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Post by cjsolo on Nov 27, 2017 18:32:32 GMT -5
Finally, with a free moment since last speaking to Q'Tar and then Rafael, she has a little time to talk to Q'Tar on the small matter of the letter exchange between him and Rafael. She had to wonder if how she felt about this was in any way similar to how Sir Jacob felt about them during the festival; the thought causes a small sigh to escape.
Sharara comes once more to the doors of the Lightning Lounge, which she finds unlocked. It had been a number of days since she had seen Q'Tar, the last time being the last time they spoke. It had not been something she had given a lot of thought to, however, as their duties did not cross paths often and it was not unheard of for Q'Tar to go into the woods to pay visits to Tree Brother; something that he might now do more frequently. The Ku'rasi opened the door to find the same shadowy gloom as before and entered. "Q'Tar? I need to talk to you."
Other than his visiting place with Tree Brother, the Lightning Lounge seemed to be his favorite place. Sharara had expected that on his return he would want to open it again and therefore be spending his free time there. No response came in response to her call and she moves further inside to search for him. "Q'Tar? It wasn't my intention to argue with you."
Exploring the establishment, Sharara opened the door to the back room. "Q'Tar...." She stopped as she sees a pile of his things there.
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Nov 30, 2017 21:31:45 GMT -5
A couple of forceful knocks sound at the door, and Raphael enters the vacant tavern. He glances around, noticing the apparent abandonment.
"Sharara? I heard someone in the Tavern and thought I would check it out. I naturally assume this place should be empty now.", he lets out a sigh. "Things have really changed since the beginning of this all. It seems like it was just the other day that I was new to this town."
"Things change, people leave. There's nothing that remains consistent in this place."
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Post by cjsolo on Nov 30, 2017 21:41:54 GMT -5
When she had turned to walk away from the Lightning Lounge, Rafael was suddenly there. Sharara tensed as she could feel the hairs on the back of her neck bristle. How was it that he had such timing. She took a deep breath and slowly released. "It is closed. Q'Tar won't be opening it again."
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Nov 30, 2017 21:53:18 GMT -5
"He wasn't one to be consistent when things got tough. His emotions always controlled him." Raphael looks genuinely apologetic. "Though Q'tar and I hardly ever saw things eye to eye, he had a value for this settlement that will be missed. He disappeared before, I can only assume that his sudden departure only means he will be gone for a while again."
He smiles at Sharara, sensing that she seems somewhat creeped out. "Since I have you alone..."
And then his face turns to look like it's all business. "I wanted to talk to you about the defense of the settlement. I had some ideas, and wanted your leave to see things done."
Raphael explains a program where citizens of the settlement would pay 10 silver every month or so. They would be assigned guard shifts and earn a portion of their taxes back, based upon their skill. If some wanted to earn more, they could step in for those that didn't want a guard shift. He offers to implement and oversee the organization of the program.
He also discusses establishing some roles for combat in the settlement, and creating clear tactics for military advancement in the settlement based on his experience in the Kriegan war. Those in town would be classified into 4 groups; front guard (sword and shields, tanks), rear guard (spears and hammers), ranged (archers and casters), and calvary (the sneaky rouges and fast attacks). He describes some military drills by creating two squadrons, and having them spar against one another in practice. He offers military advice that if everyone continues to act on their own accord, that there will be casualties.
When he's done, he looks questioningly at Sharara.
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Post by cjsolo on Nov 30, 2017 22:22:19 GMT -5
Creeped out was probably the least of the emotions she was riding right that moment. Sharara looked at him as he spoke about Q'Tar. It was probably the only time she could recall Rafael saying something reasonably positive about Q'Tar. "He'll be gone a while, yes."
She sighs tiredly, glancing away when he smiles at her. Her arms tighten around the bundle she carried as the conversation that started out casual and even friendly suddenly turns to business tal. Silently, Sharara listens.
When he is done, her eyes close briefly as she considers her response.
