Flames of Darkness (Started- Still accepting)

Shady · 2012-11-25T21:18:27Z

A mighty warrior assembled behind him a massive, skilled army. He led his army across the countryside, devouring small villages, crushing rebellion- until none remained but he and his followers. He declared himself King and few were living to dispute his claim. He wasn’t faithful, and soon found himself with many infant sons. Advised to name an heir, but uncertain which of his sons would be most suited to the crown, he split his kingdom into eight parts, and named each son heir to a throne, with intentions to amend his decision once his boys’ personalities were fully formed- to restore his kingdom to a single fortress. He died before that day came, and his kingdom was broken. Four short decades later only three kingdoms remained- the others conquered, crushed, forgotten: Neko, Atra, and Genor. Genor had withdrawn all contacts from the neighbouring nations, and shut itself deep within the protection of its mountainous ranges. Neko and Atra, both aggressive nations, reached an agreement- that the Prince of Neko and the Princess of Atra would wed, and that the nations would become allies. The Princess of Atra had no desire to marry her cousin, nor did the Prince want to marry her- and fresh, civil battles were waged. Messengers carried forged letters. Spies reported false information. Atra and Neko’s leaders were killed in the battles. The newly assumed thrones, their pride injured by the other’s refusal of marriage, declared war on each other. Who will you side with? The Queen of Fire? The King of Shadows? The Lord of the Mountains? When nothing is certain but fear and death, and no one is what they seem... Atra- Kingdom of Fire Roles in society: Women- Women are to birth and raise warriors. A prized woman will be silent and observant, respected by her children (though not often her husband), and possess ample strength to run her household and give her sons basic training. Women are to be seen and not heard. If a woman ventures to speak out against a man- or against a man’s abilities- she had better be able to defend herself and be prepared for a Test, because other men won’t come to her rescue. A woman who can defeat a man in battle, or simply requests one, will be given a Test, and, if she passes, she will be placed in the Fire Queen’s ranks- to be treated, in all respects, as a man of equal rank. A woman, once she has proven herself, is given an equal opportunity for advancement, though is not given a handicap because she’s a woman- if she can’t earn something, she can’t have it. Girls- Girls are given only the most basic training in arms, typically in whatever Craft their mother learned—they only learn enough to be able to train the sons that they are expected to bear one day. The age of their training varies, depending on the capabilities of the girl, but is typically completed by the time they’re nine. Girls learn their basic figures, reading, and writing- and then begin mastering the things women commonly do, cooking, cleaning, caring for children, etc. Men- Men are prideful and possessive, often brawling if they feel they’ve been done wrong, or that their woman has been slighted (outside the mild condescension to be expected). From an early age (commonly four winters) they cease to be babied by their mothers, who eventually become their first tutors. From age 4 to 7 they are Stage One, from 8 to 10 is Stage Two, when they are 11 and 12 they are Starters, and ages 13 and 14 are Apprentices. Stage One- The boy will begin to learn independence. He will master dressing and bathing himself, as well as begin to keep his Father’s or older brother(s)’ weapons cleaned. He will begin to learn a Craft- typically the one his mother learned. He will learn to read, write, and perform basic math computations. He will begin to learn horsemanship. Stage Two- He will know how to fully groom himself, and how to maintain weapons. He will be proficient in the Craft his mother decided to teach him, and will begin learning the other Crafts- usually from an older brother or older friend, but sometimes his mother. His reading will be fluent, his writing legible, and an older man will teach him more advanced mathematics. His father will observe him as he trains, and will discourage any weakness he displays. His father continue to teach him horsemanship. Starter- His education will be fully taken over by his Father, who will now be familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of his son. His time with his mother will be significantly restricted, and all sympathies lost. He will practice his Craft- his shortcomings punished more severely- and practice the Crafts that he’s unskilled in, though the majority of his time will be spent honing his skills in his Craft, and the Craft of his father. Apprentice- The boy will take up residence with a Master of the Craft he wishes to pursue. His Master will hone his skills in the Craft, and teach him things beyond the common knowledge (see the list of Crafts). In return, the boy will care for h is Master’s arms, cook meals, keep his Master’s house and stable, and accompany his Master wherever he goes. Test- When a boy is 15 years old, or whenever his Master deems him ready, he will be tested in the Craft of his choice. The Test is intense- taxing mentally, as well as physically- and different, depending on the Craft. All Crafts require the Apprentice to survive for a fortnight in the wilderness, with nothing but their weapon, a knife, a flint, and some steel. Neko- Kingdom of Shadows Roles in society: Women- Women have two options- become a Yulaki or a Citizen. Yulaki are women the mild type, treated gently- in word and deed- behaving as perfect ladies. They are ever available to keep a man company, and only speak when they’re spoken to- excluding talking to other Yulaki. Often if a man finds a Yulaki who he is particularly fond of, he will take her into his dwelling, providing her with food and shelter, in return for her services. Women who decide to become Citizens are decidedly more opinionated and express their opinions more freely. Women who pass the Citizenship Test are treated as a man, being allowed to freely converse with them, and, if she feels she’s been slighted, she can brawl with men without bringing any disgrace on her or her household. Men- Men are raised to be warriors. Every man is a Citizen, and therefore a soldier in the King’s army, which is his first profession. Men often prefer swords to any other weapon, leaving archery for women- not out of disrespect, but because women tend to have better aim, and seem to prefer long-distance fighting over hand-to-hand combat, though all weapons are welded by both genders. Men tend to be arrogant and prideful, but usually keep their opinions private, unless they have a score they wish to settle. Few men speak empty threats- and fewer still live long enough to speak them twice. Any insult is taken on a highly personal level, and typically settled before the night is through. Children- Children are raised from birth to be warriors. From the time they can walk, boys begin to spar with their fathers, who aren’t gentle in their lessons- backhanding, punching, and slapping boys, sometimes no taller than your belt, when they err in their form. Girls receive somewhat gentler lessons until they’re five years old, when they choose whether they’re going to become a Citizen or a Yulaki. A girl can change her decision to be a Citizen until she takes her Citizenship Test, a Yulaki may apply for Citizenship at any time, though it’s far harder for a girl who didn’t receive the training as a child. Children training to become Citizens receive a crude education, reading, writing, their primary figures- and intense training with swords. Every Citizen must be somewhat capable with a spear and a bow, but only those who choose those as a primary weapon receive extensive training. Yulaki, having more time for leisure, learn to read more fluently, and more advanced mathematics. Yulaki study poems and practice their elocution, learn to sew and embroider, and learn to play an instrument- usually a harp, lyre, or piano. Yulaki that are talented masseuses tend to be the most popular, as do Yulaki who are skilled in the kitchen. Citizenship Test- Every winter, a faction of young Nekoites, typically in their twelfth year, apply for Citizenship through an Audition, in which they must prove themselves stronger than their peers. They are taken to the bottom of a steep mountain, and put in one end of an arena- in the other end, there are several Nekoite Citizens. The Citizens are armed with clubs, as are the initiates. The initiates must fight their way out of the arena, and up the mountain- battling against each other, for the honour and ranks that come with being in the first ten to arrive back at the town, and against the conditions. Genor- Kingdom in the Mountains Little is known about the people of Genor. They typically keep to themselves- allowing few people to enter their country, and fewer still to leave it. They’re considered Rebels, resentful of both the ruler of Neko and the ruler of Atra, but neutral in the war- rumoured to be waiting for the two to exhaust their resources, and thus be easier to defeat once the other throne falls. Crafts Archery- Soldiers who choose a different Craft recieve minimal training, making them accurate at only a very short distance. Soldiers and Citizens who chose this as thier Craft, however, recieve detailed instruction. They will learn to shoot different types of bows, different types of arrows, learn how to make their own weapons, learn to make arrows and re-fletch them, and learn tricks to make them lethal at a further distance-- such as a countering cross-winds and tweaking arrows. Magic- Magic comes in many different forms. Wizards have the furthest range- at least they rumor themselves to. They have tendancies of making interesting things happen when they come around, and are generally a better thing to have as an ally than an enemy. Enchanters can charm nearly anyone into spilling thier secrets or helping them out of a pinch. Magicians come in many different facets- from magicians who can control the Elements- Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, to magicians who can only control smaller things, such as items or situations around them. Swordsmanship The Craft favored by Nekoite Citizens, and an art practiced by all, swordsmanship requires a good deal of strength and discipline, speed, and finesse. You have to be observant, as to see the weaknesses in your opponent's guard, and quick enough to use the opening. Staffsman Few people use staffs, finding them harder to wield and even harder to maim someone. It takes a great deal of strenght and endurance for this Craft. Spearman A more popular choice than a staff, few people use spears either. They're useless in hand-to-hand combat, and, being projectile, are usually only good for one enemy at a time. Hand-To-Hand A somewhat popular choice, people who pursue thier crafts in Hand-To-Hand combat will be trained extensively with thier hands, and a few other select weapons, depending on the Master that teaches them. Someone who choses this as his Craft will learn the pressure points and lethal areas of a human body, and no longer be under the socially accepted rule that a Challenge must be answered. Few people are willing to fight with someone of this Craft, and for good reason. Other If your character wants a different Craft, let me know, and I'll add it. :) Character Profile: Name: (First and last names required) Nickname: (A personal title, if you have one, or what people call you) Age: (Age range is from 15-45 *Kings should be in their teens or twenties*) Gender: Class: (wizard, enchanter, warrior, ranger, rogue, peasant) Race: (human, dwarf, elf, shape-shifter *specify which shapes you can take*, other commonly known creature) Rank: (Apprentice, Graduate, Citizen, Lieutenant, Captain, other- see below) Skills: (choose three: speed, strength, endurance, intelligence, dexterity, magic, accuracy, camouflage, stealth) Weakness: (choose one: speed, strength, endurance, intelligence, dexterity, magic, accuracy, camouflage, stealth) Allegiance: (Nekoites or Atraians) Appearance: (Pics are optional. Try to avoid Anime) Personality: (Minimum 50 words. Be descriptive.) History: (Be descriptive. At least two paragraphs in length, and none of this "don't remember" nonsense. Even if they don't, explain why, and besides, each character has a story.) Up for love: (Yes, no, and what orientation.) Other: (Anything forgotten.) Character Slots Queen of Fire- ShadowVyper Fire Advisor-Trinity9001 Fire War Chief- Megsug Fire Master of Spies-DudeMcGuy Fire soldiers- -Payne -Thelios Apprentice- - Graduate- -ShadowVyper King of Darkness-Impaired Dark Advisor-thestorygirl Dark War Chief- Dark Master of Spies-Dawnpath1 Dark soldiers/Citizens- -SidereaAquila -Trinity9001 King of Genor-Megsug Rebel Advisor- Alvarin Rebel Master of Spies- Rebels- - - - - - Rules (Gotta have 'em) Don't kill off another character without the creator's permission. Keep romance to kissing and holding hands. Fade out if it goes much further than that. Try to post fairly regularly, please. Have fun! :)

