westwhere | (closed)

prelude (for the rescuers)

[ Tilting slightly to the side she did her best to stay up behind Wei Wuxian, who had been gracious enough to let her play the role of passenger as she listened hard for the sounds of oncoming riders.

On edge, but trying not to be she looked around at the rest of the group that waited with her. ]

Everyone’s clear on the plan, right? Just remember, we’re not here to hurt or kill anybody.

[ She kept her voice quiet, trying not to dwell too heavily on the somber advice Wangji had given her before they had departed. Instead Lily focused on checking (for what could have been the twentieth time) that everything was as ready as it could be to work. ]

the main event (for everybody)

[ Staying on the horse was no small feat but somehow Lily managed to keep herself upright as the rider whose middle she hung onto galloped up alongside a carriage.

Drawing her wand with one hand while she held on for dear life with her other arm Lily’s wand cut a zig-zag pattern in the air, the words ’Arresto Momentum’ were practically bellowed from beneath the hood and mask she wore. The Slowing Charmed landed; the carriage and the horses pulling it appeared as though they now struggled through some wad of invisible glue until it was forced to stop completely. ]

Oh shite, oh thank goodness.

[ Lily half staggered off the horse, brandishing her wand as she steadied herself on her feet, waiting to stun an attacker, or - ideally - to hear something that sounded like one of the prisoners they had come for. ]

[ Lee Chang looked far more comfortable on horseback than Lily, dressed fully in somber black with his hair tied up and bound tightly, the headband wide against his forehead. It was a strangely comforting outfit for him, which was disturbing on a level he wasn't going to address to himself right now.

Perhaps he would just never be the man he was, before the outbreak.

He wasn't sure he could go back if he wanted to.

He didn't smile as he rode up beside Lily, his own voice low as he replied to her, his gaze fixed on hers. ]

We are not here for it, but we cannot control and the winds of chance. [ The horse under him whinnied a little as he pulled it up closer. His sword remained at his side, the burning fire yet to ignite. ]

It is easy to use more force than is necessary. I hope all our company can be careful.

[ He spoke from unfortunate experience. ]

[ Though she was frowning when he approached Lily was still glad to have Lee Chang there, even if he brought with him sobering advice. The knot of tension in her gut tightened and she nodded once, shifting in her careful perch on the back of Wei Wuxian's horse. ]

We can't no - much as I wish that weren't the case. We can hope it blows in our favor though, can't we? For their sake, it better.

[ Looking away and off to the side towards the road they had hidden near, Lily reached up and adjusted the cowl she wore to conceal her hair as her ears strained to catch the first sign of something approaching. ]

Can you think of anything else we can do before they pass?

Hope, yes. But do not prepare for hope. Prepare for the worst.

[ He frowned as he gazed out over the scene, looking far up towards where the caravan would be travelling from. ]

Two runners. Our fastest, on foot. We need better warning of when our mark approaches.

[ A pause, then he gave a bit of a sheepish expression and looked back at Lily. ]

Or perhaps a man who can teleport, or someone who can see through the eyes of a bird. One day I will grow used to our group's capabilities.

[ Nodding somberly she lowered her head, continuing to quietly war with the mountain of growing fears within. She had refused to consider failure as an option, and that had helped a good deal getting to this point, but now the waiting gnawed at her. ]

If Five can't, I'll try.

[ Lily glanced towards the others, trying to recall what she knew about their respective talents, perhaps one of them had something that would allow them to keep a lookout further up the road. ]

Any thoughts on the Merchant sending that bloke Rufus to me and Five? The one he gave explosives to? [ Her voice dropped in volume as she asked, leaning in a bit so that only he heard. ]

[ Lee Chang's brows furrow, and his horse shifts under him as if feeling his concern. ]

I have many thoughts on the Merchant. He has seen an opportunity, and, as always, he has taken it.

But explosives are far from lethal, if that is our true aim. He will not care if his aim aligns with ours.

He wishes them to be put in the weapons the convoy is bringing in addition to the hostages - he wants them to reach the undead.

[ The discord in Sa-Hareth and now the destruction here? Had they all been things the Merchant wanted to have happen? ]

The weapons are meant to buy Taravast's safety, if they're set to explode on receipt, the undead will see it as a response to what happened in the city. They'll come back to Taravast, won't they?

[ He breathes out, then nods. ]

... Yes. I think they will. Though I can hardly fault anyone for wishing to do harm to the undead, but such a sabotage would not be taken lightly.

Nor is it likely to be safe for those who carry the weapons - even if they are not within the blast radius themselves. They would be seen as assassins.

[ Five isn't overly fond of riding in on horseback, no matter how much he insisted he could handle it, and the horse doesn't seem all that thrilled to have him on his back either. The donkey wasn't this much trouble. He manages well enough with his short limbs, but then his attention gets drawn to Lily when he sees her chatting with Lee Chang.

