget who to blame and continued his attempts at rousing his friend.
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
"This is all just a big misunderstanding officer. I believe the men here thought I was in trouble." Anders didn't know if he could send sarcasm through this gift from Ruby, that is he didn't know until he finished his next sentence, "What, with all the protection you lot give me, I think they were just misinformed." Anders quickly realized what he had said as the guard's face quickly darkened. The night he was taken, he didn't see a lot of faces, but maybe this guard was there...
"I'll have you hung for speaking like that to me. Not to mention the dirty aliens you seem to be galavanting with," the officer said darkly as he moved forward, pulling out his handcuffs.
It was at that moment that Anders knew that his son awoke, he could feel the anger coursing through his head, and knew it was coming from the other room. This wasn't good, the guard was going to pick up on that and make the entire situation much much worse.
Anders eyed his weapons, they were too far away now, he instead decided to take a gamble on the poor Deva laying on the floor. If he needed anything now, righteous indignation would be it. He wrapped his hand around the pendant, forcing all of his focus through it and sent a single phrase to the unconscious Deva.
"WAKE UP!"
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
Semael lurched upright, reaching for his face in an attempt to bat the dog away. His head spun as his surroundings immediately registered and he quickly gathered his composure. Upon seeing Neh-tohon, Semael immediately knew what had happened. Apparently Ruby wasn't as all knowing as she thought she was. Once again, Semael was being punished for playing the pawn.
Semael produced a handkerchief as he gracefully rose from the floor, wiping the blood from his face. He turned to Anders, intending to compliment him on the maneuver to take him from behind, but was startled to see the guard heading toward Anders with his handcuffs out.
"Now Willis, what is going on here? Why would you arrest this poor shop owner?" Semael asked innocently.
"Shut your hole bailiff, you have no business here." Willis answered, puffing his chest so his guard's badge glinted in Semael's direction. "This 'poor shop owner' threatened me and attempted to undermine my authority."
"I have a hard time believing that, least of all because he has no tongue. But you wouldn't know anything about that, now, would you Willis?" Semael let a touch of sarcasm touch his tone. Perhaps being played by Ruby was getting under his skin more than he wanted to admit. That combined with the continual corruption in this small town were getting him closer and closer to the boiling point. It may just be time to stir the pot a little.
The frustration then began to show on Willis' face. "That's it. This shop is closed. All of you against the wall, dirty Haoles first, starting with you Sammy" he said, beginning to advance on Semael before he even completed his sentence.
Calling on the Wrath of Bahamut, a halo of divine light emanated from Semael, filling the room and creating spotlights of reflection form the many pieces of polished metal in the shop. Filling his entire 6'4" frame Semael makes it clear he has no intention of moving.
"Listen closely Willis." Semael says, his voice quiet, but piercing. "This shop is now under MY protection. If you have a problem with this place, you talk to ME first." His blank Deva eyes locked with Willis' refusing to let him look away now. "If anything, and I mean ANYTHING! happens to this shop or its owners you will wish you could answer directly to Bahamut, but I know Lawbringher himself, The Platinum Dragon will let me get to you first!"
Willis finally was finally able to tear his eyes away and his shoulders slumped slightly.
"Now, as your new Guard Captain, Willis, I propose you go about your beat and stay out of trouble." Semael said, producing his new badge.
Willis was shocked speechless. He stammered a couple of times as he backed out of the shop, but never managed to form a complete word.
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
"STOP"
The sound didn't come from him, but from all around him. The very walls seemed to have said it. And that's just what he did. Samael stopped, midair, his limbs hanging loosely, his face a mere inch away from the spiked hammer hung on the wall.
He turned, his body still floating. Natan had walked in from the back room. His mouth was bloody and both eyes were swollen. But something else was shining around him. It was as if the entire room melted away the closer it got to him. His hand was raised and pointed at Samael. It was then that he knew that it was Natan that nearly had killed him.
But it was Anders that had stopped him. Anders' amulet was glowing a deep red, and the same affect that had been permeating from Natan's entire body was also flowing from the amulet.
"Calm yourself Natan," the voice was calm now, but it still echoed throughout the large blacksmith shop. "This was a large misunderstanding. One I'm sure our intruders will gladly pay for damages, as well as spend the next few minutes explaining".
"Fine, I'm willing to listen," the younger Sharug responded.
"You're going to have to let him down first son," Anders chided his son. Natan still had no idea the affect that his emotions, let alone his directed power had on people. Anders had seen perfectly angry customers come in and upon reaching Natan's aura, had a complete shift in mood. Often to the detriment of the customer, who had forgotten their grievance and left with a smaller purse and more items than they needed. Anders usually didn't mind, but it still felt like cheating. He had searched everywhere for someone to help him figure out his son and his power, and that's when he had met Ruby.
