EVENT #3: AN EXECUTION OF SORTS

[abraxasmods]

THE EXECUTION

As if performing a vicious mockery for what should be a somber day, the sun shines brightly in the sky. The rays of sun catch the iron brackets that hold up the gallows that have been erected overnight for the occasion, the gentle breeze causing the noose to swing ominously. Public executions do not happen frequently in Thorne, so a crowd gathers in strained anticipation of the grim sentence.

The welcome guests, who have up until this point been free to come and go within the confines of the castle, have been mandated to view the execution. It is meant to serve both as an example of Thorne’s power as well as a lesson to those who might think to try the same. The courtyard, which was buzzing with quiet murmurs, turns silent as Ambrose strides up the wooden steps of the gallows, flanked by two guards and a haggard-looking Jonathan Sims, arms bound behind him. As the guards march their charge to the trapdoor that will serve as executioner and position the noose around his neck, Ambrose turns to address the crowd that has gathered- willfully or not.

“Citizens of Thorne, our esteemed welcomed guests, it is with disappointment and a heavy heart that we’ve gathered to see to the execution of one of the very guests we sought aid from in our time of need. In a selfish and distrustful act, I was attacked, an action I cannot abide.”

He turns halfway toward his charge. “Jonathan Sims, you are charged with assault and intention of lethal harm. The punishment is to be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the gods have mercy on your soul.”

Ambrose raises his arm to signal the executioner to pull the lever to release the trapdoor beneath Jon’s feet, steely expression locked on the prisoner’s face one last time.

MEANWHILE

Several miles away, atop a hill in the forest, two figures meet between portals. Oliver, tall and lithe, steps out to stand next to a petite waif of a woman who looks at him with a familiar smile. Her voice is lilting like a songbird’s when she speaks up, turning her gaze back over the city.

“Find out anything good?”

He hums softly, his hands clasped behind his back. “Two dozen prisoners, give or take. The one I met was very grateful for our assistance.”

“That’s good. Perhaps her gratitude will endear our cause to them.”

With a nod, he takes a deep breath and then sighs. “It’s time, Elizabeth,” he says, lifting one hand to open a new portal.

She nods and raises her arms above her head, eyes closing in concentration. Her arms begin to glow green while the grass around her begins to ripple in rings. The very ground seems to surge with power that radiates outward from her, and it isn’t long before the castle and the town are engulfed in a heavy air of intense magic. It courses from her in shockwaves.

Satisfied, Oliver steps through the portal.



In the wake of the magic flood, the walls of the dungeons seem to shudder for a long moment, and the doors suddenly clink open. No guards come rushing in to shut them, and in fact, all ambient noise in the dungeons seems to stop as the whole of the people of Thorne freeze in place. The hall becomes lit by daylight as a portal opens at the end of it, showing them the crowd of welcomed guests and Jon alone on the platform.

In the portal, alone stands Oliver, hand offered to the prisoners in welcome. His smile doesn’t reach his eyes, though this seems to be by nature rather than intention.

“Please come with me.”

CHOICES

Everything is happening quickly.

Once through the portal to the execution yard there's a moment of chaos and confusion at the sudden arrivals and then it stops. Everything and everyone has stopped, save for the guests, the prisoners, and the two mages who have come to their aid. Guards freeze in place. The attended mages are still as statues. Banners lifted by the wind remain where they are and even the noose hanging from the gallows stills.

"Time for them is halted." Oliver addresses the assembled, his voice projected to be heard but his tone calm. "It will remain so for one hour, no more. An hour is all you have to make your choices. Remain here in Thorne, or take a portal to either Solvunn or the Free Cities. The portals cannot be traced by the Thorean authorities, so no need to fear them giving chase.”

Elizabeth emerges from a portal behind him, which closes as she enters the yard. They both raise an arm and two white circles spread through the air, showing new towns in the distance on the other side. There is an ethereal glow around them.

“The Free Cities are martially powerful and seek to destroy the Singularity,” Oliver narrates, gesturing at one of the portals. “Solvunn is reclusive and claims neutrality, both in politics and in regard to the Singularity. I advise that you think hard about your choice. Travel between cities is not exactly easy."

He turns back to the crowd with an almost apologetic smile. “I'm sorry you don't have more time to make this decision. We’ll meet again.”

Opening a third portal with the wave of her arm, Elizabeth, who has not spoken a word, gives the group a wink and leaves with Oliver. Their portal closes behind them, leaving everyone to begin making moves.

Now is the time to make serious choices. Two portals stand in the courtyard, one courtesy of Oliver and one of Elizabeth. The Free Cities and Thorne are enemies, Solvunn watching both to see where the cards end up falling. None trust one another, none work with one another beyond trade through middle-men in Solvunn. The clock is ticking.

Someone should probably get Jon out of that noose.

