Daubeny Family/Apollyon/Rise from the Ashes

Roleplay from Apollyon Daubeny Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (32 recipients) - 14 days, 19 hours, 28 minutes ago Rise from the Ashes

Apollyon woke up, looking up at the blank grey stone roof, it was a dull sight, as was the rest of the cell.

He had nothing but a window the width of his two hands together and it was barred and shielded.

His door was a barred grid, seemingly with no exit, only the small hatch with which his food and items he was permitted were passed through.

He had a small desk, large enough to hold two books and his ink and quill with a page set out.

He had a small bedrest where his two other books lay, pages marked from his reading.

He had a simple chair, his bed was a hard mattress on a small wooden frame, he might as well have been sleeping on the ground.

He looked at his hands, they were scarred, from years of swordsmanship and battle.

His back and front was a mess of scars and blemishes from weapons, only his face was unmarked, thought he had gained some small scarring on it.

How long had he been a warrior, easily two decades if not longer, was this really it.

He would die in this cell, no sword, no honor.

Disgraced.

He felt a sick feeling in his gut and stood, he would not wait for his death, he would not sit idly, he had to do something.

He looked at his chair, he flipped it on its side and stomped down hard on the top right leg.

It snapped off and fell to the ground, he pushed the chair under the desk though it wobbled.

He helps the chair leg like a sword, he closed his eyes and got into his dueling stance.

He methodically swung, stabbed and blocked unseen enemies and their blows, he fell into a trance, moving fluidly like a mist, moving and dodging as much as striking and blocking.

He didn’t know how long he kept up his practice until he heard someone clear their throat.

He glanced over his shoulder, Robert was standing there.

“Oh, Robert, good morning, at least I assume it’s morning, how long have you been standing there?”

Roleplay from Dustiria Noire Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (32 recipients) - 14 days, 18 hours, 3 minutes ago Rise from the Ashes

Robert leans against the door in a manner not unlike a panther lounging on a tree branch. Looking lazy but dangerous. "Ever since I heard the snap of wood breaking. Did you think lad like I asked?"

Roleplay from Apollyon Daubeny Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (32 recipients) - 14 days, 15 hours, 5 minutes ago Rise of from Ashes

Apollyon nodded, standing defensively and backing up from the door.

“I have thought, hells all I have done for the past week is think.”

Roleplay from Dustiria Noire Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (36 recipients) - 19 days, 6 hours, 23 minutes ago Rise of from Ashes

"Good that was what you were supposed to do." Robert's eyes look steely at Apollyon, " What answers do you have for me then lad. Why did you do it? Nothing frilly just clear and to the point. What do you wish to do to redeem yourself ?"

Roleplay from Apollyon Daubeny Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (36 recipients) - 19 days, 6 hours, 8 minutes ago Rise from the Ashes

Apollyon looked angrily at Robert “Why? Why did I do it?”

He walked as close to the bars as the chain around his ankle would permit him “I did it because the Legion was and is evil, they were never going to change, I had to banish their remnants lest they rise and hurt Perdan again.”

He shouted “And I did it for me, because I couldn’t bear to live one more day with their shadow cast over me, I thought maybe if I burnt is all away I could be free, everything would be well just like it was back before all this mess.”

He turned away and sagged “I, I just wanted my life back, but I made a mistake.”

He turned back o face Robert, Apollyon looked ready to pass out, he looked like he hadn’t slept for days maybe even a week, he probably hadn’t.

“I can’t sleep anymore, every time I try I wake up with a start from nightmares so horrid and real I cry for hours after, what is there to redeem? My mistake has cost me everything.”

He punches the drab grey wall to his right “I don’t know how long I have been in here, I am not get to better and I am never getting out.” He cast his gaze to Robert and sighed “And no one is coming for me, to save or kill me, nothing is going I change.”

He sat down on his bed “I am sorry for the outburst, but I hope that answers your question.”

Roleplay from Dustiria Noire Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (36 recipients) - 19 days, 6 hours, 1 minute ago Rise from the Ashes

"Not completely lad. You have accepted why and what happened. Now you have to accept you are worth redeeming. My sister is coming to talk. She just got back from Sirion. She just has to clear up another prisoner situation and she will be here"

Roleplay from Isana Everlight Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (36 recipients) - 18 days, 21 hours, 3 minutes ago Rise from the Ashes (collab with Dustiria)

“Good morning, Dustiria. I’m glad to see you again so soon after the Sirion trip, even with it being under these… particular circumstances. How are you, my friend?”

