Difference between revisions of "Denz De'bayle"
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“Sixty years, I fought for this family, and longer still did I bear this curse, Nuarmac. I will not be unclothed and dying like the mongrel this family made of me. I haven’t come this far just to have ''you'' tell me what you think is best for me.” Nuarmac stuttered and looked away with shame. Indeed, this procedure would kill the elder De’bayle, but she had already outlived her years by normal standards. Three generations of elezen had watched her fight against the dravanian horde, yet in her old age, her true purpose began to falter. Her old eyes flit to the baby beside her.<br> | “Sixty years, I fought for this family, and longer still did I bear this curse, Nuarmac. I will not be unclothed and dying like the mongrel this family made of me. I haven’t come this far just to have ''you'' tell me what you think is best for me.” Nuarmac stuttered and looked away with shame. Indeed, this procedure would kill the elder De’bayle, but she had already outlived her years by normal standards. Three generations of elezen had watched her fight against the dravanian horde, yet in her old age, her true purpose began to falter. Her old eyes flit to the baby beside her.<br> | ||
“Little Leliara. Your journey through a hard life is about to begin…” The woman leaned over towards the other bed, a gauntleted hand moving to caress the sleeping child’s face gently. Narshae let out a pained sigh, leaning back against the bed. “But I know you can face it with the strength and pride I once carried.” <br> | “Little Leliara. Your journey through a hard life is about to begin…” The woman leaned over towards the other bed, a gauntleted hand moving to caress the sleeping child’s face gently. Narshae let out a pained sigh, leaning back against the bed. “But I know you can face it with the strength and pride I once carried.” <br> | ||
− | Nuarmac watched. She had been a bitter woman, but bitterness was the result of bitterness. Cursed to carry the family’s dark aether with her for her entire life, the De’bayles had sectioned off and feared her. She was deigned the chaste life of a clergywoman, afraid of the repercussions should she, a vessel to keep the dark aether from | + | Nuarmac watched. She had been a bitter woman, but bitterness was the result of bitterness. Cursed to carry the family’s dark aether with her for her entire life, the De’bayles had sectioned off and feared her. She was deigned the chaste life of a clergywoman, afraid of the repercussions should she, a vessel to keep the dark aether from corrupting her family members, bear children. However, the thrums of war would eventually reach her ears. A better fighter than she ever was a nun, the woman made her mark on the family as a proud knight, utilizing her dark aether to grant her strength and speed beyond normal means. In her old age, Narshae was becoming less and less of a fighter, and her original purpose, to keep the dark aether of their family contained, began to falter. Now, they looked towards a new vessel, Nuarmac’s daughter Leliara. And so she would carry their dark aether. |
Narshae fell back onto her own bed with a pained sigh. <br> | Narshae fell back onto her own bed with a pained sigh. <br> | ||
“I am ready, my child…” She looked upon Nuarmac with a softer gaze. Though many of the De’bayles were wary about the woman, the eldest brother of the trio had always looked up to her and treated her with kindness. He was awash with guilt and regret, but her hand came up to grab his own. “It’ll be alright, Nuar… Just promise me… You won’t let her live the life I did. She needs her family… She ''deserves'' her family.” The robed elezen nodded, sniffing slightly. <br> | “I am ready, my child…” She looked upon Nuarmac with a softer gaze. Though many of the De’bayles were wary about the woman, the eldest brother of the trio had always looked up to her and treated her with kindness. He was awash with guilt and regret, but her hand came up to grab his own. “It’ll be alright, Nuar… Just promise me… You won’t let her live the life I did. She needs her family… She ''deserves'' her family.” The robed elezen nodded, sniffing slightly. <br> | ||
− | “I-I promise, Nana.” Narshae nodded, releasing his hand and laying back against the bed. Nuarmac | + | “I-I promise, Nana.” Narshae nodded, releasing his hand and laying back against the bed. Nuarmac failed to hold back tears, the wide sleeve of his ceremonial robe coming up to wipe at his face. Sucking in a breath, he pulled the robe’s cowl over his hair, feeling more akin to putting on an executioner’s mask. |
− | Nuarmac’s position in the family was one as burdensome as Narshae’s. He was their spiritual leader, their guide to communicating with the ancestors. He was also the family member tasked with providing the new family members with their tattoos as they are born. He had given them to his own children, all four of Aegisan’s kids, and Farstan’s own son. He was in charge of the aetherial preservation of the family, and the corrupting dark aether that ran through their family’s connection needed to be contained. Already, the negative emotions and memories of the sinful De’bayles leaked from Narshae, caressing the minds of the living. Now, Nuarmac had to openly wield that aether for but a short period of time, to transfer it to his daughter. Placing his hands together and speaking a muttered prayer to Halone, he cracks his neck before placing a palm on the elderly woman’s forehead. He opened his mind to hers’, his tattoo glowing white, and she to his, her own sigil glowing with a duller sheen, as he delved into the depths of the dark woman’s mind. He kept his wits about himself, aimlessly passing memories belonging Narshae and those she | + | Nuarmac’s position in the family was one as burdensome as Narshae’s. He was their spiritual leader, their guide to communicating with the ancestors. He was also the family member tasked with providing the new family members with their tattoos as they are born. He had given them to his own children, all four of Aegisan’s kids, and Farstan’s own son. He was in charge of the aetherial preservation of the family, and the corrupting dark aether that ran through their family’s connection that needed to be contained. Already, the negative emotions and memories of the sinful De’bayles leaked from Narshae, caressing the minds of the living. Now, Nuarmac had to openly wield that aether for but a short period of time, to transfer it to his daughter. Placing his hands together and speaking a muttered prayer to Halone, he cracks his neck before placing a palm on the elderly woman’s forehead. He opened his mind to hers’, his tattoo glowing white, and she to his, her own sigil glowing with a duller sheen, as he delved into the depths of the dark woman’s mind. He kept his wits about himself, aimlessly passing memories belonging Narshae and those she housed, before putting himself deep enough into the recesses of his mind to find what he looked for. In times’ past, his predecessor spiritual leaders had created the barrier that kept the dark aether within the woman. Only one of his caliber could undo the seal, and focusing upon that spot, undid the magicks. All at once, Narshae’s tattoo began to glow with dark aether, wisps of magic floating about her forehead as the energy threatened to be unleashed. Nuarmac instantly began to draw that aether within himself. He felt the chilling presence of evil, of malicious desire, beginning to creep upon his mind. He did not stop siphoning the aether until Narshae’s forehead was free of the dark energy, her face turning from pain to a peaceful visage. Nuarmac’s tattoo pulsated with white and dark aether, pain written about his face, emotional and physical. |
