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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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 Posted: Sun Oct 13, 2024 4:46 am
Lazarus "..." A piercing, listless gaze bored down into the back of the skulls of the two who were insultingly speaking of their princess. "...I hear you just fine." Their attention would, alarmingly, be called to a woman everyone in the kingdom knew well--Lazarus, one of the Great Heroes of the Shadow War. Few in this kingdom had a name that invoked the same level of respect and esteem--the Great Heroes were only below that of the queen herself. Yet anyone outside of the Forest Kingdom would know nothing about them. "If you have time to gossip, you have time to better yourselves. Begone, and never return, or I will challenge you both to a public duel." Had they obeyed her command, she'd turn her gaze to Athena, not bothering to give them another thought. She stepped closer to her, giving her a small, courteous bow. "It's good to see you, Your Highness." She said respectfully, placing a hand on her hip. "I returned from the front recently. I wanted to find you and let you know my sister will be returning shortly as well." Her sister, Estella, Athena's retainer. There were more dire tidings to convey as well, but she decided those weren't for Athena to worry about. She had already relayed everything to the queen herself. "...Just stay safe, Princess." She said, glancing at the statue of the late king for a moment. "...Sorry for interrupting. That's all." She said, giving her a respectful nod before turning to leave. She had heard a large group of outsiders had arrived, and she thought the timing was unlikely to be a coincidence.
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Posted: Sun Oct 13, 2024 10:37 pm
      As the more cautious girl suspected, Athena did hear them, and without even trying to. Did they think she lost her ability to hear too? It was very quiet here, so quiet even the small movements of the fabric of her clothing could be heard, let alone talking. Though she did fall silent for that moment, she quickly began to continue her conversation in hopes to throw them off. She really didn't want them to know she heard them.
"I will tell you more each day, as long as my journey continues.." She said with a smile, as she began to get back to her feet. Leaning forward, she placed a small kiss to the statue's cheek, before stepping away again and beginning to turn away. That's when she paused in her step as she would witness the sudden brave talking pair, run like they've never ran before the second they were told to leave! There was no time to talk back, they just...RAN.
Seeing this, caused a soft giggle to escape."Lazarus! " It was no question, the second Athena's eyes caught sight of her, she would know she was in for a great big hug from the affectionate princess. Athena wasn't the type for formalities, especially with those very close to the family, because she considered them all family! She was more of one to show affection then a returned bow. "I'm so happy to see you! It's been so long.." She paused, her smile, at the mention of Estella's soon to be return, brightened. "Really! Oh, i'm so happy.." Yeah, that wasn't to hard to tell! 'I can't wait!..um, when? ....Soon soon? Really soon? " " She must of sounded so silly, but of course, Athena wasn't one to worry about that. She was far to excited to see these two very important people in her life already. "..I always am." She smiled a gain, she may not be the strongest of the princess's, but somehow, she was always able to keep herself safe. "You were not interrupting, i'm happy you came to tell me. " She nodded to her. "And even more to see you safe! " She would say to her before Lazarus began to take her leave.
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Aerith Gast Gainsborough Captain
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 2:15 am
 ___ ___  _________   ___ ___ "I know I must place my duty as a commander above my life as a man. And once I am crowned, I most certainly will do exactly that.
However, I am not ready to divorce myself from my compassion just yet. I will find the balance somehow, the means to save my country and her people.
That is the king I wish to become, and so that is the man I must be." "...Sorry again about the... ear thing." Ephraim said with a tinge of nervousness to his voice, he certainly had not expected that reaction back at the island, and had apologized a few times. He had no way of knowing something like that was the case for Forest Serenitians. Shortly after Althesa had announced Alisa's Lifebond, the group had momentarily dispersed to find accommodations. The Forest Kingdom had little in the way of hotels, and it seemed a lot of their spare sleeping quarters were occupied at the moment. So many of them would need to use tents, but there was plenty of space for that at least. Ephraim had accompanied Alisa to her room, though stopped short of the entrance. "Well, I should go find a tent for myself. It'll be much like the days of the war--it's been a while since I've had to camp out like that." Even though the war didn't bring good memories, he did somewhat miss traveling the land and camping where they could."...For what purpose?" Althesa happened to be passing by in the hallway. "Are you two not Lifebound? Alisa's bed is large enough, just share the room with her.""...That... would hardly be proper." Ephraim said, feeling that bit of nervousness coming back. "We only just got together, it would be too soon for me to join her in her quarters... regardless of the reasoning." Even if it was entirely innocent, it hardly seemed proper!"..." Althesa's expression was rather blank as she listened to this. "Human customs are strange." She muttered to herself as she continued walking, passing by the two on the way to what she had been doing."...At any rate..." That was a little more harrowing than it needed to be. "I'll see you shortly." He told her, turning to head on his way to getting a tent and finding a suitable spot.Way ahead of him though was Carmen, dusting off her hands before placing them on her hips. "What do you think, princess? Not too shabby, huh?" She demanded praise at her masterwork of a finely setup tent, and with almost no magic used in the process. As much as she was one of the greatest masters of magic in Serenity, she still very often challenged herself to complete tasks without using any. She figured she was only as good as her least-prepared state, and if some enemy were able to negate her magic, she did not want to end up useless. "I should've asked if you would be comfortable camping out for a few days, but I already know you're not exactly a typical princess, heh..." That smug expression that spread over her features might give Unisha flashbacks. "And you don't mind getting a little dirty, huh?" Her grin showed teeth, as she patted the princess on the head. ironic, since she was shorter than her. But much, much more powerful.
