Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Seaside Park
Interactions: Aurora @mole, Vasco @JJ Doe
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

Barrock only heard three things: Rowan and Vasco in danger, River Port Lodge, and a Dark Elf. This got Barrock's blood boiling, and he charged straight for the destination, with his sword in hand, Aurora hopefully behind him.

Did that General returned? Were they here to finish the job? Were both Vasco and Rowan ok? In his head, he worried if he was going to fail again. Was it a mistake to split up both of them? He really wanted to walk a lot faster, but the limp in his leg made it quite difficult.

The door to the Lodge slammed open as a giant green orc barged in to perhaps either terror or annoyance by the staff. Barrock didn't care, he saw the human sitting with a cup of beer in his hand, while Rowan was nowhere insight. Meanwhile, something was on the ground.

Barrock was unimpressed with Vasco's cavalier attitude, but he decided to play with it anyway.

"And here we will party later." He rolled his eyes, turning his attention to the one laying out-cold on the ground. A lizardman, quite tough-looking but didn't seem quite as tough as he looked.

"Are these the General's men?" Barrock lifted the lizard guy up, his eyes on Vasco, but expecting nothing out of him. Maybe Aurora could chime in with any further insights, as the orc was a bit calmer knowing at least Vasco was safe.

Regardless of what either of them said though, Barrock threw the lizardman into a chair, tied him down and headed to the barkeeper, towering over him as if the monster was going to do the same thing to him, but instead left a stack of coin on the table, much more than a simple drink Vasco needed.

"For the trouble." Barrock growled, before heading back to the lizardman. He would wake up soon.

_{T I M E : One Week After Human Arrival
L O C A T I O N : Lodge, Port10
I N T E R A C T I O N S : @JJ Doe
T A G S : @JJ Doe , @Conscripts
E Q U I P M E N T :}




Her footsteps followed quickly behind Barrock’s heavy strides. Her mind’s eye kept replaying the scene and had seen. Partially out of fear, and the other to admire what she was able to see without her true eyes. She felt so shy and much too afraid to say the vision was a gem of its own nature.

The door to the lodge swung open. There was a still in the room that resonated as if something extravagant had just occurred. She could smell the fear that once was and… the scent of alcohol currently being enjoyed. All of this came before Barrock began scolding Vasco.

A strong emotion began budding inside of Aurora. She had felt this before, many times. Although, during those times, she able to qualm the feeling. She had been advised from using it or letting it come to fruition, but right now, there was little to stop it.

“Where is my brother!” Her voice tried to ask gingerly but came out more as a command, as if she had meant to say Tell me where my brother is! Her fists were balled in frustration and tears — not the same ones she showed Barrock earlier — tried not show themselves.

How could Vasco be relaxing at a time like this?

She understood how and why. It was Vasco, but her heart strings were so worried about her brother. The memories of Zara, her blood, her lifeless body, and her spark fading so quickly were looming over her. What would become of her brother? And, did Vasco even care?

Soon, Aurora was shaking. Her anger leaving as soon as it came. It couldn’t last. It never did, and she felt embarrassed it had even erupted. Never mind her anger, her dearest brother was missing. Her poor dear Rowan. He had been lying so limp under the orc.

“I… I saw you… trying to help, Vasco.” Aurora sniffled. Her eyes were downcast, staring into what would have been the wood flooring, if she could see it. “It must have been scary for you… and still is.” She was unsure how much she projecting her own fears onto Vasco, but she hoped and knew, the truth was Vasco somewhere in his own mystery knew what she was referencing.

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Seaside Park
Interactions: Aurora @mole, Vasco @JJ Doe
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

If Vasco was going to squander Barrock's good will with the bartender, then so be it. If anything he could be a good scapegoat if the New Dawn decided to discipline them, if they were even willing. The orc did the most he could on that end, now for that reptilian creature.

As light began to return to Zarnak the lizardman, he'd see a gigantic silhouette towering over him. But he wouldn't see a small tub of iced water that Barrock prepared for him. For now, he met the orc's menacing bloodshot eye with defiance and condescension. He wanted to play the hero to the establishment, even though the man who hired him likely wouldn't give a shit of his death today.

