Prepare for the #LodanRespawn2024 Existing characters may choose to be displace from/have memories of different timelines, thereby allowing returning members the option to retcon their whole character. These changes are the result of the "Unnatural Fog" plot device that is running between now and the Respawn. The plot is simple: no matter where your character is, that place is shrouded in a thick fog that suspends time, but not thoughts or memories, so even if they're repeating the same day over and over again, they continue to remember, so each time feels like a new day. For those retconning OCs; this is where new versions of themselves have the opportunity to replace the old versions. Official lore and tree updates will be announced asap
Post by Stephen Leland on May 5, 2014 20:30:24 GMT
The noble made a face "You make it sound like prostitution. But I see your point, foolish sounding to me as it is. I guess 'us nobles' will never know." It was funny, in a way; what Danny had just said adequately portrayed the noble lifestyle. Everything was about show and making and impression to the rich and carefree. Reaching up he caught the candy instinctively, opening his palm to exam in his catch. With a slightly amused noise, he opened the wrapper and popped the candy into his mouth "Where do you get these.... do I want to know?" he added hesitantly, glancing back down at the empty wrapper in his hand.
Post by Tyrell O'Callaghan on May 5, 2014 20:46:42 GMT
When the door opened wider Tyrell was able to relax as he took this to be a sign that he would not be turned away so readily. Hesitantly the young crow followed the elder man into the home until he was completely parted from the other two. It never occured to him that the company he kept might have been using him although their intentions were good. As the crow and George crossed the floor, Tyrell cast one last glance at them before he was led to the study. Alone with George for a moment, the giant decided to speak quietly, "I apologize for taking away time from your day, sir."
George shook his head. "No trouble at all." he said before opening the study door, Lefiruc sat in his chair within. "Thank you George. Keep an eye on Mister Leland and his guest please? Don't want his father dropping by with worry..." he said with a mild shudder as the door closed behind Tyrell. "Now then, take a seat young man. Aside from the fighting monsters part, what else can you do hmm?" asked the old baron of him. "Tell me about yourself, and be honest. And don't gloss over anything that you're not good at either. We all have our weaknesses."
Post by Tyrell O'Callaghan on May 5, 2014 23:25:11 GMT
Tyrell shyly made his way into the room and his expression was one of mixed fear and wonder. This was the first time he'd ever found himself in a noble's home and he was unsure how the events would play out. As Lefiruc spoke, the dark haired man kept his eyes on the elder's face but clumsily moved over to sit as he'd bee instructed. Never once did Tyrell lie as it was not in his nature to mislead people save for very few exceptions. "Well, sir," he began meekly and cast his eyes down for a second before looking up again with much more determination as he spoke more steadily than before, "I have lived my life from performing many honest, hardworking jobs. They've ranged from being a simple farmhand, to helping with deliveries, to body guarding, to cleaning if I must, to baking--but I am a terrible cook. I can learn most anything as long as I put my mind to it and there are those patient to teach... one thing I am most proud of is my ability to read and write. If you should like or think it most ideal for me to be your butler then I am well to speak only when spoken to or give council when sought." Although the young crow looked confident now when he was through speaking, inside he was crumbling as thoughts plagued his mind that a deaf person could never be useful to anyone as a butler. The only thing he left out was that in his life he also stole, albeit from the rich who never noticed, it was still thieving and this man was a noble... but he didn't lie about it either.
The old man considered each word that Tyrell spoke, noting not only the words themselves, but also the tone in which he spoke them. Body language as well as he spoke was noted. When the young man was finished, Lefiruc sat in silence for a moment as he appeared to consider the situation. "I can assume that you are discreet as well given our shared heritage yes?" he asked, gauging the younger man's answer. "Given the education system, or better term, lack thereof, it's commendable that you can read and write. Don't worry about cooking, that's more George's area of expertise." he said before tapping his fingers against his armrest in thought.
"Interesting that you presumed that your task here would be that of a butler. Is that what you see yourself doing here?" asked Lefiruc, waiting for a reply before continuing. "I won't lie to you here, the pay would not be that outstanding as one might expect working for one in the "noble" circles. Most of my money went into rebuilding this house after it was destroyed in the civil war, and my investments are only just now starting to bring anything in since." admitted the elderly gentleman before he held up a finger to forestall any words. "However, if I took you into my employ, you will be paid, I assure you that. You will also receive three meals a day along with everybody else in this house." he informed him. "Not exactly fine dining, not even for myself, but better than anything I'm sure you'd find down in the less fortunate portions of the city."