− | Nuarmac had little time to observe the elder as he turned to his resting daughter. His hands shook with worry, but steeling his resolve, he placed his fingers on Leliara’s tiny forehead and | + | Nuarmac had little time to observe the elder as he turned to his resting daughter. His hands shook with worry, but steeling his resolve, he placed his fingers on Leliara’s tiny forehead and closed his eyes. Exuding the dark energy slowly, Nuarmac began to fill the child’s head with dark images and nightmares that would shake the baby awake. She mewled, then began crying, and though her body shook, her head did not turn. A tension began to fill Nuarmac. She was… filling up, the aether threatening to overwhelm her. No, he had to keep going. The crying rose in intensity and pitch, the shaking of the small child’s frame becoming more and more erratic, before all of sudden, the body lay still, and Nuarmac’s transferring was halted. The aether would no longer move outward, instead beginning to flood back into himself. His eyes shot open, looking in horror upon the baby’s still face, young eyes frozen open in a look of terror. His shaking hand released from the baby’s head, her tiny tattoo still releasing dark aether as the robed man collapsed against the frame of the bed, shoulders shaking in a sob. |
<br> “N-no…. Leliara…. NO! NOO-” His scream was cut off as a rough hand grabbed him. Being pulled around, Narshae was sitting up, her tattoo once more glowing dark, her face a foreign look of malice and hate, as the dark aether left the elezen man’s mind. Nuarmac couldn’t speak, as the woman he saw as a hero grabbed her long sword from the ground, raising it up slowly to bring down upon the robed elezen. | <br> “N-no…. Leliara…. NO! NOO-” His scream was cut off as a rough hand grabbed him. Being pulled around, Narshae was sitting up, her tattoo once more glowing dark, her face a foreign look of malice and hate, as the dark aether left the elezen man’s mind. Nuarmac couldn’t speak, as the woman he saw as a hero grabbed her long sword from the ground, raising it up slowly to bring down upon the robed elezen. | ||
The metal door swung open swiftly. <br> | The metal door swung open swiftly. <br> | ||
− | “Nuarmac!” The two brothers launched themselves at the elder woman. Aegisan, though unarmed, was able to grapple the sword-wielding hand, breaking the arm as the sword clattered to the ground. Farstan pulled out a knife, sinking it into Narshae’s throat without hesitation. Blood spattered upon all three of the brothers, the armored woman shaking, before the gauntleted hand released the cloth of Nuarmac’s robe. The three were left panting as the body sunk back to the bed, once more seeming lifeless, her tattoo still glowing. Farstan’s quick eyes | + | “Nuarmac!” The two brothers launched themselves at the elder woman. Aegisan, though unarmed, was able to grapple the sword-wielding hand, breaking the arm as the sword clattered to the ground. Farstan pulled out a hidden knife from his person, sinking it into Narshae’s throat without hesitation. Blood spattered upon all three of the brothers, the armored woman shaking, before the gauntleted hand released the cloth of Nuarmac’s robe. The three were left panting as the body sunk back to the bed, once more seeming lifeless, her tattoo still glowing. Farstan’s quick eyes saw Leliara’s corpse, turning and grabbing Aegisan’s shoulder to pull him back up to a standing position. <br> |
− | “Get Denz, while that | + | “Get Denz, while that aether is still in her dying body!” Aegisan’s eyes widened, before Farstan pushed him towards the door. “Now!” |
− | The middle brother stumbled into the hallway, eyes turning down each hall, as if he was in an unknown dungeon. The sun had finished setting, as the dark night | + | The middle brother stumbled into the hallway, eyes turning down each hall, as if he was in an unknown dungeon. The sun had finished setting, as the dark night cast shadows along the walls. Aegisan moved towards the room where his children were sleeping. He could feel the small vestiges of loose dark aether preying upon his mind, shadows swarming the edge of his vision, images flashing by that his will alone had to write as false. Placing a hand upon the wall, he stumbled towards the end of the hall, where several doors to different bedrooms lay. The end of the hall is where his family was. Placing a hand upon the knob, he blinked, another hand appearing over his. Flinching to the side, his pale face showing fear at Nuarmac’s wife, Christienna. Her own face showed worry, and seeing Aegisan’s bloodied front, she gasped, a hand coming to her mouth as she took off the way he came from. The father opened the door slowly, and fortunately, none of his family stirred, despite the aetherial chaos that ensued. Only one large bed was in the room, which his wife Elliana rested in. Two cribs flanked the bed, and at the foot of the bed on small mattress was Aegisan’s oldest son, Armont. He stumbled to the left side of the bed, moving towards the crib. Inside slept two babies, twin siblings, Guillemont and Agrias. Shaking his head at the wrong crib, he moved around to the other side of the bed, seeing his youngest child Denzel sleep. Only a few months old, this family trip from Ishgard had been for him to acquire the tattoo and see the De’bayle family reunited. Now, he was sending his baby into certain danger. But they were all in danger, now. Gingerly picking up the small form, he moved to leave the room, before a small voice called out. “Father?” |
