Not one that typically cared about her appearance much, she had gone to a little more effort to make herself presentable for today. Especially since their King had requested their presence. And she would not deny him. Thus, in a rather simply gown made of dark silk and lined with gold, Infinity made her way to the gathered crowd, finding herself a nice pleasant spot to stand and listen to what their King spoke.
Oh? So he'd been told this? She frowned at the realization of what he spoke meant. Their kingdom would be in danger. They would be a target. A grand target that the other kingdoms should fear! There was no other that deserved to be on top other than theirs! And no ruler better suited to be the King of Kings.
She wanted to do what she could for her kingdom. For her home. And was willing to offer whatever services she could. Perhaps not the most skilled in her craft, but Infinity knew how to handle a weapon. And was not too terrible at gathering information. Though kicking someones a** was easy enough too.
Instead of shouting out like others had, Infinity took the more silent approach, waiting until she was closer and not just another 'voice' among the crowd. "My Emperor," she bowed low, seemingly keeping her eyes downcast while still watching those around her curiously. "I am disheartened to hear that the time has finally come when our truces have fallen. However I offer my full support and loyalty to you, my King. I volunteer myself for whatever your needs might be. Though I ask you to consider me as a candidate for your Practitioners."
Rising slowly, she gave one last bow to her King before backing away without waiting for his answer. Let him decide when he was ready. He knew of her loyalty now. When she was far enough out of the way, Infinity just allowed the gathering to swallow her up once more as she moved to find a location she could observe the rest of the proceedings.
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 9:29 pm
The invitation had come as a surprise, but then, surprises were easily done away with.
Senga watched the procession of men and women with observational indifference as he himself made his way to this gathering of sorts. His clothing was trimmed gold, cut handsomely to the shape of his body. He was not one to show off wealth, but he certainly kept appearances for the sake of his family. The walk there was tread with a certain finality. There was no leisure nor excitement in his steps. Instead, he made his way to the gathering with a quiet respect, a designated calm reserve that held neither fervent interest nor blatant disregard. Once the Emperor had begun his speech, Senga stayed his movements and watched on. The words seemed to serve as a spark to a flame; as soon as he had asked for tributes, men and women came forward, professing their skill and their offers. This was taken with neutrality, up until Jay.
Senga's lips tightened as the girl flamboyantly executed herself, his chest tightening just a little at the sight. He'd known her since childhood. He'd be damned if she went somewhere he couldn't follow. He moved slowly through the crowd as more and more men and women drew out their qualifications and called themselves to the title of tribute. It wasn't at all overwhelming to him, though displays of fervent loyalty and willingness to submit usually weren't. He didn't mind waiting; those that were impatient could go first for all he cared. His eyes only stayed on Jay, watching her with a protective, longing stare that seemed almost subservient in nature. A strange sight really, considering Senga rarely submitted to anyone apart from the Emperor and his court themselves.
When he came before Mengyao himself, Senga paused only a moment to give a respectful bow. "My Emperor," The words were calm and controlled, "I offer my services for your use as you see fit. I offer my sword, my magic, my soul." He bore no words of sympathy towards the crisis and the misfortune the times had brought upon them; it would just be repeating words that the man had already heard. "I am only an expert of war and strategy, but I will do whatever is necessary to make certain that this kingdom survives beneath your reign."
His short, controlled speech done, he drew back into the crowd and close to Jay. He didn't say anything as he came to stand beside her, and for fear of making himself to obvious, looked anywhere but the girl herself. After all, she could leave his side a thousand times and it would not matter - he would never leave hers.
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Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 10:10 pm
There were so many of them, yet so few to choose from. Mengyao lifted his chin, his hands tucked into the dark red sleeves of his robe, which was embroidered in the finest of gold threads, delicately woven through the silken fabric. He took a step forward towards the edge of the pavilion, the tiny jewels dangling from his ears clinking softy together.
The first to speak was a young noble who looked somewhat familiar. Her pale hair was drawn back in a respectable sort of style, but her clothing was well thought out and elegantly understated; a fact that the Emperor appreciated very much. He gave her a small smirk, tilting his head to the side.
"Well met, Lan," he said lightly. "Tell me, exactly how loyal are you? Meaning, how far are you willing to go?"
He waited for her answer before moving onto the next person - this one another young woman, with a little bit of a lighter hair color than the other. She held herself up with pride, a smile on her face in spite of the heaviness of the situation; Mengyao had to give her credit for not faltering, absently turning the golden ring on his right ring finger.
