An Ominous Gathering

[crxunch* ;]

Hypocrisy ran to catch up with Corruption, who was walking at a brisk pace ahead of her. She swung around in front of him, blocking his path. A smile played across her lips. "Going somewhere?" she teased, skipping back out of his way. She kept her back facing to where they were headed and looked behind her. Animosity was having trouble catching up. Hypocrisy called to him to catch up. He was walking pretty slowly, and she wasn't in the mood to wait.

The troupe wound through alleys and slipped through holes in walls. Hypocrisy felt rather like a wolf, stalking her unwitting prey. If a bar could be counted as prey. She wondered to herself what this bar would be like. Corruption had said it was his favourite spot. What did that mean? She chuckled to herself. Whatever it meant, this was going to be quite an interesting place.

She spoke aloud (if quietly) a poem that had drifted through her head. She vaguely recognized it but couldn't place it.
Look for the sun,
its rays that blind
and kisses that bind
golden embraces, no room for tears.
Cast off your fears,
when the clouds shade again
and the snow falls, unbent,
to smother the land with silence.
Forest, please hide me,
Let me find solace in you,
Your peace and quiet

It had no meter, but it was beautiful all the same. If only she could recall where it came from. She fell silent again, and continued after Corruption.

ooc:\\ YOU WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO LOOK D: I didn't finish because I had to go to bed. Anyway, what's done is done. Any opinions on whether we should make this thread private for us or not?

[project-daemon]

Nothing really struck Animosity as interesting within the city. Not that he had never been here before, but he always was still a little depressed that nothing here was ever of much entertainment to him. He had been walking along at a slow pace, which he was enjoying, but Hypocrisy hurried him up. Sighing, he moved quickly to catch up with them.

As the group continued walking, Animosity heard Hypocrisy begin to speak quietly. A poem, perhaps? She didn't seem to finish it, but it sounded pleasant. Without a moment of thought, he spoke a poem he too remembered.

"Midnight weary, midnight weary,
Don’t forget the dawn so dreary.
Clouds so heavy the sun couldn’t shine,
Quite the fairly ominous sign.

Why hope for the morning,
When you’ve already got your warning,
That it will be no better,
Than a burnt love letter.

Live in the night, while it’s still here,
Before you find yourself waking in fear.
The one within your bed,
Is the one you truly dread.

Don’t forget, don’t forget,
That sweet death threat,
That I whispered in your ear,
As I held you oh so near."

[greywalker13]

Corruption smiled as they flitted through familiar back alleys and side roads, familiar markings faithfully guiding him to their destination. Hypocrisy seemed to be enjoying herself, while Animosity seemed... well, bored was the simplest way to put it. As they neared the pub, Hypocrisy spoke a soft poem, and Animosity responded with one of his own. Corruption smiled at their contrast, and as they turned a last corner, he spoke his own.

“The past is gone
The future near
But the present is all
We have right here

When light and shadow
Become as one
Time shall stop
All things are done

And once ‘tis done
The wheel shall turn
And all the old ways
We shall learn

But though we fear
The path we tread
And look behind
Or far ahead

The strongest keep
Their presence here
And shall move forward
Without fear”

“We have arrived. Welcome to The Untamed Heart.”

The outside of the establishment was scored and torn in many places, the doorframe looking as though it had been replaced multiple times. Open, pane free windows carried the sounds of the inside to the street. A large black triangle embroidered with “The Untamed Heart” overlooked the entrance. Corruption bowed slightly to the sign, then proceeded in.

The heavy smell of booze and smoke assaulted the nostrils, replaced swiftly with the scent of torches and seared meat. The atmosphere was somewhat loud, but carried a homely air, causing Corruption to inhale deeply. This was perhaps his favourite spot in the city. He always felt welcome. The bar was mostly empty, with a few of the ship hands stopping in for a late breakfast.

Corruption took a seat at the center of the bar, and motioned for Ani and Hyp to join him.

“Jones, these two are with me. Put whatever they order on my tab. You know I’m good for it. I’ll take my usual.”

The barkeep smirked knowingly and pulled out an old pad of parchment and quill, ready for the orders.

[crxunch* ;]

Hypocrisy followed Corruption into the tavern. She was nervous- it had been so long since she had been anywhere near a tavern or a pub, or any type of civilization. She had to admit she'd never been inside a tavern. It was nice enough inside the Untamed Heart. Corruption took a seat, and motioned for her to join him, as well as Animosity.

