[ORP] A Murder in Chard

Maria_madalena

Madalena shifted restlessly, trying to free her hands from the tight knot. Her dagger was way beyond her reach and she felt a deep and unnerving emotion taking place, fear it seemed. She killed a clergyman and now she has tied and bruised, the corpse of her victim lying just beside her. Her aggressor looked her with both curiosity and rage, and the young woman took a deep breath, trying to control her nerves.

"You'd untie me because you're curious about me..." She licked her lips, focusing on his face. "If you keep me here, I'll end up dead."

From the corner of her eye she saw a man approach the altar.

"You can keep me tied. Just take me from here. I'll answer your questions then." Her expression had softened, for she had lost her haughtiness. Madalena was pleading his charity.
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Janko_vukotic

Janko entered in church... "Oh my" he put hand on sword Xin, what are you doing?
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General of Devon's Knights ¤ Lt. Commander of Devon Regiment

Xin_de_guillotine

Xin had worked his way into another very difficult situation.
He seemed to have a talent for that lately. Looking at his army friend Janko.
While thinking of a reply. He should react very quickly.
If he wanted to give the lady a chance to explain herself.
He couldn't believe She would commit such an act without provocation.
Still She could be a disturbed soul or crazy person.
Please Janko I ask You to leave. So You don't become a suspect in all of this.
I will handle things and will see to it that justice is served.

Xin turned to the woman sitting on the floor and took her by the arm.
Lifting her onto her feet with one quick pull. He tried to stay calm so he wouldn't bruse her arm too much.
He left the church with the woman and went around a corner out of sight so She could talk in her defense.
Give me your explanation. And be quick about it.
The dead cleric and your dagger can be found by the priest at any moment now.
Im committing a crime myself by even listening to you.
I hope Janko trusts me and he will not report it right away.
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~Saighdear - Gatekeeper~

Janko_vukotic

Janko was pushed from gate apparently. Woman was fine, Xin is not somoene who would kill anyone... Okay, I am going to check what is here happening... Janko moved toward altar..
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General of Devon's Knights ¤ Lt. Commander of Devon Regiment

Maria_madalena

Another man entered the church and Madalena trembled.

"Thank you." She said as her aggressor advised the new man to leave the church. Then, he turned to her and grabbed her arm. He was not careful and Madalena choked a cry as he pulled her to her feet and dragged her outside, his strong grip keeping her from running away.

Madalena was cornered and he claimed an explanation. But how would she explain to him that she took the clergyman's life just for the sake of it? "I do hope Janko trusts you too... " She murmured trying to organize her thoughts.

"The clergyman's tried to rape me." She stated in a shaky voice, tears streaming down her pale face. "I... I was praying, asking for forgiveness and guidance. My... My... sister... She's dead. He... He... came from behind." She blushed slightly, looking embarrassed to reveal such details. "I could... could not let him..." Her body shivered and she briefly closed her eyes.

Madalena could fake pleasure as well as she could fake pain.
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Xin_de_guillotine

Xin let go of her arm and took a step back. He listened to her words as he watched every move and facial expression.
It was clear the woman was confused and maybe in a state of shock. Just starting to see the concequences of her act.
You want me to believe that someone with a status in this town.
He was wearing a gold chain of office.
Attacked you in the middle of a church, while someone could enter at any moment?
Where every sound is amplified bcos churches are build to have great acoustics?
Also I bet there are brothels in town.
So why would this man try this? The facts speak against you.
Xin had seen people do crazy things after they loose loved ones.
He witnessed the aftermath of battles and plunder. Survivors being out of their minds with grief.
Feeling sorry for the woman and knowing what they would do to her if she got arrested.
He knew he had no choice but to bring her to the sheriff.
If your story is true you must explain it to the sheriff.
But you killed a man and you probably left a family without a husband, father and income.
I am sorry you lost your sister. Please tell me your name.
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~Saighdear - Gatekeeper~

Maria_madalena

Madalena was crying although she felt no remorse. Her aggressor was watching her so closely that she doubted she was capable of deceiving him. His speech confirmed her suspicion and she neither denied or confirmed his words. Keeping her eyes overtly on his face, the harlot began to think about an escape route, now that the man was no longer holding her.

