(Open) Quick to their ends

[heavenstorn]

WHO: Cedrik Reede, open to all
WHERE: The Hinterlands, the Gallows, etc.
WHEN: Throughout November
WHAT: Monthly catch-all, including the ‘Inhuman Courtesy’ event.
WARNINGS: Gallows adjacent Bad Stuff probably, will edit as needed.

Starmetal, Hinterlands Request (Open)

[ Serene is still the more beautiful landscape by far, but it doesn’t take long for Cedrik to see the Hinterlands’ appeal. Even less for him to decide he likes it more. The Restless in the city spoke of it as some dangerous, wild place where those on the brink of madness dwell. But Cedrik finds it peaceful, especially compared to the hazards of the Shadowlands.

It reminds him of home, far more than Serene ever could.

Climbing up one more ridge Cedrik stops, pointing towards the horizon and speaking to his partner on this particular venture. ]

Looks like that goat herder steered us true. See the smoke? There’s our crater.

[ They’ve already been searching for hours and even now that their destination is in sight, it’s still a good distance away. Cedrik’s in good shape…hopefully his partner is too? The viera gives them an encouraging smile. ]

Come, we’re nearly there!


Jailbreak, the Gallows (for Felix)

[ What little order the guards of the Gallows held onto has shattered. Prisoners are breaking out, friends of said prisoners have broken in, and chaos is holding strong throughout the halls.

Cedrik likes to think he contributed a respectable amount to the madness.

Currently he stalks the halls, greatsword on his back, blood wiped from the blade in haste to keep moving. The guards it came from will probably live. He's already helped at least one friend escape but he's not done, searching the cells for anyone else who looks like they don't belong, friend or not. Which is a pretty broad category to Cedrik at this point.

And yet when he spots a familiar blue head of hair among the cells and stops for a better look... ]

Felix?

[ ...he already feels so tired. ]

Comments

sorry for the delay!

[boarwitness]

[to his credit, felix accepts the club without incident, or even a snide comment. instead, he hefts it, feeling the weight and balance in his hand, and leans it against his shoulder.]

Fine, if you're so committed. But make it quick. I don't feel like wasting another minute in this place.

[and without another word, he sweeps past cedrik, making his way back down the passage he'd seen the man emerge from in the first place. does he know where he's going? no, but maybe he's got the gist of it.]

[heavenstorn]

[ Ensuring Felix has some means to defend himself is at least one thing they can agree on. No matter how confident Cedrik is with his own skill, it would be plain stupidity to leave Felix unarmed in such a hostile place.

Though Cedrik does take issue with Felix marching ahead of him. ]

Patience...

[ Long strides help Cedrik catch up, reaching for Felix's shoulder. He'll tug the man into place behind him if Felix doesn't kick up a huge fuss over it. ]

Follow me. And try not to make too much noise.

[ Back the way he came--and down. The main gates are above them, but they're also swarming with guards now on alert for any prisoners trying to escape that way. The route Cedrik found lies in the deeper, less populated levels of the gaol. ]

[boarwitness]

[the most fuss he puts up is just to shrug cedrik's hand off of his shoulder, clicking his tongue—but he doesn't move to overtake him anew.

instead, they march down, deep into the guts of the gallows themselves, leading felix to frown (deeper) in the thin, flickering light behind him.]

Sure you know where you're going? I'm not interested in getting thrown in a cell with you.

[regardless of his wandering eyes, felix does at least dutifully keep up, not straying from following closely behind cedrik.]

[heavenstorn]

Which is something I want even less, believe me.

[ Cedrik keeps his voice low as they move. There are still guards down here, meant to watch over a different caliber of prisoner. They are more heavily armed and armored, but at least they are few in number. ]

There's a tunnel--more an opening in the foundations--that leads out.

[ At least he's pretty sure that's what the red arrow painted outside it means. Cedrik wasn't yet ready to leave when he first found it, after all. All he did was make a mental note of the place so he could return later.

Which would mean...it's...this way. Yes. ]

[boarwitness]

[at the comment, felix at least has the good humor to scoff, a low sound that clearly agrees with cedrik's sentiment.

the shadow of guards casts across the corridor here and there, but none actually come out to where they are, too busy watching their own rooms full of felixes, no doubt.]

Prisoners—or their saviors—must have made it over years, then. It's a wonder it hasn't been blocked up yet.

[he steps on a sharp rock, and hisses silently at the sensation of pain.]

And my weapons and clothes?

[heavenstorn]

[ Rather than answer, Cedrik stops and holds an arm up to encourage Felix to do the same. Things have stopped looking familiar and he needs to reorient... ]

All thrown out is my guess. They never intend for prisoners to be released, so why keep their belongings?

[ At least that's what Cedrik's assumption. In all his exploring he didn't find any repository for confiscated arms and armor.

The thought is interrupted by a distant sound. Gasping breaths, like a man in pain, and he's not far from where they've ended up. Quite suddenly Cedrik thinks they'll need to make a detour. ]

[boarwitness]

[felix stops short as cedrik does, and curses at the statement. he just got some of that back. now he was down two swords, and the only familiar clothes he knew. he's rolling over what to do about this in his brain when he hears the same sound as cedrik does, and frowns.]

