A Thief's Escape ~ 9:44 Dragon (In Progress)

Willis could not sleep. Even though he was exhausted he was struggling to close his eyes. He doesn't know Declan or his tactics, according to Kailyn the man is cunning. "This could easily be a trap." Willis thought gravely as he laid on his back staring at the stars. Right now he and Kailyn are running around in the dark looking for answers. Willis couldn't shake the niggling feeling he had that Declan wants to be found. "Maybe It's all for Kailyn." He mumbled.  

The night air was still warm so Willis and Kailyn decided not to start a fire. Willis wiped some sweat that formed on his brow and got up. Durk was pretty vague on how many people were with Declan. He stared at Kailyn who was busy sharpening her daggers. Willis needed answers from her. "Hey, Kailyn." Willis said walking towards her. "You've been working with Declan for a long time right? What are his tactics?"

After hearing Kailyn's answer Willis sighed. "Kailyn you gotta talk to me here. What happened between you and Declan?"

(OOC: Argh. I really suck at writing at the moment. Sorry this is short folks! cmoe )

Unlike last night, Willis was finally able to get some much-needed sleep.Willis was awoken by the first rays of the rising sun filtering through the trees. Slowly getting up Willis stretched his arms and yawned, nearly swallowing a wandering fly in the process. Willis coughed loudly in retaliation, trying to shoo the fly away "Aw shit...." he muttered. Willis, still feeling tired collapsed on the grass and heard Kailyn calling to him.



“You awake? Maybe you want to eat before heading out,” she asked Willis.



"Nah I'm sleepwalking." Willis grinned staring at the bread and cheese she offered him. "Thanks, I'm hungry!" He said enthusiastically, taking a piece of bread and cheese. Reaching for his bag, Willis took out a bright green apple he bought from the food market in New Hope and tossed it to Kailyn. "All yours Kailyn." He said casually sitting down on the grass.



After about 10 minutes of silently eating their food, Willis sighed heavily as he remembered something from his past. Trying to shake it off he decided to take his mind off things by conversing with Kailyn



"So Kailyn." Willis began to ask. "I noticed from what little time we've spent that you're not the chatty type. Since we're working together, I'd figure we at least get to know a few things about us." Willis said looking at his half eaten red apple he just taken out "To start your fighting style is impressive, you fight like a 10 year vet. How old were when you began to fight?"



Just as Kailyn was finishing her answer, Willis began to notice a faint glow in his bag. Willis shook his head a little "Must be tired, I could've sworn I saw something glowing in my bag." He thought. "All right Kailyn," Willis said. "Where are you from originally?"



After they finished their meal, Willis began packing his things and took out his compass. His eyes widened as he saw the magical item's needle spinning wildly. "What the hell?" Willis said. "Take a look at this Kailyn, my compass is out of control first time that happened." Willis tapped the glass of the compass and it stopped almost immediately. "Strange." Willis frowned putting the compass back in his bag and shrugging. "Dunno what the hell that was Kailyn but I'm ready to hit the road. Are you?"

cmoe

The weather was much cooler than a few days ago much to Willis' relief. He could feel the cool air rushing against his face as he followed Kailyn towards the ruins. It was still a far walk, maybe an hour or two until they reach their destination but [they] are much closer to finally facing Declan. Kailyn looked determined to confront her former lover. Willis looked at her with concern, as she said Declan would most likely be a different person than she met five years ago.

"Chances are that he never met a Spirit Warrior." He thought with a smirk.


“So Willis, you’re from Rivain and you are a spirit warrior. Feel like telling me how that happened?” Kailyn asked all of a sudden.


That caught Willis off guard, Kailyn was speaking to him. After numerous attempts of trying to communicate with Kailyn, she 's actually talking to him without a hint of sarcasm or disdain.

"Well as you know," Willis said a bit flustered at Kailyn's curiosity about his life. She was the first person in years to ask him about himself that has nothing to do with interviews for Mercenary companies. "Yeah, I'm from Rivain, born in the Port City of  Llomerryn which is full of thieves, whores, and other deplorable people. I was raised by my mother who hated my existence and kicked me out when I was six because she didn't like the look of me. I've spent a few years of my life taking odd jobs and begging on the streets, had to teach myself how to fight."

Willis sighed and continued.

"Well, I don't wanna bore you with details since you probably think I'm a pathetic person. But when I was 18 years old I became a guard for a Seer who took a special interest in me. The Seer one day came to me at random and said that she would teach the ways of the Spirit Warrior if I guessed where her coin landed three times. I won and she taught me the ability." Willis paused, reminiscing his time with the seer. She changed my life not just giving me the ability but taught me about what it means to be a man. Never knew what it meant to be a man as I never met my father."

Willis expression softened. "Heh, trudging bad memories again." He chuckled. "Anyway, that's how I got these powers. I'm pretty sure Declan never saw a Spirit Warrior before now has he?"

(OOC: An hour and a half later.)

The duo arrived at the ruins. The ruins appeared to be an old Ferelden military base from long ago. Willis took out his compass and noticed the needle spinning wildly. "Not again!" he muttered. "Something is seriously wrong with this compass Kailyn, it hasn't done this before."

