The Sellswords

Cedrick gave a small sigh. He knew the commander hated such tasks, but he was slightly relived he chose to accept. He also knew he wanted something more challenging so he knew he was happy too.

"Cedrick, please show our guest and her siblings to their rooms?" Asked Lennel.

"Where shall I put them?"

"Miss Cara may have your room since you never use it. She may share it with her younger sister, and the prince shall stay with me I suppose, at least until we get him proper stay."

"Very well, If you'll follow me miss," he motioned for the door and she followed. "My name is Cedrick by the way," he gave her a small smile."

"It's nice to meet you."

He lead her into his cabin which was surprisingly clean, "Here you are. When will your siblings get her?"

"Any time now. I have a question, your commander said you don't sleep here, where do you sleep?"

"I like it outside. Well if there's nothing else I suppose I'll leave, unless you need something I suppose."

(Wow, I'm stealing Jack's format. He seems to have this down. XD)

Name: Piper
Age: 19
Height: 6'
Build: Slender
Race: Elf
Class: Mercenary
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Reddish brown, long
Complexion: Moderately tanned
Physique: Lean but muscular

Appearance: Tall, with strong arms and legs. Hair generally held back, hiding her elvish ears. Wears brown leather vest, dark blue tunic, brown pants, and heavy boots.

Weapons:
Short Sword - Piper's main weapon of choice. Raised for skills with a sword, she is considered an expert and is very deadly with this weapon. Her choice sword is realatively plain, but light with a small sapphire in the hilt with unknown significance. She has a second sword she uses less often, and is working with it to train her left arm for combat.
Bow & Arrow - Secondary weapon, only used in long distance and stealthy operations. Less skilled in this feild, her chances of hitting a target are narrower, but luck is occasionally on her side.
Knife - A last resort weapon, kept sheathed in her right boot.

Personality Profile:
Piper, en elf, was raised and trained in a group of human mercenaries and was trained in swordsmanship. She hides her elvish appearances and is more often thought to be human. She is hardly a threat with her bow, but you will think twice before crossing her when she draws her sword. She does not mind killing when there's good reason to, and she is slow to trust people, but is open and willing in fellowship with others united in a cause. Piper has now left her surrogate family, to come join the resistance once hearing that King Saman had been killed and the Prince and Princesses had escaped. She is generally quiet and stoic in groups, but will defend her opinions when she has a strong desire to have them be heard. With friends she is perky and playful and very light hearted and always trying to be positive. Though as a fighter in combat, she becomes very violent and puts her whole heart into her cause.




Um, yeah. This is my first attempt at a storybook, so I apologize in advance for anything stupid.
~Yoyo/Piper

EDIT 2-28-08: Personality Profile updated

Lennel was pouring over maps when Cedrick returned.

"What have you got for me?" Lennel asked.

"I have some names of people we might be able to bring on. I checked them against freelancers and our own troops that were within the price range."

"Who are they?"

"The first one is a guy named Alejandro. We brought him up through the orphan program. Trained as a scout. Solid skills if his record is a little shaky."

"Shaky?"

"He's been disciplined quite a few times for fighting with other students, usually after they shot an insult at him or a friend. Nothing too serious. His skills are worth it."

"Who else?"

"This one is named Piper. She's an elf and she seems rather new to the business. Her qualifications look good and she's within our price range."

"Next?"

"You'll like this: her name is Satika. She's a healer in our infirmry. Very solid record as one as well, she hasn't failed to heal a single person. She has an apprentice and they've just been cleared for deployment."

"Nothing like having a good pair of healers. Anyone else?"

"Well, there is me."

"You're worth much more than that."

"I know, but I'll take the loss."

"You're a fool," Lennel said. "Still, you're more than welcome. How soon can we get the rest of them here?"

"Tomorrow at the latest."

"Go ahead and do it then."

Piper walked up to a rough looking character. She wanted to make an effort to get to know new people. Gritting her teeth a bit, she approached him.

"Hello. I'm Piper," she held her hand out to the man.

"Alejandro," he said simply, and shook her hand.

He looked rather threatening with his wide variety of weaponry on him. She pointed to his short sword lying on the ground nearby. “You interested in a practice round?” she inquired.

He eyed the younger girl. “Sure,” he said, picking up the sword and taking lead to a clearing among the tents.

