The Man With No Face

Ruran Vas / Locke Rinannis FFXIV | Balmung 100% IC blog: RP recaps, art, screenshots, and more. Sideblog of @locke-rinannis.

[locke-rinannis]

RURAN VAS: A PICTURE.

“A picture. A single image reminding you of someone or something you’ve lost, something you don’t want to live without. You can’t seem to move on, to accept life has changed, to live again. You’re trapped in the picture, in the past. Maybe this was a lost family member or friend, maybe this was a sickness that isn’t going away, maybe this was sinking into depression. But you can’t help but remember how life was before, how life after will never be the same, and can’t help but feel that nothing in the future will be able to fill the hole the past left. Nothing lasts forever… Right?” [ The Quiz. ]

TAGGED BY: @xevtan​, @of-shadow-and-storm​, @mai-takeda​, @ffxivtribehydrae​, @aethersent​, @passage-of-arms​, @hithren​, @xau-ffxiv​ (…That so many of you tagged me in the PAIN QUIZ is very telling. :eyes: hhhhhhhh) TAGGING: I’m rather late to this one, so steal and tag me! (Art is a sketch from @hithren from a long time ago and I’m using it, u can fite me)

[a-memory-of]

“All rounds are on me!” She grins,“I can’t believe we actually pulled that off!”

Ruran Vas set the cannister on the table. “Shall we take a look at it..?”

Kanto Jahari bounced in her seat eagerly,“Yes, yes! We’ve waited so long, let’s see where it leads!”

Ellere Valahan hummed, “Certainly not how I expected my eve to go. But at least there were no explosions. And no one was harmed.” She turned a curious, yet hesitant look toward the map.

Ruran opened the container, carefully pulled out the map, and spread it over the table. “Truly,” he replied to Ellere, “he was…quite cooperative, all things considered.”

“You’ll find most pirates are, should you take the time. And coin helps to smooth things over. He is not the one who worried me the most, however,” she glanced down to the map.

Kanto leaned over the map and stares at it with glistening eyes. She then blinks and furrows her brows,“Huh?” The parchment was empty save for a single symbol on the center of it. The symbol of Azeyma.

Ruran blinked. His white mask canted owlishly, and the stone around his neck gleamed as he stared down at the parchment. “Wh-what..?”

K'lynnia Zelah leaned over the map with a curious look and hummed, “Ah well…”

“That doesn’t look like a map…” Kanto’s shoulders drooped. As the stone gleamed, the ink on the parchment began to shift as if sand rolled over it. A rough image of the entrance to Qarn.

Ellere leaned a bit closer, eyeing the symbol, and then up at Ruran as it starts to clear, “I do not suppose you’ve ever heard of an artifact that grants wishes hidden in Qarn, have you?”

K'lynnia tapped her finger on the map, “Just how old do you suppose this thing is?”

“Like… super ultra old?”

Ruran’s eyes widened as the familiar entrance’s form shifted upon the map. The stone at his chest flickered all the more, and Ruran shook his head. “No, I…I never have… Nor do I know how old this may be…”

Kanto slumped against the table,“Of course there’s more mystery left than answers.”

K'lynnia nodded, “Perhaps the map reacts to fire and sunlight as well… we did just see Azeyma after all and there might be more clues to glean from it during the day.” She tilted her head a little, “Or perhaps the Moon, though I think that’d be less likely.”

Ellere hummed, curling a hand under her chin as she thought, “The man in the robe. He had an unusual marking on his neck, I should also mention. Either way,” she looks to Ruran again, “The map seems to like you, or your friend. ‘Tis probably something that should not be left alone if others are seeking it.”

K'lynnia looked to Kanto, “Do you have a good place to keep it?”

“Nuh uh… I think Mister Adventurer might be the best one to keep it.”

Ruran glanced down at the map again, studying the image. “If you think I should, then I shall,” he quietly offered, half in thought. “Perhaps there is more I and my stone might be able to glean from it.” He rubbed the side of his neck, then peeking to Ellere. “What sort of marking on his neck..?”

Ellere shrugged, “It looked like a gem. 'Tis not something I recognized. There were also strange markings made in his tome I shall have to take a closer look at. It may not be connected at all, but, our line of work often leads to shadowy cults and mysterious artifacts more than I would like.”

“So we’ve got… nightmare people, cultists, and a sun god mixed in with this map?” Kanto hummed thoughtfully,“We should all see what we can figure out and then go out to look at Qarn another day.”

