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 Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2010 7:53 pm
A man whom can conquer his fear can strive to conquer the world.>x-General Caesar-x< Days must have passed since the time where Caesar's most trusted tactician, Antonio made his plans and all of the Legion split to carry them out. From the reports he was getting on all fronts, it looked like this campaign, much like any of the others in his long history of victories for Archanea was running as smooth as it possibly could be. The Estarcians put up a decent fight, and that skill they had in combat was something he just had to admire them for. They were not typical barbarians, but almost halfway civilized. Their civilians would come to understand what true justice meant when the few bad apples that were spoiling this bunch were weeded out. They would thank him once all this was over, he would assure it. His reward would be one of the most important things to him...
A way home. The fact that there was even a hope of that idea is what kept General Caesar leading as a strong head figure of his army. While the lower ranks were demoralized at times, it was the commanding officers whom really had a strain on their morale due to their constant requirments to put their men in peril. Maybe if he was losing this war overall, there would be some disheartening in the great leader's emotions. But for now, victory was to surely be in their grasp. Estarcian Generals were falling, and so far, the civilians refused to resist. They were both staples of an oppressed populace, one where the military kept the civilians they swore oaths to protect under an iron fist.
City after city, Caesar vowed to change this place into what his King would have been proud of. He knew that all logic stated Archanea couldn't actually take control of a country in another world, but he could certainly make it a better place for those who suffered. The steps were being taken, just like moves in Caesar's favorite game, chess. His rook, Lancelot went forward with a force to be reckoned with. His 'bishops', Esmerelda and Antonio caught the enemy by surprise by moving in a direction that no one expected, and his 'queen', Milan the most powerful force of all, holding off the border guard. It left him with his right and left knights, Beatrix and Felix. As he marched with them, Felix's scouts kept the General updated on everything.
The original plan in Antonio's strategy was that the three of them spearhead an assault on Respia, a city that supposedly sold sacred relics that boosted the power of a man in battle. It had to be seized, or the enemy would use these strange items to gain powers beyond understanding, and be able to retaliate. As Caesar and his Knights marched forward though, more reports came, ones that spiked the General's interest. According to one of the scouts, Ivan, the swiftest (but smallest) member of Felix's Cavalry, the wounded Estarcians were being carried by convoys to a location that wasn't far from Respia.
It was a temple. Rumors from those who blended in with the commoners said that there lived a powerful priestess there, who served to tend to the enemy's wounded. She was supposed to be the Head Priestess, a valuable leader in the Estarcian communities as well as very well-informed of all the country's sacred relics. Capturing her would lead to much valuable information, and this opportunity presented to Caesar by Ivan couldn't be missed. Yet, Respia couldn't simply be neglected...
And that is when the idea came to him. "Beatrix, Felix. Based on the updates the cavalry has given me, I have decided to modify my orders to you. Beatrix, you're to continue the march to Respia. Take those relics so we may use them. Felix...' He looked to his right hand knight, someone that he considered more than just a soldier, but a true friend to him. It was only appropriate what would be ordered next. "You and I are going to the temple that Ivan spoke of, and we shall take the priestess alive. She will know where the Fire Emblem is, as it's a holy relic. If she comes willingly, allow her... but if not, we take her by force and give her guardians no quarter."
« ● ● ● ● ● ● »
All will fall to that which is greater, this is an inevitable truth.
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Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 11:07 pm
Make way, make way! ✕ ✕ ✕
Was the world mad?
All about the priestess towered finely chiseled pillars, adorned in stony guardians which perched warily upon high pedestals in eternal stillness. Light danced across the undulating locks of her lemon hair. They flashed in her emerald eyes when she glanced about herself, shrouded in a brusque aura and an air of impatience. Unpleasant news had fallen on reluctant ears and she could only mutter that the gods had enough grace to grant them some mercy. As Gwyneira briskly stalked the temple's expansive carpet, she cast others an almost critical and assessing glance before she resumed her perplexed stare at the rug.
