Nevermore, Shadows have taken flight.

[Lucian DiVilli]

Cycle One of The Month of Immanis,
in the Season of Winter, Era I of the Celestine Mandate,
Era XV Post Fractum.

oOc Return thread, Lucian is looking for his old home, and friends. To attempt to obtain contact with his former mentor and guild master, Jar'lan of the Shadow Ravens.
The city had changed, that was a fact. But the degree was surprising to the Imperian. He had known this city well, even intimately, as it was needed for his survival. Buildings seemed to be repaired, and rebuilt in much the same way as they had in his memories. But there were changes, empty lots, razed buildings, fresh buildings where none stood before. It would take a while to get used to what had changed, and he did not truely know where to begin.

He wanted to find his old mentor, Jar'lan, and his knife shoppe, then visit the elf and dwarf at the Forge. Then maybe look to see if any other aquantances still hide in the shadows that was Imperia. First he would find his old home, or even the home that his brother had set up here. Lucian did not know how they had faired in his absence, perhaps there were some squaters living there. The trip had been a long one for the three companions, and a decent sleep would do them well. Perhaps they would just locate the home then spend the darkening in an Inn, to clean up and have a safe rest.

The candlemarks passed as Lucian led his two companions through the streets, till they finally found the district he made his own when he first found himself in Imperia. The alley ways were just as narrow, and dirty as before. Lucian looked over to gauge Ly'san'a's reaction, for she had proven her self to be a solid traveling companion during the trip. But he wondered how she would react when they found his home, and where it was located.

They finally came to a stop. This was where Lucian had began his life in Imperia, the story of Lucian DiVilli truely began at this spot. For he slept and trained here for an era before he set off to test his skills.

[Ly'san'a]

Ly'san'a followed Lucian closely through the darkened streets, clinging to his arm. There were frightening people in this place. It was almost as bad as Primus Gaudeo. Almost, because she had not been attacked- yet. She stayed close to Lucian because it made her feel safe even walking through the streets of Imperia.

"I hope you know where you are going," she whispered softly in his ear. "I would not want to get lost here." She knew there was no way the human would get them lost. He seemed like he knew where he was going. At least she knew he would not do anything to intentionally get her injured.

They finally came to a stop. She looked around, seeing that it was not really any different than the other streets they had walked down. Was this where Lucian was from? Ly'san'a did not care. No matter what he had done or where he had come from, she would not change her opinion of him. Right now, he was still the hero from Primus Gaudeo that had saved her from the Vysstichi.

"Can we find somewhere to sleep soon," she said amidst a yawn. "If it is near here, would it be safer to share a room? This place does not look very safe for an innocent young woman to be sleeping by herself."

Aye, she was innocent, but there was something not so naive about her question.

[Dignitas]

Like receding tides of memories, the city had changed and flowed with time. It had been some time since Lucian had been here, and during that time much had progressed here. The dark city by the bay was certainly more prosperous then it once had been. Most of it was also reconstructed very recently. Tall fortified walls jutted out at the cities seams, protecting those from within. Several shops had recently opened in the last era or two, creating a small boom in population. But of course, to one such as Lucian it was all too sure that somethings never changed. Crime, violence, and danger, these remained strong. And if to prove that point not an instance later did a man rush through the city streets frantically looking behind him as three or four guards chased in close pursuit. Such were the nuances of Imperia.

Some didn't appreciate such things. But many did.

The small house that had once housed a younger Lucian stood before them. Located on a side street in the major residential area in Westgate, was a piece of the past. A modest structure, it was one story with one and a half rooms. Its stone gray slate walls were common through out the city, and atop it had a slope roof for Imperia's ever present drizzle and rain. The outside seemed to be in fair condition. It could perhaps use some work such has repairing the rusty lamp that hung next to the door, and perhaps some picking up of the trash that littered its front.

The front door lay open a crack, its latch not having caught on the door completely. Pushing the creaking piece of wood back reveled the sanguine inside. As Ebon as night it was very dark, most of the windows having been covered up. And, should the two take step inside, would find litter piled up on the once well kept wood floor. The whole inside of the house was a mess in fact, with piles of trash on the floor. Should light be exposed to it, the walls also held some odd colored stains here and there as well. The house didn't have a smell fortunately, thanks to the door being open.

As the two came into the main living area, two cats darted out of their hiding places and ran under Lucian and Ly'san'a's legs, letting out an arrogant meow for having been disturbed. Minor fixes were needed, but luckily the house was structurally sound. As well, the property didn't look like it housed anyone, so that was a plus. So Lucian had returned to the city, and to the house that had been waiting patiently for its master to return. And now too Ly'san'a was here, ready to revive what had been dead for so long. To be sure, this dead house was more then what most of Imperians had.

Course, in Imperia, it wasn't always matter of having something. It was a matter of keeping it.