Dawnpath1

Gender

Points 353

Reviews 13

Fri Dec 21, 2012 1:41 pm

Dawnpath1 says... · Fri Dec 21, 2012 1:41 pm

Aelicine Sehinnine

Boredom. That is the stupidest, most near-sighted reason I can think of. He's saying that just to get under my skin, even if it does have a lick of truth. "...boredom," she repeated. She looked across the field to see the weak archer still practicing, and sighed. At this point she didn't really care, all though his fear-driven determination was commendable. Maybe she'd pardon him later. Right after he got done getting beaten with his own bow. It was no wonder he was so bad at it, the kid had a long bow. He definitely should've had a short bow.

"Boredom." he said again.

I'll play with him. What ever gets him off my training field. Master always said that a silence was worth a thousand words. I don't think he's worth that many. "You are lying!" she said. He grinned at her like a child. Some people think they deserve everything, she thought, sighing.

"If I were lying," he said. "you would think I was telling the truth. Goodbye." He was going away, after he just made her send all of the trainees out? No, she had a better idea.

"Come back here, insolent boy!" She said, whirling around to grab him by his neck, again. She saw no fear, but that was to be expected of a kid who kills his master, and a hundred other bandits to boot.

"I don't respond to boy. Call me Rovaalian." said Rovaalian."Rovaalian Junior, not senior. You may know him." The face she made was distasteful, That, at least, confirms his identity. It doesn't answer what he wants. He wants to turn his back on me? The disrespect of showing his rear end in the middle of a conversation. I've got a better idea. He knows nothing of me, not even that I did not have a father; I had a master. It will be fun to rub in 'his father.'

"He was a bandit, and a low one. No loyalty to anyone, just like you. So he was your father? I heard he was killed by a twelve year old boy!"

"If that's what you heard, than it is because I was rushed and left a survivor. I was twelve at the time, yes. And no, he's not my birthfather, though he did train me, and make me who I was," his reply was less than satisfactory. And the boy in front of her was still a hired blade, no matter how much he seemed to pretend not to be. Which remineded her, I need to punish a few guard trainees for letting him through. Not to hard though, he's trained and they aren't. Desert taken away should do it. It's only an inconvenience, after all. If they try to argue though, the punishment for arguing with a superior officer is akin to treason. However, in this case, they'll fight me. I'll play along with his sense of self, I suppose. "You said was," she asked, "Who are you now?"

"Me? I'm whoever I want to be" he said, and proceeded to cut himself in the chest with it. He also twisted the fan from her grip, as the boy across the field looked over and gasped. He turned pail, which obviously wasn't a good sign. She tried to strike with the other fan, but he had dodged out of the way. He didn't draw his weapons though, idiot that he was. He probably didn't even know how to use the one in his hand. It was, after all, a foreign weapon.

Boredom..." he mumbled, "Ah, but you are not boring," he replied. My little idiot had gone to lean against the wall and watch. He then proceeded to give him advice, which I knew wouldn't work. I'd given him instruction for nigh over a year now. He still had a better chance of spearing someone with it than actually shooting them. He turned back to me and shot me the most unsettling question yet, ""You are not boring, Aelicine Selinnine. No, you are... interesting."

... Is he hitting on me? What the- Does he think he can just march in here and?Oh, we'll see how much 'interest' he can take! She thought, as he threw of her cloak. Blue-and purple fur exposed, and new scents filling the air, she stretched happily, and then flew across the feild with the speed of a darting cat. She was, after all, very good at running on all fours. Reaching her destination before he could say another word, she had spun and kicked him in the back of the knee, causing him to fall forward. At the and of her spin, she caught her other fan out of his hand, without cutting herself, and avoided getting tangled by his flailing limbs. She looked disgustedly at the bleeding fan. "You idiot, there isn't even that many laces to get cut on this thing," she said, "Now what," she began, thinking out her speech and pronouncing her accent a bit more, "Do you want with me." I could kill him. I could kill him right now. But I don't want to, especially not in front of this trainee, who has never seen a life extinguished. She pointed in the direction she knew the archer would be, judging from the scent of his sweat. He was so afraid that he was close to relieving himself in his clothing. "Go to your barracks. Be thankful you aren't in a battlefield," she called to hi, hearing his footsteps pound away. Her attention never left the prone man.

methrirr123

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Points 728

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Fri Dec 21, 2012 5:28 pm

methrirr123 says... · Fri Dec 21, 2012 5:28 pm

Rovaalian

She was fast. Faster than anything he had ever fought, and he had killed mountain lions. She was a shapeshifter, too, which was even more interesting. But he had automatically picked up that he had said the wrong thing in calling her interesting. All the while he pondered this and found himself on the ground. She had said something, he knew, but he wasn't really listening. She had... turned, somehow. It was frightening, and interesting. Everything about her was interesting. Rovaalian started laughing.

"First things first, I am not hitting on you. Secondly, you have nothing to fear from me. I have no intentions of harming anyone in 'your' kingdom. Do with me what you will. I was bored before I met you, and I mean this in the least romantic way possible. You are a warrior. I am an assassin. I can hold my own in a fight against any one of your pupils, I guarantee it. But against you I cannot hope to win on my speed alone. But perhaps I need a new purpose. I followed three archers here, hoping for something to do." he said. He couldn't lie right now. There was no way. What he said held too much meaning. He felt his mischevious smile vanish.

"What do you want with me, I said." said the woman, as she kicked him hard in the stomach. His greatest reaction was a blink. He showed no pain. No fear.

"I..." he said. Then he knew why he was still alive. "I need to die for a reason. A good reason. I have the blood of a hundred innocents on my hands, because I was taught wrong. And so I will try and teach myself right. I must kill two hundred guilty, and then die defending someone." he said. The pain in his stomack registered, but it wasn't from the kick.

"Defend who?" said the woman. She looked like she was going to kick him again, but something stayed her hand, or foot. Pitty? It better not be.