“If this parchment is as important as they seemed to think, we may be pulled into their affairs…” Giving one more look at the map, Ruran began to roll it back up and place it back in the container, in case any wandering eyes take notice. “I…spend much time in Qarn. I shall see if there is anything more, at least in my usual spots…”

Kanto leaned back in her seat,“So I guess this means we’ll all be working together even more. We’re all in this together!” She beamed at the others.

Ellere gave Ruran a look about spending time in Qarn, but sighed, then smiled. “I suppose it does.”

With @weepingknight & @zynzimynzi

[a-memory-of]

Ellere Valahan frowned slightly, “Well, was alone. What… exactly is this map? I am unsure if I am as keen as I was knowing a shady looking gentleman like that is also in the market.”

Kanto Jahari turned to face Ellere and pursed her lips,“Uhmmm… well… you didn’t tell her what the map led to, Mister Adventurer?”

Ruran Vas blinked, looking between the two. “I was…uncertain if you wished me to keep it private. I-It is your treasure, after all.”

Ellere rose a brow, hands moving to her hips. Kanto tapped her cheek,“That makes sense. I guess it’s only fair that we tell Miss Adventurer about it, though, since she’s helping us and all.” Kanto continues to speak in a whisper, “Lost in forgotten scripts is rumored a tale about a stone with incomprehensible power, the ability to take dreams and make them reality. It’s supposedly called the Osiris Stone, but its location has never even been close to being discovered until maps such as this suddenly came up.”

Ellere’s face fell, sighing deeply with a bowed head. “Of course. I should have known. You know the last time I found a pirate treasure, it was a bunch of old love poetry. I quite liked that better.” She glances back to the two figures in the distance, “Though I suppose our Shadowy Gentleman’s presence is given course now.”

K'lynnia Zelah peers around to see if Mr. Robe had wandered off just yet.

Kanto smiled nervously to Ellere,“But isn’t it better if we had that instead of hooded strangers?" 

The roegadyn and hooded man continued to speak. He shifts into his coat and pulls out a parchment,"Got the mark right here. I’ll walk down with ye’, better we do it now  'stead of waiting for the captain to catch wind.” The hooded figure hums as he pulls away from the railing,“Very well. You will get your payment after I see the map.” The first mate chuckles,“Have it yer’ way.”

Kanto glanced over her shoulder again and scrunches her nose,“Seems like they’re moving back to the ship. Do we jump them on the way?”

“That may be our best chance…” Ruran replied.

K'lynnia sighed, “Well…” and sneaks after them trying to catch up. Ruran lingered further back and moved slow, well aware just how noisy his armor could be.

K'lynnia silently, but apparently not that silently, made her way up behind and to the left of the first mate, reaching for the map held in his hand suddenly there was a crunch of leaves. Her expression changed one of focused to utter disappointment.

The roegadyn twists around and snarls,“Seems we’ve got a rat!” His free hand immediately shoots for Lynnia’s neck. The hooded figure jumps back as he brings a book out of his cloak and slips his hand over it, “Seems we have more visitors.”

At the sound of Lynnia being spotted, Ruran leapt in to her defense. Armor clanked with reckless abandon as he sprinted forward, drawing his sword and shield and trying to put himself between Lynnia and the roegadyn. If not, he would at least be prepared to assist.

Ellere cursed under her breath, “Twelve damn it all, so much for secrecy…”

With @weepingknight & @zynzimynzi

[locke-rinannis]

[weepingknight]

“I do not mean to worry you, Morning..."

                       "Aedwen," she says at last, eyes focused on the horizon in the distance. "You can call me Aedwen."

{ @moonlifter​ }

[weepingknight]

THE EASTERN FLARE

Aedwen Morning, Svana Heart, and Ruran Vas meet together in Kugane to explore the Eastern Flare, a bastion near the Ruby Bazaar.

{ @moonlifter | @wyranimh }

[locke-rinannis]

RURAN’S SOULMARK COLOR IS BLUE.

Seen as the most popular favorite color, and for a good reason, the blue soulcolor is admired by many, even if they aren’t conscious of it. Friendly, loyal, and always there when you need them, the blue soulcolor is a people pleaser with a heart of gold.

People with this soul color are charismatic in a small way, choosing to speak as much as they listen, and take a genuine interest in people. They look past beauty and see the hidden soul under the skin. Loyal to a fault, they often downplay other’s negative traits as “quirks” and choose to see the best in everyone. They often miss social cues and overstay their welcome without meaning to.

