Post by Markas Virnala on Sept 7, 2019 21:04:12 GMT
[Set shortly after the "Dance for your Life" Session]
It’s been some time since Markas has seen Baine now. In fact, he hasn’t seen him since the trip to Lightning Bay a few weeks back and the news of a Bone Devil coming in search of them is concerning to Markas. When everyone was together in Port Ffirst there was little concern with having something coming looking for them as they could rally together to face it. Being split apart, however, means they can be picked off one by one. The fact this has cropped up and come from an outside source is equally disturbing - is their unfinished business putting other people at risk?
These are the questions plaguing the monks head since the meeting with Mystigon and finding the letter from Igrainne in his room (the letter he had completely forgotten to open, being too wrapped up in his own head). He had originally planned to go back to Daring Heights this week to collect his new commission from Milo but a visit could still be beneficial if he dropped in on his friend instead. Maybe meet this Varis that Baine seems to swoon over these days too.
Decided in his thinking, Markas sets off for Daring Heights, leaving in the early hours to get a head start on the day, aiming to arrive in the early afternoon. He has made the trip a few times already but on reaching Daring Heights he realises he has never actually seen the Crimson Fist headquarters. After about an hour of wandering around, he finally stops in the Ettin and asks for directions and gets sent in the right direction.
Coming to the entrance, he slowly wanders in and looks around the yard. At first glance the compound seems quiet, the afternoon sun casting long shadows in the dust and a gentle breeze barely making a difference in the veritable oven of the training yard.
Soon enough, however, a familiar booming laugh draws Markas attention to a door left ajar at the corner of the yard. He follows the sound of muffled voices and clinking metal to what can only be the forge. Coming upon it, he hesitantly raps his knuckles on the doorframe as he opens the door wider with his other hand.
As he pokes his head in he’s greeted by the familiar sight of a large half-orc, his long hair piled in a tight bun on top of his head. He seems… larger somehow? Like he filled out since Markas last saw him. He’s gesturing at the project in front of him, measuring something with his big hands and looking quizzically at the man next to him; a half-elf with sandy coloured hair tied back from his face, head cocked to the side as he’s trying to make sense of the other man’s reasoning.
“No, the point would come out to about here,” Baine says, “and the width would be-” He breaks off and the two both look up as Markas appears in the doorway.
Two seconds later Baine has crossed the forged and picked Markas clean off the ground in what’s probably meant to be a hug but is mainly bruising his ribs.
“Markas, you little shit,” Baine exclaims, “Where fuck have you been, man?”
Markas dangles from Baines arms like a ragdoll for a few seconds, unable to breathe, before being dropped back onto his feet and taking in large gulps of air.
“(cough cough) Well, I came up to see you Baine. Took me a while to find this place, you never actually gave me directions!”
He stands up fully and looks to his friend in the dim forge for a second.
“Ever since that trouble in the fighting pit in Port Ffirst me and Hoop have been living at the Flourished Hook. It’s a little more pricey but I spend most of my time in Hoop’s room anyway so doesn’t feel all that different…. And I guess I’ve been doing some soul searching you could say for a couple weeks….You look Big!”
Baine winks. Flexes a little.
“It’s good to see you again!” Markas continues. “What about you? I haven’t seen you since Lightning Bay?”
At this point Markas remembers he is actually the guest here and looks between Baine and the Half-Elf with the Sandy hair.
“Oh! I am sorry, I’m not intruding on anything am I?”
“Nah mate, don’t worry. But allow me.” Baine turns to face them both. “Sir, this is Markas Virnala, Ghost Puncher Extraordinaire. Markas, meet Varis Nailo, Grandmaster of the Order of the Crimson Fist.”
Varis’s lips quirk in a wry smile.
“‘Ghost Puncher’, is it?”
He removes a thick leather glove and offers his hand to the newcomer.
“One of your fellow dragon hunters I believe, Baine?”
Markas shakes Varis' hand and flashes his toothy smile.
"Well, it seems Port Ffirst has its fair share of Ghosts around. A pleasure to meet you finally Varis. Baine speaks very highly of you…. Though he hasn't really explained what this place is to me yet?" He looks curiously around the forge and back out into the yard.