Armont stirred from his mattress, a small hand grasping the dark before it wrapped around a thin object. Pulling it out from underneath his blanket, the young boy hugged a toy spear to his chest. Aegisan moved over to his son, adjusting Denz to a single hand to place his other on Armont’s head. “It’s alright, son. It’s just a bad dream. Go back to bed, and we’ll have chocolate for breakfast tomorrow.” Armont gave a small, tired gasp of excitement, before snuggling back up underneath the covers. The father let out a breath of relief, turning back to the door. Though the darkness touched his mind, his children, sleeping and in his arms, reinforced his resolve as he marched back down the halls. ''“Have faith in Leliara… or you own son.”'' Aegisan was afraid for Denz, but he held onto every hope he could that he would make it through this. Arriving back at the ritual room, Nuarmac was embracing Christienna, both sobbing. Farstan saw Aegisan and Denz, placing a hand on Christienna’s shoulder. She flailed her arms out, a face of hate and anger turning towards the other two brothers. <br> | Armont stirred from his mattress, a small hand grasping the dark before it wrapped around a thin object. Pulling it out from underneath his blanket, the young boy hugged a toy spear to his chest. Aegisan moved over to his son, adjusting Denz to a single hand to place his other on Armont’s head. “It’s alright, son. It’s just a bad dream. Go back to bed, and we’ll have chocolate for breakfast tomorrow.” Armont gave a small, tired gasp of excitement, before snuggling back up underneath the covers. The father let out a breath of relief, turning back to the door. Though the darkness touched his mind, his children, sleeping and in his arms, reinforced his resolve as he marched back down the halls. ''“Have faith in Leliara… or you own son.”'' Aegisan was afraid for Denz, but he held onto every hope he could that he would make it through this. Arriving back at the ritual room, Nuarmac was embracing Christienna, both sobbing. Farstan saw Aegisan and Denz, placing a hand on Christienna’s shoulder. She flailed her arms out, a face of hate and anger turning towards the other two brothers. <br> | ||
− | “You! You did this! You and this damned family of yours!” She unravelled herself from Nuarmac. “My baby is ''dead!'' Because you cowards couldn’t keep an old woman from just staying alive!” Farstan took it a step further, deftly grabbing her arm, wrapping his other hand around her waist and pulling towards the door. Christienna | + | “You! You did this! You and this damned family of yours!” She unravelled herself from Nuarmac. “My baby is ''dead!'' Because you cowards couldn’t keep an old woman from just staying alive!” Farstan took it a step further, deftly grabbing her arm, wrapping his other hand around her waist and pulling towards the door. Christienna struggled against him, shouting out to the room.<br> |
“My baby! Leli! Nooo! Halone spit on you De’bayles!” The door shut as her muffled cries of anguish continued, Farstan’s voice working to calm her down. After a few short moments, her shouts turned back into weeps. Denz whimpered in Aegisan’s arms from the shouting, but merely squirmed before leaning into his father’s chest, calmed by his presence. | “My baby! Leli! Nooo! Halone spit on you De’bayles!” The door shut as her muffled cries of anguish continued, Farstan’s voice working to calm her down. After a few short moments, her shouts turned back into weeps. Denz whimpered in Aegisan’s arms from the shouting, but merely squirmed before leaning into his father’s chest, calmed by his presence. | ||
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− | The Calamity swept across Eorzea. The land had bled for months after the primal Bahamut cut across the sky in a fiery blaze. Even as far away as Ishgard, the falling moon and the ensuing inferno was watched with baited breaths, the collective prayers of the people calling upon Halone to save them from this unholy evil. As soon as it came did it disappear, and such joyous celebration was broken only by what the destruction had wrought. Weather patterns changed drastically, throwing Coerthas and the rest of Ishgard’s immediate lands into cold winters. Snow buffeted the people endlessly, no pause to the blizzards and hailstorms that threatened to overtake villages. No one had prepared for such harsh conditions, as rivers froze and wildlife died, | + | The Calamity swept across Eorzea. The land had bled for months after the primal Bahamut cut across the sky in a fiery blaze. Even as far away as Ishgard, the falling moon and the ensuing inferno was watched with baited breaths, the collective prayers of the people calling upon Halone to save them from this unholy evil. As soon as it came did it disappear, and such joyous celebration was broken only by what the destruction had wrought. Weather patterns changed drastically, throwing Coerthas and the rest of Ishgard’s immediate lands into cold winters. Snow buffeted the people endlessly, no pause to the blizzards and hailstorms that threatened to overtake villages. No one had prepared for such harsh conditions, as rivers froze and wildlife died, while food and supplies(most notably clothing), were in high demand, but low quantity. And so many villages were forced to retreat to the city, where they would find refuge with either their families, or within the Brume where more and more beleaguered ishgardians were gathering in. Few had the will to journey further into Ishgard, and whispers of the gates closing to prevent deserters or enemies from infiltrating floated throughout the city. A dark time for Ishgard… |
− | Such thoughts escaped Denz, the young man coming upon his seventeenth summer, staring out of his opened window in wonder. The portal had barely been opened since the snow set in, but on this day, the sun shined brighter than ever, melting the snow and blanketing the town in a welcome humidity. The air carried a fresh scent to it, as many people left their homes to walk openly along the streets, despite the slush and wet their boots | + | Such thoughts escaped Denz, the young man coming upon his seventeenth summer, staring out of his opened window in wonder. The portal had barely been opened since the snow set in, but on this day, the sun shined brighter than ever, melting the snow and blanketing the town in a welcome humidity. The air carried a fresh scent to it, as many people left their homes to walk openly along the streets, despite the slush and wet their boots combated. Bathing in the sun’s warmth did Ishgard’s people find a small sliver of hope in these morbid days, though Denz could do little more than watch from beyond his room window. Sighing, he moved away from the window to observe his room. Well lit from the sun, the rays touched two beds of fair size for a single elezen to sleep comfortably in each. Half of the room mirrored the other, dressers, side tables, a vanity, and chests looked upon their brothers across the room. One side of the room was completely untouched, the bed made and the area clean of any mess, while the side Denz stayed on was in chaos. Clothes littered the floor, books and dirtied plates covering much of any surface above the ground. His bedsheets were tossed in multiple directions, and his vanity was littered with numerous papers. The only reasonably clean part of his room was the windowsill that basked in the sun. Upon sat a small pot, lavender sprouting from the end of green stalks. Denz had managed to keep it fairly watered and kept for, but what little sunlight had pierced the deep clouds of the snowy months had seen the plant slowly degrade. |