An ivory staff tapped along the rug with a contented gleam in its sapphire accents. It was warm in her grip, although the surroundings were ominously distant and the temple's breath frigid on her bare skin. It was of little relief that those pegasi stirred false winds with their beating wings and frantic hooves. In all honesty, she could have done without blood and agonal moans for at least a day, and yet she had the sense that no such luxury would soon occur. As a matter of fact, there existed an almost tentative quiet as though the entire foundation held its breath, muting even the cold that nipped at her skin, at the robes which billowed around her ankles. Gwyneira ceased in her restless strides to steal a glimpse of the entrance.
"Fathers and mothers which birthed this land," she swore almost bitterly, "I might exchange my fingers for some peace and quiet. Good lords know that even the harlot would be sore of this sight." Her ivory staff thudded against the carpet once to emphasize her irate words. The priestess quickly sought a sign of some escape from her troubled thoughts, someone with whom to converse, something with which to be preoccupied that did not involve blood or lolling groans.
And by this meaningless stride the valorous will appear. ✕ ✕ ✕
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Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 8:45 am
The night went on, ominously. Shadows cast illusions everywhere, within the forests, as the soldiers trudged along. They never knew when it might turn out to be one of the enemy. Paranoia haunted their footsteps, but they knew that they must keep going, if they wished to reach their haven. A heavenly manor, or rather a temple, hidden in the wood. It belonged to the Head Priestess, though she did not always spend her time there. When she did visit, it was a glorious sight, as always. There were always staff in this building, willing to reach out a helping hand, to provide safety or healing, when it was needed. Nobody was turned away.
Eventually, the soldiers reached this temple and knocked on the door. A cleric came quickly and opened up. The pair entered quickly, carrying the propped body of their commander between them. "Please, you must help her!" They were quickly ushered to a section and the body was laid down. The cleric looked over the girl, but saw that she could do nothing.
However, not wanting to give up, the cleric went and found Priestess Gwyneira. "My lady... Please, come and see if there is something you can do for this woman. It is Commander Norah, of the Border Guard..." The cleric began to walk off, showing were to go. This was perhaps a sign that the Priestess had a divine task to do, before peace could restored.
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Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 12:28 pm
The stars will hear naught; ✕ ✕ ✕
Such footsteps rarely heralded well. Gwyneira turned to face the cleric who had approached, and after a brief explanation she furrowed her brow to the slightest degree. Indeed, there was some black mischief in the air if a commander was here in search of divine assistance. Her staff clacked ponderously as she followed the cleric.
The temple had been quiet before, but now even the quiet seemed muted by by some solemn tension, and all stony eyes seemed to peer down the corridors in hushed whispers that a dark fate might be upon them. Though she gazed forward it was as if her eyes still anxiously searched the walls for an answer. She might have been irritable a moment ago, and yet now something hung heavy on her spirit. Under her breath she asked the gods what evil had conspired this mischief.
Gwyneira was met with the sight of the temple's various clerics and priests and servants gathered wonderingly about Commander Norah. She turned her nose up at this sight. Norah's presence incited much excitement and all, but she would not tolerate such rudeness as this. "Get you back to your duties!" she declared, mostly to those who had to be elsewhere. There were a few who would have to stay. When the others stood mostly unresponsive, she brandished the ivory staff as though she took this as a challenge, her emerald eyes hard and formidable. "Why do you balk? Disperse, nothing will come of this gawking!"
It took a moment, but they appeared to finally comprehend the message. The crowd trickled down to the few she needed to remain. Gwyneira hurriedly swept up to the subject in question, and with each step she felt her spirits hang heavier and heavier like it was being pressed to death. She could press her lips into a grim line as she said, "What's the damage?"
Fluttering hearts will scarce avail! ✕ ✕ ✕
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Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 5:22 pm
The soldiers gazed upon the Pearl of a woman. Truly, she was divinely picked. She was perhaps as close to a deity as a human could dare come to be. At leas, this is how people saw Gwyneira.
"S-she was stabbed.. in the chest!" One soldier stammered.