Willis then looked up and observed the ruins, there wasn't anyone here.

"There's no one here," Willis whispered to Kailyn. "You think they packed up and left?"

Willis' stomach churned. He had a really bad feeling about this..

"In any case, let's explore the ruins," Willis muttered putting away his compass and drawing his saber.

cmoe

Character Name: Kailyn
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Class: Dual Wielding Rogue

It worked. Listening to Willis talk about his past had distracted Kailyn from her anxiety. Walking into the ruined fort, Willis pulled out his compass again. As before back at camp, it was behaving strangely. This was a bad omen if Kailyn had ever seen one.

“There’s no one, you think they packed up and left?” Willis whispered.

Kailyn was frustrated that her ability to sense danger may be dulled with all of the turmoil she had been experiencing. "No, he, I mean they," Kailyn cursed at the slip-up, "wouldn't just leave. I don’t even see signs there was anyone here recently. Peculiar.”

Willis suggested they explore the ruins. Kailyn agreed and led them down a now crumbling passage. It was eerily quiet. She couldn’t even hear any critters scurrying around. Kailyn was moving almost silently as a precaution. The quiet felt wrong.

The walls had vines growing up them. There was a dampness that let out a musty smell. It seemed odd the old ruins weren’t drier. That could be attributed to the damp Ferelden weather. The only thing she missed about the Free Marches was the weather.

“I don’t usually believe in bad omens but between your compass going crazy and this disturbingly quiet place, I am changing my mind,” Kailyn muttered under her breath.

Stopping in her tracks, Kailyn listened intently. "Wait, did you hear that?" Kailyn whispered. It sounded like falling rubble and maybe the faint sounds of someone speaking. The sound seemed to be coming from the direction of the right passage way just a few feet ahead. She crept slowly along the right wall.

Kailyn could finally feel the buzzing in her head. Well too little too late instincts, she thought in irritation. Kailyn could sense Willis right behind her. She turned to him for confirmation that he was ready to move.

Rounding the corner Kailyn stepped carefully through a small crumbling passageway into a large clearing of the ruins. It looked to be an old courtyard now in complete disrepair. Upon hearing a disturbingly familiar voice, Kailyn looked up and froze in place.

[OOC: Collaboration post between Declan and Kailyn. Flashback 11 years earlier]


smilesja

Name: Declan

Race: Human

Faction/Status: Mercenary/NPC



Taking one last walk around the perimeter, Declan smiled downwards at his companion in the ruins.

"Not too bad, wouldn't you say?"

No reply. Typical. Shrugging his shoulders, he leapt down onto the ledge of an old parapet, sending a few pieces of rubble flying from the tower he stood on. It was a gray sort of day, the clouds in the sky threatening rain.

Hmm. That might make things more...interesting, he thought. Antivan grenades might not burn as widely or as hot if it's a downpour. Checking the ropes again, he nodded in satisfaction as they held fast to their burden.

"Hang in there. They'll be here soon." Winking, he laughed as he slid the rest of the way down to the ground.

Five years. It's been way too long. Glancing back up, he gave a sigh. Everything was in place.


[OOC Later...]


"Took you all long enough."

He was leaning against a wall, waiting for them up above.

"Figured you'd find me quickly enough once you found the decoy I sent. You haven't lost your touch, honey girl." With a clap and a nod, he stood straight, all pretense of amusement gone. "You know why I'm here, and you, Kailyn, know that I don't like dragging things out so let's get to the point."

Gesturing off a short distance, a woman swung from a length of rope, her arms pinned to her sides by numerous coils wrapped securely around her.

"Funny thing about this place. It can only take so much weight before crumbling. That particular place where I tied her? Didn't take much before I started hearing creaking so if either of you are going to rescue her, I'd think about which one of you has the strength to lift her up. Unless of course-" He gave a snide little smirk Willis' way. "-you're the selfish type to put your interests before a hostage's."

Flicking a knife out with a casual ease, he held it to the quivering twist of hemp.

"The compass. Toss it up here."

Character Name: Kailyn
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Class: Dual Wielding Rogue

Kailyn could hear voices that didn’t make sense. She was sparring with Declan but heard..… was that Willis? “Why do you want my compass?”

“Shit,” she shook her head trying to clear the lifting fog. Focus on the present. The grown-up Declan was right there and I am just standing here like an idiot. Do something, throw a dagger. Anything, just move! Kailyn scolded herself.

“Kailyn! I’m going to rescue the hostage, get after Declan and get my compass back and any piece from the ancient compass he may have.” Willis had ordered.

Well, that was fitting since she was standing there like a dense Druffalo - not helping at all. Shaking the last of the cobwebs Kailyn followed Willis in the direction that Declan had gone. Unless Declan had changed, he would have planned an escape route beforehand. She would have to climb quickly if she was going to reach him before he disappeared again.

It looked like there was enough leverage for her to get up the wall. She took a flying jump to grab the first jutting rock and began to make her way up. She couldn’t go as fast as she would have liked because there was a lot of loose gravel and slippery rocks.

