Fantasy A War of Kings

IC: Fleet, Eighteen days before the wedding
Caravan Trails, The Desert

He almost jumped in surprise when Lorain touched his shoulder, as he had not expected it, but feeling her near him and hearing her voice reassured him immensely.

"Remember Aniki…" the large woman urged calmly.

Fleet nodded and took in a breath, steadying his nerves and bearing forth his focus. Lorain continued to speak to him in a calm voice, explaining things and giving the young urchin instructions, which helped a great deal. Fleet put back his dirk, but remained mindful of it, just in case. He continued to listen to the sounds of animals and strained his eyes to see. He heard no human voices, at least not yet.

The young boy did as he was instructed and hunched down next to 'Freedom'. He took the scarf from 'Lor' and was ready to cover Freedom's eyes if it became necessary. He noticed the unlit torch and was comforted that Lor was already thinking ahead.

Remembering the reason why they were traveling along the caravan trail, Fleet hoped it was indeed a caravan that approached. He would even prefer a pack of roaming animals over the unmentionable alternative, but that all remained to be seen.

With a solid nod, the brown haired youngster signaled his readiness to 'Lor', before looking out again to see what was it that approached them.

Tag:Ktala,Lukes_Apprentice

 

IC: Alistair Bryce
16 Days before the wedding
Foot of the Mountains of Mirwyth

It was a little past noon Alistair guessed when he abruptly heard the sound of trampling hoofs in the distance. By the sound of it they were close, and heading right towards them, maybe half a dozen Alistair guessed, a wild guess. He pulled on Horse’s reins, signaling him to stop, which the horse did obediently mid stride, coming to a sudden lurch, which caught the attention of Liana who was still occupied with braiding Horse’s mane.

“What is it-” she asked with a tint of fear in her voice.

“Shhhh” was all Alistair replied with. The young woman quickly silenced herself, and soon there was nothing to be heard but Horse breathing his heavy breaths and even those seemed to loud in the desolate quiet of the forest. Soon they all heard the stamps of the hoofs as the riders drew closer, and just as quickly as they had heard them, the riders where there, breaking through the brush and branches, heading straight for them. Well at least we are on top of a hill, that gives us one advantage, at least we won’t have to fight our way uphill. Thought Alistair, and it was true they had luckily been crossing over the top of a small wooded hill when the riders chanced upon them. And soon the riders were on top of them, encircling them with their horses. There were 3 maybe four riders, Alistair wasn’t sure since his mind was whirling and his eyes were darting from one rider to the next, waiting for one of them to draw steel on him. As his eyes searched the riders he noticed none of them had a crossbow or longbow, that was good, Alistair could defend against a swordsman, even if he was on horseback, it would be difficult but he could do it, but a bolt from a crossbow was unstoppable. Alistair knew that if he drew steel he would be dead in moments, so he simply dropped his sword arm to his side but still kept hold of the reins with his left hand. The riders finally stopped with their encircling and stopped in a circle around the two travelers.

“May I help you good sers?” Alistair asked nonchalantly as if nothing were wrong. There was a long silence until one of the Capitalmen spit a large brown glob of spit at Alistair’s feet.

“Don’t play dumb, we know who you are, that girl too.” He said, the rider, who Alistair guessed to be the leader of the bunch, a sergeant probably, had a fat and ugly face, like that of a pig, and a scar that ran between his upper and lower lip that had not been sewn up properly, so when the man smiled it was a hideous and contorted grin.

“Well I certainly do not know what you are implying my good ser, me and my sister here are just traveling west to Wanesford to find a maester, as you can see my sister is very ill,” he motioned his hand to Liana, who luckily was a quick learner and seamlessly picked up on Alistair’s lie, she quickly made herself to seem sick and in pain.

“Very well armed for a simple carpenter or farmer aren’t you? You see we know you’re the one who raided our encampment two nights passed and freed our prisoners. He Dolf isn’t this the lass you all took from Harrowmont?” He said turning in his saddle to a short and stocky soldiers to his left.

“Aye that’s her,” said the soldier. Well this just got much more complicated, blood is inevitable, Thought Alistair.

“Well than that settles it, hand her over thief and I promise we’ll make your death quick,” said the Sergeant. Alistair scratched his chin as if he were contemplating the proposition.

“No, no I don’t think that is a fair deal, how about this, a trial by combat? You are going to kill me anyways, why not let me plead my innocence, and I am a man of honor after all and you ser have insulted that honor, what say you?”

“I say that I am going to have fun cutting you down little man, steady your steel boys, he’s mine,” said the sergeant. The man stepped down from his horse and Alistair realized that this man was a giant, standing close to seven feet tall; he was not able to guess his height when he was saddled but now he stood before him, towering over Alistair who only stood six feet tall. The man drew his longsword and unhooked his shield from his saddle. A man with a shield is a dangerous thing thought Alistair as he drew Shadowbane from its sheath across his back, especially when used against a man without one. But luckily his uncle Magnus had taught him how to counter such men and how best to exploit their weaknesses.
Soon the men were circling each other, testing each other, looking for weak spots in their posture, looking for an edge of the other. Soon steel rang against steel. The big man had made the first move, coming in with a strong downward slash which Alistair quickly stepped back from, letting the tip of the sword slash into the soft earth, he will be easy to tire, he has put too much confidence into his size and strength, that will be his downfall thought Alistair as he danced around the man’s wild and strong cuts and slashes, once in a while giving him the pleasure of a block here and there that simply knocked the big man’s sword to the side as if it were a child’s wooden sword.

“Stand...and fight me...you…coward!” Said the Sergeant through heavy breathes. He will not last much longer.

“As you wish,” replied Alistair calmly. And with that he went into the man, slashing right then left, then in an upward slash, slowly pushing the man back. Alistair was now on the offensive. Even blocking Alistair’s simplest swings seemed to be tiring the soldier. He is not used to fighting a real swordsman, just simple farmers and cobblers who know not of the art of warfare, he has grown soft feeding upon the defenseless. He then backed off from his onslaught of blows of the man, he was setting the trap and the big soldiers was about to take the bait. Alistair went once more into the defense, allowing the big man to strike blow after blow against him, knocking him backwards, making Alistair almost lose his footing a couple of times, until he finally tripped and fell backwards into the dirt, his legs sprawled kicking himself backwards as the big man advanced.

