Talk with Vaj'rin

The Archon made his presence in the Crafthold apparent once more, the winds rolling forth towards the city in a steady flow; there was something different about Zaruma this time, for he had become the embodiment of Tempest itself.

His skin almost transparent, surrounded in a shroud that defied friction and any atmospheric resistance; foreboding, much like the approaching hurricane, the Archon's presence was even far more palpable with the newfound power he possessed.

And while the winds were announcing his arrival from perhaps a mile away, the Tempest couldn't help but note Vaj'rin's presence from afar. A furrow across his crimson eyes, and a silent hiss.

"You."

Making a sudden appearance in the scene, it was much like the living hurricane that suddenly arrived; the winds whirled around him aggressively, still emanating the wind shroud that assisted the Archon in moving so fast.

His form didn't look stable. It looked as if Zaruma was defying correspondence, defying the laws of space- he was creating a subtle afterimage right next to himself, and a keen eye could spot a duo of Archons standing by Zaruma's sides, an image of his own.

"What in the world are you doing here? Speak."

The scythe was immediately drawn. Sarradian was ought to begin speaking.
(Zaruma)

Dajin Karasu whispers something.


Sternich Blazewood asks, "Huh?"
Sternich Blazewood whispers something.

Dajin Karasu whispers something.

Sternich Blazewood whispers something.

Sternich Blazewood whispers something.

Zaruma bought Mana Amnesia for 2500c from Potion Seller!

You drink the Mana Amnesia!

You forget the spell, your magical circuits gradually unwiring from the technique. (+5 spendable RPP)

Luciana follows Sternich and Revan to the Crafthold, quickly stopping at the sight of Demons, an Archon by the name of Zaruma amongst them. It was the first time she had seen the man that antagonized her father on a day-to-day basis.

"What is he--"

As the distorted Archon speaks, Luciana stands with her hands clutched to her chest as she resisted the urge to call Zaruma out. Instead she waits and observes the exchange cautiously. If anything were to go down, Luciana damn for sure wasn't going to stand back watching.
(Luciana Toryia)

Gizmo whispers something.

Gizmo whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Gizmo whispers something.

Bedlam whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Gizmo whispers something.

Naline stands where she is, hoping, perhaps, that her rune doesn't interfere with the conflict that's sure to come. She has a feeling that she may have picked the wrong day to test out something "harmless". Regardless of the outcome, she probably wouldn't pick this spot on another day.
(Naline Wvelven)

Noda whispers something.

Gizmo whispers something.

Gizmo whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Noda whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Noda whispers something.

The purple-haired girl was quite a tattered mess after dealing with the boar. She looked over at the great creature that saved her with admiration, and decided to pursue her own magical strength, both for a greater understanding of the universe, and for the ability to protect herself from hogs.

"Thank you, sir."

She said softly, expecting not to be heard.
(Eggplant)

A nod was given to the Kaor he faced as he returned his large spear to his back. Upon seeing Zaruma, an old opponent he faced before, he was only capable of releasing a short sigh before speaking.

"Please. There is no need for combat, you may put your Scythe up."

His artificial mythril-eye, the one that was replaced due to the Archon that stood infront of him, was locked onto his movements in case there were any sudden movements.

"I actually do quite a lot of business here in this Tradepost, consisting of various merchandise transactions, assistance and even protection."

A simple shrug was given but this didn't stop the Sarradian from his continuous talking.

"Zaruma, there is no reason for hostility at all. Just how far will you go with this...?"

The Sarradian folded his arms, keeping his will unmoving even within the presence of the powerful Archon.
(Vaj'rin Toryia)

Iosefka nods vigorously at Noda.
(Iosefka)

Gizmo whispers something.

Noda whispers something.

Atro watches, with blue eyes peeking out of a hood. Sips a drink - tea.
(Atro Gwyn)

The serpent is fetched. Fortunately, Somnus had to briefly go for a half hour OOCly! Wow, timing.

Lead by the lead Alchemist outside of the meeting house, brows furrowed as his pupils are no more than small slits as the silvery serpent slithers forth, along grass rendered dewy by his mere presence in the night, water collating into droplets in the air and upon surfaces around him as magic lightly flares in the wake of the ascended aquarius.