Piper drew her sword and took her stance. Alejandro initiated with the first strike and the light combat began. His speed surprised her somewhat, but hers matched it with a little effort. After a few minutes of blocking his quick attacks, she finally won the match with her superior technique and experience with swords.

Alejandro nodded, obviously impressed with her talent. “You’re good,” he said.

“Well, if you catch me with anything but my swords, you’ll probably win,” Piper smiled. Alejandro laughed.

A woman with medium length dark brown hair walked up to Piper. Piper noticed she had been watching from inside one of the nearby tents. The woman took Piper’s arm in her hands and brushed her fingers over a small cut on her forearm. It sealed up instantly. The woman smiled up at Piper’s gaping expression.

“My name is Satika, nice to meet you…”

“Um, Piper. I’m Piper. Thanks!” Piper looked at her arm and then to Alejandro. “Looks like you might’ve nicked me! You’d never know it now!” she said playfully. “Thank you Satika! Wow!” Piper had never encountered the conveniences of having a healer in camp.

So this is just a quick blog post about storybooking. Go ahead and read it and comment on it there.

Alejandro did not like losing, but in the context of the situation, he could let it go. The elf's skill with a blade far outmatched his own, but he knew in a real battle he would never have let his enemy come so close. He sheathed his sword and smiled at Piper.

"My apologies for the cut," he said, gesturing at her forearm. "Sometimes I'm too quick even for an elf. You are right that with any other weapon, this fight would probably be decided differently. But I think, for now, we are on the same team." He then bowed at Satika. "It is rare to see a healer of such talent. You'll be helpful ... for whatever the hell we're doing."

"Nice to make the acquaintance, sir. What is your name?" asked Satika, subconsciously checking Alejandro for wounds as she talked.

"Alejandro," he answered.

"A pleasure." Satika curtseyed.

"I am sure, Alejandro, that whatever work we will be doing will involve fighting. Why else would we be here?" suggested Piper.

Alejandro grinned. "Just my kind of work. I'm just wondering aloud, since the instructions were so sketchy. You'd think we might have been given more information by now."

"Or more money," Piper said, and they both laughed.

"Have you seen the Prince or Princess yet?" Alejandro said in a whisper.

Satika shook her head. "Not since I got here."

Alejandro sighed. It was all very well traveling a significant distance for work -- that was what mercenaries did -- do the job wherever it was. But it was slightly perturbing to have come all the way with very little information. He had only been told that he would be helping the new resistance in their fight to regain their rightfully held crown. Alejandro was no romantic -- he knew politics was not about who was right and who was wrong, it was about who was more powerful. Saman had been weak and had thus lost the throne. Alejandro had no personal reasons for joining this campaign, but when he had asked about the royals he had seen a glimmer of excitement in the elf's eyes.

"So, you realise, don't you, that we don't have a chance in hell of pulling this resistance off?" Alejandro said, to break the silence that had emerged as all three of them pondered their upcoming work.

Piper glared at him. "Then why are you here?"

"Lady, I'm here for one thing and one thing only. Let me give you a clue: it's shiny, bright and you can exchange it for goods." Alejandro smirked. "Don't guess straight away now."

"Well, aren't you just a stereotypical mercenary?" Piper said with a bitter edge of sarcasm.

Alejandro winked. "Guilty as charged, miss."

"Have you met the Princess yet?" He had asked.

"Not since I've been here." She replied.

Suddenly, her instincts were telling her of an open wound somewhere close by. Anxiously looking around, she spotted what looked to be a brawl taking place.

Tapping him on the shoulder, she said "Um, if you dont mind, I have some wounds I need to tend to so if you'll excuse me, I'll just be on my way."

"Sure, thats fine." He replied.

Kaiya had been traveling all day to reach her sister. She wasn't entirely sure of what they were planning to do once she arrived, but at the same time she really didn't care all that much. As a true youngest child she was never given much responsibility to her position as princess, and since her father was killed she seemed less and less inclined to care about it.

They stopped as their arrived outside their destination. A door was opened for her and a hand extended, which she promptly took as she stepped out of the carraige. Had she not been in a dress this would not have happened. Her long brown curls blew slightly in her face as the wind took hold of them. She held her long yellow dress up from the ground as she was led through the front, her bright blue hues flashing in the light.

