Randsford (prime)/Vignette: Dark Mark
Title: Dark Mark
Author: Randsford (prime)
In Town Center the bonfire glows faintly as clouds billow and snow flurries chaotically about. It is the dead of night and a pair of crystal green eyes can be seen approaching; an uneasy, soulless, darkness infiltrates these eyes as they are followed by the muffled clanking metal steps of an armored figured. A half-krolvin family huddles close to the fire seeking a pittance of warmth, the mother cradles her children closer as she wearily stares back at the approaching darkened eyes.
As the clanking footsteps grow louder a figure all clad in white materializes from the chaotic snow. The figure ignores all others on his approach towards the town's message board. He stops a few paces short and appears lost in thought, the clanking subsides only to be replaced by a subtle, low, feral growl. The figure turns toward the town's statue and stares intently at the black plinth base below, his growl turns part gurgling mess and part snarl. The mother watches cautiously and draws her children nearer.
A faint voice can be heard carried in the wind, "Goddess guide me. My own failure mocks me daily here, my warnings were not heeded and evil sits openly. I am at an impasse now, do I dare attempt again?" The chaotic wind howls loudly as the figure reaches into his cape to retrieve a parchment.
Coincidentally an unnatural stillness replaces the chaos as the parchment is drawn. The figure turns, breaths deeply, and approaches the board. In a quick strike with his fist he pins the parchment. A shuffle and a gasp is heard as one of the young half-krovlin children breaks her mother's embrace and quickly approaches the figure and tugs at his cape.
Alarmed, the figure quickly turns to no threat but instead kindness disarming the darkness in his eyes as they regain their brightness. The figure takes a moment to look at the child but they exchange no words. He glances at the mother briefly and offers a low polite bow before turning and proceeding away in the opposite direction.
- In the Common language, it reads
- Citizens of Icemule, any loyal to Northwatch, events of this week have revealed that our Mayor, Talliver, has been kidnapped by the Dusk Coven. The situation grows dire as the Dusk Coven's forces still encroach upon our city. Worst of all, some of our inhabitants still remain loyal to the Dusk Coven despite everything.
- Allow me to be clear and to the point, the Dusk Coven is our enemy and Sablecross is not. The Coven would have Sablecross' citizens think otherwise and that their only refugee is the Coven, only they can protect them from the dreaded Labio and allow Lornon to live peacefully. This is pure manipulation and one need only look to the Krolvin that now make a portion of our own.
- Are the Krolvin completely accepted? No, but we continue to grow and take strides together; old wounds will heal and we all adjust with the scars that remain. Love takes multiple individuals coming together to put aside any past grievances for a better tomorrow: unity. Northwatch's love will continue to grow with each new ally and unite to expel any that wish us harm.
- Lines must be drawn, those that are loyal to Northwatch must denounce the Dusk Coven. Northwatch can be the refuge for Lornon and Labio alike if we chose unity. It is time for all our allies to take a stand and expel the Dusk Coven.
- I do not wish to see our town drenched in blood, this is a choice each individual will make. Cast out the Dusk Coven in your own way, words are the true weapons. These offensive moves will be met and dealt. Let this be the final warning, you have come for our Mayor now we are coming for you. Return that what which has been taken or face Love's fiery retribution.
- If anyone has any information they feel would be useful in the retrieval of our Mayor; please contact a town Councilor or a member of the town's militia, the Regulators.
- May love guide us all,
- Lord Randsford Paladin of Oleani, Protector of Icemule