Even the limited contact was significant, this was public, that sort of thing was not done, but formality could be set aside, there would be no other chances to do anything. In no time at all hey would all but cease to be and what they had.... He clenched his hand around the sigil until he could feel the markings on it cutting into his hand, knowing it would leave bright white marks against the skin. He removed his own crest ring and handed it over expensive and fragile, it was his only proof of the lineage he'd come from, but he wouldn't need any of that any longer, where he'd come from was gone and what wasn't would soon be.
He didn't want to let go of Barth's hand, he didn't want to let go of his memories.
He still couldn't speak and he knew that if he did he would crumble and lose his composure, that he wouldn't be able to go through with this. He took a slow breath, steeled himself against everything, brought the other man's hand to his lips in a tender gesture and then released him. He opened his mouth but couldn't say it, couldn't say anything.
He stepped forward to the hated box and mouthed the words they wanted him to say, hardly hearing his own voice, not caring about the meaning.
The swirl of emotions that filled his thoughts wasn't pleasant, it was a world that was failing, dying and withering away, there was death, destruction, starvation and disease. But those scenes didn't cut the deepest, the ones that rent like blades were the memories of frivolous moments, quiet conversations in grand rooms and the intention to outrun whatever came after them, to beat the odds other people had stacked against him.
He rose and didn't understand why he was afraid. He was a knight, he was here to fight, but he was out of his depth and suddenly acutely alone. The old defensive walls fell into place automatically and he tensed, setting his features in a firm expression of control and poise he didn't feel.
He turned and there was a moment where despite everything else, one figure felt familiar, the way one might recognise someone from a dream. Zar moved to haughtily extend his hand in the not-entirely-familiar-man's direction, smiling toothily. "I am Zar." he said. "The pleasure, is no doubt yours."
OOC
My character's name: Zar Character's journal link:[Event][Non-event] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Tall, slender and feminine with almost uncanny good looks, Zar moves with gentle grace. His hair is silvery and ridiculously long. [Image] Rank of character Apprentice Knight
Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 8:21 pm
Evan was unusually quiet and grim as he waited his turn to pledge himself to the last remaining kingdom. It had been a long and difficult journey to get himself and the others here safely. Noemi and Shu, especially, had been terrified, and he couldn't blame them. Milo had been a great help in keeping their spirits up. Evan had just compartmentalized it all, working through it because the alternative was to scream and rage and get them all killed, and he had seen enough friends die.
They had looked to him for answers and he had had none except run. To not stand and fight until his last breath had gone against his upbringing, but he wouldn't risk their safety for anything. They were all they had left.
He wouldn't make them promises he couldn't keep or offer them reassurances that he didn't feel. They had gotten there mostly by luck, if he was honest, and now that they were relatively safe, all he wanted to do was find a dark, quiet corner in which to rage and mourn privately. He would have this done first, see the few remaining familiar faces to safety one last time that day before he took that moment for himself. He wanted this, but soon it wouldn't matter, and his desires were once more rendered irrelevant by the necessity of duty.
With each of his friends that made the pledge came a modicum of relief; they would be fine here, for now, until--unless--the monsters came here, too. They would continue on without their past traumas. All too soon, it was Evan's turn to swear his loyalty. He approached the box--
smoke and rich, metallic blood coated his nostrils and the back of his tongue and nearly everything that had once been a structure or a piece of furniture or a beloved possession and was now just so much rubble
the screams of the injured and dying calling out to the creatures, letting them know that their jobs were not yet done because their prey was still alive
"I pledge my service to the Great King and the Great Knights."
the sight of mangled and mutilated bodies and it was even worse because he recognized some of them as friends and family and people he had grown up alongside
this was not war, this was not the type of glorious battle that he had heard tales of since he was old enough to understand them, this was outright and wholesale slaughter and there was nothing valorous or chivalrous in this
"I will uphold the Knight's Code and protect this kingdom against the darkness."
This was nothing, and there was nothing left. Evan felt empty and free and somehow bereft, but he couldn't put his finger on why, exactly. There was a lingering tension in the set of his shoulders and crescent-shaped marks in his palms from his fingernails. He tried to recall and was troubled when he couldn't, and then decided that whatever it was, it couldn't be that important if he couldn't even remember it.
OOC
My character's name: Evan Roberts Character's journal link:here BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Tall, broad, and muscular, green eyes and short blonde hair. Wears simple, functional clothes, nothing fancy. Rank of character Apprentice Knight
Inle-roo
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ATh e a r t
Romantic Lunatic
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 8:32 pm
[Callista]
Callie stood in line, her hood covering most of her face while looking at the ground, clutching the hilt of her sword. They were gifts from her parents and they kept her alive. She had made it this far, and there was no looking back now. Part of her was scared of giving up everything, but the other part of her just felt like... it was needed. It wasn't like the good memories outnumbered the bad.
She felt as though her early memories, the ones she could barely recall, were happy, but slowly... Slowly, everything seemed to move further into the darkness.
-------------------------
Her youth was an interesting one. Callie's father was a very tall, broad man, whom, at least when she was born, worked as a carpenter. Her mother was smaller, more gentle woman and worked as the town nurse. They both worked to try and liven up others' lives despite having darkness of their own.
Callie's birth was one of the few bright moments in the dark world. They grew up somewhat happy, but the mother's health took for a bad turn when Callie was still young. The passing was hard on them both, but harder on her father; the darkness around her father grew faster than most.