− | Alongside the recuperating pot sat two worn ragdolls, simple short stuffed skins, wrapped in five places to give stubby appendages and a round head, one in a simple rendition of a knight’s armor, and one wearing a maiden’s gown. They had been his twin siblings’, both gone from the house. Agrias had left to explore Eorzea, much to the detriment of her family, in addition to forsaking her arranged marriage | + | Alongside the recuperating pot sat two worn ragdolls, simple short stuffed skins, wrapped in five places to give stubby appendages and a round head, one in a simple rendition of a knight’s armor, and one wearing a maiden’s gown. They had been his twin siblings’, both gone from the house. Agrias had left to explore Eorzea, much to the detriment of her family, in addition to forsaking her arranged marriage to their rival house, Menideal. The prospect of peace between the two families was shattered as she told her family of such, repeating such news to the hotheaded eldest son, Jerace Menideal, garnering no small amount of hate for both herself and the De’bayle house. Denz felt upset at her absence, but he also knew what such an arrangement entailed. Being foisted around as a simple object of social status, mocked by the nobles for her birth, and locked away in an ivory tower to watch the world move on without her intervention. Much like the maiden doll in Denz’s hands. Placing it back on the window sill, he observed the knight doll next. It had seen more rigorous use, the object of flailing and the weapon of choice for the young Guillemont during his days of imaginary dragon slaying. Such days became a reality when the middle son would step forth to relieve Armont of his expected knighting. The eldest brother had much to consider and worry about, as the next Head of House to follow their father. The crucibles expected of him to face as a knight, in light of the duty he is bound to uphold as a De’bayle, was too much all at once. Guillemont was a quiet boy, but his words always held weight. With his family’s blessing, he too took flight from the house to endlessly train with the Temple Knights. Three years passed, and but a few short weeks ago, amongst the blistering snows, did Guillemont obtain full knighthood. The De’bayle had a party in his honor, a happy reminder of the family’s cohesion and support of one another. The only flaw in this was his missing twin. |
− | Placing the knight doll back on the sill, Denz stared out to the streets once more in determination. Even now, Armont still tirelessly hoped to obtain a knighthood, despite the protestations of his family to prioritize the family’s political positions. <br> | + | Placing the knight doll back on the sill, Denz stared out to the streets once more in determination. Even now, Armont still tirelessly hoped to obtain a knighthood himself, despite the protestations of his family to prioritize the family’s political positions. <br> |
− | “Father needs a knight at the head, like him, not some damned nobleman fearing for his fortune.” Armont had confided to him one night. Despite the age difference being greater between the brothers, Denz and Armont were closest to each other, and in the wake of his duties, Armont often rambled to Denz. The youngest could only attempt to spout quotes and idealism born of his ceaseless reading, facing Armont’s realism with romanticism. Good for debates, but little else. Even now, Armont’s knightly duties cut through Denz’s idealism, the eldest brother out training at the Congregation. Most days, Armont digressed that he simply guarded a crossroads of streets or a | + | “Father needs a knight at the head, like him, not some damned nobleman fearing for his fortune.” Armont had confided to him one night. Despite the age difference being greater between the brothers, Denz and Armont were closest to each other, and in the wake of his duties, Armont often rambled to Denz. The youngest could only attempt to spout quotes and idealism born of his ceaseless reading, facing Armont’s realism with romanticism. Good for debates, but little else. Even now, Armont’s knightly duties cut through Denz’s idealism, the eldest brother out training at the Congregation. Most days, Armont digressed that he simply guarded a crossroads of streets or a building's entrance, but even then, the look of pride he carried was unmistakable. |
− | That left Denz to wonder: What about him? What was he to do? Without Armont, he was simply a young man, idling in his room, reading books, interacting only with his parents, the occasional servant that came to clean his room, and his tutor, though the curt clergyman was not one for talking, merely lessons. Here he was, a young man approaching his prime, and no amount of skill to show for it, save his exemplary skills at baking alongside his mother, and his piano playing abilities. He shook his head as he leaned against the window sill. He wasn’t going to be just a baker or a performer, a tradesmen seeking coin and profit amongst a city flooded with hardships. The knights could do something, make real change, not just watch outside a window as their city burned and froze. Pushing off of the small balcony, Denz left the room swiftly. Unbeknownst to him, his actions pushed the dolls had off the window sill, lying on the bedroom floor, no longer in the warmth of the sun. | + | That left Denz to wonder: What about him? What was he to do? Without Armont, he was simply a young man, idling in his room, reading books, interacting only with his parents, the occasional servant that came to clean his room, and his tutor, though the curt clergyman was not one for talking, merely lessons. Here he was, a young man approaching his prime, and no amount of skill to show for it, save his exemplary skills at baking alongside his mother, and his piano playing abilities. He shook his head as he leaned against the window sill. He wasn’t going to be just a baker or a performer, a tradesmen seeking coin and profit amongst a city flooded with hardships. The knights could do something, make real change, not just watch outside a window as their city burned and froze all at once. Pushing off of the small balcony, Denz left the room swiftly. Unbeknownst to him, his actions pushed the dolls had off the window sill, lying on the bedroom floor, no longer in the warmth of the sun. |
Walking out of his room into the living area of the De’bayle house, his hand habitually went to a piano near tall windows, fingers skirting the smooth wood that graced the cover of the instrument’s string. Passing it without much thought, he moved towards the couches that flanked the large hearth central to the room. Upon one sat both of his parents, his mother holding a book in one hand, her other placed on her husband’s leg. His father was leaning forward, amidst a game of chess. The man sucked in a breath, tentatively moved his knight to take the last bishop, eyes skirting the board for any possible counter measures, before saying outloud. <br> | Walking out of his room into the living area of the De’bayle house, his hand habitually went to a piano near tall windows, fingers skirting the smooth wood that graced the cover of the instrument’s string. Passing it without much thought, he moved towards the couches that flanked the large hearth central to the room. Upon one sat both of his parents, his mother holding a book in one hand, her other placed on her husband’s leg. His father was leaning forward, amidst a game of chess. The man sucked in a breath, tentatively moved his knight to take the last bishop, eyes skirting the board for any possible counter measures, before saying outloud. <br> | ||