"You've heard her." Barrock only nicked his neck ever so slightly. "Tell me the whereabouts of the elf you captured."

Zarnak, a real macho, spitted onto the orc's armor. "Or you'll do what? Break my arm and leg? It'll grow back."

Barrock remained still, letting the silence do its work. If he learned anything from his kind's failure, loudness bred ineptitude.

"Murder my family? I've already gotten there. Kill me? Bitch, it's my birthday!" The lizardman continued. Barrock let another moment of silent go by before speaking up.

"Eternal damnation."

"Pfft, don't tell me you believe in that fairy tale." Zarnak sneered, to Barrock's unflinching and unchanging face. "If you want to send me to hell, go ahead."

It was then that Barrock slid the tub of iced water over. Although he tried to hide it, Zarnak's demeanor suddenly went quiet.

"Reptiles can't handle the cold." Barrock said, reaching his hand for Zarnak's legs, which was tied firmly to the chair.

The lizardman tried to fling himself to the ground with the chair to disrupt what Barrock was trying to do, but the chair along with him, was weighed down with rocks and heavy items. All of that only confirmed to Barrock this lizard's greatest weakness.

The tip of the chair and the reptile's feet were lifted up then back down into the icy water, ever so gently, contrary to the usual orc brutality. But this was a fate worse than death to the lizards, as Barrock would explain as he sat down opposite of him.

"Cold-blooded creatures could not self-regulate your body temperature, so you will slowly freeze. But before that, the water will seep into your skin and you will breath out water droplets along with air, which freezes on your scale blocking the air route. Meaning: you suffocate."

"You motherf-"

"Ten minutes."

The veil had been lifted. There was no more playing the hero. The animal now roared against its cage, but the more he tried to resist, the more energy expended, the more he breathe in and breathe out. Soon, white frost began to show on his scale, and then inside his tongue. Similar to how a human/elf gasp for air, the lizard began to emit blood-curdling agony, but Barrock remained still for a minute more. Only when his eyes began to dilute, that Barrock stood up and walked over to him and lifted his feet out of the icy tub. He then punched the lizardman hard in his stomach. The orc knew Zarnak wouldn't die from that. Those lizardmen were tough bastards.

The punch only knocked some of the frost from his scale. Barrock then wiped any frost left on his scale, left Zarnak only a minute to catch his breath, then put his feet back into the tub. This cycle would repeat again for few more times.

"We have all day."

Barrock sat back, seemingly in complete relaxation. The cold-blooded lizard now at the mercy of a real cold-blooded creature.

It didn't take long for the lizard to break.

"T-T-The elf...h-he's..." Zarnak screamed as loudly as he could have with whatever strength he had left as he was about to be lowered into the tub again.

Barrock stopped, letting the lizard look at Vasco and Aurora. They were the one who needed the answer.

_{T I M E : One Week After Human Arrival
L O C A T I O N : Lodge, Port10
I N T E R A C T I O N S : @JJ Doe
T A G S : @JJ Doe , @Conscripts
E Q U I P M E N T :}




“Stop…” the word fell silently from her mouth. It was possible she had not even spoken it. She felt her lips press together, but no sound came from her.

She could hear the lizardman’s pain. The clinking of the ice and the moans of agony. She could smell the turning of scales. It was all wretched to witness.

In all her wisdom, she knew this was what had to be done. If she wished to see her brother again, at least, alive, there was no other option. She had to trust Barrock’s methods.

And yet, she could feel her breath trembling in her chest. She longed to be in her sanctuary, meditating on the Light Elves’ wisdom and galore in tranquility. This, however, was not an option. It would never be an option, again, unless they defeated the Dark Elves.

The lizardman’s scream pierced her ears. Reflexively, her pale hands flinched. The poor creature, but he knew where her brother was, her dear brother Rowan.

“Where is my brother?” She asked again. It seemed to be the only thing she was capable of articulating clearly.

Aurora felt unprepared for this journey. She needed to be stronger. She was still recovering from Zara’s death, and without Rowan, she felt almost entirely lost.