He was in range to see and overhear, as he makes his way across the grass- Though, if a battle were already joined, it was certainly a bit late.
(Eiphraem)


Gizmo says, "--please do speak t' me about which barriers are off limits, by the by! Fire ain't good."

Noda asks, "Oh, is that what all these sparkles around are about?"

Noda says, "They're annoying..."
Xeke Remira whispers something.


Gizmo says, "It's the mark of a practicin' scribe, eeyup."
Eiphraem whispers something.

Xeke Remira whispers something.

Eiphraem whispers something.

Xeke Remira whispers something.

Iosefka snickers at Eiphraem's hushed whispers. She just can't help it.
(Iosefka)


Xeke Remira says, "Hello Losefka"
Aspen has exited Barad-dûr.


Iosefka exclaims, "... Losefka! Huh! Not a good time, Xeke!"
Much like a looming doom, with the new mastery that came in Archon's hands, he still floated closer and closer towards Vaj'rin. The winds that surrounded him were threatening to even begin cutting the Sarradian, if he had gotten even a few inches closer.

Unfortunately for Vaj'rin, Zaruma still held the memory of their fight, the memory of the old days of Aetherius when the Demon hunters persisted - and this Sarradian was believed to be one of them.

The scythe was carried along, imposing a threat of a sudden strike being delivered at any given moment. The afterimages of the Archon lingered right behind him, creating a small illusion of multiple Zaruma's images in the air, all seeking to have the Sarradian surrounded.

"There is no need for hostility?"

"Where were those words when you were killing my kin with the others?"

His words of assisting Crafthold were disregarded for the time being; it was clear that when Archon sets his mind on something, it'd take some effort to shift it to anything else.

Which meant bad news for Vaj'rin.
(Zaruma)

Rhion waters the carrot.

Rhion waters the grape.

Rhion waters the carrot.

Rhion waters the grape.

Eiphraem whispers something.

Eiphraem whispers something.

Rhion whispers something.

Eiphraem whispers something.

Luciana bursts through the crowd and stands close to Vaj'rin, her eyes fixed on Zaruma and her staff clutched inhand.

Her respirations appear a bit heavier than normal.
The Sarradian holds her tongue and instead braces herself patiently and cautiously.
(Luciana Toryia)

Bedlam whispers something.

Gizmo whispers something.

Eiphraem whispers something.

Iosefka blinks at the hushed conversation going on.
(Iosefka)

Casually, Noda rests a hand on the hilt of his sword, watching the scene unfold. He doesn't appear tense, but - regardless, it was best to be prepared.
(Noda)

Gizmo whispers something.

Eiphraem whispers something.

kaidus would send a quick glare at the woman with a nod


a telepathic message to her , a warning ... a sign of hostility no.. he was a soldier and needed to get the message clear unsure how to react to such a thing he sent the message anyway


" if you choose to oppose the archlord questioning your leader , and you seek to aid him in this battle , I will do the same in protecting the archlord. I hope you know what that means woman. "

(Kaidus)

Eiphraem whispers something.

Revan was starting to think that bringing Luciana here was a bad idea. He wouldn't be able to protect her if anything were to happen, and her sudden reaction made things even worse. The Gehennan sighs, moving a few steps closer, just to make sure that if anything bad would happen, he would be able to participate in it and at least serve as meat shield.

'Mistakes were made.'
Whispered Revan to himself.
(Revan Katar)

Iosefka scooches in REAL close to Gizmo, to whisper...
(Iosefka)

Iosefka whispers something.

Gizmo whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Bedlam whispers something.

Gizmo whispers something.

Gizmo whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Perhaps returning to Crafthold hadn't been such a bad option after all- For now, right before her eyes, an interesting scene was about to unfold.

Would it escalate to combat? Would Eiphraem join in to stop it? Would everyone just let it happen or would Zaruma just back off? So many options! And the Fae had nothing better to do, so of course her attention laid fully on the spectacle before her.