“Burn in hell you craven,” were the words the big man said before finally bringing his sword down in a heavy downward slash that was meant to split Alistair from neck to navel. But in a flash that the big man had not anticipated, Alistair rolled under the swing and came up almost behind the big man on his right side, delivering a fast upward slash that caught the big man in the back of his head, cleaving off the back of his skull in a gruesome diagonal slash that sent blood and brain matter flying through the air. The big man stood for a brief moment and blinked his eyes, a look of pure disbelief on his face.

“What-“was the only words to come out of the man’s mouth before he fell to the ground face first with a heavy thump, and then laid still. The woods, that had once been filled with the cheers of the big man’s companions, was now silent, as the other soldiers sat on their horses, mouths open and dumbfounded. Not a single one tried to draw steel.

“What fool is next...hmm?’ Asked Alistair with Shadowbane raised eye level in a defensive stance. Not a word was spoken between the remaining Capitalmen, they simply turned their mounts and rode back for their camp as fast as their horses could go. Alistair bent down and wiped the blood from his blade by using the man’s surcoat, and then returned it once more to its sheath. He grabbed hold of the reins once
more and calmly continued to lead Horse and Liana further down the trail. Liana was still aghast.

“You…he…what…”were the only words she could stammer out. Alistair just continued on, eyes forward. She finally was able to put a whole sentence together.

“Why didn’t you bury him?” for some reason that was what she chose to ask him.

“Because they wouldn’t have done the same for us, they would have left me to rot and taken you back to the camp and down only gods know what to you…and besides animals need to eat as well. Now let’s get to Wanesford before darkness falls, we’ve wasted enough time” He said. And with that they headed further west into the Dragonswood.

Tag: Lukes_Apprentice

 

IC: Gwenn Cliffe
19 Days Before the Wedding
Docks, Breezecroft


“Notin’ much,“ replied, But his eyes betrayed his words as his green gaze settled back onto Gwenn once more. She had seen that look many times before, and she could nearly always tell when something was bothering him. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of concern, and was about to ask him what was on his mind when the young man continued. ”I wondern’ if a man such as myself might have the honor of escorting a pretty lady such as yerself home or maybe someplace else, as I don’t want anything to happen to ya.” He asked, a gleam in his eye

A small trace smile crossed Gwenn’s lips as he spoke. She appreciated his concern and his support, but she doubted that anything would happen to her. The war King Delmari had spoken of had not yet reached the Isles, at least not yet, and she was still amongst friends. But not for very much longer…Her smile faded slowly then, and the conflicted woman sighed, casting her grey eyes across the docks briefly before looking back at the caring young man.

“It’s strange…Some days, when I were younger, I couldn’ wait te get away from this place…” She said quietly, Reaching up, she rubbed her shoulder, a dull twinge reminding her of her recent punishment at the hands of Slade Moorecroft “…But now I’m leavin’…” She trailed off, finding it difficult to put the rest of her thoughts into words. She looked Lukas in the face then, moving closer to him and gently squeezing his arm, her eyes speaking volumes.

“Lukas, I know somethin’ is botherin ‘ya… Tell me what yer thinkin, please”


TAG: @Lukes_Apprentice

 

The mountains of Mirwyth
Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
9 days before the wedding
Lawenrence had left Safia to go to his assigned room gather things and think about what was to come. He did not have long to think as a squire came in announcing the king’s entrance.

The king looked at Lawrence and said, “I see you and my daughter are getting along. So I hear you an my daughter been spending considerable time together. I wonder do you find her as wonderful as you were told?
TAG: Trieste
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Caravan Trail
18 days before the wedding
The now definite sound of horses got louder as Fleet and Lorrain observed two men on camels no less riding over the dunes. These were not the men they meet earlier in the village and they looked like two small time traders on camels.
The sound drifted over the dunes one of them was arguing with other about something, maybe the prices they would charge. Whatever was distracting them and they had not noticed Fleet or Lorrain. It was apparent these men were no threat and they heading towards the abandoned village Fleet and Lorrain had left earlier. One had to wonder if they knew what was before them or what they arguing about.
The two men eventually moved within 100 paces of the group. Everyone was distracted then by camels mounting a dune in the distance evenditally the two sounds had mixed in the night air giving the impression the two were of the same group.

The tow men now closer said one to the other, “I heard the people of Aqarda were gone taken by pirates we should turn back.”

Then the other replied, “Surely not, my sister was living there and she sent me letter saying everything was fine four days ago. I will not turn back on a mere rumor.”
TAG: greyjedi125, Ktala

 

IC: Ser Lawrence Kildare
The Mountains, Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
His chamber
9 days before his wedding

The entrance of King Desmond had surprised Lawrence, though he hoped it did not show in his bearing. He had his back to the door when the King of the Mountains was announced. It was...oddly formal--a squire to announce a royal father-in-law-to-be? Lawrence was still learning the ways of the Mountains and they were foreign to him, even still. Perhaps it was for the best that he and Safia would return to the Desert.

Lawrence stood up straight for the entrance of King Desmond. Even if the manner of his announcement was formal, it was nice that the King had decided to come here rather than demand Ser Lawrence's presence elsewhere. It suggested that Desmond was perhaps thawing towards him somewhat.

"Yes," Lawrence replied, "I felt it was appropriate that we get to know each other as much as possible before our wedding. She is a woman worth a man's full attention and affection. I know of no better way to bring that out than in conversation. After all, forgive me, but I happen to know quite a bit about women given the circumstances of my upbringing." He smiled.