It was true she was still mourning the loss of her younger half-sister, it was also true that she could not forgive herself for all the wrong choices, for all the mistakes, for the love she didn't give. She knew her punishment was being alive, carrying a heavy burden of grief and pain, but she could not bear the thought of dying without completing her revenge, without killing Nicole.

"I have no name." She said as she bent her right knee quickly and aimed it at his crotch.

He grunted in pain and Madalena ran quickly towards the forest, not once looking back and hoping that the blow was strong enough to keep him quiet and still for a while. Later she would find a way to untie her hands.
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Xin_de_guillotine

Feeling the pain grow stronger he falls to his knees.
He was concentrating on the wrong things and felt sorry.
This proved to be a mistake.
Trying to get his footing he staggered to the church door.
Gathering his axe and shield. Opening the door just a bit, he whisteled.
Calling the hamster. He needed his keen sense of smell and hearing.
Marco we need to find this lady. She is dangerous and we have to stop her from hurting others.
The hamster started to run while sniffing the ground.
Xin walked behind him being certain to find the woman in the woods when it would get dark in a few hours.
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~Saighdear - Gatekeeper~

Xin_de_guillotine

They had been following the trail for a few hours now.
On some surfaces her footprints could be seen and broken twigs where she made her way thru.
Also the hamster was still running in front of him. She could not be far away.
They reached a creek when marco turned around.
Xin also stopped walking to listen for a moment.
The sound of snapping sticks in the distance.
He picked up his tiny friend and put him on his shoulder.
Xin started to follow the stream bcos it was the path of least resistance.
The trees and plants grow closer together in this part of the forest.
You must be tired from running. Now its time I pick up the pace.
Splashing thru the creek he wasn't very silent. But he had to try to get closer.
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~Saighdear - Gatekeeper~

Maxfieldtim

Marshall Tim arrives to check what was going on.

Dunpeal

Dunpeal is confused with all the commotion and asks marshall Tim for help.

What was all that racket about??

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Claire.blackthorn@2014 Pretty thank you =)

A Murder in Chard

Xin_de_guillotine

~Saighdear - Gatekeeper~

Xin_de_guillotine

~Saighdear - Gatekeeper~

Maxfieldtim

Marshall Tim arrives to check what was going on.

Dunpeal

Dunpeal is confused with all the commotion and asks marshall Tim for help.

What was all that racket about??

_________________

Claire.blackthorn@2014 Pretty thank you =)

Xin_de_guillotine

~Saighdear - Gatekeeper~

Maria_madalena

Janko_vukotic

Janko entered in church... "Oh my" he put hand on sword Xin, what are you doing?
_________________

General of Devon's Knights ¤ Lt. Commander of Devon Regiment

Xin_de_guillotine

~Saighdear - Gatekeeper~

Maria_madalena

Janko_vukotic

Janko was pushed from gate apparently. Woman was fine, Xin is not somoene who would kill anyone... Okay, I am going to check what is here happening... Janko moved toward altar..
_________________

General of Devon's Knights ¤ Lt. Commander of Devon Regiment

Maria_madalena

As Madalena was reaching the church's door a man opened it and stared at her with disbelief. She reached for her dagger and ran even faster. But before she even managed to unsheath the blade, the man punched her with his left fist. The blow was so intense that Madalena staggered, her vision blurring; and suddenly it all went dark.

After a while, Madalena felt a cold liquid against her sore face. She coughed, spitting blood and water on the floor. Her consciousness slowly returning.

"What the hell?!?" She grunted as she opened her eyes, eyeing the strange man. A sting of pain made her try to touch her bruised face. The awareness of her inability hastily sinking in. "Untie me." She almost ordered, looking for her dagger.
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Xin_de_guillotine

Looking at the woman waking. He kept a close eye.
She even had the nerve to ask to untie her.
What is your name? And why do you hurt someone in Jah's home?
I could not save the man you stabbed. So why would I untie you?
_________________

~Saighdear - Gatekeeper~

Dunpeal

Dunpeal is in the sacristy and hears some commotion coming from the church. He gets up as he was praying and slowly walks to the altar...