− | “Check.” Without looking away from her book, Elliana moved her own | + | “Check.” Without looking away from her book, Elliana moved her own rook down from the other side of the board to take the queen.<br> |
− | “Checkmate.” Aegisan’s king was | + | “Checkmate.” Aegisan’s king was surrounded by several pieces, left with only his knight, while his wife still had many pieces left to move. Shaking his head with a sigh, he turned to Denz. <br> |
− | “Son. Is everything alright?” He noted Denz’s off put visage, as the son crossed his arms. Denz wanted to outright speak about joining the temple knights, but seeing both of his parent’s worried faces halted him for a second. What would they do when their last son went off to become a knight? But he also couldn’t let their worry stop him. He hesitated, before stumbling in a sentence.<br> | + | “Son. Is everything alright?” He noted Denz’s off-put visage, as the son crossed his arms. Denz wanted to outright speak about joining the temple knights, but seeing both of his parent’s worried faces halted him for a second. What would they do when their last son went off to become a knight? But he also couldn’t let their worry stop him. He hesitated, before stumbling in a sentence.<br> |
“A-ah, er… I’m fine. I was just thinking… maybe we should go outside? It’s such a day and all, and we’ve been sitting in here with nothing but the open windows to show for it.” The parents looked at one another, before Elliana smiled. <br> | “A-ah, er… I’m fine. I was just thinking… maybe we should go outside? It’s such a day and all, and we’ve been sitting in here with nothing but the open windows to show for it.” The parents looked at one another, before Elliana smiled. <br> | ||
“You’re right! We could take a walk! Perhaps go to Ailleard’s! I know Jethant has been asking after you, Denzel.” Denz blinked. Ailleard’s was a prestigious restaurant in the Pillars, not too terribly far from their house. The family went there often, before the snow set in. <br> | “You’re right! We could take a walk! Perhaps go to Ailleard’s! I know Jethant has been asking after you, Denzel.” Denz blinked. Ailleard’s was a prestigious restaurant in the Pillars, not too terribly far from their house. The family went there often, before the snow set in. <br> | ||
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“I’ll… I’ll speak with them about it soon, mo-” | “I’ll… I’ll speak with them about it soon, mo-” | ||
− | + | Denz’s words were cut off as above their heads came a deafening cry, shaking the air and causing the trio to crouch downwards, their hands on their ears. Swooping over them came a lone dragon, fire gathering in it’s mouth to unleash against a stone building, an explosion erupting and sending flame spreading. Aegisan was the first to rise, eyes wide. <br> | |
“The wards! What’s happ-?” More and more dragons zoomed into view, shouts rising from the city as people ran into their homes. Rubble and tile flew about as Denz’s father placed a hand on his shoulder. <br> | “The wards! What’s happ-?” More and more dragons zoomed into view, shouts rising from the city as people ran into their homes. Rubble and tile flew about as Denz’s father placed a hand on his shoulder. <br> | ||
“Get your mother to safety! I need to find Armont!” The young man’s face gaped in fear, but he managed a shaking nod, grabbing his mother’s arm and running in opposite directions from his father. Chaos fully engulfed the city as fire began to line the streets. Knights rushed about, attempting to direct people towards safety, but as Denz approached one of them to be led away, a dragon landed on the streets beside them. His mother let out a cry of terror, and the knight rushed forward to meet the drake in combat. Denz watched, frozen for a moment, before Elliana tugged on his arm. <br> | “Get your mother to safety! I need to find Armont!” The young man’s face gaped in fear, but he managed a shaking nod, grabbing his mother’s arm and running in opposite directions from his father. Chaos fully engulfed the city as fire began to line the streets. Knights rushed about, attempting to direct people towards safety, but as Denz approached one of them to be led away, a dragon landed on the streets beside them. His mother let out a cry of terror, and the knight rushed forward to meet the drake in combat. Denz watched, frozen for a moment, before Elliana tugged on his arm. <br> | ||
− | “Denz! You need to move!” The young man was caught in terror as he watched the knight | + | “Denz! You need to move!” The young man was caught in terror as he watched the knight fail to defeat the dragon, the beast grabbing the armored man by it’s mouth and crushing him, blood spattering about. The ground shuddered beneath the two De'bayles, and the bloody dragon before them took off. Denz didn’t know why until it was too late. He felt a great surge of force throw him to the side, roughly landing on the wet stone. He turned him up in time to see his mother, who had pushed him away, looking towards a falling stone pillar. The rumble came down on top of her, bits and pieces flying out towards Denz, who was only a few feet back himself. His horrified shout to his mother was cut off as brick collided with his face, instantly causing him to blackout. |
Near one of the gates, Armont had stood guard beside one of his fellow comrades, Onault Las'fre. The two were debating the rumours surrounding Ishgard closing its gates more permanently. <br> | Near one of the gates, Armont had stood guard beside one of his fellow comrades, Onault Las'fre. The two were debating the rumours surrounding Ishgard closing its gates more permanently. <br> | ||
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“Onault, don’t!” | “Onault, don’t!” | ||
− | Armont waited for several nerve wracking minutes. The shouting was everywhere as the battle continued, the De’bayle unable to figure out what transpired below in the Brume with Onault. From over the battle did he hear the sound of the creaking wooden steps that led down. <br> | + | Armont waited for several nerve-wracking minutes. The shouting was everywhere as the battle continued, the De’bayle unable to figure out what transpired below in the Brume with Onault. From over the battle did he hear the sound of the creaking wooden steps that led down. <br> |
− | “Onault?” At first, a hooded head poked out from over the stone railing, swaying inhumanly, all at once, an aevis beneath the figure clambered over the wall, growling as it placed one of it’s bipedal claws swiftly over Armont’s chest, pinning him to the ground. The plated face of the dragon breathed hot air onto the young | + | “Onault?” At first, a hooded head poked out from over the stone railing, swaying inhumanly, before all at once, an aevis beneath the figure clambered over the wall, growling as it placed one of it’s bipedal claws swiftly over Armont’s chest, pinning him to the ground. The plated face of the dragon breathed hot air onto the young knight, its other clawed foot coming up to break the faceplate from Armont’s head. The figure leaned over and down towards Armont. <br> |