"I suppose your query has more to do with my expectations than it does the qualities of your daughter, doesn't it?" Once Lawrence had said it, he realized that it was perhaps a bit too pointed jab at a monarch. He soldiered on. "I had heard very little of Safia before I met her. I had heard that she was beautiful, and she is. I had heard she was to marry the Prince--Mattheus, that is. And she is indeed befitting of a regal partner. I had heard she was your daughter, and she is. In all honesty, she has quite met my expectations, Your Grace.

"However, I think my expectations have little bearing," Lawrence continued, "It will be my pleasure to take Safia as my wife."

His duty, yes, but his pleasure as well.

TAG: Lukes_Apprentice

 

The Mountains of Mirwyth
Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
Chambers
9 days until the wedding
Safia recovered slowly from the avalanche in the meantime more guests had arrived for the wedding the most notable of which was Lady Cyrell and of hearing about Safia’s condition sent her personal healer to look in on her.

Lady Cyrell’s personal healer, entered Pricess Safia’s room and he said, “Pricess Safia I hope I’m not intruding, as I want nothing more than for you to recover. After hearing what happened to you Lady Cyrell asked me to see you. I also asked your father and seeing no reason not to allow my presence he allowed me to see you. If you wish I could leave you alone, but I would feel better if made sure everything was going well.”
Tag: JediMasterAnne
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15 Days before the wedding
Foot of the Mountains of Mirwyth
The time had past with out sound no sign of anyone or anything along the route to Wanesford. As Alister had camped for the night and arrived in tow n in the early morning. The guards noticed him and his companion though the town was not heavily fortified it did at least have some protection in a simple fence as to deter roving bands of raiders that sometimes plagued the mountains. As the two approached the opening in the fencing one of the guards raised a crossbow as the other approached with caution.
The larger and stronger of the two guards the one with a shadowcat’s hide coat approached and said to Alister, “We do not want any trouble stranger state your business and the reason you are here at Wanesford.”
TAG: witchdoctor07

GM NOTE: I would like to ask everyone's patience as I'm trying update with as much detail as possible If you have a specific question with regard to one my post please ask a specific question or a general one if you are stumped. I'm more then happy to answer . I would also like remind everyone that the no godmodding rule is still in effect. I would not want to use the flying monkey's at my disposal.

 

IC: Alister Bryce
16 Days before the wedding
Foot of the Mountains of Mirwyth

It was near dawn when Alister and his companion Liana approached the gates to Wanesford. The sun was rising to the east over the prairies, and to the west the sky over the Mountains of Mirwyth was still a dark shade of blue speckled with stars, slowly being vanished by the bright sun that would soon light up the entire world. The holdfast of Wanesford was smaller as compared to the other cities and castles such as the Capital, Shodaire or Harrowmount, but it was still of a decent size, with a smith, a stable, a couple of inns and brothels as well as a merchants square where men and women came from all over the prairie lands to sell their goods, whether they be wealthy merchants or a poor farmer. As soon as they were admitted into the small town Alister would need to find a decent in for them to stay in, more for Liana’s sake than his, she had grown thin over the long journey out of the mountains and a good meal and a decently soft bed would do her some good, but Alister had business to attend to with the lord of Wanesford.

They approached the gate to the small town slowly, Alister was still on foot leading Horse by the reins as he had been the whole journey, and Liana was still riding in the saddle looking weary and tired. Alister had the hood of his cloak pulled up over his head to where it masked his features, but there was no mistaking that he was some kind of warrior or sellsword by the sword that was slung across his back. As they approached the gate the guards, who almost seemed to be sleeping standing up, soon stood straight at the sound of the slow hoof beats of Horse. One bother guards raised their crossbows as soon as they saw the hooded stranger and the woman on the horse. Alister Brought horse up just short of the mean, standing within a few strides of them. He slowly raised his hands to show that he had no intention of doing violence n this morning and then he raised his hands to his hood and slowly pulled it back, revealing his face. Liana had fallen back to sleep in the saddle a few miles back down the road and was held fast in some dream world, luckily. Alister decided it best to not move, crossbows were dangerous things. Finally the larger guard with the Shadowcat cloak decided to step forward. Alister guessed that he was the sergeant of the guard.

“We do not want any trouble stranger state your business and the reason you are here at Wanesford.” Said the guard as he eyed the large bastard sword that was slung across the strangers back. Alister noticed his finger twitching uneasily on the release for his crossbow, one wrong move and there would be blood. Alister flexed the fingers on his sword hand by slowly making a fist and slowly relaxing his fingers. The option for a fight was unacceptable, he came here to help these people, to warn them, and he couldn’t do that if he was slaying the very guards that protected the small holdfast. So he held his tongue and chose his words wisely. That was the upside to being a Hunter, you were in the business of customer satisfaction and in doing so a Hunter had to have a glib tongue, which can always help to get you a little extra coin.

“Good sers, my name is Alister Bryce and I have come a long way to warn your lord of Capitalmen moving throughout the area, and I have news of an impending attack on your quaint settlement here. Please let us in, we’ve been riding for days now, my companion here is tired, hurt and malnourished. We are just looking for a place to stay for a night or two, and it would be nice to get off the road, especially with them being so dangerous in these recent days.” Alister pleaded with his most gentile voice. Now he just had to see if the guards would buy it. He had to get inside the town; all the people’s lives in Wanesford were in his hands now.

TAG: Lukes_Apprentice

 

IC: Safia Rolmar
The Mountains of Mirwyth
Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
Chambers—9 days before her wedding

Since Ser Lawrence had left her alone, Safia had returned to her sewing and window-gazing, trying not to linger too much on what Lawrence had told her. She noted the arrival of more guests, spotting amongst the various banners the dark grey and magenta shield of House Cyrell. About an hour later, a man she did not recognize entered her chambers. For a moment Safia was a little alarmed, until he explained himself.

“Princess Safia I hope I’m not intruding, as I want nothing more than for you to recover. After hearing what happened to you Lady Cyrell asked me to see you. I also asked your father and seeing no reason not to allow my presence he allowed me to see you. If you wish I could leave you alone, but I would feel better if I made sure everything was going well.”

