Bloodlines
Act III Chapter I
Rathel walked the dirt road home alone, the sun setting to his left, the town of Tâdcelon closing it's gates behind him, the vast green forest to his right, and a long and lonely road in front of him. The estate was an hour or so walk from the town, and Rathel used that time to relax and his thoughts and find peace in the solitude.
Whatever rest he earned would quickly fade away as his name was called out. Recognizing the voice, he lets out a sigh and turns around to find Luc running up to him from the town.
"Rathel!" he calls out again, unsure as to why though as he had already caught his attention and made him stop.
Adjusting his stance as he waits for the man to catch up, Rathel studies him. "Aye?" he calls out, no longer needing to shout for their ears to catch words.
Luc stops in front of him, catching his breath as he rests his hands on his knees. "I... phew..." he begins to say, words soft and light from the lack of air. "I saw you going home, and figured we can walk together."
Pulling his lips to one side, he studies Luc in his new armor before continuing his path.
"Hey, wait up!" He can hear Luc's distress behind him as he begins to follow him.
Ignoring his words, he keeps his pace towards home.
Used to being treated this way by Rathel, Luc doesn't take his distance or reluctance to heart as he follows him home. "Man, what a day. Did a few training sessions with the local militia, they're beginning to learn-" At this point, Rathel fades away the man's words as he focuses on literally anything else. It was clear to any stranger that Rathel harbors no positive feelings for the man. Rescuing the man from the brigands that are still terrorizing the village he's sworn to protect with his brother somehow made Luc attached to him. Not being used to any attachment of that sort, Rathel tries to avoid the man as much as he could.
"- and the patrols we're boring as ever. I mean, half the time in the city people just stare at me. Mainly because, you know." he stops, knowing all to well Luc is giving him the 'look' again. "I look like your brother, who happens to be some sort of cunt seeing how he's killed and burn a good quarter of the village."
Rathel stops and turns around, catching Luc by surprise as he almost walks into him.
"Is there something you want?" Rathel asks Luc, a clear tone of irritation as Luc had been nothing but annoyance to him.
"Yeah, maybe an explanation as to why this clearly evil man looks almost exactly like me? Like, I've never seen him personally, but everyone in the town hates me."
Letting out a sigh, Rathel turns and continues his walk. "You talk too much..."
Luc begins to follow again. "And you talk too little! I've been asking the same question for months now ever since I learned of this. I can honestly see-"
Rathel begins to tune him out again. Each time Luc had asked that question, Rathel wondered the same. He had some suspicions with a theory, but he had never built up the strength to ask it.
"- Like, I mean, people have told me bits and snips of whatever story may lead up to all of this chaos. But not a word from you! Or your brother, the great Warden of Tâdcelon. No offense. I actually like the man. Sure I can like you too, if you pop by more often or actually talk back to me."
Sighing once again, Rathel stops and faces Luc, a stern and clear expression of seriousness lay on his face. "Luc. Is your name Luc or does it have an extension?"
Luc seems surprised, almost giving Rathel his smile as he is pleased with the conversation no longer being one sided. "Aye, it does. But what do I get in return for telling you?"
Rathel rolls his eyes. Everything to the man is a game, a trade where he ends up with something more. "We have given you food, shelter, and this very fine suit of armor that was once my brothers..."
Luc pulls his chin into his neck, as if surprised Rathel can play with his game. "Aye, but for the price of my blade and the hand that wields it."
Rathel, not being the best with words, takes a second to think. "We gave you the blade as well..." he comments.
Luc looks down at his short sword, nodding to himself. For a moment, only the wind can be heard blowing between them as the two stood facing each other. "Fine..." the man replies as he pushes out his chest and puts both of his fists against his sides.
"I am Lucalopanatona!"
The two remained frozen, only the wind mocking Rathel.
"That's an odd name..." Rathel replies before Lucalopanatona bursts into laughter. "It's Lucifen!"
Rathel, puzzled, stares at the man. "So... Lucifen? I take it the other name was a... joke?"
"Yes you idiot, now come on, we can walk and talk." Lucifen replies as he grows impatient with the fact that Rathel can't take a joke. Nodding at the man, the two continue their walk.
As usual, Lucifen found some other topic for Rathel to ignore. His thoughts instead return to the man's name. Whatever theory he had built up to answer the question of the man's resemblance to his brigand brother faded away. Letting out an exhausting sigh, Rathel scratches his left forearm through his armor as the sun sets down.
Another day had passed in the lands of Tâdcelon, and no sign of those who wish it harm. It had been months since they're last encounter, where Rathel rescued Lucifen, a man who looks almost identical to his fallen brother.