He squints behind them and manages to catch enough of their conversation to figure out what they're discussing. For a while he doesn't say anything, but eventually he cuts in. ]

That would take the focus off of us. [ In that respect, it's not a terrible plan. ] If he's only after revenge, he's going about it the wrong way.

We haven't seen anything explosive before, what if they're leftover from his citadel? They were supposed to be way more advanced than anywhere else.

[ Those bombs had piqued her curiosity, as had how Rufus had come into possession of them, but one thing at a time.

She looked between the two of them, still thoughtful. ]

It would make sense to keep one and study it. [ It was certainly an interesting initial glimpse into what the Merchant might be hiding. ]

The merchant isn't after revenge, [ Lee Chang murmured, as if he knew the man's mind. He didn't. But he knew the man's type. He knew the sort of man he was. ] He is a man of profit, not passion. If he has made to undermine the shipments from Taravast, it is because he has seen a potential gain from it.

Perhaps it benefits his merchant contacts if Taravast were to fall into further chaos. Force those who may not otherwise require his or his associates services to deal with them, if competition is wiped out.

[ He paused for a moment. ]

Yes. We should keep one. If he somehow has verification of their arrival, we play ignorant and say we must have forgot one.

[ That's what makes it so strange. Revenge was at least something Five could understand, but it didn't seem to fit his personality. Some kind of business venture would make more sense, even if the consequences were the destruction of Taravast.

He mused over Lee Chang's take before shrugging at what shouldn't have been a question to start with. ]

Why not half? There's plenty, and I doubt anyone will be counting. [ In case anyone was asking for his opinion. He might have felt like he was owed something after what he was put through the last time he did the Merchant a favor. ]

If he's the one profiting off of us, he should give us something for our trouble.

[ Considering the way it seemed that the Merchant handled communicating with Unhalad and Anurr while the group was still back in Sa-Hareth, Lily nodded. It wasn't hard to see the man's influence was tremendous, but she didn't write revenge off completely - especially since as far as she knew, nobody knew details about how Ellethia fell.

Five's suggestion that they help themselves to half brings her out of her thoughts and back to the moment, and she looks at him, surprised for about a second until she remembers who it is she's dealing with. ]

I can't say I wouldn't want two for myself - one to study and one to use, and I know the others might feel similarly.

[ She looks between them before turning towards the crate of explosives. ]

Though I do want to send enough of them on to really blow the shite out of those undead prickholes.

[ Lee Chang looks at the crates, frowns, then nods. ]

Not half. The impact would be felt too clearly. But enough for research, and for protection if we need it. We do not know their capability. Do not risk your own welfare for discovery.

[ Five huffs and the horse veers slightly, distracting him for a few seconds while he pulls on the reins to correct it. He frowns as he gets it back under control, since he's determined to be a voice of reason when it comes to the Merchant. ]

He should be glad we agreed. He knows we're taking a risk going through with this in the first place, and I didn't hear him offering anything else.

[ But since Five is being so agreeable to teamwork lately... ]

There's what, ten? Take three, then. One for each of us.

Agreed, though I'm sure Rufus will take one as well for being the delivery man.

[ She didn't know the man very well, but he had struck her as very business-like during their brief exchange, and really, she wouldn't begrudge him.

Watching Five get his horse settled down she waited until it stilled before speaking again. ]

Do you think you're going to question him about it? Sending Rufus, that is.

[He's not sure on the details of what this group had planned for this rescue operation but then again, it doesn't matter. He's here on behalf of the Merchant and it would give him a chance to test the waters of this new world.

He tucked one of the explosives away for himself, carefully hidden away before he met Five. He has his shotgun with him but it's always good to have a surprise or two up his sleeve, just in case. If he's going to have to survive without his Turks then he would take every advantage and opportunity he was able to.]

It may be your intention not to harm anyone but it's best to be prepared. At least, that is what the Merchant believes, which is why he sent me with this generous gift.

[He keeps a hand on the crate he was given though even after opening it, he's not going to just hand it over just yet.]

I don't need details on who you are rescuing or why, I'm sure your cause is noble, and all that. I merely ask for one simple favor in return.

[ Seeing as how he's the only stranger among them it's easy to figure out who he is by the time the new arrival makes his way over to where she sat waiting.

Looking between the gentleman and the crate he brought with him while he spoke Lily's eyes darted around to the rest of the group before returning to him with a little nod. ]

What are they? And what's your favor?

[ She really wasn't the sort of person who brokered deals before leading a roadside ambush, but Lily liked to think she at least sounded the part a little. ]

[Rufus carefully picks up one of the bombs, holding it up so that she could see. It wasn't something as big and flashy as he had been expecting but used carefully, he's sure that it can be effective.]

