Fantasy A War of Kings

IC:Fleet
19 Days before the wedding, Desert Coast
Mirwyth, Abandoned Smithy

He'd thought the sounds of commotion were due to another 'friendly brawl' among the older boys. Those were becoming more common now that their stolen supplies were running low. But the moment he heard agitated shouts, followed by a scream and the sound of horses, he felt a wrenching in his gut, and knew that something was terribly wrong. Fleet dashed out of the cloth tent he was sharing in time to see a bandit cut down one of the kids trying to run away from the mounted brigand. His youthful legs were no match against the galloping stride of a riding horse, even if propelled by fear, and his bare back did not posses sufficient armor against the cold steel of a brigand's blade. Fleet watched in horror and abject disbelief, before more screaming caught his attention. There were bandits on foot as well, brandishing weapons, their faces etched in cruel murderous masks. They taunted their victims before feeding them to their swords. Fleet instincts went into overdrive, his eyes wide, his heart beating so powerfully it seemed it might explode inside his chest.

There was a voice coming from another tent. He couldn't see what was happening, but he could well imagine. "Stop…please, please….stop!" the voice pleaded. It was one of the girls. "…compliments of Father Tucker!", the brigand sneered. There was a pause, then a bloody scream…

Fleet woke up suddenly, feeling upset and confused. Another bad dream. He always had them, but he could never get used to them.He promptly realized he was upright, his body obviously attempting to get up on its own…that's when it dawned on him…Kaili!!.

He'd been laying next to her. He didn't even recall falling asleep. But she was up, however, she didn't seem well at all. Fleet felt a surge of panic shoot through him when he saw the state she was in. He didn't quite understand what was happening, what was she going on about. Kaili had been crying and was highly distressed about something.

"PLEASE!!" she cried out as she reached out for Fleet and grabbed him by the arm, her grip tight, but it didn't hurt him. All the urchin boy could do was stare at her wide-eyed, uncomprehending. Startled by what was happening. Kaili gave him such a sad smile then, so full of emotion, that the look of it almost broke his heart. What was happening?

"It'll be Ok…don't cry Jekob…please don't…."

Fleet only shook his head as he didn't dare move. The name 'Jekob' now echoed through his mind like a cascade, but he couldn't make any sense of it. He tried to say Kaili's name, but no words would come out. Thank the gods Lorain was suddenly there! Fleet felt a small measure of relief when he saw the large woman take charge once again, as she attempted to comfort Kaili.

Fleet felt Kaili suddenly release him, then watched her as she took one look at Lorain, and let out an awful shriek, before collapsing back onto her bed.

"Kaili! NOOOO!!!"

Fleet bent close to his friend and grabbed her shoulders, he shook her softly, as if trying to wake her again. "Lorain! she's with 'us, she's a friend!! she…." But it was no use. Kaili was not listening, as delirium claimed her again. All that remained was her fevered mumbles. Fleet shook his head and stepped back, frustration, confusion, anger, fear and so many other emotions played on his face, his tears falling freely. This was so unfair! All he could do was stand there and stare at his friend. He couldn't deny it any longer. She was dying.

Fleet didn't even notice when Lorain checked the windows, hoping no one had heard Kaili's distress. He didn't even noticed that evening had finally come. Lorain came back and started to tend to Kaili, clearly not giving up on their situation. That was a small comfort.

Fleet finally turned as he heard Lorain speaking to him. At first he blinked, hearing the sound of her voice, but not understanding her words. Her calm expression however, helped him regain his senses. He let out a long weary breath as he listened.

"I'm going down ta take a look around."

Fleet nodded.

"If it looks clear, I'm going to see if any of them trees got any fruit. Kaili needs to drink something besides water. If there be any fruits, I can make tea."

Lorain gave Fleet a long nod, and he managed to respond. "Mmh." With his right hand, he wiped his face, then bit his lower lip, trying to keep it all in.

"Keep watch over her, and tries to keep quiet. And if anything happens, ya don't come looking for me, ya hear?"

If anything happens…!!?

Fleet's blue eyes went wide as he took in a sudden breath of air. If anything happened to Lorain….!? He almost reached out for her as he began to form an objection, but before he could verbalize it, Lorain's next words stopped him in his tracks.

"You keeps Kaili safe."

