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 Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:45 am
Alaura stood her ground steadily enough until she was sure Shane was neither in hearing nor seeing range. Only then did she allow her illusion to finally fall away as she slid back onto her bed. Her eyes dropped to the ground and she slumped forward, placing her elbows on her knees and burying her face in her hands. She was sick, she knew this now, and it was not something that would swiftly depart. The longer she waited the harder she knew it would be. She needed rest, at least a full day’s worth, but how could she possibly tell her men to risk danger once more on her behalf? She couldn’t, it was as simple as that. Instead she took a deep breath, pushing back her shoulders and forcing herself to sit up.
A familiar cry broke the silence of the room, causing Alaura to look up in a startled fashion. There beside her, perched in his rather proud manner, was Alaura’s faithful falcon, Faron. Offering a weak but true smile, Alaura slowly pulled off the bloodied clothing and tossed it to the ground. It took her a few minutes to finally pull on the clean clothes, set out by Shane before Alaura had even arrived. The outfit was a backup, much like the original save for slightly darker colouring.
Her emerald eyes soon shifted, now that she was freshly clothed, to the sword whose weight she still wasn’t sure she could carry. Finding some rope, Alaura pulled up the sheathed blade with great effort and worked diligently to tie it to her back, being very careful to hide the ropes. When she was finished it appeared simply that Alaura had slipped the sheath’s strap over her torso diagonally. In truth the rope held the blade close to her so that carrying it would be far easier.
It took several failed attempts before Alaura could get herself to stand straight, and even then she knew the weight of her blade was slowing her down. Frustration welled within her and she felt tears forming in her eyes. The tears that had been held back for a decade were finally finding their way to the surface once more, threatening to overwhelm the already weakened woman. Like so many times before, Alaura managed to push them back once more, though this time only barely. Taking a deep breath of the fresh, forest air, Alaura moved to the door and made her way slowly down the earthen stairs her second in command had created earlier. She was ready to leave, ready to face the long road ahead.
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:46 am
Nicki’s warm grin was almost more unnerving than the demonic look she normally wore. The man who had slinked away had not escaped Nicki’s notice, though she did not turn his way. In fact, her eyes remained ever on this brute of a man, this Braut. Oh what fun she knew she would have, tearing him down slowly and in front of his supposed friends. Taking the seat opposite Braut, Nicki leaned forward slightly, batting long lashes in what most would have seen as an almost innocent gesture. She was playing the part of a weak maiden rather well, given her devious nature.
“Oh my, what muscles you have, dear Braut. Still, I can’t back down from a challenge. I suppose I will simply have to take my chances and hope for the best.” A string of soft laughter floated from her rosy lips, offering a more frail nature. It helped that Nicki was not an overly large woman to begin with. Other than her natural, womanly curves, Nicki was slight of figure. It was the strength within, her power and the bodily strength hidden beneath the figure that these men had no clue of. She may not have looked strong, but strong she most certainly was.
Reaching up with her long, slender arm, Nicki offered up a delicate hand to the barbaric ritual of arm wrestling. Only once did her almost white gaze stray from her opponent, just that once. She afforded herself the slightest of glances over to Nicolai, assuring herself that he was still there and that he was watching. Like a child trying to impress a companion or perhaps a date trying to make themselves appear better before their company, Nicki wanted Nicolai to see. She wasn’t sure why she wanted this, wasn’t even sure if her motives were entirely cruel, but still she wanted him to see. Only when she was sure he was watching did she look back, locking her gaze on this behemoth once more. She was ready for this, ready to win and prove that there was good cause to fear her.
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:48 am
The soft thumping of hooves sounded through the forest as the ever rough Asgoroth followed his merry companion. Damien had made quick work of putting out fires and packing up as best he could. Though he still wasn’t completely accepted, the earthen soldiers seemed touched by his bond with the white steed. Thus they had given him a measure of kindness, lightening their rough mannerisms just enough to make small conversation as they packed up the camp. It helped that Damien was all too eager to do as they asked, even so much as to climb a tree the old fashioned way to retrieve some items for a rather busy man. This had caused a raucous of laughter, which Damien had whole-heartedly joined in on.
