A Mighty Doom, IC: Josėf ISO: Anybodies!!!

[Josėf Von Rensinué]

Fire, burning, pain. A dark sky over a bright sea, a ship burning in harbour, a silent city haunted by the souls of the lost. These memories came fleetingly to Josėf, like the waters of the half-moon sea, flowing in all at once, then vanishing with the turn of the tides. In all honesty he preferred the tide being out, with the silence came less pain, with the darkness came warmth. The pain faded away, and was replaced with gratitude, a gratitude for life, for gratitude of peace, and a gratitude of actually been able to sleep for once. The ground beneath him felt soft, pure, comfy, exactly unlike the rocks he was used to. He opened his eyes a crack, white light seeping in, burning almost with its purity. Still, the feeling was nice, if unusual, unfamiliar against the dark he was used to. He closed his eyes again, relaxing his body for the first time in years. For once, he felt genuinely happy.

And then it hit him. He must be dead. Wonderful. Still, he had always envisioned him going to a much more firey place, so this was a plus when he thought about it. Maybe the gods had smiled on him for once, but it was hard to tell, he was so used to them spitting on him afterall. Still, now that he was dead, the 4th Company was all but vanquished. He pondered this thought with regret, it had been nice to be the commander of a whole legion, even if he happened to be the only person in it. The ability to introduce himself as Commander was a huge prestige boost, and now that he was dead, the original commander would inevitably be around. He'd just have to get used Captain again. Growing bored at this train of thought, he opened his eyes again. This time his eyes had adjusted slightly, it wasn't a white light afterall. Still, a blue sky with fluffy white clouds was miles better than permanent darkness, at least as far as he was concerned.

As good as it was, a blue sky grows rather boring rather quickly, so Josėf decided a change of scenery was of order. Originally he attempted to sit up, but the comfiness of his position had reduced his body to one numb mass, devoid of movement. Unpeterbed by this, he moved his head slowly to the side, at least to get some idea of what paradise looked like. Um... grey? Well, not grey, but very much on the bleak side. Strange, he had always envisioned paradise as being a lush grassland, full of monsters for the stabbing. Maybe he wasn't in paradise, maybe the next life was simply another plane of existance. As he pondered this some feeling returned to his body, allowing him to at last move. He gingerly propped himself up on his elbow, for his legs were still happy to remain where they were. What was with all the sand? he wondered. No wonder when he had been was so comfy. And where were all the people. He gazed out over the wilderness, feeling the unfamiliar sensation having no idea where he was...

[SilverMoon]

Bane wandered around, wondering where he was. His eyes darted back and forth as he walked, surveying the area.
This is a creepy looking place.. His eyes quivered slightly in fear, but he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself and be brave. Mother taught me to be brave in the face of danger. I've got to be strong for her!
Although, he was confused as to how he ended up here in the first place. When he had arrived in Mossleaf he had fallen asleep on a field of grass and awoke to laying in this place, wherever this place was.
Suddenly, he stopped and his eyes settled upon a older looking man who was laying there, looking around also.
Maybe he knows where we are! Bane thought positively and jogged over to the man.
"Hello there sir! Do you know where this is?" He questioned, his voice cheerful and full of excitement like it always was.

[Josėf Von Rensinué]

The sound drew a customary response from Josėf, that was to draw his sword and point it in the direction of the speaker. Unfortunately his legs were still AWOL, so he was reduced to comically twisting to reach his scabbard, then hooking it with his little finger and attempting to remove it from its sheath. The whole effect was rather comical to the eyes, except for when he actually got the sword in his hand. Then it became rather more serious. All of these actions were more or less futile though, as his would-be assailant was no more than a boy. That in itself was surprising, what with the lack of civilisation. Plus, what would a young boy be doing out here in the middle of the wilderness. Evidently he was lost, or worse, he was a fiend. Normally a rational person wouldn't even reach this conclusion, and even if they did, they would dismiss it as a crazy delusion. But not Josėf.

This was certainly backed up by the strange, cryptic characters that the boy spoke in, a language not totally unfamiliar to hm, but one riddled with dialect and colloquialisms. In fact, after pondering it for a second, he realised that it was a slightly adapted form of Old Mossleafian. amazed at this discovery, he nonetheless kept his cool, narrowing his eye along the swordblade that he now held in line with the childs face. "Who art thou child? Be you a demon sent from the pit to strike me when I am weak?" The fact that the child appeared to be lost gained no remorse or mercy from him, it could all just be a trick, rouse to destroy him whilst his guard was down.

[SilverMoon]

Bane merely stared at the man and his weapon. He smiled gently and laughed happily when asked if he were a demon sent to harm him.
"Nope, I'm no demon, just as human as you are! And, uhm...could you put your sword away, you might hurt somebody." Bane wondered, staring at the blade. He then turned his gaze back to the man.
"My name's Bane Mosinė! Who're you?"

