Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
|
Post by Elf on May 9, 2023 8:43:30 GMT -7
The shift to darkness is sudden and overwhelming. Yasmin lets out a yelp and stumbles backwards until she runs into a solid wall, which gives the reassurance that nothing can sneak up from behind her.
Calming down and catching her breath, she waits for her eyes to adjust to the darkness, and tries to remember how she got here.
Was I kidnapped?
...
Oh.
Oh gods.
I can't remember anything.
Let's focus on... literally anything else right now.
"I... um... H-hello? Is anyone there?"
Her eyes begin adjusting at least, thankfully, and she looks around the room to see if she can spot a way out.
|
|
Managarmr
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 22
|
Post by Managarmr on May 9, 2023 19:14:30 GMT -7
Death.
The first thought that crossed Wayland's semi-conscious mind was disconcerting to say the least, but it was also the most logical conclusion he could come up with in his half-asleep state. It was dark, cold, and silent--oddly comforting in its own right, but with a sense of hidden foreboding. There was something he needed to do. Something he was forgetting. Everything he was forgetting.
With a sharp inhale he jolted upright, suddenly thrust into lucidity in a single instant. No. Not dead. Not yet. I... He blinked a few times, eyes wide in the all-encompassing darkness. He could make out no objects, no shapes or silhouettes in the dim room, but he wasn't truly looking either, instead focusing on trying to untangle his sleep-addled mind first. I was... What was I doing? It... it was important, I know that. Really important...
He continued racking his brain, trying in vain to remember what he was doing, or why he was here, or where here even was, but every time he felt close to grasping a hint of recollection it would slip from his mind like water from an open hand. Besides faint wisps and esoteric phrases, the bulk of his memories eluded him.
Eventually, he gave up with a soft sigh. Surely this was just some type of temporary amnesia. Maybe he had hit his head too hard or had too much to drink. This was probably all covered in debriefing.
...Wait. De...briefing? Why do I--
A sudden yelp and the sound of movement broke Wayland from his ruminations. Instinctively he turned towards the noise and shifted into a crouch, his hand inexplicably reaching for the empty air near his chest but coming up empty. He stayed silent, eyes scanning where the noise had come from until he heard a voice call out. Some part of him knew that staying quiet was the more rational choice, but against his better judgement he answered anyways.
"Yeah, there are others here."
Only upon answering did he realize that his answer of "others" was correct, as he could now hear a number of people murmuring or stirring from slumber all throughout the dark room.
"Though I don't suppose you know where here is? I seem to be a little… lost."
|
|
Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
|
Post by Elf on May 9, 2023 21:10:15 GMT -7
Yasmin shakes her head, then realises that was pointless right now and sighs. It was just a little interaction, with someone who has a gruff, professional tone to his voice. It'll be fine.
"I... t-think I'm in the same boat. There's the weird feeling this is colder than I'm u-used to... But w-when I try to remember what I'm used to..."
She takes a seat on the edge of the stairs once she finds them, and adds; "I t-think I did find the way out, t-though."
But for some reason, or, well, one that's obvious but she refuses to acknowledge even to herself, despite the shiver running up her spine at the thought of it... she doesn't want to climb those stairs alone.
|
|
Managarmr
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 22
|
Post by Managarmr on May 10, 2023 13:37:39 GMT -7
Wayland waited in silence as the stranger spoke. There was a shakiness to her voice--or what he assumed was a her. Was she scared? Or maybe just cold like she had mentioned? Wayland could understand both, but he didn't particularly feel either at the moment.
So I'm not the only one who's having trouble remembering things. Strange...
Once the stranger finished speaking Wayland rose to full height, listening to the other voices in the room for few moments before walking with even strides towards the supposed exit. There were no people in his path, of that he was fairly certain, and he only realized there could have been objects in his path once he had already made it safely to where the stranger was. He squinted in the murky gloom, his dark-adjusted eyes just barely allowing him to make out the slender figure that sat before him.