Now that things were almost complete, Damien had found himself wandering back towards the grandest of homes in the trees, which still stood dauntingly in a large oak. It was a testament to the power that these people had, what they were capable of. Damien was sure that, if truly determined enough and with enough people, the earthen soldiers could literally move a mountain. However, despite their abilities, these people tended to leave nature to its own devices, acting only when truly required. They didn’t even bother creating the food with their great gifts but foraged as any other person might. They were much better at finding the food, of course, but they still used the same means as Damien. It was touching to know that, in spite of their seemingly brutish nature, the earthen people were good people.
Stopping just out of sight, Damien watched as the magnificent woman with flowing white hair made her way to the base of the tree. She had taken a set of earthen stair to the back of the house, something that Damien found slightly odd, though he wasn’t sure why. Upon her back was strapped a sword he had never seen before. It was larger than most, far larger than should have been used by such a slight woman, and yet she carried it with the dignity of a true warrior. She was impressive by all standards, and Damien knew that simply traveling with her would surely earn him some knowledge of the skill she had to posses. He had not been afforded the pleasure of seeing her fight, but he knew the attitude she held was that of a seasoned warrior. Still, she couldn’t have been but fresh in her twenties. How she had become so accomplished was simply one of the many mysteries he wished to know the answer to.
Smiling softly, Damien decided not to bother Alaura, at least not now. Perhaps while they were on the long trek to the water kingdom he would question her, but for now she seemed occupied with other thoughts. He could see that water man not far off, carrying a pack that didn’t seem to be his own. Alaura’s eyes seemed locked on this boy and Damien felt a warmth within him. It was the kind of look one only gave to a very close companion, one that Damien himself longed to give to a woman one day.
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:53 am
Ariya had been travelling for a full day at least, yet still she had not reached that destined forest. Travelling by carriage was slow and tedious as one was forced to stick to the roads. On top of that she was forced to keep her retainers about her, slowing her down further with extra weight and bodies. Sighing in a rather aggravated manner, Ariya looked out the window. A town was approaching, one she wasn’t entirely sure of. It was small, nothing overly interesting, but the allegiance of this town was unknown. In any case, Ariya needed supplies, and she needed to rest in a bed for the night.
The carriage rolled to a stop outside an inn just inside the town, the onlookers’ jaws agape. Clearly they were not used to the fire kingdom’s people coming through here. Certainly they would not be equipped to handle a princess.
Noting her retainers quickly readying to announce her presence, Ariya hissed to the woman who remained in the coach with her. “I don’t want to be announced. These peasants clearly don’t have the means to cater to me. I wish to simply have lodgings for the night. The less we make ourselves known, the better.” Her words were spoken in a hurried and irritated tone, allowing the woman in the coach to know the true extent of Ariya’s growing anger. She knew that it was best to do as the princess wished, given her volatile temper.
With a brisk nod the woman opened the carriage and stepped out, moving about quickly and spreading the word. The men looked confused, but they obliged as a few glanced back at the window. Finally, once word had spread and a simple transaction had been completed to ensure lodgings, Ariya stood. The door was opened and, with chains for her beasts in hand, Ariya stepped out and moved forward. Her tall and proud form caused the people watching to stare in complete wonder. By the look of their dirty clothes they were of the kingdom of light, a kingdom that once had been in close alliance with the fire kingdom. The greatest source for both powers was the sun, but so different were their views that it had only been a matter of time before the alliance had shattered. Still, Ariya could see the potential for great power in these people, despite their weak minds.
Stepping into the inn, Ariya moved swiftly over the floor and towards the stairs, ignoring the looks she received. Not all looks were of shock, some were of the more lustful nature, but Ariya ignored them all. In a greater temper she might have met those looks with her fiery gaze and a swift fist to the face. Instead her beasts rumbled their disapproval, causing many people to look away in fear. Grinning slightly, the three companions moved to their room as word quickly spread of this obvious nobility. The peasants, however, didn’t seem to know of Ariya’s royal heritage, something the woman was happy to discover.
