Zack/IntroA

>> The UCS looks around, blinking. "My turn already? Oh damn."
>> Game on! 
>> The East of Creation. A land of merchants, mercenaries, kingdoms, the living, the dead, relics of the 
First Age and portents of what awaits. A land of forests and rivers, of constant battles. Along the outer 
edges of the various towns and settlements, we find a wanderer walking along the road, heading along the 
road as the Unconquered Sun rises high in the sky.
* Seven leans on his staff as he travels along in the white robes of a pilgrim, though he wears no signs 
of a religion or god on his person. He is remarkably clean, and yet, his young face, when it can be seen 
under the broad brimmed straw hat, looks tanned, and he walks as one who is accustomed to the steady 
pace, one step after another, of the winding roads here.
>> The birds chirp from their perches in the trees providing shade from the sun along the road, and the 
sounds of various creatures that all this area home can be heard with a keen enough ear. It has been a 
while since the last town, but if what people said is to be believed, there is a small village up ahead 
deeper in the forest where one can rest before continuing on. The name was Rimu, if you remember what the 
people in the last town said.
>> As you tread onwards on the lonely road, you spot up ahead what appears to be the wooden walls of a 
settlement, along with a gate made of wood that is currently open. Further more, two men both armed and 
armored are visible at the gate, keeping a wary eye out. You think you might see one or two men with bows 
walking along the wall as well.
* Seven walks onward, as he leans on his staff, as he heads for the gate.
>> One of the guards blink as they spot Seven before tilting his head slightly as he regards the man. 
Some sort of holy man, maybe? "Greetings, traveler. What brings you to Rimu?"
* Seven looks at the man, as he smiles. "Just passing through." He says "Tell me." He smiles, charmingly 
at the man. "How do things go here in your village?"
>> The guard shrugs as he speaks. "Well enough."
* Seven says "Well, with your stout wooden walls here." He says "I'd imagine you don't get much chance to 
use that sword there." He says "Though it's a nice piece of work." he says "Where did you get it made?"
>> The man shrugs as he rubs his forehead. "It was issued to me, traveler. Any other questions?"
* Seven says "None at all, sir." He smiles, as he continues into the town, as he looks around as he walks 
toward the well.
>> The guard nods as he returns to watching the road and the area, dismissing the traveler as just a bit 
too curious before his mind moves on to more important things. Meanwhile, as Seven enters the town, it 
looks like it has seen better days. There are a few buildings that look fairly run down, and what people 
he sees look like a hop and a skip away from rags for clothing.
>> The well is at the center of the town, where a few dirty children play. There are more than a few 
guards visible within the town, not to mention the bow men patrolling the top of the wall itself.
* Seven frowns. Alot of guards. He slowly lowers the bucket, assuming no one stops him, as he watches the 
children play.
>> And so the bucket is lowered as the children play tag with each other. They begin to circle around the 
well, laughing before the little girl, eyes focused on the kid behind her, runs into Seven's leg with a 
light thud before taking a few steps back, blinking.
* Seven turns, as he grins down at them from under his hat. "I suppose." he says with a great deal of 
formality. "That this make me ..." He grins. "it!" He moves after one of the kids.
>> The girl blinks again before grinning as she turns and takes flight, laughing as the other kids 
scatter as well. "Hurry! He's coming!"
* Seven takes big and eagerrated steps, his arms held out wide, as he chases them, leaving the bucket, 
and his staff behind. "You know." he says "This is all terribly inconvenient." He says "What if I were to 
triiiiiii~p" He falls to the ground, and lays very still, face down.
>> The little girl turns, blinking. "Mistah?" The other kids turn as well, looking curious as she moves 
towards Seven. "Miiistaaah?"
* He peeks up form under his hat, as he winks, and touches her ankle.  "Gotcha."  He grins.
>> She blinks before grinning. "Phooey!" She turns and dashes towards the other kids, who quickly make 
tracks as well.
* He grins, as he gets up, dusting himself off, more out of habit, than anything as his robes are still 
perfectly clean.  He heads back for the well, as he grins, and then examines the well water, before 
taking a drink.