"Out is certainly better than in here." ...or at least I hope it is. He offered his hand to help her stand up, not entirely sure if the gesture was visible. "I'm sure we'll find answers soon."
The path towards the exit was not so certain. The draft coming from nearby all but confirmed that there was, in fact, an exit close to them--or at least a hole of some sort--but where it was exactly was still a mystery. Wayland turned back towards the rest of the room. There were still others within the darkness, likely just as confused as he and the girl. He felt a need to help them. To protect them. "We think we've found an exit this way. Follow the sound of my voice--I don't think there are any obstacles besides each other. I didn't run into any at least."
He stepped towards the breeze a bit less confidently than before, shuffling his feet and feeling against the wall to help him along. "I'll lead the way. Stay close and stay behind me."
|
|
Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
|
Post by Elf on May 10, 2023 19:22:17 GMT -7
Yasmin does take the offered hand after a moment of hesitation, shifting back onto the step fully and awkwardly standing up in the darkness.
"T-the stairs don't have a railing, stick close to the wall..." she remembers to add the accidental discovery she'd made by sitting down where she had for the others still in the room proper.
Once she's on her feet, she lets go of the hand pretty quickly. Knowing she wasn't alone was nice, and he's been helpful and kind so far, but people were.... a lot.
"I just hope out is b-brighter than in here, to be honest..."
On some level she's just glad not to be the one in front right now, though.
|
|
Managarmr
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 22
|
Post by Managarmr on May 11, 2023 14:08:11 GMT -7
Ah. Stairs. Right…
Wayland quickly stopped shuffling his feet after immediately stubbing his toe on the first step, instead opting to go for the revolutionary tactic of picking his feet up to climb the stairs. With this new method of travel he found himself making headway at a brisk pace, one hand against the wall and the other braced in front of his body to keep him from bumping into any unseen objects.
"Hm. A bit of light would be a godsend right now." He nodded his head in response to the woman's words despite it not being able to be seen and continued trudging upwards, leading the little group of amnesiacs to whatever lie beyond. The sound of their footsteps behind him gently echoed off of the stone walls. It wasn't comforting per se, but something about leading a small group like this felt… familiar, perhaps. At least something feels familiar. I guess that's comfor--! With a sinking feeling Wayland overstepped into the darkness, expecting a step where there was not one. His foot came down harder than he intended, adding a conclusive stomp to the gathering's ascent.
The end of the stairs? Hm… and the draft is stronger here. So there must be a… He extended his hand and inched forward, blindly grasping in the gloom to confirm his suspicions. With an almost imperceptible thud his hand came into contact with another wall. Wait. No, not a wall. It's… different. Not as cold. Different texture... Wooden? It has some give, too. A door, then?
He stepped up to the supposed door, ready to push it open and leave this darkened pit behind, but a nagging feeling lingered at the back of his mind that caused him to hesitate for just a moment. They had been tossed in some dark basement and left there, all suspiciously missing their memories. Whoever did this to them certainly didn't have their best interests in mind. He didn't know what awaited them on the other side, but most likely it was going to be dangerous. At least I'm at the front. danger will have to go through me first. He took a breath and steeled himself, trying not to worry the rest of the group with his dire tone. "I think I've found a door. Stay behind me... and be prepared."
|
|
Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
|
Post by Elf on May 11, 2023 19:51:57 GMT -7
In the darkness, Yasmin doesn't realise the person in front of her has stopped until she physically bumps into him, which is followed by a quick "Sorry!"
After she gets the news of a door, though, excitement and hope shows in her voice for the first time, the shy stammer mostly gone for the time being; "Oh! That's great."
With the slight amount of safety numbers can bring, Yasmin's curiosity starts burning in the back of her mind, so she waits anxiously for the door to open.
