(( this is a closed RP but if someone wishes to post, send me a PM ))
Not too long ago having been accused by the Army of being in the LBA even though she had only gone to one official meeting with Ace, Bindus, and Elijah present, yet having assumed with Bindus in the mainland and Ace dead the LBA was dissolved, Juliana was totally surprised being attacked and severely hurt barely escaping the rope tied around her by people she later learned were in the Army. It was also possible the LBA not trusting that elfess who called herself "Eagle" claiming she was the LBA. After that time, making her home in Varshikar, Juliana finally felt a little more at ease to venture out. Having avoided her training for awhile and feeling the effects, Juliana knew it was time to begin again before too much laziness set in. Slowly pulling on her armor, her thoughts stray to the latest information from Starling..that Dom would agree to help with Davien's jailbreak all the time working for the Army was a disappointment. Total disaster was only averted because for some unexplained reason, Davien was released. Luckily, all Dom could attend was a party she gave to all involved but..she would not forget the betrayal.
Adjusting the last clasp to her armor then stretching...unexpectely glad to have it on as if the protection in these confusing times was welcomed, Juliana rested a gloved hand on the hilt of her sword. Simply the movement alone gave her the added confidence as she nodded her head mumbling softly.
You have gotten too soft sitting around here.. time to train again.
Making her way to the graveyard after stopping at her depot to grab some strawberry cakes, keeping always to the shadows with the hood of her cloak over her head hiding most of her face, Juliana quickly deals with one mummy and skeleton after another stretching dormant muscles as the technique of the fight is easily remembered by her body.
Finally seeing the first red demon, more then a little anticipation prevails having been so long since last fought, yet after awhile she relaxes even chuckling slightly...no longer doubting the phrase heard during her training long ago..
A fighter never forgets how to wield sword and dagger.
Debating trying her poison dagger yet knowing it was in poor shape and likely to break, Juliana keeps it in her boot for now. After the first red demon, leaning against the alter casually not expecting anyone else to be there, Juliana quickly turns her gaze to the dark hallway near the lich hearing a voice yet seeing nothing in her torchlight. Not recognizing the elf as he walks toward her.. only seeing a mask she was briefly reminded of the time she brought a recruit to see Bindus, a recruit that never did join as she told him soon after she was quitting also. Was this the same elf that called himself "Snake" at Kallahorn? It was so long ago however.. almost a year now and so totally unexpected, she had problems understanding at first what he was talking about...betraying what LBA..was there still an LBA without Ace or Bindus...was this masked elf now the leader, if so how or why would she even care to betray something she was no longer a part of? Before Juliana could even ask what he was talking about in her confusion, she was attacked by poison swords.
Who are these people..first the Army now the LBA attacking her.. it simply made no sense at all for both to decide she is on their "hit" list. What has been happening behind the scenes in the past months for her to be even remembered this long? Unable to answer the burning questions in her mind, Juliana calls a dove as she sits at the table in Varshikar then scribbles a quick note on a parchment sending it away unsigned.
I need to talk to you.
Girl Talk
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Juliana D'cheyne
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A dark haired elfess wakes up alone under the shelter of pine tree to find a bird nearby watching her with one eye. Calling it over, she takes the note and opens it, grateful for the simple message and instantly understanding it. "Juliana" she says quietly and sets out quickly along the road heading east. The plodding walk gives her time to think over Juliana's cryptic message and what could be the matter. Many scenarios play over in her mind until her head is spinning with ideas.
She thinks back to Juliana's doves telling her of Davien in prison, how angry that made her. “Some friends you risk your life for,” she mutters to herself without realizing she had spoken aloud. Thankfully that had come to nothing in the end with Davien's unexpected release. She thinks of the party held afterwards in celebration of Davien’s freedom, a faint smile surprising her features as she remembers the small gathering. Davien and Juliana she knew well enough – the others were strangers but if Juliana trusted them, so would she. ‘Ropeman’ was there. She didn’t really know who he was but there was always something about him she liked. “Freckles” he had always called her and this memory made her smile again. She hadn’t been at the party long when Dom arrived, not even long enough to finish her first drink. How was it that he could spoil the mood just by crossing the threshold? Davien left soon afterward and she followed him out.