"Someone worth defending. Someone to whome I have loyalty." He said. A tear reached his eye, but he blinked it away. And then with more resolve, he said. "To die a worthy death, fighting a battle I cannot win, for the good of my..." he began, and wanted to say friends, but he had none. Nobody was deemed important enough to fight for. His parents were dead, and he had never known them. Suddenly, maybe do to his short attention span, maybe due to his simpleness, or maybe something else, he said something else.

"Train me."

Last edited by methrirr123 on Fri Dec 21, 2012 10:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.

megsug

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Points 12208

Reviews 463

Fri Dec 21, 2012 5:37 pm

megsug says... · Fri Dec 21, 2012 5:37 pm

Balik
I had dressed in my 'royal' clothes as soon as I had gotten the message of approaching Atreans, and they were oppressively heavy on my limbs, restricting a lot of movement.

"Remember to smile," Hunter murmured.

And I did so woodenly, shaking my head at my utter lack of etiquette. I studied the party of three closely, refusing to lick my lips in nervousness.

Anaki seemed collected and respectable, if a little tired from the travel I knew to be exhausting. There was no place in Genor that was easy to get to. The man didn't seem to be faring as well. He cradled a rudely bandaged hand, looking a mess in a soiled tunic. The last of their party, a woman- and the wolf, I supposed- stiffened suddenly and tilted her head back ever so slightly. A feral grin spread across her face a moment later, and her eyes locked with Hunter's.

I sent a warning glance Hunter's way as a low growl came from him.

Anaki looked back to silence a cold, soft laugh from the woman.

Though the tension didn't lessen at all, I stepped forward as they stopped their mounts, clearing my throat several times. "Queen Anaki, I welcome you to my beautiful country. I hope we can settle this grievous conflict between family. Leave your horses to my men, and I can show you to your rooms personally." I pressed trembling lips together, realizing just how many of my peasants were there to hear me, and went a little of script, which was rarely successful for me. "Ah..." I cleared my throat several more times. "I can give your man there- ah- I can allow my healers to see to his wounds."

Anki dismounted, those of her party following suit.

"Thank you for your hospitality, King Balik. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the royalty of Genor, it has been a long time since an invitation has come from this castle.

I did my best to smile blandly. "I wouldn't want to see the last of my family destroy each other."

She raised an eyebrow. "Who says I would be destroyed?"

I spread my arms calmly. "Who knows what war will bring?" I swallowed, realizing I had just made a fairly serious mistake. "Follow me if you will, and I will show you your rooms where you may freshen and change before dinner." I turned, making it obvious I wanted them to follow.

"What a cute little puppy," I heard the woman taunt and whirled around as Anaki did, worried Hunter would answer that. This was a precarious situation as it was.

"Hunter," I called sharply. "I'm sure we can trust them not to follow without getting lost. No need to walk behind them." I gave Anaki a cold look as she finished muttering to the woman who didn't look very sorry. "If you can't muz-" I cut myself off at Hunter's hard nudge and began again in a less offensive manner. "Ah... I would suggest controlling the tongues of your guards. My men will not be needlessly insulted.

Test

Dawnpath1

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Points 353

Reviews 13

Fri Dec 21, 2012 7:04 pm

Dawnpath1 says... · Fri Dec 21, 2012 7:04 pm

Aelicine Sehinnine

What did he say? What... What the... "Train you? And why would I train you? You disrupted my trainees, through acorns at my head, and have already made a name for yourself as a thief, liar, and cheat," she didn't say it in the judgmental way, she said it as a fact. "I only train those loyal to the Nekotite crown," her gaze softens, "But I know what it's like to have no parents," she looked around and so no one. Kneeling next to his prone form, she whispered in his ear, "If you can prove your loyalty to me, I will train you. But I won't guarantee you'll like it. And I won't train you in the use of a sword," she says, pulling back, and louder. "If you really want to redeem yourself, you won't use the cursed blades of countrymen."

She turns her back to him, thinking. He's to muscled for a Sai, and I wouldn't trust him with a Kunai. He's trained in a sword, so he'll need a slashing weapon. Men don't wield fans, it makes them feel weird. She looked at him again, frowning, He doesn't have the patience to get good with a chain. The dagger is too close to the sword, and I'll be red if I let him anywhere near a shirican. I could see him with Nanchaku. Rolling on the floor. Why am I thinking about blunt weapons. I could start with a staff, then teach him how to weild a spear not made for throwing. I think I have a Naginata somewhere. To long, though. A polearm isn't something you just pick up. Tonfa are too blunt. "How good are you with your hands?" she asked finally.

methrirr123

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Points 728

Reviews 56

Fri Dec 21, 2012 7:47 pm

methrirr123 says... · Fri Dec 21, 2012 7:47 pm

"How good are you with your hands?" she asked. He got up and instantly replied.

"Depends on the task. I can do many things. My... former mentor, may his soul walk the earth without rest, taught me how to use short swords, daggers, throwing knives, throwing axes, crossbows, staves, punching daggers, kukri, and slingshots. He didn't really teach me too much combat, more the art of quick death. I'm quick though, and can hit a target fairly well." he said. "Trust me, I can learn anything you can teach me." Then he sat back down, and lay down his shortswords. The blades upon first glance were just shiny and silver, but upon further inspection were almost holographic, reflecting a broad spectrom of collors. Upon the blade a strange image of a snake was inscribed. "These were my fathers. I never knew them, but my old teacher said they were... special. I know not how." he said. "What do you make of them? Can you teach me to fight with them? As in, battlefield material?" he said, but before she could answer, he interupted again. "Oh! One more thing!" he said. "I can't do magic. It's the only thing I can't learn. Anything else, and I mean ANYTHING, I can master in a month." He finished. He held his swords close to his face, as though examining them. "Cursed blades... I think not."

Spoiler

I feel like I'm replying right after people in the most convinient ways that make me look like I have no life XD

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.

Shady

Gender

Points 3330

Reviews 938

Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:58 pm

Shady says... · Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:58 pm

Anaki Shadowflame (Queen of Atra)

Well, we had arrived. Eira had seen something, and so the last few miles of our journey had been strained, but we arrived unscathed--if a bit dirty and tired. I saw Balik, a plastic smile covering his face, as he came out to greet us. Balik's eyes examined me as I examined him.

I glanced at Eira as Balik did, and to my surprise- and annoyance- she was grinning like a maniac, staring at a boy beside Balik. Shit.

The boy growled softly-- Balik glared at him warningly, and he stopped. Eira laughed coldly, derisively- and I glared at her, making her stop. I dearly hoped that this wasn't an indication on how the visit would go-- the buerucratic greetings hadn't even taken place yet, and our War Chiefs- or whatever that boy was to Balik- were already threatening each other.

"Queen Anaki, I welcome you to my beautiful country. I hope we can settle this grievous conflict between family. Leave your horses to my men, and I can show you to your rooms personally." Balik said as he stpped forward, looking a bit nervous. "Ah..." He cleared his throat. "I can give your man there- ah- I can allow my healers to see to his wounds."

I watched him carefully. He was being far kinder than was required-- even among royalty. I knew all too well that being the sovereign required a politeness that you rarely felt- as was the case with Cordel- but not the offer of a healer.

I dismounted. "Thank you for your hospitality, King Balik. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the royalty of Genor, it has been a long time since an invitation has come from this castle.

He smiled flatly. "I wouldn't want to see the last of my family destroy each other."

I raised my eyebrows challengingly. "Who says I would be destroyed?"

"Who knows what war will bring?" He swallowed, the look of panic on his face that men so often exhibited- bewildered. "Follow me if you will, and I will show you your rooms where you may freshen and change before dinner."

He turned and I started up the steps, dearly hoping that Mikhail and Eira were behaving themselves, but knowing all too well that I couldn't turn back to check without making it obvious that I didn't have control over either of them.

"What a cute little puppy," Eira cooed.

I whirreled around assuming- all too correctly- that her statement was directed at the boy. Damn it. She couldn't be doing that. I glared.

"Hunter," Balik said sharply, calling off the boy who was snarling-- about ready to clamp down on Eira's neck, by the look of it. "I'm sure we can trust them not to follow without getting lost. No need to walk behind them."

"Damn you Eira," I snarled, getting near to her so no one else would hear us. "You can't be doing that. You have to try to get along."

"I-"

"I don't care," I interrupted. "Unless he jumps on you and physically starts assaulting you, you need to ignore him, if that's what it takes. Don't get in a fight."