The princess considered for a moment before she gave the man a consenting nod and a gentle smile. “Our maester has assured me that my ankle will be fully healed in just a few days, but in the interest of satisfying your concern and Lady Cyrell’s, you have my permission to check for yourself.”

TAG: Lukes_Apprentice

 

IC: Gordon Cyrell

Gordon waited for him to leave and he then spoke to his wife, “Before you leave I want your opinion on whether you believe my son should join me. What do you think?

Helen looked at husband incredulously and shook her head, "No, I will not allow it he is my only child and you want him to die in battle, for what a cause?"

​

Helen in anger followed by saying, "You have funny way of showing your affections as far as I'm concerned he stays here I will not have sacrificing him. Go defend the mountains defend your people that is all you really care about anyway."

Gordon had expected the rebuke. He hadn't expected it to sting so much. Sputtering a few times as his face progressively reddened, he finally roared, "Look at what they did to the scouts!"

​

He caught himself, and dialed back his volume, if not the sad rage that laced his tone, "That was a scout. What do you think happens to the noble families that started this rebellion? Are our lives just 'a cause?' Are you really so blind that you can't see why I have to do this?"

Helen's eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms. "I know exactly why you have to do this. It so you can prove to yourself that you are better then your dead brother. To prove that men must use the swords and not their heads. If King Reynard's wife had any sense she should have said this to her husband, not like he would have listened either. As for me, I have told you what I think! You go and do whatever you want. After all your opinion is the only one that seems to matter anyway."

Helen flipped her hair, spun, and slammed the door behind her.

In the first few moments, the echo of wood against the stone door frame filled the stupefying emptiness. Then something stranger percolated up from behind it. Gordon took off down the hall, casting aside vestments both to be unencumbered and because heat was suddenly pouring off him. It made his flush more obvious. His sprint more disheveled. And somehow, himself simultaneously more exposed and less self-conscious when he finally caught up to the Lady Cyrell nee Moonshade.

“I'm sorry,” he gasped, reaching for her wrist.

She pulled back in surprise.

“Sorry,” he continued, catching his breath, “to have dragged you into this.

“I chose an alliance that angered violent, terrible men. Men who will kill all of us now, even if I tried to make peace. And I'm sorry I've alienated the women I love so badly. My mistakes stretch back farther than I can see. And so if you are wrong, it is only in this respect: I'm not trying to make any comparison to the rest of my family. Events have already proven I'm worse.

“I'm trying as hard as I can to make this right. But I can't do it unless the boy is at my side. And you are in my heart.”


Cyrell War Camp
12 Days Before the Wedding

A loud flap of fabric interrupted his reverie. As did the blast of wind from outdoors. A door had actually opened this time.

“My Lord,” his attache announced “The men are assembled in the War Council. We await your presence.”

Gordon's sigh was almost imperceptible. He drew up his cloak around his shoulders, and pointed the servant to the desk where a pile of battle plans lay. The rustling sheafs of paper was a good distraction. So was the fastidiousness that made him double check every button and ruffle on his uniform. All of it was easier than thinking back on the way he'd just stood there, staring at the closed door.

“Ser, this letter to Lady Cyrell: do you want it sent off?” his servant asked.

It was his third try in his many days. He grasped cyclically for it, in the moments he was hopeful enough to believe it wasn't too late. That if he merely committed to paper all the things he should've said then, things would still turn out alright. But that wasn't his mood now. For the moment, all he could see was the door.

“Burn it. Then go make sure Michael is ready.”

TAG: Lukes_Apprentice

 

Lorain Ashkey - 18 Days before wedding
Next to the Caravan Trails, The Desert

The now definite sound of horses got louder as Fleet and Lorain observed two men on camels no less riding over the dunes. Lorain gave a gentle release of her breath she had been holding. These men were not dressed as the Kings men. They were dressed as small time traders, and they rode camels. Lorain kept still, as another sound drifted over the dunes, while the two men argued with each other.

Everyone was distracted then by camels crossing a dune in the distance. Well, that explained the other sounds that they had heard in the night air giving the impression the two were of the same group. Lorain wished she could catch one of the wild animals, but she would have to leave that idea for now.

The two men eventually moved within 100 paces of the group. As they drew close, she and Fleet could now hear them speaking. “I heard the people of Aqarda were gone taken by pirates we should turn back.” one man stated. Then the other replied, “Surely not, my sister was living there and she sent me letter saying everything was fine four days ago. I will not turn back on a mere rumor.”

Lorain looked down at Fleet for a brief moment. They might or might not be bad men, but they deserved a warning at least. Had the evil ones truly gotten ride of a town within four days? Lorain frowned. Those evil men needed to be stopped. Lorain reached down on her shirt, and pulled up the face covering they lay on her chest. She had pulled it down, once the sun fell, and she had not had a need for it. She then checked her head covering. Satisfied, she gestured for Fleet to stay down, as she slowly rose, as to not cause concern to the men, as she stood. In a deep masculine voice, she called out to the pair.

"Peace and greetings, brotherhood of the sands, and my most gracious Ser's." Lorain called out to them, keeping herself between Fleet and the traders, as she showed 'he' held no weapons in hand. "If you travel to the town beyond, then I fear you head into a ghost town. It is empty." Lorain held her pose, and waited to see what actions these men took. Hopefully, she would not have to draw her weapons.


TAG: greyjedi125, Lukes_Apprentice

 

15 Days before the wedding
The Lands controlled by The Snowy Fords

Henrik froze in his step, a chill ran through his spine.

I didn't hear them?

His hands clutched and opened over and over underneath his heavy woolen cloak, he looked straight dead at the guard in front of him when he heard a mention of the reward, he slowly moved his hands, as stealthily as he could underneath the thick cloak.

I'm getting too old for this

He stayed silent, but he could feel the tension in the air, slightly glancing to look back at the guard behind him, then the one in front of him, he knew how well trained they are, he slowly tried to hide two dirks off of his belt and in his sleeves, staring down the guard in front of him, trying to see the reflection in his armor to get the position of the one behind. He finally revealed the hands, slowly raising them up in the air, trying to keep his cool, showing he is unarmed, at the first sight at least. He broke the silence finally, speaking the best line he could come up with at a time like this.