Most of the time, her father drowned his sorrows with alcohol - the stronger the better. From time to time, he'd yell for her to come out, but Callista was small and hid most of the time. It wasn't until a few years ago that her growth spurt hit and she grew too tall to hide. She could remember the bruises, the pain... But nothing kept her for loving her father.
After her father passed out, Callie would come out and take care of him. She couldn't move him, but she tried her best to make him comfortable. Making sure that he kept himself breathing... cleaning up his mess and himself... Dripping water into his mouth so he would not feel too bad the next time he woke up. The process would repeat itself every few days.
That was until the darkness enveloped them all.
She and her father had been sitting near the stove one night. It was eerily quiet until a scream broke out. Something was coming and and quickly as well. Callie was confused, but her father knew what to do. He threw her to the ground and covered her up.
Callie could still hear his words... Stay down. Be quiet. Don't move... There's some things your mother and I kept for you under the floor board in the closet...
The next moment, all she could hear was the door breaking down. A sword slashed her father's back as he pretended to be drunk. The alcohol in his system had dulled the pain, but he groaned as he shielded Callie. Tears ran down her eyes, but she could not move.
As quickly as they came, it was quiet once more, but she could feel her father's breath weakening. His last words were to tell her to go as he lifted himself off of her. Callie saw him mouth something before he collapsed again, but never figured out what it was.
She took the hidden package from the hiding space and left the house. There was no one else still around - death and darkness loomed all around her. Callie clenched the package before running. She didn't know where, but something was calling out to her.
-------------------------
The memories subsided as she made her way in line. She could hold a sword and defend herself because of her father that day. Her turn in line came soon enough and she thought of the task at hand. Callie couldn't help but stare at the box for a few moments before making the decision.
In a low, but unwavering tone, she made the pledge. "I pledge my service to the Great King and the Great Knights. I will uphold the Knight's Code and protect this kingdom against the darkness."
Callie closed her eyes as she saw flashbacks seemingly rush through her. The moments were short and soon her memories grew to black. It made her feel oddly empty, but determined at the same time. There was nothing holding her back from being a great knight.
She would not remember, but a part of her had hoped that the memories would not be gone forever. Memories are, in the end, part of who she was, even if she could not recall them.
OOC
My character's name: Callista Snow Character's journal link:Event | Main BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Her hair is blue-white but lighter curls and drops down to her mid-back. Callie's eyes are crystal blue and sometimes, depending on the light, blood red is visible. She enjoys wearing a hood and cape with light armor. Rank of character Apprentice-knight
Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 8:37 pm
Leev
Her time in the line had been good for her. A moment to reflect. In her mind there wasn’t much to reflect on. They were at war. They were losing. The tight feeling in her chest grew, and Leev clenched her fists and fought it all back down. Not yet. She would be a knight, and then she’d let it all out. She’d hunt the enemy down and make them pay for what they had done.
It was her turn, and she inhaled. Anticipation. This was the key, this was the road she needed to be on.
"I pledge my service to the Great King and the Great Knights. I will uphold the Knight's Code and protect this kingdom against the darkness."
*** It was the brightest day she’d seen in weeks. Astride her horse, a blade at her side, she’d gone as escort to the next town over. A few hours away, but if her presence brought a little bit of assurance to old woman, Leev was not one to scoff at the job. A short trip, but they’d left late, so she decided to stay the night away from home.
It was the brightest day she’d seen in weeks. So she’d seen the smoke not long after she left for home. She’d ridden hard the whole way back.
Embers and flame, dried blood and broken bones were all that greeted her. The village stable still burned, it’s thick support beams still holding up its rafters in deviance. It stank of charred meat.
A pile in the courtyard, bodies parts mostly. Torn apart and left to rot. Some looked like scavengers had been at them, but she coudlnt’ tell. Leev had to swallow down a wave of panic when she began to recognize bits of people. An arm, the innkeeper’s arm. She’d been wearing her favorite dress, it seemed, that cream thing with the tiny blue flowers. Bought from a merchant two summers ago. She’d worn it nearly every day. Next to it was a man’s boot, non-descript. It could have been anyone’s. The faces were the worst. She threw up once. Couldn’t help it, the moment her eyes locked with dead gaze of a boy she’d known since they were young.
Her own house, black and caved in on itself. It smelled of burned timber and flesh. She didn’t dare pick through it. She didn’t want to find her family. She didn’t want to know how they’d died.
One night, and her entire life was gone. Nothing left. Nothing but broken bones and ashes.
*** Leev rose, a strange comfort settling in her heart. She rose with the knowledge that she was on the right path, the path to being a knight. She stood knowing that her enemy was out there in the shadows, and she would fight them. She was going to become a great a knight. And they were going to win the war.
There was nothing before now, nothing in her life. Leev was perfectly at peace with that.
OOC
My character's name: Leev Character's journal link:Here]http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?page=1&t=24688605#371965471]Here BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Being a knight was something Leev had dreamed about since she was young. She has a strong sense of morals, and finds the knightly virtues appeal to her. Right and wrong, saving people, all the rules- it has become a place to travel all of her anger and misery. Which is why when the time came for to join the knightly ranks, Leev wasted no time. She was there for business, to be a knight and fight in the war.
She is pale and fit. Being a knight is her dream. Looks Rank of character Apprentice-knight
All had seemed quiet for a moment, countless people gathered, amassed in the last standing kingdom known as Camelot. Gazes directed towards the Great King as he spoke, giving out words of a last hope.
"..There is a way to fight against the darkness.."
