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 Genor had withdrawn all contacts from the neighbouring nations, and shut itself deep within the protection of its mountainous ranges.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

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Points 353

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Wed Dec 26, 2012 3:07 pm

Dawnpath1 says... · Wed Dec 26, 2012 3:07 pm

Aelicine Sehinnine

She left the boy, Rovaalian, in his room. He's younger than me, but not by much. He's seen a lot, too. And his swords... They were not meant for his line of work. Something with that much intricacy is the weapon of a commander. She entered her own room, which was larger, though not by much. Her desk was longer, and scattered with unimportant reports. She strode to her closet, and lifted a hidden back panel. There were many sets of fans in there, but most of them were plain. She put the set she was carrying in the compartment, and took out a more-heavily adorned pair. She looked outside; it was starting to get dark. She smiled at it, it was time to train. She pealed of her day-clothes, and put on a jerkin and some loose-fitting leathers, and went outside.

She started with her fans closed, infront of her, hands on her knees as the blue fur rippled against the gentle breeze. The wind never seems to die down here... she thought as she closed her eyes. Trying to find her center, her ears twitched. Will I ever find true balance? she thought, My two halves, always fighting for control inside me. The only time they can co-incide with eachother is while fighting. What ever magic made me plagues me. What was once two finds it hard to be one. She got up smoothely, taking up her fans. Starting with the basics, she practiced flipping open her fans. Flicking her wrist down and out, they open smoothely. Flicking them in against her arm, they closed. She started slowly at first, progressively getting faster until it no longer looked like she was opening it and closing it, but more like a blur; draw-strike. She felt eyes looking at her, and she flicked her fans out, "Who's there? Devalind, if that's you, I swear I'm going to make sure you and the Helmsman get to know eachother real well."

Alvarin

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Wed Dec 26, 2012 8:25 pm

Alvarin says... · Wed Dec 26, 2012 8:25 pm

Hunter
I glared at Quick as he passed me. The idiot could've gotten himself killed. As soon as I heard his steps head towards my room I turned towards the Queen, refusing to look at Eira. "I apologize for my apprentice. I really hope that he didn't bother you." I bowed and turned to leave, but Eira caught me by the shoulder.

Instincts took hold of me and I turned towards her with a loud snarl. She pulled her hand back as my teeth snapped together. My shoulders were drawn up, my head low. I forced myself to relax, reminding myself that the people of Genor needed our countries to cooperate.

"Calm down, doggy."

The window was forced open by a strong gust that blew into the room and turned over chair. I leaned closer to the wolf, taking advantage of my height. "My father had a saying: 'A proud wolf is a dead wolf, especially when the shepherd can make it rain lightning.'"

With that I stormed out before anyone of us had time to strike the other.

Last edited by Alvarin on Fri Dec 28, 2012 10:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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

methrirr123

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Fri Dec 28, 2012 4:56 am

methrirr123 says... · Fri Dec 28, 2012 4:56 am

Rovaalian
He was left in his room to ponder. There was, after all, nothing else to do. He was not in the mood to follow anyone, and had sworn loyalty to Aelecine. This was a vow, he decided, that wouldn't break on his end. He would see this to the end. He would die a hero. He could see it with his waking eyes, his imaginary allies flocking behind him, telling him that he, too, should fall back. But he would stay back and fight, buy his allies the time they sorely needed to regroup and escape, and he would die valiantly. He would'nt die Rovaalian Suraad, nor would he die Willum Horggenburg, or anyone else. He would die nameless, but known. He was interupted from his daydream by his attention span, as short as it was. He had noticed a glass of water on the desk, full almost to the brim, just sitting there. He looked at it for a while before drinking half of the glass, so that only half remained. Was it half empty? Or half full? Rather than ponder this, he decided he didn't care. Then he noticed a large bottle of oil, in an open drawer. It was just some oil for polishing weapons. He looked at the oil. Then, he poured it into the glass. Instead of mixing, however, the oil stayed at the top. The water and oil stayed seperate. This was sort of interesting. He thought further, noticing that the oil couldn't go under the water. Every time he mixed it, it seperated. It's out of balance. he thought. But what is balance? Perhaps... he thought, Perhaps it is when acceptance of the disbalance is balance. Allowing one side to engulf the other, untill it is a new, homogenous mixture of two former beings. he thought. With that in mind he decided that he wasn't tired enough to sleep, and wandered outside for a while. But Rovaalian does not simply wander the streets. He nimbly wanders the rooftops, simply because it's more fun that way. Old habbits die hard, he thought to himself with a grin as the cool night air caressed his cloak as he ran noiselessly over the rooftops. He caught sight of something on his way back to his room after his midnight stroll. Aelecine was practicing with her fans. That really is an odd weapon. I hope it's effective. I do not, however, hope that's what she'll be teaching me. He thought, watching her fold and unfold the fan very quickly. All of a sudden she whirled around with the fans, calling to the night "Who's there? Devalind, if that's you, I swear I'm going to make sure you and the Helmsman get to know eachother real well."