There aren't many but they should still help you if used thoughtfully. Big flashy explosions are entertaining but not something you probably want on a rescue mission.

[He puts the bomb back into the box after she had a chance to see it, closing the lid. No one seemed to recognize him which is almost reassuring but his expression shifts into something more serious.]

Just a bit of information. I need to know the whereabouts of two people who may be here.

[ Explosives were the stuff of television in Lily's time, but she still watches the way he handles them carefully, nodding. ]

What did the Merchant intend for us to do with them?

[ Hearing that it's information Rufus wants, her eyebrows rise skeptically, tilting her chin down. ]

Who?

The touch of the undead should activate them once they are planted. As for what happens then, I'm not sure, I've never seen an explosive like this before, honestly.

[And he didn't have the chance to ask the Merchant for more details on the logistics before being sent away which was disappointing.

It will be interesting to see if they work as the Merchant had promised.]

Two friends of mine- one is named Sephiroth and the other is Cloud. I need to know if they are here and if they are, as much information as you can tell me about them.

[ Well the contents of the package certainly sounded interesting - and definitely like something she was going to have to talk to Five about before it was time to spring into action. Weapons that were guaranteed to deal damage to the undead were an asset to their group, she hesitated to give them all up.

The names he gives her are met with a slight shake of her head, frowning at him. ]

No, sorry. I've never heard those names before. Are they locals to Taravast, or, from where you're from?

They are dear friends from where I'm from. If you ever hear their names in the future, I would be grateful for the information, Lily.

[He closes the box and holds it out for her to take, careful not to jostle them. Despite what the Merchant told him about the bombs being triggered by the undead, Rufus is still cautious.]

Use them wisely. My advice would be to use them sparingly, don't use them all at once if you can help it. You never know what you may need in the future so it's best to be prepared.

If I do, I promise you'll be the first person I tell.

[ Lily cocked her head, still trying to make her mind up about what she made of him and his delivery. ]

Are you going to stay and help us save Eleven and Shen Qingqiu?

[ Unlike most of the others who had come along, she didn't know what he was capable of, but if he was willing to help, another pair of hands who didn't mind a bit of a fight was welcome. ]

Edited 2021-12-01 03:00 (UTC)

[The restless part of Rufus that was still inspired by the fight that he had just been in was ready for another, fighting a war against his common sense.

His Turks would say he was being reckless- after everything, he didn't need to be throwing himself into danger, especially not without any backup.

But they weren't here and didn't have to know if he just had a little fun.]

What is your plan for their rescue so far?

They're coming as part of a payment to the undead - to keep them out of Taravast. We intend to ride them down and temporarily incapacitate their escorts, take the hostages and get away. The two of them - Eleven and Shen Qingqiu will be taken somewhere immediately for safety and the rest of us will return to Taravast, get the horses back to where they belong, and act as though we were there the whole time.

[ She watched Rufus intently, wondering if he would elect to lend his assistance or not.

Lily wasn't certain how close he was with the Merchant, but if he was a new arrival (and she was guessing he was) she had to surmise they weren't that close and leave the matter for later. ]

If you don't wish to help, you can ride along anyway - we'll return to Tarvast after we save our friends, just don't interfere if you aren't going to lend a hand.

[ Which, while perhaps bluntly articulated sounded very fair to Lily. He would be safe regardless of what he chose. ]

[Rufus met her gaze, his expression thoughtful before smiling and shaking his head.

If riding a horse was anything like a chocobo even he had to admit that would be a bad idea, especially given the last time he had gone riding. He still insists the bird started it.]

Riding may be a bit beyond me at the moment so I will have to pass but you will have to tell me how effective the bombs are if you use them. None of the bombs I've seen resemble these.

But if you need assistance once you get back, feel free to contact me.

[She may seem young but he thinks she seems fairly competent, he's curious to see what exactly she's capable of and is she and her friends can pull this off.]

Can you defend yourself? As long as you keep to the back nothing ought to get through to you - we've got a fairly solid group, but just in case.

[ His choice was more than fair, he had just landed in the middle of this after all. That he offered assistance regardless was kind, and she nodded appreciatively. ]

Same to you, I've spent a good deal of time here, if I can help you I'll be glad to.

[Forced to march in company with the renewed weapons shipment, Eleven finally comes to regret provoking his own beatings. A few of those guards are present as detail for the shipment, and he's aware of their smug looks as he ambles along with an obvious stiffness he can't quite smooth out. They helpfully shove him along when he falters, and it's all he can do just to keep from wincing.

Faith.

Lily said she was coming, and he believes her. He'd do the same, if their positions were reversed- even if that meant he went after her himself, because he simply can't lose anyone else. Briefly, he imagines what Archeval would say about his current position, and Eleven cracks a faint smile to imagine the man's disdainful disapproval and fussy nature.