What happened to all of them? The other person's accent was really unfamiliar for her, and yet they'd both ended up in this stone basement together. Who'd taken us here, and why'd they choose us?
|
|
Managarmr
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 22
|
Post by Managarmr on May 11, 2023 22:03:58 GMT -7
Wayland pushed against the door to no avail, then (silently cursing himself) quickly remembered that most doors have handles. He fumbled around for a bit before his hand landed on a strange metal ring. It felt… foreign in his grasp, like he expected there to be something else in its place, but he couldn't exactly say what or why. Stepping back slightly, he pulled against the handle, feeling the muscles in his arm tense before the door became unstuck and swung open on squeaky hinges.
The radiant light that shone through was blindingly intense compared to the previous darkness, prompting Wayland to shield his eyes with his free arm, clad to the bicep in the skintight black material that made up his compression shirt. A cursory glance downward revealed that his pants and boots were a similar shade, but besides a vague familiarity his attire sparked no new memories as he had silently been wishing. "Well, there's the light that you hoped for."
Once his eyes had adjusted to the brightness, he saw yet another flight of stairs--stone stairs, as he now knew for certain--this time curving up and out of sight. Something about the old stonework felt off to him, similarly to the door handle, but again he couldn't place why. It almost feels… surreal. Like this isn't normal. But... are stone buildings and door rings normal? Realizing that the answer wouldn't just come to him randomly, he shrugged to himself and, with the notion of danger still at the back of his mind, began climbing this new set of stairs at a much brisker pace.
|
|
Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
|
Post by Elf on May 11, 2023 22:54:20 GMT -7
Yasmin winces and flinches back as the light hits her, looking away from it until her eyes adjust. When she focuses back in front of her, she's very confused by what she sees, though.
Long, flowing hair in a light blue colour. Did they... dye it or something?
The strangeness of the old stone and wooden structure only sinks in after she's processed that revelation, though without the context for why she finds that odd, it's just more confusing.
When Wayland increases his pace, he'd eventually notice he's leaving Yasmin behind, and look back to notice that, starting just below the knee, one of the dark-skinned girl's legs is not made of flesh and bone, but rather metals, and other materials like plastics and carbon fiber that they might not have context to understand at the moment. It seems fine for a normal walking pace, but as he began to speed up faster than that she wasn't really able to keep up.
Other than the prosthetic, the rest of her clothing is pretty plain and casual, though, an orange hoodie worn over a black sundress that goes to just above her knees.
"Um... Hi. Again."
With a clearer view of her facial expression, and those curious golden eyes... Yeah it's very apparent that sure, she might've been scared or whatnot earlier, but the more significant contributor to the way she was talking earlier is just that she's regular old shy.
|
|
Managarmr
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 22
|
Post by Managarmr on May 12, 2023 16:13:12 GMT -7
When Wayland noticed the distinct lack of footsteps following him, he turned around curiously, half-expecting that he had just imagined the people due to some strange side effect of whatever had caused his amnesia. Reassuringly, he saw that they were in fact real, just that he had outpaced them by quite a few steps. The girl--presumably the same one that had helped find the exit--was moving rather slowly up the stairs. Is she injured? Or out of breath, maybe? We didn't climb that many stairs, did we? Soon, however, his eyes were drawn to the metallic shine of one of her legs. Recognition flashed across his features as his previously impassive expression shifted into a small smile.
"Oh, a prosthetic. Some of my... of my..." His words trailed off into nothing as his thoughts left him just as quickly as they arrived, fading right along with his smile. Pros-thet-ic? Is that... what that is? He shook his head, preventing himself from getting too sidetracked. "I'll, uh... Sorry. I'll slow down. If you need help just let me know." Judging by her timid expression, he was pretty sure that she would refuse the help, but it didn't hurt to offer. "And hi. Again."