"You got the wrong guy."

TAG:@Lukes_Apprentice

 

IC: Fleet, Eighteen days before the wedding
Caravan Trails, The Desert

The young urchin boy followed the large woman's example. He watched and listened. Just as she had, he too perceived the arguing men in camels as well as the wild animals, which caused him to frown. He, however, did not hear any additional sounds the way Lorain had.

"I heard the people of Aqarda were gone taken by pirates, we should turn back." One of the men insisted earnestly. The other one responded with equal measure of intensity. "Surely not, my sister was living there and sent me a letter saying everything was fine four days ago. I will not turn back on a mere rumor."

Fleet and Lorain exchanged looks. The young urchin boy frowned a bit, clearly not please at the mention of the men who had killed Kaili, but feeling a pang of compassion for the second man's declaration of loyalty to his sister. A true kinsman would indeed brave any danger for a loved one, even if it seemed foolish. The man had no idea of the danger that awaited them there.

The young boy's blue eyes understood the unspoken message in the big woman's dark eyes. She meant to warn them, which he agreed to with a small nod. Fleet watched Lorain cover herself with a mantle and followed suit as he did likewise, taking a sheet to cover his features and his head. Unbeknownst to him, his boyish features now hidden by cloth made him appear as one of the fair gender.

As before, he followed 'Lor's', instruction and stayed down as much as it was possible, his hand at the ready beside his dirk. Silently, he watched and listened, waiting for any sign form Lor to spring into action. The giant woman rose to her full height and affected a gruff masculine voice quite convincingly. During any other situation, Fleet would have laughed gleefully at her impersonation-but this was not such a moment.

"Peace and greetings, brotherhood of the sands, and my most gracious Ser's"…Lor called out. Fleet could not see anything as Lor blocked him from view by standing in the way. "If you travel to the town beyond, then I fear you head into a ghost town. It is empty." Lor declared.

A moment of silence that seemed to stretch into an eternity followed as they waited for any answer from the traveling men.

Fleet found that to be a good time to offer a silent prayer to the gods, old and new.

Tag:Ktala,Lukes_Apprentice

 

19 Days Before the WeddingDocks, Breezecroft
Lukas, I know somethin’ is botherin ‘ya… Tell me what yer thinkin, please,” said Gwenn

Lukas looked at Gwenn he knew he was doing the right thing letting her go, but her eyes drew him in a she held his arm he opened his mouth then closed it. Lukas was frustrated by his own desire to be at her side and wanting the best for her at the same time. He gently put his hand on hers and smiled.

Lukas leading the way slowly walking so as to allow Gwenn to guide him she wished.

Lukas looked up at the star and breathed deeply and said finally, “If told ya what was on my mind’ it might change yers, and that is the last thing I want.”
He looked in her eyes and said pleadingly and gently, “I just want to imprint yer face on my memory so I might know I gazed upon er dream.”
Lukas after that stopped himself not wanting to say any more because in truth he had already said too much.
Tag: Jedi_padawan_leigh

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15 Days before the wedding
The Lands controlled by The Snowy Fords
All Henrik said was, "You got the wrong guy."

The two guards looked at each other incredulously and the guard in front him and answered saying, “Maybe I am wrong, but we will see. I and my partner here are going to bring you the captain of the guard and see what he wants to do. I would advise against doing anything that would endanger your life or ours. I swear no harm will come to you unless Lord Tarvick decides otherwise.”

The guard then retrieved a horn and blew on it. A after waiting awkwardly for a bit two more men arrived on horseback.

The guard said, “now if you be so kind as to place your hands behind your back we will place these manacles on you and be on our way to the ford.”
TAG: Jan607
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18 Days before wedding
The Caravan Trails, The Desert
"Peace and greetings, brotherhood of the sands, and my most gracious Ser's," said Lorain calling out to them, he held no weapons in hand. "If you travel to the town beyond, then I fear you head into a ghost town. It is empty."

One of the the one who had spoken words of hope looked at his companion in shock no only at someone along the trail, but at the news coming out of his mouth. Then he choked out a reply, “Then in the name of the brotherhood of the sands tell me on what assurance do I have that what you say is true? “

The other man said, “Unlce Ersha, surely you are not questioning his integrity we should head back to Fair Groves and he could come with us.”

Then the Unlce replied ,“Hatibe you forget yourself I’m your elder and your Unlce. I cannot just abandon my sister and your aunt. I must know it is true, so my original question stands stranger.”
TAG: greyjedi125, Ktala

 

Cyrell War Camp
12 Days before the Wedding

“Burn it. Then go make sure Michael is ready,” said Lord cyrell
Lord Tarvick’s bastard son Romar entered the tent at that moment, and said “Lord Cyrell pardon my intrusion I see you are getting ready to join the war council. I wanted to talk with you, as I believe you like to hear the latest news. Some of men my father sent out have come back. The enemy is closing and their estimates place their strength a little less then we initially thought and they are going to be here by tomorrow. So it appears that we have little time. Come we must join the war council and finalize the preparations for the coming battle. ”
Romar opened the flap as many men could be seen about with sword and shields through the opening .

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The Mountains, Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
Ser Lawrence’s chamber9 days before his wedding

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"However, I think my expectations have little bearing," Lawrence continued, "It will be my pleasure to take Safia as my wife," said Ser Lawrence.

“Well then all is well and good. My men have been asking me if you might might join in a training session. They figure you might have some sword techniques they have never seen. I assure no one will be harmed these are honorable men what do you say?”

TAG: Trieste

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The Mountains of Mirwyth
Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
Safia’s chamber’s
9 days before the wedding

The princess nodded and consented saying, “Our maester has assured me that my ankle will be fully healed in just a few days, but in the interest of satisfying your concern and Lady Cyrell’s, you have my permission to check for yourself.”

The man smiled and approached and said, “Thank you.”