Are you sure you know where you're going?

[why are they stopped, anyway. and why is cedrik pitching towards the sound of a gaurd.]

[heavenstorn]

Sure enough.

[ And yes, Cedrik is absolutely heading toward that uncomfortable noise. He gestures for Felix to wait, though he isn't waiting to see if the other man will listen.

The hallway ahead branches off to the left, torchlight spilling onto the floor. Carefully, Cedrik creeps up to the edge and steals a quick look around the corner. His expression is cold when he looks back at Felix. ]

I need to do something before we continue.

[ Beyond the corner is another prisoner, beaten and emaciated, chained to the wall with a spear piercing his shoulder for good measure. Standing before him is another guard, heavily armed and armored. Currently the guard is taking a swig from a flask, apparently enjoying a break before getting back to whatever tortures were being inflicted on the prisoner. ]

[boarwitness]

[hello??? he's not waiting in the hallway like some simpering princess. he stalks after cedrik, near enough that he can nearly see the other room too. and when cedrik turns around to talk to him, he does take a look, and frowns.

of course he wants to save the man.

felix makes an aggrieved sound, and hisses back:]

You're going to get yourself thrown in a cell.

[but he's not necessarily stopping him either.]

[heavenstorn]

[ It almost sounds like Felix could actually be worried. It's more likely that the other is only telling Cedrik that because he think he's being stupid, of course, but the possibility is enough to make him grin back at Felix. ]

If you don't want to wait you're free to keep going...the exit's one more floor down, just look for a red arrow on the wall.

[ Cedrik gestures further ahead, there's a stairwell not far that should take Felix where he wants to go. ]

Though, do me one favor? If I've not caught up to you in a bell's time, look up D and let him know.

[ The question is, will Felix leave? Cedrik does not wait to see what the man's decision is, instead giving him a firm and friendly pat on the shoulder before brazenly turning around and marching into the torchlight. The ringing sound of steel as he draws his greatsword is enough to get the guard's attention, if the spluttering sound is anything to go by. ]

Who--?! You're not supposed to be down here...

[boarwitness]

[he's not worried. he does not care what trouble cedrik gets himself into. but when the man pats him on the shoulder and launches himself at the guard, felix watches from the edge of the room for a second, curses, and launches himself in after him.

without armor, and armed with merely the dropped club, he's not much of a threat, but what he is, is a distraction. with zero hesitation, he slams his club into the guard's armor from behind, producing a clattering, ringing sound with little to no damage.]

Over here!

[but as soon as the guard turns, he dances just out of reach, his dexterity making up for the lack of brute strength.

if cedrik catches his eyes, he'll just roll them. if asked, he's helping the prisoner.]

[heavenstorn]

[ Excuse you? Pulling before the tank?? That's not how this works, Felix! Cedrik hisses a curse under his breath. ]

Gods damned cocky little...!

[ What might have been the gratifying sight of Felix pitching in to help after all is dashed when the little shit rushes in first. The guard looks just as baffled, though he reacts immediately, picking up a flail and swinging it at Felix in retaliation. Thankfully the boy is quick enough to get out of reach, but that won't last forever. ]

Watch yourself!

[ Cedrik lunges with his own weapon, swinging his blade in as wide an arc as the room can handle. With the guard's back turned it's a solid blow against his side--though he can only dent the armor rather than pierce it. He'll have a bruise from that at worst, though the force was enough to stagger him and get his attention off of Felix, at least for the moment. ]

[boarwitness]

[felix, who has never not rushed in head-first to anything as the vanguard, simply continues his quest to draw aggression away from cedrik. as soon as the guard turns, approaching the viera with a vengeance, felix simply goes back to wailing on him from behind.

this, again, does absolutely nothing, and the guard seems to weigh his options out—before ultimately turning to attack felix again. and felix, absolutely fearlessly, dodges the iron flail with a concentrated ease that is guaranteed not to last if his energy wanes. for now, at least, he succeeds.]

I won't have anything to watch if you do your job right!

[he pulls the guard further towards him, creating a larger opening for cedrik. you're welcome, buddy!!!]

[heavenstorn]

[ This guy. ]

Then stop trying to do mine!

[ The guard doesn't spare a glance back at Cedrik, leaving that opening...and as annoyed as he is with Felix, he's not going to ignore the opportunity.

A swift thrust puts Cedrik's blade between the guard's broad standing legs before he pulls up with all his strength, twisting his body and bringing it in a full half-circle arc overhead. It connects...right between the poor bastard's legs. He's armored down there, luckily for him, but the resounding clang and dent Cedrik leaves...

The guard drops at first to his knees from the force of the blow alone, one of his legs knocked out from underneath him, and then quickly falls on all fours, wheezing and whimpering in agony.

Cedrik's already winding up for a finishing blow, but if Felix is still quick on his feet he could decide to steal it... ]

[boarwitness]

[bonk

that's the sound of felix's club, slamming home on the guard's helmeted head, a resounding claaaang ringing out through the room.

the guard, already overcome with bruising and pain, finally gives up the ghost, collapsing into a pile at their feet. felix tosses the club away, brushing his hands off.]

