Expanse: The City Reboot (Dark Fantasy Epic) Main Thread (Open, Started)

[Evrant-Knight]

Along The Streets (Undisclosed Location) - Tinsdal

Vergil followed along behind the group, keeping a close eye on their surroundings, in case they were being followed, or worse. They soon arrived at a cramped and rather narrow looking street; it's existence barely registered with the surrounding populace, shadows of age and mystery were cast high upon its walls. The street soon opened up into some kind of courtyard, and at its epicentre, lay an old stone fountain; it's basin dried and cracked in places, and the face that would of once had water pouring out of its mouth was overgrown with moss.

The Vessel had taken a moment to observe the face, obviously trying to figure out who it was supposed to represent; but not before Katelyn tossed a gold Kiel coin into the fountain, which created a loud echoed, and had summoned an archer from a hidden location. Vergil used his Shade's Vision to see if anyone else was snooping above them, and his assumptions were right, a small group of archers had positioned themselves around the party, all hiding in shadows.

" I see you brought friends. " The exposed archer remarked.

"I was expecting some kind of welcoming committee, considering who brought us here." Vergil remarked in response, casting a brief glance at Katelyn, before returning his gaze to the archer above him.

 

[FinalDream]

Daniel De?Silver - The Streets - Tinsdal

Daniel De?Silver laughed. Once again the noise seemed unnaturally loud in the courtyard. The smile on his face showed his genuine amusement at the comment as he vanished back inside the aged building. An agonising moment of tension rippled through the air as the others seemed unsure of what might happen next. An audible click preceded the grinding of stone as the face of the fountain swung aside to reveal a narrow and dark brick passage. It was clear from the different materials used in the passage that this had been a later addition to the building.

Daniel emerged alone and strode out into the base of the fountain. He held an attractive and well shaven face that befitted his young age. Under the long tanned trench coat the metal of his sword glimmered in the light. He looked at Vergil.

?When this building was designed the men constructed this courtyard to amplify even the slightest of whispers as a security measure for a very paranoid man. As such it makes a nice entrance for a hidden base don't you think?.?

He turned to Kate.

?You should take them to see your mother straight away. You know how she is.?

He turned around to take in the others.

?You are all safe here and if it makes you feel any better you can keep your weapons. Follow me.?

Daniel spun around and climbed back into the fountain vanishing into the dark of the tunnel.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Along The Streets (Undisclosed Location) - Tinsdal

"When this building was designed the men constructed this courtyard to amplify even the slightest of whispers as a security measure for a very paranoid man. As such it makes a nice entrance for a hidden base don't you think?" The man asked after appearing from a secret entrance that was the fountain itself. He looked young, at least younger than Vergil according to a brief scan that was made; upon which his name was found, Daniel. The group soon entered into the passageway that was shown, Vergil's eye's becoming accustomed to the dark rather quickly. Now seemed the time to answer the question.

"I guess your right, who would of thought to look for a hidden entrance to a secret base inside a fountain; unless of course you already knew it was there, or figured out that something didn't feel quite right about the scene, if you understand where I'm coming from." Vergil remarked with a vague note of slyness, suggesting how someone might have already known about the secret doorway.

Kristina Kerrigan - Along The District Streets (The Dean's Crypt) - Tinsdal

"Ah, a businessman are we?" Kristina asked sounding curious about the man's reason to be here.

"Would this lady be permitted to know what kind of business? Or is it a 'I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.' type of business?" She then asked, being cautious but also sounding not afraid.

 

[Korten12]

? Dean?s Mansion ? Tinsdal.

?So Velen what do you think?? Lorel asked after he had just explained the situation to him. Velen just stood there pondering.

Velen then silently nodded and responded. ?We must tell the Dean. So his forces can prepare for this massive war fleet.? Lorel and Itsuka nodded at the idea and then moved to find the Dean whom was in the main room sitting with a look of annoyance.

?Do you need something? Sorry, I have lots on my mind at the moment. Can it wait?? The Dean spoke in a very low voice.

Velen shook his head. ?I am sorry Dean, but it cannot. A massive war fleet is coming to the North. It will be attacking one of the coastal districts, you must send word to all the coastal districts to prepare for this.?

?A war fleet? This week just keeps getting worse and worse? Tinsdal is in disarray from everything that has happened. Alright, I will mass the troops in all the coastal cities. Thank you for telling me this.?

?No problem Sir.? Velen responded.

 

[ServebotFrank]

Kain Whitestroke-Crypt-Tinsdal

Kain responded to the women fairly quickly after her question, "Oh I wouldn't say Business man, but as to what type of business...Well...I already told you what business I'm here for. I believe I said, 'visiting clients and visiting friends in the area.' I wasn't being vague, that's literally the reason I'm here." It was probably the most truthful thing Kain has said thus far.

When one thinks of Kain is in Tinsdal for, his description is fairly accurate.