She was good, Rovaalian thought. I wonder what she'll do if she finds me up here?

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 31, 2012 1:36 am

Dawnpath1 says... · Mon Dec 31, 2012 1:36 am

Aelicine Sehinnine

She looked around for a little, and by the end, she knew it wasn't any of her trainees. She spotted a shadow near the roof top and ignored it. Taking a wide stance, she flipped her fans out and began to practice. She did a downward slash, and then an upward slash, slowly. Going faster with every repetition, she eventually lost herself. She spun and slashed, looking a bit like a dancer as she swayed to dodge an in visible blade, going through the motion of trapping the arm, breaking it, and smashing in a nose. kicking high backwards, and coming down with a fan. The blades sliced through the air as she closed one, and flicked her wrist oddly. A blade sped towards the shadow she'd seen earlier. By watching the dodge, she knew who it was. She sighed, and went back to training.

She moved to the dummies, changing the blade in her fans so they were back to normal. She started with no power, the dummies not even swaying, and worked harder. Eventually she went hard enough that one blow shattered the dummy. She moved onto the next one, and with one clean stroke, off'd it's head. With a sideways kick, it flew backwards, the bottom catching and shattering as she kicked, spinning, the last dummy, assassinating it with a closed fan to the neck. The blades came together cleanly and the hole in it's neck was fatal beyond a doubt.

Alvarin

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Thu Jan 03, 2013 2:56 am

Alvarin says... · Thu Jan 03, 2013 2:56 am

Hunter
I hurried through the hallways towards my room. I couldn't believe that I had done that. I had threatened Atra's chief of war. The dinner was going to be horrible, the peace negotiations would fail and the people of Genor would starve, and it was all my fault for not being able to control myself. Well, my and Quick's fault. The kid was an idiot. A skilled idiot, but still an idiot.

I was so lost in thoughts that I didn't even notice the other wolf approaching around the corner, so I walked straight into her. I couldn't let my instincts overtake me again, so I tried to focus on my human side.

I bowed slightly. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you coming." The scent of this wolf wasn't different from the other one. It didn't make my instincts go haywire, it was just another scent. Slightly unpleasant, but not as bad as Eira's.

"It's alright."

Really? Then this wolf really was different. I suddenly realized that she was in the wrong wing of the castle. We had tried to keep the king and queen as far away from each other as possible. "If you're lost I can show you the way back to your room," I offered.

"I'm not lost, I'm just looking around."

"Oh." She really shouldn't get in the way of the queen and her chief of war right now, since I highly doubted that they could form a pack. "Could you avoid going in that direction," I said and made a gesture down the corridor that I had come through. "I just managed to piss the Atrainian chief of war of, and it wouldn't be wise for anyone to cross her path right now." My pleading look earned me a laugh.

"What exactly did you do?"

I sighed. "I think I might have threatened to kill her." Her eyes widened slightly. "I didn't mean to but I just couldn't help it." My shoulders slumped, earning me another laugh. Yes, I probably looked hilarious, and I would probably laugh too if it hadn't been for the fact that I might have brought this country to ruins by losing control like that. "Balik is going to kill me," I mumbled. I should probably tell him about this insistent, so that he wouldn't come unprepared to the dinner.

