What was any other night (Faust)

[Faust D'Rinishad]

“No offense was taken.” Faust reassured, “We must all do what is necessary to survive in this cruel world…” A dip of the Vysstichi Lord’s shoulders punctuated his statement, indicating that he had already dropped the matter regardless of the offense’s gravity. Of course he normally would have slain anyone bold enough to perpetrate a theft at his expense, but this Kalanel was different from the other thieves of Vortex.

There was something unique about him.

“Yes, of course.” He agreed shortly afterwards, pointedly glancing around the streets to the bystanders who had likely witnessed the short-lived duel with opened jaws and wide eyes. It was not every brightening that a fight of such a magnitude transpired in the open as it had. The pair had, no doubt, riveted more attention than either of them would probably have preferred.

“Lead on…” Faust bade, accepting Kalanel’s offer. Given their recent understanding of one another, the Prince of Har’oloth did not fear future retaliation from Kalanel. He seemed to have recognized the D’Rinishad name as most in Har’oloth and Vortex would, and that alone had been enough to spark his curiosity.

Following into line behind Kalanel, the dark elf bowed casually and prepared to follow the Vysstichi wherever it was that he wanted to converse.

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

And lead on Kalenel did, but not withouth looking upon Faust once more. They were without a doubt, on different ends of the spectrum socially. Faust was a wealthy noble rumored to be the best swordsman in Vortex and Har'oloth, while Kalenel was once a prince and now a rogue with little more than he can carry. Could the two really become friends despite this, along with the duel the two just had. Only time would tell, Kalenel knew. But somewhere deep in the back of his mind, Kalenel knew this was the begginning of something new for him.

Every step the two took led them to more poverty stricken areas. On the way they passed beggars, thieves, and a number of thieves posing as beggars. However unfortunate this may seem to those not used to such things, it was easily accepted to the likes of Kalenel. As of now, Kalenel was one of the many they passed, nothing but a useless rogue living from mugging to mugging. Or was there something different about him, could he rise up from where he had been for so long? Yet again, time holds the answer.

Stopping abrubtly, Kalenel turned to Faust and nodded with a sly smirk. "Welcome to my mansion," were the joking words he offered before presenting the noble to his lovely abode.

If Faust had not already realized, they were in the heart of the Southern Quarter of Vortex, not very far from where the Blood Alley Gang once ruled. Poverty was plenty in the area, where muggings and scams were common sights on and between every corner. Kalenel's home was no different from the ones around it, worse if one took a long enough look. The entrance was a broken wooden door, broken being the majority quality of almost everything in and around his home. Retrieving a key from deep within his cloak, Kalenel opened the door, which produced a long screech all the way until it was fully opened. As the two made their way into the house, the jingle of many locks and locking contraptions rattled along with the door closing until Kalenel hooked them into their respective places.

The inside of the home, for what it was worth, was much better than the outside. It smelled not of urine like many others around the Southern Quarter, which was without a doubt a good thing. Kalenel was not a organized man, so the two stepped over a few random things before Kalenel led them to a place to sit. Kalenel sat upon a old folded matress, while he offered the best seat in the house to Faust, a rugged and tilted cushioned chair. "Sorry for the mess," Kalenel said with a short laugh. Although he did a good job of hiding it, Kalenel was indeed embarressed to have the likes of a D'rinishad in his home.

"So what would you like me to talk about first?" Kalenel asked, but not before offering water to Faust. "House Vamai'tai?"

[Faust D'Rinishad]

A grim chuckle was the dark elf’s only response as Kalenel introduced his mansion, or at least, that’s what it would have appeared to be from an ant’s perspective. Pausing in front of the tattered door, the Prince of Har’oloth traced the threshold’s frame with a gloved finger, casually collecting some dust before wiping it on the folds of his cloak. If he and Kalenel were to pursue future brotherhood together, Faust made a mental note to truly help him furnish the place if not purchase another one all together for him.

Such were the perks of being a D’Rinishad...

Of course, there was still that matter to address.

“Thank you.” Faust said, nodding appreciatively as he entered into the fellow dark elf’s home. A perfunctory glance of the inside imprinted a visual image of the room into his memory, and, following Kalenel, the dark elf ensconced into the proffered seat. His lithe frame barely sunk into the aged cushion.

“A fine place you have.” the Vysstichi Lord said, more out of politeness than anything else. Although it was certainly not what the dark elven prince was accustomed to, he did not look down upon the thief for his living standards. Like Kalenel, Faust had resorted to similar thriving conditions back when House Kitrye’veresi had been usurped by Alaret Kitrye’veresi. He had lived in poverty for longer than he had wanted to, and thus a part of him naturally sympathized with Kalenel and wanted to help him. He would help him. The thief just didn’t know it yet.