While they might not seem the type to some, the blue soulcolor is likely to fall into fits of depression and self loathing. This is because they have high expectations and hold themselves to strong moral conduct, and failing that moral conduct means failing other people. Even if it’s not their fault, they will choose to take the blame.

When gathering a group of friends, this color likes stability and harmony. They hold onto friendships from their childhood, even if their interests shift, and have a hard time letting people go. Changes in relationships scare them. They will be the first friend to show up at your house when you need them, whether they live a short distance or not.

[ The Quiz. ]

Tagged by: @xau-ffxiv & @xevtan (Thank you!) Tagging: @hithren | @mai-takeda | @of-shadow-and-storm | @ffxivtribehydrae | @aethersent | @passage-of-arms | @moonlifter | @lominsadan | @wanderersbymoonlight | @hutarin | @thegildenheart | @wamoura | @righthererightzao | @grumpy-limsan-customs-cat | @thatssoravil | @eggplant-xaela | @talesofwight | @thebaileymail | @celesiel | @thavnarian-onion | @summoningthemoon | @emerald-sunrise | @diarcaexe | @literal-ghost | @wyranimh

[a-memory-of]

Ellere Valahan led them to a relatively open area, away from the crowd as she could. “‘Tis a bit more eyes upon us than our last dance in the garden at the gala, hm?”

Ruran Vas followed until they reached an empty place on the floor. He reached to take her hands. “T-truly. That was the last time I danced, as well…”

“Oh, not so. I seem to remember a time at the cabin as well,” she hummed, guiding his hand to her waist and lacing her fingers with the other. “We shall go slow, do not worry.”

“Ah–y-yes, you are right,” he nodded, thinking. He moved along with her, finding the rhythm of the music. “That seems so long ago…”

“I suppose it does, doesn’t it…?” Ellere gave another thoughtful hum, “In a good way, I hope? We have come… a long way. 'Tis a rare thing among friendships.”

Ruran hummed. “Y-yes, indeed. A long way…” He allowed the music and dancing to take the forefront for now, moving with the swelling and rolling of the orchestra.

Ellere followed along with the dance and music, quieting as well and simply enjoying the moment. She twirled under his hand with far more control and grace than she did in the cabin so long ago.  "Each time you deny you are not good at this, I shall have to disagree from now on.“

"You have given me practice,” he murmured. “And I…find that I enjoy it.” A few more turns, and he continued, “Have you thought of your own moniker for the night?”

Ellere smiled at that, relieved to know he was comfortable enough to find enjoyment, despite the crowd. “Hm? You mean besides the one our most broody friend bestowed upon me? Admittedly, I have been distracted in finding a proper one for you.”

“For me..? Mm, in truth I have been trying to think of one for myself, but… I have always been terrible at such things.” As he stepped, he turned–and saw Renaud. His brows lifted. “Ah–it seems he found a dance partner.”

“I am sure Madame Nosey is most relieved,” she glanced over her shoulder as they turned, laughing. Giving a thought smile Ruran’s way, “Let us see. A proper charade needs an overly dramatic and alluring flair. A knight from a far off land, perhaps? A hero who is seeking reprieve among strangers for the eve.”

“Th-that is quite dramatic, yes… Not that I disapprove. A reprieve among strangers, hm? Not too far off. Were I few drinks under, perhaps I would even play the part.”

“Perhaps being a hero is too much sometimes, and our dear protagonist sought the city upon the ocean where no one would know him,” she continued, “As he is a humble and noble sort, seeks not the glory. Aha, I know. Our knight shall be Ser Lightheart.”

Ruran blinked. “I…I quite like that, actually. The alias and story both. Y-you are quite good at this.” The stone, which had been tucked discreetly away for the night, glimmered beneath the fabric; it approved too.

“I merely read far too many books,” she chuckled, slowed her steps as the music changed, something more reminiscent of the time in the garden. “I would say it is merely because I know you so well, but that cannot be so, can it? After all, Ser Lightheart, we’ve only just met tonight, hm?”

With the music slower, he could allow his movements to relax. He gave her a small look. “Of course,” he quietly agreed, allowing himself to play along. “And you? Who might you be?”

Ellere had a thoughtful look in her eye, a pause to formulate something, no doubt, then she finally answered, “How rude of me to not introduce myself earlier. I am Lady Astrea of Sharlayan. I am here against my father’s wishes as he would see me wed to a man I have never met.”