>> The water looks clear enough, and has a refreshing taste to it as he drinks.
* Seven sighs contentedly, as he lets the bucket back down into the well, as he looks around for 
whichever of the children appears the brightest,  His keen eyes, older than his youthful face would 
indicate, scan the town square in the bright light of the unconquered sun.
>> That girl from before seems to be bright enough, as she manages to go around a few barrels to cut off 
one of the boys and tag him, giggling before she takes off running away back towards the well.
* Seven nods, as he sweeps her up off her feet deftly, as he swings her around, just as the boy is about 
to catch her, as he lets her down on the edge of the well as he grins and watches the boy seek easier 
prey.
>> The boy snaps his fingers, but grins all the same as he takes off after another one of the kids. The 
girl meanwhile laughs as she is swept up, looking up at Seven. "Thank you, mistah."
* He smiles at her.  "What's your name?"  He says "Let me think."  He frowns, as  if concentrating.  "Is 
it ... Runs VEry Fast Like a Graceful yet Energetic waterfall?"
>> She tilts her head slightly, tapping her chin before she grins. "Newp! But someday it will be, mistah!"
* Seven laughs at her.  "So what /is/ your name, then?"
>> She giggles before answering. "Ria is my name, mistah. Or so Sis says. What's yours?"
* "Seven."  He nods.  "It's nice to meet you."
>> She curtsies. "Nice to meet you too, Mistah Seven."
* He says "Hrm."  He considers.  "I'm from a long away away."  He says "And I collect stories."  He 
says "Do you have any good stories for me to remember?"
>> She considers for a few moments. "I'unno, Mistah Seven. You want happy or sad stories?"
* Seven considers, seriously.  "Tell me the newest stories first."  he says "I like new things."  He 
says "And then we'll work backwords from then, because remembering both the happy and the sad are both 
important."
>> She nods, thinking for a few moments as she sits down on the edge of the well. "Weeell... the last 
thing I can think of is when we hadta pay the men for protectin' the town." She considers. "That's what 
they said, anyways. Sis said they are ba...ba..." She blinks. "What was that word..."
* He says "It's not important."  he says "Very much."  He says "Who gave them the idea your town needed 
protecting, though?"  he leans in close, and whispers, conspiratorially.  "They don't look very bright on 
their own."
>> Seven might notice one of the guards walking not too far from where he and Ria are, his gaze wandering 
over to the two as he walks. Ria meanwhile giggles a bit before whispering back. "Sis says a strange man 
came years ago to talk to the Elder. She said the men showed up a bit afterwards."
* Seven nods, as he winks at her.  "Alright."  he says "Why don't you run along."  He taps her on the 
nose.  "You're it!"
He turns, as he sits on the edge of the well, as he absently holds his staff, as he watches the girl run 
off.
>> She blinks before grinning. "Okay, mistah!" With that, she takes off running after jumping down from 
the well, as the guard watches her pass before continuing on.
* Seven nods amiably to the guard, as he stands.  "Pardon me, Sir."  he says "But is there a place a 
weary traveler can rest the night here?"  He says "And perhaps, get a bite to eat?"
>> The guard gestures towards one of the larger buildings, looking a bit in better shape than the 
others. "Tavern over there has good enough grub and rooms." With that, he walks off.
* Seven nods as he heads for the Tavern type building,  He leans on his staff as he arrives, as he looks 
around curiously.
>> He makes it there and inside without incident. As he enters he finds himself in a vaguely lit room. A 
few of what appear to be off duty guards are visible at one of the corner tables, multiple mugs at their 
table. Other than them, there are few other people. Over at the counter an old man serves up another 
round of drinks before a woman appearing to be in her teens places them on her tray before bringing them 
over towards the men.
>> In the corner of the room a small stairwell leading up can be seen, as well.
* Seven looks at the woman, idly curious if she resembles the little girl, as he looks around.
>> She does, interestingly enough. Since I forgot before, both of them have red hair and green eyes, 
though the girl had short hair while the woman has her's long. Her clothing is in somewhat better shape 
than most, consisting of the usual outfit for a barmaid. She deposits the drinks, ignoring the various 
comments and whistles while she bats away any attempts to get a feel before walking back towards the 
counter.
