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Drustan Cynbel The town of Bordisse is a pleasant place, mostly. Home to warm climes, a riverside place tucked in the foothills of a mountain range, with a coastal mercantile town not too far downstream. It sees enough trade to be affluent, but it's too distant for the authorities to easily reach.

Which leads to a problem. Bandits. The foothills offer a lot of room for bandits to roam, and trade free from authorities attracts those kinds of types. One trade caravan, underprepared for this threat, has found itself under attack by bandits, taking as much as they could carry and running off.

The trail remains fresh, and the incentives to follow aren't complicated. Because it's the right thing to do, or because it pays and is legal, depending on personal persuasion. It leads over to the mountains, and burdened with loot as they are, they don't move fast.
Li Syaoran Li Syaoran had been sipping tea when the whole thing had happened. He gently placed his tea on the table, along with a few coins to pay for it, before getting to his feet. He was in his traditional chinese robes.

He'd heard about the trouble with bandits and it had struck him as the perfect means by which to train. He'd been fighting enough grim lately and, well, this at least helped people. He made his way to the trade caravan quickly enough, speaking the the people for a few moments to discover what all had happened before turning to the trail. A simple snatch and grab. Easy enough to deal with, even alone. He glanced around and considered asking if others would join him.

Alas, stubbornness took over and instead he set off after them alone, not even waiting to see if others would join or try to catch up.
Gabriel Volt     Several wisps of light flit their way across the landscape, darting around as if searching for something. These minor spirits have no real form and little power, but they are quick. One of them flies over a hill, but then darts back and comes to a hover over a patch of ground. Shortly after a man walks up to the spot and stops, the little spirit suddenly rushing off and disappearing.

    Crouching down, Gabriel examines the patch of ground where the trail of the bandits is visible. He's no tracker, but thankfully these bandits don't seem too intent on hiding their tracks.

    Standing again, Gabriel looks off in the direction that the trail leads. He bows his head ever so slightly, expression changing to one of determination. The reward for the return of goods will be useful. And taking down a band of bandits will be a nice side bonus.

    Gabriel starts running swiftly, giving chase.
Dorian Pavus     Tracking coordinates isn't as hard as it used to be. Dorian's a certified hero in at least one world. Though he makes very Cassandra-esque disgusted sounds when he thinks about that; the thought of applying the word 'hero' to Dorian? He finds that laughable. Still! Someone's in danger! This! Looks like a job for...!

    Oh stop it.

    No really. Dorian's of intent to swing by and help. Being formerly rich, he knows what it means to suddenly find oneself poor. It's not something he'd wish on someone that has done him no wrong. At least, that's the reason he's going to give if anybody asks him. He arrives at the town first, but will eventually find the caravan. And the trails!

    He's dressed in his normal outfit -- light-colored leathers and a spotless white cloak over the lot. It doesn't really do much for camouflage. To say nothing of the triple-headed serpent dragon heads on the end of that staff slung on his back. He's going by horse, so hopefully he can get there fast enough. And he may catch up to Li and Gabriel quickly, despite his late start!
Drustan Cynbel The trail is easily traced, and when the bandits notice they're being tailed they hurry onwards, seeming to change directions somewhat as they head straight for the mountains. They manage to stay ahead long enough to reach a broken stone door, leading into an unlit hallway that is slightly pitched downwards.

The hallway leads towards a a central hall, wide and open, though unlit. The bandits brought some light, light that shows the clean arches of this underground place, the remnants of old hooks at which merchants can pitch their tents, and the clear routes people were expected to walk between those tents.

This is no mere mine, this is an abandoned settlement and the bandits have stopped in the market square. "Do you hear that?" One asks the other, nervously, as the din of the forge starts up, echoing. The other adds, "This mine was supposed to be abandoned."
Li Syaoran Li Syaoran made his way up quickly, his sword in hand. He raced forward and then leveled his sword on them. "I will give you one chance. And one only. Surrender, or suffer. There is no in between," he warned, his voice devoid of mercy.