He proceeded up the stairs (at a noticeably slower pace) until he reached the top, coming out into a circular room. His eyes slid across the stone walls that surrounded them, looking for any exit but ultimately coming up empty. Another strange room. How do we leave? Climb through the windows? No, too high. But there has to be a way ou--
As soon as the last of the group crested the final step, the telltale bone-shaking grind of stone-on-stone rumbled throughout the chamber. Wayland took a defensive step back, one hand instinctively reaching for the empty air near his chest again while the other went out to the side to shield those behind him. The section of wall directly in front of them dropped away, sliding down to reveal a pair of armed and armored soldiers and the afternoon sky beyond. A few tense moments passed before the guards stepped aside, giving the group a clear passage to the outside. Are those... costumes that they're wearing? No. No, they're obviously real. But people don't wear armor, do they? And they don't use weapons, not like these at least. Or maybe... maybe they do...
Slowly, Wayland's arms came down as the threat of imminent danger came and went. "…I guess this is our exit, then." He walked forwards, cautiously at first and then more confidently once he saw that the guards made no move to stop him. He passed through the exit and came out to a balcony of sorts, a simple glance backwards revealing that they had been in the basement of a large stone tower. I... definitely don't remember that. The view around them was similarly strange, the surrounding mountains and fields seeming just as unfamiliar, as did the walled city in the distance. Wayland turned towards the guards, mouth open for the beginning of a question, but one look at them confirmed in his mind that they weren't the type to give out answers. Instead, he moved over to the balcony's railing, trying to get a better look at his surroundings.
|
|
Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
|
Post by Elf on May 12, 2023 21:03:15 GMT -7
Yasmin smiles slightly, relieved at the warm reception to that for reasons she can't quite put her finger on; "I-I'll be fine, it's just tricky going at anything faster than a walk. I feel like I should have another leg for running, but... If I did, I didn't have it when we got here... wherever here is.."
Oh wait right she should introduce herself shouldn't she? She should have done that... way earlier. Aaaaa...
Distracted by the noise, she watches the stone shift with fascination, trying to figure out the mechanism behind it.
And then she joins her companion on the balcony, sees outside and her mouth drops open... "Where... are we?"
The guards didn't even stand out much to her, everything was foreign and weird.
Compared to thinking too hard about the implications of that, socialising was probably preferable, actually, so she replies; "Thanks, it was... definitely better to have company for that. My name is Yasmin. What's yours?"
|
|
Managarmr
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 22
|
Post by Managarmr on May 13, 2023 13:32:40 GMT -7
Wayland squinted into the distance, eyes scouring the grasslands and forests he could see from this vantage point. Wherever they were, it seemed pretty remote.
Upon hearing Yasmin's voice, he turned to regard her, pausing for a second as the question caught him off guard. "…I'm Wayland." ...Wayland. Yeah. That's what other people called me, at least. He nodded at the surety of the statement--more for himself than for anyone else--and went back to looking over the scenery. "And there's no need to thank me."
Wayland's gaze trailed along the path to the city. If they could find answers anywhere, it would be there he reckoned. Pushing off of the railing, he walked up to the armored individuals who, as he had correctly guessed earlier, were pointedly ignoring the questions being lobbed at them from the few more outspoken people in the group. Wayland locked eyes with the guard on the right, staring them down in silence for a few more moments than was perhaps necessary, and then pointed towards the distance. "We're going to the city."
It was a blunt statement, but Wayland had phrased it that way on purpose. They obviously have orders not to answer anyone. This should tell us if they've been ordered to keep us here as well. He watched for another couple of seconds, waiting to see if the guards had any intention of stopping him.
|
|
|
Post by liqueur on May 13, 2023 13:47:16 GMT -7
"Ahhh, I suppose it's my turn to oversee the new arrivals, isn't it?"
A voice mused from behind the guards, who stepped aside deferentially to allow a well-built man clad in full plate to stride into the fore. His eyes skimmed over the new arrivals, settling upon Yasmin's artificial leg. Something like pity briefly seemed to flash through his expression, before he yawned, scratching the back of his neck with one gauntleted hand and waving.