"Rafael..." Spoken gently. "I appreciate your apparent renewed interest in Cynderfall." This was what she was now, and alone.
"It was my intention to talk to you as well, Rafael." Her gaze shifted to the Lightning Lounge long enough for her to make the decision to open the door and step back into the gloom of the empty building. "Come in, have a seat." For a moment, she thought about her last words with Q'Tar.
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Nov 30, 2017 22:30:03 GMT -5
Raphael nods at the Squire. And takes a seat, sitting right next to her.
He stares deeply into her eyes, a smirk slowly forming on his face.
His eyes glow blue for a second, and without an incantation he holds his hand in the air, forming a beautiful glowing sphere of light that illuminates the entire tavern.
The moment seems surreal - that from the hands that have wrought so much death, chaos and destruction that the birth of something so beautiful could somehow be related.
For a moment, there is silence. Nothing but the flutter of the wings of a moth that is attracted to the light. Sounds from the forest in the background.
Raphael waits for her words.
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Post by cjsolo on Nov 30, 2017 22:47:20 GMT -5
Sharara glances at him as she settles in her seat. "You really are odd sometimes." Her statement not intended to be offensive, instead just as an observation in timing that was already akward.
Sharara is silent for a few seconds as she readies herself. "First, Rafael, know that I've heard your suggestions and I'll give them sincere consideration. I do have plans that I'm implementing, in some ways I have already began doing so. They're... a matter that Q'Tar and I did not see eye to eye on. You, among others, are a part of these plans. First, though, I wanted us to talk." She manages a small smile. "I know it's not something you favor much of, but it's important."
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Nov 30, 2017 23:01:04 GMT -5
Raphael nods at her.
“What’s on your mind?” He asks questioningly.
He looks slightly taken aback. Expecting that she would be thrilled that he had taken interest in a place often referred to as a hole for excrement.
Still, he appeared determined.
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Post by cjsolo on Nov 30, 2017 23:11:07 GMT -5
Given things he has said in the past, she was surprised by his renewed interest. However, it was easier for now to bury everything instead of trying to filter out the initial shock of loss.
"I want to know about you, Rafael. Outside of the chaos, outside the Relehart name, what do you want for yourself? A figure of your faith, a farmer, a merchant, what?"
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Dec 1, 2017 8:28:08 GMT -5
Raphael looks rather startled. Usually when he was questioned by a noble, he was under arrest for something he didn’t do. Instead it seemed like she was genuinely trying to get to know him.
“I think I’m a rather simple man. I enjoy good food, a nice shelter around me, the company of a beautiful Kurasi and a little adventure now and then.
When I saw the demon within these bracers, it asked me what I wanted too. My response was that I just wanted to be.
So often I feel like I’m a victim to circumstances or fate. Arrested for this reason because someone doesn’t like me, or have these expectations because I carry a giant hammer.
Truth be told, I’m not after fortunes or title. Just honor and glory. The honor of being a man who lived by his own convictions and the glory to enjoy it and be remembered after his time in this S***... Cynderfall.”
He catches himself mid sentence.
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Post by cjsolo on Dec 1, 2017 9:31:42 GMT -5
"I would certainly be careful with answering such questions from beings such as those. It could lead to things that'll cost you your very spirit." The armor had the potential for great power and advantage over one's enemies. However, she was not yet convinced it was a good idea to be using such armor, particularly in its entirety.
Sir Jacob so frequently still referred to Cynderfall as its original nickname that it didn't bother her. "We are all victims of circumstance and fate, some considerably more than others. It comes with your name being known and your deeds, or perceived deeds, being known. You mentioned honor, what do you define as honor?" Different cultures had different ideas of what it was to have honor just as different individuals had different ideas of it. She was looking for what his idea of it was.
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Dec 1, 2017 12:12:18 GMT -5
Raphael thinks about her question for a second. How would he describe his definition of honor.
Finally, he blurts out, "Respect."