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

AlmondEyes

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Thu Jan 03, 2013 5:20 am

AlmondEyes says... · Thu Jan 03, 2013 5:20 am

Luna

I had gotten bored in my room and decided to go wandering around. This place was quite well put together. Turning a corner, I bumped right into someone, realizing by scent it was Hunter, which is why I didn't have him by his neck.

He bowed slightly. "My apologies. I didn't see you there."

I shrugged. "It's ok. I wasn't looking where I was going either."

He looked at me for a moment, as if realizing something. "If you're lost, I can show you the way back to your room."

"I'm not lost," I shook my head. "i'm just looking around."

"Oh." he said. "Could you avoid going in that direction?" he motion down the corridor he'd just come from. "I just managed to piss the Atrainian chief of war of, and it wouldn't be wise for anyone to cross her path right now."

His pleading look earned a laugh from me. Something I didn't do often. "What exactly did you do?"

"I think I might have threatened to kill her." he sighed.

I raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't mean to, but I just couldn't help it." he continued, his shoulders slumping.

I had to fight the urge to laugh again. Poor man.

"Balik is going to kill me," he mumbled.

"Well," I put my hands on my hips." I'm just wandering around. I'm not looking for trouble."

"But-"

"You should probably get going. You have your life to beg for." I chuckled.

"Just please don't get on her bad side." he pleaded.

I laughed again. "You may have seen her bad side," I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, then opened them, knowing the glow from my animals spirits power would shine through. "but you haven't seen mine."

I saw the chill that ran down his spine and continued. "She may think she can take me, but i'm not someone you wanna piss off. I'd eat her for lunch. If she wants to fuck with me, she better be prepared for one hell of a ride. But rest assured. I'll give you my word that i'll wait for her to throw the first punch."

"That doesn't make me feel any better." he frowned.

"It should," I tell him, willing the glow from my eyes. "because then it would be her fault the negotiations fell through, and not yours."

"Mmmm.." Hunter debated.

"Don't you have something to go do?" I pat his shoulder.

He mumbles something and walked away. I head off to continue wandering around.

Spoiler

If you wanted Hunter to say something, then just tell me what and i'll edit my post, Alvarin.

"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..."

Alvarin

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Fri Jan 04, 2013 6:31 pm

Alvarin says... · Fri Jan 04, 2013 6:31 pm

Hunter
I sighed as I watched her go. Fantastic, now I had managed to make a fool out of myself too. Not that it mattered. I shook my head to clear my thoughts. Quick would have to wait. I needed to speak to the king. If I and Atra's chief of war was going to ruin any chance that this county had, I might as well prepare him for it.

I made my way to his chambers, and knocked on the door. "It's me. Hunter."

"Come in!" He sounded stressed, and I was going to make him even more so.

As I entered I almost tripped over a pile of books. I spotted the king sitting by his desk, which was filled with dusty old books and scrolls. "What are you doing?"

"Studying etiquette." He looked up at me with a resigned sigh, and leaned back in his chair. "Is something wrong?"

Spot on. "I don't think that the queen, and especially her chief of war is going to be very happy during the dinner." I looked through the still open window and took a deep breath. How long would it take before I got used to the smell of wolf?

To my surprise he laughed. Had he gone insane? "Please tell me you didn't hit her."

I frowned. "No, I don't hit women. Not even if they're wolfs. I just threatened her.. a bit. And then I made a fool out of myself in front of one of the soldiers from Neko."

The king smirked. Yes, he had definitely cracked under the pressure.

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

megsug

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Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:53 am

megsug says... · Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:53 am

Balik
I studied Hunter for a long moment, finding his distress amusing. I closed the cursed book I had been stumbling through just a moment before and shrugged my shoulders. "There will always be such instances, Hunter." I stretched out, throwing a leg over the arm of my chair as I forgot all I had read. "There will always be undisciplined, violent underlings." I grinned wryly. "And sometimes, my people will look like idiots."