That's when the other noises started to seep into Haze's subconscious, realizing that he had simply tuned out the rest of the world. His cold gray gaze snapped from the appearance of the King and started to dart around his surroundings. Trying to register any face he could, but in the end it was all a blur. The color was still flushed out of his face as he stood there, his legs straining to keep a steady stance as he felt as if some great pressure was haunting his shoulders, his limbs, his very being. The tension and anticipation was so thick in the room it couldn't be cut with the sharpest weapon. Sucking in against his teeth the young man made a soft 'tsk' sound before diverting his attention back onto the great man speaking before them.
His arms crossed in front of his chest, the dark thick chain mail that covered his upper limbs making a soft clinking sound as he shifted his weight. Haze's desire and necessity to be there was far to great for him to be able to take his leave. Even if he wanted to, where would he go? This seemed to be the destination he was called to, lead into like some injured animal into a cage. But instead of being trapped there he was given the opportunity at some hope. To retaliate against the darkness that had befallen the land. And so the knight-apprentice took his stance in line.
Occasionally the silver eyed man glanced down the skew of people, seeing the different kinds of personalities, the different faces that would take their oath in front of a mysterious box. He watched as one by one those who were in front of them took up their duty until finally it was his turn. As Haze stepped up his breath caught in his throat for a moment, the notion of uneasiness coursed through his veins but for a blink. Kneeling down against the ground he hesitantly reached out his hand, feeling the subtle power emit off of the small box as his lips parted. Staying like that his heart raced in his chest, was this really such a good idea? He knew there was going to be consequences, but at the same time what was there more to lose. It was too late now anyway, hearing the people behind him getting impatient or unsettled just as he had been. Letting out a soft breath the slender man closed his eyes, letting the words roll off of his tongue...
"I pledge my service to the Great King and the Great Knights. I will uphold the Knight's Code and protect this kingdom against the darkness."
When his words echoed through the air of the room the knight-apprentice didn't sense anything happening. Fearing he may have done it wrong his eyes slowly started to flutter open, and then it hit him. Instead of seeing the great hall that he was once in, he saw his past flash before his eyes...
♦♦♦
The smell of smoke was so intoxicating, it stuck to the white-haired man's skin as if it was sap on tree bark. Screams cut through the air as a darkness loomed over his village. Standing there frozen only one thought crossed his mind, his sister. Attempting to snap himself away from the blood curdling fear that gripped his body the young man would run forward. His breath heaving and thick as tried to avoid the sparks and lashes of fire that roared about around him. The town was in shambles but no matter how bleak his surroundings looked he needed to reach the person who mattered to him most. Running down once familiar streets he jumped over some debris, his foot catching on a piece of support that was jutted out from a house. Causing Haze's body to harshly hit against the ground. His consciousness faltered for a moment, the ground no longer cool but instead hot with the embers that spread across them. Feeling the sting against his cheek Haze pressed his palms against the ground, letting out a grunt "Angel where are you" he mumbled to himself.
Gritting his teeth together the boy continued on, running past houses and shops he had once visited often, only to see them reduced to a pile of fire and brimstone. Soon his feet would slow down, pressing hard against the ground as he came to the building that was most familiar to him. His home. Haze's gold gray eyes were set ablaze by the reflection of a raging fire. The hope that his house hadn't been touch quickly fluttered out as he witnessed reality. His mind could only direct towards one thing again, and that was his twin. Pulling up the red scarf that had hung loosely around his neck he proceeded to cover his mouth to ease his breathing. Holding up his arms the man flung himself into the burning building. Looking around as crackling and hissing pierced through the air. "Angel! Angel where are you" he said once more. Running into the next room a piece of housing frame collapsed behind him. Blocking off that route to the exit for him. It was then when the white haired male heard a faint voice coming before him. He was in one of the bedrooms.
Crouching down low Haze let out a wheeze of a breath, clawing his hands against the floor as he caught a glimpse of the person he was looking for. But when he reached her, his heart lurched in his chest. His throat closing up as he almost began to choke. "Haze... don't look like that" was all he could hear now. The voice cracked and was very weak. Without a moment to spare the young man reached out to grasp his hand against his sisters. Angel was laying against the floor next to the bed, a large stake of wood skewed right through her abdomen as a red liquid trickled from the corner of her mouth. Her white hair no longer pure as it was stained with her own blood that pooled against the floor.
"Don't leave me"
Haze would choke up, gripping onto his sister's hand even tighter. "I'll get you out, I'll find a way to lift this off of you" he desperately cried. Trying to bite back the tears that already began to stream down his face. But all Angel could do was smile, seeing that her brother was safe was the greatest wish that could ever be granted for her in these last moments. "Dear brother, you know that I must stay here" the white haired female said. Reaching her free hand up to cup his cheek "I'll be fin-" before her words could continued the woman let out a harsh cough, drawing up more blood that split onto her neck "Please- Go my dear Haze. Al-ways be mindful of your s-surroundings, and b-be the light in this darkness" she struggled to say.
But the boy was stubborn at that, and no matter the plea of his sister he did not wish to leave her side. Trying to fight the urge to flee as the house moaned and waned under the weight of itself. It wasn't until he felt his sister's hand grow cold amidst all the heat did he let out a sound. Screaming and whimpering as he watched his sister die before his eyes. He had been broken, but before she let out her last breath she pulled her brother's face close to hers. Resting their foreheads together for a moment before lifting her chin up. Angel graced his forehead with one last kiss as she looked at him with a smile "Hold.. on to.. this love for me" she said before the light extinguished from her eyes. Saving the last bit of his heart from completely breaking apart. Tightly closing his eyes shut he let his sister's will carry him out. His face, his heart, his very soul was stained with sorrow and pain, tears and regret, betrayal and heartache. The weakened light of his soul softly flickering.