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Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 1:50 am
When finally the precedings of the Council of Light were drawn to a close Grace took her leave through a side door and wandered out into the starry night. "Great... calming those fools took more out of me than I'd expected." she grumbled to herself, rubbing her temples as she came to a stop at a balcony that overlooked the Capitol village of the Light Kingdom.
As the sun dipped beneath the horizon light began to flicker on in each household, one after the other until the village was a beacon in the darkness. "At last... the King and his people sleep..." She whispered idly, resting her hip against the coarse stone retaining wall that kept nobles from tumbling to their deaths.
After a moment of gazing over the lands she withdrew from the overlook and took the tower stairs to the inner courtyard of the palace, her heels tapping lightly on each step. As she reached the bottom a Knight in full silver armor opened the door for her, such was how she was treated... as a Noble... for it was her power that kept the peace between the many states in the Kingdom. "Thank you." she voiced. giving him a gracious nod on her way by. The many torches lining the second level cast flickering lights over the courtyard, offering a lovely view of an otherwise bland area.
"Will you be traveling beyond the walls this eve?" A coachman asked, drawing nearer to her. Nearly every night, Grace would trek beyond the castle walls to find sleep despite having her own bed in the Palace. Tonight however she was not so sure, as such she shook her head to decline his offer. "A good decision this particular night."
"Why is that?" she queried, concern covering her face nearly immediately.
"Ah... a messenger sent to collect late taxes from a butcher in town swears he spotted the Princess of the Fire country in this very village. No one believes him, but with such bad karma about its safer to stay here tonight."
Grace nodded, crossing her arms to consider the subject, "Well... he could be right you know." she warned the coachman, waving her finger as if to chastise him, "Every story has a shred of truth to it."
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Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:59 pm
Ariya sat in her room, brooding slightly over being stuck inside while her retainers went about getting her supplies. The horses needed rest and so did her men, the few she had even allowed her father to send with her. Ariya had always been one to fly solo, hating how company always seemed to slow her down. Besides, what more company could she ask for than her beastly pets? In any case, her father had insisted she take at least a few retainers, supposedly as her show of royalty to the dark nation, to assure they understood her place in the world. She believed it was more for his own peace of mind, to assure himself that his remaining child and heir to his throne would not be killed off like her brother. Again, however, Ariya knew there was no greater protection for her than her own powers, and of course there was the security her feline and canine companions afforded.
Haru and Freiya, slightly oblivious to their misstress' growing aggrivation, batted each other while resting on the somewhat luxurious bed. It was the finest room the inn had to offer, though it did not meet up to the standards of royalty. Still, it was better than sleeping in the carriage and waking to grumpy and useless retainers. Sitting at the window and staring out with a sort of strange longing, Ariya dreamt of what life would be like if she were free. If she didn't have the duties of a princess and heir. If she were free to marry whom she wished and for whatever reason. If she were free to travel the world without knowing that the simple mention of her name would be cause to arrest her in almost every nation.
It wasn't that Ariya hated the idea of war. On the contrary, she found that civilization seemed to thrive in war. People were made useful where once they had been simply baggage. Jobs were created for those who had been poor and hungry. A society seemed to grow into a metropolis during times of war as each citizen banded together to keep their country afloat. The only downside she truly saw was that, as the princess to the fire kingdom, she had obligations she could not whimsically throw aside. For her it was a life she could not lead, but one she was bound forever to follow. Now, as she waited for the dawn of the next day and, inevitably, her departure, she allowed her mind the strange freedom to wander as it pleased.
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Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 5:25 pm
Seilynn smiled at the young girl, as she seemed okay with the water kingdom as well. "Oh don't worry, I think you're a nice company Crystal." She said, kindly and with honesty. She straightened and moved them up onto the small road again.
It didn't take long until they reached the small village, and as Seilynn had expected, the carriage stood there, by a tavern, probably getting some supplies. She took Crystal's hand and walked over to the tavern just as a man in a short dark cape came out and headed over to the carriage. "Pardon me sir, but where are you headed?" She asked, as she reached the man.