Nodding thankfully as he accepted the cup of water, Faust cradled it in his hands as he rested in his seat. He waited for the dark elf join him. “It’s no problem really…” he replied after Kalenel’s comment about the mess. “My place, admittedly, is probably worse than this. You should see my carpet.” Grinning as he envisioned the floor littered with weapons of various sorts, the dark elf sighed as Kalenel situated across from him. “Well, yes, that would be a fine start. The name, Vamai’tai, is familiar, but I can’t put my finger upon it. Anyway, I would love to hear your tale. How is it that you, Kalenel Vamai’tai, have come to live in the Southern Quarter? And what of your family's whereabouts?”

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

The look in the eyes of Faust let Kalenel know that he had once been like him. Without ever telling him, Faust let know Kalenel know a peice of his past without ever knowing it. For that connection that they shared, the fact that Faust had risen up from where Kalenel currently was, made the rogue sure they would of some sort of friendship despite what had just transpired in the streets of Vortex.

"You are welcome to whatever you see here," Kalenel said, this time with a sincere smile. He meant every word of it, knowing somehow that Faust would do the same for him if they had decided to travel to his residence. Looking around at his own house, Kalenel noted that the only trully stable thing was a horizontal bar near a corner that he used for exercises. Perhaps he would spend some of the crowns he had gotten tonight for some home improvments.

"Where do I start..." Kalenel began with a sigh after a long pause. The matter of his upbringing and his family were still a touchy subject for Kalenel, maybe he could overcome some of that tonight. "I was born into a lesser house of Har'oloth, Vamai'tai as I have told you. Blisla, the matron of the house and my mother was a corrupted fool that led my family to ruin." Kalenel paused for a moment, letting Fause catch up. If the warrior had listened closely, he would of picked up that the rogue that had attempted to rob him of his crowns tonight, were in fact a noble prince himself!

"My family, brothers and sisters included, were cold as the frozen tundra...I knew not of love and sympathy while in that house..." Kalenel again paused, not on purpose this time. The look upon his face, one of anger and disgust mixed with subtle sadness, told Faust that Kalenel was scarred by all of this to this day. "As it is with Vyystichi, my House was destroyed by a stronger one due to my foolish mother." Hatred rittled Kalenel's voice as he spoke the last word.

Kalenel looked Faust in the eyes as he filled in the details of the attack, sucking up his emotions considerably and speaking to the warrior in his normal, strong voice. "...and now you look upon the only remaining Vamai'tai on this plane of existence...Vendui," Kalenel spoke, letting out an apparently fake smile as he looked down once again at his floor.

Kalenel cared not to answer how he ended up in the Southern Quarter, he was sure Faust knew already. Kalenel kept his head bent, hiding his visage and waiting for Faust to speak next.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

“Thank you.” the Vysstichi Lord said, tipping his head forward in an appreciative gesture. As he leaned back into the seat, the dark elf couldn’t help but feeling as if he was at home. Despite almost being robbed earlier, Faust detected a natural connection between himself and Kalenel. They were very much alike, it seemed, and perhaps all for the best.

“I’m sorry for your misfortunes…” Faust said as Kalenel’s tale came to an end. Sighing and shaking his head, the dark elf leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he did so. “The way of the Vysstichi is not always pleasant, and it certainly has more negatives at times than it does positives.” Offering Kalenel a simple shrug, the dark elf’s slender fingers folded in front of him.

So this thief was a noble. The thought almost elicited a grin across the Vysstichi Lord’s features, but he purposely withheld it in fear that he might accidentally give Kalenel the wrong impression. Still, it was quite interesting. As Faust had suspected, they had much in common.

That was definitely a good thing.

“I don’t mean to make light of your situation, Kalenel, but perhaps it was for the best. Believe it or not, but you and I are not so different. My mother was none other than Matron Kal’adriel Kitrye’veresi, Matron of the First House of Har’oloth before my aunt betrayed her and usurped the throne. My brothers and sisters were all killed. Only my father, my cousin, and a few of our loyal soldiers remained.”

Despite the sorrow in the dark elf’s tone, he nevertheless managed to retain his smile throughout the account. “I have learned, though, that one cannot wallow in self pity, not here in Vortex at least. This city is merciless, deceitful, and it would not think anything of taking your life.” Faust purposely paused to let Kalenel consider his words carefully.

“That is why we who have survived such tragedies need to band together.” Grinning slightly, the Vysstichi Lord’s face lightened somewhat. “Family is not connected by blood alone. Family can be those who have undergone adversities with you, helped you through trials, or been there to comfort you in times of need. Tell me, Kalenel, have you anyone like that?”

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

Fate?

That was all that the young rogue could come up with as he saw how much Faust and he had in common. Tonight was a turning point in Kalenel's life, he was sure of it now. If Faust had risen up from the point that the Kalenel was at right now, there was no reason the fallen prince couldn't do the same.

Kalenel nodded his head firmly as Faust told of the dangers of Vortex. The rogue had survived for many patterns now, and that wasn't a feat done with weakness in one's heart.

"No, all I have is myself." Kalenel spoke, straight into the eyes of Faust. It was the complete truth, Kalenel in fact had only himself. He relied on no one, and thought up until that he could die that way.

