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 Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 6:21 pm
Side Note: Please don't post in this thread unless its going to be apart of the story any comments questions can be pmed, posted in the main forum of the guild, at Cup of Grace, ect. If anyone would like to make character edits feel free, if you send it I'll put it up. Kingdom Characters: Queen Grace  King Fox  General Sarace  1st Knight Ash  1st Knight Rook  1st Knight Hart  1st Knight Jono  1st Knight Elyk  Sun the Foreign Diplomat  Kurai the current personal assistant to the Queen  Erick 
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Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 10:14 pm
Sarace looked out over the balcony, she looked down on the kingdom that generations of her people have fought bravely to protect. She could see the lights twinkling and hear faint voices in the distance.
Sarace breathed in deeply while her wings fluttered in the wind, she had just been appointed ahead of the High Imperial Army. She was nervous and calm all at the same time. There hadn't been any wars in years, never in her lifetime anyways. She has also trained for this position all her life.
Still there was apart of her that worried if she would really be up to the task. Would she be able to proctect the kingdom, family and friends.
Her older sister Grace had inherited the throne from their father who recently passed away of old age. Her sister was an excellent Queen, Sarace doubted that she could do half as good. Then there was her husband the loyal King Fox, He managed the Kingdoms finances.
Sarace turned and walked back into the castle and closed her doors behind her and journeyed to the look out posts where the on duty knights would be.
She walked briskly through various underground hallways thats connected vital parts of the Imperial compound. Sarace came to the first out post and climbed the stairs to the look out point.
Standing before her was a 1st ranking Knight, which all the 1st Knights patrolled at night to keep the Kingdom safe.
"Good Evening to you Rook, I am just doing the usual rounds. Anything to report?" Sarace was the type of leader that was very hands on; she couldn't expect something from her troops she was unwilling to do herself. Her subordinates had become very comfortable, they had become a family among themselves.
"Ah Sarace, I see you are on your nightly rounds. This is late even for you if I dare say. No there is nothing to report on the north end of the city," Rook replied glancing over to Sarace from his look out point.
Sarace leaned against the wall nearest to her. "I suppose it is on the late side. How can I sleep when our enemies won't," Sarace watching Rook.
"Haha.." Rook slighly chuckled, "I think you just have the jitters. We don't have any enemies, not any known ones anyway."
"Thats the problem, just because we don't know of a threat doesn't mean there isn't one," Sarace started.
"And if there is one," Rook cut in. "We are at your side ready to protect the Kingdom."
Sarace nodded,"Very true Rook. I suppose I am worrying over nothing. Well I should go finish my rounds before the sun comes up." With that Sarace turned and headed back down the stairs to continue down the check points.
Rook watched Sarace leave and turned back to look out point.
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 5:11 pm
Moving along the hallway Sarace came to her next stop. Walking out onto the look out point she called out. The knight on duty turned and saluted her.
"At ease Hart, How are things tonight on the Eastern side of the Kingdom," Sarace questioned.
"Oh just fine," Hart replied. "Things are quiet like normal, everyone spending time with their families before bed."
"I guess thats how it should be. Well I'll leave you to your work," Sarace said as she turned and left.
After checking in with Jono at the Southern outpost Sarace made her way to her last stop the Western outpost. One of her good friends were one duty. There were only a handful of women who were 1st Ranking Knights, and Ash happened to be the closest to her.
Sarace came walking up the stairs,"Ash" she called out.
Ash who had been watching from her post intently on the city below her jumped slightly. She turned to see Sarace.
"Oh Sarace, what are you doing out? I didn't think you were on patrol tonight. I figured the Boss wouldn't have to pull night watches," Ash inquired to Sarace.
Sarace came to stand next to Ash. "Well I don't think it quiet works like that. If anything I think the Boss is supposed to work the hardest and be the most prepared," was the best response she could think of.
"Plus I think its calming to know everything is calm before trying to rest," Sarace finished.
"Ah...your going to do a fine job Sarace, everyone believes in you. Things are all clear by the way," Ash replied reassuring her friend.
Silence fell on the two friends. That was the best thing about them, they could talk about a thousand things or nothing it all. Soon it was time for Sarace to be on her way back to the castle.
"I better get going, there is a meeting tomorrow and full day of all kinds of other stuff," Sarace drifted off.
"Ok, well I'll see you later," Ash called off as Sarace head down the stairs.
Making it back to the castle and to her quarters Sarace started taking off her Imperial uniform. Her Winged back bow, her General's Jacket. She changed into something more comfortable and laid down to rest.