Granted, he wouldn't TRY to kill them. It might happen, but he wouldn't TRY. He did give the others a passing glance as they came towards him. he... hoped they were capable. He hadn't seen them before, but so far the multiverse had thrown many capable fighters his way. hopefully these ones were no exception.
Gabriel Volt     Running along Gabriel gets a good look at the bandit party just as they disappear into the mountain through the door. Good, it shouldn't be long before he catches them.

    However as Gabriel soon reaches the entrance to the underground, he notices the arrival of others. Judging by their lack of obvious bandit-wear, he supposes they are also responding to the call for help. Naturally he's wary for the moment, but none-the-less greets them with a nod, "I am Gabriel. If you're here for the bandits, fine." He draws the sword from his back, "Otherwise, I suggest you leave."

    Gabriel forgoes much more conversation, turning and entering the hallway leading down. As he makes his way through readily darkening undercity, he quietly chants, "Vesum cala lenaea san pareet." Spirits like those before begin to appear out of the surroundings. They gather around Gabriel before merging together into a set of phantasmal armor that covers most of his body.

    Coming out into the market square where the bandits have ended up, Gabriel silently points his blade in their direction, having nothing to add to Li's offer.
Dorian Pavus     When Dorian notes the mountain, he pulls the horse to a stop so he can enter the mountain on foot. Gabriel's words get a smile. "Not to worry, my good man," he assures Gabriel. "You have the Scion of House Pavus at your back. 'Dorian' if you like." He bows.

    However, there are bandits to face! As Dorian enters the mountain, he draws the staff slung on his back into a hand, holding it at the ready for battling. However, while Li takes the direct route and shows himself to the bandits, Dorian opts for a more stealthy approach. There are likely plenty of alcoves where the bandits' light source does not reach, and the bandits' eyes may not be adjusted to the dark yet. Dorian's attempting to use those alcoves and hidey-places to get to the other side of the bandits, to try to make a pincer attack of it.

    Mind you, he's wearing a white cloak. But if he's seen, perhaps the slightly-spooked bandits will think it's a ghost or something. Maybe a HEADLESS ghost, since what Dorian's wearing that's white is a cloak that is fastened around his body much like a peacoat. His skin and hair are both dark. But ultimately he's TRYING for stealth.
Drustan Cynbel The bandits surrender when pressed, feeling trapped and eager to preserve their lifes. They are, ultimately, not in this business for any reason other than to provide for themselves and their own, they can't do that if dead. "Please be merciful." One of them begs, the three of them kneeling in front of their pursuers. In the distance, the din of the forge dies.

Soon after that, a short figure, nearly five foot tall, in weighty full armour comes out of a dark alley that leads in. "Wot's going on 'ere? Can't a smitty work in quiet these days?" He grumbles, hands firmly on the big sword he has, a strange silvery blade that glows as though it's just been pulled out of the forge.

One of the bandits gulps when he sees that distinct helmet, "Please sir, we'll do anything, please... don't ... don't ..." He faints from his own panic.
Li Syaoran Li Syaoran had his sword leveled on them, and then... that. They just gave up? What? "What kind of pathetic... what?" Well, he was too shocked for words. after all,they didn't even take a swing at them. And now they were fainting? "Wow. You have to be the most pathetic bandits I've ever seen." He lowered his blade and walked forward, glancing to the armored person and blinked a few times.

A shame he didn't know many of the different races, or he'd have probably made some strange comment. Instead he shrugged. "These criminals are coming back with us. Grab the stuff you stole. and your buddy. Pathetic, the lot of you," he snapped. He'd at least expected them to try! and frankly he seemed almost annoyed they didn't.
Gabriel Volt     Gabriel lowers his own sword at the sight of the bandits begging for their lives. He mmmms quietly in agreement with Li, though he does add, "At least they're smart enough to know when they're outmatched." He wasn't expecting such a... Humble?... Group of bandits from the call for help. But then he supposes not all bandit groups are the cutthroat murderous types.