How often has this event been thrown at her in an accusatory way? How could a drink with friends be a conspiracy? She shrugs her shoulders lightly as she tries to shake away the feelings. Elijah mentioned this party nearly every time she saw him – and always coupled with the offer of a bed in the prison. "Why does he care so much about what I do?" As one thought flows into another, she remembers when she returned to Bane after the party and her light tread turns into an unconscious stomping of boots against pavement as the memories filter through her consciousness.
She was at the depot just shuffling things around when she heard strange voices. It was two men. What were they saying? Certainly nothing she could understand. She remembers telling them they had the wrong girl but it made no difference. They attacked her, tied her up, tried to imprison her, brutalized her when she resisted and finally left her for dead when they had finished with her. She woke up hours later humiliated and sore, her face battered and bruised almost beyond recognition, her legs barely able to carry her. It wasn’t until later, when she met Elijah for the first time and he instantly suggested she should be in jail that she started putting the pieces together. This had not been the random attack she had thought it was; it had been very personal. “Why me?” the thought nagged at her. That was the piece of it she could never figure out. “I’ve been gone for years,” she thought to herself, “How could anyone – much less, total strangers – find me a threat?”
Her time of reflection draws to an end as she reaches the desert town and makes her way to the tavern, stepping inside to find the familiar hooded figure seated alone over a goblet of something. “Greetings hun … what’s on your mind?” she says to the woman, sliding into a seat opposite her.
She thinks back to Juliana's doves telling her of Davien in prison, how angry that made her. “Some friends you risk your life for,” she mutters to herself without realizing she had spoken aloud. Thankfully that had come to nothing in the end with Davien's unexpected release. She thinks of the party held afterwards in celebration of Davien’s freedom, a faint smile surprising her features as she remembers the small gathering. Davien and Juliana she knew well enough – the others were strangers but if Juliana trusted them, so would she. ‘Ropeman’ was there. She didn’t really know who he was but there was always something about him she liked. “Freckles” he had always called her and this memory made her smile again. She hadn’t been at the party long when Dom arrived, not even long enough to finish her first drink. How was it that he could spoil the mood just by crossing the threshold? Davien left soon afterward and she followed him out.
How often has this event been thrown at her in an accusatory way? How could a drink with friends be a conspiracy? She shrugs her shoulders lightly as she tries to shake away the feelings. Elijah mentioned this party nearly every time she saw him – and always coupled with the offer of a bed in the prison. "Why does he care so much about what I do?" As one thought flows into another, she remembers when she returned to Bane after the party and her light tread turns into an unconscious stomping of boots against pavement as the memories filter through her consciousness.
She was at the depot just shuffling things around when she heard strange voices. It was two men. What were they saying? Certainly nothing she could understand. She remembers telling them they had the wrong girl but it made no difference. They attacked her, tied her up, tried to imprison her, brutalized her when she resisted and finally left her for dead when they had finished with her. She woke up hours later humiliated and sore, her face battered and bruised almost beyond recognition, her legs barely able to carry her. It wasn’t until later, when she met Elijah for the first time and he instantly suggested she should be in jail that she started putting the pieces together. This had not been the random attack she had thought it was; it had been very personal. “Why me?” the thought nagged at her. That was the piece of it she could never figure out. “I’ve been gone for years,” she thought to herself, “How could anyone – much less, total strangers – find me a threat?”
Her time of reflection draws to an end as she reaches the desert town and makes her way to the tavern, stepping inside to find the familiar hooded figure seated alone over a goblet of something. “Greetings hun … what’s on your mind?” she says to the woman, sliding into a seat opposite her.