One of the clerics looked at the Head Priestess, knowing a bit more specifics. "The stab is deep, but the blood loss seems minimum. Ice looks to have formed inside of her, cutting off its escape." The cleric pointed to the red-stained frozen crystal, somewhat protruding from the body. "Unfortunately... it's had other effects." She paused. "She... appears to be dead."
The soldiers looked at each other, then at the Head Priestess. "No... we need a miracle! Please, perform one! Can you save her?"
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 9:00 am
They say ask and ye shall receive; ✕ ✕ ✕
She glanced over the body. It was a grave sight to behold, the glory of an esteemed leader reduced to a feeble dimness. Gwyneira appraised the garnet that was the ice embedded in Norah's bosom, narrowed her eyes in disapproval, and she touched the peak of her ivory staff against the obstruction in a contemplative tap.
Words would only be a waste of time. With another critical glance over the wound she held the staff to Commander Norah's forehead, straightened her back, and closed her eyes. The priestess raised her free hand to her lips, fingers stiff in prayer. Gwyneira let the darkness consume the surroundings and leave her to a world of her own. Gradually, sounds, faces, feelings subsided, all except for what felt like a trickle of moon and sun on her skin. She was left with Norah.
Words drifted about her. In the passing of a heartbeat, she understood that these words fell from her own lips and echoed from her own thoughts, a petition to what divine forces had gathered that very day at that very hour to lend her clarity and the power to heal. She focused until all other presences were blocked out, until only Norah's struggling breaths and faint life signature remained. She focused her vision through the staff. She let it creep to the site of the wound, to the ice, the frigid skin and bone around it, feeling about as though she was using her own hand to inspect the damage.
Blood steadily succumbed to cold, to sleep. The will to survive weakened in Death's appeasing embrace, yet there was a reluctance to proclaim Norah's final breath, that last heartbeat that would end it al. Gwyneira prodded through the veins with her mind. Possessed by the secret sadness that had driven her efforts down the years, she turned back to the opening which was sealed over by ice. For a moment, Gwyneira was made to return to herself. She gathered the forces and the energy of her own body.
Little by little, life and warmth, vitality and health trickled down the staff into Commander Norah. Gwyneira first felt the cold from her toes. She felt it creep up the veins of her legs, frozen fingers rapping on her bones as it went. Still, she did not let it sway her. The priestess stood stalwart, murmuring to the gods and the universal bond which connected all things, to herself, to the staff, to Norah. Flesh and skin slowly regenerated, the ice thawed into mere moisture. The chill consumed Gwyneira's body until her fingers were clammy, until it felt as though a lump of ice that taken post in her own chest.
She let her health ebb away, bleeding into Norah, and as the staff communicated this ritual to the commander's body Gwyneira mended the aura around Norah. Her mind strengthened the white halo around the commander until it was almost visible to the naked eye, a faint light that gently glowed on the skin while it shimmered from the peak of the ivory staff.
At last, her knees gave. Gwyneira tumbled to the floor with a startled cry in her mind, although she kept a firm grip on her staff, which swung away from Norah and planted its other end into the floor. Regardless of whether or not it had been successful, she whispered quiet gratitude to the gods, to the spirits which had given the staff and the priestess their power. Gwyneira found that the floor was comparably warm to her frigid touch. She shivered vehemently and opened her eyes, and the room swam and wheeled and her form teetered and threatened to topple to the side.
Gwyneira gulped and hoped fervently that her efforts were not in vain. Trembling, she touched the orb of her staff to the commander's arm. The priestess uttered a single rasp:
"Rise, Commander Norah."
But a promise unfulfilled... ✕ ✕ ✕
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 12:25 pm
As long as I live. . . . I shall protect the ones I love. ~Caterina~
------ It was quiet, and the Priestess Guardian didn't like it one bit. Caterina was used to the constant activity of the palace, and the silence of this temple was unnerving. Even more worrisome were the people who had come to the temple in droves seeking the safety and sanctuary, as well as healing. It was clear to the Falcon Knight that the battle against this unknown force was not going well. Rina almost wished she was back at the palace, but her duty was to protect Priestess Gwyneira the Pearl, and since Lady Gwyneira was here, so too was Caterina, along with a battalion of the Holy Pegasus Order charged with guarding the clergy. Fortunately, the temple was large enough to allow for pegasi to fly inside, so Rina did not feel too trapped here.