She was left alone outside the doorway as her usher announced her presence, "Excuse me, sir. The Princess is here."

There was a quick silence. Kaiya knew what was running through his mind, isn't the princess already here? Aye, but a quick reform, "Oh yes! Princess Kaiya. Please send her in."

Her usher bowed and sent her in, returning to his carriage. Kaiya nodded politely as she entered.

"Welcome, Princess." Another awkward silence took hold. No one really knew what to do with Kaiya, "Princess Cara has already arrived and has been shown to the room...would you like to meet with her?"

Kaiya nodded, "Please."

"Right this way." They traveled down the halls that seemed to go on for quite awhile, but they eventually stopped before a brown door, "Here we are."

The door was open, offering an invitation in. On the other side stood Cedric, who appeared to be leaving, and her sister.

Again, she was announced before making her presence, "Princess Cara, you sister. Please let us know of anything you need."

Kaiya entered as the other two left. She folded her hands and moved towards Cara a bit. Their relationship was often rocky. Cara always thought she needed to protect Kaiya. Kaiya never thought she needed protection--though, the amount of times she's gotten herself into trouble disputes this point of view. As of late they hadn't spoken much. Kaiya had become more and more distant since the passing of their father.

"Hello."

Cara-

Cara looked at her little sister and smiled a little.

"Kaiya, how was your trip over here?" She asked, she wanted to hug her sister, but ever sense her father's death Kaiya had driffted farther from her if if she didn't want her to.

"Fine," She replied, "How are things going so far?"

"Okay, we have a good gryphon that is supposed to come with us. They are looking for others as we speak." She said walking to a window and looking out of it. "Have you heard anything from our brother?"

Or are you not talking much to him either? Cara reined her anger in. She had been strained sense her father died, but she wasn't going to show it. She had been taught to rein her emtions in and not show anyone, that was one of the many things she ahd been taught that she mastered.

Name: Dent
Age: 21
Height: 5’ 8”
Build: very thin
Race: human
Hair: Black with 1” bangs
Complexion: pale
Physique: some muscle definition and almost 0% body fat and always wears a white robe

Back ground: Dent was 16 when he became mixed up in weapons and warfare. He developed his own breed of weapons to suit his purposes. He developed a pair of blades into the bottom of each of his boots that he walks and runs on with extreme balance. He is loyal to a cause that he believes in and is oblivious to everything else (the being so young weakness). He follows orders unless they go against his prior belief. Simply put he is an assassin with cunning, guile, discipline, obedience, and faith. He also likes to pick up things and test their abilities.

Weapons: a 10-inch short blade, blades under his boots, used for kick attacks. Stealth is his main weapon. He can blend in with any crowd under any circumstance.

Weakness: he believes almost everything he hears and trusts in his abilities over his ally’s. He is not disciplined in knowing theft is bad though. And Gets into consatnt fights and arguements.

Dent wishes to join the cause and fight for the royal family. He will sign as a lone mercenary if need be. He just wants to be something in the world that is going by his eyes!

Technically dent is not a merc but he will fight as that rank with or without the possiblity of advancement.

Satika:

After leaving teh elf and that guy behind, Satika walked over to the brawl that was taking place. As soon as the fighters seen her coming, they immediately stopped fighting and waited till she reached them.

"Anything wrong miss?" The one that was woounded asked.

"As a matter of fact there is. I'd advise you to be a little bit more careful if you intend to keep that arm of yours." She replied a bit more sarcasticly than she had intended "It looks to me that if you don't stop, you might well lose it!" She snapped.

"Yes ma'am" He said.

"Now follow me to my office and let me see what I can do." She told him. He looked to be just a boy. Maybe around 15. She shook her head in disgust. What is this war coming to? More and more of our youngsters are signing up to fight. Well at least they are doing somethin good with themselves. She commented to herself. Just as they were turning to leave, Mika, her apprentice came running up, holding a wounded animal in her hands.

"Miss Satika, look what I found. The poor thing was stuck in a trap!" She cried. It looked like a wolf pup.

"Where exactly did you find the animal Mika?" She calmly asked.

"I don't excactly remember where, I was just taking a stroll in the woods when I heard a cry. Can I keep him and see what I can do?" Her eyes were brimming with tears with love for the poor animal.

"I guess, but he is your responsibility." She implied. Turning back to the wounded fighter, she asked "Now, where were we?"