    Looking at the new arrival, Gabriel nods to him in greeting, "Forgive the intrusion. We'll gather these fools and leave you in peace." Inwardly Gabriel sighs, unsatisified with the result of what started out as a promising chase. Well, at least it was an easy reward.
Dorian Pavus     Well, that's convenient! Dorian leaves the shadows as the bandits surrender. "I do so wish the bandits from my home had the sense to surrender when someone said that," he says as he reappears. "It would save them ever so much pain and death. Why, you'd see fields and fields scattered with their remains!" He's rather loud, actually. One of those natural public speaker sorts, with a voice that carries well. So he's probably contributing to the din quite a bit.

    The smith shows up then, and Dorian bows. "Begging your pardon, sir," he offers. "These bandits were just rather naughty and need a spanking, that's all. Terribly sorry to disturb you." He doesn't instantly associate the bandits with the smith. The bandits were clearly not expecting someone else to be here, so he doesn't see the connection.

    He smiles at Li. "You'd have loved the bandits in Thedas then," he notes. "Most of them wandering Templars or Mages, one side trying to kill the other, and all of them so zealously dedicated to murdering the other side that they don't care who gets in front of their preferred implements of death. You'd have fun for days, merrily twatting them about." He makes a light, clearly not serious swatting motion with his staff.

    Dorian nods to Gabriel's words. "Less trouble, less work... less chance of mortal injuries," he notes, smiling pleasantly. "One doesn't stay this handsome wading knee-deep in brigands, after all." He seems satisfied with it, all in all!
Drustan Cynbel It's good not to associate the bandits with Drustan, because he's not associated with them. "If they weren't cowards they would be livin' a honest life, nah? That's what the Archon o' Light always says about this lot. String the cowards up and have 'em be consumed by the Light for their sins." The smith laughs, as he points his blade at one of the two still awake, "Waste of a perfectly good corpse if ya ask me, but then the Archon o' Light and I cannae see eye te eye."

"Oy, if you're bounty huntin' sorts, be a good sport and give me a run for me money?" There's a bit of laughter, "I think me head is worth ten thousand gold crowns at this point, twenty thousand if ye save 'em the trouble of a trial by deliverin' me in pieces."

"Of course I ain't done nothin' wrong, just a heretic fightin' the good fight, not a bandit or something base like 'em, but then I dun expect ye te believe me, so shall we be at it?" The sword in his hand lights up, no longer merely glowing, it's actively on fire. The bandits are trying their very best to avoid his attention, "They call me the Darkbringer these days. It's fittin' enough, ah suppose."
Li Syaoran Li Syaoran hmphed and made his sword turn back to a magical bauble. He glanced to the man before walking towards the prisoners, intent on tying them up. "I'm not here for politics. I came here to capture bandits who stole from others, that was all. And why should we believe you at all? you come saying you're worth money, then say you're not worth the money. Seems to me you're just itching for some kind of fight." He'd start tying up one of the bandits. "Besides, I have no need or desire for money, only fools revel in it." He'd then give the fainted one a swift kick. "You! get up! Useless fool!" so mean.
Gabriel Volt     Gabriel looks over in Dorian's direction as he makes his presence known again, listening as he describes the bandits from his own world. Gabriel turns his head away, "I've never been much for hunting people." He sheathes his sword, doubting the bandits will pull anything at this point. Though he does keep his armor summoned for now, just to be case. In this case, "Though I'm not fond of bullies." A simplistic, but probably accurate description of these bandits.

    As the smith brags about the bounty out for him, Gabriel briefly considers it. It's good money... But, "You've done nothing wrong so far as I've seen. If you've got some problems with the government of this world, it's no concern of mine."