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Juliana D'cheyne
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Running one finger along the tip of the goblet, Juliana's thoughts are interrupted as the door opens while hand briefly lands on the hilt of her sword before relaxing as a grin forms on her features seeing her friend walk in to sit. Standing, Juliana ambles over to the depot with a swirl of her cloak opening to reveal the many weapons she carries on sheath, belt and even the hilt of a dagger from her boot as the hood is pushed back to reveal strands of pale blonde hair falling past her shoulders after throwing her helmet carelessly in the depot..the clang the only noise heard. Removing an extra goblet and a bottle of deep red wine, she turns to Starling setting all on the table before taking her seat as dark green eyes are lowered to watch the liquid swirl pausing before her soft voice begins to speak.
Something is not right in Gobaith, whether just the town of Trolls Bane..or most of the island. I actually didn't want to get involved with any politics but it seems like I may have to anyway.
Choosing her words carefully, Juliana begins to tell Starling of her experience in the graveyard and with the LBA taking a few sips from her glass occasionally, voice basically a monotone and only those few that know her well can discern the confusion she feels.
What have you heard?
Something is not right in Gobaith, whether just the town of Trolls Bane..or most of the island. I actually didn't want to get involved with any politics but it seems like I may have to anyway.
Choosing her words carefully, Juliana begins to tell Starling of her experience in the graveyard and with the LBA taking a few sips from her glass occasionally, voice basically a monotone and only those few that know her well can discern the confusion she feels.
What have you heard?
The elfess pours herself half a goblet full of the dark wine then simply holds it, not yet taking a drink as she listens to the woman’s story. Unable to sit quietly through the tale, she rises from her seat and paces the crowded room, her goblet forgotten in her hand and her anger rising closer to the surface as Juliana’s distress is evident.
She slides back into her chair, finally taking a hefty swallow of wine before answering. “Something is definitely not right,” she says slowly as she deliberately sets down the nearly empty goblet. “Bane is afire with unrest.” Spinning the stem of the goblet between thumb and forefinger, the elfess recounts several stories where either the governor or the magistrate sought to arrest her though no crimes had been committed. “Public drunkenness,” she scoffs, “Can you imagine how full the prison would be if that was a crime?” She pushes the goblet aside, resting both palms on the table before continuing, “Not stating your name to a rude stranger? These are the crimes being punished in Bane. There have been no murders or robberies. The arrests are for foolish reasons, the prison terms unjust … all to drive fear into the hearts of the residents of Bane and beyond.”
The elfess pulls her goblet closer and reaches for the bottle, refilling her drink. “I have not gotten involved, but I’ve been listening.” She glances to the door intermittently as if expecting someone then sips casually at her wine.
She slides back into her chair, finally taking a hefty swallow of wine before answering. “Something is definitely not right,” she says slowly as she deliberately sets down the nearly empty goblet. “Bane is afire with unrest.” Spinning the stem of the goblet between thumb and forefinger, the elfess recounts several stories where either the governor or the magistrate sought to arrest her though no crimes had been committed. “Public drunkenness,” she scoffs, “Can you imagine how full the prison would be if that was a crime?” She pushes the goblet aside, resting both palms on the table before continuing, “Not stating your name to a rude stranger? These are the crimes being punished in Bane. There have been no murders or robberies. The arrests are for foolish reasons, the prison terms unjust … all to drive fear into the hearts of the residents of Bane and beyond.”
The elfess pulls her goblet closer and reaches for the bottle, refilling her drink. “I have not gotten involved, but I’ve been listening.” She glances to the door intermittently as if expecting someone then sips casually at her wine.
Velisai sat in the middle of the desert all night trying to repress the poisonous whispers that came with every wave of anger, fear and hatred. For years she was untouched by emotion, guided only by the ideals of her old self and reason, but the last year has weakened her considerably.
You pathetic bitch! How did your insistence to believe in the good in people work out for you, hm? Your weakness is disgusting!
