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 Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 12:46 pm
Cho spoke right after him and said, "Your highness, if I may? This dragon only wishes to understand what is going on as do I. I have made the journey back only because I have noticed the change before the season. Also the knight there "*Pointing to the female knight that they followed here.*" owes me for saving her life."
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Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 8:29 pm
Master Lierce had taken Warden's report and then dismissed the squire to think on it. After a day, he had a course of action decided and summoned Warden to the meeting hall of the knights. Ten more dragons were already there, of varying rank, including one of the commanders of the Dragon-Bound Knights. Lierce stood at the head of the room and waited until everyone was assembled.
"I have given you authority to act in this matter," Lierce began, addressing the full knights, "to the best of your discretion. We will unofficially support the Crown in this war, as we are unable to not take action. I believe it will be best to maintain our current relationship with the fae through the established monarchy. Know that if things should go ill for the Crown you will receive no support from the Order."
There was a lot being left unsaid in that. Master Lierce was planning to play both sides, sending knights to quietly support the Crown, and then either acknowledging or disavowing the knight's involvement based on who won the war. It meant if the Crown lost, all knights involved could lose their ranks and possibly their lives, should the traitor fae press the issue and demand it. And yet the knights seemed ready to accept this.
"Squire Warden will lead you and those you choose to take with you to the south. You will meet up with the champion Leverne and Sir Tumlar. You have your orders. Now go."
((Jay, care to take over for the knights?))
----------------
There was a rattle of weapons being drawn at the dragon's protest and the fae moved between him and the Queen, shielding her. She appeared unconcerned and merely looked from fae to fae who had volunteered to bind the dragon, considering each. There were four spearmen standing between her and Bullseye, watching him and keeping their spearpoints trained at his chest. None of them bothered to respond to his words - he did not merit an answer, in their minds.
But at Cho's words, the Queen shifted her attention to the woman. She considered the claim for a moment.
"Then you shall have answers, my lady," the Queen purred, "Indeed, since you have a debt from one of mine you deserve nothing less. I will fulfill what is owed unto you. Now, since you have traveled with this dragon, would you lend me your wisdom in choosing a Bond for it? It is a shame to see such a creature flightless and I would not be denied the opportunity to add a dragon to the ranks of my people."
Then with a cold smile she looked directly at Bullseye.
"Foolish beast," she murmured, "Do you not think your kind tried to take us as Bounds, much like you steal away the mortal humans and enslave them? Oh yes, your kind set your will against that of the fae and we overcame them. Do not protest a fate that your ancestors have set in motion. You cannot stop us."
------------------------------
Kocerou stalked from his perch on the makeshift throne, standing pensively on one of the roots, rocking a bit on his toes.
"Flyers!" he called and a hush settled over the ravine at the Prince's cry, "To me! Any creature with wings - to me!"
Slowly, a handful of fae detached themselves and started walking over, bemused.
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Kiddo Seanchain Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 10:56 pm
The orders Lierce had given were a bit troubling, but they would have to make do. Warden and Jace will have to definitely be certain of their decision now. Their resolve hadn't changed much but it was definitely something they needed to keep in mind. There was still time for them to decide otherwise if it came to that. In any case, it was time for them to lead the group to the south outpost.
Once everyone was all set, they took wing to head on back to the outpost.
---
For the most part, Blade and Astalder had been relaxing and just minding themselves in the hideout. However, their attention quickly shifted towards the Prince as he called out for all fliers to gather around him. After shooting one another a glance, the human hopped onto the dragon's backside and they made their way over.
<> asked Astalder.
<>
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Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2010 7:58 pm
Ruscar perked up instantly at the call of the prince. For the most part, the Reborn had been tromping about trying to get used to the hoards of other living creatures flitting around. Years of solitude had made him unaccustomed to the glares of the other dragons. He was uncomfortable and any duty the prince was giving would be a lovely reprieve from all the gazes of Kocerou's subjects.
The Reborn promptly made his way to the prince, but with a catlike uninterested. His slow lazy steps were complimented with a lazy bow to the prince. He remained silent for a moment before asking how they could be of service to the prince.
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Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 6:54 pm
"Here they come," Tumlar said to Leverne, barely turning his head. The light from the window cast a gold orange glow about the room as Bantone began to light the lanterns before moving on to double check the other rooms, making certain they were ready for the new arrivals.
During moments the Silver Rose champion was in better health (and mood), both had discussed what might be their next action, how best to prepare, assist, and cut this rebellion off at the neck... while still keeping the head blinking. The dragon knight was at slight disadvantage on his own input until he was to discover what numbers were at his command, but until then, he made best with what was out on the table.
