Battered and Bruised

[Lucian DiVilli]

The Month of Immanis in the

Season of Spring, of Era II
of the Celestine Mandate (Current Pattern)

Era XI Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening,
the Mageocracy of Julos the Mad

Cycles had come and gone, the city of Riparia did not change much. Merchant hawked thier wares, politicians preached thier platforms, the average joes whom toiled at thier jobs and the militia that 'protected' them all. Then there were the other elements, ones that had the man known as Lucian had allied himself with. The underbelly of the city, the thugs, the thieves, and refined con-men such as Lucian.

The absent head of the Coven limped into town. Free of his usual fine trappings, a tattered cloak and bared-thread garb barely kept the harsh mountian winds from freezing him to the core. His brown locks swaying as he shook his head in relization. His place was not missed as much as his ego would have thought. The city still lived, and soon he would find out how his gang had fared without him.

Much had happened to the dark-skinned man whom call Imperia is home. The rampage of demons had caused him to flee the city to protect what he had built. Thier evil plot was to murder him and those that surronded him. The spawn of Jalat were now gone, and that was a story he hoped to erase. Though the memories haunted him everytime he closed his eyes. The cuts and bruises had healed but his pain went deeper. Lucian's trusted confidant had gone missing on that trip.

As the people passed and the formaly familiar streets passed, Lucian pondered what happed to the young Dracon. He hope he made it back to the city and had recovered. Also he thought of the plans they had worked on before he left, had anything come of it. Soon he would find out.

The building that had served as his home for many cycles loomed before him now. The former home of Riparia's Fight Club, and then the headquarters of his little outfit The Coven of Twilight. Everything looked in good order. But sights could be decieving the Arakmatian knew.

With a hand on his hidden weapon, Lucian rapped heavily on the door.

[Bahama Turner]

Several months had passed since that night, but the display of force and the sheer insanity of that night would never leave the Dracon, the difference between illusion and fact was a swirling mess, those demons were fact Bahama would be forever sure of that, Sarig had existed that he was certain and Lucian, he had been a large equation of what Bahama had become. He had waited until morning for Lucian and Sarig to arrive as was suggested by the demon hunter, his encounter with that gnome of the thieves guild had only made that night the more strange, but when the first sun cast its gaze of the landscape he had packed the camp and made straight for the city returning to the goblin where hopefully Lucain and Sarig would make their appearance…

…They never did.

The coven had did what it could while it waited for its leader to return, Fajur had taken the lead while Bahama took second spot, in that time Bahama got the heads up on some ideas and managed to set some of the original schemes up, however they had now passed completion and they still hadn’t taken advantage of their new position, then a point was reached where Fajur had tired from the top spot and Bahama found himself the leader of the pack, but he couldn’t bring himself to plough on with the coven, he still felt it was Lucian’s Coven and like Fajur he only found himself carrying the Coven from day to day.

Bahama had other windfalls of his own, like a deal that would now see him as the vice-thane of the city, however the politics that went with such a position Bahama had taken time to think about accepting such a high profile job, especially the implications that would be part of such territory. How could he also run the Coven and get away with such a farce? He doubted there was another Dracon that looked just like he did, he had tired of his human form, now while in Riparia he used his natural form and because of that taking the job as vice thane would have seen him in trouble, and if he got caught out he knew he would be spending more than one night in jai

It was rare that Bahama had the Coven HQ to himself, the ranks of the coven had never risen, however they had never fallen, but sometimes those who weren’t earning their keep for the coven would prefer to relax at the goblin rather than the office, this was one of those times, Bahama would have normally been with the gang over at the Tavern but he had tired of days in that smoky place drinking ale, recently he found physical activity more satisfying, it was good time to reflect and where he worked out was also prime position to hear the bashing on the front entrance to the facility.

Taking the decency to put his shirt back on and use a towel to get most of the perspiration off his Draconic form, he also took the routine precaution to get his sheathed short sword around his waist as he made his way to the door.