It was true that she misplaced her trust lately. Hoping Bindus had even a grain of honor in him cost her her home. Hoping Aeris was not the demon people said he was, turned out to be a disaster that also nearly took her oldest friend down with him. Finally there was Elijah, a man that appeared to have the best intentions at first, though now it became clear that he was a snake, like she hadn't met before. He was supposed to drive that accursed LBA from the island, but his failure in this was to be expected. The best Velisai hoped for, was that he at least kept Bane free of their influence and the Army of Gobaith seemed to be a deterrant for them.
Even after the infamous Lieutenant Snake with Orteg at his side almost sent her to the afterlife, she believed Elijah was betrayed himself. Being thrown into a cell and forgotten was the last thing she expected to happen when she dragged herself back to town a dwarven week later, still not fully recovered from the attack, but he was not ready to listen to a single word she said.
Look at the bright side. You are still breathing and now you finally hear me again. she heard her own voice in her head tell her spitefully. I will not be silenced this time.
The months in jail were torture. Silence and darkness made her lose track of time within the first few days and a couple of weeks later, the nightmares returned after years of dreamless sleep, accompanied by furious fits of rage and despair. She pulled herself together finally and escaped, not remembering most of the time in the cell clearly, but she knew something had changed. Now it was obvious to her what it was.
Sixty silvers he offered you for this, an insult! That doesn't even pay for your time, let alone for everything else. You will make him suffer like you did. the voice stated confidently.
Since she escaped, she tried to piece together how it came to all that, what the governor's true face was. Now that she knew, it was time to also find a weakness to exploit. Information and allies were rare commodities these days and she still needed both. Someone with similar experiences and goals would be unlikely to stab her back, which made Starling's invitation an important opportunity. When the sun finally cast the first rays of daylight from between the Ogre Mountains' peaks, she burned the brief message over her lantern's candle and made her way to Varshikar's tavern.
You pathetic bitch! How did your insistence to believe in the good in people work out for you, hm? Your weakness is disgusting!
It was true that she misplaced her trust lately. Hoping Bindus had even a grain of honor in him cost her her home. Hoping Aeris was not the demon people said he was, turned out to be a disaster that also nearly took her oldest friend down with him. Finally there was Elijah, a man that appeared to have the best intentions at first, though now it became clear that he was a snake, like she hadn't met before. He was supposed to drive that accursed LBA from the island, but his failure in this was to be expected. The best Velisai hoped for, was that he at least kept Bane free of their influence and the Army of Gobaith seemed to be a deterrant for them.
Even after the infamous Lieutenant Snake with Orteg at his side almost sent her to the afterlife, she believed Elijah was betrayed himself. Being thrown into a cell and forgotten was the last thing she expected to happen when she dragged herself back to town a dwarven week later, still not fully recovered from the attack, but he was not ready to listen to a single word she said.
Look at the bright side. You are still breathing and now you finally hear me again. she heard her own voice in her head tell her spitefully. I will not be silenced this time.
The months in jail were torture. Silence and darkness made her lose track of time within the first few days and a couple of weeks later, the nightmares returned after years of dreamless sleep, accompanied by furious fits of rage and despair. She pulled herself together finally and escaped, not remembering most of the time in the cell clearly, but she knew something had changed. Now it was obvious to her what it was.
Sixty silvers he offered you for this, an insult! That doesn't even pay for your time, let alone for everything else. You will make him suffer like you did. the voice stated confidently.
Since she escaped, she tried to piece together how it came to all that, what the governor's true face was. Now that she knew, it was time to also find a weakness to exploit. Information and allies were rare commodities these days and she still needed both. Someone with similar experiences and goals would be unlikely to stab her back, which made Starling's invitation an important opportunity. When the sun finally cast the first rays of daylight from between the Ogre Mountains' peaks, she burned the brief message over her lantern's candle and made her way to Varshikar's tavern.