---
When the squad of knights landed came to settle at the dirt landing ring, Bantone was waiting to greet them at the dirt ring as they each flew down, giving special attention to the commander that had winged down first before directing him back to the outpost where Tumlar and Leverne were waiting.
"Welcome back, Squire Warden and Squire Jace!" he shouted to be heard over the thunder of so many wings in a small area. "Will you be staying with us a while longer or making use of your wings yet again when 'morrow comes if you're rested by then? Didn't think we'd have you learning the lay of the land that quickly now did we?" Bantone laughed as he offered to assist Jace in dismounting.
Meanwhile, Tumlar had greeted the traveling commander just outside the entryway where they turned off to speak in private offside the buildings.
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Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 12:52 pm
Letting out a breath, Jace clambered down from Warden's backside and grinned at Bantone as he approached. He glanced at his dragon companion briefly and exchanged a few mental words with him.
"Well it certainly is good practice," he chuckled before looking a little more serious, "We'll be staying here awhile longer. Regardless the risks, we can't really sit by on this whole thing."
As his bound spoke, the dragon nodded slowly before stretching out his weary limbs from the long flight.
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Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 9:57 pm
Target looked up as he was half dozing off, when Kocerou called all that with wings over and he looked at his own and smirked as he walked over. The Prince said any creature with wings, and he did have wings just not much of flying wings such as the bonded pair. Well what is the worse that could happen, be told again Target, you can't play with the big dragons but in this case Fea.
------------------------
(To Explain confusion before hand, This is the Fea that Target injured earlier, and Cho helped.)
Her bright hazel eyes watched as this played out, it was rather boring till Cho pointed at her and spoke of owing her for her life. This was not keeping the matter personal, and the fact she was pointed out was just simply rude of this Fea. Her eyes narrowed slightly of annoyance then took a tired breath. The Average built, Fea with narrow features tilted her head to the side as the beads that weighed her platinum white hair to prevent them from obscuring her view when it came to her bowman-ship, and moved them behind her ears that are pointed high mixed with the rest of her long feather layered hair that didn't end till her lower back section. As much as she disliked being in attendance in court, she tilted her head up proudly like any knight does, her garb was not heavy and mostly of earth tones, taking a step forward past the other knights that have been also surrounding this scene. She was rather small for the type of Fea, 6'0". The brown boots chimed sweetly with each step as they were a few coins and bells tied decoratively, for aggravating, confusion, and use of a distraction. She knelt down before going any further. "If I may present, I, Ira Silanceyu before your presence your Excellency?" Her weapons were one of many and she always felt odd being present to the crowns, even though she's a knight, her re-curve reddish brown bow, and a quiver full of arrows with fletching 2 black, 1 stripped white with gray, with braid string near the fletching. These viable the quiver sat comfortable at her mid back where a belt was draped over her shoulder and across her under breast which rested upon her black long sleeved shirt with black leather arm bands tied with lose string leaving the last two grommet holes lose on each wrist. She was now dressed with a tailed bodice, green with black markings, where the black tails cover her lower back section, rear and ended about mid thigh. Her daggers and pouches hid under these back tails and only indication was the many belts that crossed under the bodice to 3 inches below her hip line. Her wings were folded down almost barely noticeable with it's transparent grays and whites against that was in a hawk pelt feather pattern. She then waited for the Queens permission before becoming present to step forward as her pin rested on the right side of her chest that was given to her as one of the tokens for her knight hood.
(pin I am leaving for what you decide to be)
------------------------
Bullseye's protest was only a natural reaction as he took a few steps back with a threatening clicking sound (predator noise). To him they were just as bad as the two leg mortals on their lands. Bullseye looked at Cho as she piped up for a second before he brought his attention back at the guards and snapped his jaw a couple times threatening to break their spears if they don't back off. Catching a glimpse of the Queen's smile, and in a low stern tone after she spoke. "I'VE DONE NO WRONG...AND I AM NOT MY ANCESTORS, SHOULDN'T MEAN ANYTHING NOW!"
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Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 11:17 pm
Bantone nodded, himself seeming distant for a moment as he relayed such information before waving the two of them to follow. "As Tumlar gets caught up with what orders Head Commander Lierce sent, go on inside with the rest of them - and make sure to get what rest you can now. While you will still be assigned to us, the others will require assistance at times as well. Tonight will be a busy one for us all."
Ten knight pairs he counted again though he already knew the number from Tumlar. Less than a handful of non-paired humans accompanied the small troop and none decorated in the orange tabard. Two carried the mark of the healing ward with them which would explain that. The other two he could not guess.