Balik fixed me in a glare that mirrored my annoyance of Eira. I carefully hid my own rage and evenly met his gaze. "If you can't muz-" Hunter elbowed Balik. "Ah... I would suggest controlling the tongues of your guards. My men will not be needlessly insulted."

Damn it! Did he really have to phrase it like that? I snarled mentally. It was just like him, saying something all-too-true that I agreed with, yet phrasing it in a way that forced me to argue, unless I wanted to look loyal to him.

"I will see to my own guards as I see fit." I spared Eira a sidewards glance, glaring at her, trying to make it clear that how I saw fit was for her to shut her mouth.

Balik glared at me but bowed slightly. "Of course."

"Go," I growled, digging my fingernail into Eira's back, as Balik continued into the palace.

"You're-"

"I know. I'm supposed to go first-- my guard's also supposed to keep her mouth shut," I glared at her. "I guess we're both screwed."

Resentfully, making me fear for a moment she might hit me, she fell into stride half a step ahead of me.

"Boy," I growled softly, but Mikhail was trotting up to my right side-- carefully keeping me between Eira and him.

After we walked down many corridors and around many turns, until I was too disoriented to ever manage to find my way back out, and Eira's rage was pushed aside as she struggled to to remember them all, I finally took the point of my group once more. Several long strides later I was walking beside Balik, on his right, as I should be.

"It's been a while," Balik offered awkwardly.

"Too long," I agreed with a sweet smile.

He looked down at me suspiciously. "You've been fighting." He gently touched the bruise on my jaw. Damn Mikhail...Cordel never left a mark...

"I have..." I smirked. "And how have you been occupying your time?"

He laughed. Good. A step in the right direction. "Well, not losing fights, for starters." He teased.

"I didn't lose," I grinned.

"From the looks of your chin, you didn't exactly 'win' either."

"Well..." I rubbed the bruise, willing it to vanish. "Let's just say he's in worse condition than I am." It took every ounce of self-control I had to keep from glancing at Mikhail.

"Ah, still taking on boys then."

"I don't beat up any boys who don't Challenge me first."

"Naki, Naki, Naki," he shook his head.

I stiffened a bit. The last thing in the world I expected was for Balik to call me by my pet name-- and before I'd even been in Genor for an hour at that.

"What?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'm off the list of people who can call you that?"

"I never said that."

"You never said differently."

I rolled my shoulders, trying to shrug off the incident, but he wasn't to be dissuaded. "Well?"

I shrugged. "I just wasn't expecting it, that's all."

"So I'm not kicked off the list?" he teased.

"If you were off the list, I'd have punched you in the face."

"Oh? I thought you didn't beat up boys who didn't Challenge you first?"

I smirked, even though he was being irritating. I hadn't been expecting him picking up where we left off when we were children and our fathers had last brought us together. "Let me rephrase then-- I don't beat up boys who don't deserve it."

"And I don't deserve it?"

I laughed. "I'm starting to think that you might-- but no, you don't deserve it for calling me Naki. Are we finished with this yet?"

He grinned. "Well, Naki, here you are-- If you two will follow me, I'll show you to the rooms I've had prepared for the guard."

"I'll stay with Naki," Eira said, raising her chin.

Balik raised his eyebrows and glanced at me. "Yeah, she's on the list too," I smirk. "Come on Eira."

"As you wish," Balik said kindly. "Now, boy, if you'll follow me..."

"Just a moment, King Balik," I said, "I want a word with him before you go. I won't take long."

I strode into the room with Eira and Mikhail on my heels. As soon as the door shut I grabbed Mikhail's collar. "You behave. You hear me?"

"Yes ma'am."

"You don't talk unless he asks a direct question."

"Yes ma'am."

"And if he asks about this bruise on my jaw you lie. Alright?" I slammed his head into the door. "You don't dare tell him anything about it."

"Yes ma'am," Mikhail said, looking startled.

I let go of him and smoothed his collar. "You'd better not fuck this up Carter. It's your ass if you do."

His eyes were wide and he glanced at Eira.

"That's right," I cooed. "I'll let her loose on you...just as soon as I'm through with you...and you've seen how I fight."

"Of course," he murmured.

"Good. Now you go, and be a good boy," I snarled as I opened the door and placed a plastic smile on my face. "Right then, King Balik. I am through with--" I trailed off when I saw the look Balik was giving me. "I mean...I've said...he's ready to go with you, now."

Balik smirked, and I wondered how much of our conversation he had heard. I suppose I could've chosen a wall further away from Balik to bash his head into... "I'll see you shortly...an attendent will be waiting to escourt you to the feasting hall when you've finished tidying yourself."

"Thank you," I said softly, and then closed the door. I pressed my back against the thick wood, closed my eyes, and sighed. I had a lot to think about. I opened my eyes, just a crack, and looked at Eira flatly.

"'What a cute little puppy'...really Eira? Fucking really?"

She still didn't look very sorry.

"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus
"From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf
"A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni
[they/he]

Shady

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Sun Dec 23, 2012 12:16 am

Shady says... · Sun Dec 23, 2012 12:16 am

Mikhail Carter (Atra)

About the time Eira seemed to simmer down, she saw something, and was back on guard. "Go that way. Protect the Queen no matter what!"

I kicked my mount, galloping the way she directed, wondering how I was going to protect the Queen when I had been relieved of my knives, but willing to try anway. She circled an area and then stopped. I looked at her hesitantly. "What?"

"What is this about?" Naki demanded.

"I saw..." Eira trailed off. "I saw a man... or a woman...someone in a black cloak."

She and Eira discussed it in hushed tones for a moment, and then we continued onwards- far slower, each of us on our guard. Anaki kept watching Eira worriedly-seemingly more scared for Eira's sake than her own. Damned fool.

Several strained miles later, we finally arrived in the courts of Genor-- and I got to watch the strained interaction of estranged cousins who, as it so happened, were the sovereigns of different countries, either of which could have my head on pole with a snap of their fingers. I was very quiet, but...Eira...Eira was not.

She was grinning like a lunatic, staring at a boy who was standing next to Balik- who, in turned, growled. They were silenced by harsh looks from Anaki and Balik.

"Queen Anaki, I welcome you to my beautiful country. I hope we can settle this grievous conflict between family. Leave your horses to my men, and I can show you to your rooms personally." Balik said as he stepped forward, looking a bit nervous. "Ah..." He cleared his throat. "I can give your man there- ah- I can allow my healers to see to his wounds."

Like that's going to happen.

Anaki dismounted, and Eira and I followed suit.

"Thank you for your hospitality, King Balik. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the royalty of Genor, it has been a long time since an invitation has come from this castle.

He smiled flatly. "I wouldn't want to see the last of my family destroy each other."

"Who says I would be destroyed?" Anaki snapped.

I grimaced for his sake. I wasn't sure what he should've said, but I knew that that would set her off. Girls found hidden meanings in the most innocent of statements.

"Who knows what war will bring?' He was desperately trying to cover his slip. "Follow me if you will, and I will show you your rooms where you may freshen and change before dinner."

Balik turned and Anaki started to follow him. Eira and I followed close behind her--me well out of Eira's striking range. But it was an unneccessary precaution-- Eira had a new target.

"What a cute little puppy," Eira cooed.

Anaki glared. So did Balik. Thier interactions were remarkably similar to two men trying to call their dogs off of a victim.

"Hunter," Balik said sharply, calling off the boy who was snarling-- about ready to clamp down on Eira's neck, by the look of it. "I'm sure we can trust them not to follow without getting lost. No need to walk behind them."

Anaki was standing very near to Eira, snarling something into her ear. Balik glared at Anaki.

"If you can't muz-" Hunter elbowed Balik. "Ah... I would suggest controlling the tongues of your guards. My men will not be needlessly insulted."

"I will see to my own guards as I see fit." Anaki said, taking up for her own, but glaring at Eira murderously.

Balik glared but bowed slightly. "Of course."

He turned, and Eira and Anaki had another hushed argument. I didn't know what Anaki said, but for a second I thought Eira might punch Anaki. In a moment, however, the two women started up the castle steps, after Balik.

"Boy," Anaki summoned me, but I was already on her right-- staying carefully out of Eira's arm's reach.

After we'd been led deep within the palace, Anaki lengthened her strides and caught up with the King.

"It's been a while," Balik murmured, a bit awkwardly.

"Too long."

"You've been fighting." He said gently, shocking me by stroking Anaki's cheek.