"At the moment, there are no definitive jobs... everyone here does a little bit of everything. So, if I took you into my employ, you'd be expected to do the same. Tasks ranging from cleaning, to fetching groceries, to possibly attending as a guard during certain functions, amidst a variety of other duties. Would this be acceptable or do you prefer something more definite in your work load?" he asked.
Post by Tyrell O'Callaghan on May 6, 2014 11:46:05 GMT
The talk of being discreet is probably what hit Tyrell most out of anything the elder said. Never was he ashamed of his heritage nor did he hid it unless it was otherwise necessary to do so as he much preferred the freedom of leaving his wings out for display yet if he were to live and not bring pain to Lefiruc he supposed sacrifices would have to be made. "I can be discreet," he spoke softly and gave a nod to the elder then let him continue on. "And I just... I thought that's all you would really have use of me for. I do not really know what it is people actually do for those of nobility," he answered honestly. "But no matter the task you set me to I promise I will always do as best as I am capable of." Tyrell fell silent as the man picked up again this time in regards to pay and although he had sought to be paid it now bothered Tyrell that he was seeking employment from a man who did not have much. It didn't bother him because he wanted the money but simply because he did not wish to take from him when the elder man had so little. It was evident with the presentation of the house as George and he walked by. "I--Sir, to be honest I can get by with very little pay. All I require is a bed, food when necessary--not even three times a day, and only a few coins a week... even the few coins might be too much. I do not require much maintenance and I do not hold onto materialistic objects other than this," he indicated the ear muffs that hung around his neck. "I do not wish to overburden you and so if you will allow me to stay but cannot afford me than do not feel sorry or the need to pay me. I will be happy just to work."
Lefiruc sighed a little at Tyrell's reaction to his discretion. "There are those in Lodan who would see you, us, as monsters..." he said looking towards the urn that sat on the mantelpiece. "I've already lost people I cared for... My name has already been stained somewhat because of the War. I would not see others fall as well... not till the system and views have been changed." he said, before looking back at Tyrell. "It is my hope that that day will come, the day when we no longer have any need to be discreet about what we are. It is what I work towards with what power I have in the circles up here in Lodan, just as much as I'm sure Mister Frost does down in the lower circles."
The old man leaned back as he listened to Tyrell. "Lad, I will only say this once. Shut up." said Lefiruc, a twitch in his lips threatening to break into a smirk. "Don't think to say this words just because of my own financial situation. As I said before, my investments in certain markets are turning in finally, so hush. I am a fair and reasonable man, and I will not have it said that I underpay my staff just because my own pockets are slightly tight." he said. "I do not take on burdens Mister Tyrell." finished Storm before he rang a bell that had been sat on the table. A young maid opened the door, poking her head around it. "Yes Master?" she asked, looking at the new person curiously. "Linda, this is Tyrell. You've got a good eye. Find something would you?" asked Lefiruc, the girl curtseying before she departed on her errand.
Post by Tyrell O'Callaghan on May 6, 2014 22:33:39 GMT
"Sir, I know very well how it is to be seen as a monster solely based on just the color of my wings alone but it is unfair that we should not be proud of who we are. By falling into line with how their society wishes us to be, to be oppressed and hidden, it only enforces the negativity brought down on our people. There are bad people in our races but there are also bad humans. Like wise there are good humans and good andersweltlers. Should we not reveal ourselves openly so we can find those good people? I have met good people who do not find me frightening or have cause to hate me because of who I am. No, I understand why we do it and I understand that you wish for me to be discreet. I shall obey and do as I am told but from what I understand the group you and I have joined wants to go about this all wrong--with violence! More violence does not fix previous violence. There is a time to fight and then there isn't. Do not worry about me. I will not stain your good name further. I promise." He fell silent as Lefiruc instructed him to and studied the man's words as they came. When the bell rang, the sound was lost on him and when the door opened, he was clueless to the woman's presence until the elder crow addressed her. Tyrell himself looked to the new face with a bit of surprise then to the elder man again. Good eye for what? When she left his curiosity got the better of him. "What is she getting, sir?"
Post by Danny Ravensdale on May 7, 2014 15:42:07 GMT
The boy grinned impishly at Stephen. "Yeh, prostitution's jus' another business." Danny stretched his arms above his head before relaxing. "Ain' nothin' strange 'bout the candies. Jus' some sugar, bit'a fruit juice, some heat, drop'a shadow beasty blood... the usual." Danny shrugged his shoulders as he spoke nonchalantly about the candy ingredients.
Post by Stephen Leland on May 7, 2014 22:04:56 GMT
Stephen chucked at the boys response, leaning back to play with the candy in his mouth. At the mention of the ingredients his face showed an array of emotion for shock, hesitant confusion and disgust. Leaning forward quickly he addressed the boy again "Sorry, but did you just say.. shadow monsters blood??" his voice tinged with hesitation.