"Most certainly a busy one," he commented to himself as he looked ahead at the outpost.
---
The circle of dragons, each with bound seated before them, were lit by candle chandeliers hung above in a similar ring. The stray humans who had attended stood beside the dragon they had been carried in on. Tumlar and Bantone stood at the head of the circle with the commander and the Knight from the Silver Rose Court.
The commander called everyone to order and giving official introductions before stepping back and giving the floor to the fae champion and Dragon Knight who had brought them to this point.
((Warden/Jace pick a spot. XD))
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Kiddo Seanchain Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 8:12 pm
Kocerou waited while the fae gathered around him. Those with wings or other ability to fly waited, curious but patient, while their prince studied the assembled crowd. He seemed pleased by the results of his call.
"I need scouts," he said without any formality, "We must have every advantage when we face His Majesty's army. I need to know the lay of the land, where his army is coming from, and how strong it is. The last is the most dangerous, for it requires running the risk of discovery. I ask for the aid of those of you that are quick, able to stay hidden, or able to pass oneself off as not one of my followers. Who among you volunteers?"
----------------------
Leverne assumed the center of the circle without formality. He was a knight as well. His kind did not assume the complexities of court life unless it suited them, and when war was on the horizon they did not have any use for such things.
"Knights," he began, "I understand you have already been told of the situation, so I will not take time to explain it once more. Instead, we must now look to what must be done. In order to spare both our people the suffering of war, we must end this quickly, and to do that we must find this traitor and subdue him. I trust that it has been explained that we cannot afford to kill him - you are the elite among your kind. I trust that you will be up to the task.
We must know where the traitor has made his lair. Once we have this, we can lead a small force with the goal of taking him captive. If this can be done his followers will surrender and war will be averted. To this end, I propose that we make use of your wings to scout the surrounding forest. The traitor will be making use of scouts... hopefully we will be able to capture one for questioning.
If we cannot accomplish this, we will have to meet up with my liege's army and discuss further strategy from there."
And he fell silent, waiting for questions.
---------------------
The Queen nodded graciously at Ira. She seemed pleased.
"Sir Silanceyu, do you present yourself as a Bound for this dragon? We are inclined towards this. Your skill with a bow has been an asset to our knights many times and your actions in our recent time of trouble has not gone unnoticed. We believe you would make a fine Bound... take him with our blessing."
She kissed her fingertips and then brushed these lightly against the pin, a silver rose with a length of chain hidden in the petals.
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Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 7:41 pm
At the mention of scouts, Astalder and Blade shot a glance at one another. It wasn't directly involved with taking anything, but they should be able to fill in such a position fairly nicely. They wandered and traveled about often by nature, and were usually able to stay hidden if need be. Not to mention they had no formal oath with Kocerou so if there was some sort of way for the Fae to trace or detect that sort of thing, there wouldn't be anything to be found. The only fall was should they somehow run into Leverne.
Still, it was worth a shot. If they did run into that Fae, they just might be able to play their cards right to make it work out.
"We'll go," stated the thief plainly before glancing about to see if there were any other takers.
---
Placing themselves within the circle, the two squires listened as the Champion gave his short speech. Nodding silently, Warden glanced about to see if any of the knights had anything to say or ask about the orders they had just been given.
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Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 7:24 pm
A feral grin worked its way onto the Reborn's face. Scouting sounded to be much more his style, especially when compared to what he was currently doing—lying around being glared at. Years of hiding in the forest would certainly come in handy, even if the Fae were especially powerful.
“I will gladly scout for you,” declared Ruscar, not needing to put much thought into the request. The danger involved did not put him off at all, instead exciting him for once. Inevitably he would flee from battle, but in thought, it sounded delightful.
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Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 7:31 am
Target thought about the prince words, does he want the discovery? Target thought for a moment if he did offer his help, he isn't as fast as the flyers, and there is few enemy that he felt would recognized him right off the back. Then this would give him a chance to try to find his brother and possibly have him find out information on the outside, while he informed the prince and vise verse. It worked before, one would stay behind while the other continued. Target just didn't like how the last time went, he would imagine that Bullseye would tracked him and joined by now. Target looking at Ruscar that just now joined in the party. He didn't fly, he has a distinguishing mark and is already known by the enemy. He then grumbled to himself as he licked his teeth as he can't believe himself that he is going to do nothing at the moment, and just took tally of the others that would join the scout party.