There was something bothering her about this whole set up. Declan knew she was faster than he was. He would probably have more ways of slowing her down. She had a lot of adrenaline coursing through her and she was moving at a good pace now. Being agile had its benefits she thought as she recovered quickly from a rock sliding out from under her.

Reaching a good spot to get a full view of the courtyard, she looked for Declan. She could see him running down an old passageway. He had a good lead on her, but she had her anger for motivation. Dropping down with a quick roll to ease the landing she was back up on her feet and running as fast as she could. Considering the obstacles the old ruins were throwing at her, she was moving quickly. She had to maneuver several large pieces of rubble. She was hopping and sliding over rocks and stone as quickly as she could.

“Declan,” she hollered. Like that would stop him. Why was he so quick at his height, damnable bastard. Kailyn pulled a hidden dagger from her chest and took aim without stopping her pursuit.

smilesja

"Declan!"

He was counting on one of them to go after him, he was prepared if they both did and he would not have minded if neither paid him any attention to go after the hostage.

What he didn't count on was how much ground Kailyn would cover. He thought he had all the time in the world to escape. Trying to remember when Kailyn had become so fast, he redoubled his efforts in sprinting faster. Even when frozen with shock, she still managed to climb up the wall and recover whatever distance he put between them.

She never failed to impress him.

He was almost over a particularly spiky pine log that had not lost its pine needles when he felt something sink hard against his shoulder blade, spinning him partway before spoiling his momentum. Landing in an undignified heap, he groaned as slim booted feet came rushing up to him.

"By Andraste, woman, you are fast."

--------------------

Thank the maker I hit his shoulder, knocking him on his ass. Fitting, she thought.

Kailyn approached but left enough distance so he couldn’t grab her. How could she forget her first lesson? Always leave space between you and your opponent. He had taught her well.

Pulling out her blades, Kailyn looked down at him. She felt like she had just been punched in the chest. Subconsciously, she moved one hand to her stomach as if to cover the old scar from her “fall”.

She practically seethed in anger now and grit out her words. “I don’t believe in coincidence, you know that. How did I end up dragged into this mess Declan? Finally, come to finish what you started five years ago? I gotta tell you, I’m not going to be nearly as easy a target.” Lowering her voice to a whisper. “Definitely not that naïve, never again."

Without thinking clearly, she stepped in closer bringing her boot down hard on his chest.

--------------------

"Now wait just a min-"

The sound of glass breaking went with his breath in a whoosh as her foot came bearing down. His armor might protect from slashes and cuts, but blunt force in this proximity was going to hurt.

He could feel fluids leak from between his leather plates just as time halted around him in a dim, deafening haze, the same sort of sensation as being underwater. Slowly, coughing, he stood up and stared into the face of his lover as she stood frozen once again, this time held by the flow of time itself.

"I'm so sorry, honey girl."

She would not hear it, not with the words spoken low and too fast in his temporary state. So he held her tightly until the effects wore off all too quickly.

"I've missed you, Kailyn."

--------------------

Kailyn felt dizzy. “What the…. “! Kailyn exclaimed before violently shoving Declan off her. “Shit, what was that? Always a trick up your sleeve. Lesson number ten was it, dear? Don’t… touch me!” Kailyn said coldly.

In a low incredulous voice, Kailyn asked, “You miss me? Really think I’m going to believe that shit? You shoved me off a fucking building and left me for dead. I know you have kept tabs on me. I’ve always had to stay on the run thanks to you. And you miss me? I can’t even begin to understand why you think I would fall for that.”

Focus Kailyn pull yourself together. Emotions will help nothing right now. Kailyn tried to calm the turmoil within.

“It doesn’t even matter. You didn’t leave when you had the chance. What is your game now Declan?” Kailyn asked in exasperation.

--------------------

Nonplussed, Declan took a step back, hands raised and palms open.

"Long story, love. One I can't tell for now."

Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair.

"All I can say is that I need this compass to end things once and for all."

--------------------

“Oh, all you can say. Sure then, glad you have what you need.” Kailyn replied sarcastically. ”You have the compass and you didn’t run when you could have. Why?”

--------------------

It wasn't common for Declan to be at a loss for words. Several times he'd start to say something and stop before the first syllable went past his lips.

"...I wanted to see you again. To tell you everything. But even now, I can't."

A very uncharacteristic frown had taken hold on his devil may care features.

--------------------

After everything that has happened, why does the sight of him still make my heart beat faster? Kailyn was beyond frustrated with how much she had already let her emotions take over.

“There is nothing I want to hear except how we are going to solve our current dilemma. I need Willis’s compass back. Do we fight each other now?”

--------------------

Ok, so it's not going as he hoped. All that planning and effort and here they were. By the Maker, this was harder than he expected. He now had what he wanted, why was he at a loss for words around her?! Retreating back into his cavalier attitude, he dangled the compass between his fingers.

"Sorry, honey girl. I need to finish up some spring cleaning with this. Got some pesky vermin to kill."

Well, it was closer to the truth than he was before.

"I promise, I'll return it to you when I'm done."