 

[FinalDream]

Katelyn Verneer - The Library of the Wind - Tinsdal

Kate remained motionless before the entrance to the tunnel. In total silence. She had seen the sight of the gaping fountain door too many times before and it never failed to provoke bitter thoughts of a time long ago. She had seen the darkness swallow Daniel from sight and she followed, more than a little nervous, drawing a deep breath to calm the fluttering nerves inside of her. She hated the dark of the labyrinth. The cold chill that lingered in the still air crawled across her skin and she resisted the urge to shiver. She would not allow some childhood fear to overcome her now.

The dark was suffocating but Kate kept her attention on the odd noises of the passage. The sound of footsteps and the occasional crash of loose brick as someone behind brushed the wall. She seemed to follow Daniel for what seemed like a long time down the gentle sloped passage twisting and turning as it cut through the bedrock of the district. Had there been light you might have seen the other passages diverting off into the darkness beyond. Was Daniel taking the long route for the purpose of confusing the others?


She smiled at the sight of the emerging round chamber. A single shaft of brilliant light fell from the roof to illuminate the giant, aged, wooden door in the wall. The lingering remnants of peeled red paint and gold highlighting seemed an unusual mix for the style of the north. The door was opened from the inside. The creaking wood strained to reveal a faded but ornate multi-levelled room housing the giant statue of a smiling goddess. Candles burned to give a soft light to the chamber and the smell of insence lingered in the air.

?Welcome to the library.? Daniel remarked aloud. Though it seemed more like the entrance to a temple to him.

 

[FinalDream]

Daniel De?Silver - The Library of the Wind - Tinsdal

?Several thousand I believe.? Daniel remarked casually to the Vessel as he kept his eye on Katelyn.

 

[DragonofDecay86]

Vincent - Tinsdal - Near the Mortuary

"Not that this little meeting isn't fun, but would you mind if we moved on since you insisted on showing us around Kristina?" Vincent said, his eyes flickering over the newcomer for a second before coming back to rest on the tour guide. They're plan wasn't going at all to how they wanted it, and now they were being slowed down even more.

Dammit, maybe we should have just ignored this and reported back to the Council when we had the chance... Vincent thought to himself.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Along The Streets (Undisclosed Location) - Tinsdal

A single shaft of light greed the group as they entered a rather large, circular room. Along its outer walls, candles were situated, each giving off a faint fragrance that Vergil recognized as incense; he figured it was related to the large statue of a smiling goddess that appeared to be an important feature of the room. There were a few features that matched it to the fountain in the courtyard, but that had been so destroyed by age, he couldn't be certain if they were the same.

"Welcome to the library." Daniel remarked aloud.

"Hmmph, impressive." Vergil remarked in a rather flat, nonchalant tone.

"But as you know Daniel, books are not what we came for."

Kristina Kerrigan - Along The District Streets (The Dean's Crypt) - Tinsdal

"Yes, of course your right sir. We have definitely spent far too much time here, and there is much more to see here in Tinsdal." Kristina said in a mixture of apologetic, worry, and frantic voices. After calming down for a few moments, she had regained control of herself, putting on a charming smile. She then turned to the man on horseback.

"I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid we must depart." And after gathering up her group, they soon set off to continue their tour of Tinsdal.

 

[FinalDream]

Isabella Verneer - The Library of the Wind - Tinsdal

?You are correct Vergil Crawford, they are not.? Isabelle Verneer walked from the shadow in the corner of the room behind the statue and addressed the group. She looked at the new faces with a mixture of cation and a smile. Isabelle looked upwards into the face of the statue, at this distance she could see the cracks in the wood.

In the soft light of the room the resemblance to Katelyn was clear, the same hair but streaked with lines of grey, the same olive skin but wrinkled around the features. Isabella commanded a deep, seductive, voice that carried on the scented air a subtle hint to her past life. There was a little of Scarlett in her features, mostly the piercing eyes. She looked back down and her smile widened to accommodate a more friendly manor.

?You are here about my other daughter and it is her carelessness that has brought you to the house of the wind. The answers you seek can be found in the books that are kept here, but you will have little time for research I am afraid child.? She looked at the Vessel. Her hands at least. ?Maybe when all this has been concluded the time will present itself.?

 

[CrazyBlaze]

Telnor- The Mindscape

Telnor glowed. Bulbs of light floated around him, each representing a part of him. One of the balls of light float in front of Telnor and grew until it was large enough for Telnor to step through, ready to fight Gelm.

gelm- Tinsdal Prison

Gelm sat against the wall, legs crossed. It was time to defeat Telnor once and for all. It was time for him to take control.

Telnor- The Mindscape

Telnor watched as his mirror self materialized in front of him. Gelm's body was covered in dark flames.His hands ended in claws instead of fingers, the ground around him shifted as if unsure if it was solid or liquid. But the most striking of all were Gelm's eyes. They were a calm blue, a drastic contrast to rest of his angry body.

The land around them was barren and flat. Nothing could be seen for miles and there was no life beyond the two combatants.

"This is it Gelm. I have no desire for a thing such as yourself to control my body any longer," Telnor said.

"If you had no desire for me then I would have never existed in the first place. But deep down you know. You know that you need me. You can't live without me."