Varis returns the smile, glancing sideways at Baine.
“I imagine that’s because Baine hasn’t decided what this place is to him, yet. But to me, it is my home, and a place where like minded individuals - those who would see Daring flourish in safety - can meet and work toward our common goals.”
He eyes the young half elf, taking in the road dust and slightly bedraggled appearance.
“You look like you’ve travelled hard, Markas. Will you take some refreshment with us?”
He gestures towards the door into the kitchens.
"Oh, that would be great, so long as I'm not interrupting anything important in here?"
Baine leads them out of the forge, waving his hand dismissively. “Nah, nothing that won’t keep. I’ll show you later, I’m trying to make maul.”
He turns around as he crosses the yard, walking backwards and gesturing animatedly. “See, Red reckons I’d could smash things better than slice them so she’s been having me drill with a hammer, and I’ll be damned if she isn’t right.” His smile is wide and his eyes bright as he talks, clearly taking great pleasure in his new-found abilities. “But there isn’t one quite the right size for me so I’m gonna make one myself.”
He turns at the last second to push the door open to the mess, holding it open for Markas and Varis. “You two have a seat, I’ll dig something up for us.” He nods to the tables before disappearing through another door into the kitchens.
Markas is like a tourist, ogling his surroundings as they walk. When Baine disappears off, Markas turns to Varis again.
“I see Baine has lost none of his energy! This is an impressive place… and you work to keep Daring safe? Forgive me if I’ve misunderstood but, does that mean you are a mercenary organisation?”
Varis’ smile takes on a slightly strained quality.
“A common misconception. As I have recently discovered. But no, we are not sellswords. We are an order of knights, sworn to protect Daring and her inhabitants. What of you, Markas? What brought you to Kantas?”
"Ahh. That is good to hear. There is no shortage of people willing to kill for coin here so it's nice to see a group dedicated to good rather than gain. I meant no offence in my question…" - a sombre quality falls over his face - "For me. Well, the place I once called home stopped feeling like home and I guess I started wandering to see what was out there in the world. That's pretty much what got me here though in truth I'm still not sure why what's led me to stay."
He brightens up again as he moves past the topic, "But protecting the people of Daring you say? Have you considered moving further afield in the future?"
The door to the kitchen opens slowly as Baine pushes it open with his foot. His arms are laden with what looks to be leftovers from other meals, three tankards clutched in one large hand.
“Grits saved us lunch when we didn’t show up earlier.”
He sets his findings down, a tankard in front of each of the other two before pulling up a seat at the head of the table and joining them.
“What’s this then?” he asks. “We branching out, sir?”
Varis frowns slightly at the three tankards, brimful of Vorstborn Ale, but makes not further comment, pulling a plate of cold sausage and potatoes towards himself. It is a moment before he answers.
“We lend what aid we can to Vorsthold, but Daring and her immediate surrounds provide more than enough work for the Order at present. Should the inhabitants of Port Ffirst ever need our help, it would be theirs for the asking, but I have had no such overtures yet. The governance of that town concerns me somewhat - where gold rules, the people suffer - but I am no kingmaker. It is not my place to dictate to anyone how they should be governed. What makes you ask, Markas?”
Markas takes a plate of food and a tankard with a smile and as he sips, gives a slight grimace.
“Oh, just curiosity mainly. Protecting the masses is a worthwhile cause but as you pointed out, people can only manage so much. The Monastery I spent my youth in had a similar goal, helping and protecting the surrounding small towns and villages however we could, but we were dozens helping a handful of small scattered settlements. Altogether, I doubt they would fill half of Daring Heights. It really seems am immense task you have taken on here… In truth I miss the feeling of being part of something bigger sometimes.”
He takes on a wistful look briefly before brightening again,
“But anyway, that was a long time ago now. Part of the reason for my visit is actually to do with a trip Baine and I went on previously to Za’Suul… seems like an old acquaintance of ours is starting to stir up some trouble… Have you heard from Mystigon at all?”