“Oh? I–must agree with your decision. Marriage–love–is not something to be forced.” He swayed with the music. The backstories and nicknames were silly–he liked the good-natured fun. “But to come so far..?”

“Quite! That is what I tried to say, ser knight!” she clicked her tongue, falling into character perhaps too easily, even as they danced. “I set eyes upon you and knew you would be a man who understood. And I had to away myself to a place his influence would not reach. It is not so bad, the south.”

“'Tis true,” he agreed. The sheepish man had a more difficult time fitting into his role, despite it being so close to his true self. But he tried. As the music picked up, he put his hand at her back to lead her into a more lively dance. “A-and I do understand, truly. I am…glad you found me. Both of our roads have been long. To think we would meet here…”

Ellere fell into step with the new music with him, “I quite enjoy your company as well, Ser Lightheart. I am most glad to have found you this night. Where I come from, we are quite fond of the ties of fate. No doubt we were meant to meet, you and I.”

Ruran swept them into a circle, the two changing sides and back again. “All things for a purpose,” he agreed. Though it was an act, he could not help but think of the roots behind it. His eyes softened. “Perhaps we will meet again–but how will I know you?”

“I have the utmost faith, ser knight, that we shall meet again as we have tonight,” she smiled, giving another spin, “As you say, all things for a reason. Call me a romantic, my dear, but it will be terribly hard to forget a light that shines as bright as you.”

“Nor shall I forget you, Lady Astrea of Sharlayan,” he murmured. There was a flicker of mirth in his eyes–perhaps a smile was hidden behind the mask? The clock was nearing midnight, yet Ruran had completely forgotten about the time.

Ellere gave him another smile, but she was aware of the time, she had made a promise, after all. “You asked for but one dance, and here I have stolen so many from you. Time has a way of slipping–” she glanced to the side, something mischievous in her eyes before she gave a gasp, “Ser Lightheart! I believe I see my father just there, in the crowd! He must have found me, even so far away.”

Ruran blinked, glancing away–momentarily convinced, in his naivete. He soon caught on–especially with the announcement. He ceased his dancing, keeping hold of one hand and tugging her toward the exit. “Ah–come, with me–we shall slip out and lose him in the crowd.”

Keeping hold on his hand as they hurried out through the crowd, she placed a hand on her chest once they were outside, “Thank you, my dear. You most certainly are my hero, I should not like to think of what he would have done if I had been found.”

“Of course, my lady. What sort of hero would I be, to leave you in distress?” His head canted. What would his character do? He held a thoughtful air, and then he lifted the back of her hand to his lips–rather, his mask–but the intention was there.

Ellere laughed again, the bottom of her mask perhaps hiding a bit of color at the motion. “Thank you again, my good knight. For the dance, for the eve… I shall treasure the memory.” She let the persona slip, just a bit, “It was good to feel like myself again.”

“I am glad.” His words were soft and genuine. “You deserve it, truly. And I…I quite enjoyed myself as well.” He gave her hand a small squeeze. “Shall we…ah, head back, then..?”

She returned the squeeze, bowing her head down the road in the direction of her home, “Yes, I shall not oppose your company for the walk home.”

With @weepingknight

[weepingknight]

THE LIES OF THE SEVEN: REMNANTS

Ruran Vas and Tara Leigh venture into the northern Thanalans, to search for any remains of Melinda’s ahriman thralls.

Tara cast a glance across what remained of the cultist’s campsite. She frowned, unable to discern any trace of a voidgate on her end. "...Perhaps we should see what your stone there directs us toward. By process of elimination if naught else."

Ruran stepped forward, concentrating as his stone's light pulsed. His head shook. "Well... I see none here...so..." He began to move closer to the very large crystal talons.

She followed, intrigued by this stone; never having seen it first hand in action as they approached the talon. "...What about here?"

He grimaced behind his mask, looking up at the large structure. "If there is one here, it is hidden well. Th-the crystals impede on any sort of discernment..." From behind the structure came the sound of fluttering.

Her ears twitched slightly at the gentle sound from behind the talons; and she reached out to tap a hand on Ruran's arm. "Wait...listen. Do you hear that?"

Ruran had been so focused on detecting the aether around him, that he had not noticed the quiet noise in the distance. He blinked, and his hand rested on the hilt of his blade. "Another ahriman, I am guessing."