He turned and looked at them, although first his eyes looked at Crystal and then to Seilynn, as if he were judging what he could tell them. He glanced around before answering in a silent voice, "Across the border, to the.. west." The last word he almost whispered. Seilynn listened and her face lit up. The Water kingdom was to the west, if she remembered correctly. She hoped she did. "Do you think we could travel with you. We're travelling in the same direction." She explained and glanced down at Crystal, just an urge to see how the girl was doing.
To Seilynn's relief, the man let them and told them to get into it. Seilynn turned to Crystal, "Are you sure you ant this Crystal? Because, I am not sure if we'll ever come back here." She told the girl, looking into those bright yet so unreadable eyes of the child.
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Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 6:15 pm
(deepest apologize i couldn't wait till he posted my profile hehe and sorry for the long wait hehe exams and girls )) Dante walks down the street as he looks at the illuminating moon. "Father o father you hold my curses with a chain yet you still give me the blessings of a world's beauty." Dante walks farther into the path of the moon.
Looks for a place to stay as he walks into an inning. "hey traveler" The manger shouts out to him."this place is a dangerous place..... war is here."
Dante smirks at her. "I am war. I don't have to worry about the useless." The manger looked at Dante and his childlike body. "do you have a place to stay?....... if you want you can stay here for free." she says as Dante smiles Dante walks as he enters his room and he prays. "O woe is thy one with war yet woe is thy one with greed. Father please bring this village blessings for I haven't learned hate in this village.... yet."
Dante looks thought the window glazing into the moon light as he holds on to his scythe as it gleams in to the moon light.
Dante looks at his reflection on the scythe and looks at it innocently as his demonic side show in it. "mmm nice lady mind if i end her tiny life." Dante looks at him and smiles as he pulls out his gun and holds it to his head."I'll end us both if you do." His reflection grins. "hehe ok ok I'll stop don't need to be so cheeky" Dante looks in to the moon till he drifts to sleep as he whispers. "Amen"
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Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 1:47 am
Ryal wandered around the camp, helping whoever he could, trying to get to know the others. Mostly everyone he came across seemed to be the earthen soldiers, as they were the first up. Wherever he went, however, he could hear a trail of whispers follow behind him. He tried to ignore it, but it was just more than he could take.
I never thought I'd have to deal with anything like this...
He had grown up in a rich family, and was not accustomed to being treated as anything else. Even when in the royal guard he had always had good food, a real roof (the palace itself!), and, of course, he had his Ariella...
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Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 2:22 pm
"We go to get help. A war is upon us and we need allies. We hope that the water kingdom will help us fight." Seth finished dressing, and got his stuff packed. "We need to hurry. The rest of the group is about ready to leave." He walked over to her bedside and leaned over, kissing her on the forehead. "I'll wait for you outside my love." He swung his pack over his shoulder and made his way down the tree.
Nicolai watched as Nicki looked over to him, as if she wanted him to be watching, and so he continued to sit there. He couldn't wait for Nicki to start this party.
"Get ready to lose sweetheart." Braut used all his strength to wrench her arm towards the table, but she didn't move. He looked in disbelief and then changed his face back to anger and tried harder than before, but still... it looked as if he had not done a thing. A single drop of sweat ran down his forehead. He feared what was to come.
"Come then, we shall wait in my library." He motioned for his servants to clean up the throne room and had another man run over to him. Adel whispered into his ear and the man went running off to accomplish the task he had given him. "He will prepare the library so it is perfect when we arrive." He then led the way to the library, with Dia at his side.
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Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 7:36 pm
A carriage bearing the Knorthian coat of arms-a cross with vines swirling about it inlaid onto a shield-rolled along on it's way to the water kingdom. Inside, the current monarch of the Knorth, Princess Ariella, sat waiting anxiously for her arrival. She had heard of what had happened, and knew she would need to give the support of the Knorth. After all, her older brother could handle the kingdom for one week.