Baine sighs heavily into his tankard. “Sure have. He came through just a few days ago, dramatic as all hell. The seagull with the eyepatch is coming for us apparently. Sending bone devils into Port Ffirst, attacking civilians.” He takes a drink and looks at Markas. Varis’ mouth tightens, his brow drawing down at the mention of the attack.
“And I know Mystigon is dead keen on planning and investigating and shit, but I’m gonna be straight with you man, there’s a lot going on right now.”
He looks at Varis who gives the slightest shake of his head, eyes flicking to Markas.
“I dunno if I can fuck off to Za’Suul to chase a seagull. Don’t get me wrong, we cocked it up and we gotta fix it, but…” he trails off, a frown on his face. “He sent me a- a bloody bird, saying he wanted to see me down at the Ettin, did you get one as well?”
“Yes… I actually went along to see him there before coming here. I did mention about the birds and he said he would send a rabbit instead!” Markas says with a laugh. Baine rolls his eyes but doesn’t comment.
“He is keen to jump into this but I said we should hold off a while, at least until we know what we are dealing with…. He’s already found out that materials for the summoning came to Kantas on some kind of boat party and the Devil came straight from the 9 Hells so it looks like this guy has some sort of connection there. It’d be foolish to simply charge in…. I am worried about others getting hurt in the meantime though” Markas trails off, the concern etched deeply into his face.
Baine nods to himself. “Yeah, I don’t want anyone getting hurt on my account but I’m also not gonna run in half-cocked and make an ever bigger mess.”
“I’ve convinced him to hold off for now anyway before he gets himself killed.” Markas says. “I don’t think acting now is a wise move but I can’t just leave it to affect others the way it has. Will you help me deal with it further down the line?”
Baine nods again. “Of course, mate. I’m not leaving you to sort out a situation I had a part in making. Plus, if we give it a bit more time-” he looks back at Varis “- we might have some help.”
The Grandmaster nods once, face unreadable.
“Well, that is a relief at least.” Markas says with a smile, “I guess the other reason I’m here is just to see how you are, I miss having you around Port Ffirst!”
Baine grins his wide, infectious grin at his old friend. “I wish I could say the same, mate, but I miss the people more than I miss the town.” His smile softens, but remains genuine. “Daring Heights has been good to me, man. I.. I feel like I’m where I should be.”
“I can see! And it is a good thing to see Baine. I did worry about you getting lost down in the Shank. It’s important to have some direction.”
He takes another sip of the drink Baine has provided, makes another slight grimace. Baine rolls his eyes at him fondly.
“But I think I have taken enough of your time today,” Markas says. “I’m sure you both have more important matters to attend to than entertaining me. Besides that, I promised Hoop we would go back to see Leocanto after that whole thing last week.”
Baine nods reluctantly. “We should get back to work. But you’re sticking around for a bit, yeah? In Daring?”
“A little while but I have to head back to Port Ffirst soon. I do plan to come back up to Daring a little more often though so I will be around. I was actually going to ask if you would be up for some sparring soon? I could do with the practice” - He looks to Varis - “Assuming that’s ok with you as well, of course?”
The Grandmaster’s mouth quirks into a wry smile.
“You’re more than welcome any time, Markas. As it happens, Baine could use the practice too. But I’m afraid I must make my apologies. It was a pleasure to meet you. I’m sure our paths will cross again.”
Standing, he nods to the two men and walks briskly from the room.
Markas stands and nods respectfully as he leaves before turning back to Baine
Baine makes a pained grimace before shrugging and taking another drink.
“Yeah, I deserved that.”
“Hahaha, I’m sure you did!” A warm smile forms on the half-elfs face “It is good to see you again Baine but I should be off too. When I have the chance, I will stop by again and you can show me what you’ve been learning here.”
He embraces the much larger Half-Orc in tight hug which is quickly outdone by the Baine’s own strength, feeling his spine pop once or twice. Once he is set back on the floor, he says his goodbye and heads back out into the yard for the main gate, feeling a little lighter, if bruised than when he came here.