"Oh boy, it's Carmen and her fake girlfriend," A passerby sighed. "Can't you camp out further outside the city, so we don't have to-"
"Do you want to duel?" Carmen asked flatly, turning to face her.
"..." A look of defiance was quickly washed away, as the passerby undoubtedly had memories of Alisa's many humiliations at Carmen's hand flash through their mind. And Alisa was incredibly skilled, so her outlook was a lot more bleak... "...Ugh." She muttered, turning and walking away.
"That's what I thought." Carmen said in a matter-of-fact tone in return, turning back to Unisha. "Sorry, they're usually not this... vocal. I think they just really want to give you a bad impression of me." Seemed likely they saw Carmen had a girlfriend and wanted to make it obvious to the girlfriend that everyone hated her, so the girlfriend would hopefully break up with her, and Carmen would be miserable. That would bring them some satisfaction, it seemed. "I knew people didn't like being around me, but..." She never realized everyone hated her so much, until today, really. She had always been rather oblivious about that, given her tremendously atrocious social skills. "...Whatever, it doesn't matter. I just don't like their opinion of you being dragged down because of me." Well, that wasn't the only thing she didn't like, but it was certainly up there. (( OOC: ))
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Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 3:45 pm
Alisa's moment of embarrassment had long passed since then, and a grin only spread over her features. "It's not a big deal, I mean, if anything, it's my fault for not saying anything about it! " Not like it was something she wanted -everyone- to know, but above all, she could have said something to Ephraim. So it was her fault, not that it really bothered her! It was really pretty amusing when she thought about it."Hmm? You're welcome to stay in my room, you know. You are a king, after all. You deserve better then sleeping in a tent! " That king thing was quite the terrible excuse, but maybe....maybe he would listen! "..Unless, you really want to sleep outside? ..I can join you for the night, til you fall asleep. " Which in Alisa's case, meant, her falling asleep snuggled up to him, leaving him no choice but to remain with her the rest of the night! Oh so cleaver!
And then, the most unlikely moment came as her mother came passing by in the hallway, it seemed even she was against his sleeping outside. Did she actually do this on purpose?! "Ah, right..! I agree, it's plenty large enough for the two of us to share.." She agreed with the most obvious smile on the face of the planet. As soon as her mother left them in puzzlement upon Ephraim's choice, Alisa got herself behind him suddenly, and he would feel himself shoved forward enough that he would be forced through the doorway and into her room! "Queens orders, you heard her! Let's go. In in in! " She quickly shut the door behind them, standing in front of it as to block his escape route, had he tried to leave! "Promise me you will stay here, or i'm not letting you leave this room! " Oh, Ephraim. What did you get yourself involved with?
"It looks great! Very cozy..You're skills in making the most comfortable, and cute tent goes beyond the others." Well, she thought so anyway! She put so much effort and work into creating a perfect tent, while the the others kind of just threw it together as quickly as possible. They might even fall apart with a strong breeze! "I could sleep anywhere, I often find---" She paused, that smug look across Carmen's face following those words brought forth a bit of a blush to her cheeks. "..I--I don't mind at all! Ah.." She quickly cast a quick glance downward, as if to hide just how red her not-so-innocet face was getting! She was.....certainly remembering things! The pat to her head didn't help ease off that blushing, ether! She felt rather small suddenly! Something she didn't mind against Carmen!
Of course, their little moment wouldn't last to long, when the irritating voices returned. "....Alright, you. What would you like me to do to prove I'm not some fake? It's getting very irritating. " It wasn't as if she wanted to hide their newly formed relationship, and with each rude comment towards Carmen, it only increased her urge to prove she WAS her girlfriend!
If only she could use her vines to scare them, but she didn't exactly want to spend the day, or days in the dungeons for causing trouble.
After the girl decided to leave, Unisha returned her attention back to Carmen with a soft sigh. "It makes me want to challenge them myself. I'm confidant I could win, but that wouldn't help anything, would it? ...Why are they so rude to you? " It was beyond her, Carmen was completely amazing to her, she couldn't for the life of her understand how so many people of this kingdom could hold such a grudge against her. "I don't care what they think of me, they can drag it down all they want, it's not going to change how I feel about you, and it certainly won't make me leave." She took a small step forward, her arms settling around her shoulders as she leaned in to kiss her suddenly. The whole kingdom could be watching, and she would enjoy every darn moment of it!
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Aerith Gast Gainsborough Captain
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 5:32 pm
_____________________"I know I must place my duty as a commander above my life as a man. And once I am crowned, I most certainly will do exactly that.