♦♦♦
That light that was close to dying slowly sparked, growing as his eyes opened again, seeing the great hall that he had left. Tears streaked down his face. But as he reached up to wipe them away, he realized he could no longer remember what had made him grow in sorrow. The regret he thought had gripped his heart was no longer there. In its place was the last words he had spoken, the oath that Haze bestowed upon himself. Standing up he let his new found hope and strength wash over his body. He could breath, he could move forward, and most of all he could fight again. Turning on his heel he saw the others before him who felt this same sense of relinquish, and he took the first step towards the future.
OOC
My character's name: Haze Vix Character's journal link: [x] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Stoic, Observant, Loyal. All qualities of the young knight in training. Possessing shaggy mid-length white hair with one side slicked back and cold gray eyes. Upon his torso he wears a belted black leather tunic with thick black chain mail underneath. Around his neck hangs a loosely hung scarlet scarf, while on his lower half Haze wears fitted black pants with knee high leather boots for ease of travel. Two belts wrap around his waist, holding a few very small leather satchels for necessities in travel. Rank of character Apprentice-Knight
Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 9:01 pm
[ Heather Larkspur ]
It was impolite to laugh.
She knew that. She'd been to enough wakes and pyres, enough masses and prayers for the fallen and the ill and the dying. It was impolite to laugh or smile or show any form of... well. Anything, save sorrow. She'd often been scolded by her aunt for such behavior, yet that'd done little to deter her.
Yet there she was. Standing amidst others who'd come to swear to fight, come to stand against the darkness and the monsters. Smiling. Small shoulders shaking with... laughter. If any took notice of her, they said nothing, or perhaps she merely missed the disapproving looks, scowls, and mutterings she was used to blocking out from those around her back home during such inappropriate circumstances.
Home...
Everything happens for a reason, right?
Heat pricked at her eyes. She always told herself that same line, over and over. Said it to everyone around her each time some horror befell them, or some new tragedy came to light--things would get better, sometimes things happen for a reason and it'd yet take time to understand why. Anything to try and explain something of the source of pain, to try and alleviate fears and bring some hope back to their eyes.
Now?
The same words felt hollow in her chest, bitter on her tongue. She'd always known to be careful speaking such thoughts to others for this exact reason, but to feel the weight of the concept upon her own shoulders... made her laugh.
Her teeth grazed her knuckles as she pressed her fist to her mouth, trying to smother the sound. Nothing could control her shaking shoulders, or the slow burn in her chest and eyes. But she sought to at least diminish her disruption.
Boot clad feet made little noise as she followed the taller bodies forward. She removed her fist from her mouth, though her lips pressed tight in a crooked smile. What would you say to me now?
Her fingertips brushed against the cold engraved coin within one of her pockets. She knew the flower without having to glance at the worn surface. That tiny piece she could bring with her of... everything.
The figure before her moved, and Heather gazed upon the large box. Her smile wavered briefly before returning. She would lose so much. Would she even keep the coin? I'll never see your face again, sister...
Her lips trembled as she lowered herself to her knee. The keep had been swarmed by the darkness, the horsemen and riders and shadowlings converging on the walls. Guards and farmers and merchants all alike took up any weapon they could to try and drive them back. She'd never heard so much screaming in her life... even as her sister had dragged her further into the keep. Down stairs and through tunnels, going anywhere they could to try and put more room between them and the darkness.
"I pledge my service to the Great King and the Great Knights. I will uphold the Knight's Code and protect this kingdom against the darkness."
Lilac looked to her as Heather managed to squeeze through a section of the crumbling wall. They could hear it, the sound of approaching combat. Heather had held her hand to her sister through the cracks, trying to urge her to follow.
Come. Come, please. Stay with me. Let's go. Together.
Don't leave me behind.
Lilac had smiled, so briefly Heather had barely seen it. To buy her more time. To give her more time. Heather had given a muffled cry, trying to not draw further attention to them but wanting her to come with her. Don't leave me alone. Come with me. Please.
That smile she barely caught. The tears that wouldn't stop as she ran from the keep. The survivors she found later... her sister was not among them.
That smile she barely glimpsed. A last promise. A last affection----
Heather's fingers brushed against a cold coin in one of her pockets and she pulled it out, brow furrowed slightly in curiosity. It was faded. Pretty, but faded. She could just make out the engraving of a flower in the surface, though she wasn't entirely sure the importance. There must have been some for her to keep it, surely...
Smiling and laughing softly, she tucked it back into her pocket and moved on. She had to move forward now. No turning back~
OOC
My character's name: Heather Larkspur Character's journal link: Here BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER A giggling girl more interested in stables and running around assisting in whatever tasks she can find, the petite Heather chose the life of a knight for a single purpose: to help those who could not fight back. Though her wide eyes and slender build are perhaps more fitted to a lady kept away behind guards and walls, she's taken to use whatever extra time she could while training to try and build up... some form of extra muscle. She's at least seen positive effects in her arms thus far...