Leave it to Zaruma to create drama for others to watch!
(Nyphadora)

Naline looks around, before eventually turning her gaze to Iosefka and Gizmo. She's sure there's going to be a fight here, now-- the first battle she'd seen since actually staying in Crafthold proper. There was a battle when she'd visited the first time, but it wasn't something she feared she may actively become involved in.

This time, it seemed like things might be different. As she had no basis for the situation, she looks to the two she thought may be able to give her a solid answer to... well... give her a solid answer. Naline definitely seems lost.
(Naline Wvelven)

Rhion headed up the rear of the group after awkwardly skirting around the confrontation, having been out hunting for a while. He taps Noda on the shoulder, and points idly to the little patch of farmland near the big fence.
(Rhion)

Rhion whispers something.

Durohan appeared to be too mesmerized by the fountain and brazier nearby to comment on the rather strange matter beside her. ...Hadn't these two already settled? Meh, it wasn't the crippled Kaor's place to interject anyway.
(Durohan)

"Here you go with this, ah'."

The Sarradian grew quite furious from the mindset of the Archon..from it being so fixed. Anger traveled throughout his body and it definitely showed on Vaj'rin's face.

"Look. I have never slayed one of your kin before! Never! You spoke of this before our last clash, something about a demon named Calamity...Which is someone I have never killed or assisted, let alone even seen or heard in my life. So far, my hands have not been tainted to the point where I've had to end one's life...Zaruma, your assumptions are incorrect."

His fists clenched but he refused to move just yet..The Sarradian would only move once he was being attacked, choosing to stay stationary in a defensive manner.

"How long will you follow this false ideal, huh? What more do you want to know..? What exactly will change your mind to believe this..? I do not gain strength to solely kill...I gain strength to protect my family and loved ones...I gain strength to bring change.."

A slight shake of his arm was underway as if his anger was trying its best to take over was being contested.

"Zaruma! As I said before...This hostility is futile..! "
(Vaj'rin Toryia)

Tezoxochel has exited Barad-dûr.

Zenkichi adjusts his scarf... moving forward.

His boss was in quite the pinch, wasn't he? Was Vaj'rin even his boss anymore? Zenkichi didn't know. All he knew was that Vaj'rin was someone he had to overcome some day. That meant that there were a few added caveats to doing that. Namely - he had to still be alive. Or at least... he had to see that power of his displayed one last time. In the condition Vaj'rin was in? It's unlikely he'd ever be at the strength that Zenkichi saw him at again.

But still. To be haunted by people you don't even know? To be hunted for a person you weren't anymore?

This was bullshit, and Zenkichi knew it.

"Well, boss. I know you don't know me... or remember me. But I know you. I remember you. And sure. I never turned up to any meetings. I never pitched in. But I'm still the best.

The best help out their friends, even if you don't remember my name. I'll make sure you do now. So... if this guy wants to fight you - you better know that it's Zenkichi who's gonna stand beside you."

It was a rather bold speech. Zaruma was head and shoulders above Zenkichi - and he knew it. But that wasn't going to keep him frozen in fear. Even if he was about to die, he'd rather get gutted than back down from a fight that involved his friend. Especially after being unable to help Vaj'rin last time. For giving him motivation to become what he was today? This was the least he could do to pay him back.
(Zenkichi Wvelven)

Noda whispers something.

Was someone going to get murdered? How quaint! The Kitsune had never witnessed a slaughter before. This would be most interesting! Remaining silent, Yi Xun would simply watch the scene before him as he brushed his hands against the grass in imagined runewriting.

He had no idea what was going on, but it fun to watch regardless.
(Yi Xun)

"The man is a fool who fought against us in the past, but I have simple enough evidence he is no longer a threat."

The serpent's voice carries in the air, reverberating rather than through raw, projected force- Humidity in the air bounces and amplifies it, as the silver serpent.

"Whilst I would not deny you a challenge, Lord Zaruma, I must object to slaying this man within these borders where he has opted to assist citizens of Gaiar and has recanted such foolishness. He meets challenges honorably and without complaint. He is, perhaps, a fool who fought against us in the past with shortsighted human presumptions."