When she smirked my jaw nearly fell open. I'd been expecting an explosion. Her to hit him, or kick him, or at least snarl at him-- but she smiled?

"I have...and how have you been occupying your time?"

He laughed. I shook my head. I'd have to seriously re-consider thier relationship as I knew it-- or, rather, thought I knew it.

"Well, not losing fights, for starters." He teased.

"I didn't lose."

"From the looks of your chin, you didn't exactly 'win' either."

"Well...let's just say he's in worse condition than I am." I rubbed my hand, glaring at her back.

"Ah, still taking on boys then."

"I don't beat up any boys who don't Challenge me first."

"Naki, Naki, Naki," he shook his head.

My jaw did fall open now. Did he just...

"What?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'm off the list of people who can call you that?"

"I never said that."

"You never said differently...Well?"

She...shrugged? I shook my head to clear it. I had missed something. "I just wasn't expecting it, that's all."

"So I'm not kicked off the list?" he teased.

"If you were off the list, I'd have punched you in the face."

"Oh? I thought you didn't beat up boys who didn't Challenge you first?"

"Let me rephrase then-- I don't beat up boys who don't deserve it."

"And I don't deserve it?"

She laughed. "I'm starting to think that you might-- but no, you don't deserve it for calling me Naki. Are we finished with this yet?"

He grinned. "Well, Naki, here you are-- If you two will follow me, I'll show you to the rooms I've had prepared for the guard."

"I'll stay with Naki," Eira said, raising her chin.

Balik raised his eyebrows and glanced at at Anaki.

Anaki smirked. "Yeah, she's on the list too...Come on Eira."

"As you wish," Balik said kindly. "Now, boy, if you'll follow me..." I snapped my mouth shut.

"Just a moment, King Balik," Anaki said, "I want a word with him before you go. I won't take long."

My stomach sank, but I followed her into the room. As soon as the door clicked closed, she had me by the collar. "You behave. You hear me?"

"Yes ma'am." She seemed very close to losing her cool.

"You don't talk unless he asks a direct question."

"Yes ma'am."

"And if he asks about this bruise on my jaw you lie. Alright?" She slammed my head into the door. "You don't dare tell him anything about it."

"Yes ma'am," I said quickly.

She let go and threatenly began smoothing my collar. "You'd better not fuck this up Carter. It's your ass if you do."

I glanced nervously at Eira.

"That's right," Anaki said, her voice dripping with venom. "I'll let her loose on you...just as soon as I'm through with you...and you've seen how I fight."

"Of course," I said, feeling that I was very close to death.

"Good. Now you go, and be a good boy," She snarled, forcing me back into the hallway. "Right then, King Balik. I am through with--" She trailed off. "I mean...I've said...he's ready to go with you, now."

He smirked. "I'll see you shortly...an attendent will be waiting to escourt you to the feasting hall when you've finished tidying yourself."

"Thank you," Anaki murmured, as she shut her door.

"This way, then," Balik said, his pace increasing as he strode down the hall. Without the ladies with us- however un-ladylike they were- we could move at a brisker pace. I shuddered to think of what Anaki or Eira would do if they had known that Balik was slowing to accomadate thier being girls.

"She's threw with you, huh?" Balik mused, smirking at me.

"Yes sir, I suppose so." I was terrified that he'd steer the conversation towards Anaki's bruise. He seemed, somehow, to know what happened.

"Is she the one who gave you that bum-hand?"

I stalled just as long as I could without being disrespectful--eating up extra time, so he wouldn't be able to ask many questions-- "No, sir."

"She ordered it?"

"I-I..."

"Hmm?" He asked, seeming to be enjoying my distress a bit too much.

"No, sir...I...I don't believe she did."

"Did you deserve it?"

I bit my lip. "I...might've, deserved, something- though not a crushed hand..."

"How interesting," Balik said. "So...are you going to lose a limb if I ask you about that bruise on Naki's cheek?"

"Yes, sir."

He laughed. "I thought as much...well, here's the physician. It's been nice talking to you Mr..."

"Carter," I supplied hoarsely, feeling sick. I had this awful notion that I had said something I shouldn't have. "Mikhail Carter."

"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus
"From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf
"A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni
[they/he]

megsug

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Sun Dec 23, 2012 10:25 pm

megsug says... · Sun Dec 23, 2012 10:25 pm

Eira
There was nothing. Whatever I had seen- and I had seen something- was gone, vanished, and that made me jumpy. I kept a tight rein on my mare, forcing her to slow her pace.

I didn't relax when we finally got to the court of Genor. I was still watching for... something when a scent wafted down on a cool breeze, familiar, arresting.

I took a deeper breath, trying to place it, and grinned suddenly, hungry for a fight from a long known enemy.

Sheepdog.

My eyes swept over the crowd as the wolf in me howled for a plump little sheep, even if it was just for a fight and a chase. The beast in me had been fairly quiet for the past few months, but I had been preoccupied with the stress of trying to protect Naki.

Suddenly, I found him. Sadly, he seemed to be friends with Balik, standing right beside him, but I wasn't thinking of diplomacy...

I was thinking of diplomacy even less then I usually do, anyway.

I felt a hungry grin spread over my face. It had been a long time since I had shifted, longer still since I had fought as a wolf.

Blood pounded in my ears as the dog snarled.

Balik glared at the sheepdog, and he became silent.

I laughed. What a good, obedient little doggie. I suddenly became aware of Naki's glare and shook my head, clearing the haze.

"Queen Anaki, I welcome you to my beautiful country. I hope we can settle this grievous conflict between family. Leave your horses to my men, and I can show you to your rooms personally. Ah... I can give your man there- ah- I can allow my healers to see to his wounds."

I glared at Mikhail.

Naki dismounted, and I followed her lead, having to advert my eyes from the sheepdog or provoke him.

"Thank you for your hospitality, King Balik. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the royalty of Genor, it has been a long time since an invitation has come from this castle."

He smiled flatly. "I wouldn't want to see the last of my family destroy each other."

I blinked and watched Naki carefully, hoping for a cue. "Who says I would be destroyed?"

"Who knows what war will bring?" He swallowed.

I thought I could catch the smallest whiff of fear.

"Follow me if you will, and I will show you your rooms where you may freshen and change before dinner."

He turned and Naki started up the steps after him. I followed and glanced at the sheepdog as I passed.

"What a cute little puppy," I murmured, making my voice rise a pitch higher than normal.

The dog's head whipped around to fix his multicolored gaze on me. His lip was brought back in a snarl.

"Hunter," Balik said sharply, interrupting whatever would have happened. "I'm sure we can trust them not to follow without getting lost. No need to walk behind them."

Naki whirled around to glare at me as well, and I met her gaze with a challenging one, ready for a fight. "Damn you Eira," she snarled, "You can't be doing that. You have to try to get along."

I tried to defend myself. "I-"

"I don't care," she interrupted. "Unless he jumps on you and physically starts assaulting you, you need to ignore him, if that's what it takes. Don't get in a fight."

I opened my mouth to argue again when Naki turned to meet Balik's glare.

"If you can't muz-" The sheepdog, Hunter apparently, elbowed Balik in the side.

The hair on the back of my neck prickled at the half completed insult.

"Ah... I would suggest controlling the tongues of your guards. My men will not be needlessly insulted."

"I will see to my own guards as I see fit." She glared at me, making it clear that she wasn't defending me.

Balik's gaze didn't soften, but he bowed slightly. "Of course." And he turned abruptly to continue on.

"Go," Naki hissed, digging her fingernails into my back.

"You're-" I tried to say.

"I know. I'm supposed to go first-- my guard's also supposed to keep her mouth shut." She gave me another hard look. "I guess we're both screwed."

I humphed at the order, but sulked ahead of her, clenching and unclenching my fists.

There were a lot of twists and turns. I tried to remember as well as I could, but I wouldn't be surprised if I became hopelessly lost if I tried to return to the front doors, but I was able to get a gist.

Left, left, right, staircase, left, right, right.

I noticed Naki going ahead of me but decided knowing the way out was most important at the moment.

"It's been a while," I heard Balik begin slowly.

That distracted me for a moment. I had come after the royal families' diplomacy went to hell. It had never occurred to me that any of them could possibly be on good speaking terms.

"Too long," she agreed sweetly.

Right. Immediate left.

"You've been fighting."

"I have..." There was a pause. "And how have you been occupying your time?"

He laughed. "Well, not losing fights, for starters," he teased.

"I didn't lose."

"From the looks of your chin, you didn't exactly 'win' either."