He didn’t know what to expect but as he opened the door any form of coherency went out the window beside him as he stared, he was lost for words let alone actions. At last something clicked and he managed to get something out…

“…Lucian?”

[Lucian DiVilli]

The heavy iron banded door opened. The sight cuased Lucian to fall back in a defensive posture. The scales of of the bare-chested dracon were a sight the man was not used to. Even with all the time Lucian spent with Bahama, most of it was in his human form. The creature' natural for still had a vague resemblance of the man Lucian trusted and called friend and confidant. As he slowly recognized the man, he dropped his defensive posture.

'Bahama???' Lucian hesitated.

'It is a sight to see you hear, I only hoped you would be back here after all this time.'

The two men moved into the empty room. Much had changed, and it looked all the better. New fixtures, and half finished projects filled what was the old box office and arena. The aroma of the newly cut wood filled the rooms. But still not replacing the deeply engrained smell of blood, smoke and sweat.

Years of arena battles had left there mark on the building, and a bit of scrubbing and new features would not erase it. Lucian stared in amazment and pride as he looked around the place. There was much he wished to know and get back to, he just hope his place was still here. Much had changed, and it was not just him.

Watching the young Dracon, Lucian spoke once more.

'Bahama, friend, how are you. It is great to see you and this place... It looks great.' He said rapidly, wanting to share with his friend what he had been up to, but not being ready to relive those horrors.

The dark skinned man smacked his lips and looked around for the bar. He remembered they talked of installing one, with the idea to open this a a haven for his crew and a select few of the locals.

'Any Arakmatian wine around?, he asked the stale smell of it already reeking slightly on his clothes.

[Bahama Turner]

Fortunately Lucian had managed to get out more than his own impression of a stunned mullet, Lucian’s composure managed to have an effect on Bahama quickly sidestepping to allow Lucian to re-enter the old AFCL complex, the biggest thing that would instantly dawn on Lucian was the severe lack of a staduim and arena, they had been the removed and filled in respectively, now a huge open space existed the wagon sized door where only wall had originally been suggested logistics was going to be the intended game, the horse stables on the far wall help reinforce that theory, if operational there was housing for up to 20 horses in the stable and enough space for wagons to prepare with plenty of extra space for storage.

However a proper bar was lacking, tables and chairs had been set up where most of the betting tables were originally, while currently devoid of life and drink. It currently served if their was a large gathering of coven members. For now this area would serve as a still shell shocked Bahama motioned for Lucian to sit as he ducked into where the kitchen was. Lucian obviously hadn’t heard of the fire at the green goblin, and while the tavern had been saved, their full inventory of alcohol did not, and if Phillip had resented that detail he had never shown it, most likely because of the fact the coven was a pivotal reason the tavern still stood.

Returning with a small keg and some mugs he laid the pre-tapped wooded keg of the imported drink on the table, the trip to the kitchen had settled Bahama from his shock, now he laid those items on the table pouring drinks for both parties. Finally he stopped to actually look at Lucian and he realised he looked like Jorel himself had taken him to Aeteria and back. “Lucian I am fine, but where have you been all these months? What became of you… that night?”

[Lucian DiVilli]

Nightmares, and real memories filled Lucian's mind as he drank the brew. Eyes were shut as events replayed before him, as he gulped. Not tasting the sharp flavor, just hoping the effects would numb him once more. after a moment he opened his eyes and met Bahama's own.

'Much, much had happened. Things that I never dreamed of... Things that have never been spoken of or should be.

Just know that those beasts will plague Telath no longer. They lay vanquished and banished from our realm for an eon. Though they are not the only ones of thier ilk, I do not think others will bother us.' Taking abother fast gulp, Lucian looked back at his Dracon friend.

'And what of our deamon hunting friend? Well, he vanished. I know not where, but after I awoke he was gone. No tracks no anything. Just gone.' His face had paled considerable in the telling of the story.

Normally the potent drink brought color to one's cheeks. The horrors Lucian relived in his mind weakened him. There were things that he was not telling Bahama, but the wounds were still too fresh. Lucian clutched a pouch at his waist for some sort of reassurance.