The elfess rises as the door opens, smiling crookedly to the expected visitor and motioning her to an empty seat before crossing the room to whisper to the bartender, coming away with another goblet. “You’re just in time for a drink,” she says casually as she fills the glass.
“We were just talking of Bane and the best way to avoid prison.” She grins to the woman, thinking back to the last time they had met – the time they had been given a tour of the demon tower and its caretaker had suggested the only way to avoid prison was to overthrow the government. She had hesitated then, not willing to get involved. What did she care if tyrants were in power, so long as they left her alone? Now she could feel that freedom slipping further from reach with each passing day.
Turning her gaze to the window, she looks out over the desert feeling caged in the oasis as she silently runs over the sequence of events that landed her here. “It was Bin,” she thinks to herself, silently cursing him, “He made up that story about me being in the LBA to try and use me.” She grins suddenly as she remembers double crossing him afterwards and thinks, “I wonder how things ever went with his elfess.” She stops a chuckle by drinking a sip of wine then turns her attention back to the table, setting her glass down carefully and looking to the women as she tries to catch up with the conversation.
“We were just talking of Bane and the best way to avoid prison.” She grins to the woman, thinking back to the last time they had met – the time they had been given a tour of the demon tower and its caretaker had suggested the only way to avoid prison was to overthrow the government. She had hesitated then, not willing to get involved. What did she care if tyrants were in power, so long as they left her alone? Now she could feel that freedom slipping further from reach with each passing day.
Turning her gaze to the window, she looks out over the desert feeling caged in the oasis as she silently runs over the sequence of events that landed her here. “It was Bin,” she thinks to herself, silently cursing him, “He made up that story about me being in the LBA to try and use me.” She grins suddenly as she remembers double crossing him afterwards and thinks, “I wonder how things ever went with his elfess.” She stops a chuckle by drinking a sip of wine then turns her attention back to the table, setting her glass down carefully and looking to the women as she tries to catch up with the conversation.
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Juliana D'cheyne
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Having begun her pacing again as thoughts swirl with the implications of Starling's words, Juliana finally stops near the fireplace and raises one foot back to the wall in a stance used when resting yet watchful. Suddenly hands reach to her swords as the door is opened eyeing a strange woman walking inside only relaxing with a word from Starling. After introductions as everyone again gathers around the table, Velisai's words echoing their own thoughts yet bringing more questions then answers. Beginning to discuss more ideas and possible plans her eyes briefly look toward the window. Was that something moving in the dark.. maybe a brief sound, or simply the sighing of a breeze and her nervousness? Just to be safe, Juliana stands placing one finger to her lips then leans toward both women whispering...
Let's go somewhere more private.
Immediately moving toward the door readying her swords in hand as she opens it to look out on the quiet night, Juliana turns affirming their quiet steps behind as only the light of the double moons become their guide to a remote rendezvous in the desert managing to avoid anything living be it person or monster. It was there plans were made, each with tasks of their own after sharing what knowledge offered.
Let's go somewhere more private.
Immediately moving toward the door readying her swords in hand as she opens it to look out on the quiet night, Juliana turns affirming their quiet steps behind as only the light of the double moons become their guide to a remote rendezvous in the desert managing to avoid anything living be it person or monster. It was there plans were made, each with tasks of their own after sharing what knowledge offered.
After a night under the sky the elfess turned her steps back to Varshikar and safety. Leaving the desert, she heads for the tavern, her steps slowing to a gradual halt as she notices the garden, the tables, object after object amiss. After what felt an eternity, she ran forward through the open tavern door to see the charred remains of what had been her haven these many days. She made a hasty search, finding nothing to indicate who had set the fire or why but her mind starting racing to conclusions faster than her feet could carry her over the bridge to the main part of town. Was this her fault? She couldn’t be sure and yet felt responsible, as if trouble followed in her wake.
This had been the last place she felt safe. Now with nowhere to turn, she sent her warnings off by dove and fled, seeking shelter and a hasty reply.