Comments

Relena Peacecraft | Gundam Wing | Death

[sanc]

Escape

Relena reunites with Himeka and Estinien just in time for Oliver and Elizabeth to open the portals, allowing the prisoners to enter the execution yard. She had been incredibly relieved to see Oliver had indeed been true to his word and come back quickly to free them. As odd as it was to have her two compatriot's magic suddenly unleashed, she can't help but feel things might be going in a better direction for them.

She will be spending her time close to them, held by Estinien as she leans tiredly against him. She's for once not feeling embarrassed about being carried around. She looks exhausted and worn down, just a little distant, but she's willing to talk. When Oliver and Elizabeth go to depart, she straightens up and waves her hand at them with as much energy as she can muster, smiling. She lifts up her voice, hoping to get one last gratitude out to him over the crowd's confusion.

"Goodbye, Oliver! And thank you again! For everything!"

She will be not be leaving Estinien and Himeka for long going forward. She's willing to ask to be put down for friends coming to check on her and will be idling alone while Estinien attempts to get to Ambrose, distracted again once he's subdued and she can go and try to speak her piece to him in an effort to calm and redirect his attention to leaving as soon as humanly possible. These are the best times to speak with her before she's picked up again and carried into the portal for Solvunn.

Horizon Wildcard

In the day or two following the escape, while recuperating and resting in Solvunn, she will be meditating to test her connection to the Solidarity. What Oliver had told her made her concerned about her ability to return to it again, so she's testing the waters for a spell while her party regroups and gets their bearings.

She will likely visit a few of the more comforting domains that she had been in during their first venture into the fray. She will otherwise be taking some quiet time in her own domain as at attempt at alone time. She needs a spell to sit in her quiet and cry where no one can think less of her. She won't chase off visitors, though, even if she might be more reserved than usual if they wander in and try to speak with her.

(open to threadjacking)

[extremethirst]

"Huh?"

Nero notes the pretty little thing that's being carried by Estinien. He certainly doesn't recognize her among the prisoners that he walked by in the dungeon. It takes a second before he realizes who she might actually be -- and happily saunters up to get a good look at the sweetie.

"Well, well, well. You certainly caused quite the stir." He leans down to give her a once over. "Here I thought you were some brat, but you're actually older that what I thought. And being carried around like a princess, aren't you special?"

The pile of clothes he's carrying with him is given a glance. "Still, in honor or whatever to my dear tall cousin..." He gives a pointed glance towards Estinien. "...want a free dress, sweetie?"

[sanc]

Relena is sure she's never seen the man that walks up to address them. He's got an odd way of speaking, but not entirely unfamiliar. He also seems to know Estinien well enough to approach him when he looks like he does right now. Maybe. So she might as well pay him mind.

"Ah, I suppose so. I'm sorry, but I do hope this will be a good opportunity for all of us if we move quickly."

She looks up at Estinien, then back at Nero, puzzled. "Um, are you sure? It feels a little odd, taking a dress from a man whose name I don't know."

estinien: i guess this is happening now

[coerthantorment]

Referring to Relena as a child had been enough to prevent Nero from making any more perverted comments, so Estinien can't say he regrets the misunderstanding. What he does regret is Nero catching the two of them right now.

Estinien glances back at Relena, and his expression very clearly doesn't read 'oh good, it's this guy.' Instead, he grits his fangs and growls warily, his brand new tail trashing behind him.

"She's weary from being assaulted by those damn mages," he says. Though the flash of anger is reigned in, his expression still contains a warning. "Choose your words carefully, cousin."

With the way Estinien says that, it's almost like Nero isn't his cousin at all! Really, he's just in anticipation of him saying something dreadful to her, which is something he'd really like to avoid.

:)

[extremethirst]

Nero opens his mouth to say something -- however, he halts in whatever he is going to say as he is given a warning from Estinien. His hand waves lightly in the air as he nods along with what is and isn't said. "Now, now. Didn't I say that I was on your side? You don't have to worry so much."

But he does pause to get a better look at his tall cousin. His head cocks to the side as he notes all the physical changes that has happened to the other elf. He could see them from far off, but actually being close to him; it's really something. Nero drifts his eyes down to glance at the tail.

"Wow, something like that might actually kill a girl, but thankfully, it doesn't look like it extends to the front."

A beat passes and he looks to the star of the hour. "It's perfectly fine to take a dress from me. Given all the tears and heartache you caused everyone, it would be wrong of me not to gift you something, princess." He locates a green silk dress from the pile that he is carrying and holds it out for her. "The name's Nero. And like with my dear cousin here, I'm on your side."

[sanc]

Estinien looks wholly unhappy here. She firms up her face at Nero, more suspicious than before. Something is definitely not good between them. What did she miss? She'll have to get an update from her future traveling companions when she shares her own troubling tale.