Sarace closed her eyes. Laying there the day soon caught up with her and she was fast asleep.
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Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 5:30 pm
Sarace walked down the hallway, it could almost seem like deja vu. Of course when your life consisted of a certain job or purpose sometimes one day seemed like the last or the next. Days could blend into weeks. But Sarace felt rested and ready to face the day.
Sarace's pace didn't slow as she turned into the war room, she had a lot to do today and checking last nights reports was first on her list. She doubted there were any reports out of the ordinary but it would bother her the whole day if she didn't double check. Things needed order and without checks and balances they would fall apart. And Sarace was sure she would do everything it would take to keep that from happening.
"Rook," Sarace called out seeing him, he must have been finishing up and ready to be on his way out. "How did everything go? nothing new," Sarace questioned.
"Ah, No nothing new, all the reports were calm through the night as usual" Rook answered as he stretched. One could tell by looking at Rook he was ready to find the nearest cot and catch some much needed sleep.
"Well, I won't keep you, I am sure your ready for some rest yourself. I'll just go through these reports," Sarace trailed off as she began to look at the papers that were by her desk.
"Goodnight Sarace! Haha, or should I say good morning," Rook said his goodbyes and headed off as the morning/day shift of Knights came into the war room.
Sarace read through the reports, like normal there was nothing new. She leaned back in her chair and looked at the other knights working on their normal tasks. Some of them would look over to her, be aware in case they were needed for a special project or mission. Checking the time Sarace realized that her meeting would be starting in an hour and a half. With that she put her report in their files and had a quick word with 1st knight Elyk.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In front of her stood a large purple door with gold trim. This was the door to the conference room. The room was used for many meetings with foreign diplomats. Sarace raised her hand a knocked in a slightly rhythmic pattern. She stood waiting to hear word from the other side of the door.
"Cooome Iiinn," Queen Grace's voice came echoing through the door. Slowly Sarace opened the door and made her way inside.
"Oh Sarace I am glad to see you here. We have lots to discuss. I am expecting a special foreign diplomat here today. He has traveled a long way and I think he will be most beneficial to the Kingdom," Grace explained as she ushered Sarace in and to a seat at the table. "Can I have any of the servants bring anything for you, Queen Grace questioned.
"I am fine thanks, no need to go through so much trouble," Sarace responded.
"Its no trouble, after all we are sisters. But I think I shall have a small tray prepared for when our guest arrives," Grace decided walking to the door to where her most loyal servant was.
"Kurai..."Grace called from the door and moments later Kurai was there.
"I heard your call my Queen, What is it that I can do for you," Kurai asked paying close attention to not miss a word.
"I have a guest coming, and we will need a small tray of refreshments. If you would some fruit, crackers, and some sweet tea will do nicely," Grace said checking a mental list in her mind and then nodded to herself to signify that was all correct.
"I'll have it here shortly for your Majesty and royal guests," Kurai quickly made off to be sure to get all the preparations that were requested.
"How are things going in your new position as General," Grace asked turning back to Sarace.
"Fine, I think I am going to put up a new announcement for a new class of knights. I think we would do well if we could add 100 knights to our troop. That way we will be over 1,000 knights. And then we could be prepared for any future threats," Sarace concluded.
"I trust your judgment, Father assured me before he passed that you were better equipped to deal with it than I would be," Queen Grace drifted off and then stood hearing footsteps. She surveyed the room to make sure it looked ready and it did. She signaled to her guard to open the door and with this Sarace also stood ready to meet the Queen's guest.
"Welcome, welcome Sun," Queen Grace bowed slightly and shook hands with a tall stocky man. This man dressed quite differently from the Kingdom's natives. He wore a hat and full buttoned down shirt.
"Sarace this is Sun he comes from the Eastern Islands," Grace introduced.
"Hello, nice to meet you" Sarace reached out and shook the visitor's hand.
"Nice to meet you," Sun agreed.
"Sun, this is Sarace she is the Kingdoms General. She can help show you around the cities and answer any questions you may have. Let us all sit and talk," Grace said and gestured to the chairs around the table.
Everyone took the perspective seats, Queen Grace at the head, Sarace to her right and then Sun across from the two of them.
"So Sun, What word do you bring us from the Eastern Island," Grace asked.
"The Islands are well, but I am afraid I heard word that there is an evil lord rising up to power to the north of us in the main land of KaLinns. There is no immediate threat, but I imagine it will be something to keep eyes on," Sun said thoughtfully.
Sarace nodded taking in the information, making mental notes.
Grace spoke up, " Thank you Sun for your truthfulness, you have shown true friendship. Together I am sure you and Sarace will come up with a plan to help overturn any ill will."