Lefiruc sat there in silence for a moment before softly chuckling, and smiling at the lad. "A fine speech my lad. Fine speech indeed. There's a fire in your spirit." he said approvingly. "What you say is true, there are those who would welcome our people." said the old man before sighing. "Unfortunately, they are few and far between. There are some amongst the nobles whom I consider... well, as close to friends as one can consider them given the politics up here. However, very very few of them hold any love for Anders, and would use their considerable wealth and power to ensure that no Anders achieved any meaningful power." he said, slowly standing up and looking out the window, taking pains to ensure that his lips could still be seen by Tyrell.
"Take Baron Cockfoster for example. A fine man... one I know to be an honourable sort... when his heads screwed on right. Unfortunately, he views all Anders, full and half-blood, as little more than dirt to be scraped from his boot. And he holds considerable weight in the nobility, so naturally the others take the same stance as he does." explained Lefiruc. "Then there is the High Commander of the EIRAL's. A soldier, a veteran of several campaigns... and unfortunately like all veterans, it is harder to shake the view that Anders are the enemy. Thankfully he is bound by the Queen's decrees, otherwise I fear he would have already led a purge of the city." he sighed before looking fully at Tyrell.
"I feel the same as you young man, concerning the violence. There should be a better way. But unfortunately, the majority are not as foreseeing as that. Fear of the unknown, fear of the different... Consider how our people arrived here. Through a great gate of magic we came, flying, running, our black blood running from our veins from wounds, our eyes aglow, our talons and claws out for all to see... From our fingertips we can summon fire, ice, call forth imps, take over minds, heal minor to severe injuries... even restore life to the freshly dead if there is a chance, and someone with the knowledge to do so nearby..." said the old man, briefly gazing at the portrait and urn, a sadness present in his eyes.
He sighed before he continued. "And we brought not only these strange abilities and more, with us... but also the Shadow Beasts. I don't think I need to tell you how they react to humans and Anders. At one point we fought together to stem the tide of the beasts... but prejudice, bigotry and fear pervade over that former union." said Lefiruc before he made a gesture to indicate the house as a whole. "My family has been attempting the slow and steady path... influencing changes where it could in the nobility. Some have taken hold, and those then filtered downwards through Lodan... small victories, but victories none the less... But... that is the work of generations. And as great as our magic is, nobodies ever truly found a secret to immortality... I am old mister Tyrell. And I feel older than I should some days... I cannot take flight like you or Miss Clariee can... Pray you never find yourself in such a state." he said softly.
"I grow tired... sometimes, I wonder why I should wake up the next morning... why I shouldn't just... let this next nap or slumber, be the one eternal..." admitted Lefiruc. "How I long to be with them again... Pray also mister Tyrell, that if you ever do find your love, that it is never snatched from you in a sudden moment..." he said wearily before letting out a breath and standing up a little straighter. "But... I cannot rest. Not yet. Not whilst there are young men like you and mister Jakobi brimming with fire. Or young women who have a tendency to snoop at the door when they know well enough by now to stop doing that as it makes my feather's itch, even when concealed." he said as he looked towards the door, a slight smile playing across his lips.
It crept open a little, Linda poking her head around shyly, her face a perfect image of someone having had their hands caught in the cookie jar. "Sorry Master." she said, holding something behind her back. Lefiruc shook his head, the smile not entirely leaving his face. "Ah well, I suppose that's what happens when I get a cat for a maid, is it not my dear?" he asked, the maid blushing and giggling softly. She then stepped slightly into the shadows of the study to reveal the tell-tale glimmer of Feline eyes before stepping back into the light. "Her father George is human, but loves her all the same. He'd better since he knew her mother was full Feline when he dated and married her, bless her soul. And yes, he is aware of what I am. Gave him a near heart attack when he found out... my fault though since I did swoop down on him when I was about your age." explained Lefiruc before waving Linda forward.
"Now then, to answer your question earlier about what she was getting... see for yourself." he said, the maid pulling from behind her back a neatly folded uniform, which looked like it would fit Tyrell perfectly.