"Honor is the highest form of respect. When you have honor, you have the respect of people. How you earn that honor, whether through fear, love, charity, etc doesn't really matter. But when you have true honor, people respect you. I definitely wouldn't consider myself Pure of Heart, but I abide by my own code of honor. To be a voice for those who have none, to always speak my mind and be willing to follow up with the dull end of my hammer, and to never think of anything as impossible. To be true to my word, and to see my family grow in glory."
He looks at the Squire, and wonders if he answered with the correct answer.
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Post by cjsolo on Dec 1, 2017 13:01:06 GMT -5
"Hmm... I find fear to be a hollow form of respect. Perhaps, it is enough for someone who seeks to be feared for who they are and terrorize those around them accordingly, but even then... fear doesn't last. The moment a feared individual isn't there to provide that presence, the fear and intimidation fades. Respect, properly earned, is more lasting." Her words were not to contradict him, rather an almost idle observation on his statements.
"I believe honor to be an internal and external thing. A personal code, for example, keeping one's word, defending others and so forth. These are personal edicts, laws, to be upheld. But they are also things, even without realizing, that are looked for in others. It's through these convictions and the actions taken that respect is earned and once earned, honor comes in the name of that respect. Purity of heart isn't something that someone is, like honor and respect.. it's something striven for, something that earns respect and honor."
Sharara finally looks fully at Rafael, a hint of something solemn in her eyes. "Cynderfall's future requires a certain type of people, Rafael. I'm looking for those that I can bring in to fill that need. From these people, I would require certain things."
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Dec 1, 2017 16:33:10 GMT -5
Raphael tilts his head amusingly at the Kurasi.
"Fear is the most basic form of respect. You don't stick your hand in a fire because it burns and hurts you. If there's not a fire around, you don't worry about it because how can it burn you? But if there's a fire, you respect it. It's not a hollow respect - It's instinctual. It seems to me that what this settlement needs is people to take action. You and Q'tar have had the reigns for awhile now, and nothings changed. I come to you with solid plans of action, and ask for your blessing to make this place better - and somehow I'm working for you?"
He chuckles. "So perhaps before we get to what you're looking for - we determine if you're what this village is looking for. A noble who will step up and not let it's citizens die needlessly and for pure enjoyment of another. One who will empower the people around her to keep people safe and her settlement secure?"
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Post by cjsolo on Dec 1, 2017 18:10:11 GMT -5
Sharara nods slightly acknowledging his remark. As much as part of her might enjoy the philosophical exchange, it was not why they were there, nor, was she there to imply that his beliefs were wrong.
She quietly listened to the rest of what he had to say, biting back an emotional retort. At his last, Sharara looks away; a stricken look flickering briefly over her expression. Her gaze focused on a point on the wall in front of her as Rafael sat next to her. That duel was going to be the one knife that he was going to twist. Noone else was going to take responsibility for their part in it, not even those who could rightfully still do something about it. She could have died for it, for something that Count Herenfeld was even ignored over. Maybe that would please them more, or possibly not as it would have likely happened anyway. The people's council was still an open option, one that she couldn't in her station make use of, but instead of putting the complaint together and taking it to the people's council, it was a lot of putting her feet in the fire. It was this thing that would be dug into her. None of the rest of it mattered; the success of the guard, the raised defenses, the knowledge she has used in defense of Cynderfall, the fighting, the long days and sleepless nights... Now Q'Tar was gone, likely because of her. Everything she has done, everything that is better now than it was before... yet he says nothing has changed.
Sharara's grip tightens on the items she holds for a moment, then relaxes some.
"If you want to judge me, Rafael, then do so by the things that have been my responsibility." She lifts a hand to point out toward the edge of Cynderfall. "Talk to the people who are around me, who speak to me, who see my actions everyday; not by the brief time you see me outside of my perview." Sharara let's her hand rest on her things once more. "It's what I've done for you." She pauses, taking a breath and releasing it. "Q'Tar is gone. Things are going to change, they are going to be different. You can work with me to that end, Rafael, or you can work against me to that end. I'd prefer that you work with me."
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