However, I am not ready to divorce myself from my compassion just yet. I will find the balance somehow, the means to save my country and her people.
That is the king I wish to become, and so that is the man I must be.""...Still, it was rather careless." Because playfully grabbing her ear was clearly something he should've given a lot of care to. "Perhaps you should cover them? ...Er, no. I don't know." He retracted that suggestion rather quickly. Was it possible he had a thing for pointy ears? ...Perhaps particularly the absurdly long ones that stretched out horizontally like Alisa's did? Who knew! "In this world my royalty hardly matters, and I've slept in worse conditions than a tent when I was a crown prince. Why would that change now that I'm a king? "I hardly think-" Before he could really finish his thought, Althesa interjected, flabbergasted that this was even a topic of discussion. "I-if it's large enough isn't the-?!" His protests fell on deaf ears, as he was soon forced into the forest princess's room. ...It smelled nice in here, he had to admit. But he still felt a little uncomfortable intruding into a princess's bedchambers! ...Well, not really intruding. He was invited, then forced in, so... really it was the polar opposite of intruding. "Oh, now the queen's orders matter?" He asked sarcastically as he turned towards her, as if she hadn't just passionately gone against those orders at the island! He raised an eyebrow at her as she laid out her terms, before stepping towards her, putting his hands against her arms and pushing them against her side, and very, very effortlessly lifting her off her feet, turning, and placing her down, now no longer obstructing the doorway. "I don't think you can prevent me, Alisa." He said with a hint of playfulness. He should probably be careful about poking fun though, with how often he's been defeated and restrained by her! Still, he was clearly more than strong enough to just move her by "force," as he displayed. He glanced around the room, thinking to himself. So, this is where she grew up... it did feel rather nice to be here. It made him wish he could show her Renais, as well."...Heh!" Carmen let out proudly, hands on her hips, eyes closed, smug expression. It was clear she loved getting praised. Which was perhaps more sad because she almost certainly never got any from anyone except her sister. Generally, when she did something exemplary, people either got irritated or it was just expected of her. As Unisha cast her face downward, she might be surprised when Carmen's index finger went below her chin, forcing her gaze back up. "Oh, if you keep acting like that..." The look in her eyes was like that of a predator, and Unisha would feel very much like her prey. She clearly seemed to enjoy making the princess feel small. ...Not in an abusive way though, of course.
But they couldn't share that moment too long, and the one who approached them was quick to leave at the threat of Carmen challenging her, not giving Unisha much of a response. "...Well, don't go around carelessly challenging people. Even our weakest people tend to be at least somewhat capable at fighting. Our people are raised as warriors, and so dueling is how we settle disputes. Not fighting, mind you--dueling. We can't just have people brawling in the streets, so when a duel is called, it's taken seriously. Someone acts as referee to ensure neither party gets hurt too bad, and often a crowd gathers to observe. We also tend to host tournaments during festivals..." This seemed like a place Ephraim would fit right in, didn't it? How ironic. It was definitely a lot different than the culture developed in the Central Kingdom, which Unisha would obviously be most familiar with, given she was its princess. One could say the cultures of each kingdom reflected their ruler like a mirror. "I don't know. I feel like I've devoted everything to trying to better this kingdom, but... I don't know." She was a little too socially ignorant to understand the issue, clearly. She blinked in repsonse to the kiss Unisha gave her, seeming almost startled by it. Her cheeks turned in color a bit. "...You're just begging for a repeat performance, aren't you?" As if that was the intention. Did Carmen not realize kisses could be innocent? "Well, I suppose I can humor you a little..." She said, pulling her into another kiss, a little more commanding, a little more passionate. Not exactly a proper kiss to give a princess in broad daylight, but perhaps Carmen was too socially ignorant to realize that too!(( OOC: ))
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Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 9:44 pm
Bronya As Althesa stepped into the audience hall, where she had been heading when running into that scene between her daughter and Ephraim, she was caught in a moment of surprise at who she saw. "...Bronya?""...Queen Althesa." Bronya responded grimly."...I see." Althesa let out a small sigh through her nose, closing her eyes. "So it's true, then.""..." Ever since arriving in this kingdom, Bronya had almost never left the front a single time. For her to be here--that conveyed the severity of the situation. "Lazarus told you it was bad, but it's much worse. The Shadow Nexus is expanding. We can't contain it anymore. The only thing this can mean is a full-scale invasion of the Forest Kingdom.""So it seems." Althesa crossed her arms, thinking. "Our soldiers won't be ready.""...Da." Bronya said grimly. "Most of our people are wounded, dead, or worse, as you know. We aren't ready for an invasion, but it's coming." The reason there was so little spare housing for the visitors to sleep was exactly because of that--so much was being taken up for makeshift treatment centers and hospitals. "We've managed to hold the front for years, but things have changed. It isn't a coincidence." Bronya had her own suspicions--someone had to be controlling this, but she had no idea who could. "You always have a contingency. The visitors.""...I don't want to rely on help from outsiders, but we may be forced to. If the situation is so bad you've come personally, I'll have to explain it to them.""The situation is far past bad. If these visitors can help, we need it. I recommend petitioning the Central Kingdom for aid as well. We've fought this alone for years, but we can't now.""I won't involve Eskallion if I can avoid it." She would never hear the end about him wanting to help if she did that, and he had his own kingdom to worry over."I'll trust your judgment." Bronya said, turning. "I'll return to the front, for now. But soon this kingdom will be the front, and I will return."Lazarus's expression didn't change much as Athena hugged her, but it did soften. Clearly she was expecting that to some extent. "You should save that kind of greeting for a lover when they return... or is there something you want to confess?" She asked, her playful tone betraying her stoic expression. "Yes, very soon. Several of our people are returning from the front. I won't be here long, but I needed to deliver a message to your mother." She paused, glancing to the side. "...?" Something felt... strange. But she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Like something was off. But... she often had bad feelings. She could just chalk it up to that for now. "...If anything happens, you can always seek me out. I'll be here for a bit longer. I will protect you." She ensured her, before taking her leave. If the front was coming to the Forest Kingdom, she'd need to ensure Athena remained safe for as long as was necessary.