Are we done here? Or do you want to keep playing hero?

[he's at least going over to help the prisoner now, though?]

[heavenstorn]

[ The final swing is aborted with an awkward jerk, Cedrik's sword hanging in the air as he seems to debate bringing it down on the unconscious guard anyway. Felix's little barb doesn't help. 'Playing hero'...any protests will just fall on deaf ears, he's learning that about Felix. But that is enough of a sore spot for Cedrik to ignore his better judgement. ]

People will think whatever they want of me, all that I care for is doing what is right.

[ He at least moves as he talks, sheathing his weapon before bending down and searching the guard for keys. Once found he tosses them to Felix with a curt 'here'. ]

[boarwitness]

[felix, at least, busies himself with wrenching the spear out of the prisoner's shoulder, tossing it to the side as an afterthought—then catching the keys to make short work of his shackles.]

And who decides what 'right' is? You?

[now he's rifling around in a bag nearby—and offering the prisoner water. he takes it, and busies himself drinking while felix and cedrik quarrel.]

[heavenstorn]

[ The prisoner can't help a pained noise as the spear is pulled free in the least gentle way possible...but he doesn't voice a complaint as Felix gets on with freeing him. ]

I'm not as naive as you think. [ Cedrik folds his arms and takes a step back, briefly checking the hallways beyond this open cell. No more guards, yet. He'll keep watch while Felix helps the prisoner. ] ...what I deem to be right could easily make me a monster in the eyes of another.

[ He remembers Garlemald well. ]

But this? Even you have to agree, this was wrong and needed to be fixed.

[ The prisoner, throat partially quenched, points an unsteady hand at the guard's belongings. ]

"...a salve. Please."

[boarwitness]

Fine. [salve, salve. he saw that before. back he goes to the bag, searching briefly until he finds what he's looking for.] Even a broken clock is right twice a day. Not that we know what he did to end up down here in the first place.

[he hands the prisoner the little bottle, unscrewing it first, then puts his hands on his hips, addressing him.]

So don't make us regret this.

[heavenstorn]

[ Cedrik's answer is immediate, even if Felix was speaking to the prisoner. ]

Whatever he did, it was nothing that would deserve torture.

[ The prisoner, probably wisely, isn't volunteering any information about why he was jailed. Quietly, gratefully, he takes the salve and starts applying it to his wounds. From the face he makes it must be just as painful as the injuries themselves.

He looks up at Felix. ]

"...then why help me at all? I already know what your friend thinks--" [ He nods in Cedrik's direction. ] "--but as you say, I'm a stranger to you. You have no idea why I'm here...so why?"

[boarwitness]

[there's a beat, and felix makes an exasperated, yet somehow aggrieved sound.]

Don't think too hard about it. I just got caught up keeping my idiot guide alive long enough to properly escape this place. If you want to thank people, thank him. [he huffs, and starts to walk away.] I was imprisoned for nothing, so maybe you were, too. But it doesn't matter anymore—you're free. So, get going.

[and with that, he gestures at cedrik.]

Are we done here?

[not like he was dragged into this?]

[heavenstorn]

[ Such a noise! Cedrik can't help the smile behind Felix's back as he goes out of his way to appear uninterested in the prisoner's fate. There's an attempt at looking somber when Felix looks his way again...but it's not much of one. There's a faint, knowing grin lingering as he pushes off from the wall, ready to head out once more. ]

Nearly so. [ He looks over Felix's shoulder at the prisoner who is getting back on his feet. ] You are welcome to come with us, of course. The exit isn't far.

[ The prisoner's head is bowed and he shakes it. One hand is pressed over the spear wound; the salve's stopped the bleeding but it still looks painful. ]

"I'll make my own way...but thank you, both of you." [ He chuckles as he looks up at the pair...but there's something strange in it. Briefly his fingers press over the injury and he lets out a hiss. ] "You know what they say. If it stings...then it must be working.

"Until we meet again."

[ The prisoner bows and in an instant, white smoke billows up from the ground, coiling around him and covering him from view. When it dissipates--he's gone.

Cedrik's smile vanishes with him. ]

...if he could do that the entire damned time...

[ He's more annoyed than anything. ]

[boarwitness]

[hey??????

felix frowns as immediately as cedrik does.]

What a waste of time. I agree—if he could do that, why not from the beginning? Ridiculous.

[are they seeing eye to eye? nah, must just be a trick of the dungeon.]

I'm beyond ready to be done with this place.

[heavenstorn]

Either something prevented him or...we were being tested. It had best be the former.

[ Cedrik's eyes narrow as annoyance shifts into actual suspicion. But he clicks his tongue and shakes his head rather than dwell. Felix has the right idea, it's time to go. ]

Agreed. I've had my fill of it as well...come.

[ The tunnel will lead them back to the surface at last and from there Cedrik will feel confident enough that Felix won't get himself killed somehow to leave him be. ]