"Now, unless there is anything else I have other matters to attend to," the Queen questioned the two at the table.
Sarace shook her head, "No your Highness."
"No," responded Sun
With that all three stood and made their ways out of the room.
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Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 5:48 pm
Walking into the hallway Sun looked around, taking in the beauty of the castle. While he gazed out of a near window a young lady approached.
"Diplomat Sun," the soft voice called to get his attention.
Sun turned around to see a beautiful maiden in front him. Quite possibly the most beautiful he had ever seen.
"Yes," Sun replied walking towards where this girl stood.
"I am here to lead you to your quarters that are assigned to you while you stay here in the Kingdom, follow me please," Kurai said and then turned and lead the guest to his room.
Sun walked quickly behind her, he was surprised at how fast she walked and kept her stride to not get left behind.
Soon they were at what would be his room.
"Here are your living quarters, Sir," Kurai held the door open.
"Oh thank you, I didn't catch your name before..." Sun asked with a small grin.
"Kurai. I am the Queen's most trusted and loyal servant," Kurai answered.
"A servant, not very coming of the century is it.." Sun trailed off for in his country they no longer had servants.
"I choose my position, not that I didn't have others. The Royal family is generous, they make everyone part of the family. Maybe you will come to see that on your own during your stay here," Kurai finished. "And unless there is some thing urgent, I must be on my way."
Sun watched her leave and chuckled to himself. He didn't realize he had picked a sore subject. He supposed he was getting off on the wrong foot. He would make it up later he promised himself and her even if she didn't know it.
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Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 10:41 am
Sarace sat in the War Room looking at maps of the area. She looked at the areas they didn't know very much about. It seemed like a lot of areas surprisingly. I guess all the years of peace under her Father made everyone to comfortable to stay among themselves.
She decided that she would gather knights to go scouting in the lands to the south which had been untouched.
But if she was going to send Knights out she would need more to be trained.
She walked over to one of the second knights,"Diamond" Sarace called getting the girls attention sitting at one of the desks.
"Yes General," she said standing to her feet.
"Could you make a notice that new recruits may apply for training for knighthood, Only requirements are that the recruits be 18years or older," Sarace finished. "And if you would have all the knights called, we will be having a meeting tomorrow morning." Finishing Sarace walked out of the War Room to attend to other things.
Diamond did as she was asked she drafted proclamations requesting for anyone interested in becoming a new recruit report to the castle on Saturday for the first phase of recruitment.
After that she wrote out memos to every knight that there would be a meeting in the morning that everyone must attend.
Finishing her tasks she split them up among four of her peers and herself so they could distribute them.
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Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 8:03 pm
Sarace stood in the hallway knocking on the door to the room of the royal guest. She knocked, waited, knocked again, waited again, knocked some more, and waited some more. Finally starting to feel tired of waiting she knocked as hard as she could and yelled," I am coming in." She pushed into the room, upon looking around she could not find the guest. Closing the door behind herself Sarace went to go hunt down the missing guest.
Sarace had searched everywhere; high and low. In the end she found him in the royal garden, Sarace thought it was quite a weird place to find a man spending his time in. When she finally got close enough, the reason why became very apparent.
Across the way from where Sun sat was Kurai, the Queen's most loyal servant. Sarace didn't know whether to think Sun was a romantic or a pervert, either way she had more important things to do and think about.
"AHEM," Sarace cleared her throat and stepped into Sun's line of vision. "I guess you forgot we had a meeting. I was to show you around the Kingdom. Now I am running behind almost an hour because I was forced to look for you," Sarace crossed her arms and waited for in her opinion whatever lame response he would offer up.
"OH, Well I was waiting this morning and then I started to feel restless. I thought I would get some fresh air. I must have lost track of time. Sorry you had to look to find me. Of course one would think since this is your home you wouldn't have had to look so hard," Sun shrugged as he finished explaining.
Sarace glared towards him, looks could have killed had only he'd been paying any attention. "Well, let us get on with the tour," Sarace clapped her hands as she would for a pet animal and started to walking.
Sun regretfully followed his tour guide; thats what he referred to the General in his mind.
After following for a few minutes he noticed Sarace come to a stop, so he stopped a few feet behind her.
"This is our courtyard," Sarace said gesturing to the area around them. "We use this are to train and to hold meetings before any major assignments are given out. Also the Queen likes to use this area when she is addressing the people, she feels it keeps it in line with how my father did things when he was here."
"What kind of routine does your training consist of," Sun inquired surveying the large area.