'Enough of that... What left do we have of our little empire? I need to know what has happened and what is currently in the workings.

How goes our plans for domination of Riparia?'

[Bahama Turner]

Memories came back vivid of his own encounter with the demons, Bahama had pulled himself into the situation, the creatures had eyes for Lucian the whole time he was part of the ordeal, but they still paid Bahama enough heed, let him experience enough that he knew they were nothing but evil.

Lucian’s emotion tore through his own mind, they depth of the situation was truly bringing out what had happened that night, it dawned on him how much he had put behind him, while he had waited for Lucian, all other memory of the night had become a blur for the Dracon, this conversation had brought that all out.

The revelation that the creatures were gone was a relief, from the moment he had gained their attention he felt that possibly he was next, now that wasn’t on the cards and he felt a great weight off his mind.

It was enough of that subject for now, the creatures were dead and Lucian was returned and business was a definite change of pace. “The Coven has not risen or dropped in power, the Thieves amongst other gangs have gone underground, they had threatened to end us but we have yet to see that happen.”

Pausing he took a sip of the drink, its potency hit Bahama hard, he had in recent time sobered up, the strong drink even in small quantity made the blood rise to his face his scales covering that fact, Lucian wouldn’t have known different apart from the subtle cough and gently placing the drink back down and slowly pushed it away as he spoke again. “The Coven was too well known to become something akin to the thieves guild so we began turning our attentions to new ideas and converting this place into a warehouse, it seemed like a good idea.” Pausing to scratch where his wing joined his body it was quickly becoming evident that his report was lacking depth, Bahama had held the Coven together, he had been full of ideas, however he didn’t have much to show for his efforts.

“The Coven has run short of money, he make enough to keep all parties happy, but we are not making crowns, the warehouse was a good start but we needed more crowns to start a merchant company we had plans for.” While the goings of the Coven lacked change one thing of importance had, the news would bring a possibly interesting change in topic. “The city now has a new thane, Quix is his name, I met him at the Goblin and we had a good chat, and managed to strike a deal of sorts, if he became Thane I would become his deputy of sorts, this was in exchange for Coven ’assistance’ if he ever required it. However I have yet to take the offer, as I’m not sure if I wanted to be strutting around in such a public position, I must admit I was surprised he landed the position, It was a shame your absence saw you overlooked for the position..” He let the thought trail off as it reminded him of why he had been absent.

[Lucian DiVilli]

His lips smacked as he finished his drink. The past few months Lucian had been working on erasing that time from his mind. He had seen the denziens of Jorel, and Meephos, and battled them. Not many on Telath could say that, and those that could would not really wish to admit it. So the young Leader was glad the conversation moved on to other topics.

Settling himself, Lucian focused on the details that Bahama was able to share. By the way he held himself Lucian felt that he was slightly disappointed. Strange, Lucian thought, for the news was very great. Finding out that the crew was still around, was good enough. But to see the HQ springing up, Lucian knew that they had a great start. The news of Bahama and the new Thane was even more promising. It was something they could work out to thier advantage Lucian was sure.

'What of the city, other than the elected Thane, has there been any recent developments...' Leaning back Lucian spoke much more comfortably, though Bahama could still see there was an edge about him. Being back home was help, but only getting back to work would ease it more.

After Bahama shared any information Lucian moved on to the next topic.

'What of the other guys? Is everyone still accounted for? And I understand that the ones around want money, I dont blame them. What sort of ideas have you ben planning?

I have a few that have been floating since I have been gone. They involve the mines, and some volunteers from Imperia. Do you think that we could get a permit to mine, with your connections?

We can get the manpower, I am sure of. If anything we can muscle a few miners to donate some equipment and training to our guys.' Lucian said, a smile starting to form on his lips. A glint sparked in his eyes, one that had not been there in an era or more.