Corruption spoke to the barman, Jones. From his tone of voice and his order of the "usual", he came here quite often. She realized she was expected to order a drink. She was stunned. She, never having been a member of the civilized peoples of Indafell, had never been in a pub, let alone ordered a drink. The best Hypocrisy could usually do was water from a stream or river. She never even thought about sophisticated food or drink.

She looked questioningly at Animosity. Maybe his order could give her a clue as to what she could possibly have to drink.

[project-daemon]

As per usual, Animosity was not overly impressed by being in the pub, but there weren't too many people, so he was alright. He sat down with the others, and, surprisingly, actually focused on listening to Corruption speak with the bartender. It then became apparent that he was meant to order something. Admittedly, it had been so long (longer than he could remember) since he last ordered food and drink from somewhere. He'd either drink from a stream, catch his own food, or, steal. Truth be told, he really didn't mind stealing, because he was taking from the beings who he despised anyhow.

"I'll have a half-pint of ale," he said, "and go ahead and whip me up whatever dish sells well around here." Animosity didn't know why he wanted to be surprised by his meal, but I guess a surprise meal is better than one you found in the forest.

[greywalker13]

Corruption was taken somewhat aback at Hyp. Seemingly unable to make an order, she sat quietly, looking for a cue. Animosity seemed to be adjusting, but Hyp looked like she’d never seen a plate of ffod before. Corruption shrugged, and ordered a second “usual” for her. Jones nodded, pouring the pint of ale for Ani, and placing a pair of glasses and a pitcher of bright yellow liquid between Corruption and Hyp. Corruption poured himself a glass and motioned for Hyp to do the same.

“It’s lemonade. I’m not much for alcohol, myself, and this stuff’s about as good as it gets. Food’s going to be a minute, so if you’ve got any questions, feel free to ask.”

[crxunch* ;]

Hypocrisy listened to Animosity order an ale for himself. She stuck her tongue out quietly. Ale had never appealed to her. She snuck a sip of some once in an unknown town past the Indafell border. It didn't suit her tastes.

She was surprised when Corruption ordered for her. He poured himself a glass of what he said was lemonade and indicated that she should do the same. She fumbled with the handle of the pitcher for a minute until she got a grasp on it and poured the lemonade into the glass. Her cheeks turned red as she sipped it.

"Thanks, Core," she whispered, embarrassed. "As for questions... how long have you lived in Indafell?"

[project-daemon]

Between taking drinks, Animosity looked around the pub. There wasn't anything unusual about this place; regular looking people (he hated them), talking and enjoying themselves (he hated that), but not noticing him (he like that).

Looking down into his glass, Animosity swished the liquid around inside and looked at his distorted reflection. Letting out a sigh, he turned back to listen to Corruption's response to Hypocrisy's question. He didn't have anything he really wished to ask Corruption, so he figured he'd just listen for now.

ooc:// So sorry for taking so long guys! Had a super busy week and was barely on the computer all week. ^^''

[greywalker13]

Corruption chuckled slightly to himself at Hyp's embarassment. You'd think the girl had never held a pitcher before. Well, that was a possibility, and he became curious at her origins. She could fight, there was no doubt. But where was she taught, and what did she use it for? A mystery to be answered. Animosity seemed more at home here, but kept looking around as if looking for something unusual. It's often we don't notice what's right in front of us. Or perhaps he isn't as familiar with Infadell bars. Either way, it'll be interesting to see what he decides to do.

Hyps question pulled Corruption out of his thoughts, and his typical grin fell, replaced by, a look of somber reflection. He swirled the lemonade in his glass a few times, unsure of how to answer. What was best to tell? Not the whole story. Not everything he could remember, Just enough then. His smile slowly returned as he answered.

"Been here my whole life, I guess. Never had much of a reason to leave. The only real exciting thing to happen recently was the war three years ago. Don't remember much, but apparently there were heavy losses on all sides. Not something I'm sorry to have missed. Most of the time Ilera and her gang kept the town on their toes during daylight hours so no one got too complacent."

[crxunch* ;]

Hypocrisy sloshed her lemonade and listened. Corruption talked about people she didn't know and things she never heard about.