This had been the last place she felt safe. Now with nowhere to turn, she sent her warnings off by dove and fled, seeking shelter and a hasty reply.
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Juliana D'cheyne
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Waking up at their previous rendezvous site, Juliana immediately stands as a dove flutters onto her gloved hand dropping a stray feather on the sand. Recognizing Starling's writing immediately, and quickly reading the parchment, her frown deepens with every word. The trek to the tavern seemed much longer in her haste to return as she finally stands in front staring as thoughts and emotions war inside her. Who could have done this..could their meeting be the cause, did someone find out about it.. or that she stayed here frequently? Did Athian have other enemies and all this was just a coincidence? The guilt though couldn't be assuaged just yet.. not until more questions were answered. Sending a dove to Athian describing his home was one of the hardest things she had to do in a long time..there was just no way to tell him of the total destruction she saw. Finding out he was in Trolls bane, Juliana teleports there without hesitation after sending an answering dove to Starling and begins to grin as soon as she walks in the gate carrying poison dagger and sword at ready ignoring the seemingly stunned guards except to drop a strawberry cake in their bag. The depression felt on seeing his tavern was relegated to the background of her thoughts.
Athian, I am always learning from you....forget feeling sad or sorry, go straight to anger and revenge!
Following the flickering fires, she finally sees him walking casually along the road whistling a tune not recognized, almost incongruent with the destruction in his wake. Would she ever understand this man? Speaking softly with a small chuckle...
I thought that was your work.
..she was somewhat surprised he acknowledged her presence simply giving a nod at his words before following to help.
I am not done yet.
Athian, I am always learning from you....forget feeling sad or sorry, go straight to anger and revenge!
Following the flickering fires, she finally sees him walking casually along the road whistling a tune not recognized, almost incongruent with the destruction in his wake. Would she ever understand this man? Speaking softly with a small chuckle...
I thought that was your work.
..she was somewhat surprised he acknowledged her presence simply giving a nod at his words before following to help.
I am not done yet.
Velisai woke early after another night of restless sleep. The last weeks took their toll on her, she could feel it, but she had to stay focused. There were many people to visit, many interests to consider. Altrix turned out to be indeed in jail and two more followed him after a protest. The people's unrest seemed to be growing every day and it did not look like this would change soon. How could everything spiral so much out of control? One man's lies, paranoia and rash decisions have set the island on fire, but was her own hatred contributing fuel to it?
Starling, Juliana, both got caught up in between the LBA and the government like herself, even if for different reasons. Fate sure had a strange sense of humor. Finally, she arrived at Bane's walls in the cover of night and looked over the newest parchments, shielding the small candle from casting too much light in unwanted directions as best as she could.
Another "apology". she thought, now one with the voice of her anger again, after so many years. Another sham. He is shameless, but even the best cannot sell a lie if their deeds contradict it. He can smell his death. Why else would he even bother? Surely not because he meant it, but in time he will.
Hesitantly, as if she had to struggle with herself, she took one copy of the governor's latest address to the people and hurried back to the teleporter. Back in Varshikar, she turned east and followed the coast to one of the rarely visited beaches to write a pair of letters.
Starling, Juliana, both got caught up in between the LBA and the government like herself, even if for different reasons. Fate sure had a strange sense of humor. Finally, she arrived at Bane's walls in the cover of night and looked over the newest parchments, shielding the small candle from casting too much light in unwanted directions as best as she could.
Another "apology". she thought, now one with the voice of her anger again, after so many years. Another sham. He is shameless, but even the best cannot sell a lie if their deeds contradict it. He can smell his death. Why else would he even bother? Surely not because he meant it, but in time he will.
Hesitantly, as if she had to struggle with herself, she took one copy of the governor's latest address to the people and hurried back to the teleporter. Back in Varshikar, she turned east and followed the coast to one of the rarely visited beaches to write a pair of letters.