The Manipulative & the Subserviant

~Dorter~

*Folmarv turns to leave when he encounters a female samurai with red hair tied back into a braid.*

"I presumed I recognized the head of the Templarate. What is it that has brought you here...Ser?"

Folmarv<I was just speaking with these...upstanding citizens.>

"Right. But what brings you HERE? You're fairly far away from Mullonde or Lionel."

Folmarv<Are you saying I do not have the right to be in Dorter?>

"...No. Of course not. My apologies."

Folmarv<And what of you? You wear the mantle of the black lion. What business does Goltanna have so close to Eagrose?>

"My orders are from the Marquis, who is searching for deserters."
========================================
~Orbonne~

<No need. She will live.>

*A fucking lightning bolt hits the knight, knocking her unconscious. A man with slicked-back brown hair & golden armor walks up the stairs.*

<Come with me, Princess. Not you. I know you're the fake.>

*He points at Sab.*
=============================================
~Lesalia~

*When they enter the tavern, Euryale notices a young man in a red cape sitting at the bar, looking all brood-y.*

"Is that a Lion Knight? What is he doing way up here?"

Zac came back into the room, "Iliad, I've packed what we'll need," He then noticed Lilith, "I see the Templar is still here, and we even have a new guest."

"Very new, if you don't mind me asking, ma'am, who are you?"

--

Sab looks horrified, then steps between Ovelia, and the man, "I won't let you harm her! Lady Oaks!"

--

"I'm not entirely sure," Noctis said, looking in his direction, "That isn't exactly the kind of person I make 'friends' with when I come here."

"Have you seen him before?"

"Like I said, he isn't really my type, but... no, I don't think I've ever seen him here before." Noct said, "As Euryale suggested, it is a bit odd to see someone like him here."

~Lesalia~

R"It's my dad's."

E"Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to--"

R"Talk about me unless it was behind my back."

*He shakes his head & stands up.*

R"I'm sorry, that was uncalled for. I shouldn't have taken my frustrations out on you. My name is Roatha Arelaz."

*He holds out his hand, which Euryale shakes.*

E"Euryale Rakshashi. Umm...if you don't mind my asking, you look like a commoner. How is it your father was a knight?"

R"...The 50 Years War."
==========================================
~Dorter~

"I do. No offense, but I don't give my name out to common thieves."

*She smiles. Folmarv slips out, talking as he goes.*

"If you prove to be uncommon thieves, then you can know. For now, you can call me Eve. What should I call you?"

Folmarv<I must be off. Do tell the Marquis to remember where his jurisdiction ends.>
============================================
~Orbonne~

???<She cannot hear you. Not over the battle & the storm. And I intend to see this through with as little bloodshed as possible. So come along.>

*He grabs Ovelia's hand & she starts pulling against him.*

Ovelia<Unhand me! I'll not take orders from YOU!>

???<You've quite a mouth on you, Princess.>

*He punches her in the stomach, knocking her out, & slumps her over his shoulder.*

???<Forgive me. 'Tis your birth & faith that wrong you. Not I.>

Noctis frowned, if he was a Knight through the 50 years war he was either now dead, or part of the Corpse Brigade... and most likely dead.

"What happened to him?" Mortal asked casually.

"Mortal, you um, shouldn't pry into a stranger's past like that," Noct said quickly.

--

Zac chuckled, "Well, Eve, you'd be glad to know that we are not common thieves, in truth, we're no longer thieves, are we Iliad?"

"No, I'd say we're back to being Lesalian Nobles, but I doubt that does us any good here in Dorter," Iliad said, extending his hand to Eve, "The name is Iliad Bell, I'm honored, if a bit concerned. I usually like to get to know a lady better before she comes inside my home."

Zac shook his head, smiling, "Glad he is gone," He said quietly, "Anyway, I'm Zac, pleased to meet you. You'll have to forgive me if I don't give you my surname. If I'm returning to my old life, I imagine that means dealing with the realities that come with it. That means I've lost claim to my House."

"Save the poor girl your melodramatics, Zac, I doubt she cares about your woes, or mine, besides, I doubt things are as bad as you believe them to be." Iliad said.

"Regardless, while it was nice to meet you Eve, I do believe it is about time Iliad and I go on our way, we have an appointment in Lesalia."