"Perfection is quite the admirable trait, Lady Mjoll," he said, turning fully to face her. "However, how is it that I know I will be able to trust you with regards to your armor? Have you any credentials which can assure me of your absolute loyalty to this kingdom?"
The next one was considerably more excitable than the last two. She practically exuded gregariousness, her voice loud and carrying across the throngs of people. Mengyao arched one dark brow, mildly amused, though he said nothing of her exuberance, instead leaning close to flick his eyes across her face.
"Imitations, Jay?" he said. "How very unusual. Shall you give me a little example of your skills, then?"
Pale hair and dark skin adorned the next candidate, by the name of Meixiang, who bowed her head dutifully, keeping her eyes lowered respectfully. While Mengyao adhered to a strict set of guidelines, he did not mind a little confidence every now and then - nor did he mind when people stayed true to the unspoken terms of meeting with their leader, such as bowing their head.
"What about going to another kingdom?" he asked. "If I were to request of you to enter another kingdom on a retrieval for more information, would you go? Or would you hesitate?"
The first young man to appear was thin and waiflike, smaller, perhaps, than Mengyao had anticipated for a candidate - then again, the citizens of his country did have a way of surprising him with their talents and abilities. Perhaps that was why the kingdom was as pleasant and successful as it was - there was always something new, something to be learned.
Every day there was something one could take pride in doing.
"Kiwi," said Mengyao, in an almost thoughtful tone of voice. "An interesting name, to be sure. Tell me - how does one predict an enemy's move? That seems quite an ambitious skill."
The next candidate was a dark skinned male who seemed slightly out of sorts, in spite of the fact that he was clean and mostly well-groomed. Mengyao's eyes passed only briefly over the tear in the shirt before flicking back up to his face.
"Your name is Bastion, is it not?" he asked. "I have seen you before. Answer me this, Bastion - how does one advance in communication? Are you a master in the art of persuasion, or do you find yourself merely an orator capable of spinning words into art?"
The male that stepped after Bastion was much better groomed, in a very splendid set of red and orange silks that complemented his hair and skin. He was younger, perhaps, than many of the others, but Aedan held his head high after bowing, a strong, level-headed gaze meeting the Emperor's before he backed away respectfully.
"Interesting," said Mengyao, his silken robes rustling gently as he walked slowly past the other. "Loyalty is what I prefer above all other qualities. Those who do not have it cannot possibly hope to achieve anything, even if their skills are great. How great is your loyalty, Aedan? Are you willing to die for your kingdom?"
The next in line was quite recognizable.
Mengyao kept the calm expression on his face, however, though he could feel something in his chest constrict tightly, making it difficult to concentrate for the briefest of moments. Something flickered through his eyes - regret, perhaps? Or maybe something else entirely - then disappeared.
"And how far, Lady Lifen," said Mengyao quietly. "are you willing to go for your Emperor and your kingdom?"
The next to come was a confident one, which pleased him. She waited to speak until she was audible above the rest, a sign of pride in and of itself. Mengyao's serene smile slipped across his face again, replacing the forced calm one from a moment ago.
"Support is good, Infinity," said Mengyao. "However, that is not all that is needed in a Practitioner. Would you be able to fulfill your duties without questioning them?"
Straightforward and solemn was the next volunteer, Senga giving his Emperor a factual sort of report of his skills. Mengyao took it in stride, listening carefully, and then smiled a little, his eyes narrowing just a little.
"And what sort of strategies are you offering? Where does your experience come from?"
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Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 10:11 pm
It was not everyday that one received a summoning to the palace, and Shaheen made sure before she left the home that she currently resided in with her ever doting mother that she was well ready and prepared. Her golden curls were pulled tight and sleek away from her face, pinned and styled elaborately so not a hair was out of place, held back with an ornate golden comb set with red jewels that her mother had given to her, claiming it had been passed down through generations. Her robes were the finest that she owned, all shades of darkened red and creamy beige, with just enough golden embroidery and trim to set it off against her hair and it's accessory. What was visible of her skin was a bronzed tan, and her eyes blazed in honey brown hues flecked with gold.
She made her way to the palace, poised, stately, and by all appearances calm. She kept her emotions in check, off of her face and hidden away, even though inwardly she burned with curiosity. She had heard all manners of rumors as to what this gathering might be called for, and she yearned for the truth of the matter, to hear her Emperor's voice and to have all been made clear.
She had thought to arrive early, though it had seemed that many had the same idea. Still she wove her way through the crowds, vying for a spot near enough that she would be able to hear everything, her head tilted up towards the Emporer himself was already standing upon his precipice. She bowed with the others, and if he should he have happened to make eye contact with her after that, she would have given him the slightest of nods, her face still smooth and calm as she awaited his words.