She turns towards the voice from where she had been watching Burr eat his breakfast, "Isana ," she says surprised. Dustiria's pale skin only emphasizes the dark circles under her eyes. "I am well what brings you to the Stump this early?"

Concern curves Isana's brow at seeing the dark circles under her friend's striking eyes.

"I... I am well too, all things considered. It's a splendid day outside..." her voice trails off. "Are you sure you're well, Dusty? You look as though you've been up all night. I can come back later to see Apollyon, if you need more rest..."

Dustiria waves a dismissive hand and taps her shoulder. Burr jumps up.

"I don't sleep well anymore. I have a dear friend locked up learning his lesson hopefully. A lover I see maybe once every year or two and only for work. Who knows where he is and what he is doing. Friends yelling at me and not listening. Had a knight ordered to serve me. ordered...am I so bad? Sometimes I just feel adrift. I keep hoping Alyssa will have time to write and discuss all this but she's queen Apollyon must not be on her long to do list. I have to get to the lands ravaged by undead soon to help them which means more long days in the saddle no word from anyone. I am tired Isana. Never realized being courtier meant never seeing or hearing from anyone unless Leandra forbid I do my job as judge then I get nothing but yelled at or told how to do my job by new knights. Only bright spot is my new knight. He's honorable and keeps me in the loop. A good man. " she holds her nose and sighs, "Sorry none of that is why you are hear. Let's walk to the Jail. "

Isana’s heart sinks at Dustiria’s gloomy tale. The loneliness in the redhead’s voice echoes like an empty corridor.

“My friend, I had no idea you were so beset…”

She reaches out one hand to rest on Dustiria’s shoulder supportively, hoping the cat won’t take offence with its claws.

“I… don’t know what to say. I'd mistakenly thought being Judge-Magister was just keeping you happy and busy, travelling around. I'm so sorry, Dusty. It's not hard to send a letter between friends, and I've been remiss in that." She sighs and looks apologetically at her friend who is already looking to the door. "Sure, let’s walk, and we can talk on the way? At least maybe I can help with the Apollyon case and take your findings along firsthand when I see Alyssa next.” And have some words with Sir Kenneth about visiting his Lady more often… she added silently.

Roleplay from Dustiria Noire Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (36 recipients) - 18 days, 10 hours, 33 minutes ago Rise from the Ashes

"Its fine. Other than our own nobles I really haven't had much judge duties. Courtier is what keeps me in the saddle. We will walk quickly I have word that the land ravaged by monsters needs me so let us make haste. It will be good to show you how to see him. Since I must leave I will leave the secrete to you and my brother."

With that she sets a brisk pace that leaves no time for talk. She leads Isana to the jail and the warden's office. As she enters she indicates he should wait outside. Once he is gone she slides the floor to ceiling painting of the Queen to expose the only stairway down to the hidden third floor.

"slide the painting back behind you Isana" Dustiria instructs

She leads Isana down the stairs and up to the desk where a lean, clean shaven man with long brown hair tied in a pony tail sits with his feet up on a desk . He is wearing the same purple gambeson and black hood as Dustiria. The desk itself is covered by stacks of books. He looks up and storm grey eyes look at both women.

"About time you got here sis. He's ready to talk." he tells them

"Thank you Robert. Isana do you want me with you at first ?" Dustiria asks her friend, "This is the first I have been able to be here myself." she adds

Roleplay from Apollyon Daubeny Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (36 recipients) - 18 days, 3 hours, 58 minutes ago Rising from the Ashes

Apollyon knelt before his window, his hands held cupped together as he gently held the flower in them, he was grateful they let him keep it.

The flower had long since began to wilt but it was still a beautiful purple, this was all he had to remember those days.

He remembered that day, the smell of the flowers, the sun beaming down on him, she was always so worried about him, he remembered the warmth his heart felt as he held her in his arms.

The softness of her lips on his, the tender and caring look in her eyes, eyes so full of love and life he could drown in them.

How had he gone so astray from the life he wanted.

He prayed, begged to whatever otherworldly being that would listen, he just wanted her back, he wanted his friends back, his life back.