Tara took a moment to observe the formation, tapping her jaw thoughtfully. "...I would be reluctant to face an ahriman that was under a thrall...perhaps we should return later with others."

"I think that would be for the best, yes. If there is a portal, it would be protected. I shall tell the others, perhaps Metaphysick would assist."

She nodded, before glancing back toward the formation. "...Good, even just another one or two would be beneficial. T'would be folly to risk it.

{ @sharlayan-duelist }

[a-memory-of]

Ruran Vas had spent quite some time debating if he ought to return the Ellere’s estate, standing in front of her door. Though the two had spent brief but meaningful time together in the Shroud, distance had been made since then. Distance which Ruran had now set to amend. A…blue cloth-covered item hung from his right hand, and he fidgeted a moment before knocking on the door with his left.

Ellere Valahan looked up at the knock, tilting her head. Setting her book aside, she pushed herself up from the couch and moved to the door. “Just one moment,” she called out as she walked, unlatching it and pulling it open. She smiled warmly, familiar head of golden locks and a masked face greeting her, “Well, hello, dear.”

Ruran seemed sheepish from the very start, his posture shuffling as she opened the door and met his gaze. “H-hello, Ellere,” he greeted, his head bowing. “I…ah…m-may I come in?” He had a key, of course, but it did not seem appropriate.

Ellere rose a brow, noting his hesitant behavior. But she could only assume it was lingering from all that had happened. She glanced down to the oddly shaped package in his hand, before moving aside and opening the door wide to let him through. “I am always more than happy to have you visit. Come in, sugar.”

He nodded quickly and stepped inside. He did not yet address the item he had brought. There was the sound of a slight rustle within. “H-how have you been..?”

Ellere blinked at the rustle, but left it, for now. “I’m doing well. You? Things… seem almost normal once more. Mostly,” she gestured inside, “Please, make yourself comfortable. Tea?”

Ruran’s head canted, brows furrowing. He then nodded and made his way to the table, where he could set the package down. “Y-yes, please. And…ah… ‘mostly’, you say..?”

She shut the door behind him, moving over to the kitchen and filling a kettle with water to heat. “Do not worry so, dear. I merely meant things seem quiet. Which, I suppose is a blessing considering. I had almost gotten used to traipsing about chasing voidsent and the like.” Reaching up in a cupboard, she drew out some packets of tea.

“Ah–of course.” Her words seemed to bring him more at ease. He looked down to fidget with his gloves. The man was just about as thin as usual, though at least his figure had not worsened. “You do not miss it, then..?”

Ellere shook her head slightly, laughing quietly as she set the kettle over the heat. “I should miss dealing with monsters and powers of darkness? No, but perhaps I do miss the travelling… and the people.” She paused, moving to lean against the column a moment as the water boiled. “I would ask the same of you, yet I know you keep yourself busy.”

Ruran rubbed the side of his neck, shrugging lightly. “I do, yes. I…recently put an end to a summoner in Ul'dah–a powerful merchant with many strings. And also…a morbol…” For some reason, speaking of the morbol put him at more unease than the cultist.

She rose another brow, amused. “I should have known. You are not the type to let quiet linger.” She turned back as the kettle whistled, pouring two cups of tea and mixing them with a bit of honey. “I thank you for not asking for my help with your morbol friend,” it was most definitely a tease. “The smell lingers for moons, and I’d hate to have to burn a nice set of clothes.”

He moved from the table to join Ellere in the kitchen, near enough that she could hear the exasperated sigh from him. “I am…well aware of it. Certainly now. The stench was unbearable…” The more he spoke with her, the more comfortable he seemed to become. The stuttering lessened, at least. “I had thought to be rid of it with a strong bath, with an alchemic lavender mixture… My hair had a purple tint for a few suns.”

Ellere stopped stirring, the silver spoon tapping against the side of the cup once as she looked over to him. Her lips twitched up, “Purple? Truly?” A hand rose up and curled over her mouth, it was clear the thought amused her. “Goodness… I truly regret not seeing such a thing. I bet you were darling.”

Ruran gave her a small look, brows furrowing. “I-I laid low until it faded. Not that I…do not mind the color, but it is one more thing to catch people’s attention.” He motioned to his mask, which had caused him more trouble than he could have ever anticipated. Still, her amusement brought a softness to his gaze. “At the very least, I no longer smell of morbol.”