Ira grew a bitter taste was in her mouth as she held her tongue. She wished to confront Cho that what she did is unacceptable, the crown didn't need to be involve. Especially when it came to this dragon, that she brought only as amusement, and maybe for some vengeance of her own for being injured by his friend or brother. Either way it didn't matter now. Ira's ears twitched and again she took a relaxed breath as she would before shooting for a kill. Her eyes watching the Queen as she kissed her finger tips and brushed them lightly against the pin. The back of her neck if not red from frustration is now flushed, and if it wasn't for her hair covering she wouldn't know how to react.
"Aye, My Crowns, I do accept this blessing. Though this concerns me how long will this prevent me from my duties for my Crown." The Fae spoke confidently with much respect.
Bullseye finally caught one of the spears and took it and snapped it in pieces using one claw and threw the pieces to the side behind him. He cursed himself, to think good of any creature now. He lowered his head as muscles moved and contracted as the smell of suffer filled the air as the dragon was now breathing with his jaws slightly open eying everyone and everything that surrounded it, he just needed a small opening just a small one. Harm a few and run like a Fallen From The Darkness they come from.
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Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 6:14 pm
"Our four smallest and maneuverable pairs will make rotating short runs in the direction the rebels were last seen to head. Low altitude reconnaissance with ground checks at regular intervals," Tumlar spoke up from behind. "The commander will stay at the outpost. Remaining pairs will make mid level scout runs in all directions on longer paths scanning the ground for any suspicious activity, staying on alert for any word from low level flights."
"We have one full ground scout," Tumlar said motioning toward one of the unbound humans that had ridden in. "And Bantone and I will be assigned to your services. We just need your assistance in deciding what this renegade's weaknesses may be and what to have the scouts watch for: a physical description of the leader and any notable followers as well as what sort of resistance we can expect to be met with should we cross paths with him or his followers."
Another knight from the left spoke up as well. "In order to subdue the leader, being fae, any recommendations on the matter?"
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Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 7:39 pm
Kocerou accepted each flyer that volunteered. Including Astalder and Ruscar there were five. The Prince quickly thanked each and directed them over to a fae that was acting as one of his advisers. He divided them up - one he sent west, another he sent north, Ruscar he sent east, Astalder he sent southeast, and the last he sent southwest.
"Take no longer than two days," the fae instructed, "Should you fail to return, we will assume you have been captured our killed and that our refuge is compromised. I cannot stress the importance and trust our Prince has given you." He looked squarely at Blade and Astalder at that. "The sky watch over you. Return safely."
-------------------------
The knights let out a cry at the dragon's movement and they closed in, seemingly unafraid of the dragon's breath. Two on either side made sharp jabs with their spears, intending to break the dragon's skin on the belly. And the Queen just stood there, watching over Ira's shoulder with glittering eyes.
"It is no concern," she said softly, "Binding is a simple thing for us... Your steed grows restless. Take him before he bolts."
--------------------------
"He'll be easy to mark," Leverne said, "Pale gold hair, long, and he will be wearing a coronet of some sort. He is nobility and even if there are other nobles present, his will be the most ornate. He's high-born and he likes to remind everyone of this in how he dresses. It should be simple to pick him out - just look for the one giving orders and wearing the finest and brightest clothing."
The fae champion smiled thinly.
"He will also have Thorn. It is a plain sword but a touch of dragon magic should mark it as far more than just a sword. His followers will fight fiercely but I doubt they will be organized to a large degree. Expect pockets of resistance where units are used to operating together, but I doubt he will have formed a command structure yet.
To subdue him... hit him until he stops moving."
Leverne shrugged.
"He is high-born. That counts for more among the fae than it does the mortal humans and it will make it difficult to kill him. Do not hesitate to use fire and claw - he can draw upon his strength to survive what would otherwise be mortal wounds. If he is still trying to get up than he's not subdued. Show no hesitation or mercy - he will use it against you. Otherwise, your strategy is sound. I will wait here for reports."
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Kiddo Seanchain Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 7:43 pm
Nodding to the adviser, the two shot a glance at one another before Blade mounted up. Once they were all set, Astalder took wing and began heading southeast as instructed. If things were within their favor, this will go without much of a hitch. However, neither were quite certain what to expect on this scouting trip. The Prince had accumulated some followers, but who's to say that the King hadn't at this point either?
---
The pair listened carefully as Leverne continued on. The orders seemed rather rough, but seeing how it was within the Champion's best interest to not let anyone actually kill the traitor, they had to take what he said as true. Then again, being just squires, they would probably have to give it their all if they were to stand any sort of chance.
"Yes ser!" they called in unison.
Once the meeting ended, they prepared themselves, then headed on off with the shorter runs. They would try to be ready for anything that might come their way.
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