Rina walked through the halls of the temple, lance in hand and sword strapped to her waist. Clerics and priests scurried about, tending to the wounded. Bothered by the almost tense silence and annoyed at herself for letting it bother her, Rina headed toward the front of the temple, intending to find Adara. Perhaps seeing her beloved pegasus would calm her nerves. Even though it was night, the Falcon Knight hadn’t been able to sleep; her nerves kept her awake.
To her surprise, several clerics and priests hurried out of the entrance hall as she entered it. Only a few remained, standing around something or someone. Lady Gwyneira was there as well; she must have ordered the nosy healers out. Rina frowned. She detested those who neglected their duties. And obviously the Priestess wasn’t asleep either.
She approached the group, part of her curious to see who was so important that the healers would gather. Upon seeing the injured woman, Rina gasped; if her memory was correct, the woman was Norah, a commander in charge of the boarder guard, and her injuries were not light.
Is the enemy that strong? Have they advanced that far? Rina wondered, incredulous. But what of — what of Cyric? Is he— no, he cannot lose. I'm sure he's fine . . . I hope.
A soldier told the Priestess the cause of the commander's injuries; she had been stabbed in the chest. It was a miracle she had lived this long. Rina watched quietly as Lady Gwyneira worked her magic. She knew better than to say or do anything to disturb a healer at work, especially the Priestess Gwyneira. Instead, the Falcon Knight gripped her lance tighter, stood out of the way, and watched to see if the commander could be healed.
I wonder if Commander Norah will be alright. It seems the enemy is stronger than expected. I hope Cyric— no. He has to be alright. I have to believe that.
Surely Cyric's forces would prevail in the end. Rina would keep Lady Gwyneira safe, and Cyric would protect the realm from this enemy. ------ My Liegexxxxxx xxxxxxMy LadyMy Lord. . . .
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 7:38 pm
It's cold... I... just want to sleep- what? Who's there? Why can't I sleep...
Norah's eyes shot open, her back arching against the floor where she lay. She couldn't breathe- why couldn't she breathe? Couldn't- she drew in a sudden gust of air, coughing and jolting upright. Belatedly she realized it was a horrible idea to do so. Her head slammed back down painfully, as she took the time to relearn how to breathe properly. She was freezing, but nothing hurt more than the air itself going in and out of her lungs. It was like hours spent breathing cold air, when the body becomes so raw.
Her hair was limp and tangled red curls, still plastered to the sides of her face. The battle came rushing back to her, and she tried to stand up again- while she still hadn't been able to say anything yet, she realized she had no idea where she was, and in fact her mind hadn't registered that she was anywhere other than the battlefield she last remembered. Her arm shot outward awkwardly, looking for her sword- and it wasn't there. She coughed more, whipping her head around rapidly and trying to orient herself.
"W-where the hell am I? What'sgoingon?" She sat upright, holding herself in her arms tightly. Her voice came out in a sharp whisper.
"I thought... I thought I was..."
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Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 8:45 pm
We may fail by trial and error. ✕ ✕ ✕
"Dead?"
It was plain that the priestess was having a hell of a time trying to find her feet. Her skin was practically blue from the cold she'd siphoned, although it was understandable that Commander Norah would still suffer a terrible chill. There had only been enough warmth, after all, to thaw that frigid obstruction that once occupied her chest. Gwyneira tried once more to push herself up with the ivory staff. This too was of no avail, although the priestess betrayed little reaction her helpless state.
"Be at ease. You are on sacred grounds now, and you have been seen fit to remain in this mortal thread." Her voice was weary and yet she refused to let any conviction in her tone waver. She was exceedingly tired now, which left her with nary a shred of energy sufficient for care, concern, or even triumph. Gwyneira waved vaguely at the others around her, a silent plea for assistance.