Her look said it all. He looked away for a second, then looked back at her and nodded. His right eye twitching a little. "Aye. I wills." He finally said, finding his voice again. He let out another long weary sigh.

But Lorain was already on the move and was gone from the room. He heard her footsteps outside the door and listened, until he could hear them no more. Now he was alone. He had to face it. It could very well be that, Lorain was cutting out on them. No! she wouldn't. She could have done so at anytime, long before now. Fleet gave himself a quick smack on the face. Then sighed again. Lorain was a good person. She would be back, and the old gods would protect her. They had to. But what about Kaili?

Fleet looked at his feverish friend, and came to sit next to her. He looked at her and stroked her hair, and listened to some of her mumblings. It didn't make any sense. Who was 'Jekob', and why did she still feel so hot?

Fleet looked around and found the canister of water. He fetched it, then went through the motions of making her drink, just like he'd seen Lorain do it. He also dabbed her sweat with a clean rag. He couldn't tell if that brought her any comfort, but he imagined it did. He gave her a sad smile and let his tears flow, not bothering to clean them. Sniffling some, he leaned in, stroked her hair and began chatting with her, even in her delirium.

"What happen' to yu, Kaili? Those men, they sayin' yu's dun' some 'terrible things, but I know they're not true." Of course they weren't. Kaili was beautiful and kind, and she loved to make him laugh. It was the King and his men that were evil. Just like Father Tucker. " And who's Jekob? Kaili…you've got a lil' un somewhere? Kaili….do you know…."

It was almost too much for him, but he couldn't falter. He had to be strong now. Lorain would be back with fruits to eat, and Kaili would get better. She had to. The sound of some howling animal caught his attention then, and Fleet fought the urge to walk up to the window and take a look. He had to stay next to his friend, and hope that Lorain would be back soon. Either that, or all was truly lost.

Tag: Ktala,spycoder9

 

OOC: yet another post with help from spycoder9

IC: Gordon Cyrell
Cyrell, Mountains
Castle meeting room
15 Days Before the Wedding

Gordon sent a servant to get his military adviser and another to ask his wife and son to meet there guest and tell him what they knew if anything.
Gordon and Rowan spoke for a while about the harvest they had, the recent and unexpected snowy weather that seemed to be falling, and other things such as happenings at both houses that were not essential to the war. Getting to know Rowan, Gordon realized he may have initially judged him too harshly.

The doors opened and in walked the person Lord Gordon and his guest were waiting for. "Lord Gordon," Tybard Astbery, the military adviser, prompted the regal lord, making note of his guest. The man was tall, with a fluffy white beard that showed his age, second only to his shining bald head. A sword, engraved with his sworn house's banner on the hilt, was hooked onto his belt, as it always stayed. "We've managed to contact several other houses in the process of the past day. Lord Tarvick notified us of his son's travels. Lady Reinewood has already begun to organize her men beneath her towers. Her twin sons would provide ample captains, should we need them. Bulls, both of them, with more vigor than I've seen in normal men. Mostly like her late husband."

He paused, pulling a parchment paper from his pocket. "Lord Palcher offered his support. While he only commands a few men, they're all strong morally, and would fight to the death, should things come to it. And then there's that warrior woman, Henna the Heartless, as her band calls her. She learned of House Harrowmont and pledged her full support to our cause." He rolled the paper up. "That's all we've managed so far, but ravens are flying more than ever. Even more than when Rolmar declared himself King ."

Lord Gordon did not show his disappointment and said, “Prepare the troops to ride within the hour and tell them we will be headed for snowy ford. Send messages back to those who have offered support thanking them and telling them that they are welcome to join us at snowy ford. Send a message to Lord Hlaine’s house tell them it would be appreciated if they would join us at the snowy ford. Any further support we receive should be told to meet us as soon as they can and if necessary they can use this castle to stop rest. Also, send a spy out into the land to try to find our opposition we know there general plan is to head toward the snowy ford, but I want to be sure they don't try something else instead.”

Gordon looked at his adviser and said, “Also, prepare my armor and guard because I will be joining the expedition."