He went about his work examining the ankle each time testing it delicately. After some thought he said, “Well it is healing quite nicely I doubt the injury will affect the wedding as long as you keep your weight off it for a little longer.”

The man smiled and said, “Now exuse me princes I must be off one of the people in our party was attacked by a shadowcat along the route I can only hope he makes it. ”

Just as the healer left the Maester cam e in ad said, “Who was that?”

Tag: JediMasterAnne

 

IC: Safia Rolmar
The Mountains of Mirwyth
Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
Chambers—9 days before her wedding

She was not surprised by his assessment of her injury, but his mention of a shadowcat attack on one of their party gave her some concern. She would have asked after the man’s condition—and also would have sent her regards and thanks to Lady Cyrell for her concern—but he left before she could get a word out.

The Rolmars’ own maester, Wilkins, came in as the other man was departing. “Who was that?”

“Lady Cyrell’s healer, I think,” Safia told him. “She heard of my injury and asked him to check up on me, that’s all.” She supposed that Maester Wilkins was here to do the same. “Father told him it was all right.

“He said one of their men was attacked by a shadowcat…?”

TAG: Lukes_Apprentice

 

Lorain Ashkey - 18 Days before wedding
Next to the Caravan Trails, The Desert

'Lor' watched as the look of shock and disbelief crossed the pair's faces. Then one choked out a reply, “Then in the name of the brotherhood of the sands tell me on what assurance do I have that what you say is true? “

Before Lor could respond, the other man said, “Uncle Ersha, surely you are not questioning his integrity we should head back to Fair Groves and he could come with us.” But his Uncle was quick with his reply. “Hatibe you forget yourself I’m your elder and your Uncle. I cannot just abandon my sister and your aunt. I must know it is true, so my original question stands stranger.”

Lor bowed his head low. "I unda'stand your disbelief, and takes no offense to it, nor yer request for assurances, as you know not of me, my desert brothers." Lor told them, "So I will speaks plainly." She kept herself still between Fleet and these men, in case they reacted badly to the news.

Lor gestured behind her. "Only death and slavery lie in that direction, for de pirates swept the village clean. And they had help, from de Knights of the King of the south. His Knights sold de people to the pirates. They emptied the town bare. I myself came from Caraba when pirates came to that city as well. Many died." Lor gestured as she spread her arms out in a gesture of sympathy.

"But if you do not believe my words, then believe the words of the desert born known as Willis Kildare, for he was taken as well. And now, we be making our way to Fair Groves." Lor nodded, and slowly moved just enough so that they could see Fleet sat behind her. "This young Ser also was in the city. Believe me, honored Sers, when I say that there are none there to rescue. The pirates are attacking the coastal towns. And that the only way to help save the people taken, is to get word back to Fair Groves, in all haste."

Lor gestured. "By the Gods of the Deserts you may or may not choose to believe us. That is your right. But by the laws of the desert, we would at least give warnings to you, from one brother of the sands to another. Alls we ask is that ya just not impede our path."

Lorain knew it was a gamble to relay so much. If they were not who they seemed to be, it could get ugly very quickly. But if they were true merchants, then the more who knew the truth, would have a better chance to get the news back to Fair Groves quickly, in case Fleet and she did not. Or at least, give them alies, something they could also have use for. It was a deadly risk, but to not tell them anything could leave to their deaths, and she would prefer not to have the deaths of innocents on her hands, if she could save them. Hopefully, Oru was watching over them indeed. She laid her hands back down. If they were to make any threatening steps towards Fleet or herself, then they would find a true storm of the desert.



TAG: greyjedi125, Lukes_Apprentice

 

IC: Fleet, Eighteen days before the wedding
Sidelong Caravan Trails, The Desert

There was only 'Lor's' voice, gruff, yet respectful. Fleet could not see the faces of the man she spoke to and he didn't dare peek around her, but he listened intently to the words being spoken and the way in which they were spoken. One of the men, Uncle Ersha, was insisting in proceeding to the 'cursed' town. His 'nephew' attempted to be sensible, or perhaps he was not fond of this trip into potential danger. Nevertheless, the 'Uncle' insisted and wished for an answer to his query.

Lor was eloquent in her delivery. Fleet was continually amazed by the 'giant woman's' seemingly unending skills. Both Kaili and Lorain were the smartest people he'd ever met in his short life, and they both were awe inspiring to him. Within himself, Fleet continued to swear that he too would grow up to posses a measure of their cleverness and indispensable resourcefulness.

So he continued to listen to the voices, learning nuances of tone, gesture, body language. All of it seemed important. It felt like a whisper of understanding was at his ear, but he had to strain to make it out. Then he saw 'Lor' move slowly to the side, after mentioning the 'young Ser'. Fleet's heart skipped a beat. He was to be the center of attention, if only for a moment. Adrenalin shot through his system like a burst of molten lava. He tried to think, but his body moved on its own.

Lor moved to one side and 'the young Ser' immediately rose to his feet. His blue eyes stared with intensity at the men, as his eyes were that of a survivor, of one who had seen too much at his young age. Suddenly, he realized that his head was covered with cloth, and he automatically reached out with a hand to reveal his face so they could see his features plainly. Half a heart-beat later, he recalled to greet them with a nod of his head, and so he did.

With scrutinizing eyes, he regarded them, studying their faces with a glance and taking in all that he could with a look. What provisions they carried, how they rode on their animals, if they carried skins of water. All of it.

There was nothing to be said, his expression said it all, for they were the eyes of a haunted boy who craved nothing other than a chance at life, and a reprieve from the specter of death's ever-reaching grasp.

So, bravely, he stared back and awaited what word they would answer. Fleet was ready for any signal Lor would give, more than anything else. He would become 'the young Ser', through unceasing effort and if lady fortune smiled upon him. He wanted to see 'Fair Groves', meet Lorain's brother and grow up to become someone that the few who cared about him could be proud of.

Stay calm…. he mentally said to himself. Laws of desert….brothers of the sand…..

A soft breeze languished by, almost as if it too wished to learn what would happen next.