[Bahama Turner]

The Conversation was taking direction which was a positive thing, business was quickly becoming the new order of the day, business opportunity was something he loved to speculate on, unfortunately with Lucian gone no one had wanted to speculate, the coven was a loyal lot but ultimately they didn’t think too much further than the job at hand and how best to spend their crowns.

So much had happened why he had been in the coven, he really had to pause while he considered what happened while Lucian was here and when he wasn’t, but a few other milestones came to mind. “Well the Dark-elf you had sent to sneak in on the thieves guild, he skipped town, word went round he got in on the thieves guild as one of theirs, but we never saw him after we found that out.” A traitor. It wasn’t something Bahama took lightly, and either did most of the coven, he defiantly left for the good of his life if he hadn’t there wouldn’t have been much for the Riparian guard to find.

“Another gang sprang up as well, ran by a couple of orcs, they we looking to break in on our business and run us out of the city, but they just broke up and vanished one day…I guess that’s orcs for ya.” That situation had looked serious of a period of time, rumour had that bunch looking ready to do whatever they had to do to take out competition in the city.

“…And the Green Goblin was almost burned to a cinder when some halfling tried to burn it down, but we managed to stop the worst of it and managed to slip out a few bits and pieces as a bit of a thank you.” The coven has still kept their tight relationship with the Green Goblin, having their own place now they didn’t treat it like the office they once did, but it was still the place to be if you wanted anything else.

“Everyone in the coven is still accounted for, some of the boys have gone but they seemed only to be replaced by others eager to get a hand in what we do, but by majority they are all old faces.” The Coven had been quite fortunate in their business, minimal convictions and even less connections to the Riparian guard investigations.

The idea to get access to the valuable mines of Riparia had been the dream of so many merchants, but the news on that front was still a grim one. “Riparia keeps that land to the crown, they allow no access to anyone but themselves around the mines, I doubt Quix would be prepared to change that, let alone be able, while the mines is Riparia’s asset I would bet the Governor would get involved in a decision like that.” The Crown recognised a valuable monopoly when it saw one and it would require a lot more than rough handling to get them to budge on that issue.

“While you were gone Riparia exploded in Trade, the mines produced, logging has been on in the Ashkin Woods, merchants from all over use Riparia us as a stopping point , this has left the Riparian Guard extremely busy and their iron grip is starting to loosen.” That had been an observation on his behalf, ever since the Thanal election the guard had been lax in their duty and that was possibly a huge advantage for the coven, Protection for the merchants had become a part of their business, acting as guards in the city for merchants had kept the coven afloat all this time.

“Trade was going to become our main theme, all these merchants with all these resources but noway to transport it, the wilderness is still a dangerous place and there was a lot of money to be made in legitimate trading alone…” That had been Bahama’s plans for the coven, but so far he had only done so much to get that off the ground, but now with some motivation, new schemes could be plotted, and the ball had only began to roll.

[Lucian DiVilli]

The news caused Lucian's smooth brow to knot. There was some disapointing news, not that it should all be good, but disturbing none the less. The news of Roth was disheartening, as he felt he could trust the half-elf. Bahama was right, it was for the best the traitor left. Lucian would have polish his assassin skills to rid Riparia of one half elf should he appear again.

As for the rival gangs, that was something the young rogue had expected. There was competition all over the Empire, and with Riparia becoming such a BoomTown, there would be many more. The gang would just have to keep a tight grip on thier holdings and increase thier territory.

Lucian was upset that a place such as the Goblin would be attacked. By a halfling no less. Though the meddlesome creatures were a fun distraction. They usually found a why of making more trouble than they were worth. Lucian remembered the halfling Radar that about got him and his team killed in an expedition into the under realms of Vortex. Lucian would have to swing by and talk to the barkeep and owner of the Goblin, as the two were fast friends, and Lucian wished to lend his direct support.

The news of the mines bothered Lucian most. For it was the future of the Coven that it effected. His bankroll and that of the Coven's members, including Bahama. But the dracon's own ideas sounded promising. The resourceful shapeshifter was proving to be a great ally and friend. Lucian was glad that he stayed on in his absence, for with out him the Coven would have fallen. Though he did not say it Lucian hoped Bahama felt the appreciation.