I laughed outright at my own joke as he stared at me and waved my hand airily. "I'm kidding, Hunter. I'm sure you weren't as foolish as you think. Little things don't matter." I stretched. "And the wolf will get over herself, or Anaki will put a leash on her." I looked up as the clocks began to chime and sighed, growing far more reserved.

"Are you ready?" he asked softly.

I forced a shaky smile. "Ah... Ye-" I shook my head. "No, no." I tapped the book, pointed at the stack in front of the door, waved at the scrolls littering my desk. "All of these tell me I will never be ready. Never."

He raised his eyebrows. "Remember, your Highness, little things don't matter."

I blinked and found I couldn't quite bring myself to laugh. "Just shut up," I muttered and stood. "Let's just get dinner over with." I stormed toward the dining room, not attempting to converse with Hunter. Luckily, he didn't with me either.

I opened the door, taking a moment to collect myself, looked in, and turned on my heel as I slammed the door. "I can't do this," I hissed.

Test

Shady

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Sat Jan 05, 2013 3:20 am

Shady says... · Sat Jan 05, 2013 3:20 am

Anaki Shadowflame (Queen of Atra)

Eira scratched her nose, doing a poor job of hiding a smirk. "He's a sheepdog, Nika."

I glared. She rolled my eyes. "It's not like we have anything to do with it anyways. This mess is all on you and Korhel."

My temper flared. My head still hurt, I didn't know what the hell Mikhail might be doing-- or telling Balik, I could've flinched at the possibilities-- and she was worrying about a fucking sheep dog?

"So you can do whatever you want, and I need to clean up your messes?"

What was another bruise? Balik expected me to be the same hotheaded, brawling girl I was when we were young-- I didn't mind meeting his expectations, at least not at the moment. Eira was infuriating.

She dropped her staff. "Hold on, now. You're putting words in my mouth..."She grimaced. "I'm...I was out of hand...and..." When she looked up again, her face was the picture of desolation. She's a very good actress. "I'm sorry."

"And it won't happen again?" I sighed.

"Itwon'thappenagain," she murmered.

I smiled. "I do trust your word, Eira." Maybe that will guilt her into actually behaving herself.

She smirked. "That sheepdog is lucky you're so worried about a political upset."

Maybe not. "Dammit Eira!" I snarled. She was so stubborn. So hotheaded. So sarcastic...so much like me, and it pissed me off that she didn't have to be so damned diplomatic all the time.

I hesitated when I heard a noise in the hall, but before I could react Eira sprang, busting someone in the face with the door. She hauled him up by the hair.

"Who are you and what do you want?" She demanded.

He stared at her, uncomprehending. "Hello." His accent was strange.

"Um... Hello." Eira looked at me, raising an eyebrow.

I glared as Eira shoved him into my room. I'd need to speak to Balik about spies listening outside my door. "What's your name? Who do you work for? What do you want?" I asked briskly.

He looked between us fearfully, and then began to babble. I snapped. I slammed him into the wall.

"Wait..." Eira stopped me gently. Gently wasn't her style, so, intrigued, I did. "Eira." She pointed at me. "Queen...Anaki...Atraians."

"Yngve."

"Ah..." Eira looked at me. They were both lunatics.

"Quick."

Eira grinned. "Quick...from Genor?"

He nodded slowly.

"We still don't know if he's a spy," I sighed.

"Who sends a foreign boy who can't speak the language to be a spy?" She asked, looking at me.

"He could be lying, Eira. You should know that," I growled.

Suddenly she had her staff to his cheek."I will kill you."

He flinched, paling, and began to babble again.

Eira waved at the boy carelessly. "Does that look like a spy?"

He didn’t, I had to admit…to myself.

"Don't lay a finger on him," the 'cute puppy' snarled, bursting into my rooms.

Eira laughed coldly. "You shouldn't lose your sheep when a wolf is so nearby," She bit her lip when she caught my glare.

She flicked her staff towards Hunter. "Go."

The boy scurried towards the door, around Hunter, who gave him a reproving glare as he past. Hunter waited until the boy was down the hallway a ways before he turned towards me, decidedly ignoring Eira. “I apologize for my apprentice. I really hope that he didn’t bother you.” He bowed.