TAG: spycoder9

 

19 Days Before the Wedding
Isles, Mirwyth
Breezecroft, Docks


Unlike the morning before, Gwenn woke up with many of the other women in the quarters. Lukas didn’t sneak in to shake her and sneak her away, so that they might hide away from the king. The day before seemed to be just a distant memory almost, a dream maybe. Because today she was Gwenn the dock worker again, and not Gwenn the king's daughter. She was expected as she always was on the docks. Perhaps a pleasant surprise was the fact that Slade Moorcroft wasn't patrolling them that day. Instead dour old Bigart, with his wart and thinly patched hair, was overseeing them. While not a pleasant man for conversation, he resorted to physical punishment little to none.

“Gwenn,” To her side stood Cold-Eyes as he was commonly called on the docks. His eyes were almost like chips of ice, and yet the ripples in his muscles proved his usefulness. Though they hadn’t spoken much before, he had been king enough to invite her to the inn with him.

“Rumor throughout Breezecroft is that the King wishes to take you as his concubine. That he wishes to return you with him to Delmaristead to live.” His language was trained, practiced almost, something not common as a servant.

“I don’t believe them, but I do know that King wanted to meet with you.”

He checked some of the planks on the boardwalk as he spoke. Bigart was too busy standing to the side, sweet talking a common girl. “Did everything go. . .well? I do apologize for bringing you with me to the tavern. A mistake on my part.” He even offered the slightest of smiles.


TAG: Jedi_padawan_leigh

 

Lorain Ashkey, Blacksmith Shop - The Deserts of Mirwyth
Near Aqarda, Abandoned Town, Rooftops, Desert Coast - Nightfall


Lorain had to hurry and get out of the room. The look on Fleets face had said it all. He was scared. Scared for his friend. Scared for Lorain. For himself. But Lorain had to go in search for food now, while she had a chance. She needed to make this quick, and to get back, so that she could take care of them. She also needed a break. The way Kaili had looked at her and screamed, really had touched Kaili. And her words. She had a child. Something Lorain could only imagine. She thought of her younger brother. And someone had done something to him. Taken him? Maybe even killed him. So that explained Kaili. She looked at Fleet, and saw her son. Her child.Lorain found herself violently wiping her eyes. Why was there so much pain. It was hard enough to simply live. She wished she was back in the mountains. No such problems there. Well, where they lived in the desert had been relatively quiet as well. It was the main cities that seemed to bear the burnt of such problems. Where people tended to be so evil. Lorain thought of Fleet. If she got the chance, she would make sure, that he got a chance for a life.

Lorain quickly tied the ends of her makeshift basket she had make with the cloth she brought with her. She hoped that there would be something on the trees. All of them needed something a bit more substantial to eat. Grains of any type would be nice as well, but she doubted she would be that lucky. That would most likely be grown someplace else. With the blacksmith shop nearby, she hoped they were halfway decent growers. Lorain held the weapon Fleet had given her tightly in her hand, as she moved slowly and stealthy. She moved along the shadows, until she got to the areas where she needed to cross to reach the area where she saw the trees. She paused, listening closely, for any noises. Once she was sure that nothing was going on. Far away, she could hear something, but it seemed to come from the other end of town, the sounds being carried on the desert air. A banging noise, like a plate being hit, as if someone was calling a dog. But it didnt last long. Lorain waits for the sounds to quiet down before she darts across, making her way to the trees.

It was a very poor sight that met Lorian's eyes, but Lorain held out for hope, as she walked around the are. Some scraggly vines, of grapes, that almost looked like raisins that lined the outer area around the rows of trees. She took them. It was an orchard of a type. But it seemed that these people did not know how to use their animals to help the land here. That, or the land was very poor indeed. Lorain walked slowly through the grove, looking around for whatever she could find. Anything at this point, was better than none at all. Lorain found some tiny carrots, and after digging in the dirt for a few moments, potatoes that looked pathetic. The tomatoes were dead, and she could not use that. A few stalks of wheat, and corn, the corn barely held half a kernel of corn on them. Lorain did not care, but she carefully collected what she could find of the hard vegetables. Peas. Well, almost. They were dried. Still, it was better than nothing. She then moved over towards the trees.

There were some oranges and lemon trees here. The oranges looked more green than the lemons. Lorain sighed softly, and as she reached out to pluck some of the few scraggly fruits, tears began to fall from her eyes. She cried, making no sounds, as she moved among the trees. The trees themselves, were so dry, that she had to be careful as she pulled the fruit from the trees, her tears falling hotly on the ground. Maybe they could give these poor trees the liquid that they so desperately needed. Her body shuddered against the onslaught she felt. A noise...