*sorry cant think, my hip is killing me*

Kaiya shrugged a bit, "No, I assumed he had been in contact with you." That was a lie, but Kaiya hadn't stopped at the royal quaters before coming here--too afraid to run into any of her family. But, she would never tell this to Cara.

She moved forward slowly and silently, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. She looked over her sister: she seemed so much older to her than the simple one year shared between them. Kaiya had probably been way too spoiled by their father growing up. It didn't matter what kind of mess she got into, he would always forgive her and fix it readily. It seemed he always felt a bit guilty for putting too much pressure on his first born son and daughter and thought he would make up for it with Kaiya, but he was really much to lax and she played it to his advantage. But, now that he was gone Kaiya had so much guilt of her own it was unbelievable. She should have made him proud.

Her thoughts took over her for a few moments, allowing the room to simmer in a little too much silence. She sighed and traced a pattern on the bed before glancing back up to her sister,

"What, exactly, are they planning to do?"

Piper had been walking through the tents and overheard a whispered conversation in one. Being naturally curious, she slowed to listen.

"Have you heard anything from our brother?" said one voice.

"No, I assumed he had been in contact with you," another replied, talking low.

Piper creeped up closely to the tent flap and found a seam and attempted to peek in.

"What, exactly, are they planning to do?" asked the second voice.

"Shhh!" said the other. Piper heard a little rustling behind the flap and suddenly it flew open. Before her stood the two Princesses, in their royal attire. Piper just stared in shock. "Who are you?" asked the slightly younger one.

"I- uh, um," Piper stammered. She quickly shut up, not knowing what to say to royalty. Piper was beginning to realize she had lived a somewhat sheltered life, but she wouldn't let that show. "My name is Piper, your hignesses," she bowed low, recovering her act. "I am here to serve your resistance as best I can." Piper stood again.

She watched as the sisters eyed her suspiciously. "Why were you back here?" the older one asked. She crossed her arms. Somehow this was a very menacing gesture.

"I, um," Piper could not lie to royalty she thought. "Well, honestly, I was curious. No knew if you had actually arrived yet and we have anxiously been awaiting. I simply wanted to see if it was actually you."

This made the sisters smile. "Well, we're here now!" the youger sister said. "I am Princess Kaiya. Pleased to meet your aquaintence!" she held out her hand. Piper shook it warily.

"I am Cara," the older one said, with a more graceful curtsey. Piper curtseyed in return. "What is your service to our resistance?"

"I have been extensively trained in swordsmanship by the Eastern Clan of mercenaries in the mountains," Piper put her hand protectively on her sword's hilt hanging at her side.

"Very good," Cara said. "It is an honor to have you at our side."

"No, it is my honor to serve you," Piper bowed to Cara again. "And a pleasure to meet you both!" Piper shook Kaiya's hand enthusiastically. "My tent is acutally just down here if you even want to visit!" Piper grinned pointed down to the end of the small row. Kaiya nods and Cara stares at her. Piper walks off at a jaunty pace.

The princesses retreat back into their tent through the newly made rear flap. As Piper returns to her tent she is taken by surprise as skinny man her same height crawls out of a tent near hers. She jumps back and makes eye contact with him. He is pale with dark jetty hair. It contrasts his skin and white robe.

"You'll never blend in with that on in the woods!" Piper says to him. He gives her a quizzical look. "Hello, my name is Piper. I guess your tent is across from mine," she said pointing to hers.

Dent:

My name is Dent. I am only here for the resistance understood.

Dent glares at the sword by pipers side. He makes a can I hold it gesture to her. she accepts. Dent spins the weapon in arcing circles through the air
nice blade he replies and yes I am the tent across from yours. He hands back the blade and walks into the ever growing crowd of other mercenaries

Dent:

"My name is Dent. I am only here for the resistance understood."

Dent glared at the sword by pipers side. He asks, "can I hold it"

"Sure, I suppose so." Piper replied being caught off her guard.

Dent spun the weapon in wide arcing circles through the air. "Nice blade," he replies, "and yes I am the tent across from yours." He handed back the blade and walked into the ever growing crowd of other mercenaries.

Dent strolled to the market area and picked up an apple off of a fruit cart. He then proceded to take a bite when the owner of the cart placed his hand on Dent's shoulder.

"You were planning on paying for that, correct.