--

"Stop it! Unhand the princess!" Sab shouted "Land of all lives, suppress all rebels! Immobilize!"

~Dorter~

L"...Whatever he said, it's bait for a trap. I lied earlier. The Marquis believes the church has foul intentions, & sent me to investigate."
==========================================
~Orbonne~

???<I think not.>

*Up above, Agrias & Ramza run onto the balcony. Ramza runs out the door.*

Agrias<Hold! ...Damn!>

*When he keeps walking, Agrias slams her fist on the railing & runs down the stairs, but by the time she gets there, he's already left the building.*
=========================================
~Lesalia~

R"I wouldn't have told you that much if I'd intended to withold the information from you. I'm sure your fellows have already guessed. He was in the Corpse Brigade. After the Battle of Fort Ziekden, I do not know what happened to him. I've yet to find him, & as far as I know, he hasn't returned to Dorter."

E"Well...I'm sorry to hear that, but I hope you're not planning on--"

R"I'm wearing this now as a reminder that there was a time when he was viewed as a hero. I'm hoping that the former Corpse Brigade soldiers turn their talent for battle to good use from now on. Hey, you guys are here for drinks, aren't you? Why don't you let the first round be on me."

Iliad shook his head, "This is the church, they have no reason to lie, least of all to us."

"Your blind faith does you a disservice Iliad," Zac said, having already suspected trickery, "Think about it, they may have had no reason to lie, but for what reason would they tell us? The kindness of their hearts?" Zac shook his head, "A likelier theory is that they have a vested interest in getting Convolt, and you'll simply play their assassin, for free no less."

"Our experience in Goug years ago has poisoned your mind, not everyone with a title and status is a player in some circuitous plot," Iliad replied.

"No, your blind admiration for Ajora has poisoned your mind to reason itself," Zac countered, "You want it to be Convolt so you can finally have your vengeance. Folmarv could have told you it was my sister, and I fear you may have hunted her down."

"Quieten yourself, Zac, we have a guest, and your outburst does not cast you in a favorable light," Iliad said, taking a seat.

"No more so than you're idiocy," Zac said, mostly to himself, "I'm sorry, Eve, you should not have been witness to that. It is just that... times have been hard on the both of us."

--

Sab, presumably being closer to the situation than Agrias, chases after the man, grabbing her staff on the way out the door. "Stop!" She shouted after the man.

--

Mortal smiled, "That is quite an honorable thing you're doing for your father," She said, "I'm sure he would be proud of you, that you remember him as a hero."

"Agreed," Noctis said, a bit impressed with the boy despite herself. When it came to the drinks though, that was a different story, a man buying drinks for her didn't really send the right message, and it was hard enough to find someone with her proclivities as it was. Before she could turn the boys offer down, however, Mortal had already spoke up.

"I'm sure we have enough to cover our own expenses, but if you want to, I won't insult you by declining so generous an offer," She said, still smiling, "I would however, advise against covering more than one round of drinks, my sister has expensive tastes."

Dammit, oh well. I'm a regular here, and my reputation precedes me in one facet above all. One round of drinks should not be an issue. She thought, then she caught Mortal's slight on her, "I don't choose things simply because they are expensive, but because it is simply better. It isn't my fault those are the more expensive things."

~Orbonne~

*The man hops on a Chocobo.*

???<Blame yourself. Or God.>

*He then rides off into the sunset, looking at the blue mercenary as he goes. By which I mean across the dock into the stormy mountains. Agrias runs out a second later, haunching over & breathing heavily.*

<...Was that truly you, Delita?>
=======================================
~Lesalia~

*Roatha looks at Noctis with an unreadable expression before he digs some Gil out & handing it to Mortal.*

R"So you can make your own orders."

E"That's actually pretty impressive. What is it you do?"

R"Anything, really. Usually I escort nobles whose ambitions exceed their strengths. This coin is from a group of thieves who were plaguing the manager of the Gollund Mining Company."
==========================================
~Dorter~

"Quarrel as much as you need. I did not tell you what I did so that you could march peacefully to what could be your deaths. You've a right to be concerned."

"Lady Oaks, I apologize, but he has made off with the Princess." Sab said, a bit shell shocked by what just happened.

--

Noctis furrowed her eyebrows, not liking Roatha's look. It was a bitter poor person's look. Deciding not to make an issue of it, Noctis said, "I imagine business is good for you then. An honorable warrior, with an income to boot. Your kind is rare at an establishment such as this, but not unwelcome."