She was unable to stop a small giggle escaping, even from behind a hand. “At the very least,” she agreed, “I am sorry, I should not laugh at you. But it is a rather cute image.” She picked up one of the cups, offering it to him and nodding toward the living room before taking the second.

Ruran ran a hand through his hair, recalling the image himself. He let out a lighthearted sigh. He accepted the cup with a quiet word of thanks and began to move toward the living room. However, he stopped at the table, remembering. He looked over his shoulder toward Ellere.  "Ah–there is…a reason I came here…“

With @weepingknight

Keep reading

[moonlifter-archive]

Ruran scritched the side of his neck. Solemn weariness had settled over him, and it showed in the subtle change of posture and gaze. He nodded and took his half of the flowers. “You are right. I just…wish it was not so. It makes me want to fight harder…to see this happen less.”

“Then do that,” she urges, gesturing vaguely with a hand. “For him. For yourself. For everyone else you’ll save in the turns to come. Use his memory to do better, rather than focus on… Mourning his loss.”

The knight gave a curt nod. The golden stone twinkled against his breastplate. “I will, of course. That is…everything I aim to do.” His head canted as he regarded her thoughtfully. “You have…grown from this.”

Aedwen looks to the stone as it glimmers against the steel of his chest. His words bring about a smile on her lips, but she does not answer him immediately. Instead, she turns and lingers on the edge of the cliff a nonce before tossing the flowers over to the sea.

“..I cannot do as you do, Ruran. I’m no voidsent-hunting knight.” She laughs and shakes her head. “I can’t even use an aetheryte, or cast a bit of magic.”

Ruran stepped closer. He released his flowers over the edge, watching as the wind scattered them out to see in a flurry of petals. “You do not need magic nor a sword to be someone’s hero, Aedwen.”

Aedwen smiles and turns her head as Ruran approaches. “Maybe not. Which is why I plan on taking him with me on my journies.” A hand rises to hover over her heart. “I owe him that much.”

His head tilted, but he soon offered a small nod, understanding her meaning. “I hope you go on many journies, then…”

Beaming now, Aedwen steps up to join him, away from the edge of the cliff. “As do I, Ruran. As do I." 

@locke-rinannis  ♡

[weepingknight]

PANCAKEPALOOZA 2018

In honor of G’rha Nunh’s birthday, Ruran Vas and the Thanalan Acquisition’s friends and staff celebrated with the tradition of...pancakes!

{ @relic-xiv | @lominsadan | @emerald-sunrise | @thynameistrouble | @gyrabanian }

[weepingknight]

A FAMILY’S CURSE: THE GEM-EYED’S FALL

{ @literal-ghost | @wyranimh | @suieclair }

[herd-of-halla-deactivated202102]

Legend of the Jade Chocobo

The previous owners of Metaphysick’s estate had come upon a collection of jade chocobo statues, discovered deep in lost ruins and obtainable only after solving a riddle and avoiding the dangerous traps therein. M was intrigued and had deciphered the location of another statue from a stone tablet found with the last one found.

In the land of the ruined king You feel the blaze of heat, its sting Yet even here in this palace of woe A garden blooms with a path to show Many a dark beast make their home In broken glass they forever roam Decadence may lead to your doom One false step becomes a tomb The jade flame burns at the end Let it cleanse your sins and transcend

Each line of the tablet’s riddle soon became apparent as we faced down a horde of shadowy creatures, nearly became trapped in a watery abyss and finally succumbed to the burning fire at the ruin’s end. Our prize: another jade chocobo statue and another stone tablet with coded language. How many of these had been scattered around Hydaelyn and what was their purpose?

Feat: @hithren @weepingknight @sharlayan-duelist @eggplant-xaela @grumpy-limsan-customs-cat @talesofwight @loversmercy @righthererightzao

[weepingknight]

A FAMILY’S CURSE : OUT OF SEASON

Ruran Vas, Vio Terrell, Leonnaux Altoix, Ehre’to Lhisniyo, and Edda Vincents go to the Ceruleum Processing Plant to hunt for a strange creature feasting upon the aether in the area and damaging the pipes. If allowed to continue, the monster would inevitably cause an explosion within the plant from the unstable ceruleum.

At the top of the pipes, the group finds soon finds the large monster leaping toward them—a twisted golem that had the ability to go invisible. Working together, they defeated the hostile beast, ensuring that the camp would no longer be threatened.