* Seven sits down at an empty tablea fair ways from anyone else, and waits.  He values his privacy.
>> The woman after a few moments looks over before sighing as she heads over, tray in hand. Seven doesn't 
have much trouble, seeing how the men are the only other patrons. She looks at Seven as she steps up to 
his table. "What'll you have?"
* Seven says "I don't have much." He shakes a few small coins on the stable. "Perhaps some bread, and 
stew?' he says "And Water." He smiles at her. "Also, I could use some directions to someplace to stay the 
night." He says "If you don't mind."
>> She nods as she grabs the coins. "Rooms upstairs. This'll cover it though." She turns and heads over 
towards the bartender, who disappears behind a door for a few moments while she pours some water and 
brings it back over towards Seven. "What brings you to this dump, anyways?" Meanwhile, the men begin a 
contest of who can down their mug of ale the fastest.
* He says "Just passng through town."  He considers her, for a moment, as he tips his hat back and looks 
at her, as he smiles, his silver hair falling in a wave, as he shakes his head a little.  "And Ria told 
me you were the one to talk to."  he smiles at her.
>> She raises an eyebrow as she sets the glass down. "Mm. Fair enough. Give me a moment though." She 
heads back over towards the counter as the barkeep emerges, a plate of bread and a bowl of what must be 
stew in hand. He sets them down on the woman's tray, which she quickly brings back over, setting both 
dishes down in front of Seven. "There ya go. What did you want to know?" One of the men meanwhile downs 
mug after mug to cheers.
* Seven says "I was actually."  he says "Looking for the Head Watchman."  he says, quietly, confident 
that the noise of ringing mugs and chanting men will drown him out.  He says "Or whatever he calls 
himself."  He says "I'd like to convince him to come with me on my travels, and bring his men.  After 
all, there's surely no danger here."
>> She mms as she takes a seat as well, rubbing her forehead. "The head of those buffoons, I take it?" 
The man finishes off the mug, slamming it down on the table as the men cheer and clap him on the back. 
She manages a chuckle for a few moments. "Course there isn't. Unless we don't pay up."
* "You have a burgeoning harvest out there."  Seven considers the fields he walked through on the way 
here.  "In perhaps a week, they'll be ready for harvest."  He considers.  "It would be best if my urgent 
travel plans went on, accompanied by these men."  He says "I must certainly leave within the week.  I'll 
talk to their leader at once"
>> She raises an eyebrow, opening a mouth to respond before the man who was downing the mugs 
shouts. "'ey! Tia! Stop wastin' time and get us some more ale!" She glances over before sighing as she 
gets to her feet, heading over towards the counter and picking up a fresh round of drinks which she 
quickly brings over. She moves to get out of arm's reach as soon as she can, narrowly dodging a hand 
reaching for her arm as she heads back over.
>> She sits down, shaking her head. "Their boss doesn't even stay here. Came here at the beginning, 
scared the Elder shitless. He has some other guy calling the shots in his name. The buffoons call 'im 
Captain."
* Seven frowns. "Will he be here to collect the harvest?"
>> She shrugs. "Dunno. I've never seen 'im beyond that day, and I can't remember much."
>> More laughter and shouting from the guards as their apparent hero starts downing the mugs again.
* Seven frowns, as he considers. "I see." He says "Which is the leader here now, then?"
>> She mutters a few words under her breath. "The Captain calls the shots, both with them and us. If yer 
lookin' for him, you'll find him on the wall." She raises an eyebrow. "How do you plan to pull this off, 
anyways?"
* He shrugs.  "Speak softly."  he picks up his stick, as he heads out, after finishing his water.  "I'll 
be back soon."
* Seven heads to the wall, to find this captain.
>> She watches him go, and soon enough Seven finds himself on the wall, where a fairly large man is 
talking to two of the archers. A few snatches of conversation are able to be heard, though. "Just 
start... gotta gather the loot... boss..." The men nod before turning and walking along the wall to head 
down a different set of stairs, as the large man returns his attention to the surroundings.