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Aerith Gast Gainsborough Captain
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Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 10:54 pm
"You know what? You worry to much! " She teased, reaching over and........grabbing his ear in a playful tug! "There, now were even. You can stop letting it bother you now! " As if it did the same to him as it did for her! Still, that wasn't exactly the point of her doing this, she really was just trying to lighten the guilt he seemed to have! "I'll just be more careful about it, it's fine. Most the time I can stop someone from touching them, you just caught me off guard! " Or maybe, she wanted him to, ohhh!
As things escalated into...what was quite the amusing, and terrifying? moment of Ephraim's life, as the forest princess forced the king into her room, Alisa stood guard of the door with the most smug and confidant look upon her face. He wasn't getting through, no matter what! "Uh huh, they do now. Heh heh.." She was about to cross her arms, to show she wasn't going anywhere, when he took that step forward, and before her arms had much chance of moving, they were pushed against her side, and she was so very effortlessly lifted like a little feather, before being placed aside, away from the door! "...H-hey! Do you want to be leashed again, Mr. ? I'll do it, and then..! ...Then!.....You won't want to step outside for everyone to see, he,hehe.." Her laugh could be considered that of a cartoonish villains laugh, matching her gooiness in the moment.
Oh, how weak she was to those pretty silvery eyes that were now looking so dangerous! "....A-And if you keep doing this..i'll never be able to think clearly.." Her mind would forever be locked onto that moment she and Carmen shared! Despite her innocent appearance, there was a bit of a hidden side to Unisha only Carmen here would ever know!
But it would seem their playfulness wouldn't have a chance to continue as the one who decided to interrupt them finally took their hasted leave. "..Oh...So I shouldn't go around wrapping these meanies in vines? ...How upsetting! " She said playfully, obviously joking. "Well then, i'll keep that in mind. But if one more of them say something terrible about you I might just challenge one to a duel. It'll be fun! " It seemed everyone had this idea that Unisha was sooo weak, it wouldn't be bad to prove them wrong and have it mean something in the long run, putting a mean person down would be worth it. Phoenix......didn't at all influence her or anything!
"Have you talked to the Queen about this? ...could she not..do something about it? ..No, that wouldn't be good..that might make it worse.." She sighed. "I'll get to the bottom of this, if anything, I will find out exactly what it is that drives them with so much unnecessary hate. " It probably wouldn't take a lot of observing, for her to figure it out.
With the mood haven fallen, Unisha didn't want it to stay that way, did she? Of course not. Most of all, she wanted to make Carmen happy, and lighten her mind if it was possible. There was only one way to do that, and that was the kiss she surprised her so well with! "..Oh, " She said after leaning back a bit, a playful smile at her face. "Someone's turning red this time.." She giggled softly. "Ohh! You! " Well, there went her face again, the two red-faced lovers, weren't they to cute? "I ---just wanted to kiss you, you should get used to it..! " The big warning of the day, it wouldn't be the first time she kissed her today! --But before she could get another word out, she would feel her heart skip a beat as she pulled her into her own kiss, a kiss that just melted her into a weak love-struck princess. She certainly could sweep her off her feet! "...Ah,maybe..we should add ..a little more privacy to this tent.." What ever could she mean by that!
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Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 11:24 pm
 
A little ways from the gates of the Forest Kingdom, as to not startle any guards there, Aria appeared there. But she wasn't alone, holding her hand was the teal-haired prince, Reiner, who she may of remained holding the hand of a little longer then they may of wanted! Beside them was Sephriea, Ariel and of course Aiko. This..might be a interesting scene, they may all end up having to return to Midgar if things didn't work out so well!
