zandyne
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This is NOT Zetsu. DX
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Post by zandyne on Mar 17, 2009 21:45:02 GMT -5
Among the rooftops Rensik finally came to an area, most likely what had been something like a town square. In the center was the fossil of a fountain, it's bowls and spout looked menacing now that water was no longer running through it. At the foot of this dry but glistening decoration however was a hunched figure.
It appeared to be a native who was of the darker-tinted variety, though its gender could not be told from his current vantage point. However it was definitely the source of the cries earlier as it continued making similar sounding but much smaller and raspy gurgles. Whoever it was, it appeared to be finishing for something in the empty basin of the small structure.
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Post by Ninmast on Mar 17, 2009 22:08:26 GMT -5
Even as the young man jumped from the top of the building to the crystalline ground, not a sound was made, though this was more from practice than a deliberate attempt to remain hidden, and after taking several steps forward, he addressed the figure. "Miss, is there something I can help with? Have you lost something?"
He was not forgetful of Mechio's warning, however, and an entirely subtle shift in his shoulders made sure his blade wouldn't catch if he had to draw it quickly.
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zandyne
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This is NOT Zetsu. DX
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Post by zandyne on Mar 17, 2009 22:21:24 GMT -5
"I-I'm not a miss," it gasped through hiccups and without slowing its search of the fountain.
He stopped after padding down a certain area and motioned like he wanted to move around to the other side of the fountain but thought better of it, maybe he couldn't. He turned to face Rensik, his face looked like a porcelain mask with two dimly glowing embers in them.
"I lost my wish," he stated flatly.
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Post by Ninmast on Mar 17, 2009 22:28:11 GMT -5
Rensik tossed the response back and forth in his mind for a moment before deciding to ask directly. "Are we talking a literal wish here or the result of one?"
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zandyne
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This is NOT Zetsu. DX
Posts: 1,037
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Post by zandyne on Mar 17, 2009 22:32:54 GMT -5
He pointed to the fountain like it was the answer, "I lost my wish in there. I put the wish there...and when the wish is granted the coin disappears, but..." he sounded a bit flustered, "my wish didn't get granted. So I've lost my wish."
He placed his hands on the edge of the fountain and tried to pry himself up to a standing position, "You wouldn't happen to have seen my wish would you?"
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Post by Ninmast on Mar 17, 2009 22:35:06 GMT -5
Rensik scratched the side of his silver-haired head in thought for a moment. Had he seen anything resembling a wish? That would be difficult to say. "I couldn't really say for sure," he answered honestly. "What was your wish made for?" He moved over, offering a hand to help the man up. He trusted his reflexes were fast enough to defend himself should the man turn hostile.
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zandyne
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This is NOT Zetsu. DX
Posts: 1,037
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Post by zandyne on Mar 17, 2009 23:34:30 GMT -5
He looked at his hand for a moment, it seemed completely unexpected based on his stares, but he ended up continuing to try to help himself up. Perhaps he refused out of pride. Rensik could hear a cracking sound but the stranger stood up regardless of what could have possibly been his legs breaking from the movement.
"I wished to be a knight, to serve his majesty." He gave his legs a good stretch which resulted in more painful cracking before continuing, "But I was unable to, so I made a wish with a silver piece...but now it seems to be gone."
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Post by Ninmast on Mar 18, 2009 10:52:09 GMT -5
The news of the wish just made Rensik smile. "Perhaps your lamentations are in err, good sir. Perhaps your wish hasn't been lost at all. Myself and two others are on our way to the king's castle. We're leaving at dawn. Perhaps you are supposed to accompany us and prove yourself worthy of being a knight in his service?"
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zandyne
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This is NOT Zetsu. DX
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Post by zandyne on Mar 18, 2009 17:10:17 GMT -5
He made a grim face, "I was told to come back when I was healthier and older, why would the guard accept me now? There is no need for drafting at this time. And the journey to the castle is not a difficult one, going there wouldn't prove my worth." He looked considerably depressed at his legs which were hidden beneath his baggy attire as he rubbed at his uncovered arm.