_________________

Claire.blackthorn@2014 Pretty thank you =)

Maria_madalena

Xin_de_guillotine

Xin walked toward the church. Talking to marco along the way. The hamster was sitting on his shoulder.
Maybe you get lucky and they have those altar treats.
The hamster squeeked and he felt his whiskers tickling his ear.
Xin put his axe and shield next to the door outside and reached for the doorhandle. He heared muffled voices inside.
There are people present so behave ok? No running around or climbing onto people.
Inside a church you have to be quiet and behave. So the visitors can pray in silence.
He opened the door and marco ran inside as soon as he fit thru the opening.
Xin could have never thought he would see a bleeding man on the floor and a lady with a bloody dagger running towards him.
Without thinking he hits her with a left hook right on the cheek.
She drops on the floor at his feet. What in Jah's name is happening here?He sees marco sitting next to the bleeding man.
Just as many times before he starts to give aid. Looking at the wound, gets a cloth from his travelbag to press on to it to stop the bleeding.
Feeling his neck with two fingers. He learns that the man has no heartbeat anymore. Looking at the puddle of blood he sighs.
What a horrible act to do in a church.
I am just a visitor in this town. But nobody should deserve to get murdered here.
Xin turns to the lady still lying on the floor.
He kicks away the dagger and takes a cloak hanging from a bench nearby to bind her hands. Sitting her upright, leaning against the side of a bench.
He gets his waterflask from his bag and tries to wake her by splashing water into her face.
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~Saighdear - Gatekeeper~

Maria_madalena

Madalena quickly unsheathed her dagger and the shiny blade pierced the clergyman's abdomen. She muffled his scream with her other hand, never once fearing to look him in the eye as life calmly departed from his body. It was not her first time, nor would it be the last.

“I’ll not be disciplined, good man. But you’ll meet the Almighty soon enough. Send Him my greetings.”

She smiled bitterly and twisted the blade. Blood was pouring into the ground, staining the immaculate floor, and she carefully removed the dagger of the lifeless body before cleaning it on the cleric’s cassock. She covered herself with the dark cloak, her watchful eyes searching for the presence of other human beings. Then, she ran towards the church door, leaving behind a trail of death.
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Maria_madalena

Madalena smiled.

“I could, but I won’t.”

She had one dagger strapped to her left thigh and was reaching for it. Slowly, Madalena lifted her skirt just above her knees. Certainly, the clergyman would thought she wanted to corrupt him, break his vows of celibacy. He couldn't be further from the truth.

“Will you answer me?” She asked aggressively.

Her patience was growing thin.
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Joseph, roleplayed by Maria_madalena

The woman facing him was lifting her skirt. Joseph began to think that she enjoyed his despair, teasing him knowingly and taking advantage of his weakness. He was offering her his kindness, vowing to forgive her misbelief and all she could do was mock him. Joseph was mad.

“Your sincerity? I must admit that I was mistaken about you.” He coughed, trying to disguise the hesitation in his voice. “You do not deserve my benevolence, neither do you deserve my forgiveness. Lady, your soul is malicious.” He took a step back. “You’ll have to be disciplined.”

He was hoping that someone would enter the church.

Joseph, roleplayed by Maria_madalena

Joseph observed quietly as she stripped her cloak, not quite grasping the purpose of such act.

“What are you doing?” He asked, confused. “It’s cold, woman.” She did not answer him and continued her speech, ignoring his surprised look.

The religious man felt her penetrating gaze as she approached him, her face mere inches away. Joseph could now sense her hot breath and clearly see the iris of her hazel eyes. He was extremely uncomfortable, being this close to a faithless and beautiful woman.

“Could… could you please take a step back?” He murmured, trying to overlook the awkwardness.

Perhaps he was facing the devil.

Maria_madalena

Madalena rolled her eyes.

“I do not want you to ignore anything, father, not a single word. I meant what I said.” Madalena unfastened the tie that held her cloak. “I will not lie to achieve your forgiveness or the forgiveness of this church.” She placed her cloak on one of the benches. “What are you going to do about my sincerity?”