"Taking a liking, Noctis?" Mortal asked playfully as she ordered a drink for herself and Noctis. She would have ordered for Euryale as well, but she didn't know what she usually drank.

"Not at all," Noctis replied quickly, and definitively, "He is attractive, but no one I would be interested in."

Mortal frowned, even when giving a compliment Noctis seemed to be a bit harsh in the way she went about things, "So, uh, Euryale, what have you been up to?"

--

"You freely insult the sanctity, and honor of the church, and on what? Suspicion, an inkling of an idea?" Iliad said, starting to get annoyed with this new woman barging into his house, and throwing around accusations, "Such talk is liable to get you branded a heretic."

"No man is above malice, Iliad, clergy or no," Zac said, "If there is merit to these claims you should hear them before jumping to any conclusion."

Iliad crossed his arms, "Fine, What proof do you have to substantiate your wild claims against the church, if any?"

"And you? Where do you stand?" Sorrel asked the man.

Reiter: <It's our opportunity to get revenge for the others.>

Parker: <Is this really a good idea...?>

Rhea: <...What would you need us to do to distract them?>

~Gollund~

<Knights are used to small skirmishes with brigand groups. We'll use that as the prelude to the main event.>
=======================================
~Lesalia~

<I am just a simple educator with no head for politics, of course.>
--------------------------------------------------
*Roatha scratches his head as Euryale orders a drink.*

E"I've been living in the city, but since money for rent is hard to come by, I've been taking jobs to run out problem monsters. Mostly undead & goblins. Strange, I've never seen you on one of those hunts."

R"You're probably asked to do that by peasant groups & the occasional town official. I only take clients with notoriety."
=======================================
~Dorter~

"...You jest, right? What business does the head of the Knights Templar have consorting with thieves? No offense to yourselves, of course. In fact, I view thieves as professionals of their own sort. That said, you surely understand your own business, so I'll ask you this: If a Knight doesn't come to your hideout to kill you...doesn't it usually mean he aims to hire you for a job that's less than savory?"

*She shrugs.*

"Obviously, that's not what he was doing here. But what are the odds he has incidental business with every thief gang in a particular city? Even if he did, why would he not send a messenger? Suspicious behavior mounting on suspicious behavior, if I do say so myself."
==============================================
~Orbonne~

Agrias<I see that. We'll have to go after him.>

*The man in the blue armor takes several quick steps up to her, leaving her to stare at him in a dumbfounded manner. The other mercenary is entering the church.*

???1<Let me go with you!>

???2<Have you gone mad, Ramza? This has nothing to do with us.>

Ramza<...There are things I must know, Ser Gaffgarion.>

Gaffgarion<Oh, very well. Though that brings up another matter. Is the girl coming with us? I do say it's past time we needed a body double.>

Agrias<...I do not know. The church gave me no instructions on what to do if we should fail.>

"I would go with you," Sab said, "At its heart, my job was to protect the Princess."

--

"Suspicious behavior is far from anything incriminating," Iliad said, "I admit it is odd, but that doesn't change the fact that they have done nothing wrong. No crime committed."

Zac simply shook his head, "I can't believe you, I just..." He let out a long sigh, "How about this, instead of rushing off to run this Sorrel through with a blade, we take the time to substantiate what has been said. If Sorrel really is the villain the Templar said he is then it matters not if he is good, bad, or indifferent. Should Sorrel have no connection to the crime, or worse yet, a reason the church may want him dead, then it would stand to reason that we are being played, again."

--

"That sounds exciting, the jobs you both have," Mortal said, interested in hearing more, "Meanwhile, I've been at school, studying."

"An education can be the foundation for a great many things, Mortal. You should not speak so lowly of working towards greater intelligence," Noct replied, "So, Roatha, how did you come to find a job escorting 'notorious' nobles? I can't imagine one simply falls into that job, and nobles are not the most trusting sort of people. You must have a bit of a reputation by now."

"Naturally, and I but a merchant"

~Dorter~

"If you don't mind my asking, how do you plan to 'substantiate his connection'?"
=====================================
~Orbonne~

Gaffgarion<Then I suppose it's settled. We'll all go on a merry little romp to rescue the Princess.>
=====================================
~Lesalia~

R"The plan is to build reputation. But it isn't easy. It's a lot of running around until you stumble upon someone who's in over their head, & so has no choice but to hire the first person to come along."