"Well... Let's just say he's in worse condition than I am."

I grinned.

"Ah, still taking on boys then."

"I don't beat up any boys who don't Challenge me first."

"Naki, Naki, Naki," he clucked.

I raised an eyebrow and glanced at the two royals, expecting Naki to explode.

"What? I'm off the list of people who can call you that?"

"I never said that."

I blinked. This was more than good speaking terms... This was an actual friendship that had once been.

Down a spiral staircase.

What the hell had this architect been on when he designed this monstrosity?

"You never said differently." Long, long, awkward pause. "Well?"

"I just wasn't expecting it, that's all."

"So I'm not kicked off the list?" he teased.

"If you were off the list, I'd have punched you in the face."

"Oh? I thought you didn't beat up boys who didn't Challenge you first?"

"Let me rephrase then-- I don't beat up boys who don't deserve it."

"And I don't deserve it?"

Right.

"I'm starting to think that you might-- but no, you don't deserve it for calling me Naki. Are we finished with this yet?"

"Well, Naki, here you are-- If you two will follow me, I'll show you to the rooms I've had prepared for the guard."

I sighed in relief, only to stiffen again. "I'll stay with Naki," Eira stated, daring him to challenge.

Balik raised his eyebrows and glanced at Naki. "Yeah, she's on the list too." She grinned. "Come on Eira."

"As you wish," Balik said kindly. "Now, boy, if you'll follow me..."

"Just a moment, King Balik," she said, "I want a word with him before you go. I won't take long."

I followed her into the chamber, having a good idea of what was coming for our dear Mikhail.

"You behave. You hear me?"

"Yes ma'am." He looked a little afraid.

"You don't talk unless he asks a direct question."

"Yes ma'am."

"And if he asks about this bruise on my jaw you lie. Alright?" She slammed his head into the door. "You don't dare tell him anything about it."

"Yes ma'am," Mikhail said.

She let go of him and smoothed his collar. "You'd better not fuck this up Carter. It's your ass if you do."

His eyes were wide and he glanced at me.

"That's right," I cooed. "I'll let her loose on you...just as soon as I'm through with you...and you've seen how I fight."

Now he smelled of fear too which made me twitch ever so slightly.

"Of course," he murmured.

"Good. Now you go, and be a good boy," she snarled as she opened the door. "Right then, King Balik. I am through with--"

I glanced at her. It wasn't often she forgot how to act.

"I mean...I've said...he's ready to go with you, now."

Balik smirked and nodded. "I'll see you shortly...an attendant will be waiting to escort you to the feasting hall when you've finished tidying yourself."

"Thank you," she murmured and closed the door, leaning against it as she closed her eyes.

I refused to look away as she opened her eyes ever so slightly to stare at me. An awful part of me wanted to give her a goofy grin.

"'What a cute little puppy'...really Eira? Fucking really?"

I scratched my nose to hide a smile, feeling like it was the wrong time to mess with Nika. "He's a sheepdog, Nika," I explained, realizing that my reasoning wasn't that strong.

I wasn't really sorry though... I had found it amusing to yank on his tail.

I rolled my eyes. "It's not like we have anything to do with it anyways. This mess is all on you and Korhel." I regretted that as soon as I said it.

Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "So you can do whatever you want, and I need to clean up you messes?" she hissed.

I remembered how she had overcome Cordel and... had second thoughts in a surprisingly bright move of self-preservation.

I wouldn't fight her. Not today, not when she was as angry as she was. Not when her eyes sparked with a challenge. She was my Queen, no matter how I looked at it.

I lifted my hands, dropping my staff as though it was an accident though it was the ultimate sign of surrender. "Hold on, now. You're putting words in my mouth," I chuckled nervously, diplomacy not being my forte. "I'm-" I grimaced and opened my mouth several times with no sound coming out. "I was out of hand," I finally managed huskily, looking down at the floor, "And..." I whined softly, glancing at her for pity to find none. "I'm sorry," I whispered so that it could barely be heard.

"And it won't happen again," she added, her tone fractionally softer.

I made a face, pouting ever so slightly. "Itwon'thappenagain," I mumbled and grimaced again, the words leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

She smiled, seeming to relax a little bit. "I do trust your word, Eira."

I glanced at her, smirking a bit. "That sheepdog is lucky you're so worried about an political upset."

Test

Dawnpath1

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Mon Dec 24, 2012 2:21 am

Dawnpath1 says... · Mon Dec 24, 2012 2:21 am

methrirr123 wrote:"How good are you with your hands?" she asked. He got up and instantly replied.

"Depends on the task. I can do many things. My... former mentor, may his soul walk the earth without rest, taught me how to use short swords, daggers, throwing knives, throwing axes, crossbows, staves, punching daggers, kukri, and slingshots. He didn't really teach me too much combat, more the art of quick death. I'm quick though, and can hit a target fairly well." he said. "Trust me, I can learn anything you can teach me." Then he sat back down, and lay down his shortswords. The blades upon first glance were just shiny and silver, but upon further inspection were almost holographic, reflecting a broad spectrom of collors. Upon the blade a strange image of a snake was inscribed. "These were my fathers. I never knew them, but my old teacher said they were... special. I know not how." he said. "What do you make of them? Can you teach me to fight with them? As in, battlefield material?" he said, but before she could answer, he interupted again. "Oh! One more thing!" he said. "I can't do magic. It's the only thing I can't learn. Anything else, and I mean ANYTHING, I can master in a month." He finished. He held his swords close to his face, as though examining them. "Cursed blades... I think not."
Spoiler
I feel like I'm replying right after people in the most convinient ways that make me look like I have no life XD

She studies him, then picks up a blade. She studied it, finding the balance point, and feeling the grip. I bet I could teach him a few things; they aren't all that big. The question still lays with his loyalties. I will not train a loose canon. I don't care if he's got half the talent of Master, he must prove to me his loyalty. I do not entirely trust his word in this, either. "I can train you," she says, picking out her words, "But you still have not answered my question. I will not train someone I cannot trust. All of the trainees here know this, and though none of them have had to prove themselves, they all know the punishment for betraying my trust. The dishonor is the least of their worries." She holds up a hand to silence him, "This is non-negotiable. Given your background, I cannot take your word." She flips the sword, handle up, to him. He takes the blade, remaining silent. "To prove yourself, you're going to fight me. You truly get to know someone after a good fight. I don't expect you to hold back. I know I won't," she says, removing her fans from her waist yet again. She flicked some of his blood off, and took a ready stance.

methrirr123

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Mon Dec 24, 2012 4:00 am

methrirr123 says... · Mon Dec 24, 2012 4:00 am

Rovaalian
"To prove yourself," she said, "You're going to fight me. You truly get to know someone after a good fight. I don't expect you to hold back." She draws out what seem to be metal fans, with metal blades. She shakes off some blood, and he remembers that it was his blood. "I know I won't" and get's into a fighting stance.

"Fight you? as in, Now?" Rovaalian says. exiting. This is interesting.

"Did you have a prior engagement?" She asked. "Do you prefer one sword, or two?"

"No, No." said Rovaalian. He drew both of his swords, and readied them. He didn't know any legitimate stances, so he put one close to him and one far away, in such a way that he thought seemed acceptable. She simply looked at him expectantly. Finally, she said "Normally, I would have a trainee count down. How about this: Count down from three, and we go when you say 'go'"