He heard voices, familiar voices, he slowly stood, touching the flower to his lips before wrapping it back in its cloth.

He closed his eyes and exhaled, preparing to see whoever had came to visit him. Roleplay from Isana Everlight Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (35 recipients) - 16 days, 20 hours, 56 minutes ago Rise from the Ashes

Isana's eyes become saucers watching Dustiria casually slide aside the huge painting to reveal a hidden stair. We have a secret jail?! At the Judge-Magister's bidding she follows, sets her hands on the rough wooden backing and slides it with surprising ease along a metal track back into place.

Shaking her head in disbelief she follows Dustiria down the stairs into the cool lower floor, wondering exactly what she's gotten herself into.

"About time you got here sis. He's ready to talk." he tells them

"Thank you Robert. Isana do you want me with you at first ?" Dustiria asks her friend, "This is the first I have been able to be here myself."

Isana gives a nod of greeting to the tidy Robert Noire. "Isana Everlight of Perdan, I'm not sure we've met. A pleasure," she says briefly, then turns to answer Dustiria's question.

"If you'd like to, Dustiria, it's your choice. Duty here and on the road both call you. So long as there is someone else in here with us I'm not bothered whom. We're going to have a conversation, Apollyon and I, to hear his side of things; and that's all."

She peers around to see the somber face of Apollyon, overcast expression on his face matching his grey shirt, watching quietly from behind a secured door.

"Good day, Apollyon." she greets him neutrally, trying to keep tension and curiosity from raising her voice.

Roleplay from Apollyon Daubeny Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (35 recipients) - 16 days, 20 hours, 22 minutes ago Rise from the Ashes

Apollyon perked up and turned to look at his visitor, Isana Everlight, why was she here, he remembered her letter, right she was here on business, this wasn’t a social call.

He nodded in greeting, he glanced at his desk and the candies on it, he sighed and tried to manage a small smile “Good Day Lady Everlight.”

He offered a bow to her “It’s good to see a friendly face.” Roleplay from Dustiria Noire Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (35 recipients) - 16 days, 13 hours, 37 minutes ago Rise from the Ashes Dustiria looks at the brother who looks nothing like her, "I will accompany Isana. Pick me out a book for my long journey"

With that she follows Isana down the long hallway of empty cells to the one that is occupied. She stands off to the side knowing the small, barred window in the door would only show Isana. She listened to the two speak. The only thing that gives her presence away way a welcoming chirp from Burr on her shoulder when he hears Apollyon's voice. The fluffy orange and white cat liked his cat scratches very much.

Roleplay from Apollyon Daubeny Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (36 recipients) - 16 days, 7 hours, 18 minutes ago Rise from the Ashes

Apollyon’s eyes darted to the right and he could almost make out a figure standing near the door, the soft purr of the car gave her away.

“Hello Dustiria, should have figured you would be here too.” He looked back to Isana, his eyebrow raised smugly, though the smile that accompanied the expression was pained.

They didn’t trust him.

Of course they didn’t.

He laughed a short bitter laugh, running a hand through his hair, he shook his head and looked at Isana “Didn’t trust me to not try something? I assure these bars are solid, I couldn’t hurt you even if I wanted too.”

He looked sad “And why would I want too, I have already caused so much pain, why cause anymore hurt?”

Roleplay from Dustiria Noire Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (36 recipients) - 16 days, 7 hours, 6 minutes ago Rise From the Ashes

Dustiria approaches the door "If that were true I wouldn't have brought Isana here at all. I was just giving her space. I just got here and have to be off already. Then undead situation is getting out of hand. " Roleplay from Apollyon Daubeny Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (36 recipients) - 16 days, 4 hours, 16 minutes ago Rise from the Ashes

Apollyon looked to Dustiria and his expression changed immediately to worry.

“Undead? By Leandra what has happened, is everyone okay? Is Lori hurt?”

Apollyon’s expression was softer then the steely bitter look he had a moment ago as he sighed and shook his head “It’s not my place to ask, forgive me, I worry for her and I worry for the Realm.”

Roleplay from Isana Everlight Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (36 recipients) - 13 days, 23 hours, 14 minutes ago Rise from the Ashes

“Undead? By Leandra what has happened, is everyone okay? Is Lori hurt?”

Apollyon’s expression was softer then the steely bitter look he had a moment ago as he sighed and shook his head “It’s not my place to ask, forgive me, I worry for her and I worry for the Realm.”