There was a little something about Aria she would have to keep hidden well while being anywhere near this kingdom, much less inside, but with much practice, she had managed to keep who she was hidden for the most part. ".....I can sense Minerva is here. Ariel, you're up. You might be easier for them to at least talk to.." "..Umm..Okay! I'lll..talk to them." Bah, why was she suddenly feeling so nervous! It wasn't like walking into some every day town or city. She began ahead of the group, motioning for Reiner to stay close to her! He was just as trusting as herself, who would ever doubt his kindness? If anything, HE was the better one to convince them to let them in the kingdom! "...H-Hello! " Ariel waved a little, as she would come across the two guards at the gate with everyone in tow. "Is...it okay if we come in? ...Our friends are here..." "Hmm?? " Athena blinked her innocent green eyes, as if she was so confused! "But....you deserve a hug too. I love you too, as I do everyone special to me! " It was to bad she didn't quite get the playfulness, with how rare it was to see on Lazarus! "This is great news, everyone will be safe again.." She couldn't be more wrong, as things were being discussed beyond her knowledge. "I wish that you could stay longer, you only did just get here. " Why did she need to rush back to the front? It didn't make much sense to her. "Hmm? Is something wrong? " Athena followed her gaze to the side, though there didn't seem to be anything there. Turning back to her, she would nod softly with a smile. "..Thank you, Lazarus..Please stay safe yourself. " She didn't want to see anything happen to anyone..and it was always a constant worry for those who fought daily..
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Aerith Gast Gainsborough Captain
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2024 6:37 am
_____________________"I know I must place my duty as a commander above my life as a man. And once I am crowned, I most certainly will do exactly that.
However, I am not ready to divorce myself from my compassion just yet. I will find the balance somehow, the means to save my country and her people.
That is the king I wish to become, and so that is the man I must be.""Well, I suppose if that's your threat, I might have to-" Ephraim's playful response was cut off, as his head jerked to the side suddenly, seeing what looked like a shadow out of the corner of his eye. "...Did you see that?" He asked her, his tone shifting. Were his eyes really playing tricks on him? He paused a long moment, trying to focus on his surroundings as best he could.
...Whoever he was trying to find seemed to realize he couldn't hide much longer. "...Watch out!" He forced himself between the incoming attack and Alisa, the attack grazing his shoulder. Grunting, he was quick to latch his hand onto what came at him, which would be revealed to be the attacker's scorpion-like tail, as the two were faced by what could only be described as a demon.This wasn't as simple as he had hoped, but he was nothing if not adaptable. He stepped forward, grabbing the human by the neck and lifting him off his feet. All he had to do was crush his throat--Having already reached for Siegmund leaning against the wall, Ephraim released his tail after he was grabbed, one hand grabbing the hand that gripped his throat while his right hand took hold of his sacred spear. Turning the blade, he plunged it directly into the demon's chest, his own strength allowing him to pierce the demon's armored body and thrust in the spear's massive blade."!!" A short grunt escaped the demon, as he released his foe and stumbled backwards, searing white hot pain spreading through his body from Siegmund's point of entry. He had been stabbed and worse before, and rarely did he feel it--this weapon must have been special. He miscalculated. He underestimated this human, and he wouldn't make that mistake again. And Ephraim was immediately on the offensive, grabbing his neck now to plunge the spear into him again--but they both vanished in a shadowy mist."...Did you hear-?" When Bronya glanced away, Althesa had already vanished, and Bronya was very quick on her feet, sprinting towards the disturbance."Alisa--" Althesa said, appearing in her room a moment after they vanished. "What was that? What happened?" It was clear something was off, but Alisa would realize it, too--none of them could sense this demon's presence, no matter how attuned their senses were, no matter how expert their ability to detect evil."Well that sounds like the best idea-"Find Ephraim, Carmen."...What happened?" Carmen asked under her breath. Of course, my queen. She responded, before addressing Unisha. "Sorry, the fun is going to have to wait. Something happened to Ephraim--" Just then, she felt his presence appear a short distance from the tent. Well, Ephraim couldn't teleport, so something must have happened. Carmen turned, drawing both her swords and using magic to propel herself on her feet at incredible speed, leaping an incredible distance only to bring them both down on the assailant--a demon, by the looks of him. One that, alarmingly, she could not sense.Barely deflecting Ephraim's spear away from his chest, the demon raised his second blade, blocking Carmen's attack. "Impressive response time." His voice was deep and echoed, as he shoved both of them backwards."Don't let him escape!""Just try and teleport, I dare you.""You're Carmen, and you can Counterspell my teleportation. Makes it seem like a tricky dilemma, doesn't it." And yet, his voice didn't seem terribly concerned."...The princess has been attacked!" One of the two gatekeepers said in alarm, raising their spear and pointing it at Ariel. "Are you here to distract us?!" It hardly seemed like a coincidence that they would show up right now.
