IG's Legend of The Ripper [IC]

[PhoenixAsh]

Dacen Athrin, Human Cleric of St. Cuthbert HP: 8/9

Dacen evaluates the body for a few moments, then abruptly turns around and punches a large crate violently with a frustrated shout.

"She was killed recently. Probably last night," he says softly, flexing his fingers out of a clenched fist with a wince.

OOC: [sblock]Yes. [/sblock]

 

[Rhun]

"Well, there is nothing usable here," says Rexy finally, frowning. "I guess that makes it time to check out the basement."

 

[Autumn]

Fen chews his tobacco, regarding Dacien impassively after his outburst.

"Gettin' ourselves killed wouldnt'a saved the gal," he says quietly after a moment. "Don't take it personal."


He turns around, giving a nod to Rexy's suggestion. "Right. Time to see what nice surpises the basement's got in store fer us. We're off, girlie... uhhh... Ray. Way to the street should be clear, or else tag along if you can pull yer weight." He turns back for a moment, casting an eye over her with a brown-toothed grin. "Shouldn't be hard, skinny thing like yerself."

 

[industrygothica]

Since the roleplaying has stopped, I'll assume we should fast-forward to the basement?

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

Ray looks over at Prel, and then back over at the group of strangers.

"And you say you're going to stop this thing that killed her?" she says softly, scrubbing the remains of her tears away. The question is more of statement, and Ray seems to take a bit of heart from the prepared and well-equipped group.

"There's lots of evil things around here, and I thought I would try to stop some of them at least. I... couldn't save Prel. But maybe I can help you save some of the others like her. And if... if you're still looking for evil after this, maybe I could help too. That's what I was trying to do, learning how to stand up for myself, while I was... away."

Ray swallows hard and stands up a little more straight, though she keeps her eyes modestly downcast.

"Yes, I'll help you. I've learned a few things that could fight against evil. But... before we go, could someone say a prayer for Prel? Could we cover her up at least?"

 

[PhoenixAsh]

Dacen Athrin, Human Cleric of St. Cuthbert HP: 8/9

Dacen composes himself for a few moments longer, before he nods at Fen's words. Wisdom comes in many forms, and with many voices.

He rises and stands over Prel's broken body. Quietly he asks, "Rexy, Fen, can you perhaps find a cover for Prel's body, somewhere? Ray, if you would stand beside me."

With that he bows his head and prays - earnestly, if not expertly.

"Saint Cuthbert, your humble servant asks you to watch over the departed spirit of this woman, Prel. If her beliefs belong to another God, I ask that you help speed her to her proper rest with Them. Let her spirit not linger under the weight of the viciousness of her death. Let it not be weighed down by thoughts of vengeance. Let the weight of such burdens pass to your humble servant - and to those whose care for Prel will not let such acts go without proper justice. Let her spirit rest in peace and bliss, away from the concerns of her former life.

It was not my privilege to know Prel, but only of her through her sister Ray. Ray was - and is even now - willing to brave great danger on behalf of her sister. Her bravery and courage are tribute to Prel. Let the words and the bond of sisters - said and unsaid to this moment, strength both survivor and departed, now and until the end of time."

He raises his head and looks to Ray, "I am sorry. Take what time you need, say what needs be said - aloud or to yourself. I believe she will hear you."

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

"Prel, I... I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you when you needed me most. I was just trying to make things right, to stop anything worse from happening. You were always so kind to me, and we shared so much together. I just hope, wherever you are, things are good for you and you're warm and happy and there's always good food..." Rayel wipes her tears again, and sniffs audiably. "I love you, and I'll try to make this up to you."

She buries her face in her pack again, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. That was the prettiest eulogy she had ever heard from a stranger, and a far better one than any she ever expected to hear for anyone from her neighborhood. This priest had earned her gratitude, whatever came next.

After many long moments, Rayel raises her head, wiping her tears off on her shoulder, that being the only cloth at hand that wasn't stained with blood, and seems to be breathing more calmly.

"Thank you," she whispers to Dacen.

 

[PhoenixAsh]

Dacen Athrin, Human Cleric of St. Cuthbert HP: 8/9

Dacen rubs his fingers tightly against his palm. They still ache dully from punching the wooden crate, but the discomfort doesn't bother him any more. He just nods at Ray's expression of thanks and looks away. Its thanks he still can't quite accept through his lingering guilt.

This is a terrible place - where murder and violence is normal, and a person's ideals are enough warmth and enough food to eat. Is that what I am meant to see here? Have I really been so blind to it? Why does it affect me so now? What can be done for so many doomed lives? Should the living in these slums be envied, or the dead?

Silently, he shoulders his dark thoughts - waiting for their inevitable descent into the basement of this madhouse.

 

[industrygothica]

The stairs leading into the basement disappear into the blackness.

ooc: You'll need a light. I'll need a marching order, please--single file.

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

Rayel shuffles to the back of the party, not wanting to be in front of their weapons should things go astray. The black maw of the staircase brought another thrill of fear up her spine, and she shuddered a little at the thought of decending.

I'm doing this for Prel, I need to do this for Prel, she told herself firmly.

"I should stay in the back... I have no torch, but I could carry one to light the way for you. I have flint and steel, so maybe we could make one from a broken piece of wood or something?" Ray offers.