Would all that change now?

[Faust D'Rinishad]

“But it does not always have to be that way.” Faust quickly replied. Leaning forward excitedly, the dark elf’s elbows rested upon his knees as his hands folded together in between. It was evident from the glimmer in his crimson eyes that some fascinating idea was consuming his attention, and this was further revealed through the smile that flittered across the dark elf’s lips.

“Let me tell you about my family, Kalenel, a family that may have a place for you if you should desire it. We are the Vysstichi of House D’Rinishad. We are a band of brothers and sisters, houseless rogues like yourself, left for dead. Many of us come from formerly prestigious backgrounds like you, only to have lost it by the cruel hands of fate. My mentor, the great Serion D’Rinishad, was the founder of this brotherhood, one that has grown in power and influence over the years and attained something that no other Vysstichi before us ever had.”

The passion in the Prince’s voice was unmistakable, but when he mentioned the name of the clan’s founder, it seemed as if his tone wavered slightly. Nevertheless, he pursued the conversation without break. “He dreamed of equality, Kalenel, racial and gender equality, something that the dark elves rightfully deserve, especially us allegedly inferior males. And as we continue to grow in power, this dream is becoming even more of a reality. We welcome those who would share in this ambition with us, to one day see the Vysstichi as more than loathed beings, to see House D’Rinishad ascend to days of glory. My brothers and I have been together for many patterns now, Kalenel. We have fought together and we have bled together. It is true that we are not a family related by bonds of blood, but our ties are forged by something even greater, commonality. You can share in this with us Kalenel, but it is ultimately your decision to make.”

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

Kalenel looked reverently at Faust as he listened to his wisdom. What the rogue had wanted for so many patters, a home, seem finally within his grasp. All he had to do was to embrace Faust's offer.

And he did...


"If you would have me, then I accept," Kalenel said, flashing a big sincere smile. This indeed was a turning point in his life, one that would lead to much better things in the young elf's life. Could perhaps Kalenel regain his noble ways? However doubtful, Kalenel entertained himself with that thought. Without another word, Kalenel stood to embrace Faust as a brother would. The two had a strong friendship to look forward to, that was easily seen.

"What happens now?" Kalenel asked after the two exchanged any other words. He was indeed curious on what would happen next with himself. How would he handle everything?

ooc: sorry for bad post!

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Kalenel’s mirthful expression was matched by the Prince of Har’oloth’s who merely grinned. Ascending to his feet, he laughed and clasped the son of House Vai’maitai’s forearm with a gloved hand. “We would more than welcome your camaraderie, Kalenel, consider yourself a D’Rinishad now.”

Nodding firmly, the dark elf retracted his arm and stuffed it into a pants pocket. “First of all I would like to introduce you to others in the family, others who, you will find, to be the finest of people. I haven’t seen many of them in some time anyway, and it would due you well to meet them.” Pausing momentarily to see if Kalenel had any further questions, the dark elf would continue afterwards, “Is there anything you need, anything at all?”

Pointedly glancing around to the hovel that was Kalenel’s home, the Vysstichi Lord chuckled faintly. “As a fellow brother you’ll have full access to all our facilities. We’ve many places throughout the Empire that are simply collecting dust anyway even as we speak. Feel free to make use of them without hesitation.”

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

A D'rinishad?

The thought of actually being considered a member of the great family was almost too much for the young Kalenel. He had not felt the love of a family his whole life, even before his House was destroyed, and now he felt it here with Faust. What exactly would this mean for the rogue; would he even be a rogue anymore. Strangely, Kalenel knew Faust would do anything in his power to ensure that he wouldn't.

"Yes, there is something I would like." Kalenel began after Faust had asked him. He had it on his mind since their contest, and knew now it was the right time to ask. "Teach me to fight as you do..." Kalenel's voice trailed off, hoping Faust would accept.

There were probably other things, but those would wait until Kalenel took everything that happened tonight in.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

A curious expression dominated the Vysstichi Lord’s face as he tilted his head amusedly to the side. Looking at Kalenel seriously for a moment, Faust finally erupted into a short laugh. “A small request, my friend, something that I would be more than honored to do.” Nodding sincerely, the dark elf rose unexpectedly to his feet.

Of all the requests that Kalenel could possibly have posed, his was one that Faust had not quite anticipated, and yet, it was one that the Prince of Har’oloth was most equipped to do.

Yes, he would train Kalenel like he had so many others. And who knew? Perhaps the last son of House Vai’maitai would become a finer swordsman than Faust had ever been. Only time would tell.

“Follow me.” Faust bade, moving towards the doorway. Indeed, a new chapter in Kalenel’s life was about to begin.

OOC: we can end here if you’d like

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

ooc: sounds good, do we need to get approval for the xp?

[Faust D'Rinishad]

OOC: if you'd like, sure =)

[Kalinda]

1 xp - Rhingorda & 1 xp - Dagger for Kalenel!
1 xp - Longsword for Faust!