It was apparent that this person was oblivious to what had happened to the world or even that he was better described as a man now, not the boy he thought he was, however he was unsure how to gauge his health. And although Rensik's suggestion was a wise one, he would need to convey a clear purpose as to why abandoning his search for his wish to fulfill it himself would be a better choice. Perhaps if Rensik came up with an alternative or possibly even a better argument to cajole the fountain-watcher, he would join their cause and journey.
However despite this, Rensik would notice that something was amiss with this fellow's arm. There appeared to be a hideous growth of protruding crystals that possessed a sickly and black oily sheen. Perhaps this was one of the symptoms of the ill health he had mentioned.
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Post by Ninmast on Apr 2, 2009 17:09:41 GMT -5
The hand did not go unnoticed to Rensik, who eyed it only momentarily, a fleeting glance that hardly seemed even such. "Well, I can't speak much of the abilities of my fellow travelers, as I only met them yesterday, but I trained as a hero in another land at a very prestigious academy. Perhaps while we travel, I could give you some pointers that would help you qualify to become a knight in the king's service?"
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zandyne
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This is NOT Zetsu. DX
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Post by zandyne on Apr 2, 2009 19:59:53 GMT -5
The fountain-watcher's red eyes took on a brighter glow, his interest was piqued by the stranger's alleged status. He seemed to notice that Rensik was carrying a sheathed sword on his back and with surprising speed that belied his previous weakness, circled around just enough to catch a glance of the weapon. It wasn't aggressive and was satisfactory enough to confirm its existence and for the most part, its appearance from his perspective.
He regained his hunched over posture and crept closer, "So you're a knight? What honors and dignities do you possess? I would like to know if I am to become your apprentice, not that I doubt your swordsmanship but..." The fountain-watcher sounded shaky at the prospect, it was surreal to him and he seemed to be clumsily going through the motions and processes that were typical for his world.
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Post by Ninmast on Apr 2, 2009 20:24:44 GMT -5
Such a rapid rotation nonetheless triggered an automatic defensive response in the young man and he twirled around and drew the katana from his back. The hiss as it came through the cold air told of its unparalleled sharpness and its glimmer testified that it was well cared for as he brought it up on the other side of him in a ready position. If anything, this allowed the fountain-watcher an even better view of the magnificently crafted blade, but when he showed no aggression, merely curiosity, Rensik sheathed it in one experienced motion.
"A knight?" he responded. "Not exactly. While I often serve in similar capacities, my travels keep me from settling down and swearing the life-oaths required. I'm trying to get home, and until I do, I can offer my permanent service to no other. In the process, however, I have often served as guard to royalty and nobility, escort to dignitaries and a squadron unto myself in many wars. I've slewn all manner of beast and monster that would threaten the lives of others and seen many tyrants fall because of my actions. The Academy trains their graduates for nothing less."
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zandyne
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This is NOT Zetsu. DX
Posts: 1,037
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Post by zandyne on Apr 2, 2009 20:35:50 GMT -5
The confirming words seemed to inspire new life into the fountain-watcher for some reason. He seemed much more eager now as if his words had cured all of his anguish. "I suppose your appearance is the equal to my wish! Very well then, lead me to the rest of your party, sir...?" He trailed shamefully off at not knowing his name.
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Post by Ninmast on Apr 2, 2009 20:39:21 GMT -5
"Just call me Rensik," the young man provided. "We're staying in the Blue Jay inn at the outskirts of the city, and I'm not sure how the proprietor would take to an additional guest, but we'll be leaving at dawn, so you should go make sure all your things are in order and we can meet you here by this fountain and you can join up with us then. Is that agreeable to you?"
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zandyne
Full Member
This is NOT Zetsu. DX
Posts: 1,037
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Post by zandyne on Apr 2, 2009 20:43:59 GMT -5
The fountain-watcher looked like he wanted to remark on the locale but he stopped pre-sentence as if the thought was lost. He blinked for a moment before verbally agreeing to the rest of what Rensik said as if the flow of conversation hadn't hiccuped. The fountain-watcher hobbled around to one of the dreary abodes and wandered through the entrance that was devoid of a real door, shuffling could be heard within.
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