The day of reckoning has begun.
Something stirred inside of the woman, something awakening as excitement began to course through her veins. It was hard to keep up her charade now, her lips quirking up at their edges ever so slightly.
As the din of the crowd began to die down once more, he continued, and the more he spoke, she found that her breathing had ceased as she concentrated on every last syllable that dropped from his lips. The voice. Pride. Power.
Battle.
She let her held breath slowly ease out as she now took a moment to glance around her, then moved her gaze back to him as he continued to speak.
When he finished she took a moment to ponder his words. She was nothing really. Nothing more then the only daughter of a deceased soldier, though he had been a brilliant man and a keen strategist. He had spent a lot of time teaching his daughter everything that he knew, and she had held on to all of that knowledge of power, had trained to be just as great as he had been, in case of a moment such as this.
This was her time to rise. Her moment to make him proud.
Several had already stepped forward by the time Shaheen placed herself in front of the Emperor. Some she knew, others she did not know quite so well. It mattered not, however. All that mattered was this.
"Emperor." Her voice rang out clearly towards him. "I am Shaheen. I believe you knew my father." She stopped, inclining her head slightly as one eyebrow raised in question.
"I know that if he were still around today, he would have leaped at an opportunity to become your General. Sadly, he is no longer with us." She took another short moment of pause, before plunging on.
"And that is why I would like to volunteer for the position myself. It would be a great honor to me, to my family and to his memory. He taught me much, and I would utilize that knowledge well. I am well versed in the art of war myself, and have been trained in many forms of battle, with all manner of weaponry. Please, I would ask that you give me this chance to bring pride to his memory as well." She finished, and was quite proud of herself for managing to mask the desperation in her voice and keep her cool. She inclined her head one more time towards the Emperor before stepping back to where she had stood before.
When others began making their cases, she turned her head towards Lifen, one of the few standing so near that she actually felt that she knew well enough to tease.
"Please use me to your needs, Sire?" Her eyebrow raised as her lips quirked up in a smirk.
Mjoll's blissful thoughts were shattered when she heard others speaking up her eyes shifting around following those that spoke up when she noticed someone with a rather ratty shirt.
Then of course their King spoke to her, Mjoll almost sparkled. "Why your Highness, I would never make anything for anyone but us." She said with quite confidence, "No one would be more loyal to you and yours."
"I've practiced and attended many apprenticeships here. Nothing but our quality of materials will do. I simply will not work with an inferior metal." Perish the thought that she should have to touch something lesser. Her eyes met his in a gaze of respect, pride, and truth "I would rather die than craft for anyone other than our kingdom."
When she was finished she listened to others and turned to Bastion, quietly. "Dear your clothes are looking quite ratty. Why did you not change before coming?" Less interested in whom she was talking to and more worried about their clothes Mjoll couldn't help but tut. Though she made sure to keep her question low enough that no one else would hear her chastising poor Bastion.
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 10:39 pm
Madison was ready - she had been born ready. There was no doubt in her mind that this day would come, and there was even less doubt that their Kingdom would smash the others against the rocks, an unrelenting tide of power that would grind all else to dust. She grinned cockily as she strolled into the palace, though the closer she got to her Emperor the more that cocky attitude mellowed into... not subservience, but at least respect. She would never lay down and be a doormat, something to be used.
But she would take orders from the right people.
"I will fight for you with my wits, my power, and my servant," Madison said when the time was right, snapping her fingers; behind her, an ebony form clad in layers of sheer fabric shimmered into being. Kouki bowed low, performing the most respectful obeisance he knew. "My wits being the finest of the three, of course," she added, that cocky grin creeping back on her face. "Rumor and guile are my truest weapons, Emperor. Let me sow dissension in their ranks and break them from within. They will destroy each other before they can so much as see our approach, should it be your will."
A pause. "Should your will be otherwise, I am your humble servant."
The moment Jason had seen the summons on his door he had been moving around a haze of nervous activity. He had to be presentable if he was to be in front of the emperor. Even if there was no chance of him been seen, it went without saying that one had to look their best. Although located among the various books that littered his house, his most expensive clothes had been a black shirt and trousers that were lined with gold. A mix of both extremes, but at least he was able to show he could afford gold. If only a little bit. Clothing was important, but to him it was the knowledge of books that he had spent his wealth on. Especially the books containing the arts of healing magic. He had spent much time reading and memorizing his spells, as well as a few others that could help him when he needed to defend himself.