With Ser Baine Cinderwood 🔥🌼 & Varis/G'Lorth/Sundilar
It’s been some time since Markas has seen Baine now. In fact, he hasn’t seen him since the trip to Lightning Bay a few weeks back and the news of a Bone Devil coming in search of them is concerning to Markas. When everyone was together in Port Ffirst there was little concern with having something coming looking for them as they could rally together to face it. Being split apart, however, means they can be picked off one by one. The fact this has cropped up and come from an outside source is equally disturbing - is their unfinished business putting other people at risk?
These are the questions plaguing the monks head since the meeting with Mystigon and finding the letter from Igrainne in his room (the letter he had completely forgotten to open, being too wrapped up in his own head). He had originally planned to go back to Daring Heights this week to collect his new commission from Milo but a visit could still be beneficial if he dropped in on his friend instead. Maybe meet this Varis that Baine seems to swoon over these days too.
Decided in his thinking, Markas sets off for Daring Heights, leaving in the early hours to get a head start on the day, aiming to arrive in the early afternoon. He has made the trip a few times already but on reaching Daring Heights he realises he has never actually seen the Crimson Fist headquarters. After about an hour of wandering around, he finally stops in the Ettin and asks for directions and gets sent in the right direction.
Coming to the entrance, he slowly wanders in and looks around the yard. At first glance the compound seems quiet, the afternoon sun casting long shadows in the dust and a gentle breeze barely making a difference in the veritable oven of the training yard.
Soon enough, however, a familiar booming laugh draws Markas attention to a door left ajar at the corner of the yard. He follows the sound of muffled voices and clinking metal to what can only be the forge. Coming upon it, he hesitantly raps his knuckles on the doorframe as he opens the door wider with his other hand.
As he pokes his head in he’s greeted by the familiar sight of a large half-orc, his long hair piled in a tight bun on top of his head. He seems… larger somehow? Like he filled out since Markas last saw him. He’s gesturing at the project in front of him, measuring something with his big hands and looking quizzically at the man next to him; a half-elf with sandy coloured hair tied back from his face, head cocked to the side as he’s trying to make sense of the other man’s reasoning.
“No, the point would come out to about here,” Baine says, “and the width would be-” He breaks off and the two both look up as Markas appears in the doorway.
Two seconds later Baine has crossed the forged and picked Markas clean off the ground in what’s probably meant to be a hug but is mainly bruising his ribs.
“Markas, you little shit,” Baine exclaims, “Where fuck have you been, man?”
Markas dangles from Baines arms like a ragdoll for a few seconds, unable to breathe, before being dropped back onto his feet and taking in large gulps of air.
“(cough cough) Well, I came up to see you Baine. Took me a while to find this place, you never actually gave me directions!”
He stands up fully and looks to his friend in the dim forge for a second.
“Ever since that trouble in the fighting pit in Port Ffirst me and Hoop have been living at the Flourished Hook. It’s a little more pricey but I spend most of my time in Hoop’s room anyway so doesn’t feel all that different…. And I guess I’ve been doing some soul searching you could say for a couple weeks….You look Big!”
Baine winks. Flexes a little.
“It’s good to see you again!” Markas continues. “What about you? I haven’t seen you since Lightning Bay?”
At this point Markas remembers he is actually the guest here and looks between Baine and the Half-Elf with the Sandy hair.
“Oh! I am sorry, I’m not intruding on anything am I?”
“Nah mate, don’t worry. But allow me.” Baine turns to face them both. “Sir, this is Markas Virnala, Ghost Puncher Extraordinaire. Markas, meet Varis Nailo, Grandmaster of the Order of the Crimson Fist.”
Varis’s lips quirk in a wry smile.
“‘Ghost Puncher’, is it?”
He removes a thick leather glove and offers his hand to the newcomer.
“One of your fellow dragon hunters I believe, Baine?”
Markas shakes Varis' hand and flashes his toothy smile.
"Well, it seems Port Ffirst has its fair share of Ghosts around. A pleasure to meet you finally Varis. Baine speaks very highly of you…. Though he hasn't really explained what this place is to me yet?" He looks curiously around the forge and back out into the yard.