Tag:Ktala, Lukes_Apprentice

 

Foot of the Mountains of Mirwyth
Outside the Gates of Wanesford
16 Days before the wedding

“Good sers, my name is Alister Bryce and I have come a long way to warn your lord of Capitalmen moving throughout the area, and I have news of an impending attack on your quaint settlement here. Please let us in, we’ve been riding for days now, my companion here is tired, hurt and malnourished. We are just looking for a place to stay for a night or two, and it would be nice to get off the road, especially with them being so dangerous in these recent days.”

The main guard looked at the girl on horse and examined Alister the man new his pleading well. He signaled the other guard, he whistled and as if on cue the governing knight came through the gate as it opened. The leader was wearing resplendent gold colored armor marking his position and along with well- honed sword that looked as if it hailed from foreign land. He examined Allister then he saw the sword, the horse, and finally the girl. To his right accompanying him was a tall and strong man from the look of him who was wearing silver-blue armor that was not quite shinning since the sun had not risen yet.

The main guard said, “This is the local ruler Ser Horis Lightwind. Horis this is Ser Alister Bryce he comes to worn us of an impending attack by the captailmen. He wishes to stay here for a night or two.”
Ser Horis was of long line of knights where known to be honorable souls who looked out for the welfare of the people.
The captain nodded, “You strike me as being a mercenary Ser Bryce. Your sword and armor suggest you have heritage in the mountains. The girl asleep on your horse shows that you have come from a distance. The small amount of blood on your tunic suggests you were in a fight not too long ago, and the fact that you still live means you won. So either you work for the capitalmen and are a spy or you are here to help us defend our town. I allow you to enter on one condition tell me how much do you plan to make?”

Tag: witchdoctor07

 

IC: Alister Bryce
16 Days before the wedding
Gates of Wanesford

“This is the local ruler Ser Horis Lightwind. Horis this is Ser Alister Bryce he comes to warn us of an impending attack by the captailmen. He wishes to stay here for a night or two.” Said the Guard who had stopped him at the gate. Alister simply crossed his hands in front of him to show that he had no wish to be hostile, and turned his attention to the man named Ser Horis Lightwind. Alister could feel Ser Horis sizing him up, even though it wasn’t apparent, the look on his face and the movement of his eyes showed that Lightwind was uncertain of this ragged stranger who had come knocking at his town gate. Finally he turned his eyes away from Alister and focused on the sleeping girl on the back on the horse.

“You strike me as being a mercenary Ser Bryce. Your sword and armor suggest you have heritage in the mountains. The girl asleep on your horse shows that you have come from a distance. The small amount of blood on your tunic suggests you were in a fight not too long ago, and the fact that you still live means you won. So either you work for the capitalmen and are a spy or you are here to help us defend our town. I allow you to enter on one condition tell me how much do you plan to make?” Said Ser Horis.

Those were words that Alister had not expected, this lot looked more like the kind who would hit a sellsword over the head with a cudgel and throw him in a dungeon rather than offer to pay him. But still the offer was music to his ears, especially since he had not had a paying job in a long time, there were no longer any monsters to hunt in the world and people were untrusting of Hunter’s these days. His last job hunting the murderer and rapist named Ulrick had been out of sympathy since the family of the murdered girl had no money to pay him. How could he refuse such an offer? He was an honorable man as well as a knight, but he was also a Hunter and the work of a Hunter comes with a price. And besides that if he wanted to replenish his supplies he would need gold, and not only that, he wanted to have a tidy sum saved up before the heavy winter snows came and travel became impossible, at that point he would head back to his uncle’s cabin and hold up until the winter was over and the snow had melted, then he would go back on the road and continue hunting.

“Well Since you offered Ser Horis, the going price for a Hunter these days is five hundred gold. If you find this price acceptable then we can gladly go and write up a contract-“ Alister was quickly cut off by a small and gangly guard who stood in the back of the group of men.

“Five hundred gold! Are you jesting with us Hunter? Ser Horis this man is clearly out of his mind if he is asking for five hundred!” exclaimed the small guard.

“Hold your tongue Pate! This is a matter for Ser Horis not you, get back on watch” said the sergeant of the guard as he made a gesture with his head back toward the gate, an obvious sign that this is where he wanted the guard known as Pate to go. The small guard slunk of murmuring angrily under his breath. Alister then turned back to Ser Horis in order to continue their business transaction.

“Ser Horis, Hunter’s do not come cheap as I’m sure you know from years past, and not only that but defending a town from Capitalmen also adds onto the hefty sum, especially if we are going against the large amount of Capitalmen I saw in the mountains. You need me Ser Horis, because from what I’ve seen of your guards up on the wall all you have are old men and green boys to guard this town after you have sent your required amount of soldiers to the King of the Mountain for his army, am I right?” Asked Alister. His Uncle had taught him well in the ways of numbers, finances and especially on how to bargain with a potential client. Now he just waited for the answer from this lord, he would need his approval if he hoped to get inside the town and get Liana some food and rest, as well as some new clothes and hopefully find a family who would take her in.

Tag: Lukes_Apprentice

 

15 Days before the wedding
The Lands controlled by The Snowy Fords

Henrik would place his hands slowly behind his back with a wary look to the guards.

I have a bad feeling about this

He thought as he spoke softly, waiting for the manacles to be put on his hands,

"There are two knives in my sleeves, I kept them in case of bandits."

His hands opened his hands so they could pull them out, he added in the same stoic voice.

"I'm a carnival performer."

He looked up into the sky slightly, watching the dead crowns of the trees, the limbs left in the frost without leaves, snowflake fell through the eyeholes of his mask and made him blink, he didn't felt it anymore through the years of living in the numbing frost, but he knew just how cold it can get here.