He was nearly out the door when he stopped himself short. In his mad rush to get ready he had almost forgot his most precious item; his mana stone. The stone itself was a light amber, the item faintly glowing with his power sealed inside. Grabbing the special item he held it to his chest for a moment, letting it's warmth seep inside and giving him courage. Carefully he placed it inside a pocket, also taking the time to grab a small notebook. The book itself contained many spells he used, but he was able to remember most of them. It didn't hurt to carry it around though, and when he could he was able to add extra notes.
Finally Jason was out the door and hurrying to get to the palace. Already there was a throng of people, and he had to move to the back and try to peer over everyone's heads. Thankfully he wasn't a short guy, so he was still able to get a clear shot of the Emperor as he addressed the crowd.
His words though made him gasp, a cold dread settling on his heart. For so long he had know peace and comfort, but now his world was threatened. Jason couldn't bear the thought of this powerful kingdom being laid to ruins, and as much as he detested battle, he would not run from it. He waited as others went forth to give their alliance, and after some time he too stepped forth, dropping to one knee as he respectively bowed to the emperor.
"My Emperor. I am but a humble servant at your command. I am Jason Kenneth, and I offer myself as a tribute. My skills lay in the realm of medicine and healing, and I am able to perform a few defensive spells. I wish to assist in defending the kingdom from the others who seek to destroy us. I will do my best to serve you."
He knew that he may lose his life, but it was better to lose it then to do nothing.
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:08 pm
The King knew his name?
The KING knew HIS name?!
Bastion felt nauseous. The only reason why the King might have heard his name, is in the logs of criminal deeds, or perhaps on the lips of a passing courtier. Yes, Bastion tried to soothe himself with that. Perhaps someone had just.. mentioned him in passing. He did have a way of getting on the radar when he wanted to, but the radar seemed to find him unwanting more often than not. He grinned a sheepish grin, bowing extremely low in prostration. "Your grace, I wouldn't consider myself a master of anything - but an artisan, perhaps I will accept." He stood up, and settled his hand on his stomach. "The humbler man by far is the one that knows his place. If you wish me to spin my words, I will make my words into a thread so fine it will rival the beauty of the finest silk, and so strong it will hold the entire kingdom in it's grasp."
His snarky little grin faded just a little when he heard that voice - that voice - and it was speaking to him. Directly to him. Her eyes were on him, her words were traveling the winds to reach his ears alone, and she was saying..
She was saying..
Bastion's crushed heart was an audible sound, and he most certainly started crying right there in front of the King and all of his court. Crying like a soggy, silent, snotty child who'd just been scolded by their most beloved parent.
Mjoll listened to Bastion's words with a brow lofted though she'd turned back to the king keeping Bastion in her side vision. They were - interesting words - but she felt as if she'd have more use for a poet.
It was when the moor(*) started bawling that Mjoll sighed silently to herself. She hadn't meant for the poor fellow to start crying. She pulled a relatively small bag from her hip, one which she carried with her at all times. She kept small projects in it, and well this was one of those times she'd wished the finish product had been, well.... finished. To her there were still flaws in the stitching, though only she would be the one to know.
She pulled from the small bag two items neatly folded, one a shirt the other a handkerchief. "Dry your eyes moor. For goodness sake." She handed him the handkerchief first and then the shirt after he'd dried his eyes. "To replace that poor rag you have on." She commented off handily.
((*Moor - A man of color and high stature. (As Defined by Shakespeare: See Othello)
PS. I don't have the full definition on me but that's the gist of it.))
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:38 pm
Kiwi gave a modest bow as his king approached, the golden jewels in his hair shimmering in the light almost with pride themselves. Despite his apparently small size, he was quite sharp-witted. Often as valuable a skill in battle as brute strength itself. "My lord, any kingdom is only as great as its weakest part. That goes for our own kingdom as well as the enemy, and we must be constantly aware of that fact. What we require is knowledge. We must know every facet of them we can, and from that information glean the enemy's limits against our own. Only then can we predict how we should allocate our forces so that we have the upper hand in battle."
Kiwi of Edric/Gold
Kiwi's HP: --/-- Target(s): N/A Defending: N/A Rank Ability: Unused - NA Kingdom Ability: Unused - Release of the Mana Stone/Unbinding Character Kingdom: Edric/Gold Character's Miasma Colour: Gold Character description:
- He is a lanky citizen clothed in robes of black, layered over with simple red and gold embossed cloth. His brown hair is done up into a slightly loose and messy bun, held together with hairpins and adorned with giant red spider lilies and golden chains that dangle and loop down. Any jewelry he wears is also made of solid gold, matching his naturally golden eyes, which he is secretly quite proud of. And if one were to glimpse his bare back, they would find the crimson stain of wings etched across his skin.