"Very well." said Rovaalian. "Three..." he felt his eyes racing from point to point. She was fast, she hit hard, new what she was doing. Three things Rovaalian was used to. That, and she could turn into a cat. "Two..." he adjusted his stance. "One." His eyes glazed over momentarily, and he felt his mind flip. Suddenly, everything was in slow motion. He ran forward, flying at her like an arrow released from a taught string. He opened with a slow attack to her head, expecting a parry. She grabbed her wrist and flipped him over her shoulder in one deft movement. "I said go on--" she began to say, but he was already on his feet, and aiming blows that, if he so chose, could kill her before she hit the ground. She needed to know what he could do. He could see her fans, guiding his blades out of the way, as though in slow motion. He could see where they were. And where they would be. He couldn't reveal his true strength yet. He didn't need to. He would use it on someone who deserved to die. a knee to the stomach, followed by an elbow. let it come... he thought. And so it did. Of course it did. It was the most effective reposte. Then she punched him hard in the arm with pommel of her fan. He felt the arm dislocate. The pain shot up his back and shoulders, flaring with agony, but he ignored it. He stayed strong. Expect a trip... he thought. And in his slowed down view of the world, she did trip him. He was on his back looking up at her as she took a few steps back. He rose slowly, and looked her in the eyes. Then he ran and shoulder bashed the nearest pillar, to relocate his shoulder. There was a sickening crack as his joint replaced itself. The pain, to most, would be unbearable. But Rovaalian could take any pain. He ran in and attempted a beat on her fans. She'll try to dodge. he thought. don't hit her... and, as predicted, she moved swiftly out of the way. She came in with an odd kick, sweeping heel first towards his head. He caught the kick and threw her backwards, and she landed on her feet, after a fancy flip off of her hand. show off. Still...he thought. This was by far the most interesting combatant he had faced. Oop. Incoming fist, followed by... another elbow.he thought. And there it was, the fist in his stomach briefly knocking the wind from him, and the elbow moving slowly to hit him in the face. He braced himself, hoping she didn't ugly him up too bad. The hits weren't as bad as he'd have guessed, and he shrugged off most of the pain. He put his leg behind hers and tripped her over. Again, she did a fancy flip and landed. Rovaalian could only muster a look that said "Seriously?" He ran towards her in a straight rush, both blades on the offensive, no deffenses at all. She scoffed, punching him right in the face for his insolence, but to no avail. Rovaalian didn't slow down at all, and landed a perfect knee, the only hit he had scored on her at all, right into her... well, her upper body in general, really. She held her own, stumbling back several feet, returning with a headbutt to his nose. Rovaalian stepped back several feet.

"Are we done fighting?" he asks, a broad grin spreading over his face. He showed no sign of fatigue.

"You realize I could have killed you multiple times already, right?" She responds. Without warning, she kicks him between the legs. Somehow, by some miracle of fate, she managed to miss Rovaalians... Vitals. He showed no sign of any pain. Ditto... he wanted to say, but he held his tongue, a new concept for him. She then grabbed him by the front of his shirt, pulling him to her. She then dropped him on the ground at her feet.

"I believe you." she said

"What?"

"I believe that you are searching for something. However, you lack the finesse to get there. I'll take your word; if you pledge your allegiance to me, then I will train you."

Rovaalian wasted no time pledging his allegiance. He couldn't help but feel that this woman had confused herself with royalty, the way she demanded a pledge of allegiance. But who was Rovaalian, heartless assassin, to judge. As long as he got his way. "I pledge to you, Aelicine Sehinnine, my allegiance. Now where do you want me to stand?"

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.

Dawnpath1

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Mon Dec 24, 2012 4:39 am

Dawnpath1 says... · Mon Dec 24, 2012 4:39 am

Aelicine Sehinnine

She smiled at his expression, "Don't think it's too binding. It's more to have your word that you won't stab me in the back. Now, there is one thing I'm puzzled about," she said, eyes glinting. "Why did you hold back?"

Rovaalian laughed. "Surely you don't mean to say you didn't hold back yourself, miss 'i could have killed you multiple times already'" he says, grinning mischievously so as to say 'I see what you're up to'.

She laughed, "Well, I would have to be blind not to notice how dilated you were, and your recklessness was not only on purpose, but calculated. Come, I'll show you where you can sleep. Unless you prefer cobblestones to a bed," she said, gesturing, and turning to enter the barracks. The helmsman was waiting for her, and started to speak. She silenced him with a motion, "You may go home, have supper with your family. I know you've been working overtime lately, they'll be excited to see you before dark." He didn't argue to harshly, and seemed to have a sudden itch to leave. She sighed, "The thing about having people under your command," she says to nobody in particular, "Is that you have to remember their limits. Here we are, your room." She opens the door to a small room with a low mattress, a dresser, and a desk complete with ink well and candle. "Try to get comfortable. I'll see about getting you day clothes, something that doesn't scream outlander. One more question," she adds, before she left, "What did you mean by interesting?"

methrirr123

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Mon Dec 24, 2012 5:40 am

methrirr123 says... · Mon Dec 24, 2012 5:40 am

Rovaalian

What did I mean by interesting. Rovaalian pondered for a moment before saying "Trick question?"

"No, I want to know. Unless you've seen me without my cloak, I'm rather unremarkable." she said, seriously. Rovaalian simply laughed, sitting down on the low mattress.

"Well," he began. "You did turn into a half cat, almost kill me 'multiple times'" he said smiling. "And then agree to train me. Effectively, you are the polar opposite of boring. You are..." he paused, standing up. "Interesting."

"You called me interesting BEFORE I took off my cloak." she said. "The first time was after you tried to fake my trainees results." and she put her hands un her hips, unapprovingly. "By the way, don't do that. He needs to learn how to shoot, and he's not going to do it through cheating."

"I believe," Rovalian said, "That there is a difference between teaching and forcing to learn. A balance of both is required to achieve maximum results. Just look at me!" he says sarcastically, raising his arms and posing playfully. He then threw his cloak on the chair by the desk, and carefully laid his swords down on the desk.

I am teaching," she said. "But I cannot afford to show them favoritism. They're enemies will not be tender with them either." She sighed, "However, I fear for this new bunch. They are less than promising, some. I have a feeling that they may require special training..."

"Training is not special if it is shared by many people. You must do your best to simulate the real thing." he said. Then he laughed to himself.

"It is not so many to be considered a platoon, but enough to cause concern. I get initiates who do not even know what a sword looks like, and others that are more likely to trip and fall on their own daggers then kill someone. It used to be just one or two, and it would be fine. I would show them a little bit of favoritism, and watch as the pack mentality of the group singled them out. Getting stronger became they're only option. It was a crude, but effective technique. More often than not, though, I would still have to save them, either from a painful death, or a prison one can never tell," her gaze was downcast, a hint of sadness clouding her face.

"Do you know how I was taught?" ask Rovaalian. And he removes his shirt to Reveal his scars. 'Rovaalian Suraad' had been carved onto his back, and all around it were several scars from whips, and firebrands. A deep gash in his side has scarred over. He puts his shirt back on. "This is one of the reasons I feel no pain."

She nods grimly. "My first days alive were not pleasant. I awoke for my first memorable time in a cave devoid of life. From there, I came across a city, filled with people who had nothing better to do than beat me daily, and call me names," she spat out the window, "I am highly protective of my students. Name calling is fine, but harassment, harassment is unacceptable. Eventually I met the man I call Master. I have not seen him since my citizenship. So long ago..."

"Was he Large? Beefy man, grey bushy eyebrows, and the happiest laugh you'd ever hear?" he asked, suddenly. "When was this? When did he find you?"

"Relax! It must've been at least 5 years. Besides, he can't be found," she sounded sadder now.

"Tell me!" he insisted. "Did he have these piercing grey eyes?" he asked. "Did he ever call you 'lass', or anything of the like? Would he wake you up by singing loudly? What was the song..." he thought for a moment, trying to remember.

"... He was a quiet man. He kept his hair under a straw hat, and he was driven to teach me. But yes, he had gray eyes. It doesn't matter; he is dead."

"It couldn't have been him..." said Rovaalian. "The only person who I can truly remember since the lightning struck me." he said. Then he explained. "I was struck by lightning after I had killed the entire troop of the bandits who kept me. It destroyed my memory, but instilled in me a strange resistence to pain that is unique to me. However, it makes it impossible for me to do magic, and in some cases makes it difficult to handle magical objects. It comes and goes, but sometimes if I touch something magical, it'll blow up in my face."

But something in her gaze stopped him. "I..." he began. "I'm very sorry. I..."

"Forget it." she said. "Settle in. It'll be a long day tomorrow."

Rovaalian looked deep into her eyes. Therein he saw great sorrow. "Good night, I suppose."

She simply nodded, and grimly hurried out of the room down the corridor without another word. Rovaalian lay awake for an hour after, before sleep eventually took him. Where are you, my friend? he wondered.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.

Alvarin

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Tue Dec 25, 2012 8:46 pm

Alvarin says... · Tue Dec 25, 2012 8:46 pm

Hunter
I slunk away as soon as the others had forgotten about me. I couldn't stand the wolf, I really couldn't. The strong instinct to protect my heard made my head spin, and the thoughts of how the wolfs killed my father.. That was even worse. I had no idea how I'd be able to sit through a meal with her, without changing into my canine form and trying to rip her jugular out, that was.

I closed the door behind me as I entered the room and saw.. Nothing. Quick wasn't there. Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. Where the hell had he gone? I sunk down on the floor and rested my forehead on my knees. Quick could've done one of two things, left or gone to spy on the queen. I prayed that it would be the latter.