"...!" The princess was attacked? "...Sorry!" Reiner said, raising his left arm as a gold sigil appeared around it, the same gold sigil surrounding the two gatekeepers before he swung his arm to the side, forcing them both out of his way and onto the ground. Wouldn't hurt them too badly, but it certainly wouldn't give them the best first impression. Drawing his sword, he sprinted into the kingdom without a second thought. He didn't have time to play politics right now, especially not when he saw his father facing down a demon a short distance away.Bronya drew a pistol to level it at the demon as she arrived on the scene, moments later joined by Althesa who teleported herself and Alisa to them, and a moment later Reiner arrived, holding his sword at the ready. "The queen couldn't sense you." She surmised."I can't sense him either..." Carmen admitted."...Bronya. How amusing the Forest Kingdom trusts a human to manage their front. How long ago did you arrive here, displaced from your home? Don't you miss them? Kiana, Mei... Seele.""Naming Bronya's friends won't lower my guard. I am aware you can search my memories.""Of course... for the Herrscher of Reason, I would need something much greater to throw you off-guard. How about this? I can send you back home, right now.""...No one can sense you, and you claim to have that power. It's no coincidence. You're controlling the Shadow Nexus, aren't you?"A chuckle escaped the entity, overlayed by his demonic voice. As more Forest Serenitians joined the scene, weapons brandished, he hardly seemed concerned."...Be careful. He's planning something." Ephraim said, perceptive as ever. Bronya fired a shot, and Ephraim nearly immediately lunged forward to thrust his spear into him, while Carmen summoned chains from below him to hold his limbs still.He raised his sword, slashing the bullet in half before it reached him, and though both Ephraim and Carmen were able to land their attacks, the pain wouldn't kill him, and the restraint wouldn't stop him.
Then the screams began. To any who looked around, they would see masses of shadowy fog appearing one after another, all over the kingdom. The rate at which they were appearing was alarming, but not as alarming as what emerged from them--Reapers, and more frequently, demons, spawning at an alarming rate. "A little earlier than I planned, but... here is your invasion." He said, the black mass appearing below him and dragging him down, forcing Ephraim to pull his spear out or else get dragged with him."...!" She couldn't miss this chance, Bronya choosing to dive into the mass that he escaped through moments before it closed, spiriting them both away to parts unknown."...Damn it." That was reckless, which seemed uncharacteristic for Bronya. Still, she could do little except trust her, and deal with this crisis. Everyone in the kingdom, if you can fight, take up arms. If you can't, hide, or retreat. Her mental message was broadcast across the kingdom, as the demons and occasional Reapers poured out of the Shadow Nexus points spawning across the kingdom.
The invasion had begun, and chaos came with it. (( OOC: ))
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Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2024 9:24 pm
_____________________"I know I must place my duty as a commander above my life as a man. And once I am crowned, I most certainly will do exactly that.
However, I am not ready to divorce myself from my compassion just yet. I will find the balance somehow, the means to save my country and her people.
That is the king I wish to become, and so that is the man I must be." The Harvest Festival had begun within the Forest Kingdom, and perfectly timed to correlate with their guests' arrival. The Harvest Festival would celebrate the good harvest of the year, both in terms of crops and hunt, and in years past the festivities would include dressing up as all kinds of monsters and the like, similar to Halloween for humans. Though that tradition had not been practiced for many years, Althesa seemed keen to see it return this year, especially with their guests joining them. Luckily, it was planned enough in advance that anyone who wanted a costume was able to get one, though it wasn't entirely without its issues...
"You! You stole my outfit idea!!" Carmen practically shrieked as Ephraim came out to join the gathering, dressed in a very fine gentlemanly Vampire guise. The entire kingdom was decorated accordingly, and it seemed like everyone felt a little more relaxed than normal in this atmosphere. The kingdom had been wound up so tight for so long, many of them seemed almost to not know what to do with themselves in such a festive atmosphere. Many elves and animalfolk were passing by excitedly, wearing costumes of different sorts. Most weren't dressed as a vampire, but two clearly were. "I said I was going to be a Reaper!""And so you are," Ephraim responded in a matter-of-fact tone. 'Meanwhile, I am dressed as a vampire. See? We're completely different.""Oh, come ON. Reapers are just evolved vampires. That's a technicality at best.""Yes, well, Alisa bought me this outfit several months ago and shoved it into my arms, declaring, "you WILL wear this once the Harvest Festival comes around," and here we are." He didn't seem too keen to disobey that order. When Alisa made up her mind, it was final! And that was even before recent events."And you're just gonna let her order you around like that? Huh?""Yes.""Hmph. Whatever. I'll be the better Reaper anyway. I can already feel Unisha's lust growing--she'll be begging me to bite her by the end of the night, heehee... I doubt you'll see half as much action.""You're probably correct.""A competition then! Whichever one of us gets someone to beg us to bite them by the end of the night wins, and they're the best Reaper of the Harvest Festival!""You can win, I don't really want to take part in that competition...""Ha, big talk for such a small king! We'll see who's laughing at the end! I can't wait to see you on your knees in defeat!""Are you even listening to me?" And where did the 5'0 get off calling the 5'11 man small? He certainly wasn't short, and he had an average build while rather toned, and... he certainly wasn't small. Not that she'd know that. (( OOC: ))
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Aerith Gast Gainsborough Captain
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Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2024 4:55 pm
"...Awww.. Look at you two..Aren't you just SO cute! " A pair of arms would come to heavily rest over each of their shoulders. She couldn't wait to see their faces when they actually did try to turn and look at her, as what they would see was quite a drastic change in appearance of the once blonde haired elf princess, to now a silvery-white, they would also see her eyes were no longer blue, but a crimson red! She may of gone a bit over board, or maybe she didn't, she was certainly going to have fun with it either way! Her outfit was an even greater change, no longer that traditional green cute outfit, but a dark black and golden much darker attire. Two fairly large demonic wings were carefully and securely set at her back. "But I'm way cooler, don't you think? Hee,he. That Autumn has some interesting magic..So useful in this case! " Uh oh. She trusted AUTUMN. She might be stuck with silvery white hair and red evil eyes for a while! Though it could have been worse, she could have turned her into a full fledged demon knowing how horribly wrong Autumns magic tended to go. "Now then! What's this about biting? --- So, if I was to say...." She released them, only to turn fully to Ephraim now, putting her arms around Ephraim's neck in a romantic fashion.. "Oh, great Vampire King, please bite me! " " He would win? Consider him the winner, then! As if you could win such a competition! Ha! Right? Ephraim?! RIGHT?! "
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Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2024 7:25 pm
_____________________"I know I must place my duty as a commander above my life as a man. And once I am crowned, I most certainly will do exactly that.