Long brown hair kept in an arrangement of braids pinned at the back of her head, and layers of loose cloth over studier material against her body in a collection of garments almost dubbed a dress, she keeps her appearance simple but on some level practical. Sturdy boots lay over warm leggings, and those loose layers of cloth? Happen to contain a collection of useful pockets sewn within the insides. A small token with a flower engraved upon it is kept within one of these pockets, though she has since lost the memory of why it was so important to her. Rank of character Knight Apprentice { 1d4 } Sacred Points obtained: ???/100
Wash waited in line with the rest, nervously flexing his hands and shifting from foot to foot.
Safety. Well, relative safety, anyway. As much as was left in this world - and all that it would cost them was their souls.
The quiet man had often pondered, in the dead of the night, when Sasha and the others had managed to assume some kind of fitful sleep and it was his turn to stand watch - whether the seat of the soul was the heart, or the mind. Wash strove to be a logical man - to keep a cool head and to act after much introspection, informed by experience. It sometimes made him seem slow, or distant. Not at all like her.
He watched her give her vow, watch the peace settle over her gently and sweetly. He felt something inside him relax. Of all of them, she, with her noble intentions and unconquerable spirit, deserved this small release. She was like a songbird; the ease of flight combined with the the sing-song emotional tumult of small joys found in harsh times. How he envied her that passion, that will to live. To love.
Wash's heart was surely nothing more than ash and coal, now. It had been a long time since his first loss, but there had been others - oh, so many others. Each one chipped away at him, until he felt his chest close to bursting with sadness; that tears only served to vent the pressures.
And so he wondered again, as he took his turn kneeling in front of the box, the ominous steel casket - was the seat of the soul the heart, or the mind?
"I pledge my service to the Great King and the Great Knights..." he began, a hesitant baritone.
"I will uphold the Knight's Code and protect this kingdom against the darkness."
And then he waited -
And then he waited, the darkness around him oh so close, as close as a breath, as close as a lover. The night was dark, and full of terrors.
He tried to slow his heart, which beat so loud and so fast he was sure they would hear. Watched as their town, like so many others, was pilfered and vandalized and set ablaze by the hordes of shadows-and-not. The men with wings and horns and terrible faces - the harbingers of the apocalypse.
There was a sound then, just behind him - a hiccup, and then a sigh.
Wash turned, arms raised, ready to fight, ready to... Ready to throw his arms around the diminutive and soot stained figure, to bury his face in her long hair and thank whatever gods would listen that she was here and that she was miraculously alive. Sasha, Sasha, Sasha. If she had survived, it was enough. They had taken family and friends from him before. They had taken his home.
But they would not take his hope.
They grew up together, carving out a meager existence and travelling from town to town helping when they could and running when the darkness closed around them once again. It was a bleak, hopeless existence, to be sure - yet somehow, they had together found a spark. A little light, in a world overwhelmed by shadow.
And they would let it shine.
Wash blinked, realizing he'd been kneeling longer than intended.
"Sorry," he muttered to no one in particular.
So this is what it felt to be a knight. It felt empty, really. A great white expanse behind him, and the open infinity of the future ahead. He opened and closed a fist, marvelled at his calloused hands; hands that told stories he could no longer recall. But he didn't feel different - he was still Wash.
The seat of the soul, he decided then with some finality, must be in the heart.
OOC
My character's name: Washington Becker Character's journal link:http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=24688661 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Wash is a tall, dark skinned man, well muscled and suited to long days of hard work. His weapon of choice is a simple and oft-used sword, and what he lacks in technique he makes up for in brute strength. He chose knighthood to attempt to ensure the safety of his family; a sister, brother, and parents who are to old to fight.
He is kind and well meaning, slow to speak and quick to listen. Rank of character Knight - apprentice! (1d4) ** DONT FORGET TO DISABLE YOUR SIG WHEN POSTING**
HERE YOU SHOULD QUOTE ANYONE YOU ARE TALKING TO
QUOTE MORE PEOPLE IF YOU ARE TALKING OT THEM
Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 9:14 pm
The voices remained a low murmur as the Great King informed the scrawling crowd of what was to be expected of them, what they were and would accomplish in order to protect the lands. Her heel tapped heavily on the floor, even louder when the person in front of her gave her a look of disdain before trying to shove their way forward as if trying to escape. Voices rose when the Great King’s speech ended, people where shuffling around as the knights remained in their place. An unsettling feeling sank into the room as others looked to the ground, some stared straight ahead as if the pledge was nothing more than a rite of honor and despite the sacrifice was the most noble act one could do.
A grin lingered on Lass’s lips as she mocked them; her foot still tapped its impatience across the floor, her arms folded across her chest as what felt like ages for her turn to come. She had little interest in such group ceremonies, if it had been one for just for Lass, she may have felt different but this, this was merely a necessity to complete. To say that she was a decent human being was a lie; there was little care to do this for revenge or even for some misconstrued idea of duty and honor. Instead the only reason the woman stood there was to put her name down in the books, if the world was going to hell, if they were all going to die, then Lass wanted to make sure that she had at least made some sort of mark on the world. A name in glory the show of her strength that was why she had fought so long to even get there.
The least they could have done was given her a party in Lass’s name.
When her time finally came she stepped forward, showing no hesitation as she walked swiftly to the box ignoring the nods from the knights standing around. The feeling of magic hummed from the large box it as she wanted to stretch her fingers out towards it, just a touch. Snapping her heels together, Lass knelt down to the box with her hand over her chest. “I pledge my service to the Great King and the Great Knights. I will uphold the Knight's Code and protect this kingdom against the darkness.” As the words escaped from her lips questions rose to her mind, a flicker of doubt, or more of a concern that would she still have her strength.