'Speaking of trade, there were to be some wagons of ale from Zerdarga. Several crowns went into that investment. If anything there was a wagon that was purchased. I am sure the fellas at the Goblin would be glad to have that' Lucian smiled, thinking the supply of ale in the city must have deminished since the largest Inn had been ablaze.

'There was also a few supplies from a friend of mine, another wagon, and a drew of trained professionals. They were to help us boost the skills our thugs had. I will look into that, they may just need to be rounded up.

Let us get to work on what you have set in motion. I think it will amount to something great. I think you are doing a great job here, and I hope you would like to continue it. Imperia is an open door for us also, they have the goods we could use for trade. In the following cycles I will work to set up something.

But for now... Let us round up some fellas, and have a little party. How does that sound?'

[Bahama Turner]

And just like that, several months of waiting for the best to happen paid off, the head on Lucian’s shoulders weren’t just there for aesthetic purposes, he had a hard working mind, his ability to process and focus on the task at hand was something the coven had been in short supply of.

The news of things he had no-idea of, the ale shipments, extra hands to help with the coven, all these held promise and would be instrumental in the Coven’s success.

That was quite enough scheming for now, the ideas that were swarming in his head were incoherent, a trip down to the coven would be ideal, defiantly not to mention the rest of the coven needed to know Lucian was still alive.

[color=coral]“Of course we need to see the rest of the gang.”[/coral] he had forgotten the rest of the coven needed to know this revelation. “Lets head down to the goblin, lets go to the Goblin, most of the men will be there.” Getting up he prepared to make his way down to the all to familiar tavern.

[Lucian DiVilli]

The two men quickly prepared for the short trip to the Green Goblin. Lucian had with him a smallsack that contained what clothes he had. He knew that he must find his old quarters and hope it still had a few changes of clothes. That could happen later he thought as he looked down at his garb, and brushed it of and straightened the wrinkles. hmmpf...

As they approached their destination, they could still see reminents of what had occured. The fire had charred and blackened nearby buildings. Though it seemed that the major damages had been repaired, the tell tell signs still clung stubbornly.

When the Green Goblin came in sight Lucian was amazed...

The new Green Goblin was built inside the original Hull of stonework, but inside was different. The bar area was set out completely differently, with the tables now changed to being spaced out around the floor, giving a more intimate feeling to the place. The fireplace was still in the same place, except that a sort of staging area had been positioned opposite this so that customers could relax closer to the fire side, and still be able to listen to any live acts that were to tread the boards of the staged area.

The rooms upstairs had also been completely refurbished with more expensive equipment and more of it so that a customer would feel as though they were truly being pampered if they were to stay at the Tavern. One Particular room though had been enlarged and became known as the King Goblins suite. This room was changed so that it became the most impressive room in the Tavern. It could also be classed as the room that could be hired by those that had just been married. Obviously this room cost that little bit more to use, but it had been added to generate a little more income to the takings of the tavern.
The kitchens were also refurbished so that a more elaborate menu of cuisine could be prepared and supplied.

The stables were updated, and cleaned out, to allow for more people to visit.

All in all the new Green Goblin, was a much nicer, place than the original, and the prices were still as they were before

If Riparia is considered the multi-racial centre of Alleria, The Green Goblin tavern is most certainly proof. Here can be found elves drinking alongside dwarves, Katta sharing gossip with Dorin and even the occasional Vysstichi and Orc are not uncommon. The talk is usually business related, people making deals with one another over some food and drink. Crowns make the world go round and it seemed that here was no exception.

It was more than he had expected. The place was nicer than before, Phillip had taken a new step. Lucian knew that could not be held down, and would always raise up. Much as Lucian had done himself. What ever the AETHERIANS and AETERNIANS
had dished out Lucian had takened and made it his own.