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Seaside Park
Interactions: Aurora @mole, Vasco @JJ Doe
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

Barrock stood aside and watched the torture continued. He wasn't going to lie, the orc was quite surprised at the bastard's cold-bloodedness. Orcs his kind often torture and kill, but there was a certain crude barbarity to it; their victims often left in confusing messes. But Vasco was precise, calculated, a level of sadism not birthed out of impetuous passion. He really seemed to enjoy this. Barrock stood ready to intervene if he came close to killing the lizardman, but he didn't need to worry at all.

Once Zarnak spat out the location, Barrock took out the city map and reviewed the location. He then walked over, took the knife from Vasco and shove its handle into Zarnak's mouth. Then he hovered the map at his face level.

"Point." Barrock stated very tersely, and the lizardman complied. The knife pierced ever so slightly on the paper map.

The orc immediately grabbed the rest of his stuff, not that he set them down that long ago, but before that, he looked over the lizardman one last time. What exactly should he do with him? The easiest was just to kill him, but that would cross a line that could leave a permanent mark on all four. He was, after all, likely just a lowly thug employed for cheap. Didn't make him any less despicable but to slaughter him for this transgression reminded Barrock of a time he'd like to forget.

"Go, I will deal with him."

Aurora was definitely not going to ensure a proper 'disposal', and Vasco would likely just kill him. So he volunteered to play catch up, despite his mobility issues.

As soon as the two of them left, Barrock cut the ropes holding Zarnak in place. He lifted the battered, broken lizardman by his chest with one arm and pinned him against the wall. His blood-red eyes locked with Zarnak's like a stake impaling through a dead body.

"If I see you against us again, you will wander the underworld deaf mute and blind." He stated, never needing to raise his voice. The terror in his eyes spoke for itself.

Now it was time to save that elf.

_{T I M E : One Week After Human Arrival
L O C A T I O N : Lodge, Port10
I N T E R A C T I O N S : @JJ Doe
T A G S : @JJ Doe , @Conscripts
E Q U I P M E N T :}




Her lack of sight captured her, this time. Her imagination had stretched towards unfamiliar places. Curiosity gnawed at her, sinking its vicious teeth into her chest. And yet, relief to not entirely understand the sensation of what had just happened draped over her like an innocent veil.

“Is he alright?” Aurora asked. She was unsure if she was asking about her brother or the lizardman. Perhaps, she was inquiring about both.

Of course, she would do anything to know Rowan was unharmed. However, to think she — no, they had to . . .

. . . The conditions of life have always been such a cruel thing. It seemed learning this through verbal lessons and books was nothing compared to experiencing the truth first hand. Aurora assured herself there was worse to come, and yet, she prayed this was the worst of it.

Her dearest brother was so protective over her. She was beginning to understand why. As a soldier, he had experience atrocities far worse than this; far worse than the death of Zara. So convinced and zealous that she could handle this burden, she had volunteered herself for this mission. Had she been wrong?

Gripping her staff, she drew in a noble breath or at least, a breath of bravery. There was no turning back whether the decision had been right or wrong. (Was her insight not clear enough? For this reason, she had to trust Barrock and Vasco.


“You’re very brave,” she said to Vasco. “Both Barrock and you.” Other words flooded her mind. They were choice words that sometimes accompanied and also insulted someone who may be considered brave. The Light Elf chose not to speak those words. Now, maybe not ever was a good time to say them.

. . . Although, a thorn in her side could not help but twist as she thought how Vasco lead the circumstances. He would be a great warrior, to help lead the rebellion, of course. There were sacrifices to be made. Zara being one of them. And again, Aurora’s imagination failed her, for better or for worse this time, she was unsure.

“Thank you.” she finally said.

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Seaside Park
Interactions: Aurora @mole, Vasco @JJ Doe
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

"You seem like the kind who'd enjoy fight and torture." Barrock returned the knife to Vasco with a thud of the blade's flat side on his palm. Whether Vasco believed this was an act of sarcastic and malicious compliance or just an orc being himself, it was down to him. "If he comes again, you'll have both."