"Welcome to the Kingdom of Arabakia. The first and last piece of advice you'll get out of me until you sign on with a guild: Join the Red Moon Volunteer Army. It's better than the alternative. Now come with me, I'll show you out. Unfortunately, this is not a request, but once you're out, you're free to go wherever you wish..."
Although he said so, his tone wasn't very encouraging about such a notion, even as Jeforan turned around and marched past the guards, who stepped aside to allow the two to follow him. They slipped into a hallway, and then down a set of stone stairs into a vast empty hall, with clearly demarcated slabs of stone carved in the local language arranged in neat rows and columns on either side of the path.
|
|
Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
|
Post by Elf on May 13, 2023 23:41:30 GMT -7
Quietly, Yasmin smiles and replies, when Welland says there's no need to thank him; "Yes there is. I don't want to think about what this experience would have been like to face alone."
The architecture of the city in the distance is just as foreign as the landscape, but it would have food and shelter, so she nods when he brings it up as their next goal, it sounds like a good one.
The flicker of pity from the newcomer covered in golden metal stirred some old emotions in Yasmin. For some reason that annoys her FAR more than Welland's generally respectful approach to her leg earlier.
The timid, shy part of her personality doesn't entirely fade, but her voice is a lot more even and composed as she... does follow, since the guy has a sword and she doesn't want to lose any more limbs. Or her head... but she does ask for more information. "We have been... wherever here is... for ten minutes at most, and you're asking us join some kind of militia which we know nothing about. What are their purpose, is there a war at the moment? Against who?"
|
|
Managarmr
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 22
|
Post by Managarmr on May 15, 2023 14:29:44 GMT -7
Wayland had questions. He had many questions. But the man who had to "oversee the new arrivals" had also said they wouldn't get any more advice out of him, which Wayland took to mean, "Don't ask me anything because I, too, will not answer you." Plus, he was sure that others in the group would ask enough questions for everyone regardless.
Being presented no other option (and honestly just happy to have some semblance of direction) Wayland followed behind, subconsciously matching the cadence set by their escort step-for-step. He opted to stay at the front of the group, a quick headcount revealing that there were ten individuals--ah, wait. Eleven. Didn't see the short one at the back--all of varying heights and builds, though most appeared to be on the more athletic side of things at a glance. A few of them stood out, sporting particularly odd clothes, unusual hair colors, or--in one case--a patch of cloth over their eye. An eye...cloth? No, that doesn't sound right.
Wayland lagged behind momentarily as they passed by a collection of engraved stone slabs, their appearance stirring a melancholic feeling within him for reasons unknown, but he quickly shook off the emotion and continued following along. Soon they had made their way from the tower, the warm afternoon sunlight and fresh air standing in stark contrast to the dank darkness of the basement that still seemed to linger at the edge of his senses. The group was led down the hillside that the tower sat upon, and soon the city's distant walls no longer seemed so distant as they loomed over them. "Last time I saw walls like this they were little more than rubble." He spoke to no one in particular, simply musing his thoughts out loud. It took him a few moments, but he eventually realized that this was the closest thing to a memory he had since waking up.
|
|
|
Post by liqueur on May 16, 2023 13:57:32 GMT -7
As they'd left the building, Jeforan had stepped over to the side of the group, eyeing them as they came out appraisingly. He seemed to be debating something, before at length sighing softly and jerking a thumb down a street. "Red Moon Volunteer building down there. Last building." Then he turned on his heel and walked into the crowd of individuals, appearing to ignore Yasmin's question, before his voice drifted up from the crowd. "Join a Guild and you'll get answers."
Meanwhile, the city was thronged with bustling individuals, a few of which paused to cast curious glances at the new arrivals, while most of them simply averted their gazes and moved on their ways, usually slightly faster than before. None of them offered anything in the way of information or aid.
|
|
Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
|
Post by Elf on May 16, 2023 23:15:59 GMT -7
The comment of city walls being reduced to rubble sends a little shiver up Yasmin's spine- Was this 'Welland' involved in some kind of military stuff before? That'd explain the odd clothing.