“It’s good to see you as well, it’s been a long time,” Isana said softly, musing at the mercurial emotions the man displayed. “To your question, some of the army has been dispatched to deal with the threat, but of course the rogues' impact lingers after they have been defeated. Countess Dustiria’s skills will be needed to reorganize.”

She held back a sigh at the many tense situations, and instead swallowed and forged ahead. “I am here to hear your recounting of recent events which landed you in this unusual residence, so that I can provide a knowledgeable ear to the Queen… that is, when she is found to have healed from being wounded in travel.” Isana was proud of how neutral her voice remained through that last, and met Apollyon’s eyes steadily.

“What can you tell me of what happened? Leave out judgements please, and tell me only of the actions that transpired.” She looked to Dustiria and stepped aside slightly so the Judge-Magister could also see Apollyon’s face through the tiny barred window.

Roleplay from Apollyon Daubeny Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (36 recipients) - 12 days, 21 hours, 23 minutes ago Rise from Ashes

Apollyon stepped back from the barred window of the door, he began to breath heavily, like he was out of breath.

He shook his head frantically whilst clutching the sides of his head.

He mumbled “No no no no no no no.”

He closed his eyes and sighed “I-it hurts, it hurts so much.”

Apollyon looked back at Isana and Dustiria, he walked back to the door, his eyes reflecting the inner turmoil that he felt.

He spoke slowly and deliberately, he often paused, his voice making him sound on the verge of tears.

“I wanted it all to go away, Lady Everlight, I thought, if I destroyed it, burnt it all down, shatter the last monument of Legion, I thought it would break my shackles, set me free.”

He looked away in shame “I was a fool, I thought, if I destroyed the academy, cast the last remnants of the Legion into the void then maybe I could be free to be myself without their shadow falling upon me.”

He clutched at his head again speaking more frenetically “But I made a mistake, I should have sought help, I should of let them know, but I wanted to do it alone, I didn’t want to cause anymore hurt.”

His look became dark, he spoke with despair “The Fire wasn’t controlled, my soul was ripped asunder by the guilt as I watched it all burn, the whole city block catching ablaze and it was my fault. In that moment I felt something foreign, another mind, another soul, something evil seize my body and soul.”

He choked out the words “And I hurt people, first Aila, then Oliver, then some guard and then I almost killed Lori.”

He bashed his head into the bars and screamed “I BETRAYED THEM ALL, I PROMISED I WOULD PROTECT THEM AND I ALMOST KILLED THEM!”

He exhaled, shaking his head, he rubbed away some blood from his forehead.

“I am sorry, I am so sorry, I, I don’t feel myself anymore.”

Roleplay from Isana Everlight Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (34 recipients) - 10 days, 22 hours, 50 minutes ago Rise from the Ashes

Isana listened quietly, barely breathing as the man related his heart wrenching and troubling tale. She lifted a skeptical eyebrow once or twice, but then, she was not here to pass judgment: only to make her own observations of Apollyon's condition and words.

She was alarmed at first that Apollyon may not be entirely himself. He wailed with emotion, backed away, grabbed at his own head as he spoke. As he continued, it became evident that he was rather in deep throes of emotion, troubled within himself deeply by guilt and fear, and keeping as tight of wraps on those feelings as he could manage. The man she knew from campaigning was there, and he'd been through fire--literally and figuratively--and she was impressed that he yet stood and reached for the light.

Apollyon's last outburst caused Isana to step backward from the door, her eyes almost pleading as he gave voice to his distress. Duchess Aila, Oliver, Lorelai... I knew he was strong but...

He exhaled, shaking his head, he rubbed away some blood from his forehead.

“I am sorry, I am so sorry, I, I don’t feel myself anymore.”

Isana stepped back up to the door and rested her fingertips on the sill of the barred window. She glanced to Dustiria, then back to the man inside the cell, and spoke low and earnestly.

"I see you, Apollyon Daubeny, and I hear you. You have long been my countryman, a friend and ally on the field of battle, and I can see that the man I fought beside is yet in this cell despite the darkness that has transpired by and around you. What you have said will be considered, and I shall lend council to my Lady Queen. Take heart."

She waited to meet his eyes, then gave a single nod and stepped back again. "Thank you, Countess, I have heard what I need."