[Korgar Kinslammer]

The dwarf trailed after Lucian and Ly’san’a at a languid pace, his heavy boots clattering noisily with every step. Earlier in the brightening he’d tried to match their velocity, but his short legs made it impossible to keep up with their long strides. Nevertheless, he kept a visual on them at all times, and his gaze lingered dubiously on the shadows on more than one occasion as he followed his comrades There was something about the darkness here in Imperia that was malicious, unsettling, and untrustworthy.

It was far different from any realm that the Kinslammer dwarf had been to.

Huffing out in relief as they arrived at Lucian’s dilapidated abode, Korgar twisted several strands of his beard around an index finger. “Dun’ look like its gonna be safe anywhere ye go, lass,” the dwarf duly said, chuckling heartily to himself as he continued to observe Lucian’s facility. It wasn’t exactly what he expected from the leader of some famous organization, but he supposed that the inside was probably more lavish than the outside –or at least he hoped so.

Straightening his shoulders as they arrived at the entrance, Korgar glanced through the crack in the doorway to glimpse whatever rested inside. Instincts brought his hands up and ready, prepared to deliver a punch or kick at a moment’s notice. Despite his inherent keen eyesight (even in the night), Korgar didn’t trust the shadows. They reminded him too much of the necromancers that had waylaid Zerdargia many years ago. That event had taught him, among many other lessons, the importance of being prepared for anything.

“Allow me, lad,” Korgar offered, barreling into the doorway and coming inside. His fists ascended in front of him, and his feet spread apart defensively as if expecting some wild animal to come barreling into him. None did, though, and the dwarf found himself scratching his frizzy-haired head. “Dis is it eh? Ain’t much but as me pappy says, home is home.” Shrugging indifferently, Korgar flashed a yellow-stained grin and proceeded further inside.

His beard wiggled as his lips curled into a frown, but it was clear that even the dirty dwarf was skeptical about the condition of their future abode. “Yep, da place is certainly gonna need some work…” He stated obviously, glancing up to Lucian then to see what the happen wanted to do.

[Lucian DiVilli]

The sight of his old home brought forth a flood of memories. From when he first took residence, to when he boarded it up when he left for Riparia. That seemed like a lifetime ago, and to be truthful it was. By the time Lucian arrived in the city he had survived an attack by some sort of demon, and then there was the attack at the AFCL where he met the demonslayer, then the fall of the AFCL and the Rise of the Coven of Twilight. So much had happened since he left this building.

He stood back as Korgar barreled through the ajar door. There was nothing subtle about the dwarf, he would not be a prime canadate for a thieves guild. But Lucian had greater plans for him, and for the maiden also. He stepped back as the pair of cats darted through his legs, his arm darting protectively infront of the elf. He grinned over his shoulder at Ly'san'a at the sort of akward moment of over reaction.

'Yes Korgar it will need quite a bit of work, if you two are willing we can get to it in the morn.' He looked to the falling suns, seeing the shadows starting to grow longer on the streets. The words of the elf hung in his ear, and he smiled as she stiffled a yawn.

'With the suns setting, these streets are not the place for strangers in this city. Now I know the condition we can start to plan some things. Lets head to the Noble District, find an Inn there.' He said taking Ly'san'a's arm once more. It would be another paced walk to get to that side of town before dusk fell.

As they walked Lucian continued to talk, to keep the group informed. 'In the following cycle or so a portion of the Coven will arrive. In the next few days I plan to met up with some of my old uhm... 'aquantinces'. I will be looking to secure some work for us, in what ever areas I can find. If you two have suggestions let me know, even to what type of work you would like to do.' He looked over at the dwarf, to be sure they did not leave him behind once more. As the shadows were growing, and he was still new to the city.

'To let you know a bit of the folks that will be arriving, there will be two of my crew captians. Usually there are three, but the two have running the gang while I have been about. One may head back to Riparia to keep an eye there with the small crew that is staying. So if we add a few more to the gang I may need another captian.' He mentioned for either to know that the organization was growing and if they wished they could work into a more leadership role.

'It is not much further,' Lucian thought he could hear the dwarf's breath increasing. 'Ohh as for tomorrow. I hope to get the home cleaned up, and go by the old Forge. We can get some more armour for you two, and they may have a spot open. It could be a good recruiting spot...' subtly dropping the hint, thinking he remembered the dwarf mentioning doing some time at Ka-Zaar's Armour in PG. 'Also I will visit the Aedile to check on the status of any 'official' work that could be needed, and then check in with an old Katta knife master I used to know.'

Finally they entered the Noble District, the increased patrols and cleaner streets and homes marked it as such. It would take a bit of looking but they were sure to find a proper Inn for a meal and place to sleep.

[Ly'san'a]

Ly'san'a stood back as the dwarf pushed open the door, expecting to find a drifter or thief holed up in the place. Instead, dust flowed forward, and she stifled a sneeze. Two shadows bolted by her and she almost jumped out of her skin. Then, she realized it was two cats. She giggled. "Cats," she exclaimed, excitedly. She loved everything about cats. The way they could slink through shadows unnoticed and their fuzzy, cuddly nature. They were Carmelya's perfect creation.