[Josėf Von Rensinué]

Josėf's stare never once faltered, such a simple ploy like changing the conversation would never trick him. The fact that the boy, if it was a boy, had even tried it with him was an insult, something that he was quick to comment on. "Try peddling your candy somewhere else, 'boy', I'm not going to fall for that trick anytime soon". It was a good thing for the kid that he hadn't got the feeling in his legs back already, he would normally have had the blade to the little guys throat by now. Still, if it was a demon then it would have made little difference, its real throat was probably located in a more easily defendable position. He tried his legs again, they were beginning to regain some feeling, but not enough to really make any movement. Pity, he was a sitting duck like this.

Still, he could follow the kids movements by turning his head, it was only if the kid darted behind him that he was defenceless. His other hand groped for the hndle of his buckler, but the shield was buried deep into the sand, and would require two hands to retrieve. Exactly how it had got there he didn't know, the last he could remember it was secured across his back. Still, there were a lot of things around here that he didn't understand right now, so it was best to clarify that now. "Now listen to me 'boy' what is this place? This land? Does it have a name? Is there civilisation nearby?" Maybe he was asking too much from a kid who had just asked him similar questions, but, afterall, it might not be a kid...

[SilverMoon]

Bane sighed and shook his head, looking into the older man's eyes with gentleness reflected from his own.
"I told you sir, I don't know! That's why I asked you when I came over here. Now can you please put your sword away?"
Bane poked the blade slightly, trying not to show fear and be brave. "I'm not going to harm you, I promise sir."

[Josėf Von Rensinué]

Thankfully the feeling was beginning to return to Josėf's legs now, allowing him to swing himself up onto his knees. Despite the boys arguements, he kept the sword levelled in his direction. Afterall, you could never be too sure around strangers. Especially ones wandering randomly around such a desolate plain. From his new position he had a slightly better view of his area, which told him several things. Firstly, not only was this place desolate, but it was also barren. Secondly, there was no sign of civilisation, and what with him having no supplies, things might get a little rough. Thirdly, this place had an odd familiarity about it, something that made him feel... home. Although it didn't resemble anything he remembered from old Mossleaf.

And finally, it looked like he actually needed this boys help. Two sets of eyes were better when it came to finding society, along with food and water. Besides, even if it wasn't really a boy, then he could just gutt the thing and be done with it. He lowered his sword slowly, still keeping a wary eye on the 'boy'. "Alright then boy, have it your way. I'm gonna need your help to get out of here anyway. Over there are some cliffs, my eyesight is fading but I can still see make them out. As such, thats the best spot for us to scan for civilisation. When I get the feeling back fully in my legs, I suggest we head there."

[SilverMoon]

"I can help you walk to those cliffs!" Bane piped up, eager and willing to assist the older man. "I'm not too sure how exactly, but I can think of something, just give me a minute sir."
Bane then looked away and tried his best to think of a way to help this guy up and get over to the cliffs.

[Josėf Von Rensinué]

"The help is appreciated boy, but within the next few minutes I will be able to walk again, so the help is un-needed." He made a note never to take help from immediate strangers anyway, teaming up with one was ok if he was getting something useful about it, but relying on someone was way too much of a connection. And for the last few years he had made a point of avoiding connections with anyone, the better he knew a person, the more likely they were to give his details away if they were captured. He had learn't that the hard way, and such a mistake was one he didn't intend to repeat. That, and a few other things that he had learnt the hard way.

He tested the toes in his right foot, he could now manouver them well enough to gain some stability. The left foot was still comparatively numb though, it would be a little while before he could stand. To content himself with some progress, he propped himself up onto one knee, ready to push up with his right foot in case of an emergency. Using his scabbard to steady himself, he gained his first true look at the boy in question, and was immediatly amazed at his extreme youth. The fact that someone little more than a child had found there way out here was surprising to say the least. "What did you say your name was again boy?"

[SilverMoon]

"Bane Mosine! And you are, sir?" Bane smiled innocently. "But...you are sure you don't want any help? I could start to bring you over there and when you're able to walk I'll let you do that on your own! Please, I just want to help you.."

[Josėf Von Rensinué]

((Sorry, I've had a few issues getting on mossleaf in the last week.))

Josėf raised an eyebrow at the boys apparent over-concern, something that aroused much suspicion in his view. In his world and time people were much less forthcoming, and tended to stick to themselves more. Either it was doing a bad impression of human sensitivity, or he was in a totally different world from the one he left five years ago. Not that he would have minded, as far as he knew his world had been destroyed in the Great War. The world he was now accustomed to was one of pain, and suffering, a world that he despised, but without which he felt uncomfortable. Add that to the familiar vibe that he was getting from the place and it was safe to say that he was unsettled.