E"That sounds a bit...extortionate."

R"Maybe, but it beats dressing in cameo & attacking the government. And that's really the message I'm trying to spread, is it not?"

E"I...suppose."
--------------------------------------------------
<Well, I suppose if we've no more business to discuss, then I should be off.>
--------------------------------------------------
*Astarte is called into the audience chamber. When she gets there, not only is her family there, there's also an elderly mage in dark blue robes with a straw hat. He smiles at her.*

"Hey there, kiddo. I was just telling your parents that I'm on an important errand to the Royal Family. And also that I'm looking for an apprentice in magick. Might you be interested?"

"Indeed. Have a good day"

Zac turned to Eve, "You've already said it is your plan to investigate, correct," He spread his arms, "Well, you now have a lead to travel down. We may be thieves here, however, in Lesalia we are nobles. Even if I am one no longer, my friend with the blind faith over there actually ranks pretty high, even among the aristocracy. Perpetuating murder, and causing in fighting between the Noble Houses of Lesalia seems very much so like 'foul intentions', does it not?"

Iliad stayed quiet, and took on a bit of brooding while Zac talked, clearly unhappy with Zac's accusations.

--

"Okay then, but... where do we go now?" Sab asked.

--

Noct and Mortal both simply drink their drinks as Roatha and Euryale talk.

~Dorter~

L"I suppose, but would it not be more prudent to investigate within Dorter's limits first? If this...Sorrel Convolt turns out to be a wild aevis chase, then we'll lose our respective leads."
=======================================
~Orbonne~

*Gaffgarion gestures to the back, where a bunch of downed knights are.*

Gaffgarion<They wear the crest of Goltanna, so it stands to reason that they are headed for Zeltennia. We go East.>
=======================================
~Lesalia~

E"Well...I don't mean to be rude, but--"

*She looks back at Mortal & Noctis.*

R"Not a problem. I have things to do in the city anyway."

Astarte smiled and looked to her father, then to the mage.
"I would be happy to... but," She hesitated, trying to find the right words. "I don't know you or... anything."

"Agreed," Zac said, "Do you have any idea where we should begin our investigation. We've been here for two years, but I'm afraid to say that we have not made many friends."

Iliad shook his head, "I've had enough of this talk for today, I'm going to go out for a walk, Zac." With that, Iliad got up, and left the house, glaring at Eve as he did.

"I'm truly sorry for the way he is acting," Zac said, a bit ashamed of it all, "Times have been hard on him, and it finally looked like we found an end to five years of strife. He is usually quite the gentleman, I swear. Five years ago he would not even think to raise his voice in a room with a lady present. For that matter, neither would have I," Zac let out a sigh, "Amazing how time changes a person, for better or worse."

--

"Then we must make haste," Sab said, "The abductor travels by chocobo, if we don't move now we may never catch him."

--

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Roatha," Noctis said, "Should you continue to frequent this spot, allow me to return the favor, and buy you a drink."

Mortal also bid Roatha farewell, and turned to Euryale, "So, you work as a mercenary, more or less. Why take such a dangerous job, I'm sure you could find something to do that would not put your safety at risk."

"Were Euryale not prone to doing risky things you may have still been stranded in the desert somewhere," Noctis reminded Mortal.

"I guess you're right," She admitted, "Still, if the job becomes too dangerous, don't take it. If money is an issue, I'll always be willing to help you out."

Noctis chuckled a bit, "I see you've grown used to having money to spend, but, perhaps Euryale doesn't want a hand out."

Mortal blushed, "I didn't mean to offend, I'm just saying that the offer is there, and that I don't want to see you hurt when there is something I can do to help."