* Seven goes up to him, walking quietly, as he moves behind him. And then coughs.
>> The man glances at Seven as he approaches, frowning. Now that Seven's a bit closer, he notices the man 
appears to be decked out in a lamellar, with a nice big looking sword hanging on his back. "Whaddya want, 
stranger?"
* Seven smiles at him. "I was hoping to hire you and your men."
>> The man shakes his head. "Not open fer business."
* "No?" Seven smiles. "Why not?"
>> The man gestures to the town. "Long term contract."
* Seven says  "I'm prepared to buy it out."  "As well as pay you and your men."  He says "Just let me 
speak with whoever is employing you." he says "Some kind of yokel mayor?" He grins, as he examines the 
town.
>> The man considers Seven for a moment before waving him off. "You ain't got the money, stranger. Buzz 
off."
* Seven says "I would suggest." He smiles, icily. "That you reconsider."
>> The man looks at Seven for a few moments before he bursts into laughter. "Is that a /threat/, 
stranger? You lookin' to get yerself killed or somethin'?"
* Seven says "Not at all." He says "I have a business proposition for your boss."
>> "And my boss ain't got the time to deal with ya. Now scram before I make you scram."
* Seven says "I beleive you're failing in your duty to your employer." He says "I must insist on meeting 
with him." He smiles as he stands there, as he waits, his staff held loosely in both hands now, across 
his body, as he looks at the man.
>> The man shakes his head. "You got no idea what else my employer wants, stranger." He raises an 
eyebrow. "You /insist/, now? With that staff of yours?" He laughs again. "Looky here, men! The stranger 
is tryin' to be a big boy!" The other men look over, before grinning as they watch. A few of the 
townspeople are visible in the crowd below, including Tia and Ria it seems.
* Seven says "Please do me the favor of remembering what I say." He looks at the man, as he removes the 
hat, his silver hair glinting in the light, as he lets the hat fall to the base of the wall below. "You 
are not welcome here, until you return with your master."
* Seven says "Now go." he says "And be a good puppy, and bring him his message."
>> The man blinks before growling as he draws his sword. "Now you've done it."
>> The men stand back, content to watch their Captain deal with the stranger.
* Seven swings the staff easily, as he brings the base up, as he sweeps forward, as the staff connects 
rather solidly with the man's groin, and then whips it around it around in a reverse as he tries to knock 
the man's weapon from his hand, as his robes whirl about him, as he moves, completely still, until the 
moment comes, and completely still once it passes, with only the dust eddying at his feet to show he 
moved at all.
>> The man wideeyes as he takes on right to the other sword after failing to deflect the blow well 
enough. He manages to keep his weapon in hand, though, as he regards the stranger through a pained 
expression. "Yer dead."
>> The guards meanwhile laugh, as Ria shouts. "Go Mistah!"
* Seven leaps up into the air, as he flips /over/ the man, and lands on the wall, as he swings the staff 
two handed like a baseball bat at the back fo the man's head.
>> The man staggers forward a step, as Ria lets out a cheer. "Yay Mistah!" Then the man whirls around and 
slashes at Seven with his nice big sword, intending the cut the traveler who dared clock him in the back 
in two.
* Seven blocks it, as he frowns, and considers the man. He focuses himself for a moment and assumes the 
Violet Bier of Sorrows Form, as he eyes the man. "Your time here is nearly done."
>> The captain growls. "Big talk, idiot!" With that, he brings the sword around again for another pass.
* Seven blocks it again, as he prepares to go on the offensive, studying for a weakness in the big man's 
armor.
* Seven dives from the wall, as he drops to one knee, as his staff blurs, first to one side of his 
enemies head, and then to the other, as he sends five precise blows cracking across the man's helmet, as 
the staff whips back and forth.
>> He stands there, for just a moment, before he falls over and off the edge, landing on the ground with 
a nice whump as his sword clatters on the floor near where he was standing.
* Seven stands, as he eyes the rest of the men, and the villagers below. He waits as he inhales for a 
moment. About now, some coward with a bow and arrow ... He closes his eyes for a moment, as he centers 
his soul.