"Calm down child, such a display of over caring makes you look weak in the scheme of the world. Until you can prove your inner strength I will not impart on you my name. For all I know you could be naught but a demon of the firey pit, and the knowledge of your name gives said demon dominion over your will and desires." He knew first hand the consquences of this, he was still plagued by the memories of near death. "All of that is beside the point, for the strength of my legs has all but returned, and your attempts at assistance are futile." To demonstrate, he pulled himself roughly to his feet, and started to hobble painfully towards the distant ridge.

((Just one thing, could you please make your posts a little more descriptive? Its just that theres not much I can get out of three lines, I don't know how hes thinking, or his motives, he just seems rather sterile. With a little more information, its more fun for both of us ))

[SilverMoon]

(Ah, right...Sorry. )

Bane blinked, watching as the man stood up on his own.
He won't tell me his name yet...And he still thinks I'm a demon. My caring is showing...weakness?
Bane merely stared at the older man. He didn't really understand how being nice to someone was showing weakness.
He merely just wanted to help, after all, it's what his mother had always taught him to do.
As the older man hobbled off, Bane walked beside him.
"But sir.." He whispered then raised his voice, curious as to why, "How is wanting to help someone showing I'm weak?"
He stared at the ground as he walked, wondering.
Was he really weak? Is that why he wasn't able to have the life he had wanted for so long? Maybe his parents knew that and...
No! My Mother and Father would never do something like that to me. They love me!...Don't they?

This was the very first time Bane had questioned himself, he had had no reason to before, but now this man was making him think. If he was weak, how was he going to create a world without suffering, violence, fighting, war and death? Would anyone even listen to him, or believe him?
Father once told me to be a great man, I must be strong..And Mother said to be brave during danger, but...What do they mean by "strong" and "brave". There certainly are...many different types of strength and bravery. Which ones do I need the most? How will I go about obtaining them? W...What if I can't.

Bane's eyes widened slightly. No, no, he was being ridiculous. Worrying over it wouldn't help him at all, he had learned that years ago, and yet he couldn't help it. He worried about a lot of things, but that was only because he cared about it.
But...Did it really take strength, not kindness, nowadays to make friends and get by in the world?
He couldn't imagine how that would work. It didn't make sense to him.

[Josėf Von Rensinué]

"Well, not weak as in physical strength, more of an unconditioned weakness. For example, you found me, a complete stranger in a strange and downright dangerous land, and threw caution to the wind. Such a situation could have lead to a bad predicament for you. As such you need to learn caution, and a wariness for strangers. I'm not talking about everywhere, but in a dangerous place like this, it helps to keep your guard up a little." Exactly why he was telling the kid this, he didn't know, but in a way it was helping to reassure him. Afterall, such a natural curiosity would only come to a child, so it was highly unlikey that he was conversing with a demon right now.

He made the ridge in a short time, it wasn't nearly as far as he had assumed. It was good though, that he was still able to maintain a good marching pace. Apparently his legs had not being injured, just numb. To reinforce this, he tested them slightly, hopping his weight onto one leg, and then the other. All was good, so once again he turned to his unwanted companion. At least now he could be comfortable whilst extracting the necessary information. "Tell me boy, how did you come to be out here? And what do you know of this place, you can't have wandered into it willingly without some knowledge of its geography and topography. Well, you shouldn't have, at least..."

[SilverMoon]

"I..don't know sir. I fell asleep in a field and woke up here. I came to this village after I ran away from my castle, you see." Bane nodded, then took into consideration the older man's words of caution. So then, he should keep his guard up in a place like this. That made sense, but even so..
"I understand why I should keep my guard up, sir but if someone looks injured or in need of help I can't just leave them there or act rudely suspicious of them."
Bane stopped beside the man and watched him hop on both his legs. It looked rather funny. Bane couldn't help himself, he laughed slightly at the man as he hopped. Then, he cut his laughter short, realizing it might sound rude.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't of laughed." Bane bowed politely. "Forgive me.."

[Josėf Von Rensinué]

If it were not for the fact that he was facing a child, Josėf would probably have redrawn his sword out of pure anger. "Do not laugh at those in pain boy, or you may experience said pain first hand." To anyone less seasoned than Josėf, it would probably seemed pathetic that he was threatening a child, but he knew that with threats came important moral and conditioning experiences. In many circumstaces a man could tell much of his opponent through angered responses, although there wasn't really that much to tell about his 'opponent'. Like all children, the boy was naive, and full of the horrible optimism that age leeches out of a person. Still, such an expressionable lump of clay could easily serve as a tool for his own purposes.