Then she hears the complete lack of an answer to her questions and just kind of stares after the golden prick who hadn't so much as introduced himself as he leaves, confused and frustrated at these demands of loyalty, of fighting for them, without actually giving any context whatsoever.
Thinking for a couple moments, she sighs. "Well, I have no intent of joining them without knowing what exactly I'm joining, but maybe we can find someone who will actually explain what's going on?"
|
|
Managarmr
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 22
|
Post by Managarmr on May 17, 2023 13:27:04 GMT -7
The sudden freedom and lack of supervision had left Wayland momentarily at a loss. Had they passed some test? Failed? Maybe the man had found them trustworthy and left them to their own devices, or maybe he just didn't care what they did next. More unknowns, and relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Best not to dwell. What Wayland did know was that this meant they weren't being forced to join this "Red Moon Volunteer Army", which in turn meant that their (former) escort's advice must have been just that: helpful advice.
Wayland idly watched the city's citizens go about their days as he listened to Yasmin, nodding at her words once she finished. "I agree, and I'm guessing that this Volunteer building will be our best chance at getting any sort of explanation." He turned back towards the rest of the group, which already seemed to be missing a member--ah, never mind. I didn't see the short one again--and spoke loud enough to be heard over the bustle of the city. "This way. Don't get distracted."
Once again he found himself at the forefront of the group, leading them towards another unknown goal. Well, at least I can see where I'm going this time. This trip felt much shorter than the walk up the flight of stairs in the darkness, perhaps because they had a definite destination this time or perhaps because there was so much more to draw their attention in the city's lively streets. People haggled at the vibrant market stalls, they laughed and conversed with each other from doorsteps and windows, they stumbled around with half-spilled bottles of ale, and--most noticeably--they all gave the group of new arrivals a wide berth. Eventually they had made it to the last building on the street, a rather quaint structure tucked around a corner. The wooden sign outside denoted it as the Red Moon Volunteer Army building, leaving no room for doubt in anybody's mind.
Wayland paused, looking over the group once more. Not all of them seemed like army material to him. But what does army material even look like? He sighed at his own question, adding it to the ever-growing pile of things unanswered, before wordlessly turning around and walking inside, hopefully towards someone who might have a few answers.
|
|
Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
|
Post by Elf on May 17, 2023 13:48:39 GMT -7
The stark difference between their group and the locals has Yasmin even more confused. She can't quite put her finger on it, but even though there were some differences in the style of her clothing compared to that of the others... all of them were still more similar to each other than any of the locals. Marked so obviously as outsiders, she isn't surprised that everyone avoids them, but it does still hurt in a way that seems very familiar for the shy girl.
And, more worryingly, she can't see any devices with anywhere near the intricacy of, or anything like the materials used, in the construction of her leg. Repairing it if it gets damaged might be a problem.
So don't let it get damaged.
As they reach the... shack... marked as the Red Moons' building, her spirits sink a little further. "This just keeps getting worse."
Following the others inside, she looks around for someone... anyone... who looks like they actually freaking know what's going on and is willing to give them that information.
|
|
|
Post by liqueur on May 18, 2023 10:48:49 GMT -7
Within the building, a man with orange hair sat at what could charitably be called a receptionist counter. He waved over at the group, producing a number of tokens carved in the shape of a red moon, along with an equal amount of bags that jingled softly. "Hmm, so you managed to find your way here. Two batches in as many weeks. Either way, now that you have arrived here, you have an extremely simple choice. Join the Red Moon Volunteer Army and receive your signing bonus of ten silvers...Or don't."
With that, he returned to doing what he had been doing beforehand, which was looking over some papers. He seemed to pointedly not be advertising or advocating for either option, waiting to see what decision they would reach.
|
|