"That's interesting..." she lied, badly. She didn't want to hurt Corruption's feelings, but war didn't interest her. Fights were different- fights were exciting, fights were personal. War was insignificant people fighting significant people's battles. "Core, have you ever done anything really exciting?" Hypocrisy asked him, a devilish grin sweeping across her face. "Oh, and by all means, ask me questions too. I don't want to be doing all the asking here." She winked, and took another long sip of her lemonade. She liked this place. Too bad she felt so awkward in it.

"Ani, you're being awfully quiet," she mused. "Something on your mind?" She sat back with her glass in hand and waited for the other Sins to respond.

[project-daemon]

Animosity laughed a little in his head when Corruption brought up war. War was always just a stupid idea to Animosity; giant, impersonal battles fought by people who had done nothing wrong to each other, over stupid little things like money. Then, Hypocrisy asked him something and he turned to her.

"Nothing in particular, Hyp," he replied casually, "I was just thinking about how long it's been somewhere like this. Even when I was -young- I didn't come to places like this that often. Most of my time was spent at home or by myself in the forests." He hoped the picked up on what he meant by 'young'.

"I guess that also could answer a question about me if you asked, but, same as Hyp, if you want to know something, Core, just ask. I may or may not tell you." A sly smile crept across his face and he took another drink.

[greywalker13]

Hyp’s and Ani’s disinterest in warfare was clear, although Hyp tired to cover it a little by faking interest. Their lack of interest answered one question, however. These must be relatively new Sins, like himself, else they would sow interest in the war that drove them into hiding. This also meant that they wouldn’t have news about the Sis in Kham’Hur or Lehaita, which was fine. He thought for a bit about Hyp’s question, then answered.

“Exciting things,I do... can’t really talk about them here, sensitive ears and all, however I could show you later tonight, if you’re interested. Life was a little more interesting when was younger but I don’t regret my current life. And what I do for a living is hardly boring. There’s always a way to make excitement when you need it.

Speaking of which, I’m a little curious as to what you two did when you were younger. Mind sharing?”

Corruption glanced over at Jones, who nodded, indicating that the food would be ready shortly.

[crxunch* ;]

Hypocrisy pondered Corruption's question. "Young... young young? Well... to be truthful I don't remember. As far back as it goes, I just woke up one day in a field of flowers, near the town. I've never much liked this civilization thing, so I took Seghen and went into the forest. We've lived there since, just surviving on what we can. Uhhm, as far as that goes that's it."

Hypocrisy glanced around, looking for her food. She didn't know what else to say. Not that there was anything left to say. Corruption sounded like he'd been interesting in the past, and Animosity surely had something to talk about. She felt unequivocally boring.

She absentmindedly bit a piece of her hair that had fallen in front of her mouth. She lifted one hand and brushed the lock out of her eyes. She put her elbow on the table and looked at Animosity, awaiting his answer to Corruption's question.

ooc:\\ Thanks for waiting guys. Sorry about that.

[project-daemon]

Animosity swished the last remnants of the ale in his glass around, and then downed it quickly.

"I, like many others," he began, "wished for attention and praise. I got none from my parents, and then received none from my peers. The beginning of my adolescent years were spent on trying to win over my peers, but I was met only by misfortune and dishonesty.

"The remainder of my 'youth' was spent in isolation, with growing disdain for all of the human race. Then, eventually my downfall came, and here I am. I must admit, if anything, my downfall actually severed to help me understand my hatred... not that it's necessarily lessened in any way." Animosity chuckled and leaned back in his chair.

[greywalker13]

Jones placed the food on the table as Animosity finished is ale. Ani's meal consisted of a small roasted chicken, surrounded by a helping of greens, complete with a second pint of ale. Corruption and Hyp both received a grilled steak, cooked medium. Alongside the steak was fresh corn, still on the cob, and a mushroom soup. Silverware and napkins were laid out, and a few patrons turned their heads at the smell, which began to overpower the original stale odor of alcohol. One table in the corner called Jones over to make orders, and the three Sins were left to their meals. Corruption began to dig in, and started to carve his steak.

"That's a pity, Hyp. I'm curious as to where you learned how to fight. Haven't met many people who can move that fast, especially just after waking up."

Corruption popped a piece of steak into his mouth, savoring the flavor before swallowing.

"And despite the many flaws of humans, Ani, I have yet to find anything that cooks as well as them."