{ @celesiel | @hellsbovnd | @angstomancy }

[locke-rinannis]

14 // Validation

character : ruran vas. mentions : khuu (madoc & arshtat’s tiger cub - @thrillofbattle​ & @hithren​). tw : none.

While Madoc and Arshtat had been called to a job for several suns, the couple decided to leave Khuu in the care of their masked friend. Ruran found himself all too willing to oblige, for the young tiger had chuffed his way into the knight’s heart. Surely a little bit of time away from his mission wouldn’t hurt, for Khuu’s sake.

It had taken several bells for the cub to be adjusted to his temporary home–the Reprieve–exploring every nook and cranny of the new and exciting inn room. But once his overwhelming curiosity had been sated and the hour had drawn late, he seemed content to stick by Ruran.

The knight was sitting on the couch in front of the warm fireplace, a wooden bowl with a variety of dried meats and fruits on his lap, pieces which he occasionally tucked under his mask. Khuu sniffed at the man’s metal gauntlets, pretending not to eye the bowl.

“You know,” Ruran’s quiet voice began, “I have…always gotten along better with animals than with people.” He tore off a piece of jerky and dropped it on the cushion for the cub to greedily snatch up. “Perhaps because you do not see me as people do–with expectations I cannot meet.”

Khuu’s aforementioned expectations were made known by another nudge at Ruran’s hand.

The knight reached for another piece and offered it. His words came easily enough, disjointed at times but without much stammering. Khuu did not seem to mind regardless. “I can speak anything to you, and you would not judge me for it–you would not repeat it to my detriment, or…try to change things.”

Another piece of jerky for Khuu and an apple chip for himself. The tiger was a voracious void of jerky-consumption, ready for the next while the knight slowly mulled over the apple piece.

“But it–it is not as though I do not wish to change–to…take better care of myself–o-or, to not put myself in danger. I am…merely forgetful, most times. I get…wrapped up in too many thoughts. My mission, it–is easy to be consumed by it, e-especially when…my mind wanders without it. … There is c-certainly irony somewhere in that I am blinded by my own light.”

When the knight had not immediately responded with food, a soft paw papped at his leg.

Ruran blinked, and a rare glimmer of amusement crossed the man’s tired gaze. “S-sorry,” he murmured good-naturedly.

The act of giving food repeated, one small piece after another. Until at last, jerky was dropped, and Khuu…simply sniffed at it. Then ignored it, instead moving toward Ruran’s lap to settle in, despite any armor or metal. The knight quickly moved the bowl to make way for the cub.

Ruran gave the tiger a small look, soft sympathy behind the eyeholes of his mask. “If only we could all live as you do, with such satisfaction. Thank you for listening to me, Khuu.”

Khuu yawned and rolled onto his back on Ruran’s lap, striped tail thwapping against the armrest. He would agree with whatever the knight said.

[weepingknight]

Bold the choice that applies the most for each pub. Italic other likely possibilities

Pub 1

Huddles in a corner staring wide-eyed at the group and wonders how they got there in the first place | Sits off to the side, sipping something non-alcoholic and watches the antics | Cheerfully sits with the group and drinks their first round | Calls for a round of shots to get the party started | Hangs our near the center of things, telling stories and cracking jokes

Pub 2

Finds a new corner to huddle in, growing increasingly concerned as the drinks flow | Relents and orders a glass of wine to nurse through the next ice age | Laughs and chats with the group, drinking the drinks and enjoying the camaraderie | Is off flirting and chatting with someone (or a few someones) up | Has made friends with the pub’s musician and is on stage singing and/or dancing a jig

Pub 3

Has been kidnapped by a roving gang of pirates (ironically also on a pub crawl of their own) | On a third glass of wine and starting to let flow all sorts of interesting self details | Has managed to spontaneously get half the bar to sing a drinking song | Has hooked up, proposed, and split up at least twice thus far and is working on their rebound third | Disappeared into a back alley with a shady looking character leaving assurances of picking something up to “liven things up a little”

Pub 4

After being adopted as their impromptu mascot, is now being ferried around by the pirates on a makeshift palanquin as their “Pirate Queen” | Beyond wine drunk and keeps losing layers because it’s “too hot” | Is engaging in some cross group friendly rivalry in the ages old combination of booze and hurling sharp objects at a target | Passed out in the gutter halfway to the fourth pub | Whether it is incendiaries or herding the entire crew onto an impromptu dragon flight, whatever surprise is planned will be memorable

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