"Acrobats, Offensive, Defensive, Sword Fighting, Archery, Hand to Hand combat. The normal stuff. There is individual training and also group training sessions," Sarace elaborated.
"Mmm hmmmm...," was all Sun said in return while he nodded his head.
"Well moving on," Sarace called as she started towards the gate the lead to the different parts of the Kingdom.
As they walked on Sarace showed him the different houses and businesses around the area. She showed him the Main Market Place where things were bought, sold, and exchanged.
"I am quite impressed your kingdom is quite more advanced than I expected," Sun commented while still observing the town people in the Market Place.
"I guess I should say thank you. I don't know why you would have thought otherwise. As a people we have always have been advanced. We have many great Scientists, Trade Smiths, Educators. Free thought has always been encouraged,"Sarace went on and on to prove their advancements.
"Hmmm...well I just say cause I mean after all you still have servants," Sun brought up still somehow thinking the position was improper.
"So do you say we should not have anyone helping us? They are treated very fairly better than any servants I have ever heard of anyways. We throw them parties and make sure they have time with their families. They are not treated badly," Sarace said in protest.
" I don't think their treatment is the issue, Isn't that job demeaning to others? And I don't don't doubt your treatment of them, they all seem very loyal. For such loyalty, I would imagine they are treated very well. But why not call them something else," Sun questioned further.
"Call them something else," Sarace questioned. "Would personal assistants sound better? Would that make them more respected?"
"That could be an improvement," Sun nodded at the idea.
Sarace rolled her eyes. "A flower is still a flower even if you call it by a different name," she stated to this. "Besides my job is not politics or the hierarchy of which society stands. My job is to protect the Queen, King and all the fair citizens of our Kingdom."
"Well I guess I will take it up with Queen Grace," Sun decided. For somehow his heart could not be changed on this point.
Sarace shrugged, "Well let us get back to the castle. I am sure the Queen will be expecting you back for dinner."
They walked back to the castle in pretty much silence, not that it differed that much from the walk around the kingdom. The silence was only broken once when Sun requested the next time they take a tour perhaps they should take some sort of transport device.
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Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 8:41 pm
The next morning knights stood side by side, the morning sun shined brightly down on the courtyard. Sarace resisted and urge to pace back and forth while waiting to start her meeting. Of course waiting always made her antsy and this was no different.'Patience is a virtue' she said to herself.
Her closest consorts Rook, Jono, Ash, and Elyk all came to stand by her. They gave her looks of support and approval. Except maybe Jono he was always good about seeming neutral about everything and anything.
Elyk put his hand on Sarace's shoulder, "I think we all about ready to start" he let her know.
She looked at her closest friends, after all they had all come up in the ranks together. Then she stepped up to greet her knights.
"AHEM..."Sarace cleared her throat. " I have a couple important decisions I want to share with everyone. For many many years the Kingdom has always been at peace. This has not changed, but the world is changing and we must be ready to change with it.
I will be organizing a troop of Knights to send out exploring in the name of the Kingdom and Queen Grace. You can be any Rank to join, but please know that this is a big commintment. Perhaps even bigger one than being a knight.
This troop will explore the lands and governments to the South of us. They will need to note everything and anything from suspicious to the most normal of things.
In addition to sending knights out of the Kingdom we will be bringing on new recruits to train them to be knights. I will need volunteers who want to step up to help train, anyone who does will be up for a promotion in Rank.
So I hope you are all ready to step up to these new challenges. Those who are interested in certain areas please let myself or any of my 1st Knights know," with that Sarace concluded.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sarace just sat in the War Room looking at all the boards. It was pretty quite in there, she had sent most home for the day except the ones who were doing their round of Look Outs to watch the Kingdom. She had propped her feet on the desk and leaned back into her chair.
"SARACE," Rook's voice boomed and echoed into the empty room.
Sarace jumped out of her seat and the papers she had been holding went everywhere. She looked up in surprise to see Rook. "What are you doing sneaking around," She asked trying to cover for herself.
"Sneaking? I was hardly sneaking. Sneaking would imply that I was trying to avoid getting your attention," Rook stated as a matter of fact.
"Hmmm....Well maybe you should walk harder next time," Sarace said in return.
Rook coughed at this and realized this argument could go on forever with her if he let it. "Sarace I wanted to talk to you about leading your exploration to the South of the Kingdom."
Sarace sighed having to get back to real business. "I'll miss you while you are gone, but I know that I can trust you undoubtedly. The mission couldn't be in better hands. Well, since you are heading it up, feel free to take which knights you need and I will do my best to accommodate you."