I inclined my head, accepting his apology, too many thoughts vying for attention in my head to allow my tongue any graceful speech.

Hunter turned to leave, but Eira caught his shoulder. Fuck I started forward to place myself between them, figuring that neither of them would be foolish enough to hit me. Eira because, infuriating and careless as she was, she knew better than strike her queen in public-- even if I had a feeling we’d fight very soon, if nerves didn’t calm—and Hunter because he wouldn’t want to face Balik.

But I was too late. Hunter turned towards her, snarling, teeth snapping, his shoulders hunched, head down—dangerously close to shifting, by the looks of it. There wasn’t a chance that I was getting anywhere near that. They can tear each other to shreds, for all I care.

"Calm down, doggy." Eira was unrelenting.

The window flew open, banging off the wall, in a sudden burst of wind from the storm that’d brewed instantly, turning over a chair, my hair whipping my face. Hunter leaned over Eira imposingly, seeming bigger, even to me.

I looked between the window and the shifters uncomfortably. I found magic strangely unnerving, it being the only thing that I was entirely lacking skills in. I dearly hoped Hunter had a hold on his temper.

"My father had a saying: 'A proud wolf is a dead wolf, especially when the shepherd can make it rain lightning.'" Hunter snarled, storming from the room, slamming the door after him before Eira could make any other comments.

Eira started towards the door, ready to pursue the fight. I leapt forward, grabbing her arm, jerking her around, slamming her into the door. I grabbed her upper arms, squeezing tightly, holding her against the door for several long moments, searching her face, my eyes narrowed, jaw clenched.

Her body was rigid, fists clenched, ready to spring, pupils dilated with the excitement of a fight. I held her harsh gaze until I saw the change in her eyes—the return of her mind—my message made clear, even without words.

I turned away from her, all but stomping across the room, as I righted the chair and looked, still surprised, at the bright, clear afternoon outside. Shaking my head clear of the storm, I turned to my roll and pulled a dress out.
Silently, still fuming, I dressed and yanked my hair down.

I began jerking a comb through my hair, each pass rougher and less effective than the one before it, until my hair was a poofy mess. I jerked more knots out of my hair, getting angrier and angrier by the moment, until I threw my comb.

I sat, panting, staring at the comb as it crashed off the far wall, making several pots rattle, before it fell to the ground. A knock at the door. "What?" I bellowed, turning towards the door angrily, actually losing my cool--something that didn't happen often.

I jerked the door open to, luckily, find my own subjects standing before me. A whole bloody squadron of them. "What?" I snapped. "Don't just stand there, looking dumb. What do you want?"

"Uh," A soldier stepped forward, looking a bit nervous. "We-- I found your letter."

"Ulric, isn't it?"

"Yes'm."

"Well, Ulric," I said, decidedly calming myself. "You're the only one who's not disgustingly afraid of me...what rank are you? Never mind, you're the highest ranking officer here, now, whatever that is."

He seemed shocked. "Y-yes ma'am!"

"If," I said, lifting a finger. "You can get his hall cleared out and find someone who can FIX MY BLOODY HAIR!"

"Er--yes, we've brought your--girls," he stepped away, clearing his throat, ushering my attendants into the room.

I slammed the door and stood, resigned, as they poked and prodded me, not answering any of thier twitterings, refusing to get into the fourth dress they tried to cram me into, and looking at Eira.

She caught my eye. We still didn't speak to each other. She was ready. We turned and started out the door, me waving the attendents away, and walked down the hall until we found the dining hall.

"He'll be in there."

"Yep." Eira agreed.

"His advisor will be too."

"Oh...yeah...right."

I sighed. "That's what I was afraid of. Eira...it is imperative that you do not get in a fight." Which goes for me too...no fighting...not even if Korhel shows up.

Eira sighed.

Ignoring her, I let myself into the banquet hall, earning myself a disapproving look from Eira. I let a footman show me towards my chair. On the far end of the room, behind his place of honor, I saw Balik poke his head into the room and then slammed the door.

I smirked. That was too good to let go. I walked towards the door. "Balik," I twitter happily, pecking my fingertips on the door. "Don't tell me you've become shy...our food's getting cold."