Varis returns the smile, glancing sideways at Baine.
“I imagine that’s because Baine hasn’t decided what this place is to him, yet. But to me, it is my home, and a place where like minded individuals - those who would see Daring flourish in safety - can meet and work toward our common goals.”
He eyes the young half elf, taking in the road dust and slightly bedraggled appearance.
“You look like you’ve travelled hard, Markas. Will you take some refreshment with us?”
He gestures towards the door into the kitchens.
"Oh, that would be great, so long as I'm not interrupting anything important in here?"
Baine leads them out of the forge, waving his hand dismissively. “Nah, nothing that won’t keep. I’ll show you later, I’m trying to make maul.”
He turns around as he crosses the yard, walking backwards and gesturing animatedly. “See, Red reckons I’d could smash things better than slice them so she’s been having me drill with a hammer, and I’ll be damned if she isn’t right.” His smile is wide and his eyes bright as he talks, clearly taking great pleasure in his new-found abilities. “But there isn’t one quite the right size for me so I’m gonna make one myself.”
He turns at the last second to push the door open to the mess, holding it open for Markas and Varis. “You two have a seat, I’ll dig something up for us.” He nods to the tables before disappearing through another door into the kitchens.
Markas is like a tourist, ogling his surroundings as they walk. When Baine disappears off, Markas turns to Varis again.
“I see Baine has lost none of his energy! This is an impressive place… and you work to keep Daring safe? Forgive me if I’ve misunderstood but, does that mean you are a mercenary organisation?”
Varis’ smile takes on a slightly strained quality.
“A common misconception. As I have recently discovered. But no, we are not sellswords. We are an order of knights, sworn to protect Daring and her inhabitants. What of you, Markas? What brought you to Kantas?”
"Ahh. That is good to hear. There is no shortage of people willing to kill for coin here so it's nice to see a group dedicated to good rather than gain. I meant no offence in my question…" - a sombre quality falls over his face - "For me. Well, the place I once called home stopped feeling like home and I guess I started wandering to see what was out there in the world. That's pretty much what got me here though in truth I'm still not sure why what's led me to stay."
He brightens up again as he moves past the topic, "But protecting the people of Daring you say? Have you considered moving further afield in the future?"
The door to the kitchen opens slowly as Baine pushes it open with his foot. His arms are laden with what looks to be leftovers from other meals, three tankards clutched in one large hand.
“Grits saved us lunch when we didn’t show up earlier.”
He sets his findings down, a tankard in front of each of the other two before pulling up a seat at the head of the table and joining them.
“What’s this then?” he asks. “We branching out, sir?”
Varis frowns slightly at the three tankards, brimful of Vorstborn Ale, but makes not further comment, pulling a plate of cold sausage and potatoes towards himself. It is a moment before he answers.
“We lend what aid we can to Vorsthold, but Daring and her immediate surrounds provide more than enough work for the Order at present. Should the inhabitants of Port Ffirst ever need our help, it would be theirs for the asking, but I have had no such overtures yet. The governance of that town concerns me somewhat - where gold rules, the people suffer - but I am no kingmaker. It is not my place to dictate to anyone how they should be governed. What makes you ask, Markas?”
Markas takes a plate of food and a tankard with a smile and as he sips, gives a slight grimace.
“Oh, just curiosity mainly. Protecting the masses is a worthwhile cause but as you pointed out, people can only manage so much. The Monastery I spent my youth in had a similar goal, helping and protecting the surrounding small towns and villages however we could, but we were dozens helping a handful of small scattered settlements. Altogether, I doubt they would fill half of Daring Heights. It really seems am immense task you have taken on here… In truth I miss the feeling of being part of something bigger sometimes.”
He takes on a wistful look briefly before brightening again,
“But anyway, that was a long time ago now. Part of the reason for my visit is actually to do with a trip Baine and I went on previously to Za’Suul… seems like an old acquaintance of ours is starting to stir up some trouble… Have you heard from Mystigon at all?”