    Still Gabriel's interest is piqued, "Darkbringer? What kind of acts deserve a nickname like that?"
Dorian Pavus     "More than just cowards lead dishonest lives," Dorian replies. There's a seriousness that wasn't in his tone until just then. A seriousness to his expression, too. He tilts his head to the side as he observes the man more carefully. "Considering I'm something of a fugitive myself -- though not from anywhere near here -- do please pardon me if I don't instantly hate you for existing." He gives a smile here, but one that's got something of an edge to it.

    And Gabriel's words get a nod. "That would be something we both share," he replies. This to Gabriel's words of not being fond of bullies." But as Gabriel asks about that name... and it's got Dorian's interest too. So he goes quiet for the time being, to wait for an answer.
Drustan Cynbel "Jest 'cause the bounty on my 'ead is based on bull don't mean ye won't get paid if ye deliver me." Drustan answers Li with a clear lack of care, the sword in his hands cooling down again, right before he sheathes it. He then lifts his helmet, revealing his stony skin and pointy ears. "The Light is a scourge, and I will stop it. For that, I call upon the Dark." He holds out his hand, which wraps itself in visible shadow, before he waves that off again.

"Who are ye anyway? That ye've never heard of the Darkbringer and his dastardly deeds." There's a bit of cynical laughter, "If ye were te believe the Archon and his cronies, ye'd think I wanted to bring back the Dark Lord, or become a new Dark Lord. Jest because I served in his armies back in the day."
Gabriel Volt     It's true that Gabriel has no reason to believe this man they just met in some dark underground ruin. On the other hand, he doesn't sense any obvious malicious intent from Drustan. So there is probably some truth to the mans words, "I'll admit, the darkness is something I've trained most of my life to fight against."

    Golden eyes study Drustan closely... But then Gabriel smirks, "However, you don't seem to be a heartless shadow monster like the Umbra that invade my world. Nor as disagreeable as some others on my world..." There's a brief flash of something on Gabriel's face... Regret? But he shakes his head to bring himself back to the present.

    Looking down at the bandits once more, Gabriel suggests, "We should get them out of here and the goods returned."
Li Syaoran Li Syaoran blinked a few times, then shrugged. "What constitutes light and dark varies from place to place. I haven't learned the culture of this world, so I'm in no place to judge its customs or beliefs. If you say you're not a threat, I have just as much reason to believe you as I would anyone here telling me you are."

He glanced to the bandits. "These people, on the other hand, stole in front of me and attacked others. There's no hiding the things they've done with and they will be dealt with accordingly."
Dorian Pavus     Dorian quirks a brow. "Good sir, there are more important things than money," he states. "I myself have told my country and my family -- both of whom I love very much -- to kindly get stuffed, and I left. So you aren't the only one here with a price on his head." Sure, Dorian is wanted ALIVE, but that seems like a minor detail right now. "As for this 'calling upon the Dark' business? I'm in search of training in necromancy." He admits this without shame.

    And then the 'Darkbringer' is asking who they are. The mage smiles. "Dorian of House Pavus, altus mage of Tevinter," he offers, with a polite bow. He straightens. "You probably haven't heard of me. Or Tevinter. That's all right. Suffice to say I have a similar reputation, being a horrible, cackling 'Vint." He says 'Vint' as though it's an insult he's been called a handful of times.

    "But yes. There is the matter of these bandits." He seems less inclined to be snarly even with them, but still. "They do need to be dragged off to the proper authorities. Maybe they'll even survive, since they didn't give us any trouble."
Drustan Cynbel "There are, but most I've seen forget it when 'ey find 'emselves in a place te profit." Drustan answers Dorian, looking towards the exit, "Do with this lot wot ye will, I've no patience for the likes of 'em, but the Light ain't kind to their ilk. If ye wish te show mercy, perhaps just take a finger each an' let them walk. It's kinder than what they'll meet under the idea of justice that pervades the land these days."