Reiter: <Hmmm... all right then.>

Parker: <I mean, I guess if we get to avenge them...>

Rhea: <No, we shouldn't... it isn't right. Reiter, Parker, we can't be as bad as they are.>

Reiter: <It's too late for that, they've done too much crap. I'm going.>

~Dorter~

*As he's walking, he hears voices coming from another alley.*

Thief<Five men? That's quite the job. I'll need...10 thousand Gil per head.>

Folmarv<Ajora's blessings are not enough? You would be surprised, the ease with which men are branded heretics.>

Thief<...Perhaps my demands are too steep. How about a thousand Gil per head?>

Folmarv<Leave not a single survivor.>

Thief<Aye, & let it never be said that I was aught but a pious man.>

*After Folmarv walks away, several people ride up.*

Thief<Gods be good, that's Ser Gaffgarion! This is not worth a thousand Gil per head!>

*He whistles & some thieves come running to support him. Also, three squires & a chemist come running down the street Iliad is walking on. When they spot him, they draw their weapons.*
-----------------------------------------------------
*From Sab's perspective, the troupe rides up just in time to notice a group of thieves assemble to attack them.*

Gaffgarion<Strange for thieves to be so craven. I say we kill them all!>

Agrias<Does your thirst for blood know no end?>
-----------------------------------------------------
L"...Do you have some kind of signal, should one of you ever run into danger? Something does not feel right."
========================================
~Lesalia~

*Roatha nods, thanking them, & heads out the door.*

"It's only a few goblins. I would not go after larger game for...various reasons, but my monk training was for more than just spiritual enlightenment."
-------------------------------------------------------------
*The mage smiles warmly.*

<Why don't you tell me your concerns on a walk to the palace? You need not agree to anything until such time as I'm forced to leave the city, after all.>
-------------------------------------------------------------
*When Rhea's group enters the main street of Lesalia, Roatha stops to stare at them before running up & shoving the knight up into a building.*

R"Gustav! You arrogant piece of Chocobo shit! How DARE you show your ugly face here?!"

Sorrel overhears the commotion and walks over, "What's going on here?"

Reiter: <Was that guy called too...?>

Parker: <...I know him!>

*Parker runs up to them, the others following, surprised.*

Reiter: <Parker, wait!>

Parker: <Hey there, need a hand?>

Iliad furrowed his eyebrows, "I don't have time for this," He said, "I don't know who you are, but I want no part of this. Your prey is further down the road."

--

"We do," Zac said, "Three sharp whistles if help is needed. We've never been dumb enough to wander out of range of the whistle."

--

"An ambush? Could it be the man who kidnapped the princess?" Sab asked, "Black sheep of evil times, cover our light! Graviga!" She cast the spell on the Thief that whistled.

--

Noctis forced herself not to roll her eyes at the words spiritual enlightenment, "I'm glad your training was useful in some facet."

"I've been meaning to talk to you about the church actually," Mortal said, "Their clergy may be beyond redemption, but their teachings I find to be quite inspiring. It is a shame so few practice what they preach."

"This is the same religion that honors a God for destroying a kingdom because it made him mad," Noctis reminded, "The church has a precedent for not following the word of the law, and doing whatever suits them."

"You're just too grumpy to see the good they offer," Mortal said, "You cannot obscure your view of the forest by focusing on the trees."

~Dorter~

<That may be, but we don't be making it a habit to leave behind witnesses.>

*The squires move around him & start to close in.*
-------------------------------------------------------
*Even assuming Sab moved up, spells still take time to charge, so. Meanwhile, Agrias & Gaffgarion begin going to town on the thieves with their crazy sword moves.*
-------------------------------------------------------
L"But...by your own admission, he's behaving strangely today, correct?"
================================
~Lesalia~

"But...doesn't looking at the forest give you a false impression of what's inside?"
---------------------------------------------------------
*Roatha punches the knight in the face.*

R"I don't know why he's working for Goltanna, or what he's doing here, but this is Gustav Margueriff. He was the Lieutennant Commander of the Corpse Brigade, & also the asshole who attacked us at Zeklaus!"

*Unfortunately for him, Gustav punches back.*

<Glad you remember me. Ever more enthused you've decided to assist in the chaos!>

*3 knights in gold & blue armor with crowns displayed prominently on their capes & chest plates run up behind Sorrel.*

<Ah, & there will be the Lionsguard, the Crown's Shields. Let the declaration of war commence!>
----------------------------------------------
*Meanwhile, TAM makes it to the postern of Castle Lesalia. Of course, the 2 Lionsguard Black Mages & the 2 Lionsguard Knights stationed here don't take too kindly to this, advancing down the steps & filing out in front to face them. The Black Mages each begin charging a spell.*

<We should take them out before they manage to sound the alarm.>