“Your knight comrade was quite the hothead…” A feminine voice cooed. “Perhaps you’ll be more willing to serve.” Pulling out a red vial from the folds of her robe, the aevis hissed.<br> | “Your knight comrade was quite the hothead…” A feminine voice cooed. “Perhaps you’ll be more willing to serve.” Pulling out a red vial from the folds of her robe, the aevis hissed.<br> | ||
− | “Ssssserve us…” Armont’s | + | “Ssssserve us…” Armont’s face was stricken with fear, before a mighty roar to the side caught everyone’s attention, particularly the aevis as a white and gold spear embedded into dragon’s side. The beast let out a shout of pain as the woman fell off of him, Aegisan pulling out his spear and picking his son up by the scruff of his neck. <br> |
− | “Come on, my boy! We can take them, together!” Both spearmen brandished their weapons towards the dragon, before Aegisan leapt forward, tip piercing downward for aevis’s chest. The dragon sidestepped, but Armont come forward to brace his knight spear upward into the dragon’s other side. Aegisan followed up with the spear skewering through the dragon’s neck, before pulling it out swiftly. The aevis’s flailing resulted in Armont losing his weapon, but the beast had been dealt its deathblow. Falling to the ground, Armont let out a victorious cheer, only to see his father’s spear clatter to the stone floor next to him. Through Aegisan’s chest was a sword. | + | “Come on, my boy! We can take them, together!” Both spearmen brandished their weapons towards the dragon, before Aegisan leapt forward, tip piercing downward for aevis’s chest. The dragon sidestepped, but Armont come forward to brace his knight spear upward into the dragon’s other side. Aegisan followed up with the spear skewering through the dragon’s neck, before pulling it out swiftly. The aevis’s flailing resulted in Armont losing his weapon, but the beast had been dealt its deathblow. Falling to the ground, Armont let out a victorious cheer, only to see his father’s spear clatter to the stone floor next to him. Through Aegisan’s chest was a sword. The son gasped, crying out to him. <br> |
“FATHER!” The woman behind him flashed a wild grin, breathing exasperatedly as she looked upon the aevis corpse. <br> | “FATHER!” The woman behind him flashed a wild grin, breathing exasperatedly as she looked upon the aevis corpse. <br> | ||
− | “Kieon… My love…” Tearing the blade from Aegisan, who fell to the ground, she pointed | + | “Kieon… My love…” Tearing the blade from Aegisan, who fell to the ground, she pointed the weapon at Armont. “I’ll kill you!” Armont’s eyes went his father’s spear, dropping low and grabbing the end of it in his left hand, swinging the point out to the heretic. She leapt over it, blade coming down for the lowered elezen, but Armont drew his left arm back swiftly, the length of the shaft in front of him to block the attack. Grabbing and thrusting the spear with his right arm forward, he pushed the blade away with the length of his spear, getting to his feet. Blinking, he was no longer fighting the heretic, but sparring against his father. One of his lessons rung through his head. <br> |
''“One of your greatest strengths is surprising your opponent with the speed of your weapon. Fashion openings for your enemy to take, then close them with your spear to capitalize on their mistake.”'' Armont grit his teeth, swinging his spear out a few times to test the woman’s reflexes. She dodged and parried most of his blows, before Armont swiftly stabbed the tip of his father’s spear into her chest shallowly, taking it out and throwing his right hand down to the and to the left. His left hand caught the upper part of the shaft, shifting his main thrusting hand from right to left in the blink of eye, the movement feigning an attack that never came, and swinging the pole in a rightward diagonal slash, cutting a gash up her chest. Following the momentum of the swing, he turned his back to the woman. She growled in excitement, seeing Armont’s open back to her. <br> | ''“One of your greatest strengths is surprising your opponent with the speed of your weapon. Fashion openings for your enemy to take, then close them with your spear to capitalize on their mistake.”'' Armont grit his teeth, swinging his spear out a few times to test the woman’s reflexes. She dodged and parried most of his blows, before Armont swiftly stabbed the tip of his father’s spear into her chest shallowly, taking it out and throwing his right hand down to the and to the left. His left hand caught the upper part of the shaft, shifting his main thrusting hand from right to left in the blink of eye, the movement feigning an attack that never came, and swinging the pole in a rightward diagonal slash, cutting a gash up her chest. Following the momentum of the swing, he turned his back to the woman. She growled in excitement, seeing Armont’s open back to her. <br> | ||
“DIE!” She screamed. Before her sword touched the chainmail back however, she was halted, Aegisan’s spear reversed and pointed backwards beneath his turned upperbody, skewering the woman to a halt. She let out a defeated groan as she leaned forward, head nearing Armont’s ear as she whispered loudly.<br> | “DIE!” She screamed. Before her sword touched the chainmail back however, she was halted, Aegisan’s spear reversed and pointed backwards beneath his turned upperbody, skewering the woman to a halt. She let out a defeated groan as she leaned forward, head nearing Armont’s ear as she whispered loudly.<br> | ||
− | + | “Ishgard... will... burn...” Her last breath exhaled from her body, Armont tore his father’s spear from her chest. | |
Turning about, he moved towards his father’s side, falling to his knees. <br> | Turning about, he moved towards his father’s side, falling to his knees. <br> | ||
“F-father! Hang on, I’ll get you to the healers!” Armont tried to pick up his father, but the man weakly put a hand on his chest. <br> | “F-father! Hang on, I’ll get you to the healers!” Armont tried to pick up his father, but the man weakly put a hand on his chest. <br> | ||
“A-Armont… Find your… brother… Keep Denz… Keep him safe…” He groaned in pain, coughing several times, as Armont propped him onto his legs. <br> | “A-Armont… Find your… brother… Keep Denz… Keep him safe…” He groaned in pain, coughing several times, as Armont propped him onto his legs. <br> | ||