"Ye can call me Drustan Cynbel, it's what passes for me name when I'm around people who're smart enough to see the Archon is full o' shite." He introduces himself, then adds, "I'll grant ye, it ain't as catchy as the Darkbringer, but it gets wearying to have people call ye mister Darkbringer, don't ye think?"
Li Syaoran Li Syaoran frowned and then glanced up."Li Syaoran, of the Li clan. A pleasure. And no. That is the laws of these lands. They knew what laws they were breaking when they came here and decided to be thieves, so they shall suffer the consequences. It's not my duty, nor my decision, what laws are and aren't followed." He was always a bit cold, nudging them to their feet and shoving them forward. "Come on, thugs. We're going back."
Gabriel Volt     Gabriel can't fault Li's logic... Though the possibility of a corrupt institution of law is concerning to him. But then there's not much he can do about it. He has enough troubles going on in his own world.

    In response to the introductions Gabriel instinctively responds, "Gabriel Volt. Spirit Knight and Sentinel of the Citadel." However the expression on his face quickly falls as he hears his own words. Turning his head to the side, he says to no one in particular, "Worthless words now I suppose..."

    Back to the matter at hand, "I will assist in returning the stolen goods to the old man." To Li he asks, "I'm sure you can handle turning them into the authorities?"
Dorian Pavus     Dorian gives a thoughtful 'hm' at this explanation of what fate would befall them if brought to 'justice'. "Well," he notes, with a flat and unimpressed tone to his voice, "this is starting to sound quite a bit like Tevinter, at this rate. They even have the same title." The 'Archon' of Tevinter being the ruler of the magisterium. Magical Congressmen. How horrible a thought, isn't it?

    He even has a bit to say about how wearying being called 'mister Darkbringer' is. "Oh, I ''know''. The southerners -- Fereldens, I mean -- insist upon calling me a 'magister'. It drives me batty sometimes, but I do have to understand they generally just don't know the difference." He smiles.

    Though the smile fades a bit when Li seems unmoved by the note of the thieves' fate. He's not about to fight with even temporary allies here. But there are plans being hatched in that brain of his...
Drustan Cynbel "Ye lot ain't from around here, are ye?" Drustan asks, seeming to come to what is likely the obvious conclusion. "Well, I'll be headed back to me smitty, I got work te do. Do be careful in this ol' colony. The Firemountain clan dug too deep and too greedily, woke up some nasty critter. It still stalks the halls 'ere, an' the only reason it doesn't bother me is cuz I keep it fed." He doesn't bother one whit to explain what he feeds it with, "Still, the forge is jes' fine for me work, and I 'preciate the quiet."
Li Syaoran Li Syaoran frowns and gives a nod. "Well, enjoy your... critter, then," he said with a shrug, before guiding the men forward. "come on you sorry lot," he muttered. he really did seem to not care about them, so cold. "And yeah. Just get the things back to their owners."

He barely seemed to care at all. He did, but he just didn't show it well. But he trusted the other multiverse traveler to turn the things over. Maybe he was becoming trusting. Now there was a scary thought.
Gabriel Volt     "No. No we're not."

    Gabriel glances into the darkness where he assumes the path leading further in is. Part of him wants to go and explore those depths and find this critter... But it's a part of him he doesn't listen to much anymore.

    Nodding to Drustan in farewell, Gabriel finishes, "Perhaps we will meet again." Of course, the chances of that happening in a realm as great as the Multiverse is probably quite minimal.

    Now to see to returning the caravan goods and collecting on the promised reward. One step closer.
Dorian Pavus     Dorian tilts his head a bit, listening to the warning of a creature released after digging too deeply into the mountain. "Hm. That almost sounds familiar," he observes, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps I read it in a book somewhere..." Oh well. Either way.

    He offers Drustan a friendly smile. "Do have a pleasant evening, sir," he bids. A bow sees him retreating, bringing up the rear of the group of thugs.

    And still making plans. Oh yes, the plans...