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18 Days before wedding
The Caravan Trails, The Desert
Ersha Dershala sighed, “Yes I Ersha Dershala see, you know the names of those who are also brothers of the sands. The Kildare’s would surely want to know the fate of one of their own. My family has traded in these parts and since the noblemen disagreed. “

Erssha adjusted himself in the saddle as if wrestling with the reality of what Lor had said then he continued in a resigned tone, “I thank you in the name of the brotherhood of the sands. Now my brother son Hatibe asked me take you with us. I believe given your information it well worth it. The ride will be ruff and you can decline, but I must warn you the trip is not easy either way. I must in any event take this news back to Fair Groves then I must pray for my sister’s safety. What say you? ”

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Lorain Ashkey - 18 Days before wedding
The Caravan Trails, The Desert


Lor watched as the elder man sighed, “Yes, I Ersha Dershala see, you know the names of those who are also brothers of the sands. The Kildare’s would surely want to know the fate of one of their own. My family has traded in these parts and since the noblemen disagreed. “

Lor gave a slow nod of understanding. Her own father and she had traveled many times across themselves, which is how she knew of such things. But the last part of his sentence left her with something to mull over. She tried to read his body language, as Erssha adjusted himself in the saddle. She could understand his problem. He wished to learn of his sister. But here was a stranger, telling him otherwise. He then spoke, and he seemed to have come to a decision. He spoke in a resigned tone, “I thank you in the name of the brotherhood of the sands. Now my brother's son Hatibe asked me take you with us. I believe given your information it well worth it. The ride will be ruff and you can decline, but I must warn you the trip is not easy either way. I must in any event take this news back to Fair Groves then I must pray for my sister’s safety. What say you?”

Lor looked back towards Fleet for a moment She gave him a quick nod. She then looked back to the two men. "Den, we would be honored to be traveling with you Ser's, If you would have us. I knows de hardships of crossing the scrolling lands." Lor gave them a nod. "And we will pray for all of them taken away. And hopes we not be too late to aid them." Lor then gestured towards Fleet to stand beside her, and to let Freedom up as well. If these men be true, this would improve their chance of survival greatly. Perhaps the Great Hunter was in deed watching over their path. The way would still be difficult, but at least now, there was a better chance for them crossing the dessert.She was not sure if they could keep up with the camels, but they would try.



TAG: greyjedi125, Lukes_Apprentice

 

IC: Fleet, Eighteen days before the wedding
Caravan Trails, The Desert

It would seem the name Kildare, was far more important than he could have imagined. The effect the name had on these traders was not lost on Fleet.
True, he had heard the name before, in passing conversations, but never did pay much mind to local politikin', and the like. Now he made a mental note of it.

A decision was reached; the Elder trader decided he would not wander into the doomed city behind them, which caused inner relief in the young urchin. The news of the troubles was deemed critical enough to let some important people know of it. Now thanks to the junior trader, Lorain, Freedom and himself, would be traveling along with them, back to Fair Groves.

Fleet did his best to contain a sudden surge of joy and bowed in gratitude at the decision. The trip promised to be rough, but anything was better than staying in that town.

As soon as 'Lor' gave the signal, Fleet moved with confidence and did precisely as instructed. Freedom was up on his feet, and after Fleet checked that everything was stable and in order, he came to stand next to the giant woman in disguise.

They made quite a unique pair. Both full of determination and inner fire. As distant and far away as Fair Groves might be, to Fleet it suddenly seemed a lot closer and more palpable than just a name of a city he could not quite imagine. Fair Groves was Hope.

Tag: Ktala, Lukes_Apprentice

 

IC: Ser Lawrence Kildare
The Mountains, Shodaire, the Tower of Stone, Ser Lawrence’s chamber
9 days before his wedding

"A training session?" Lawrence repeated, "If you wish, though I must inquire how long the session is to last. Safia expects me this evening for dinner. I fear that of late that she and I have not been able to spend as much time together we should have."

Lawrence hoped that King Desmond would not take the request the wrong way, but it was the truth.

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The trail to The tower of Stone
13 Days before the wedding
As Lady Cryell travelled along the road an old lady stepped into the road almost getting herself killed in process. Lady cyrell stopped her men from attacking the old woman. However, Lady cyrell noticed something odd about her she had almost black eyes and and frazeled hair. As the woman looked up at her Lady Cyrell to a step backwards at the power in the woman’s stare.

The strange old woman begin, “So as I predicted you have come now like I thought you would. You have sparred my life Lady Helen Cyrell formerly of the Moonshade’s I come to tell you the future. “

Lady Cyrell looked at the strange old woman and said, “Everyone in the mountains knows of me but not of the route I would take your predictions do not impress me.”

Lady Cyrell bid her men to get the woman off the road so they could continue. The old woman said, “So you do not want to know that your son will marry Safia? “

Lady Cyrell looked at the woman with distain, “You must be joking . You are telling me my son is going to be the future King of the Mountains? That everything will be fine …. Please stop wasting my time. ” Lady cyrell looked at her men and said, “Let us cut out her tongue and deliver her as present to the King of the Mountains.”
“Wait!” said the woman. “There is shadowcat it is going to attack now!”
Suddenly a shadow cat attacked one of the menthe other men scared it off but not before he badly injured.

Lady Cyrell looked at this woman and said, “What are you playing at? I should have your head for this.

“But not before I tell you how your son can marry safia I would think,” the old woman said laughing in an evil way that made everyone recoil.

Lady Cryell shuddered, “I not sure I want to know the price.”

The old woman replied, “The price is that your husband and son will live.”

To be continued…

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16 days before the wedding
On the isles Sanjuro Kenji and Shima Kojiro had both been placed in prison for fighting I na bar the king of isles ordered they be held until further notice or until they could be shipped back to their homeland whichever came first.

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10 Days before the wedding
In the capital things progressed as the people started wonder if the king had finally lost it the Queen was planning his demise as she planned her revenge not only on the Kildare’s, but on the King of the mountains and she had her way no one was going to leave that castle alive, except Safia who would marry her son with a dagger at her throat.

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12 days before the wedding
In the mountains in the blood soaked wood the army of Lord Cyrell and other s gather ed to face the capitalmen they anticipated a battle that would talked about for generations. The mood was glib they were going to surprise the capitalmen then hit them with attack not only from behind, but in front it was brilliant the capitalmen would not know what hit them.

TAG: All or none