Or would she be a nobody.
-------
A faint screamed could be heard in the distance as Lass’s eyes fluttered open in the darkness, a groan escaped her lips as her fingers danced along the skin of the young woman that held tight to her waist, her head resting on Lass’s breast. Even in the dark she could see the maiden’s white skin glow against the darkness of her own, the ribbons of blond curls spilling out across the sheets as she remained still sound asleep. Another scream echoed through the night as if some tavern fight had gotten out of hand and emptied out into the streets. Smirking Lass laid back down, closing her eyes tightly trying to force the sleep back into her, but the screams continued to grow louder as the faint scent of smoke started to fill the air.
Something was wrong started to fill her head as Lass pulled herself from her companion and headed to the window. Flames licked across the roofs of houses as people below ran screaming, clutching things of importance as if something even more terrifying than the fire was after them. The rest of the inn started to awake, as loud voices shouted at one another in the hallway, the sound of footsteps running down the creaking boards.
Wasting no more time Lass grabbed her pants and boots before shaking the girl from her deep sleep, “Get up, get up now. We have to leave.”
“What’s… what’s going on,” Her voice muttered as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes only to be rewarded with her undergarments before being dragged up to her feet. Lass grabbed whatever she needed, concerning herself only with her weapon and any sort of rations she had left to make an escape. The smell of blood started to fill the air as the screams and sounds of metal clashing with one another echoed in the air.
The girl was fuddling around as Lass growled and snatched the silk dress out of her hands, “leave it we have to go now.” A horrified look flashed on the girl’s face as Lass grabbed her wrist and headed out the door and down the stairs. The door was open as the glow of fire illuminated the shadows of figures still running, the sound of a gasp behind as the girl tried to snatch her hand back. It was trembling in between Lass’s fingers as she pressed forward, heading to the door and looking out making sure the coast was clear.
The trembling stopped as a watery gasp escaped the girl’s lips from behind her, turning Lass watched as blood dripped from her neck and down her pale skin before crumpling to the ground. The shadow in the dark grinned lunging forward as the only sympathy Lass could muster was the word pity.
OOC
My character's name: Lass Character's journal link:Journal BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Image Rank of character Knight Apprentice Sacred Points obtained: ???/100
HERE YOU SHOULD QUOTE ANYONE YOU ARE TALKING TO
QUOTE MORE PEOPLE IF YOU ARE TALKING OT THEM
stella cinere
Ice-Cold Codger
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[Mistress Morbid]
Trash
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 9:33 pm
Aniu twitched as she waited in line. It wasn't that the line wasn't moving. Because it was, which was impressive for the sheer size of the thing. Seriously, where the heck did these people come from?!
She just wasn't always the most patient person with these sorts of things. It didn't help that she felt like a billion different emotions at once were about to burst out of her. Excitement. Nervous. On the verge of tears for no reason. A strange sense of pride. She'd be lying if she said she didn't feel the slightest bit sick from this too. But the biggest feeling she had at the moment was fear.
What if she messed up. What if she got herself hurt? Or worse.
No. No no no no. She couldn't think like that. She had to stay positive. Not just for herself, but for the others around her. One's mood could effect those around them. If she stayed positive, maybe the others would too.
She blinked when she realized she was up next. This was it. Decision time. Now or never Aniu. Would she cop out in the end? Or would she see this thing through? Taking a deep, deep breathe. She made up her mind. She was seeing this thing through to the end. She had to. It was the only way.
"I pledge my service to the Great King and the Great Knights. I will uphold the Knight's Code and protect this kingdom against the darkness."
As soon as the words finished tumbling out of her mouth, Aniu felt her stomach, and heart, which had spent the better part of the day up in her throat, drop. She'd later swear she'd felt like her skin had turned to ice. Time stopped.
--- Aniu could remember someone, some high ranking person and a few of their flunkies coming to her village. Someone had been calling out names of the families that lived there. Fathers, sons, brothers. Slowly one, sometimes two, from each family would come forward and collect something, Aniu couldn't tell what from the angle she had been hiding at. It was then she realized what was going on. The one calling out the names was a recruiter, and everyone stepping forward were either men that had previously fought before, or another family member taking the fathers place.
'Ebonmourne'
That was her name. Aniu watched as her father limped up to the man. It was the only option. Her older brother had died in the last great war. Opting to take their fathers place instead of him going. Now her father was right back where he started. He had fought in a war years ago, before either of them were born and sustained a harsh leg injury. Everyone had said it was a miracle he survived it, let alone made it home alive after that.
It was much later that night where the young girl dared to do something stupid. She took a knife and cut her hair short, tying what she could of it back. She snuck into her parents room and quietly took the piece of paper that her father had gotten, and whatever was left of her fathers armor and weapons and snuck out to the horse barn. Quietly she loaded down her horse before fleeing in the middle of the night.
She knew she'd likely get in trouble for this later on, but she hoped that by then, if this was the case, they were well into the war and there was nothing to be done about it.
--
Things spun slightly as Aniu swayed while the memory fled into the box. Holding her head, she blinked slowly a few times in a desperate attempt to clear her mind. Huh. Well then. That... was something. Don't ask her what. All she knew, as she took her place with the others, was that this was what she had to do.