Except, his promises weren't worth much to Kailyn after what he did, were they?

"Tell you what, how about I help you with whatever you're doing right now, and when it's done, I move on with the compass until I finish up and then return it to you?"

--------------------

Maybe it was exhaustion, maybe it was stress, or maybe she had finally completely lost her marbles but she began to laugh.

“You are going to help me? Then I have your word you will return the compass? You do remember we were together for years and the only thing your word amounted to was a very large scar.” Kailyn was done with this whole mess.

“You know me well enough to know I can’t or won’t, kill you. So, you know what, this doesn’t really concern me any longer. I was just trying to retrieve a stolen item and finally face a past that hasn't stopped haunting me. It looks like I am failing on both counts. You can ask my current employer and the owner of that compass what they think of you tagging along to 'help'.”

[OOC Meanwhile...]

It was a long way down and Maggie hated heights. Grimacing at the tightness of the ropes, it wasn't much comfort to know they were all that was keeping her from becoming a broken pile of bones on the ground. Twisting against the abrasive bindings, she swore her skin was being rubbed raw.



"I'm coming!"



It was slow going for whoever was coming to her rescue and she started a count to keep her nerves together. The sound of hemp popping as it snapped thread by thread prompted her to shout.



"Hurry! The I think the rope is about to break!"



She could not see well enough as to who was going to be hauling her up. Thankfully, hearing that it was a male voice told her everything was happening as the one who tied her up told her would happen if she cooperated.


Willis struggled to maintain his balance on the beam. The creaking became louder with each step Willis took and he felt the beam beginning to collapse. Willis saw the rope holding the woman about to break. Through clenched teeth, he went faster eventually making it to the hostage. "All right hold still!" Willis said drawing out his steel dagger and he cut the woman free just when the rope began to collapse.



"Got you!" Willis yelled, flushed with victory. Willis helped the woman. Once the hostage was in his arms, he backed up carefully, off the straining beam. "Are you alright? " He asked. "What's your name?"



"Maggie, ser. Thank you."



Letting out a deep breathe, she stood up, brushing off the smears of mud and leaves. Brushing a strand of hair out of the way, she cleared her throat.



"If I may ask, who are you?"


"Nice to meet you, Maggie my name is Willis." He forced a smile despite being out of breath due to constantly avoiding falling to his death for what felt like the 100th time. Looking at the area around him, Willis scanned for an escape route. "Though I wish we'd met under less dire circumstances." he quipped.



Willis found a door to the north of them however along the way to it was a nearly destroyed bridge. "Great." Willis mumbled. "Listen Maggie," Willis said "The path is destroyed from the way I came we're gonna have to cross that bridge which looks like it's about to collapse if we ought to make it to the doorway. Think you can manage that?"

"I...I think so, ser."



Straightening out her clothes, she waited for him to lead the way.

Willis breathed walking slowly to the bridge hoping the woman would follow. The two were halfway there until Willis heard rocks following, he began to lose his balance the bridge was about to collapse. "Shit run!" Willis ordered, offering this hand to Maggie.


Taking the cue, Maggie grasped his hand and started to run with him.


The two of them made just in time as the bridge was destroyed. Scared puffs of air escaped Willis' mouth, and he turned to Maggie. "You did great!" Willis smiled

Glancing at him sideways, she fidgeted a bit before asking, "What will you do now, Willis? You've given up your compass just to save me."



Willis smirked "i may have liked that magical item. But I would give it up 10 times out of 10 if it meant saving an innocent like you."


"Such a kind person, it must be hard to live with that sort of honor."



She hadn't quite looked up at him still, searching along the walls for a way down.

"Not really." Willis said while he opened the door, he looked scanned the area for any traps or potential enemies. On the right side Willis spotted a staircase that led downward.



"Hey Maggie look at me."' Willis said sternly " l think I found a way but follow me and stay close. You'll be out of here in no time."



"Where are we going?"



Her question was hushed, as though she were worried they might be heard. Soft tap taps of her feet followed along the ground behind him, softer than a cat plodding after a mouse.

Willis drew out his saber staying alert for any potential threats. "Somewhere away from Declan and his goons." He answered Maggie. "Gotta find you a safe place for you to hide. Dont worry Maggie I ain't gonna leave your side." He smiled at the auburn haired girl.



Though he was worried about Kailyn Willis set aside Those doubts. "She can take care of herself." He thought.

Smiling for the first time since being dangled like bait, Maggie looked up at him.



"That's a relief. I wouldn't know what I'd have to do if you tried to leave."



Tentatively, she crept closer.



"What were you trying to do that got you in trouble like this?"


Willis face turned grim but he quickly smiled for Maggie's sake. "My friend Kailyn and I were doing a job which we had to retrieve a stolen item from a shopkeeper. The problem is that most of it is in the hands of that scumbag Declan and we're trying to take it back from him. I don't what he wants with my compass. Maybe he likes magical items."


Shock raised her eyebrows high at the admission.


"That's...that's very serious. What were you going to do with those compasses?"


Willis shook his head. "Return that ancient compass to the shopkeeper and earn our pay. But Declan has made it difficult."



