The Nazhor Chronicles (storyline)/Socius' Arrival (vignette)
Socius' Arrival - The Nazhor Chronicles, Chapter 1, Precursor
Originally posted on the official forums by GameMaster Quilic on 3/2/2019 at 2:54 PM.
Cendadric sighed, rubbing his forehead in a vain attempt to relieve the headache he'd been fighting for the better part of a week. He slumped in his chair, staring up at the ceiling of his pawnshop, and wondered what tomorrow would bring.
"Loafing, as always, I see," said a neutral voice from the doorway.
Cendadric bolted upright, putting on his best face for a prospective customer, but relaxing when he recognized the face of the man who'd spoken. Though it had been years, the man's eyes were unmistakeable.
"Socius," he whispered.
Socius nodded once, his gaze neutral, and visually perused the pawnshop.
"This is where some of it happened, is it not?" he asked.
Cendadric nodded slowly, and replied in a halting tone, "It is... though I don't remember a great deal of it. They claim that's part of the whole thing. They said-"
Socius cut him off mid-sentence, his voice even. "I'm aware. The reason I've come here early is that I'm attempting to gather information."
Cendadric squirmed uncomfortably in his chair, a flush coming over his face. "What... what kind of information? Ilsola is planning a greeting tomorrow for you! She thought... that is... we all thought-"
"I very much doubt that you could finish that sentence with anything I could believe. I'm aware I was expected tomorrow. Do you not think I have my own means to get here? This is my home, you dolt." Despite the strength of his words, his tone remained even and calm.
"I... know. I remember, Socius. I was just trying to... help?"
Socius stared silently for a long moment, his eyes unwavering. Cendadric bowed his head after a moment, resembling a small child in every mannerism.
Socius responded, his voice never wavering, "You had your chance to help, Cendadric. You had it long ago, and you blew it. You were put here under the misconception that you couldn't do our family any harm from this place. And yet somehow you managed. Do not help, Cendadric. Don't interfere, don't help, don't suggest. Do nothing but run your little shop and keep your nose out of my business while I'm here."
Cendadric glanced up at him tentatively, a question in his eyes. "What is your business here?"
Socius raised one eyebrow, his pale green eyes boring into Cendadric. "Why... I'm here to help, of course." And with that, he turned on his heel and was gone.
Cendadrice slumped into his chair once more, his headache pounding harder than ever.
Ilsola became aware of the presence in her office with a start. She hadn't heard the door open, but there was a man there, staring at her with a neutral expression.
"Can I help you?" she asked out of habit.
"Good afternoon, Administrator. My name is Socius, and I believe you had been warned to expect me."
Ilsola blinked in surprise at this, and stammered out, "Y... yes, yes we were. But the expectation was... tomorrow?"
Socius gave the slightest hint of a bow in apology and stated, his tone calm and even, "I apologize for any inconvenience. I wanted to make you aware of my arrival and to reassure you that I will do my best to assist you in your management of this settlement. I have the full resources of my family at my disposal, should they be required, and we will set things right in short order."
Ilsola cocked her head at the man, her eyes narrowing the slightest bit. "Did I detect a hint of a threat at the end there, Socius? I had been told that you were coming here to assist me with administrative matters, and nothing further."
Socius remained completely implacable, his tone never wavering as he replied, "Administrator, your performance has been putrid, and you know it. Under your watch the town was attacked, individuals were murdered in the streets, and profits have plummeted. I am here to assist you in rectifying the situation. If that proves to be beyond your ability, then other measures must be taken. None of this is a surprise to you, as I am fully aware of your ongoing correspondence with my father."
Ilsola flushed red before responding with heat in her voice, "Socius, you are very right that I've been in contact with your father, and it was HIS words that assured me you are here in an administrative capacity! Nazhor has gone from this place, there is no danger to the settlement any longer, and I will not hesitate to go to the rest of the Five Families if I need to! I will not be supplanted from my position so long as I am able to keep my people safe!"
Socius never wavered in tone or demeanor, his gaze remaining rock steady. "Administrator, you had best disabuse yourself of your demented notions before they are the end of you. We deal in reality here, and that is where your actions will be judged. Your disillusions do nothing but hurt your position, and it won't be allowed. Get your head right while there is still time. I will be happy to assist you in any way I can, but my first loyalty is to this settlement. This is my home, Administrator, and I will protect it with my last breath, even if I must protect it from you."
Before Ilsola could respond, Socius gave one more slight bow, his pale green gaze never leaving hers, and turned and left the room.
OOC Note: The Nazhor Chronicles, Chapter 1 kicks off tomorrow (Sunday) at 4pm EST. Storytime, which has been dubbed #QST (Quilic Standard Time), will be from 4pm to 6pm every Sunday afternoon, and from 8:30pm to 10pm on Thursday nights. I will endeavor to make Sundays the "bigger" day, but the story will take precedence. To date, this story has involved almost no combat, and I invite anyone who is interested in catching up to this point to visit the wiki, where Darcena's player has done a fantastic job putting together the storyline for those who wish to play along:
One final note: Please feel free to join us in the Premium channel of the official Discord server, as I'm fairly active there, and there's ongoing discussion of the storyline as a whole (no spoilers, but it's fun to theorize!)
Thank you, and I hope to see you all for QST!
-GM Quilic