>> The man blink for a few moments before weapons start getting drawn and bows strung. Then the scream of 
a woman and a little girl is heard, as one of the men lets loose an arrow at Seven.
* Seven hears the arrow, and more importantly, feels it, as soon as it leaves the bow. His right hand 
snaps out, the staff still held in his left, as his hand finds the arrow in mid-air and closes around it 
as he catches it.
* Seven cracks the arrow in his bare hand, as a sudden silence steals across the crowd. "I said." he 
says, quietly, but loud enough for everyone to hear him. "That you are not welcome here."
* Seven opens his eyes, as he exhales.
>> Seven gets greeted by the sight of the other bowmen train their arrows at him, as an armed man emerges 
from the general crowd, knocking Tia to the ground as he grabs Ria and holds his sword at the kid's 
neck. "Stop where you are, traveler!" Tia looks up before letting out a scream. "RIA!"
* Seven leaps from the wall, reacting faster than thought, as he soars through the air, hurtling down 
like a comet. His daiklaive materializes in his hand on the way down as he grips it in both hands, as he 
brings it down, cleanly at the man, as he lands, on bended knee, sending a small cloud of dust flying up 
around him. A moment later, his staff clatters to the ground, forgotten at the top of the wall.
>> Seven's slash lands perfectly as far as he can see, but as the man collapses another scream is heard 
from Tia. "RIA!" And for a moment, to Seven, it appears as if the girl was cleaved in two before it 
disappears as far as he can see. Tia continues screaming as she gets to her feet and leaps at Seven. "YOU 
KILLED HER!" Seven manages to spot a man with a slight smirk on his face leaning against the wall, a 
sheathed blade hanging at his side.
>> Then he seems to flicker for a moment, as white jade armor becomes visible on his person as the blade 
looks a lot more ornate. As the man looks more perfect than humanly possible as he regards Seven.
* Seven spins, as the golden blade surrounds him, the foot wide blade with the graceful curve sending the 
dust back down to the ground, and revealing the truth of the scene, as he whirls out into a combat 
stance, sword held overhead in one hand, while the other hovers protectively over the girl he hopes 
beyond measure is there.
>> Tia lets loose a punch at Seven, not seeing what is going on as she does so.
* Seven blocks it with a swift kick, as he momentarily balances on one leg, before he drops back down to 
a ready pose. "When I tell you to, Ria." he says "Run to your sister."  He smiles at her for a 
moment.  "But not before."
>> Tia drops to the ground, panting as she stares at Seven, tears flowing. "You... you..." Ria blinks a 
few times as she opens her mouth to shout. "I'm right here, Sis!"
>> Meanwhile, the dust clears, as the bowmen and guards take a few steps back, as they realize 
just /what/ they have here. "ANATHEMA!" Cue the stampede of armored and armed men running for their 
pitiful lives, as more than a few townspeople make tracks as well.
>> Tia stares for a few moments before she takes a step back. "Oh...gods..."
>> The now quite obviously Fair Folk as far as you can see pushes himself off the wall, drawing his 
curved blade as the glass catches the sunlight. "I told you people you needed some protection. And yet 
you bitch and moan the entire way until this happens." He continues to approach, his long black hair 
seeming to complement his every motion as his red eyes examine Seven.
>> Ria blinks up at Seven, then at the other guy. "W-What is going on? You both are..."
* Seven says "Only from you."  He scowls at the man.  He says "Now Ria!" He steps forward, his blade 
switching to a two handed grip as he steps forward, his own appearance beautiful if not to the point of 
freakishness, as his delicate features burn with anger. His silver hair flows in the breeze like a 
tranquil wave, as he moves forward, his robes white and spotless.  He smiles at Ria for a second, and the 
change is dramatic, as his anger fades, replaced with comfort that one life, at least has been saved. "A 
new story." He says, as he smiles. "A good one."
* Seven then turns back to his foe, as he races forward, his sandaled feet racing across the dried dirt 
plain inside the walls, as he brings his sword around, the sunlight gleaming off of the massive, yet 
graceful blade as he whips it around with all his might toward his enemy.