Sighing he turned to Maggie: "What about you Maggie? What's your story? How did you end up captured?"



Willis immediately blushed after that statement. "You don't have to answer that if you don't want to. Considering that what you experienced may be traumatizing for you."

Flickers of worry spread across her face before relaxing when Willis backed away from prying into her life.



"Y-you're right, ser. Today has been a long day. I'd much rather listen about your life."


Answering Maggie's question Willis hung his head. "My life well I'd guess the first thing when that best describes me is street rat. I've lived most of my life in the Rivani port alone and begging for change and taking odd jobs. When I was older, I became a Buccaneer and traveled around Thedas, then I've returned to Rivain where I began my career as well..... a mercenary. Which again took me around Thedas, that same traveling ended me up here in Ferelden."



Willis gave Maggie a sheepish smile. "Yeah, not a glamorous life, but I had some nice adventures." Willis saw that they were about to approach the courtyard. "If you want once were out of the ruins. I can tell you some of my stories. Try to cheer you up." Willis said smiling.

"What will you do if that man, Declan you say, won't give it back? Do you have any skills that will force him to hand it over?"



She looked around in a worried shuffle.



"I can't say I know much about this man, but he seemed fairly prepared for anything you might try to do."

Willis and Maggie arrived at the courtyard. It looked the same as the rest of the ruined fort: Old and decaying. Willis spotted a bench made out of rock and motioned Maggie to sit down to rest.

"He doesn't know about me and my skills Maggie," Willis said with confidence in his voice obviously referring to his Spirit Warrior abilities but he doesn't want to tell Maggie that on grounds that he might scare her. "Declan's going to give up that compass one way or another, and he's gonna pay for nearly killing you."

"Worse things have happened over less. What if you die? There will be one less person to save someone else. Besides," She added. "I think I might know someone who could find a few fences to bargain for a rare item like that. Everything has a price, surely this Declan fellow you mentioned plans to sell it?"

Willis raised an eyebrow.

"You know a person who buys items like that? Anyway maybe he wants to sell my compass and the old one, but something tells that's not the case."

Just then he heard footsteps approaching their location, Willis immediately drew his saber. "Hide Maggie!" he ordered. Willis began to concentrate and prepare to enter the fade.

There wasn't much in the way of hiding places in a ruin, so she edged back into the tunnel from where they emerged, watching Willis carefully.

[OOC Thank you both, cmoe and smilesja . It's been a lengthy collaboration but it finally got done. Tagging Space Cowboy too if it's his turn.]

Willis was about to ready to enter the fade until he heard a familiar voice.

"Hello! " Durk said cheerfully to Willis. "Where's Kailyn, and who's this?"


Willis flushed with relief turned to Maggie and motioned her to come over. "Shit Boss," Willis said as he sheathed his sword. "I was about to decimate you and your friend."

He then sighed thinking about Kailyn. "About Kailyn, well we met Declan and he had a hostage with him. Maggie." Willis said pointing at the girl. "For some reason he wanted my compass and if I didn't comply, he would kill Maggie. I had no choice, I gave it to him and I rescue Maggi while Kailyn was chasing Declan."

Willis shook his head looking up on the top floor. "Kailyn hasn't been back yet, and I'm worried that Declan is leading her into trap. Durk you gotta help her, take your friend too. I'm going to escort Maggie outside of the ruins and wait for you guys there."

cmoe 

(Collab between cmoe Space Cowboy opuspace and myself. Declan is the first POV that is portrayed below.)

He really, really needed to learn to be careful around Kailyn. Growling in annoyance at the loss of the compass, he rubbed at his jaw before strolling after Kailyn. What did it matter if she ran? It wasn't as though she had far to go. Raising a hand above his head, he gave a few signals for the archers that had been watching.

Be ready. Slow her down if she gets too far.

He could have almost kicked himself when he saw two others along with Kailyn's other companion and the hostage he left for them, now freed.

"Well, you could have asked instead, Kailyn."

------------------------------

With a feigned look of innocence on her face, Kailyn responded to Declan. “Well you said you wanted to help me. I needed help getting that compass back. I didn’t think I needed to ask. While you are being so helpful, any chance you want to hand over the other stolen item as well.”

------------------------------

"Technically, sweetheart, I didn't steal that compass. He tossed it to me."

------------------------------

Durk crossed his arms and glared at Declan. "You did steal the other one from the merchant who hired us though. And you still have that. I have a feeling asking for it back nicely won't be on the table. So tell me. What do you want?"

------------------------------

With his compass secured, Willis put it in his bag and gave a nod of thanks to Kailyn. He then drew out his saber and took a distinctive step in front of Kailyn. "You're. full of shit Declan!" Willis shouted. "The only reason I gave it to you is because you threatened an innocent! Why don't you listen to my boss and answer the question? Otherwise, I'll make good on my promise to you.

------------------------------

Sighing, Declan extended his middle finger to scratch at his nose.

"I'm not in the habit of explaining myself to a group of...strangers nor am I fond of repeating myself."

Making a small gesture, an arrow planted itself neatly between Maggie's feet. Shrieking, she leapt back.