"Aye," she yawned as Lucian reclaimed her arm. "I would love to find a place to curl up and sleep." At this point, the elf could sleep anywhere. She would have even be happy to lie on the street right there and pass out until the next brightening. It would not have been the safest thing, so she resolved herself to go with the group to the other side of town.

"I would love to hear what these acquaintances of yours say about you, hero," Ly'san'a whispered into Lucian's ear, almost purring.

They continued their walk through the streets. She kept looking behind her, both at the dwarf, and at the citizens of Imperia. "Will you also have any time to show me around your city," she asked, wearily, leaning her head on the human's shoulder. She hoped they were getting close to the Inn.

She leaned closer and lowered her voice to a point that only Lucian would hear her. "And, I am serious about the room. It still might not be safe for a lone, unarmed woman to sleep by herself even on this side of the city."

"And," she spoke to where Korgar could clearly hear her. "I bet our friend could use a good hard drink."

[Korgar Kinslammer]

Surreptitiousness was not among the dwarf’s finer traits, but whatever he lacked in stealth, he more than compensated with pure brawn. His heavy boots kicked up both dust and debris as he thundered into the room, fists rising defensively in front of him as the shadows continued to crawl along the walls. Chuckling boisterously to himself as the felines scattered away from him, Korgar rested his powerful hands on his hips. “Yea, mate, can’t say I’m likin’ da idea of sleepin’ in dis place either.” He muttered, happily agreeing with Lucian as he suggested that they relocate to an inn.

The Kinslammer dwarf’s broad shoulders bounced in a shrug as he hurriedly returned with Lucian and Ly’san’a back to the streets. Appreciating Lucian’s consideration, Korgar tried to keep their pace while listening to his boss’s explanation of what was going to happen in the forthcoming brightenings. “[b]I’m good at buildin’ stuff…B]” Korgar suggested, alluding to his elementary blacksmithing experience. Having apprenticed at Ka’Zaar’s back in Primus Gaudeo, he possessed a minor understanding of metalworking and shaping.

He listened with evident interest as Lucian spoke of the Coven of Twilight and its respective members. At the mentioning of the organization possibly requiring another ‘Captain’, Korgar’s dark eyes gleamed with perceptible fascination. Of course he had a long way to go if he was to prove himself, but the Zerdargian dwarf was more than up for the challenge.

While Lucian and Ly’san’a conversed, the dwarf could not help but reminisce about his days in Zerdargia which, admittedly, weren’t that long ago. It was hard to believe that he’d been gone from home for over two months now, and already he had new friends. And yet, even that wouldn’t be enough to impress his father, the Laird of Clan Kinslammer.

But Korgar remained hopeful. There was no telling what he might accomplish under Lucian’s wing. There might even be no limit.

Continuing to cradle the enormous battle axe against his shoulder while he walked, the dwarf stayed nearby his much taller traveling companions. He kept a wary eye at all times. If Imperia was as dangerous as Lucian said, and by all means it certainly appeared to be that way, then the dwarf wanted to prepare himself for virtually anything. Nothing was going to harm his friends –at least, not so long as he was close by. “Durn right about dat missy,” Korgar said finally as Ly’san’a mentioned finding drink and an inn, “Me throats drier dan a cether’s big hairy toe!”

[Lucian DiVilli]

The three had traversed the city, and found thier way to what was called the Noble District. Lucian had spent time in the area when he was here before, much to the chigrin of a few of the more wealthy inhabitants. At the time he was working to improve his lot in life, now he had. Though there was still room for him to grow and move up, he would finally stay at the The Crest Resting House. Though the group was travel worn they had a few crowns to spend, on the refreshments and accomidation.

Lucian opens the door to allow his companions to enter the, The Crest Resting House.

oocPlease click link for evening

[Lucian DiVilli]

Cycle Two of The Month of Immanis,
in the Season of Winter, Era I of the Celestine Mandate,
Era XV Post Fractum.

The brightenings and the darkenings had passed. The young man and his companions busied themselves with the trivialities of cleaning, and repairing the property that still bore Lucian's name. It was little more than a hovel, but for the people of Imperia it was a manse that many wished to have. There was room for Lucian and Ly'san'a to share, and even space for the stocky frame of the dwarf Korgar. It was not as lavish as the Crest Resting house, but it served the purpose. With the cobwebs cleaned and the vermin removed it was fairly cozy.

In the past cycle, in between cleaning and showering, Lucian had found his way to the Aedile. There he had met the junior member and forged a relationship. The Corvus Protection Company had been formed, and the building had been purchased. The two would work together, Peter would refer clients and Lucian would set them up with the security they needed to fell safe in this cesspool of a city. He could not remove the crime, for that would rid him of half his revenue.

'Would you two like to go check out the new building? There is some work that needs to be done there.' He mentioned after taking a stroll about the hovel. There was actually a lot that needed to be done before they were ready to open up shop. Plus the crew would be here anytime, his gang from Riparia and the contingent of sell swords from Portshire.