However, I am not ready to divorce myself from my compassion just yet. I will find the balance somehow, the means to save my country and her people.
That is the king I wish to become, and so that is the man I must be." If not for her voice and her face being incredibly familiar to him, Ephraim may have mistaken Alisa for someone else, given this... strange change. "...You couldn't just be a blonde-haired blue-eyed demon?" He didn't exactly see the need to go so far, though as his eyes casted downwards to inspect her outfit a bit more, his face turned a slight shade of red, and he quickly glanced away. "...Well, it's a nice costume either way." One would think he'd be used to her exposed skin to some extent by now, but to be fair, he wasn't exactly the type to indecently stare at a woman's body! He tended to keep eye contact with her... generally."What's the matter, not a fan of the red eyes and white hair?"'...It's not an unattractive look, I just think Alisa as she is is already the most beautiful-" He paused, suddenly feeling a little odd to be saying something like that so casually. "...Well, I just... think you look great as you are, Alisa.""Ugh." Carmen rolled her eyes. "You losers need to stop trying to sound so in love, it's exhausting." As if they were "trying." It took about five minutes in the same room as them to know how in love they were, and that was true even before they got together! "...What?!" She let out in disbelief and annoyance as Alisa went ahead and begged for him to bite her--she was just doing this to try to get on her nerves! "...No! That doesn't count! You're just doing it to annoy me! You have to actually MEAN it! And you don't really want him to, I'm sure of it! Ugh, you know what?!" She raised an arm, waving it as a crimson-black haze overtook Ephraim's form momentarily, and a moment later, as it subsided, he would be left there looking... quite different. "There! No more vampire, so I win by default, and you two lovebirds can match with your edgy red eyes. ...Oh, and here's a little present from me for you too, Your Highness," She said sarcastically, and Alisa would feel a thin devil tail extending from her lower back, tipped with a spade symbol. It looked pretty similar to a certain someone else's. And Alisa would feel it wasn't some prop--it was a real tail, that would react according to her emotions and everything. Temporary though it may be, it was a very real tail. Carmen's magic was certainly no joke. "There, the look is really complete now... That one Reaper I dominated before, her girlfriend has a tail like that too. Seemed appropriate." As much as she hated Reapers, that one with the devil tail was one even she had to admit--she was really, very hot."...?" Ephraim inspected his hands and outfit, noticing it was very similar to his normal garb, but... darker. "Wait, I have red eyes, too?""That's not all, heehee..." That blood red hair matched his eyes perfectly, almost looked like Phoenix's hair and eyes like this. "There you go, Dark Ephraim and Devil Alisa, you've both truly fallen from grace. Now you... want world domination! ...I guess.""...Well, I suppose if I am going to rule the world, I wouldn't want anyone else as my queen. I hope she didn't make me look too ridiculous, though... Do I look all right, Alisa?" Knowing Carmen, he half expected to make his hair seethrough so he looked bald or something. He could still feel it there, but who knew with her magic!(( OOC: ))
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Aerith Gast Gainsborough Captain
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Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2024 8:31 pm
"Hmmm? What, you don't like it? I mean, why be so boring with it, right? This is fun! " Even more so, she could be sneaky all she wanted and no one would know who she was unless she spoke. She doubted anyone paid THAT close attention to her face to notice.
"Heh, am I to hot to look at now? " She grinned at him when she caught him turning away to hide his blushing face. As he went on to speak, Alisa found herself in a bit of surprise. He may not of been used to these kinds of celebrations in his world, but it certainly made for cute reactions and bringing out his honest view of her, even during such a event. "Thank you..hee,hee..it's just for fun, you know. It won't stay for long, she said maybe an hour at most. Should I make it more fun for you? Hmmm.. What can I do to make things a little more fun...like this? Maybe I should be the one to bite you.. " She winked at him playfully. It was a wonder just what she getting at!