"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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Points 12208

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Sun Jan 06, 2013 2:49 am

megsug says... · Sun Jan 06, 2013 2:49 am

Balik
"Balik," Naki giggled like a fool, "Don't tell me you've become shy...our food's getting cold."

There was nothing in the etiquette books that gave me an answer to that. Thus, I stared at her mutely for a good ten seconds, remembering what a pain I had thought her to be as a child... when I wasn't being a pain to her.

Finally, after a few owlish blinks, I gave her a grin that I knew to be too small. "C-c-cousin." I frowned at myself for allowing that weakness to worm its way through an identity I had struggled to create and tightened my lips, refusing to let myself stammer again. "I'm so glad to see you well. I heard there was an altercation in your room." I raised my eyebrows knowingly and offered an arm. "Shall we?"

My heart was pounding, and I felt like I couldn't get enough air. I hoped my expression was that of placidly bored. Apparently that's what gentleman were supposed to look like unless they were courting.

Her eyes narrowed, which made me feel as though I had won a small victory, but accepted my arm. "It was a mere disturbance," she murmured coolly.

...

What did placidly bored look like?

I made a concious effort to loosen the muscles around my mouth. "I wouldn't be surprised if you were accustomed to them," I said offhandedly, thinking I was much better at this than I had thought I would be.

she stiffened ever so slightly and looked at me.

I gave her a small smirk, assuming a grin would not be bored enough, and added, "Disturbances that is."

Hunter followed behind us and coughed loudly as I motioned to a chair. I glanced at him and then down the table. All the Atreans sat on the other side.

I closed my eyes for a moment, willing a blush to crawl back down my neck.

It didn't work.

I escorted her to the other side of the table, almost catching my foot on the leg of a chair if it hadn't been for another of Hunter's warnings, and pulled out a chair beside the wolf.

She studied me with flat eyes, and I decided that I probably knew what bored looked like though she certainly might not be placid.

I wasn't really quite sure of the full connotation of that adjective now that I thought about it. I would have to look that up when I had to chance.

To my relief, she didn't deem it necessary to look upon Hunter.

Transferring Naki to her seat, I sat at the head of the table, beside her, a chair waiting for Korhel. I had to resist the urge to throw my leg over the arm as Hunter stood awkwardly. I looked back at him and worried my lip for a moment.

Inspired, I stood and waved at those already sitting. I took a deep breath, fisting my hands to make them stop trembling, and ordered, "If you're sitting beside a fellow countryman, please move to where you are sitting beside one who is not or, at the very least, with an empty chair on either side of you." I looked down at the wolf who didn't look like she was going to move and made a vague movement with my hand to tell her she was fine. "I think it wise if you stay where you are."

She blinked, leaned forward agilely, and froze at a touch from Naki. Suddenly, she was giving me a gracious nod as if I needed permission.

I ignored it... for now.

I realized that, though this would certainly make for a more interesting dinner party, Hunter would still have to leave my side which was the problem I had been trying to solve.

If I put him on either side of the table, he would be between me and a monarch which couldn't possibly look good. If he sat behind me, it would be obvious he was there to help me, undermining the authority I did have.

I glanced back at him, shooting him a pleading look.

"You know, if you need an extra table setting, the head of a table this size is really big enough for two places. Both of you would even have elbow room."

I turned to stare at the wolf as Naki seemed to be doing.

She squirmed until she crossed her arms and fell into a stony silence.

I studied the width of the table. She was right. I wasn't sure how proper it would be, but it would work.

And without a warning from someone who had more of a clue than I did, I could damn propriety to hell for the rest of the night, if I didn't find a way to keep Hunter here. I would be making blunders at every opportunity.

I looked back at Hunter again. "Is that okay with you?"

He gave a sharp nod.

I snapped at a maid and issued the correct orders without being a complete idiot, sitting down as soon as my task was done. Then I got to stand back up as the Nekoites entered the dining hall.