"None of you are in a position to be making threats. Especially when there's no need. Kailyn, give me back the compass and you'll have my help. Refuse, I'll take it back anyways and leave you dead bodies in return."


------------------------------

Willis checked Maggie. "Are you alright Maggie?" He asked breathlessly.

Maggie was pale, but she nodded mutely.

Furious, Willis turned his head towards Kailyn. "What the hell is he talking about Kailyn?" He said.

------------------------------

"Now wait a sodding minute. Someone want to tell me what's going on here?" He looked at Declan. "You want to help us? To do what exactly? All we want to do is return the sodding stolen item you're holding. Are you suggesting a trade? If not, what sort of help are you offering?"

"Willis, stand down, let’s talk to the man, see what he wants." he added, not taking his eyes off Declan.

Back to Declan he added. "I have no wish to see any of us harmed. What I do need, whether you approve or not, is answers. You want to work with us, fine. Then we each hold on to a piece of this item. It's only fair. Keeps everyone honest. If not, what’s stopping you from high tailing out of here as soon as you have what you came for?"

"As for your archers, you'll find they are less effective against moving targets."

------------------------------

Stepping in front of Willis and Maggie, Kailyn spoke to Declan. “You will need to make sure I’m the first corpse if you don’t want to listen to Durk’s suggestion. We have no reason to trust you. Even less if you don’t let us keep that compass.”

------------------------------

"You're the boss, but this guy seems to be the type that'll slit our throats as soon as he gets what he wants." Staring at Declan Willis yelled. "You do that shit to Maggie again, all bets are off!"

Willis then leaned next to Durk. "Like I said, I don't trust Declan. Careful boss." Willis said.

Willis headed next to Maggie. "Stay calm Maggie," he whispered. "We won't let these guys harm you."

Maggie huddled closer to Durk and Willis, unwilling to be separated from them.

------------------------------

"Durk?"

Surprise interrupted the irritation in Declan's brow, turning his features into warm regard.

"Durk, you stubborn mule, how's life treating you? Short as always?"

Grinning at the familiar face, Declan made another gesture to hold off his backup.

"Don't tell me you're here for the treasure of one of Tevinter's great houses?! Come on, someone's had to have picked it clean by now!"

Flipping a coin back and forth across his fingers, the gleam of the metal shone like a star in the overcast weather.

"Anyone can find coin. Money is easy. And as easily it comes, easily it goes. But a compass that can find you people that owe you money? Debts that they try to dodge or the thieves who carry it away in the night? Now that's more useful. I just want that trinket over some vague superstitious legend that rotted away in people's minds."

Flashing a wink at Kailyn, he added, "You know me well enough to vouch for that at least, dear."

------------------------------

Kailyn couldn’t figure out why Declan and Durk knew each other. It bothered her. Did he keep tabs on her through Durk? No, she wasn’t thinking clearly. She wasn’t sure how much more of this she could take. It seemed she was very close to her breaking point.

She did believe he would follow through with his promise and not hurt anyone if they worked together. Did she want to bet Willis and Durk’s life on it was the question.

Coldly she replied, “I don’t know anything about you. Everything I thought I knew was proven wrong. I would, however, believe you are telling the truth this once. I hold the compass though, not you.”

------------------------------

In a low voice, Durk responded to Willis "Trust? No. But let’s hear him out. Keep your cool. Keep him talking."

Durk shook his head. "Ah yes, now I recognize you. Weren't you wearing a beard last time I saw you? And less expensive clothes?"

Again to Willis he said, "Let’s play along for now."

Back to Declan, he added "Kailyn makes an excellent suggestion. You want to help us with our task first? Then you don't need the compass that rightfully belongs to my employee. I'm sure he'd be willing to loan it once our task is complete. If you don't trust him to oblige, I'll hold on to it, or Kailyn will. "

He crossed his arms "And then we see this alleged treasure vault, maybe make some money, maybe have an adventure on the way. Once that's done, and the artifact you're holding is returned to its rightful owner, we'll come to some arrangement for my employee's compass. Some further guarantee that you won't simply disappear with it once you have it."

"Do we have a deal?"

Durk then casually looked around, at Maggie, at the likely locations of the archers, then back at Declan. "You know, you could have just asked. " he said with a grin.

------------------------------

With his eyebrows raised, Willis nodded. "Fine," he mumbled.

As Durk continued to negotiate with Declan, Willis mind was racing: "Durk knows this fucker? he thought as he continued to hold an iron vice grip on his Saber. Well maybe the Dwarf can talk some sense into this guy, but it's not like they're holding the cards here. Willis looked around for the archers, he imagined they had their bows pointed at them in case he, Kailyn, Maggie or Durk does anything stupid.

Durk mentioned about finding the treasure vault Willis frowned. Does he really believe that a treasure vault actually exists? "Old man is chasing legends. he thought bitterly.

"Kailyn makes an excellent suggestion. You want to help us with our task first? Then you don't need the compass that rightfully belongs to my employee. I'm sure he'd be willing to loan it once our task is complete. If you don't trust him to oblige, I'll hold on to it, or Kailyn will. " Durk said.