The start of it all.
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
The area around Semael's eyes is already turning dark as the bruises settle around his broken nose, making him look like a harlot with far too much makeup. As he begins to speak his voice takes on a nasal tone thanks to the clots in his sinuses. This is going to be far from the regal, composed demeanor Semael usually likes to keep. Perhaps that will be for the best at this point. Hopefully Natan will enjoy the humanity in the normally stoic Deva.
Semael begins to explain the situation. While he is deeply irritated with the wild goose chase Ruby had set them on, and the nearly deadly consequences for himself and the Sharugs, he emphasizes the humor and good intentions of the situation. Perhaps this show of interest in the well-being of the Sharugs will help Natan allow Semael and his party into his circle of trust.
During the explanation, Anders can't help but let out a chuckle here and there further helping to calm his son. Every time Semael looks at Anders he is smirking and looking at Semael's still swollen and bloody nose. When he gets to the point of the story of being knocked out, Anders is eager to take over the narration, accentuating the way Semael flopped to the ground after the strike from the massive door.
Anders can barely explain the scene when Neh-Tohon came through the door. He puts on his most bewildered face, trying to mock Neh-Tohon's incredulity at seeing Semael on the floor. Anders is so caught with his telling of the story that he is laughing and making other incoherent sounds from his mouth while communicating the words through the pendant.
Finally, Anders gets to the part where Willis entered the shop. Rather than cut Anders off, Semael let's him finish the story, surprised and pleased by the positive light Anders casts on him. At the end of the story Anders is still chuckling about the Guard Captain badge and the look on Willis' face as he stumbled out the door.
When he's completely finished, Semael pulls out his money bag, placing several gold on the counter. "I assure you that door took no damage, but you may want to check the hinges to ensure they are still in good shape. This money should cover the damage I did to the front door, and any other damage to the shop. I sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding and hope your head heals fully in short order Natan." Semael says in all humility.
"We will be keeping an eye on Willis to see if he has any ill intentions as a result of today. If you see any trouble whatsoever, please come to us in our official capacity as guard captains. The more there is on the record against those that are harrassing you, the better chance we have of cleaning things up."
"As for the other business, my friends and I are planning to do some more looking at the shop next door. It may take some time to figure that all out, and I would ask that you be patient with us. We plan to take it slow so as not to cause alarm. It's already obvious that it is not what it appears to be."
Semael pauses, looking for a reaction. Getting none, he continues, "If you have any further information about it, or could clue us in as to why it must be the shop next door, which isn't for sale, then that would certainly help us out, otherwise, we'll be on our way for now. We'll be checking in regularly to ensure you are ok, if that's alright with you."
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
"I hope everyone can see what is happening, and what has been going on for years now. Once again the lawless and corupt have succeeded at taking another blow against the innocent." He walks to Semael and wipes off some his blood. "This is their doing." He then walks to Anders and points at the necklace. "That is their doing." Then he points at Natan, "Your anger is gift from them." Lastly, he lays bare his tatoo. "This is what they do people. They make us slaves to fill their coffers, they make us slaves to our fear, so we begin jump at any disturbance and mistrust everyone,and they pull our strings even when we think we're free of them." The frustration finally overcomes him and he slams his fists on the counter. "This has to stop, we have to stop them."
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)
Finally, as everyone collected themselves, Anders grabbed his favorite scotch from behind the counter and grabbed a few shot glasses and poured. He left them on the counter, letting his company take their glass if they wanted. It was now time to get down to business, while the Deva's head still rung from the concussion.
"I'll admit," Anders says, "that I have much more respect for each of you now. I'm sorry for the way things have played out this far. But we do need the shop next door. And I believe that due to the damages to my shop and my bodily person, that the deal we had made is fair."
Anderson shifted his weight as some of his companions gathered their drinks. He continued before they could argue, "But I will assist you in whatever you need in that acquisition," Anders said, "The first being that the store next door has very little business. But there is one man that enters the store every week at the same time. Followed exactly 2 hours later by a woman. The man then leaves an hour after that, and the woman shortly thereafter."
"He'll be entering the shop in about 20 minutes from now, in case you were wondering", Anders chimed in just before they could speak and then quickly swallowed his shot and poured himself another. "And I'm sure that sounds like a perfectly reasonable job for such a skilled tracker as you Neh-toahn" Anders quickly shot out before chuckling again.
Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)