"Somebody, please. Now, Commander Norah — ponder your grapple with death for as long as you like, as I cannot advise you on your next...decision. I know not what warfare transpires beyond these walls." Gwyneira blearily batted her eyelashes at her unsteady surroundings. She clasped a hand around the other, still holding tight to the staff, attempting to warm her fingers.
"I have no doubt that your next action ought to be an immediate one, however."
In that, we are preordained to succeed. ✕ ✕ ✕
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 3:59 pm
"My lady," Norah reached out to catch the priestess, or rather help keep her upright. She had no idea what had really happened, still, but it was obvious it had taken its toll on her savior.
"I... unfortunately, have no idea of what's going on outside either. I was never informed that we were at war- I was too far out to send a messenger to, apparently," she resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Too far out, her a**- bastards higher-ups forgot about her again. If they had known, which... well, it was a bizarre place for a first attack, to say the least. Norah shivered, everything from the tip of her nose down to her toes was still feeling numb. Either it was because of her circumstances in the dead of winter, being impaled by ice- or it really was true about the "chill of death."
She pointed a finger at one of the soldiers that had apparently drug her body in.
"One of you numb-nuts help Lady Gwyneira- the rest of you, where the hell are my effects?" She was speaking, of course, about her missing blade as well as her hat and goggles. And a tube of lipstick. She watched her troops smack into each other with abandon, not really doing anything remotely useful to the cause. Running a hand through her hair, tousling up her curls, she pursed her lips.
"Apologies for being blunt, but, this temple isn't going to... er... hold up, very well, under attack... would you like to be escorted to the capital...?"
Apparently, as she warmed up, her mouth started to run its usual course again as well. Done playing with her hair, she reached toward her neck, as if to grab something to hold onto out of habit, but- she discovered it was gone. Her heart ached momentarily as she thought of Gil- but he was far more important than a trinket. At least she knew he was safe She hoped.
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Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 10:40 pm
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Felix~ ﻬ~The Cerulean Champion~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯⋟~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~So far everything was going to plan that was until new intelligence became available to the Archanean Legion. His scouts retrieved useful information and delivered updates on their comrades’ battles. Felix felt the most proud of Ivan, whom gave important knowledge of a key figurehead in the area. The young cavalier worked hard to be useful to his captain and general. His efforts were not in vain. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~While General Caesar addressed his fellow troop leaders, a small amount of eagerness overcame Felix. If the head priestess cooperated, the Legion would be one step closer to liberating this land and returning to their home. Peace would be that much closer to their grasp. However, if her guardians resisted, unnecessary blood might have to be shed. The paladin hoped this wouldn’t have to happen, but being a soldier meant following commands and Felix was deeply loyal to the superior officer. Whatever must be done for the sake of Archanea. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Gently he tapped Joel’s ribs to get the horse to move towards the cavalry’s lieutenants. "Isaac, Garet. We’ll be attacking a nearby temple instead of traveling with Beatrix’s squad to Restia. According to Ivan, there is a priestess who mostly likely knows the location of the Fire Emblem. Orders are to capture her alive at all costs. The other priests are to stay amongst the living as well, but if her guardians refuse to give in, show them no mercy," the more experienced horseman told the two. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~The great knight and paladin nodded to their captain then rode off to deliver the message to the rest of the cavalry. When they were gone, Felix adjusted his posture in the leather saddle to one ready for battle. On the right side of the seat, a Steel Sword rested in its sheath next to a satchel with a vulnerary in it. On the left he held his prized weapon, a Brave Lance. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Darkness shrouded over the land. The men were ordered to extinguish their torches when they neared the edge of the forest. They couldn’t let the guards spot them just yet. It would give their target enough time to escape and completely ruin the mission. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~After communicating with the rest of the soldiers, Garet whispered to his fellow lieutenant. "Hey Isaac, I’ve this great plan on how we can storm the front gate. You in?" ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Isaac cocked at eyebrow then sighed. "Only to keep you from getting yourself killed," he replied in the same hushed volume. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~"All right. Follow my lead." The great knight flicked his mount’s reins to signal a quick gallop. With his Steel Axe raised Garet charged at full speed at the temple’s door. Upon reaching his destination, he cleaved his weapon diagonally through the wooden barrier. Isaac soon followed suit with his Iron Blade. After a few attacks the door barely stood. Now came the cool part. Garet turned his horse around so that its backend faced the entrance. The paladin lieutenant copied his motion cautiously. "On the count of 3 have Flint buck." ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~"What?!" ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~"1 2 3!" Vulgarly slapping his steed’s hindquarters, Garet held on tight so he wouldn’t be thrown by Char’s kicking. Regretting his decision already, Isaac hesitantly went along with the great knight’s "great plan." Just seconds apart, the two horses kicked their rear legs into the weakened door, sending it soaring inward. If there was a guard standing behind it, he/she mostly likely got crushed by the fast flying debris. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~After gaining control once again, the axe wielding lieutenant reared his mare back to face the proper direction. Their path was clear now. Headstrong as ever, Garet rushed into the temple shortly followed by the rest of the Legion’s cavalry. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~And that’s how you do a B & E.~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~≼_______________________________________________
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Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2010 10:39 am
As long as I live. . . . I shall protect the ones I love. ~Caterina~
------ She rolled here eyes. Of course all of the useless minions would be here. Rina moved forward and grabbed the Priestess's arm, helping her to stand. She would let Norah chew out her own troops later.
"Don't worry, Commander Norah," she told the woman, "I can protect my lady Priestess just fine. It is my duty, after all." She did not like the suggestion that she was incapable of guarding the Priestess. Between the Falcon Knight and the Holy Order, Lady Gwyneira would be safe enough.
To her surprise, the Priestess was freezing. Even through her gloves, Lady Gwyneira's skin felt like ice to Rina's fingers. Rina unclasped her cloak, removing it and placing it around Lady Gwyneira's shoulders. That healing must have taken a lot out of her, Rina thought. Commander Norah should be grateful. Without the Priestess, she would have died.
Without warning, a crash echoed through the entrance hall. "What in--?" Rina gasped. She stood straight, having automatically moved to shield the Priestess. Barging into the temple was what appeared to be the beginning of an army, or at least the cavalry unit.
Without even stopping to think, Rina acted on instinct, following the training she'd received since her first day in the Estarcian Army. She pulled the Priestess from the room, leading her to the deeper, safer parts of the temple. Seeing one of the many guards posted around the temple, she told him quickly, "Wake everyone. We're under attack. Now!" The boy rushed off to do as he'd been told.
Still with the Priestess in tow, Rina rushed toward the stables, quickly saddling Adara. Fortunately for their sakes, some of the Holy Order Peg Knights were already saddling up as well.
"My lady, please find a safe place while we rout these intruders," Rina asked as she mounted Adara. Adara snorted, sensing the chaos about to unfold, and flew into the temple proper.
"Knights of the Holy Order!" Rina shouted. "We fly! Protect the Priestess!"
Yes, they had been caught off guard, but hopefully they could mount enough of a defense to chase off these intruders who dared to defile a holy place with bloodshed. They had been trained to protect their priestess at all costs, and that was exactly what Rina intended to do. She urged Adara forward, sword in one hand, lance strapped to Adara's saddle. Pegasus and rider charged, Rina's sword biting into the holes in one cavalier's armor. ------ My Liegexxxxxx xxxxxxMy LadyMy Lord. . . .
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Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2010 5:19 pm
Thus commences a show that would rip the stars asunder; ✕ ✕ ✕
The priestess was little more useful than a staggering poppet at the time being. Gwyneira hurried after her guardian with a bewildered glance at the others in their previous company, although suffice to say it was safer to focus on what was ahead of them rather than behind. The uproar that would soon engulf the temple gave her an ache in the skull and an emptiness in the gut. Her legs wobbled beneath her weight and she glanced blearily at the sculptures which glared down from their pedestals high overhead, and while she wanted to process what was happening, she also wanted to go to sleep. Such energy expenditure would do that.