Willis sighed and got out his compass. "I'm giving this to Kailyn." he announced. "I trust her that'll she keeps this safe from the likes of you. What Declan is offering will benefit both parties. If you break our agreement.... Well I hope it doesn't have to come to that." After tossing the compass to Kailyn. Willis awaited Declan's response. "Don't worry Maggie, we'll be out of here soon. Trust me." Willis whispered to Maggie.

------------------------------

"You're getting old, Durk, I've never worn a beard before and never will if I can help it."

Declan could not quite keep the scoff from his voice when he saw how Willis tried to be reassuring to the hostage. He wasn't going to get anywhere with the current situation in a stalemate and though he'd never admit it, it really was his fault that he no longer had the compass. His men were never going to let him hear the end of this.

"Hey, I'm the one who offered in the first place. Let's see what this so-called treasure is and then I'll be on my way with the compass."

------------------------------

Willis allowed himself to relax a little. "So we have a deal?" He asked. Willis then turned to Maggie and gave her a quick smile, "you see we're almost out of this." he whispered to her. Though he was kicking himself mentally for celebrating a little too soon.

------------------------------

Durk looked at Maggie. "Well, we can't very well leave you to fend for yourself, can we? We can escort you to Denerim if you like." He looked back at Declan "As long as that one behaves himself."

"Alright, is it settled? Can we move out of this sodding place and back to civilization?"

opuspace

“Don’t worry we will make sure he keeps his distance, Maggie.” Kailyn scowled at Declan as she spoke.



Willis nodded, concurring with Kailyn and gave his own dirty look at Declan and then turned to Maggie. "I'll tell you the story of how we got here later if you want," Willis whispered to the auburn haired young woman. "To say it's fascinating is an understatement."



Thinking about Declan Willis reached in his bag, took out the steel dagger he bought from last night and offered it to Maggie. "You should take this," Willis said showing her the hilt of the dagger. "Just in case Declan tries to do something stupid."



Kailyn led the group out of the ruins. Willis followed behind Durk and Rolf while making sure that there wasn't anyone (besides Declan and his mercs) ambushing them. A surge of relief surged through Willis' body, but he was still cautious. "What's Declan's plan in all this?" Willis thought. "What does he want with the compass? And does he obviously believe that he'll have Kailyn's trust? Willis nearly chuckled at that. Declan is dangerously overconfident about all this.


"Hey, boss," Willis whispered nervously to Durk keeping a considerable distance from Declan so he does not eavesdrop on their conversation. "I don't like this, I know we didn't really have a choice. But Declan traveling with us? We don't know what he wants."



Willis sighed his heart beating just a little faster at the thought. "Guys like Declan boss, scare me. He just seems to the type that'll scheme most of the time and he's probably planning to kill you, Rolf, me and Maggie and try to make off with Kailyn and the compass. We need to take great caution with this,"



Eventually, they were out of the ruins at last Willis was grateful to be greeted by sunlight. "Never been so glad to see the sun again." he thought blissfully.



“So we are all agreed, off to Denerim?” Kailyn asked with weariness in her voice. “Does anyone have any injuries that need tending to before we leave?”



"Nah, I'm good Kailyn," Willis answered. "Let's get this final piece so we can finish our deal with Declan and go home."



The group headed in the direction of Denerim for about an hour. Unlike yesterday, the forest was pretty quiet, no Darkspawn, no Slyvians........


A crossbow bolt came whizzing from somewhere in the woods and hit Willis in the right shoulder. Willis cried out in pain and collapsed grabbing the bolt that stuck out of his shoulder. It felt as though an Ogre stomped on it. Still blinded by pain Willis saw what looked like shadows of men drawing their swords and beginning their attack.


"Spoke too soon," Willis muttered to himself.



Willis still laying down and grabbing his struck shoulder, looked up at a man walking towards Durk. "It's been a long time Durk! It's me! Your buddy Gerald!" He shouted with glee. The man's voice sounded raspy and hard. Scrambling to draw his Saber with his left arm. Gingerly getting up, Willis slowly unsheathed his weapon and faced Gerald. He had a gaunt face, frizzled black hair and small, blood shot eyes that looked like they were staring through Willis. He also had a pointed chin which was covered by a neat, pointy goatee.


Gerald paced frantically like a madman and continued his ranting. "Got a job from a mage in Denerim to collect pieces of a compass that'll point us to treasure. Imagine the joy I felt when one of my boys saw you and found out that you sought the same items! We tracked you and that dolt Rolf here." Gerald grinned ear to ear removing a silverite dagger from his hilt. 

Gerald laughed "Friend is going to die Durk and so will all of you!" Gerald and began to engage Durk brandishing his another silverite dagger both ignited in lightning. He then raised his hand and signaled his men to attack the group


Willis could barely lift his right arm and relied on his left as he fought off a mercenary, slashing him in the kneecap the man cried out and fell face first on the ground clutching his injured knee. The pain in his shoulder was still intense as Willis knelt down but was immediately shield bashed in the head by another merc. Willis landed hard on the ground, his eyes seeing tiny dots which he thought were stars. "This is bad." Willis said gritting his teeth seeing the merc advancing on him. Thinking quickly, Willis slowly got up and did a leg sweep on the mercs legs. The merc landed head first on a rock, knocking him out. Trying to take the pain out of his head, Willis began to target Gerald who was still fighting Durk.