Baine sighs heavily into his tankard. “Sure have. He came through just a few days ago, dramatic as all hell. The seagull with the eyepatch is coming for us apparently. Sending bone devils into Port Ffirst, attacking civilians.” He takes a drink and looks at Markas. Varis’ mouth tightens, his brow drawing down at the mention of the attack.
“And I know Mystigon is dead keen on planning and investigating and shit, but I’m gonna be straight with you man, there’s a lot going on right now.”
He looks at Varis who gives the slightest shake of his head, eyes flicking to Markas.
“I dunno if I can fuck off to Za’Suul to chase a seagull. Don’t get me wrong, we cocked it up and we gotta fix it, but…” he trails off, a frown on his face. “He sent me a- a bloody bird, saying he wanted to see me down at the Ettin, did you get one as well?”
“Yes… I actually went along to see him there before coming here. I did mention about the birds and he said he would send a rabbit instead!” Markas says with a laugh. Baine rolls his eyes but doesn’t comment.
“He is keen to jump into this but I said we should hold off a while, at least until we know what we are dealing with…. He’s already found out that materials for the summoning came to Kantas on some kind of boat party and the Devil came straight from the 9 Hells so it looks like this guy has some sort of connection there. It’d be foolish to simply charge in…. I am worried about others getting hurt in the meantime though” Markas trails off, the concern etched deeply into his face.
Baine nods to himself. “Yeah, I don’t want anyone getting hurt on my account but I’m also not gonna run in half-cocked and make an ever bigger mess.”
“I’ve convinced him to hold off for now anyway before he gets himself killed.” Markas says. “I don’t think acting now is a wise move but I can’t just leave it to affect others the way it has. Will you help me deal with it further down the line?”
Baine nods again. “Of course, mate. I’m not leaving you to sort out a situation I had a part in making. Plus, if we give it a bit more time-” he looks back at Varis “- we might have some help.”
The Grandmaster nods once, face unreadable.
“Well, that is a relief at least.” Markas says with a smile, “I guess the other reason I’m here is just to see how you are, I miss having you around Port Ffirst!”
Baine grins his wide, infectious grin at his old friend. “I wish I could say the same, mate, but I miss the people more than I miss the town.” His smile softens, but remains genuine. “Daring Heights has been good to me, man. I.. I feel like I’m where I should be.”
“I can see! And it is a good thing to see Baine. I did worry about you getting lost down in the Shank. It’s important to have some direction.”
He takes another sip of the drink Baine has provided, makes another slight grimace. Baine rolls his eyes at him fondly.
“But I think I have taken enough of your time today,” Markas says. “I’m sure you both have more important matters to attend to than entertaining me. Besides that, I promised Hoop we would go back to see Leocanto after that whole thing last week.”
Baine nods reluctantly. “We should get back to work. But you’re sticking around for a bit, yeah? In Daring?”
“A little while but I have to head back to Port Ffirst soon. I do plan to come back up to Daring a little more often though so I will be around. I was actually going to ask if you would be up for some sparring soon? I could do with the practice” - He looks to Varis - “Assuming that’s ok with you as well, of course?”
The Grandmaster’s mouth quirks into a wry smile.
“You’re more than welcome any time, Markas. As it happens, Baine could use the practice too. But I’m afraid I must make my apologies. It was a pleasure to meet you. I’m sure our paths will cross again.”
Standing, he nods to the two men and walks briskly from the room.
Markas stands and nods respectfully as he leaves before turning back to Baine
Baine makes a pained grimace before shrugging and taking another drink.
“Yeah, I deserved that.”
“Hahaha, I’m sure you did!” A warm smile forms on the half-elfs face “It is good to see you again Baine but I should be off too. When I have the chance, I will stop by again and you can show me what you’ve been learning here.”
He embraces the much larger Half-Orc in tight hug which is quickly outdone by the Baine’s own strength, feeling his spine pop once or twice. Once he is set back on the floor, he says his goodbye and heads back out into the yard for the main gate, feeling a little lighter, if bruised than when he came here.
With Ser Baine Cinderwood 🔥🌼 & Varis/G'Lorth/Sundilar