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Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 2:21 am
Since when she had gotten close enough to Adel for it to be natural to have linking arms Dia couldn't remember. Although this geusture of trust and closeness she was proud to share with Adel alone. After all, it wasn't like the dark lord would keep just any person or woman at his side so incessantly. As always, the dark castle marvled her, since the very first day she had set foot in it's grounds. It's sinister beauty seeped into the walls, emenating a subtle radiance of awe and horror. As the couple clopped through the hall in a comfortable silence, Dia took the time to appreciate the place as she read the castle's history from its walls (a talent she had aqquired from quiet observation).
Undrago's dark jewel. Truely, she thought.
At a brisk yet comfortable pace, it took them no longer than ten minutes to cross the maze of stairs and corridors until they reached the castle library. The doors to the library were a set of large oak doors adorned with intracite patterns of ebony swirls throughout the frame. Carved into a plate labeling the room were the words "Library" in silver. From the door, she could almost imagine how the interior might look. Before either Adel or Dia had to open the door, the large oak swung inwards without so much of a squeak, curtosey of the caretaker. Aside from those two, there were only a small two number of people present, soon to be rushed away as well.
The attendant Adel had sent running, in this massive room, had only just been able to finish up the preperations just before Adel and Dia's footsteps could be heard. Although he stood tall and waiting ot be dismissed, she could see ever so subtly a slight heaving which he did well to cover, a sign of his heightened pace. Dia offered the caretaker and attendent a thin smile and she kept herself form chuckling when she noticed the attentent shake just a little bit more than before. Then, as Adel sent them off on other tasks, Dia opened herself to the smells and feelings of the library. Really a sight for loss of words.
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Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 3:51 pm
The carriage passed over the bridge leading to the Water kingdom, slowly approaching the town of Guay. Too slowly for Ariella. As she sat awaiting her arrival at the first town into the Water kingdom, she felt very uneasy. She knew this would be a very difficult trip. Not like the ones her father would take her on when she was young. She let her thoughts drift back to those times, when things were sipler. She had been to the Water kingdom twice, and always marveled at it's beauty. How such amazing buildings could ever be constructed was beyond her imagination.
Sigh... I miss father... What could have become of him? How I wish I could know...
She shook her head- NO! She had more important things to consider now. This was her responsibility.
There's no more time for old memories now. I must act like a queen. If only mother were here, she would know exactly what to do. NO! ENOUGH of that! There's no way for that to be! She's gone, and I have to do this myself!
Her mother had passed away giving birth to Ariella. It was useless to wish for such things. She regained her composure and looked out the window of the carriage. What she saw shocked her. She was not expecting such disarray. People were running to and fro carrying messages to families of those wounded or lost, wives of men who had been seriously injured crying hysterically as they receive such messages. A large group of people seemed to be gathering in the center of the town, reading themselves for battle, taking up pitchforks, hammers, anything they could possibly conceive of using as a weapon. they had obviously not had any sort pf approval for this attack, nor any real military presence to give them any sort of tactical support.
Stop the carriage!!
Are you mad, Highness? We haven't even reached the capital yet! With all due respect, do you really expect these people to listen to a princess so new to the throne? You've no real expirience, and they know it.
You may be my advisor, you coward, but you do not speak to me thus! Stop this carriage, immediately!
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Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:47 pm
Vivian nodded and lifted her garment into her hands to feel the fabric, as Seth left she shrugged from her court gown and tossed it upon the bed. She'd no longer need it anyway, dirty and worn as it was. In moments she'd pulled the short green dress over her body and fastened herself into it. She took a moment to search for her sword then tossed it to her back and tied the sash firmly at her chest. Allies then, that's what they'd need. After a moment of examining herself in the mirror she turned and opened the door, "Seth, I don't think we should kill the King." she said quietly, her eyes closed as she spoke. "Just... imprison him." She knew he would understand. ((oh. this is Vivian's spiffy new clothes: http://fc83.deviantart.com/fs36/f/2008/271/b/e/Elven_Archer_ess_by_kyrn.jpgShe doesn't have the cape though. ))
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