Test

methrirr123

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Points 728

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Sun Jan 06, 2013 4:22 am

methrirr123 says... · Sun Jan 06, 2013 4:22 am

Rovaalian

He stayed long enough to read her. He could tell alot about her when she fought alone, against an imaginary opponent. There was grief, about this lost person. He knew nothing of it, but he was no fool. He could tell it hurt. In five minutes he read her like a book, her movements carving stories and pain through the air... and Rovaalian read it. He could tell why she became who she was, how she became who she was, how confused she was... he could read it all. She was like oil in water, but fighting to stay as one... Perhaps, he thought, to be two in one body would be easier? But Rovaalian knew that that which was easy was not always right. He silently made his way back to his room via rooftop and lay down on his back, in the bed. He hadn't slept in a bed for ages, and it was strange. He lay awake for a while, wondering what the new day would bring before succumbing to sleep with these thoughts echoing in his chaotic mind: What does Neko even mean?

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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Sun Jan 06, 2013 4:34 am

Dawnpath1 says... · Sun Jan 06, 2013 4:34 am

Aelicine Sehinnine

She felt the eyes leave and sighed. Kicking over the dummy she'd been working on, she went inside to her room and put her fans away. Taking her gear off, she stopped in front of a mirror and saw herself in the moonlight. She looked sad to herself, and she couldn't help but compare herself to normal girls. My fur, my paws, my ears and my tail are what set me apart from the normal human. They warn off any potential partners, most friends... They brand me like an animal as surely as an idiot is branded by his stupidity. I wish I could remember the before. Did it hurt, whatever the two mes were put through? What if it's all a big joke, and the man who made me is watching me struggle? I bet I outlasted even his expectations. A cat-human in human territory, alone and defenseless. If Master hadn't been there, I would most certainly have died. I miss him, quiet as he was. I wonder if he would've wanted me here... She sighed and continued to change, sliding into the bed. It was late, but that was normal. She intended to sleep late anyway. Her last thought awake was of the swords she'd use to demonstrate for him.

Payne

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Points 425

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Sun Jan 06, 2013 5:16 am

Payne says... · Sun Jan 06, 2013 5:16 am

Ulric

I blinked as the door to the Queen's room was slammed rather soundly in my face. Charming woman.

The rest of the squadron was staring at me expectantly, so I made myself look like I knew what I was doing. "Alright, everyone, make yourselves useful and...uh...settle in. Find some rooms to stay in, or something." I grabbed Stephen's arm as he tried to slip past me. "And try to restrain yourself from sweet-talking the maids, alright? We aren't at home anymore, and I don't want to be responsible for any problems that arise from your jilted lovers."

He just rolled his eyes, jerked his arm out of my grip, and continued on his way. So I was left standing alone in the hallway, with no idea what I was supposed to be doing.

After a lot of wandering through the halls aimlessly, a servant boy scurried up to me and informed me that dinner would be served shortly. One bright spot, at least.

When I had finally gotten my fellow countrymen assembled in the dining hall, we sat down and waited for the Queen to arrive. At long last, she appeared on the arm of a man I assumed, from descriptions, to be Lord Balik. I recognized Eira as well, and wondered just how this gathering was going to pan out--particularly since the important-looking boy following Balik was eying her warily, and she looked disgruntled.

Maybe a fight will break out... The thought was oddly comforting. A brawl, I could handle. Better than this tense, horridly rigid propriety. I could feel my face beginning to twitch...I could only hope that some sort of strong malt liquor would be served with dinner.

After an unusual amount of bumbling and uncertainly, Anaki and her companions were seated. The man seemed alright, though a little strange (then again, I viewed most royalty as being a little strange); he kept making odd faces, I assumed in an attempt to look calm.

Abruptly he stood and spoke. "If you're sitting beside a fellow countryman, please move to where you are sitting beside one who is not or, at the very least, with an empty chair on either side of you."

At first, I genuinely didn't understand...then everyone around me was standing and changing seats, so I found a comfy spot with an empty chair to my left and right.

This is going to be an interesting night...

I aim to misbehave.