By God, he would've sounded like a sociopath if he wasn't being so sarcastic. But whatever, he wasn't going to get worked up for this bastard.

Barrock looked back at Aurora for a second with watchful eyes, seeing if she had any signs of harm done to her by Vasco. She seemed okay, per usual looking up to him, but still shell-shocked from what he could tell. While expectations were certainly a bit too high for her to move on, Barrock was to some extent ticked off by her doormat behavior. He really wished she would stand up for herself more. Rowan wouldn't be around forever and all the time. Such a headache having to balance being compassionate and not spoiling her rotten like her brother did.

The three of them continued on. At certain junctions or landmarks, Barrock would point towards the direction they were supposed to go, even though he had to play catch up a lot of the times due to his limp. He did feel a bit like a leader in the absence of Rowan. It was still strange going from a man scrambling to live to a de facto leader of a dysfunctional rebel group. Not exactly a big jump but it was something.

He is a man with a cause now.

"Do not be hasty with your fun." Barrock warned Vasco as he noticed the storehouse's roof from the distance. "Plan our moves accordingly."

_{T I M E : One Week After Human Arrival
L O C A T I O N : Lodge, Port10
I N T E R A C T I O N S : @JJ Doe
T A G S : @JJ Doe , @Conscripts
E Q U I P M E N T :}




“I am speaking honestly, Vasco.” Aurora spoke firmly. She felt hesitant to say anything further, but something inside of her prompted her to continue. “You would not have been chosen. There is good inside of you, even if you cannot see it yourself.”

There was much she wanted to say. Vasco enjoyed twisting everything against himself. He wanted to hate life and wanted life to hate him back. And yet, he couldn’t help but enjoy life — despite all the darkness. Life may have been giving him hard lessons to learn, lessons that he failed over-and-over, but he still had life. Life had given him a second chance.

“I can see the goodness. It’s obvious to me, even if I do not have eyes to see.” She thought of all the scars she had seen on Vasco during her vision. He had been hurt in his past life, and pain seemed to be all he knew. He had been nurtured by it, and anything else, seemed to be so foreign and strange, he’d never trust it.

“For one, you are going to help us get Rowan back,” she said cheerfully and hopefully.

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Seaside Park
Interactions: Aurora @mole, Vasco @JJ Doe
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

With all the time in the world, he chose to approach this fight like that. Oh well, whatever, what sophistication would Barrock expect out of this empty-headed buffoon?

"Do what you need to. Cover him or get Rowan." He instructed Aurora. "Shout if you need help."

The chaos Vasco would unleash on the storehouse would likely end up with him dead or the kidnappers being forced to flee. And if they possessed even a concept of a functioning brain, they wouldn't be relying on only one exit in case their little scheme here get busted. And if they possessed only that concept of a functioning brain, they would be using that back door. Which was why Barrock would end up on that side of the building, right after checking for any other exits out there. He really didn't want to screw up and be a laughing stock to that human bastard.

Other than self-assigning him, the limped orc, to coward-catchers, Barrock kept a close ear on what was going to transpire in that wooden storehouse. If Aurora gave the signal or any other signs that things weren't going well showed up, this storehouse is gonna go down in dusts.

Barrock quietly unsheathed his blade and stood in position. The die now is cast.

_{T I M E : One Week After Human Arrival
L O C A T I O N : Warehouse
I N T E R A C T I O N S :
T A G S : @JJ Doe , @Conscripts
E Q U I P M E N T :}




Both had given opposing directions to her. Her mind stuttered on which way to go, what to do. She was supposed to be leader of the the group, especially with Rowan kidnapped. Yet, she was quite helpless.

Her fighting was subpar. This was why Rowan was supposed to be with her. She had good defense and foresight. Her foresight had been clouded since… Zora. She had been able to see what happened to Rowan, though.

There was a good feeling she could not shake. Although, the feeling wavered depending on which direction she took. She silenced her breath, letting the moment come to a calm:

Barrock knew Avalia better than Vasco. Vasco had been the one to ultimately fail in defending Rowan. Rowan also had a difficult time defending himself. She had no time to lose. Vasco had fun off before Barrock had. He was further long, and he was the one who would need her help.