The young woman took a step forward and eyed the cleric.
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Joseph, roleplayed by Maria_madalena

Joseph took a deep breath. The coldness of her words scared him, she was so lost on her own pain that she could not see beyond it. He was a good man, a believer in the Lord’s goodness, perfectly capable of forgiving her lack of faith and hope.

“I’ll ignore your harsh words, I’ll forget all that you said, but I can only help you, if you let me.” He said trying to sound reassuring. “A young woman like you should not feel so lost.”

He did not wish to summon his superiors and accuse this soul of heresy.

Joseph, roleplayed by Maria_madalena

Joseph reached for his necklace, stroking it absently.

“You are not allowed to speak of our Lord on those terms, young lady. You should show some respect to this holy place.” Father Joseph stepped closer to the woman on dark clothes. She had mischievous hazel eyes, straight brown hair and plump lips. “You cannot leave, not after those harsh words and disrespectful actions. You must ask for forgiveness, otherwise I’ll have to turn this a public matter.” His voice was now gentler. “I understand that you are resentful, you lost a sister, right? That can be rough. I can help you. The Almighty can help you numb the pain.” He gave another step towards her. “You just have to believe.”

Joseph searched the eyes of the young woman for a spark of faith, but all he found was pain.

Maria_madalena

Madalena laughed, a dry and sarcastic laugh that echoed through the church.

“Believe, believe in what, father?” She shook her head. “Do you want me to believe in a fairy-tale of lies? Is that it?” The young woman sighed. “My youngest sibling is dead, can your Almighty Lord bring her back to life? Bring her back to me? Can He erase the wounds on my heart? Can He make me forget all that is wrong?” Madalena dropped her hands and suppressed a sob. “He cannot. We both know it.”

The cleric was now too close for his own good.
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Joseph, roleplayed by Maria_madalena

Joseph was kneeling in a dark corner, his eyes facing the cold ground, his lips muttering prayers, when a young woman walked down the aisle and towards the altar. From the corner of his eye, he saw her, saw her knelt before the altar, saw her dark clothes and the mourning in her eyes, illuminated by flickering candlelight. She spoke of hurt and vengeance, her words inflamed by rage. Joseph eyes were wide in disbelief, as he thought that her words and actions were outrageous. How could such a young woman have so little faith in the Almighty?

Suddenly, she raised and turned around. Joseph, moved by his own irritation, ran after her.

“Lady!” He called, his voice was piercing.

Maria_madalena

Madalena stopped but did not turn around, as the realization that she was not utterly and completely alone sank in. The young woman missed a breath and concern poured through her body as she recalled her heated speech. There was no forgiveness for heresy.

“Yes.” She answered turning to face the man that soon was going to die. “Do you need anything?” Madalena was mocking him, a dangerous smile playing on her lips.

The man was not very tall and was dressed in a simple brown cassock. A gold chain adorned his neck and his blue eyes were fixed on her. To Madalena he looked like an ordinary clergyman, one really unlucky.
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Maria_madalena

Maria Madalena was never a religious woman, for she knew too well the wickedness of men. Raised between the walls of a brothel, soon she learned that the Almighty did not have eyes for her misery. His blindness cost her many tears and the scars that covered her back. But here she was, under a pale grey sky, facing the grand building that was the church of Chard, County of Devon.

A cool breeze swept through the church courtyard and the dark cloak that covered her slender body stirred gently. Some brown hair strands covered the beautiful features of her face branded by pain and sorrow. It was very early in the morning and although the place was disturbingly quiet her soul was a riot.

Slowly, Madalena walked towards the church door, her feet reverberating across the worn stones that covered the churchyard. Inside, it was dark and smelled of incense. She made her way into the nave and then walked down the aisle toward the chancel area. At the altar Madalena knelt and closed her eyes.

“I do not ask for your forgiveness, nor do I ask for your protection!” Her voice was strained. “My little sister is dead…” Madalena was sobbing, her hands clenched around the skirt of her dress. “All my life I’ve been searching for love and kindness, and you couldn’t let me have it. So, do not bother to listen to me now, for all I desire is vengeance.” Infuriated she spat on the altar, her eyes burning with rage.

Madalena stayed on her knees for another moment, thinking about her now meaningless life, and then she raised.

This is an open role-play. Feel free to join.

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[ORP] A Murder in Chard