OOC
My character's name: Aniu Ebonmourne Character's journal link:Here BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER I WILL FILL THIS IN LATER SORRY. Rank of character Knight-Apprentice
Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 9:35 pm
[Soren]
A decision to die, or a decision to fight and have a chance at life. A guarantee that what he held dear, his own memories, that which made him himself, would be lost. Lost to what he couldn't be certain, but lost nevertheless.
It was his turn before the box, his turn to kneel and sacrifice, to accept the mantle of once again becoming an apprentice, but it would hardly be the first time he'd had to start over. Even without being a wizard he could feel the power from the box. Magic.
Magic that could make sure his sacrifice wasn't for nought. The words rose to his lips and he said them, the desire to protect heavy on his heart.
"I pledge my service to the Great King and the Great Knights. I will uphold the Knight's Code and protect this kingdom against the darkness."
Soren could only hope that he wouldn't be too useless, too worthless without his memories. Already he could barely even remember his fears, focusing instead on burning bodies, burning homes. The village he'd been hired to go to before it's destruction had brought him here flickering in his memories. Chased down by horsemen and shadows.
Now he was aware of the pain, coursing through him, making him feel raw and exposed. Yet still the pain continued, senses assaulted with the stench of dead flesh and the screams of innocents. Shadows twisting and undulating until they moved together, no longer individual shapes but darkness showers to blanket the area.
But then it was merely nothing to be concerned about.; In fact, it was hard to tell why he felt so strangely as he stared back at the box and bowed before heading to where it was perhaps slightly less crowded.
OOC
My character's name: Soren Character's journal link:Here! BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Medieval version of him. Rank of character Knight apprentice
ramenli
Alarming Consumer
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ramenli
Alarming Consumer
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 9:39 pm
[Sacha]
Sacha was a tavern boy, and someday he wouldn't just be doing the menial tasks he had to to stay alive. Someday he'd be running a place like the tavern he'd been apprenticing at.
No, not like that. Better than that. He'd have a place that served something a bit higher class than slop. Which meant pretty much anything.
Of course, it all would have went as planned if the horsemen had never arrived, sending him scrambling into wilderness he barely knew how to survive in, making a "living" on scavenged plants and fungus as he made his way to the Great King.
Pledging himself to a knight wasn't an easy choice. He wouldn't necessarily call himself a warrior, but he'd survived to this point. A knight who offered up healing and rejuvenation was a temptation, and preservation? At least he knew something about that. With enough salt you could preserve meat for quite a while.
Soon enough he was in front of a massive box, and he could feel the presence around it. Magic, it had to be. What else would feel so powerful? He could feel a shiver run through him but he refused to back down. There wasn't much else to do really.
His name was called, summoning him forth, and he took a step closer, staring at the box all the while.
"I pledge my service to the Great King and the Great Knights. I will uphold the Knight's Code and protect this kingdom against the darkness."
Sacha spoke clearly, not letting his doubt show through. But really, what memories did he have he could not lose? His family? Without this sacrifice it'd be pointless to remember them as they'd be forever lost.
Darkness. Utter darkness. Consuming, almost a physical presence and then, in the distance, light. The feeling of hope was quickly quashed when he realized what the light was. Fire. Fire devouring everything in it's path, entire villages lost to screams as the horsemen appeared.
It was frantic. Pain and panic, screams of anguish. The sweet, cloying scent of rot and decay giving way to air saturated with the stench.
Then, blissfully, it began to fade and when he opened his eyes it was with a light, almost innocent, smirk.
OOC
My character's name: Sacha Character's journal link:Here BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Like my avi but medieval. Short. Rank of character Knight-apprentice
Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 9:54 pm
[Makayla Winston]
The young woman stood there in line as she thought over what the Great King spoke of. A chance to make a difference, for the price of her own memories. She came to Camelot to get away from those memories, so she was all to ready to give them up. She watched as each person stepped up, her mind swimming with too many emotions as she tries to clear her head. She couldn't help it though, her eyes kept searching all the faces around her. She was looking for her father and mother, hoping they managed to get away before the darkness consumed her village. With each scan of the faces, the fear threaten to take over every though in her mind.
Inside, she knew they didn't make it.
As the person before her finally stepped aside, she takes a deep breath.
Taking a few steps forward, she brushed her dirty and bloody hands on the back of her leggings before she kneels.
"I Makayla Winston, pledge my service to the Great King and the Great Knights. I will uphold the Knight's Code and protect this kingdom against the darkness." there was no going back now, she chosen her path. She stood in the back of their home, watching her father as he took aim with his bow. The arrow flew through the air, hitting its mark on the tree not to far away. He smiled to her as he steps aside to allow her to step up.
Lifting her bow, she focus on the tree, her eyes narrowing on her target.
It was in that moment she heard the screams that caused her and her father to turn.
The smoke rose high and spread through the village fast, blanketing everything in front of her.
Her father grabbed her, forcing her and her mother inside the house. She clung to her mother, trying to prevent her from going after her husband as she coughs. The smoke was thick, threatening to consume her and her mother. Her only thought was to get to the door and get out into the air, where she believe the smoke wouldn't be as bad.
It was in those moments, she saw out the window the shadows. She saw one rip the head off the local baker, and drop the head inches from the body. Pulling back, she clung to her mother as she feared they wouldn't be able to get free.
You have to run...leave the village....don't look back...
She clung to her mother, begging her to stay with her. This wouldn't happen, as she heard the front door crack, causing her mother to let her go and push her towards the window. All she could do was climb out and run, as she was told.