Of course, Barrock was right.

Aurora gripped her staff and began running towards Vasco. Her earrings jingled gently, audible to only her, echoing off the walls, the ceilings, the floors. Every so often, her staff would touch the floor, just a small muted noise. She prayed it wasn’t too loud.

And then, she heard it, Vasco landing a punch. The sound of what might be a body hitting the floor.

Approaching cautiously, she figured she keep guard and stay away from the battle. She had the strange feeling Vasco probably worked better when he thought he was alone. It was his style, to convince himself he needed no one, not even himself sometimes. Yet, here he was, helping save her brother.

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Seaside Park
Interactions: Aurora @mole, Vasco @JJ Doe
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

Multiple clangs of steel, wood, and a myriad of other materials could be heard. No indication of the plan falling apart. Shouts of confusion and aggression made it seemed like it was going as expected. Barrock continued to wait vigilantly for around a minute, until a shout instantly heightened all his senses.

"Grab the elf!"

Barrock barely had time to consider if they were referring to Aurora or Rowan, because the next thing he heard were footsteps coming towards him. Right after that, the sound of the door unlocking, behind it, a very clueless fished-scaled creature.

Said clueless creature didn't even get the chance to see the orc, as his chest almost caved in from a force of a living battering ram. His body flew a significant distance back into the storehouse, alerting the other fighters to his arrival. Indeed, the die had been cast, landed unexpectedly, but he played with the numbers he got.

He could tell his presence really threw the temporary inhabitants into chaos. His menacing bloodshot eyes peering down from monstrous height got several nearby combatants stumbling in terror, whilst one who mustered the delusion to fight him was met with an instant disarm of his puny short sword and then a bash to the skull with its hilt. He ought to consider himself lucky Barrock didn't impale him with his own sword. That death would have been agonizing.

The target that managed a hit on Vasco were caught aback, and those planning to take Rowan away were also dazed. This was a chance for Vasco and Aurora to do something.

_{T I M E : One Week After Human Arrival
L O C A T I O N : Lodge, Port10
I N T E R A C T I O N S :
T A G S : @JJ Doe , @Conscripts
E Q U I P M E N T :}




The sounds were chaotic. They echoed and scratched. It was difficult to decipher what was happening. Aurora felt helpless — and then, the sound of Vasco, as if life was escaping him.

There was a still and his body hitting the ground. Aurora stepped out, ready to call Barrock for help. However, the ogre had already made his entrance.

“Grab the elf!”

The sound of Rowan’s muffled voice somehow managed to make itself known through the sudden commotion caused by Barrock.

Aurora knew she had to do something. She could sing and distract them, make a melody, alluring enough…

No.

She swung her staff. It hits hard against a metal be. She thuds it several more times to make the affect, sending a jarring clang through the room. She follows it by throwing a small pouch of coins across the room in the opposite direction.

The sound echoes like footsteps bolting.

“Someone’s flanking!” one thug shouts.

Several thugs split off to investigate, giving Barrock and her an opening. Only one was left with Rowan, and his movements — his inner light — seemed disturbed and uncertain.

She could not stop herself. She ran towards Rowan’s light. Her staff held for combat she could barely use.

“Let him go!” She shouted louder than she had ever dare before. Her voice echoed, and it almost scared her.

She swung her staff and got nothing but air. She swung again and still missed. Before she could make another attempt, there was the sound of a grunt and then something hard hit her.

Pain burst inside of her as she flew through the air. She hit the ground with a thud. Her body trembled, trying to reposition itself, but a foot kicked her.

Aurora coiled into herself. Rowan still needed her. And, now, they’d need to save her, too.

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Seaside Park
Interactions: Aurora @mole, Vasco @JJ Doe
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

Few found the courage to attack Barrock, and with each brave soul charging in only to have their skulls and chests caved in, it only dwindled. Soon, the creatures around him grew wiser and began to use numbers against him, avoiding his attempts to force a fight, running around the storehouse. And elsewhere, things weren't shaping up well. Barrock didn't notice Aurora being knocked out of action, but he definitely noticed Vasco, by the merit of more Black Maws suddenly showed up around Barrock. Trust him, he could count.