All too soon it became evident that violence intended to show its repulsive face in her hallowed halls. Gwyneira could only sway once they had reached the stables, staring up at Caterina, and for a moment she meant to restrain her guardian from going a step further. Unfortunately, Gwyneira was in no state to assert herself. She had no time to think about it either. In the blink of an eye, Caterina had cantered out to engage in combat.
"Shed not a drop of blood on these grounds!" she shouted as the winged beast blew by, and Gwyneira staggered from whipping around too abruptly. She wondered to herself with a note of bitterness if she had been heard at all. The priestess took a moment to collect her equilibrium, then stumbled after the pegasus, crying, "Death will not be condoned here, claim no lives!"
Who was she to speak? Certainly, she was Head Priestess of the temple, and yet others would be more willing to judge her safety a greater priority than gambling with these unexpected intruders. Gwyneira lingered at the entrance of the stable for just a moment before she began to seek some shelter from the storm.
And yet she persisted to call out as she walked. "Stains might be cleansed, sins not! See to it that no death falls in these corridors!" She gestured wildly as she went on and nearly fell flat on her face, only to be caught by one of the servants. Still Gwyneira swung her arm out at others who were taking up arms. "I'll not have this holy place darkened by murder!"
Soon she managed a chamber in the far back of the temple, alight with blazing braziers and cold walls. Gwyneira collapsed onto the bed that was there, furious that she could do nothing more, irate that fighting had broken out at all just when she needed sleep's sweet embrace. In a mess of robes the priestess sprawled on her side and let the staff gently clack against the floor. She squeezed one hand with the other, frigid as ice, and breathed on her fingers while her heart pounded beneath a cold ribcage.
Make way, make way! ✕ ✕ ✕
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Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 8:09 pm
A man whom can conquer his fear can strive to conquer the world.>x-General Caesar-x< The cavalry had gone far ahead of Caesar's armored units, making a charge forward that was a characteristic of Felix's mounted knights. It wasn't like he was too far behind his comrade-in-arms however, for the General had to stay in a good position to give commands in accordance to how the tides of war turned for him in this battle. He had to be in a place where he would be ready to give orders to keep charging, retreat, or change their strategy entirely. One of the main factors in any battle was the position of the commanding officer, and whether or not the really important members of the corps could hear their calls to action. So, even in his large armor, Caesar kept a good five foot distance from Felix.
He was close enough to see a technique that had become a staple one for Garet, the Great Knight over the years. Breaking and Entering. It was where one forced their way into a building, breaking down the door and having no regards to what was broken as they stomped through and did whatever it is that had to do. Thieves used it to take valuables, because the panicked nobleman were too focused on the broken down doors than what was being taken from them at the time. Soldiers, however used it to catch the enemy off guard, force them into a corner, and make them submit.
Believe it or not, Caesar recognized that even reckless soldiers like Felix's lieutenant, Garet had good heads on their shoulders. Their unpredictable schemes kept the fields of war fresh, so that the enemy couldn't predict their movements until it was much too late. As Caesar marched towards the temple, already, some of his men were merely shoving priests aside as if they were luggage. They were trying to claim sanctuary, chanting verses that say blood should not be shed upon sacred grounds. What did they know of sacred grounds, though? It was known that a ground was only truly sacred after many fought and died on a field there.
With his steel axe in hand, Caesar's pathway forward was direct and swift, just as his march was. His armored comrades behind him kept the same cadence as their General, some of them already arming themselves with axes if they could. Holy places had one thing typical of all of them: their guardians were usually pegasus-riding knights whom were swift and deadly if they could reach you. They had to be dealt with by a combination of swift thinking and a powerful weapon. It was a good thing that Caesar had consumed just the right amount of rations the previous day to have both when he needed them. When he went beyond the gates with his armored troops faithfully following him, the General knew it wouldn't be long before he faced some of the priestess's guardians head-on.
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All will fall to that which is greater, this is an inevitable truth.
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