It's some consolation to know that he'll heal quickly once he's able to, but in the moment everything hurts, and it takes up most of his concentration just to breathe and keep his feet going.

Well enough really, as it prevents him from thinking too much about their inevitable destination]

[ As soon as she felt safe doing so, Lily ditched the ride she had taken to initially charge Eleven and Shen Qingqiu's captors. She was far more comfortable on foot and it showed in the way she hurled Leg-Locker curses and Knockback jinxes left and right, her wand tightly in hand as she did what she could to get the soldiers down and out of everyone's way for a little while.

After spotting Eleven, Lily's course changed quickly, as did the tactic she approached everyone in her way with. The closer she got to where Eleven was, the angrier she became, hitting his captors curses that sent them falling down like tipped trees, petrified.

She's breathless by the time she gets to him, dashing over and grabbing his arm with a little laugh of relief. ]

You're not dead! You look awful, but you aren't dead!

[ She's so relieved she almost wants to cry, but quickly distracts herself from it, riding that rushing wave of relief to kiss him instead, wrapping her arms around him in a hug as she did.

Carefully.

He really looked terrible. ]

[Thoughts of his bruises vanish the moment he lays eyes on her, smiling warm relief]

Lily.

[He can't return her embrace well, wrists tied in front of him, but he leans into her even as pressure against his pains resurface]

I'm not dead. Thank you for coming for me.

[ Finally registering that he had been restrained, Lily stepped back, her expression darkening into something more serious.

As glad as she was to see him, they were still in the middle of a dangerous situation, it wouldn't do to come this far just to become foolish when things were so nearly in hand. ]

Keep your wrists pulled as far apart as you can.

[ Lily lifted her wand, pointing it at the middle of El's bindings, concentrating as she used the Severing Charm to cut through, careful not to slice too far or too wide and risk hurting him. ]

[Eleven watched, hands straining against their bonds to hold as far apart as possible, then breathed as the tension in the restraints eased, then broke altogether. He rubbed his wrists with a grateful smile]

You are a blessing. What's the plan?

We've got to get Shen Qingqiu, Five's going to take you to Sa-Hareth to hideout.

[ Looking from him to their surroundings, she reached for his hand, pulling him in the direction of the horses. ]

Everyone's been told to knock these blokes out instead of hurting them, you'll be gone and safe and they can bring their stupid weapons to Arha's mum's house.

[ Testily she sent a leg-locker curse at one of the soldiers they darted past, taking him down before he could notice. Lily had clearly had just about enough of this. ]

[ Rigarda's ]

If anyone had gone to check where Shen Qingqiu and Eleven had been before they were transported they might find what looked like a rather pretty adolescent. They could be found following those who seemed friendly to Shen Qingqiu but still hiding around corners and behind doors. They made tapping noises to try and get anyone's attention and seemed to be leading them somewhere specific if anyone decided to follow.

[ On the Road ]
Shen Qingqiu had not expected to be tied up as much as he ended up being. This world had no cultivators, but their seals for magic and extra precautions worked well enough that it was as if being restrained by immortal binding cables. He wondered if they did this for everyone or if they could feel his cultivation. Either way, it meant he couldn't easily escape.

He had tried his best to be compliant through the entire thing, the only thing he had done was send a message off to Chu Wanning once he knew where they would end up. It wasn't a good situation, but he felt he had been in objectionably worse before.

His prize for being good was not needing to walk, but he wasn't sure if that was because they were more focused on the more combatant Eleven or they had other plans where keeping him tied up and inside was better. He really hoped someone showed up soon.

Before the rescue.

[ It is clear from Lee Chang's baring that this is not the first time he has ridden a horse. His back is straight, his movements swift and clear, and the animal takes his direction with ease. There is no awkward bump or jolt when he eases her into a trot. It is the ride of a man who has spent weeks in a saddle.

He is solemn and quiet for most of the ride, though when a familiar face happens to come up along side him, he manages to offer a slightly softer look and a nod, with the murmur: ]

You are prepared?

During the Rescue:

[ Though the horse was a perfect beast for a chase or an ambush, Lee Chang quickly takes leave of it once they are in the thick of it. Galloping up next to a carriage, he flings himself off the horse and onto the carriage's side, his sword pulled out as the blunt end immediately went to the Driver's head. A stunning blow - as careful as he could manage in the circumstance, but the Driver pulls hard on the reins as his head rolls to the side and the carriage starts to pull off the road.

He desperately grabs at the reins, but they have slipped out of the Driver's hands and fly off to the side. ]

Grab them! [ He hisses at his nearest party member. ] Slow them down before they crash!

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prelude

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open~

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