Vox

Of Gems and Greater Things

The bandit leaned on his axe like a cane and shrugged as he looked at his nails, turning them this way and that. "Have it your way." With a sharp whistle, a flight of arrows was released. This time, Jax was prepared for it and crouched under the shafts, hoping Kae was smart enough to do the same as he drew his sword, the metal sliding from the leather with no more than a quiet murmur.

He dove for the leader, but just as Jax got within striking range, the bandit leader looked up from his nails only briefly before a shining blade sprung like a coiled snake from the underbrush, the dull metal aimed directly for Jax's heart. With barely any time to react, Jax ungracefully tumbled to the side, quickly coming to his feet as he faced his assailant. Studying them, he saw that it was a woman and though her grip on her blade was firm, she was shaking. He looked at her face and saw the the gauntness of her cheeks, the desperation in her eyes. Jax grimaced.

The woman slashed forward again, snarling, but Jax stepped to the side and saw the arrow that pierced her face, dropping her instantly like a stone. The other arrow whistled by, far off its intended mark. Jax turned his focus back on the leader and got into a ready stance, distinctly aware that Kae was fighting her own battle. Still, he knew she could hold her weight in a fight, and she would need him to keep the two archers to the side of them focused on him assuming there were no other surprises waiting.

And focused on them they were as two more bandits sidled out of the woods, bows slung over their backs as they both held daggers. Jax looked at the two archers like he did the woman and saw that they were far younger than him, twins, their beards scraggly and sad like a boy who had just reached pubescence. The knuckles of their hands were deathly white. Their faces a mix of utter fear and grim determination. The bandit leader, looking extremely annoyed, picked up his axe and stood in the middle of them.

Jax tightened his grip on his sword and shield and banged them together in a challenge, face impassive as he stared at his opponents. The trio charged.

Of Gems and Greater Things

Jax thought about the growth of civilizations, how Orran itself spread and sprawled across the land like a hungry beast, snapping up nations and nature alike, all for the glory of the Empire.

But still, Orran was his home, its inhabitants his neighbors and countrymen. Good people, worth protecting.

"Mm, I suppose it must be harder for you, being part water spirit and all, connected to nature and all that. City life isn't for everyone I gue-"

A man's cry rang through the forest. Short, pitiful, and most likely to have ended in violence. "I suppose your right," Jax muttered to Kae as he secured the straps to his shield, his sword hanging comfortably from his belt. If they could hear the screams, that still meant they and whoever attacked them were too close for comfort, especially if the rumors of the bandit camp in the woods were true.

Thwip!

More feeling the arrow than seeing it, Jax instinctively dove for the ground, tackling Kae along with him as he felt a rush of air pass just where his neck would have been. There was a short bark of laughter as a man slid out from the foliage around them. The bandit wore light clothing, colored in a way to break his figure and blend in with the forest around them. An axe rested comfortably on his shoulder, a hand holding it in a way that made it seem to be a part of the bandit than a harsh instrument. "You've got moves," the bandit purred, "I'll give you that."

Jax quickly clambered to his feet, standing between Kae and the bandit, shield raised and hand clasped firmly on his sword handle.

"Ooh!" The man whistled, head swinging to the side. "And quite the gentleman too! You've got the man there, girlie."

"We've got no gold. Only a tent, bedrolls, and supplies for a few days. We've got nothing of value but the clothes on our backs," said Jax, taking on a professional tone that had handled killers and drunkards alike.

"You've got the very pretty sword and shield there. I'd say that's worth some value," said the bandit, axe waving generally at Jax.

"The only way you'll get either is if I stick you in your gut."

The bandit gave a wolfish grin. "That can be arranged. But no, we're looking for live bodies. An, arrangement of sorts."

Jax stared at the man, occasionally flicking his eyes to the sides to find the other bandits that were not doubt accompanying the one standing in front of him. "What for?"

The bandit shrugged. "Surrender yourselves and come with us to find out, or don't and die. Your choice."

Of Gems and Greater Things

Jax shrugged. "City never bothered me. There's a vibrant life and community you can't really get anywhere else. The soaring towers, and abandoned buildings and long-forgotten alleyways all add to the charm," he said as they ducked below an overhang of branches, as he carefully followed Kae, seeing as he could barely make out the trail himself. He kept his voice similarly low as Kae in order to avoid any unwanted attention.