Both nodded at each other and got back to work. For there were many things to get in order to have everything fall into place.
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Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 9:35 pm
Sarace sat on her bed looking out the window, sleep seemed like it wouldn't be easy tonight. She contemplated the days events and considered the up coming ones. Her kingdom prepared for something they had never embarked on before. They would be exploring and even possibly getting ready for combat. She would fight hard to ensure the peace that had been there for all of her lifetime.
Standing and stretching Sarace started to get ready for bed. Sarace took off her bow and her anklets setting them on their stand to keep them in pristine shape. Rumors of magic had always surrounded the heirlooms that had been passed on from generation before her and her sisters time.
Sarace had just hung up her jacket when she heard a knock at the door. She strolled to the door quickly, her heartbeat picking up thinking there might be a problem. As she cracked the door before her stood a long lost friend.
"Erick..." she said trying to process her good friend standing before her.
"Sarace, I know its late but I had to come and see you," Erick stammered on and then smiled wide and grabbed Sarace to give her a hug.
After a moment of surprise Sarace hugged Erick back with warmth.
"Come in," Sarace said pulling away and ushering him into her room. "You can sit there," she pointed to the chair by the window across from her bed. Sarace took a seat on the padded bench which sat at the foot of her bed. She folded her legs getting comfortable.
Erick laughed watching her get comfortable and glanced around the room, "Wow everything seems different and the same all at once," he sighed.
"Hmmm....what is that saying about home...eh I can't remember it. Oh well," Sarace waved off at the fleeting quote in her mind. "How have your travels been? what made you come home? I am glad it just seems sudden..." She looked over to him.
He scooted his chair closer so he didn't feel like he had to talk as loud. "Things have been good, seen lots of really cool places. And home is where the heart is right. And...." he was drawing out the last part. "I heard about all the stuff you had going on here and I thought you could use the extra support," Erick smiled
Sarace tilted her head to the side as she thought about what he said. "I would argue to that point cause somewhere in there is seems like doubt my ability to lead and protect. And I can assure you that you would be far off the mark. BUT since you are correct that there are changes in the works so I know an extra body couldn't ever be overlooked. And I guess it wouldn't hurt to have someone with a sense of humor around," Sarace finished.
"How very mature of you. I expected more resistance on me helping you. I know you are stubborn and hate to ask for help. I am impressed," he smiled again.
"Alright, alright...I am going to have to kick you out before you say anything else that could lead to resistance," She said raising an eyebrow.
"Plus I have rounds to make early in the morning."
"Oh what time, I'll come and help you that way I can see what has changed and all that," Erick proposed being quite the early riser.
"Eh 5am should do," She said leading him to the door.
"I'll meet you here at 4:30 then," and then he was out the door and headed down the hallway as Sarace watched him leave and closed the door.
She returned to getting ready for bed and in a few minutes she lay there curled in her blankets slowly drifting off to sleep.
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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:16 pm
Sarace woke early the next morning, she readied herself for the day that was ahead of her. As she put the finishing touches to her hair there was a knock at the door to no surprise.
"Come In," Sarace called to Erick, she was sure it was him on the other side.
"Almost ready I see," Erick commented as he stepped into the room.
"Yes, and you probably thought you would come here early and I would still be asleep," Sarace smirked as she placed her bow on her shoulders.
"Well, today is a new day, isn't it. I am ready to follow at your command," Erick did a mock bow and waited for Sarace to lead the way.
Sarace rolled her eyes and took the lead. They walked down the hall and then took a flight of stairs, taking them deeper into the castle's underground.
Sarace fell into her normal routines despite having an audience, she would occasionally explain different tasks and new systems they were doing.
Soon it was time for her to get to the first training class.
"We better get going, don't want to be late on the first day, what kind of example would that set," Sarace stood and started towards the door, Erick not far behind her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the courtyard Sarace stood ready, she watched at the new recruits lined up in rows. After 5 minutes of no new entries Sarace began.
"Good morning, Thank you for coming. I am very pleased at this turn out, I know its not an easy choice to make.
I am also pleased to introduce a friend who has traveled an extremely long journey to be here, to be an aid to the Kingdom as we move forward. He has been a long time friend to the Queen and our family. He is a very skilled fighter and explorer.
Erick, please come share a couple words if you will," Sarace applauded him as Erick nodded, not that she left him with much choice.
"Thank you Sarace and Queen Grace. Thank you who are here today. It is my honor to serve along side everyone, to see the Kingdom prosper not only as before, but even better," Erick nodded and let Sarace finish.
"Lets get to work," Sarace announced and lead the way in the beginning exercises.
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