- Having a wise understanding of the art of battle, he works within the kingdom as a practiced tactician; namely, hands-on teaching others the finer aspects of how to fight and defend oneself.
- Personality-wise he is reflective of his kingdom. Proud of what they have accomplished, only wanting to see their kingdom thrive and flourish. He'd give his life to protect their honor, one of the reasons he chose to teach combat training, and give back to his kingdom for all they have given him.
There was one final sniff before Bastion realized he was being handed things, and he took them both numbly, using the shirt as the handkerchief before realizing what he'd done. He unfolded them, and saw that he'd done. Then, he turned, and realized who'd given him these items.
His hands started to shake, and a small, high pitched sound escaped his throat. Then he lifted his chin up, folded the handkerchief away, and tore his shirt off of his body roughly, exposing his sexy pony abs. He took her shirt, still wet and messy with his tears and other secretions, and slid it onto his body without a care. He would wear it, as disgusting as it was, and he would wear it proudly.
He puffed his chest out, and awaited his King's decision - in a snot covered shirt.
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 12:00 am
The glance and flicker of . . . something was not missed by the little noble-woman, a quirk of her brow responding lightly, almost questioningly, before he turned away. Regal airs returned around him as he asked her a simple question, one that made her answer, without pause, head held high - pride evident in her movements.
"I have laid down my personal desires, many times, for the sake of the kingdom, and those in it. It would not be unfamiliar territory." She answered, giving a soft shrug in the response. "I have faith in my abilities. It would be an honour to go in, with the colours of my kingdom on my shoulder." She finished, hoping it would be a good enough answer for the Emperor, before her attention was stolen by the tall one she knew from her childhood, Shaheen.
The teasing was responded with an open smile, eyes reflecting the amusement, before she very lightly tapped the woman's side, an affectionate action.
"Be nice, Shaheen, you are thinking too deeply in to those words."She answered her, their voices only loud enough for the women to hear - a secret joke between the two of them.
Beautiful white clothing with strands of gold silk woven into it and a loose ponytail draped over one shoulder and Kashiyoru was ready for whatever this day had to throw at him! Or so he thought. Standing amongst all these people; listening to his emperor deliver the news of impending, and unavoidable, war soon to be at their door; Kashi felt a little under dressed. Despite that he smirked as he stepped to the front of the crowd.
"My Lord," he bowed low. "My magic is strong and refined, though I may not be of much use in a physical fight. I have spent much of my life avoiding them at all costs, but my loyalty is unwavering and my mind is sharp. Allow me to volunteer."
He stood and brought his gaze up to his Emperor's, his smirk never wavering. "I'd be honored if you'd put my cunning to good use."
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 12:53 am
At jay’s greeting a small smile escaped Lan. “Hello Jay.” Her voice just above a whisper, not to draw attention to their ‘conersation’. Jay was of course, able to draw attention to herself well enough on her own. Eyes flicked up to the emperor as he addressed her. Lifting her head just enough to be heard she answered. “I am willing to lay down my life, to do what is necessary, even if that might cause me great suffering. I will go as far as I can, as far as you might let me, even if it would spell my own doom. Yet I would willing walk into the flames of absolute destruction if that is what would be needed to save the people of your land. If it might save you and your kingdom. This is my home and I would sooner die then see it fall or see it ruled by another’s hand. I am limited only by your word and will your majesty.” She lifted her head up fully to look him in the eyes.
“I will serve, and I shall not falter. If my words alone do not convince you, then tell me what act I must do to prove my loyalty, my sincerity. You only need to ask your majesty, and I might do.” Once more her head bowed to him. She would do what was needed, if there was need of her at all.
Her eyes lit up when the emperor called out her name. Wow! He actually knew her name! That was actually pretty exciting gosh—Jay smacked the sides of her face so she could return to the matter at hand. He had asked her something and it was her duty to follow up with a sufficient answer.
“I’m much better at copying the more passive things.” She paused, brought her hand up to her throat and took a second to adjust her voice into a lower pitch until it nearly matched Mengyao’s. “Something like mimicking a voice is pretty easy.” Jay coughed before returning to her usual chipper pitch. “I’d show you a move too, but I’m a little squished in at the moment.” She shrugged, smiling before she began to shuffle toward a particular childhood friend.
Jay didn’t even need to look to know he was already by her side. Her hand slipped into Senga's and she twined their fingers together like it was perfectly natural. She hummed and rocked their interlocked arms while she lightly twirled her body back and forth, watching the emperor keenly.
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