A large brown spotted Dorin was by the door. Sitting on a stool he watched the men and women walk the streets, and enter the bar, seemingly bored. Which was not far from the truth as not much had occured since the rebuild, but he still was armed with a long dagger and a war hammer by his waist. [b]Patches[/i] was one of The Coven, and it was his night to stand guard in front of the tavern.

The seemingly bored and nonchalant Dorin's ears perked up as the two leaders walked down the street. Maybe he paid more attention than he let on, cause he was to his feet with teeth barred before Lucain recognized him.

With teeth barred, and looking like a rabied mongrel, Patches barked.

'Halt! You may not enter, if you try your life is forfit...' Try as he might, he was only able to hold the facade for a moment. Then wrappen Lucian up in a huge embrace.

'Patch's, You mutt!! I about didnt recognize you, that winter coat of yours. It is great to see you!!' Lucian spoke, pulling himself back after being crumpled by the Dorin.

'Looks like you are doing well, how are the pups?...' Small talk soon followed, and the three were wrapped up oblivious to the passerbys. When one small gnome walked around them, Patches moved into action.

'I told you to heed my words, little man. You are not allowed in for two more cycles. You games are not needed here, move along and find your own playground... The gruff deamenour was obvious as he spoke, and the gnome moved along. Obviously knowing his crime in the eyes of Patches and Phillip.

'Sorry 'bout that Boss. Stupid gnome got himself kicked out a few cycles ago, 'n Phil aint wanting him in fer a few more. But I gots work todo, so yous get inside and get warm. The fellas should be in the back. Ya knows the usual spot...'

Lucian and Bahama said a quick goodbye and moved inside. Pausing at the entrance Lucian marveled at the workmanship of the new building. The young man knew that Phillip did not have the money needed to do this sort of repair, he would have to talk to him later about it. But now it was on the the gang.

ooc: I got us here, why dont you move us along abit with the fellas

[Bahama Turner]

The greeting at the door was simply going to be the first of many, no doubt would have been in either of their minds of such a fact, the commotion at the door was only the beginning, entering the facility while Lucian re-acquainted with Patch the young Dracon took the opportunity to enter the tavern, the fact that a coven member entered as Patch had made the threatening comments made most think the jest had been played , simply he made his way to Phillip, while he couldn’t hide his brighter than normal demeanour he still had enough composure to get to the bar and give him all the warning to look at organising enough food and drink the tavern could offer for what would be beginning now would turn an otherwise quiet night into something else.

The Warning had only left Phillip confused, well until he saw what the “…dog dragged in.” As Patch loudly exclaimed it, the joke fell off the unwitting merchants and travellers looking for a quiet inn for the night, but everyone else in the know was simply struck by surprise, but the onrush of coven members was on. Disbelief was the initial order of the day which was quickly met by the celebratory mood, Phillip had managed to take the warning to heed, everyone present needed clarity to confirm what was happening, and the lunge for ale was on to celebrate.

It couldn’t have been expected any other way, the coven was happy to see its main man back, Bahama and Fajur had always been the caretakers, both wanted to see the Coven grow but both didn’t want to control what wasn’t theirs, promises of Lucian’s return was always regarded as the time when the coven would grow once more and to those who didn’t know the truth behind Lucian’s disappearance, this was the signal of big things to come, simply for them it was a time to rejoice.

Initially the whole thing had been a swirl of sudden surprise and a rush on to see Lucian again, but things had settled down, word had spread out of the tavern to other coven members of the news, so the tavern was quickly filling with members of the gang, one however was not lost on Lucian as he received the trademark slap on the back that could only be Fajur.

“Lucian you Ratta! Next time you plan on going on some crusade across the wilderness, send us a card ey?” In this atmosphere it was the closest thing Fajur would give to concern of Lucian’s health, why he had been part of the few privy to the true reason of Lucian’s departure, keeping up appearances to the rest of the gang was paramount for now, on the way to the Tavern Bahama had informed Lucian of the story that had been put in place, a trip over to Arakmat, Imperia and other things in the interest of the Coven, however it wasn’t something that wasn’t dwelt on, now was a chance to unite and for Lucian to remember he was home and amongst friends.