With a heavy sigh I got up and started tracking his scent. The clever bastard had used magic to hide it, but it was there.

Quick
The woman who had insulted Hunter seemed fascinating.. Or at least I think it was an insult. Hunter surely reacted as if it was. Apparently she was a servant of the queen, which made her even more interesting.

I snuck up to the door to the queens room and listened. I couldn't understand a word of what they were saying, but I tried to remember some words, just in case they would prove important somehow.

Suddenly the someone slammed the door in my face, sending me flying backwards. The woman who had insulted Hunter grbbed my hair and pulled me up. She shouted something, I had no idea what she was saing. "Hello." She frowned, probably because of my accent.

I saw the queen standing behind her in the door. Hunter was going to kill me for this, unless these two beat him to it.

Spoiler

Quick has a crush xD

“Are you looking for sympathy? You'll find it in the dictionary between shit and syphilis”
― Thomas Harris

megsug

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Points 12208

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Wed Dec 26, 2012 12:56 am

megsug says... · Wed Dec 26, 2012 12:56 am

Eira
I'm sure my lecture would have continued, but I swore I heard something out in the hall. Before Naki could say anything more, I swung the door open, slamming someone in the face.

I had him by the hair before he could retaliate in the slightest, pulling him up so we were eye to eye. "Who are you and what do you want?" I growled, feeling a vague sense of deja vu.

He stared at me, his eyes blank. Slowly he opened his mouth the murmur, "Hello."

I blinked, frowning at the accent and, then, at the youth of the boy.

"Um... Hello." I glanced at Naki and raised an eyebrow in question. I would have just beaten the boy anyway, but he looked like one of my so-

I cut the thought off and threw the boy into Naki's room a little more gently than I had to, following after him. I closed the door, sticking my hands in my pockets as he staggered to his feet.

"What's your name?" Naki was asking. "Who do you work for? What do you want?"

The boy just stares at her and glances at me helplessly. He begins to babble, and I do not mean talking fast. The kid was making absolutely no sense. He was speaking gibberish.

Naki needed to let out some steam that had been building up and pushed him into wall... hard which I would have normally appreciated.

I stopped her this time. "Wait," I murmured, putting a soft and on her shoulder. I walked up to him slowly, sizing him up, and pointed at myself. "Eira." I pointed at Naki. "Queen" I wasn't sure if he would understand that words, so I put a lot of emphasis on it to make sure he knew it was important. "Anaki." I paused, unsure how much the boy would know of the outside world. "Atreans." I pointed at both of us then pointed at him.

"Yngve."

My lips parted before I could stop my mouth from falling open at the name. "Ah..." I glanced at Naki again, only to look back at him when he shook his head.

"Quick."

I smiled. "Quick." I pointed at the floor. "From... Genor?"

He frowned for a moment but slowly nodded.

I offered my hand before I could regain my senses.

"We still don't know if he's a spy," Naki pointed out.

I shook my head to clear it of nostalgic thoughts that fogged common sense and grimaced, withdrawing my hand before he could take it. He probably wouldn't even know what the greeting meant.

"Who sends a foreign boy who can't speak the language to be a spy?" I murmured, turning away from him.

"He could be lying, Eira. You should know that," she tutted.

I should.

I grabbed my staff suddenly and whipped it around at him, stopping just shy of his cheek. "I will kill you," I shouted and raised the staff, bringing it down fast until it was a breath away from his head when he stared at me wordlessly.

He flinched, paling, and began to babble again.

I turned to Naki and waved at him, about to ask, "Does that look like a spy?" when the door flew open.

My lip curled into a snarl as the sheepdog burst in. "Don't lay a finger on him," he demanded angrily.

I laughed coldly. "You shouldn't lose your sheep when a wolf is so nearby," I breathed, only to bite my lip at Naki's glare.

I pointed at the boy with my staff and flicked it toward Hunter. "Go."

Test

AlmondEyes

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Wed Dec 26, 2012 6:10 am

AlmondEyes says... · Wed Dec 26, 2012 6:10 am

Luna

Spoiler

I'm just going to skip over the trip if you guys don't mind. Sorry I haven't been posting. And what about the other people who were supposed to be coming to the castle with my character? They haven't been posting much. But then again, neither have I

Well, the trip to Genor was uneventful. As we made out way to the castle, we were greeted by a man, Balik, I believe his name was. I didn't actually know who the King was, so this must be him. And then there was the man standing behind him. Tall. Slim. Midnight dark hair with brown streaks. His skin was paler than most, and wore were practical. Warm and sturdy. Balik gave a slight bow before speaking. "King Neko, I welcome you to my beautiful country. Leave your horses to my men, and I can show you to your rooms personally." he stepped forward, looking a bit jittery.

King Neko nodded in thanks. " "Thank you for your hospitality, King Balik. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It has been a long time since an invitation has come from this castle."

A watery smile showed. "I would like for the last of my family to be at peace with each other."

"Hm," Neko nodded, but said nothing else.

He swallowed. "Follow me if you will, and I will show you your rooms where you may freshen and change before dinner."

As he turned, I noticed other man, Hunter, I think, Staring at me. My dad came to stand beside me, blocking his view. Hm. Interesting. I'd heard about him. Mostly rumors. But one thing in particular was that he could influence the elements, which made me curious. I moved to flank the king and realized Hunter was behind us, but didn't say anything.

"Come now, Hunter." Balik said. "I'm sure we can trust them not to lose their way. No need for that."

Hunter said nothing, but walked to stand by his king's side after casting a long glance my way, but my eyes were wandering around, memorizing and categorizing everything. After walking through so many corridors, taking turn after turn, most people would probably drop form vertigo. That wasn't the case here. Not with my father and I. After walking in silence for some time, King Neko stepped beside Balik. "It's been a while, brother."

"Too long." Balik nodded in agreement.

As they chatted idly, dad nudged me. Let's give them a little room."

I nodded and we slowed our pace by a slight degrees. Hunter followed suit, but moved behind us. I scanned the surrounding area, looking for any sign of threat. When I found none, I began memorizing and categorizing again. People stared as we walked by, and most were looking at me. My eyes were most likely why. I'd pulled my bangs away from my face when I pulled my hair back, which gave everyone full view of them. Some people looked startled, frightened, bewildered, even a little terrified of them, which is why I keep them down. And then coupled with the giant scar I had on my right cheek, that didn't help the situation. I reached back, and pulled my hair out of it's confines, letting my bangs fall onto my face and cover my eyes and my hair cascade down my back, shaking it out as it did. I heard a few gasps as I walked by. I guess no one here had ever seen someone with hair this long. My jet black hair feel well below my waist and stopped at my knees since I hadn't kept it cut, and the now more pronounced silver streaks in my hair just made me even more noticeable. Great. As the king slowed, so did we.

"Well," Balik's head inclined slightly. "I will see you at dinner."

He turned towards us. "Your room, young lady, is ti the right, and yours, is to the left." he motioned towards Hunter and he stepped forward. "If you need anything, Hunter will be here to meet them."

I almost laughed when he said young lady. I snorted in my mind. Lady. He's funny. Hunter's head whipped over to glare at his king in shocked outrage. Apparently he wasn't aware of this arrangement. He didn't look happy about it either. Balik nodded at us both before taking his leave. Dad turned towards King Neko. "Do you need anything, your highness?"

"No no," he waved a dismissive hand towards him. "go. Shower and get ready for dinner. Settle in."

"Would you mind if I looked around?" Dad asked.

"Knock yourself out."

As Dad started in, he stopped and turned to look back at me. "Luna, why don't you do it? I'll wait out here for you."

I raised an eyebrow at him. He raised one back, and after a moment, I shrugged and walked into the King's room. It didn't take me too long to look everything over. I turned to look at the King and nod. He bid me and my father good night before closing his door. My father turned toward Hunter as he spoke. "Do you need anything?"

"No. I'm good." he turned toward me, grabbed the back of my head to pull me closer, and kiss my forehead. "Good night, honey."

I got got onto my tip toes and kissed him on his gruff cheek in good night. He turned to look at Hunter before going into his room. He turned towards me. "Is there anything you need, ma'am?"

There it was again. I almost laughed. Almost. I just shook my head with a small smile and headed for my room.

"What is dead my never die, but rises again, larger and stronger..."

*Ride like Lightening, crash like Thunder*

"Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no lies..."

Flames of Darkness (Started- Still accepting)

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