Is it weird in here, or is it just me? --Steven Wright

AlmondEyes

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Sun Jan 06, 2013 7:45 am

AlmondEyes says... · Sun Jan 06, 2013 7:45 am

Luna

After returning to my room, I washed myself off and got dressed. I was deciding what to leave and what to take with me when there was a knock on the my door. "Come in."

Dad closed the door behind him and waled over to me. "Ready?"

I decided on my small daggers and turned to him. "Yeah."

We left my room and went to retrieve the king. Dad knocked and waited for an answer, but instead got the distinct sound of clawing on the other side. I smiled and opened the door. Vespera rubbed her head against my legs and purred. "Hey there, beautiful."

"I'll be out in just a minute." the King called.

While waiting, I checked my daggers. The sound of a door opening caught my attention and I looked up. The king stepped from an adjoining room and walked toward us. "Let's get this over with."

As we made out way to the banquet hall, I wondered of Hunter would be there. I kind of liked him. My father however, seem like he wanted bury him in the ground. But, then again, he felt that way about most people. That's just how he was. He wouldn't be where he is today if it hadn't been like that.

"How do you think this is going to go?" he asked.

I shrugged. "Won't know until we find out."

"That's not an answer." he looked at me.

"As well as something like this can go, I guess." I comment.

He just nods. As we arrive to the banquet hall King Balik stands in greeting, as our seats are taken. Me on the king's right, dad on his left. As I settle I look around the table, taking in everyone. My eyes land on the Queen of Atra. She was taller than most. Not me, though. Blonde hair with natural highlights as well as low lights. High cheek bones and pale skin that make a good combination on her. Her gaze met mine and held. She gave me an intense stare, as if she thought I would look away out of fear. I fought the urge to laugh, but my lip twitched at the smile that almost came on.. She was a funny one, that Queen.

My eyes shifted over to the shifter, who I could only assume was her war chief. Her fiery red hair is what would catch anyone's attention. Her yellow eyes would probably make any person squirm, but I never squirmed. My father broke me of that habit a long time ago. I crossed my right leg over the left as I assessed her. Her scent made the hair on the back my neck stand on end. The animals inside of me were going ballistic. She glared back at me coldly. The only thing I gave her was a look void of emotion. She was also impatient, but that much any person could tell, I think.

My gaze traveled to another face. A gargantuan of a man I must say. This on piqued my interest. His size is the first you notice. He even towers over people while sitting down, and his shoulder length auburn hair also draw the eye. I sat straighter in my chair and cocked my head to the side slightly, looking on curiously. I liked his broad shoulders, too. How intriguing. I can't see his hands, so I couldn't really say anything about them. He looks over at me with those sky blue eyes and blinks as if realizing what i'm doing. Hm. I can't but bite my lower lip as I look away. I notice my father giving me a stern stare and quickly avert my eyes with an even bigger smile. I land on Hunter and smile jovially as I he sees me and smiles back. A low growl sounds and I turn to see my dad mean mugging Hunter. What ever conversations that had been going were silenced as they all turned to look at him in shock. It's my turn to glare now. I sign below the table.

Calm down. This is now time for you to be baring your canines.

We'll talk later, was all he said.

I glared at him again before looking away as King Balik clears his throat and speaks.

"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..."

Payne

Gender

Points 425

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Sun Jan 06, 2013 8:15 am

Payne says... · Sun Jan 06, 2013 8:15 am

Ulric

I twiddled my thumbs under the table for a while, watching everything that was going on and trying to find something--anything--of interest. Suddenly I had the unmistakable feeling that I was being watched, and turned to face one of the most startling women I had seen in a while. Her silver eyes were fixed on me, peeking out from a fringe of black-and-silver hair. There was a scar under one of those eyes, and she appeared to be quite tall, especially for a woman. I blinked in surprise and, when she noticed me noticing her, she bit her lip and looked away--but not before I saw the huge smile she wore.

Who the hell was she? I made a point to find out later...

Then the man next to her growled loudly in the direction of Balik's man. It was a rather intimidating noise, and it made me reconsider my previous thought a bit.

Still...she was intriguing.

I aim to misbehave.

Is it weird in here, or is it just me? --Steven Wright

Flames of Darkness (Started- Still accepting)

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