− | “Father! Father, no! Please!” His eyes welled with tears, before a drawn out breath denoted Aegisan’s passing. His head fell limp against the Armont’s cradling hands, the young man silently sobbing, his head bowed and shoulders trembling. The sun disappeared | + | “Father! Father, no! Please!” His eyes welled with tears, before a drawn out breath denoted Aegisan’s passing. His head fell limp against the Armont’s cradling hands, the young man silently sobbing, his head bowed and shoulders trembling. The sun disappeared behind dark clouds, cold wind blowing against the flickering flames of the city as the dragonkin began to flee the city. Though the knights had won, but the message was sent, and it was sent with blood and flame as the city was left injured. A bright dome was erected around the city, trapping any dragons inside as dragoons took off from the roofs of Ishgard to slay them. Armont watched with teary eyes the dragoons clear the air of dragons one by one, before temple knights brought his attention back to ground. Rushing over to him, Armont wiped his eyes on his dirty sleeve, though there was no hiding, between the tattoo the pair shared and his broken visage what had happened. Armont points to the stairs where the heretic came from. <br> |
“Dragons… they came from the Brume! There could be more in there!” Temple knights rushed down the stairs, leaving Armont alone. Picking up his father’s corpse in his arms, Armont struggled to make his way back up the city to the Pillars, looking for Denz. | “Dragons… they came from the Brume! There could be more in there!” Temple knights rushed down the stairs, leaving Armont alone. Picking up his father’s corpse in his arms, Armont struggled to make his way back up the city to the Pillars, looking for Denz. | ||
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“Hold him down, knight. This is going to hurt.” Something shifted on his left, before a sharp pain snapped his senses into overdrive. He couldn’t breath. His mouth was a terrible menagerie of wet pain and chilling air, but he wasn’t taking in a breath! Armont held down his brother’s upper body as the healers flanking the young man had removed a piece of masonry that had pierced Denz’s face. They worked swiftly to dull the pain and close the hole in his mouth, but the results were far from exemplary, a huge gash still remaining once they were all finished. As they stood up, Armont stared at them in confusion. <br> | “Hold him down, knight. This is going to hurt.” Something shifted on his left, before a sharp pain snapped his senses into overdrive. He couldn’t breath. His mouth was a terrible menagerie of wet pain and chilling air, but he wasn’t taking in a breath! Armont held down his brother’s upper body as the healers flanking the young man had removed a piece of masonry that had pierced Denz’s face. They worked swiftly to dull the pain and close the hole in his mouth, but the results were far from exemplary, a huge gash still remaining once they were all finished. As they stood up, Armont stared at them in confusion. <br> | ||
“W-where are you going?! He’s not d-” The healer gave Armont a serious look. <br> | “W-where are you going?! He’s not d-” The healer gave Armont a serious look. <br> | ||
− | “There are others that need us. We have not the time to fix his noble face.” Denz groaned, grasping his brother’s arm. Armont hugged his younger brother, tears streaming down his face. Denz’s vision blurred once more, as the youngest De’bayle fell unconscious from the excruciating pain he had just endured. Armont looked between his father and his brother, unsure of how to proceed. He dare not leave either alone, and instead struggled to carry both back to their house. | + | “There are others that need us. We have not the time to fix his noble face.” Denz groaned, grasping his brother’s arm. Armont hugged his younger brother, tears streaming down his face. Denz’s vision blurred once more, as the youngest De’bayle fell unconscious from the excruciating pain he had just endured. Armont looked between his father and his brother, unsure of how to proceed. He dare not leave either alone, and instead struggled to carry both back to their house. Choosing the lesser of two evils, Armont dragged Denz lightly against the stone as his other arm kept his father over his shoulder. He carried them back to the manor, a servant of their house assisting the knight-trainee with the two. Shock and mourning struck her face at the loss of her Lord, but she composed herself to help get Denz to a bed. The servant cleaned up his face, revealing behind the bloody mess that his gash was not as severe as Armont initially observed. A scar would remain, but the healers had done their work. Wrapping up his cheek in a bandage, the eldest brother would leave Denz’s care with the servant while he went to take on the heaviest of duties he had ever faced. |
− | The | + | The cleanup of Ishgard was a horrid process. Corpses and injured discovered beneath the ash and rubble of a fight that seemed to have lasted hours, but in truth only went for only a few minutes before the upper hand was regained. News spread swiftly of the cause. What few ward guardians had been watching the status of Ishgard’s protection were assassinated by infiltrators, dragon worshippers, like the one Armont had slain. With their own people turning against them, the motion to fully lock away Ishgard to protect them seemed all the more logical. The inquisition would need to begin extensive work to root out this evil, these heretics, or their fair city would not survive such another attack. In the meantime, numerous ishgardian burials were planned. One was planned for Onault, Armont’s comrade. Temple Knights in the brume reported that the knight in training had pushed a heretic to slay their captive civilians, the news striking Armont to the core. He told Onault to listen, to follow orders. Maybe if he had, he would still be alive. Those civilians would still be alive. Maybe even his ''father'' would still be alive. That burning fact would last in the knight’s mind, to never question his directives, that others might live, by them. |
Their parents still needed to be buried. A day and a half went by, Armont spending it beside Denz, who had yet to wake from his unconsciousness. The missives were sent out with all haste to Guillemont and Agrias, to Nuarmac’s family living in the Coerthas Highlands and to Farstan, wherever he was with his son. The eldest would receive a knock at the manor door, begrudgingly leaving Denz’s side to see who it was. Beyond the door stood two temple knights, a gurney with a white sheet over a mass behind them. Though they began to explain, Armont’s eyes widened, already knowing what lay beneath. He dared not imagine what horrible state his mother’s body was in, swallowing his terror as he had them bring the covered form inside. It was difficult and expensive to arrange, but Armont had managed to acquire two caskets for his family’s burial. When the body had been moved into the casket, the young man returned to his brother’s side, unable to help the tears flowing down his face silently. | Their parents still needed to be buried. A day and a half went by, Armont spending it beside Denz, who had yet to wake from his unconsciousness. The missives were sent out with all haste to Guillemont and Agrias, to Nuarmac’s family living in the Coerthas Highlands and to Farstan, wherever he was with his son. The eldest would receive a knock at the manor door, begrudgingly leaving Denz’s side to see who it was. Beyond the door stood two temple knights, a gurney with a white sheet over a mass behind them. Though they began to explain, Armont’s eyes widened, already knowing what lay beneath. He dared not imagine what horrible state his mother’s body was in, swallowing his terror as he had them bring the covered form inside. It was difficult and expensive to arrange, but Armont had managed to acquire two caskets for his family’s burial. When the body had been moved into the casket, the young man returned to his brother’s side, unable to help the tears flowing down his face silently. | ||