There had always been constant reports of banditry out near and in the forest as former soldiers deserted or fled, or were just those who had lost too much in the war and didn't have any other life to turn to. There were rumors of a large bandit camp hiding in the woods, taking advantage of the surge of gem-seekes ventured out everyday to find their fortune, only to have the bandits find theirs. It was one part of a myriad of reasons why Jax accompanied Kae, seeing as how he didn't want to find another friend missing or dead.

That is to say, he didn't want to find his only friend left missing or dead.

Of Gems and Greater Things

yeah, sorry. I typically always ask for permission first before I do something like that, but I felt like I needed to pump something out yesterday

Of Gems and Greater Things

Hope you don't mind if I take slight control. Feel free to tell me to change it if you don't want me doing so.

And as always, feel free to ask me to make any changes!

Of Gems and Greater Things

Jax sighed, shrugged, and gave a warm smile. "I've got my own reasons for coming too, Kae," he replied. "Besides, what do you know about finding lost artifacts of immeasurable power?"

"Well what do you know about finding lost artifacts of immeasurable power?" She retorted.

"I happen to know a great deal," he said in a high and snooty voice, turning his nose up at his companion. "I'll have you know that I come from a great line of lost artifact finders, and I will not have my lineage besmirched so." He sniffed once for emphasis before breaking back into a smirk. "Come on, let's go, while we still have daylight."

And so alongside many others, the pair took off. The gaggle of artifact seekers managed to stay together for the most part in the open fields, though there were always a few the eventually broke off in search of their own leads until it was practically only Jax and Kae standing at the edge of the forest on the path to the Boehr mountains.

Of Gems and Greater Things

Jaxson Smith

Former militia, junior watchman before that
Generally turned a blind eye to harmless crime
Puts actions before appearance

Of Gems and Greater Things

The sun soared above the sky, harsh rays weighing down even the sturdiest folks in the tentatively named New Lorra, capital city of the Orran Empire. The only city left, of the crumbling Orran Empire.

Yet for a final city, there was nothing more anyone could ask for. A magnificent monstrosity, more a fortress than anything else, the city spanned for miles around, massive and sprawling like a slumbering giant. Built on a hill that dominated the countryside, the ruins were separated into three concentric districts, with each district walled off. Soaring towers rose from the walls, providing perfect vantage points for archers to fire down onto invaders. Furthermore, each district stood above the one before it, giving the defenders a constant height advantage.

However, like its new found inhabitants the city has long since past its glory days. An ancient elven ruin, vegetation lay everywhere, creeping into every crack and crevice as once impenetrable walls and majestic buildings lay sad and dilapidated. The state of it all made Jax wonder what had led them up to this point considering that three years ago, Jax was patrolling the night streets of a small river town.

Two years ago, Jax was singing victory songs alongside comrades and compatriots.

And one year ago, Jax was fleeing from an ever growing enemy. Comrades and compatriots, dead or gone.

Now, Jax stood in the portcullis of the western wall of New Lorra. Behind him, he could hear the hustle and bustle of the newly reclaimed city. Workers worked tirelessly to restore the ruins. Runners ran about through the veins of the city. Smithies roared fire and clanged at their anvils. Masons carved stones and rocks into blocks and foundations. Guards patrolled restlessly about, never sleeping, never resting. Countless others milled about city centers, awaiting to be given purpose.

All around him were mercenaries and cutthroats. Explorers and adventurers. People from all walks of life, seeking a gem no one knew anything about save for the scant rumors that flew about in the breeze, broken and as insubstantial as the texts they were gleaned from and the mouths that shared them.

Ahead of him lay an open field which would extend until reaching a thick forest which surrounded the Boehr mountains. Deep in the heart of the mountains, through twisting caves and endless tunnels is one such location where the Gem was said to reside.

Jax sighed and adjusted the pack that now suddenly weighed heavily upon him. He looked to his right at Kaelin, the only reason why he was on this fruitless endeavor.

"Ready?"

Seeking roleplay partner!

@raeofthelight

Hello hello! Just wondering if you were in the mood for any medieval fantasy type shenanigans?

A 1x1 thread of 1x1 stuff! {2021 Revamp!}

@datadogie

Hello hello! I've been craving some sci-fi lately, looks like you've been craving some, let's get something going :