Turning to Carmen now, that evil little grin Alisa wore so perfectly would return. "Oh? Jealous, are we? Poor Carmen, it seems this is a battle you can't win! And Unisha is only dragging you down further, huh? Waiting for her to get ready and not over here to snuggle you to death! It must be a real killer! " Although playful right now, it was as if everything between the two was some kind of compitition! "That reminds me! How serious are you two? Oh, we should ---- whoa! .." Well, her words would come to a complete stop at the sudden change that would over take Ephraim. Probably a good thing she didn't finish her entire sentence too! "Ah, isn't that...a interestingly dark look for you...I do so love your teal hair, and pretty blue eyes..I love everything about YOU, but I have to admit..this is quite a exciting look for you. Hee,hee..." Carmen might of created a monster, doing that to Ephraim. "You definitely look like a evil version of yourself.." As if Ephraim's change wasn't enough, the odd feeling at her lower back, and when she tried to move her head to peek behind her a little, she would see the thin devil tail extending from there. "Eek! This feels...very..weird! " It kind of jerked a bit in her own frantic reaction, which just happened to boop Carmen right in the face! "..Ah,haha...! ...Don't blame me, H-How do I even control this thing! Oh gods, this is embarrassing! " But it was certainly funny!
She was finding it a little difficult to figure out how to control her new little devil tail, and even harder to have a conversation with it swishing around. Her only choice was to grab it and hold it, as her face began to turn a soft shade of pink. "Let's just say...you could pass for Phoenix's big brother now. Hee,hee. " That hair, those eyes. Yes, he did quite look like that! "Ohh, that's an idea..Does that mean we can dominate you too? " She grinned at her. Turning to Ephraim, she shook her head with a giggle. "You look great. You always do, and I prefer my teal-haired, handsome king forever. This look for you is quite fun, though..Hopefully the magic on us both lasts a few hours longer.." There was a very subtle smile behind those words, followed by a quick wink she hoped only Ephraim would see!
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Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2024 9:06 pm
_____________________"I know I must place my duty as a commander above my life as a man. And once I am crowned, I most certainly will do exactly that.
However, I am not ready to divorce myself from my compassion just yet. I will find the balance somehow, the means to save my country and her people.
That is the king I wish to become, and so that is the man I must be.""What? You-" She managed to catch him off-guard as she asked if she was too hot now, causing his face to only color further. "You... always look very attractive, of course. I just--" His expression turned blank for a moment. Why was he playing into her teasing? She would have to try harder than that! ...Or would she? At her next words, he blinked, feeling his heart skip a beat. Gods, he really should've expected things like this when he started dating Alisa--she had always been like this, but all the preparation in the world wouldn't really be enough! ...Though, he wasn't exactly complaining. "What? That's not-- there's no need to-- I... am perfectly content to..." He had a really hard time choosing his words when he became flustered it seemed. "...I am happy however we spend time together!" He finally managed, though after a moment, he added a little more. "...So I'll leave the finer details up to you." Well, he could at least try to match flirtations to some extent!"God you two are so cringey." Carmen said flatly, unfortunately subjected to their sloppy flirting. "...What?! What would I have to be jealous about?! Need I remind you I've beaten you every time we've fought, I'm with a more attractive partner than you, AND I'm much more popular than you are!"
"Oh Carmen, looking good. Why don't you actually become a Reaper so you can get exiled and never come back?" Someone in a small group shouted at her, and the others in the group started laughing as they continued walking past.
"...Okay fine maybe not that last one, but two out of three isn't bad." Carmen said flatly, crossing her arms."...Exciting?" Ephraim asked with a puzzled expression. That answer only made him more nervous, honestly. For multiple reasons! ...Though it was kind of her to say she enjoyed things about him. ...Why would he assume otherwise, given they were together? Ephraim glanced down at her devil tail, blinking. "Well, I... think it looks cute." He said somewhat awkwardly. "I mean, it's... It's good." He seemed to be getting a little red-faced again for some reason..."Great, I awakened a red hair fetish and a tail fetish. Guess I'm on a roll today." Carmen said flatly."My hair is red?""Try to keep up, Ephraim--hey! Control that thing! Is this your first time with a tail or something?" As if that question wasn't obvious. Carmen had an entire lifetime of having a tail, so she was something of an expert. Didn't seem to come as naturally to Alisa. As Alisa asked if they could dominate her, Carmen leaned in slightly, talking condescendingly a little closer to her face. "You're welcome to try, puny little High Princess." She said mockingly, before standing up straight again. "I could put you both down at once, easily!" Whether or not that was true, there was no doubt Carmen believed it wholeheartedly.Alisa certainly loved trying to tease him, didn't she? ...Or was she even teasing? It was hard to tell. "Well, who's to say how long they'll last. If there's something in particular you want to do... we shouldn't wait too long. Just in case.""Do you two ever stop? I'd say get a room, but you literally have one--Alisa's room. Go crazy on each other in there if you can't help yourselves!" As if she was really one to talk. She and Unisha were arguably even worse.(( OOC: ))
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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