He batted away the kids apology as quickly as it had come, words were worthless in such an enviroment, instead choosing to scan the horizon. Whilst to many others it would have seemed like a fruitless exercise, but he knew better, as the slight mass in the distance alluded to. Whatever it was, it wasn't a natural construct, maybe some civillisation did exist here. And even more strangely, he was having the strangest sense of deja-vu. Shuddering inwardly at this, he turned back to his under-sized companion. "Well, it looks like there is some civilisation out here after all. If we set a brisk pace we should reach that place by dark." With that said, he hobbled off without a response, his step improving by the meter. Maybe know he would get somewhere...

[SilverMoon]

Bane felt his face go red and hung his head, staring at the ground. It hurt even more when the guy merely ignored his apology.
"I.." Bane started then decided not to continue. This guy wouldn't listen. Bane's words meant nothing to this man. Just like his father.

"Daddy! Look at what I found!" Bane squealed happily, running up to his father, holding a tiny butterfly cupped in his hands. He held his hands up to his father and opened them to show the small butterfly, fluttering it's wings ever so slightly, while resting in the young child's cupped hands.
Cold eyes stared back at Bane. His father, who had been contemplating the next kingdom to overrule, was not happy with this interruption, especially since it was over such a stupid thing and his son was involved.
"Daddy, isn't it adorable?" Bane smiled gently, looking up at his father. His eyes widened slightly and sorrow flowed through his body when he noticed his father's expression. No smile, not even a small curve of the lips. There was nothing. He was just staring back at Bane and his eyes pierced into the boy's soul.
Then his father moved. Bane expected a pat on the head. Finally, his father was proud of him.
Instead, Bane's father placed his hand on top of the butterfly and picked it up. Bane watched, a look of horror on his face, as his father merely crushed the poor innocent, defenseless creature in the palm of his hand.
His father then placed what was left of the butterfly back into Bane's outstretched hands and sent him away....

[Josėf Von Rensinué]

Ignoring the stutters of the boy behind him, Josėf kept his sights on the far off outcrop. It was barely distinguishable from the surrounding rocks, so much infact, that if he turned his eyes away from it he might never catch sight of it again. With this in mind he forged on, his step back to normal, keeping up the typical marching pace of a shoulder. Mind you, for all he knew the rest of his army were long dead, so by default he was now commander in chief. Pleased at his new title, he choose not to pass up an opportunity to eloquiate it. "Strange, this place is, very much like my home of old. If so then it appears there is no one left, and by default, I am head of the army. Pity I have no one to order around though."

He was speaking more to his ego than the boy, a practise he had long since kept up. As the senior officer amongst his survivors, he missed the opportunities to flex his authority. "Is there an army in your homeland boy? Who is commander in chief?" Maybe he could get a new job opening from this, but it was unlikely that he would get an officers position just handed straight to him. And he'd be damned if he was going to negotiate the chain of command once more. Especially with these weak, inexperienced officers nowadays...

[SilverMoon]

Bane blinked, listening as the older man went on about being the commander of an army. The older man then asked if Bane's homeland had an army. Well, of course it did! It was a kingdom, what good was a kingdom if it didn't have an army?
"Yes, sir. My Father is the commander in chief, sir. But I don't much care for things like armies or wars. I...don't like fighting, at all."
Bane sighed and rushed to catch up with him. This man sure was fast, but he was walking funny. Bane remembered seeing that type of walk from the army back in his kingdom. What was it called again? Marching?..

[Josėf Von Rensinué]

So the boy was indeed from a high walk of society, no wonder he didn't understand just how dangerous an area this was. People tended to sleep easier when they had legions of guards to protect them from the nightmares. "Ah, that explains it. Your probably wondering why I'm being rather harsh to you. Thats because we are in fact in a very dangrous place, the scent of death and evil is off the scale here. As such, you should be on guard at the moment, if I had a weapon for you, I'd give it to you." The connection to another military person had drawn back a spark of honest into Josėf, he had so far refrained from telling the kid, intending not to spook him.

"But still, your father must have had a second in command, someone who ran the day to day buisness of an army. A general or something, or an experienced advisor. I hope to god that he was experienced, it doesn't do to have an imbecile in direct command of thousands of men." That was an understatement, although sometimes it could be better than having an exceptionally smart person in charge of the armed forces. They tended to rebell quite a bit. Except when they were cowards at heart, or loyal men, then you had a good standing officer.

[SilverMoon]

"I understand sir, I'm the one being foolish. I should..keep my guard up. But, as for Father..." Bane felt his voice go quiet and he decided to quickly change the subject. "I-I've never used a weapon before, nor do I intend to. Weapons and fighting is useless and nothing can be gained from it!"
Bane shouted this slightly, clutching his hands into fists and nodding his head. Something in his eyes seemed to blaze and for once, he lost his childish look and actually appeared quite mature and wise for his age. Then, realizing what he was doing, Bane slunk back and cringed, seeming to be mad at himself.
"I'm sorry, ignore what I said, sir.."