"I've become much stronger since our battle Druk." Gerald continued narrowing his eyes towards Willis. "You're soft! But then again you were always the type that never did what it took to finish a job. That's what makes my mercenary organization more profitable than yours! Always have and always will be!" 


Willis charged towards Gerald, his mind attempting to enter the fade. However, Willis felt faint and collapsed once again. The pain was overbearing for the Rivani to overcome and he losing a lot of blood "I need some help!" He croaked. 

Space Cowboy

(OOC: What Gerald looks like: )

Character Name: Kailyn
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Class: Dual Wielding Rogue

Kailyn was grateful for the relative quiet as they began their trek to Denerim. Glancing around, trying to focus on the sights and smells to keep her mind clear. Something felt wrong. Well to be honest it all felt wrong but something else was bothering her. Without any warning, a crossbow bolt landed right next to Durk. Within seconds Kailyn had her blades out.

"Sod it Declan, if you're betraying us, I'll—" Durk cursed as he pulled out his sword.

She tried to pinpoint where the threat was coming from but was unable to see anyone. Suddenly a distinct looking man dropped out of a tree. That goatee alone screamed ‘evil villain’.

He smiled grotesquely at Durk saying “It’s been a long time.”

Not long enough Kailyn thought in annoyance. Would this damn day never end? Though stabbing someone was starting to look like it may be the highlight of her day.

Durk referred to their new arrival as Gerald and apparently, they had met before. Trying to decide if she should get a smoke bomb out she took another look around. Durk attempted to convince the man to get out of the way. Gerald had other plans. So, yet another person was hired to get the pieces for this damn compass. How many more people could be interested in this treasure hunt?

"We have you surrounded, hand it over." Gerald half smiled, half snarled at them.

Durk looked to Declan, not that she could blame him for being suspicious. Kailyn looked at Declan herself to see if she could read anything from him. Not that she trusted her instincts when it came to him, that was a mistake she couldn’t afford to repeat. He looked.. irritated – if anything. If she had to guess, she would wager he didn’t know the man.

Durk spoke up again. "Sorry, I have no idea what you're talking about. So we're just going to be on our way now."

Gerald seemed to be adamantly against Durk’s plan. "Oh no, none of you are leaving here alive. I'll just take what I want from your corpses."

Gerald had his crossbow out and firing before Kailyn had dropped her smoke bomb. She heard Willis cry out. Shit.. not good.. Kailyn used the smoke for cover as a lot of mercenaries came into the clearing. She back flipped to a good position and tossed a fire bomb towards some men closing in on her position.

Hopefully the chaos would help them against the overwhelming numbers they were facing. Kailyn quickly flanked one man slicing her blade across his neck. Swiftly she turned, using his body to shield an incoming blow. She sidestepped and countered to land a blade in the man’s side. Unfortunately, she had underestimated the third man’s speed and was hit in her side.

She fell to the ground quickly recovering to sweep the overconfident thug’s legs out from under him. She straddled the man and efficiently stabbed him in the heart. Rolling to the bushes for cover, she looked for the others. This was not going well. Rolf was surrounded, Willis was down, and Durk looked like he was seconds from being taken out. Where were Maggie and Declan? There was no way he would sit this out, regardless of whose side he was on.

opuspace

The door to Willis room opened and Captain Bart Davis stumbled in, smelling like piss and Rum. On his right hand he held what looked like a compass. "I forgot today is your birthday!" Captain Davis slurred flashing Willis the golden compass. "Come here I want to give you this!" Reluctantly, Willis set his book aside and approached the Captain, taking the compass. "It looks great Captain" Willis smiled.

"You're a good lad." Davis said burping. "And a good lad like yourself should be rewarded with good, shiny items! That compass is special."

Willis raised an eyebrow, staring at the Captain with suspicion.

"I won this gem in a bet 30 years ago!" The Captain exclaimed. "It can point you to any place that has inhabitants! It served me well escaping from pirate hunters!"

"Captain I don't think I should-

"Take it!" Captain Davis spat, "I'm gonna retire soon, done my fair share of raiding and what better way to leave to the younger generation. Now take it or I'm gonna keel haul ya!"

Willis opened the compass and saw that it was pointing northeast. "Is this really true?" Wllis asked. "It can point us to the nearest civilization?"

"Yup!" Captain Davis hiccuped. "Happy Birthday lad!"



Willis woke up, immediately blinded by the sunlight. "Shit." he mumbled as he tried to move his right arm. It felt extremely painful and his still wet with blood with the bolt still embedded into his skin. "Durk? Maggie? Kailyn?" Willis said trying and failing to get up. "Are you guys there? I'm hurt bad."

OOC: Sorry this is short! Couldn't really think of anything at the moment!


Space Cowboy (?)