"I know I can't live without the emotions you are made of but they will not control me. You have never controlled me and I have no plans for that to change." Telnor raised his hand and the balls of light fired at Gelm blasting the land to pieces. Gelm charged at Telnor slashing at him. Telnor ducked and punched upwards with one of the balls to knock Gelm into the air, Gelm extended his claws impaling Telnor's foot.

"Lets drop the pretense. This fight should be with the weapon we know best. The sword," Gelm wiped blood away from his face as his claws shrank back to their normal length. As he spoke a blood red sword shimmered into being in front of him. Gelm grabbed it and licked the length of the blade with a freakishly long tongue. Telnor showed no response as many of the balls of light formed together to make a white sword in his hand. Only four balls stayed apart from the sword as they floated around Telnor.

Telnor charged at Gelm and stabbed. Gelm parried and and slashed back. Telnor rolled with his sword under Gelm's sword and slashed as he rolled to his feet. Gelm jumped back and the two circled each other, looking for an opening.

Gelm struck first, slashing diagonally as Telnor caught Gelm's blade against his and slide his balde up until the two swords were touching at the hilts. Telnor pushed Gelm back, spun and slashed at Gelm, cutting Gelm across the stomach and black smoke floated out of the wound.. Gelm jumped into the air and black skeleton wings formed as Gelm floated out of Telnor's reach. Telnor started running and jumped as one of the balls light formed a platform around his feet. Telnor ran up to Gelm in this manner, jumped, sliced at one wing. Gelm caught by surprise was unable to defend and Telnor cut off the wing. Telnor continuing with his momentum, turned in the air and another platform formed under his feet and he jumped again, cutting off the other wing. Gelm began to fall smoke exited his wounds. Telnor summoned another platform and jumped. Catching quickly to Gelm, he stabbed him as they fell to the ground.

"Don't thi......nk. This is....... over," Gelm gargled. "You .... will ... never be ......rid of me."

Telnor stood up and withdrew his sword. "I know. But you will never control me." With that he stabbed downwards one last time into Gelm's heart. Gelm burst into a multitude of lights that flew away. The lights that had assisted Telnor joined those from Gelm as Telnor grew. He grew and grew until he could no longer see the ground he was standing on. He grew until he could see two windows that peered out into a small room. Eventually he could see through his eyes again, and control his limbs and the rest of his body as well.

"Well. I feel like I was gone a long time. Its good to be back. I wonder if anyone will come free me from this place.

 

[ServebotFrank]

Kain Whitestroke-Crypt-Tinsdal

Kain was slightly put off to have the group walk away from him like that, but that was soon the least of his problems. He was starting to hurt again, but not in his arm this time but his head and chest were starting to burn as well. He swiftly took out his vial and poured half it's horrible contents into his mouth but it didn't even slightly alleviate the pain. His hands shook and his skin turned pale white. Kain fell backwards off his horse and coughed up small droplets of blood on the ground. The air felt even colder than it did before and Kain shook and coughed until the pain suddenly stopped.

Bystanders were beginning to observe the episode and Kain decided to quickly leave. He climbed back on the horse and galloped off again to scout the Mansion's perimeter.

 

[FinalDream]

Isabella Verneer - The Library of the Wind - Tinsdal

She heard the girl speak and Isabella turned her head to regard the Vessel with a cautious glance, masked by a smile. ?I wish I could, Andria Velkan, but in life there are somethings you must discover for yourself.?

Isabella reached out and with a gentle touch turned the hands of the Vessel so her markings faced upwards. She studied the leaf and the blood drop in the faint light, sighing a painful sigh, before turning her hands back.

Katelyn looked on with a strange look.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Along The Library of the Wind - Tinsdal

"So then, Sera never killed you in the first place then; just another one of her little white lies, should of expected as much, given who she was." Vergil remarked to Isabella whilst he looked around the room to see if anyone was watching them from above.

"Anyway, to the business at hand; what is the deal with these forsaken Sigils? Why are they so important to the Warfleet?"

 

[FinalDream]

Isabella Verneer - The Temple of the Wind - Tinsdal

Isabella smiled at the thought of that time, so long ago, the cold of the snow, the bitter chill of the wind, it all seemed so clear now. Sera had acted for herself of course, of that there could be no doubt.

?She did Vergil, but she had her reasons, and Scarlett? well. She told you the truth, at least as far as she knows.? Isabella paused as if regarding the Sigils. ?The Sigils are the key to the capture of the North. To open the door of the elements and reclaim the future for all. That was Sera?s legacy. A bright new future beyond this darkness. This place was once a temple to one Sigil, there are more like it, but enough, I will tell you more when you return.?

?Return?? Katelyn questioned aloud.

?Yes. You have a friend named Telnor, no??

Katelyn looked confused and turned to the others.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Along The Library of the Wind - Tinsdal

"Indeed we do Isabella, Telnor is still currently residing in jail after a little drunken incident of his own doing. But he is a friend, and friends don't bail out on each other." Vergil remarked as he remembered the last time he saw him, being dragged away after fighting some invisible entity. But the way that she seemed to know all of their names caused him to question her abilities.

"You know I find it interesting that you know our names, despite us never have met you before; and the fact that you have all this information about the Warfleet so readily available. What I want to know is, how?"