(( Looks like this link If you've ever seen the anime Black Butler should be recognisable ))
Last Edit: May 7, 2014 22:48:47 GMT by Lefiruc Storm
Post by Tyrell O'Callaghan on May 7, 2014 23:12:48 GMT
As Lefiruc began to speak it was Tyrell's urn to fall silent. He listened intently and his brows furrowed while the corners of his mouth tugged downward into a frown. When Lefiruc's gaze went elsewhere, he followed briefly to see the portrait then the urn before looking back. The Old Crow's life had considerable loss as well then. While the man continued on, there was so much going on in the raven haired man's own head but he'd no room to talk or reply. So wrapped up in the atmosphere that Lefiruc Storm's speech had created that when it suddenly shifted, Tyrell was caught off guard. His attention was drawn to the door as Linda approached and because his eyes were fixated on her, he'd missed some of the elder man's words. As she stepped back to reveal her heritage, his lilac eyes widened and he looked to Lefiruc to see if he noticed too only to see the man explaining.
Did Stephen know about this? Did he know she was ander and that the noble was ander? Who was Stephen really? Who was anyone really? Slowly Tyrell stood then looked to Linda to see what she held as Storm had instructed. Cocking his head to the side and furrowing his brows, the young crow studied the outfit meant for him then moved to gently accept it from Linda. "Do I only wear this here or everywhere I go?" He wouldn't mind wearing them everywhere but they looked so finely made that he would not wish to ruin them when he was not working--and if he were to be discreet in flying then he would wish to remain looking like a street rat while in the air.
As his eyes left Lefiruc to look over the fabric he decided he would talk to the elder man about their cause later as he was not readily going to sit idle and let oppression of their people win out.
Lefiruc caught the frown on the man's face and sighed, deciding to deal with the immediate right now. "Primarily here, and if we attend functions at other places. There are concealed slits in the back so you can use your wings without having to remove any article of clothing. Tends to be somewhat noticeable if one has to strip off to take flight, and you forget to take the clothes with you." he said with a slight chuckle at some bygone memory. "You can wear it elsewhere as well should you choose to do so. Linda, how many in this size?" he asked, knowing that she would have kept an inventory. "Including this one Master, just the two." she said, smiling softly at Tyrell. The old man nodded. "So there's a spare as well, in case any tears or such occur." he said before a thought struck him. He looked towards the maid. "Linda, see if you can't try your hand at some... alterations inside the sleeves of both would you? Something discreet for hidden items. Mister Tyrell I've noted has quite the proficiency with close quarters." he requested. The maid nodded and curtsied before heading off, leaving Tyrell with the uniform still in his possession.
The old man gave a gentle sigh. "Aaand she forgot to take the one here... Lovely girl, but can have her head away in the clouds sometimes. Before you ask, your friend does not know. I haven't judged the calibre of the Leland's quite yet in their regards to the Anders community, and don't feel like jumping the gun quite yet. I've already rebuilt this house once... don't feel like doing so again. Perhaps you could share some insight if you've gleaned any?" asked Lefiruc.
Post by Tyrell O'Callaghan on May 8, 2014 3:20:46 GMT
Tyrell took in Lefiruc's words with his eyes then blinked at Linda as she departed. He returned his attention once more to Lefiruc and took a seat with the suit neatly folded on his lap. He would not be able to fit his gauntlets in with this outfit, his claws would not be suitable, and the Ulaks would be even worse off. "I just did not want to ruin them," he stated then smiled softly. "I really thank you for this."
Talk of Stephen and his family made him stop and think. Stephen had been the same person he'd met when they'd experimented with watches but back then he had a gold eye where his eye patch was currently which to Tyrell convinced him that he was also part ander. If one noble was an ander who was to say it was impossible that another couldn't be, but here was the question? Should he tell Storm of Stephen's secret? He had absolutely no right. What if he was wrong anyway? So many thoughts ran through his mind and he stood again with the suit. Shaking his head, he answered, "I do not know him well enough to say anything." And it was an honest response. "I... is there anything else, Sir...?"
Post by Danny Ravensdale on May 8, 2014 3:50:46 GMT
"Relax. I ain' poisonin' ya... ain' no beasty blood in em. Just simple run'a the mill candies." Danny let out a mischievous giggle. "Jus' givin' ya a little ruffle's all." Danny rocked his leg back and forth. "So, why don'cha tell me 'bout this Danielle girly. I mean, from whatcha started sayin', yer 'ead over 'eels fer her, but ya didn' actually say anythin'. Wha's she look like? Wha's she do fer work? Who's 'er family? Wha's she do fer fun? 'ow'dja meet 'er?" Danny rolled just a little so her was looking at Stephen from his lounging position. "'ow long ya known 'er? Who're her friends? What's 'er dreams an' ambitions? Wha' kinda stuff does she like?" Danny propped himself up on his elbow. "An' if yer scared, I run a deliv'ry service. Can drop off a couple'a gifts anonymously, yeh?"
Shoutbox
Welcome to the Shoutbox - If You Have Discord, Ask to Join the Discord Server