This was also the moment he got quiet. His internal grunting diluted away, the only sound he made were flesh against metal.

Orcs often viewed this avoidance behavior as cowardice, and would often lash out, and this was exactly what they wanted. Orcs were hunted and killed this way, like a bull in a cage. No, they would not have that satisfaction of torturing another orc like that. They were going to be tortured by him instead.

Barrock proceeded to sheathe his sword and turned toward Vasco, Aurora and Rowan. It was as if his enemies weren't there. But one hand of his still had a hand on the hilt.

The daring move had a touch of irony. The Black Maw goons were flabbergasted. Two took offense to being sleighted, and charged when Barrock's back was against them. The orc waited an extra second to tighten that jaw around their fates.

The world slowed around him, as the orc's rite of a fly swatter rolled into his senses - lensed his eyes, covered his ears, and enhanced his sixth. In less than a blink of an eye, Barrock's blade has left the sheath, and it found its flesh in a dark elf's hip, cutting straight into her spinal cord. The momentum carried the elf into a werewolf, who both slammed into a nearby cart.

Another dark elf stepped forward, likely because his mind still lived two seconds in the past. It was already too late. Barrock's sword slammed into his head. He fell to the ground in a pool of blood.

The rest recoiled in shock. They hesitated again, Barrock could see their hands shaking. He raised his sword up tauntingly before sheathing it back. What were they going to do about it?

_{T I M E : One Week After Human Arrival
L O C A T I O N : Lodge, Port10
I N T E R A C T I O N S : N/A
T A G S : @JJ Doe , @Conscripts
E Q U I P M E N T :}




Her scream barely made a sound. It was gutted by some strong force to her side. Tears welled in her eyes. She felt hopeless and lost. Before her was simply a void filled with a constant pain. Over-and-over.

Her hands were curled around her face. Her nails dug into her hair, afraid to let go of the sweat stricken strands. Or was it sweat? Her mind was screaming for her move, to do something — anything. But, all she could do was coil in the same position.

There had never been a time when she had been struck like this. She had never been in a fight. Inside her realm, she had been sheltered and catered to, as if a cloud of feathers had resided around her at all times.

Crashing sounds erupted around her. For a moment, not too long, the painful pounding paused. She could hear screams or maybe she was wrong. Her head was pounding, and her ears rung with a sound she had never heard. It made things so hard to decipher.

A hand grabbed her and as fast as it held her up, it let go of her. She fell… not, flopped to the ground. Collapsing like a rag doll. Her head hit the hard floor. Her hands went limp, forgetting what they had been doing. She wanted to sleep, now. Her mind was telling her to sleep. To enter the void and not look back.

But something in her chest, a sharp needing pain wouldn’t let her rest. Instead, she cried out involuntarily as if to give the pain a voice.

“Aurora,” the voice sounded tender but alert. She knew the voice, even if she couldn’t quite make it out. It was a good voice. A safe voice.

A hand gently touched her head. It was warm and healing. But, she still cried out, again, remembering the pain that wanted everyone to know about it.

Rowan’s eyebrows knit together. His silvery eyes pierced through the scene. Vasco, the damn human, was sprawled on the ground helplessly. Barrock was taking on creature after creature. He wasn’t unleashed, but he was giving ‘em hell. Almost too much hell.

Now where were his belongings?

There was no time for that. He’d buy something later. He still had his strength. Quickly, he scooped up Aurora, pushing one of her arms and legs over his shoulder. His body low, he swiftly covered ground to Vasco. He lifts the human under his armpits and begins dragging him to an exit.

There was a thought to leave Vasco behind. The fool had caused all of this. He heard the Syndicate talking. Zara was a piece of cake compared to Vasco. Aurora would never forgive him if he left Vasco. But, Rowan would never forgive Vasco if Aurora got hurt or worse — killed because of him.