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Nearly three days had passed, and still Denz did not stir. Armont hired a healer, who began looking extensively over the De’bayle. Nuarmac and Farstan had finally breached Ishgard’s tight embargo on any visitors, the two men arriving like a shining beacon of hope to the lost son. Commending Armont for his stability during this trial, despite being alone, the three discussed at length what needed to happen next. Nuarmac explained that the bodies would need to be carried across the mountains to their estate, where the cemetery lay for the more recent De’bayles to be sent to the ancestors. A fear rose in Armont’s throat as Ishgard was on lockdown, before Farstan reassured the young man he would see it handled. He wanted to ask how, but knew it was better to let the swashbuckling elezen operate as he saw fit. Rumors had floated from his father’s lips that Farstan was more than just a sky pilot, but to question them currently would solve nothing. The pair would leave to establish arrangements for the coffins, Armont returning to his brother to see what the healer’s diagnosis was. The healer said Denz was in a comatose state, though he appeared to be recovering, aetherically and physically, from the ordeals of the previous days. He administered what sustenance he could to the sleeping boy, though he did not know when he was to awaken, predicting it would be sooner rather than later. | Nearly three days had passed, and still Denz did not stir. Armont hired a healer, who began looking extensively over the De’bayle. Nuarmac and Farstan had finally breached Ishgard’s tight embargo on any visitors, the two men arriving like a shining beacon of hope to the lost son. Commending Armont for his stability during this trial, despite being alone, the three discussed at length what needed to happen next. Nuarmac explained that the bodies would need to be carried across the mountains to their estate, where the cemetery lay for the more recent De’bayles to be sent to the ancestors. A fear rose in Armont’s throat as Ishgard was on lockdown, before Farstan reassured the young man he would see it handled. He wanted to ask how, but knew it was better to let the swashbuckling elezen operate as he saw fit. Rumors had floated from his father’s lips that Farstan was more than just a sky pilot, but to question them currently would solve nothing. The pair would leave to establish arrangements for the coffins, Armont returning to his brother to see what the healer’s diagnosis was. The healer said Denz was in a comatose state, though he appeared to be recovering, aetherically and physically, from the ordeals of the previous days. He administered what sustenance he could to the sleeping boy, though he did not know when he was to awaken, predicting it would be sooner rather than later. | ||
− | The next hours flew by in a blur. Elezen and hyur Armont did not recognize shifted into the manor, their demeanor throwing off the knightly De’bayle. Their eyes skimmed the ornaments of the house and the decorations a little too closely, all of them bearing tattoos on their arms and chest. They also wore rather light clothing, all things considered, Armont | + | The next hours flew by in a blur. Elezen and hyur that Armont did not recognize shifted into the manor, their demeanor throwing off the knightly De’bayle. Their eyes skimmed the ornaments of the house and the decorations a little too closely, all of them bearing tattoos on their arms and chest. They also wore rather light clothing, all things considered, Armont's gaze going over a rather skimpily dressed hyur, unsure if she was wearing undergarments purposely or some sort of outfit. The only person Armont knew from the crowd was his cousin, Verisar, and the young man held a very different persona than the last time he had seen him, a part of this motley crew. Farstan directed the crewmembers in and out of the house, moving the caskets swiftly from their manor to the airship he manned. Much of this, the crew, the airship, and Farstan’s occupation had remained a mystery to him, the entire scenario raising several questionable flags, but once more, he would not get anywhere questioning this convenient boon from his Uncle. Once the caskets were loaded, Farstan and his crew left swiftly. From the large airship came several smaller flying boats, taking off in different directions away from Ishgard. |
Guillemont had reunited with the brothers later that day, having been on the Coerthas Western Highlands front, rescuing struggling villages from the fierce snow and fighting dragons out on the plains. His face held small scars and a new level of reservation unseen in the shy young man. However those were all broken down as he mourned the loss of his parents, embracing Armont and standing alongside him as they waited for Denz to wake up. Some hours later into the knight, Farstan walked in, flanked by their sister Agrias, having personally sent out crewmembers of his ship to find her. Expediting her return to the brothers, the three were amidst reminiscing when a bell chimed throughout the empty manor. It was a server bell that laid beside each bed in the children’s room, and it was coming from Denz’s. The server had already begun bustling over, but she was quickly flanked by the three other siblings as everyone arrived at Denz’s side. <br> | Guillemont had reunited with the brothers later that day, having been on the Coerthas Western Highlands front, rescuing struggling villages from the fierce snow and fighting dragons out on the plains. His face held small scars and a new level of reservation unseen in the shy young man. However those were all broken down as he mourned the loss of his parents, embracing Armont and standing alongside him as they waited for Denz to wake up. Some hours later into the knight, Farstan walked in, flanked by their sister Agrias, having personally sent out crewmembers of his ship to find her. Expediting her return to the brothers, the three were amidst reminiscing when a bell chimed throughout the empty manor. It was a server bell that laid beside each bed in the children’s room, and it was coming from Denz’s. The server had already begun bustling over, but she was quickly flanked by the three other siblings as everyone arrived at Denz’s side. <br> |
Revision as of 15:34, 19 October 2016
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