Ah... he's a lewd sort. She is, luckily, unfazed by the comment he pits at Estinien. She's spent enough time around soldier boys and old noblemen to not be bothered by talk like that anymore. She lets go of Estinien with one hand to take the dress with the other, skeptical. Nothing is free. Not ever. "I'm sorry that I caused so much trouble."

A sentiment directed more at Estinien than Nero.

"Thank you, though... it's pretty. And I'll need to get rid of these clothes once we're out of here so, thank you, Nero. I appreciate the gesture."

[coerthantorment]

Estinien doesn't know and isn't eager to find out whether it applies to the 'front' as well, but he certainly isn't eager to bring that up around Nero. Instead, he glares, but tentatively allows him to offer her his 'gift'. It isn't really his job to tell her what she can and can't take from strangers.

Nero says he's on their side, and technically, he hasn't done anything to indicate that isn't true. He is definitely committing the crime of being an annoying bastard, though.

Estinien glances down at Relena instead, catching that apology. It's hardly as if any of it were her fault, and so the fact that she seems willing to accept blame for it almost irritates him. He furrows his brow.

"The only ones causing trouble are these damn royals," he murmurs, but otherwise allows Relena to field the discussion.

[extremethirst]

"You're welcome!" Nero gives her a wide smile. "But you should actually thank the man of the hour."

His hand gestures towards the execution stage. The elf isn't sure if Jon's still there or not, but he feels like he should give credit where credit is due.

"Ah?" Interest appears on his face. "You know... like I said, I was under the impression that you were dead." His eyes shift to look pointedly at his cousin before returning to her face. "And he says that the mages are the reason you're so weak on your feet. So, can I get I get a promise to hear your story later, sweetie?"

[sanc]

"That's true, Estinien. I can't help but wonder what will happen here... if the Queen and Ambrose really are secretly at odds," Relena muses as she looks down at the dress hugged against her chest. As much as she knows she needs out of here, she can't help but worry for the remaining summoned and the normal citizens, as well. Desperation was dangerous. She knew better than anyone both here and at home.

"Oh... yes... Jon. I'm so glad we came back in time. I'd been worried for him."

She looks back to Nero again and smiles amicably, nodding. She wants as many people to know as possible. "Yes, I'll be happy to share the details once we're all settled."

[coerthantorment]

Estinien rolls his eyes, but there's no actual reason to conceal this information from anyone. The more people know about Thorne's indiscretions, the better. He's certainly not about to hold those details back, no matter where they end up.

"I suspect we will discover who is truly in charge by whether or not it happens again," he says. "We must remember... though we may flee now, nothing will stop the High Mage from capturing more like us."

The implication in his tone is clear. He will not allow this to happen again if anything in his power can be done to stop it.

[extremethirst]

The elf pauses as he looks over her face. He takes in the quiet determination that slowly burns in her eyes and the small frown that she gives; he acknowledges the way her arms hug the dress to keep herself from doing anything foolish. His eyes narrow slightly before they glow bright with interest and intrigue.

This one, he thinks with little to no irony or snide tone, has unshakable morals.

"Don't worry. He would have died for you, so you should accept that sacrifice, eh?"

It's not really a test on her morals so much as a comment.

"Look forward to it." His fixed gaze finally draws away to return to Estinien. "Well, no shit."

Nero is not surprised or troubled at the idea that more people would be summoned. It honestly seems like the most reasonable to thing that the High Mage could do. If the man stopped summoning people, the elf would be startled at how reasonable and level-headed the mage was to comprehend what he was doing wasn't going to work. But Ambrose fucked himself raw but needs to keep on fucking in order to make sure something comes out of what he did.

Nobody's properly climaxed so the gyrating hips and huffing, straining movements are going to have to continue.

"They aren't gonna be nice to the next batch. Those that aren't gonna work, they might end up here right away." Nero gestures towards the gallows. He would also be surprised if Ambrose gave the "wrong sort" a second chance, but who knows? He might have fucked himself stupid and think that something different will happen.

He's quite proud of his metaphors of what is going on. It's a real shame that he can't share them freely. His eyes shift to Relena before returning to Estinien. His cousin really might just find the means to run him through if he carried on like he wants to, and that would be a shame.

I have to see the end of this world. He concludes. I have to see it all burn.

"But that's a problem for us to settle another time, huh?"

[sanc]

"I don't think I could accept that. What he did helped us, but dying for it... I don't know if I could accepted that it happened so easily."

It was not something worth killing anyone over; not to her.

"That's true, especially if there are welcomed guests who are leaving. He'll want to replenish his stock of allies. Even if I hate what he's done, I can understand his motives there, at least."

That was easy to see for her now more than ever. She wonders if what they'd been dealing with so far was in response to the queen's plans for them or if he'd never heard of her approach at all.

She lets out a breath, brow creasing. Himeka's healing had done wonders but there's still a light ache in her bones that makes her feel like she could sleep for years. She lifts her eyes to Nero and frowns at him, shaking her head.

"I suppose it is... time's limited here."