Bodies lay on the red stained dirt roads, the carnage was everywhere. The smell of burning flesh was nearly enough to make the young girl sick, but she still ran. dark was falling upon her fast, and she knew if she didn't get away, she wouldn't be able to.
She was nearly down over the bridge before she finally stops to catch her breath. Her eyes finally turning back to look at her village, only to see nothing but flames lick the sky. The air was still filled with the smell of death, and the cries still erupted the night.
Run...do not stop until you get to Camelot....
Makayla blinks a couple of times as she looks at the box before her. Her mind was a haze, and yet she felt calm as she stood. She looks around, trying to remember why she came, but it seem none of it mattered now. What filled her with sadness seem to no longer matter, now she was a knight-apprentices.
Brushing off the skirt of her dress, she turns as she makes her way way out of the hall.
Now, she had things she must do.
OOC
My character's name: Makayla Winston Character's journal link:X BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER With long flowing black hair down to her waist, it is often up in two braids that is wrapped then fastened on either side of her head. Her bangs are left alone to fall around her face. With pale skin, her green eyes seem almost darker because of how tan skin she is. Rank of character apprentice-knights
Barth, too, knelt by the box. Looking deep into the twisted face carved there, he said the Words.
His ambitions became strangers, and he let go of the bitterness and abandonment, the expectations, his lack of title and Name. He let go of his mother, who had never really deserved...he couldn't remember what she had deserved. He ran, what did he run? And why? It was for something, for someone. His hand clenched tightly to his chest, as he tried to hold on. To remember the feeling- but it was as if something was raking teeth over him. He felt breathless. Pain. Cold. Remember. He was surrendering- he had vowed-
Was there someone? Or only...him. The tasks. The vows.
When he stood again, he felt oddly light. He brushed the dust from his knees. He found himself suddenly short on...a lot of the whys, honestly. But it didn't bother him. He was hungry. And a bit tired. Maybe a lot tired.
He seemed surprised by the offered hand.
"Oh! Yes. It is, of course. Barth." As he took Zar's hand, it crossed his mind that Zar was wearing a ring on a sort of oddish finger. But then, he realized he was doing sort of the same thing. Was that the fashion?
"You're..." he felt out the words, "a knight-apprentice?"
OOC
My character's name: Barth Character's journal link:here BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Dark-haired, dark-eyed man with a meticulous goatee and shoulder-length hair. Rank of character Apprentice Knight
Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 10:20 pm
[Zar]
"Indeed I am." he said, though wasn't sure how well he fit that particular mold. It was important to follow the rules, and to help one another. That clearly meant helping him. "Nice to meet you then Barth. You seem more knowledgeable than I am. You should help me find where we are supposed to live now."
There weren't any servants, it seemed like Barth might actually do as an alternative.
OOC
My character's name: Zar Character's journal link:[Event][Non-event] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Tall, slender and feminine with almost uncanny good looks, Zar moves with gentle grace. His hair is silvery and ridiculously long. [Image] Rank of character Apprentice Knight
Baneful Crew
Dramatic Hunter
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I AM WOE
Lonely Ranger
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 10:36 pm
[Ezekyhel]
Ezekyhel's mouth is curved downwards into a hard frown as he stares at the back in front of him; the dirt and blood smothering his face making him look grimmer than he ever had looked before. There was rage simmering within his countenance, a very thin veil keeping him from releasing a great, vengeful monster upon this dark world. Most people had kept away from him since his join to the line. They had spared him only a glance then- worriedly- they had stepped away, making sure to give him wide berth. Ezekyhel spat blood from his teeth and wondered, distantly, if they didn't feel the same churning in their gut that he did. Hadn't they all just escaped from the same nightmare? Surely then they, too, should look as enraged as he?
He remembers, most vividly, the way the smoke had poured into his lungs like Black Death; filling him not only with the pain of choking on embers, but also with an undeniable sense of dread. The village he'd grown up in had been alive that night; and not with its usual joyful festivities involving an ample amount of booze and dance- but with flame. Great pillars of it, filling the night with a monstrous light. A light that meant death and destruction. He remembers, too, the sound of screams- the sound of blood spilling onto cobblestone- he remembers the Horsemen and all he can feel is rage so raw it colors his vision red and makes his big hands clutch themselves into heavy fists by his side. He'd pay any price to pay back the shadows that had taken everything from him. Even if that price was his memories.
He was happy to be offered the chance to erase the images of mutilated and charred bodies from his mind. Perhaps, even, too eager to do so. As per usual, he did not consider the full consequences of sacrificing so much. He did not consider the happier memories, or the more cherished ones. All he could think of was his wife as she died, and his friends as they died, and his family as they died.
He wanted to forget.
"I pledge my service to the Great King and the Great Knights. I will uphold the Knight's Code and protect this kingdom against the darkness."
The words were said easily enough and, once they had left his lips and the memories had floated from his head, he had not forgotten saying them. He rose from the ground where he'd knelt before that great box, turning from it and running a hand through his rugged mane of hair. His fingers tangle in the near-dreaded mess, and he realizes that much of it is soaked in dried blood. He can't remember how it got there.
OOC
My character's name: Ezekyhel Character's journal link:xxx BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Short, muscular, and often grinning... Ezekyhel is definitely a sight, and anyone that knows him will attest to that. Though handsome, in his own rougish way, Ezekyhel sports a thick mane of red hair and skin the ruddy tone of rose-hued brown. His eyes are as blue as ice, and rarely without a happy glint within them. Rank of character Apprentice Knight (1d4)
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