"But, I was informed you had already challenged him once, and succeeded."

Large hands attempt to land on Vaj'rin's shoulders, a chin attempting to rest atop his head- As though arguing over a doll, rather than a person. "Has this not already been resolved? What do you want of him, Lord Zaruma? Force him to task, if you must, to claim your victory properly. But, I oppose the waste of resources and pointless hostility. Naturally, I am willing to make the attempt to oppose this correctly."

"There is no point in a rematch to settle this, after all, with him so incapacitated. This human's peak was reached already."

"We should make use of other entities that wish an accord, not needlessly break them."
(Eiphraem)

The entire world became quickly irrelevant for the Archon, other than his conversation with Vaj'rin. Even despite the possible reinforcements that Sarradian would have, it did not seem to bother Zaruma in the slightest. Overconfidence, or just that much power? That remains to be seen.

And Sarradian could feel it, too. The longer those crimson eyes stared down upon him, the less palpable the world around him would be; the voices of others, the sights of the town, they all would dim and become almost invisible, least his attention would be suddenly grabbed by something else.

With a hissing tone, something prodded, invaded Vaj'rin's mind, almost forcing itself in. It was Zaruma's projection, his telepathy.

"Mind your words... your eye isn't the only thing that can be taken..."

The Archon was clearly displeased by the tone that Sarradian voiced, even if it was answering Zaruma's questions; and while his mind did not process that and he spoke no words, his subconsciousness sent out such message to Sarradian's mind.

Zaruma maintained his gaze upon Vaj'rin while speaking.

"Your men- they did not give me the proper names, other than the one that is mostly irrelevant at this point."

"Who--"

"Who were those hunters? Answer."

And while the presence of other humans was easily ignored, it was the presence of another Archon- even if pale before his own- that was finally taken in account outside of conversation.

Those crimson hues slowly turned to glance at Eiphraem. Zaruma did not answer his words, but they were acknowledged.
(Zaruma)

The Sarradian was nearly initiating a battle-frenzy mode due to his growing anger until the sudden words were forced into his head. It echoed throughout his mind, also becoming the main source of his thoughts at the time.

Oddly, it calmed Vaj'rin down, ceasing his shaking and the constant rising of his voice while speaking. The silent but towering threat seemed to make the Sarradian focus more on the situation while using his words wisely as well.

"If you truly wish..to know who were those hunters, I am afraid..I cannot say because I lack the knowledge myself..But, if I had to take a guess, they were probably members of the Fourfold...Whatever the case may be, they are most likely deceased.."

He spoke in a quieter tone but it was still easy enough to understand the Sarradian's words.

"I have no affiliation with those hunters from the past at all..I was a child, an orphan child, that were afraid of many things..That is including demons."

Vaj'rin gave a nod of the head, not even minding Eiphraem's actions at this point but clearly hearing his words.

"If you truly wish to know, Zaruma, I could find out the truth of the situation for you, every single detail...Is that what it will take for you to understand..?"
(Vaj'rin Toryia)

Despite the boiling tension of the scenery, despite the Archon's feelings about the whole history with the Demon hunters, the winds seemed to lie down; while still making a palpable presence of the Tempest itself, there was no threat of cutting Vaj'rin where he stands.

As for his stance with scythe? It was held loosely, not in position that resembled readiness for combat. Perhaps Eiphraem's words were considered - were it not for them, the Archon would lean more on the option to attack Sarradian, after all.

A pause was made, one that seemed to last like an eternity before the final judgment, one that would decide whether this ground would be painted in different colors due to bloodshed or not.

And resolution was made.

"--Very well."

A pair of crimson eyes were pointed towards Eiphraem momentarily, almost as if meaning to speak up to him, but instead, his subconsciousness sent out a telepathic message to another Archon.

"See to it that he's useful... I've grown tired of betrayals."

After that, the Tempest's gaze was pointed back at Sarradian.

"If you find out something about it- then tell me. No, actually- you should find out about it."

"Many have avoided payback for what they did. That cannot be allowed."

The scythe floated back on where it usually rests, commanded by the Archon's winds. There was no threat of combat. For now.
(Zaruma)