Lorain froze, her hand on the dirk as she listened intently. But it was nothing more than what sounded like a murmuring on the winds. Again, distant like before. Lorain wiped her eyes again, but slowly allowed herself to sink down the trunk of the tree she was standing next to, and wept. She cried until the feeling went away, and she felt as if she had no more tears left to cry. She was silent, only allowing her body to show her distress. She felt stupid, breaking down as she did. But she needed to. And at least it had not been near Fleet. He did not need to see her like that. Not after Kaili's outburst. Slowly, she whipped off her hands, brushing the dirt off of her, as she slowly stood up. She composed herself, and looked around. She picked a few more of the pathetic fruits. She could still make her teas, and the sorry vegetables would provide at least something to eat. She pulled the scarf up around her neck, hiding her face, as she bundled up the few things she now carried. Tying up her items, she quickly began to move once more, heading back into town. She didnt want to leave Fleet along for too long. Already, it had taken a while. She didnt want him to worry.

As Lorain darts across the area, entering the town once more, she sees that she is not the only thing out this night. A quick bit of movement makes her freeze, and then she sees it. The shadow of a fox as it darts away. too bad it is so far away, or she could think of trying to catch it. But it is a scrawny thing, like everything else in this area. Was it the same one she heard howling earlier? It was the only animal she had seen or heard so far, since they had entered this trice cursed town. She gave it a slightly smile. 'Passing like two thieves, eh Da'?' she thought to herself, as she headed back to where she had left Fleet. She quickly made her way, taking a slightly different path back to the building to hide her footfalls, and to see if perhaps she could find something useful. And she did. She managed to find a tiny pot. That was something she could use, as she quickly snatched it up, and began to move once more. Soon, she made her way back to the blacksmiths. She carefully walked back inside, using her cloth to swish the ground gently, to hide her steps. She got more water, from the same area that Fleet had, and then walked inside the back of the area. Only when she was back inside, and the door was locked, did she relax just slightly. She quietly walked over to the table in the back kitchen area, and then looked around. She found the stove. She used the pot, putting it on top, and then used some of the wood that was already in the kitchen.

Lorain was careful. She made the fire tiny. No reason to have the smell of food give them away. Or smoke. She used a bit of water to wash some of the things she found. She would not cook it all now, no mater how hungry they were. Lorain began to boil the water, as she used the drink to chop up some of the veggies. The smaller pot, she boiled water to make the tea. Lorain went through the pantry. Thank the old Gods!! She found a few spare seasonings, almost nothing, but enough to flavor with. She carefully scrapped up some of what she found, and then carefully put it into the water. The lemons she sliced up, and dropped into the other pot.

During the day, Lorain made note to look for new weapon. But right now, she was quiet, as she cooked. She let Fleet have his time. The pathetic soup and tea she was making would do some good. She looked around for any other supplies she could find in the dark. Some old staple bread, well, that was the name the people here called it, was more like a cracker. Hard, enough to build a wall with. But it would keep you alive. And that is what they needed right now. Especially if Lorain had any hope to cross an open desert. When day came, they would look to see what might have been left behind. Even a pack of herders, tended to leave some things behind. Something the normal towns folks would have hidden.

Lorain continued to cook, to keep her mind of the worry she could do nothing about right now. Right now, she just wanted to make sure that both Fleet and Kaili had food in their bellies, while the Gods and they decided what would happen next.



TAG: greyjedi125, spycoder9

 

IC: Ser Lawrence Kildare
The Mountains, Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
Castle grounds
12 days before his wedding

“You shouldn’t do that,” Safia said, though not exactly convincingly as far as Lawrence was concerned.

“I shouldn’t…” Lawrence said, their faces still intoxicatingly close, and then stopped.

He shouldn’t have what?

He shouldn’t have been so bold with a woman who he was going to marry whether they liked it or not in just a few days? When it didn’t really matter if he kissed her now, when he could have offended her?

He shouldn’t have ever consented to allowing himself to be used as a pawn by his sister, a sister he loved but what right did she have to dictate his life?

He shouldn’t have been forced to have to make that choice in the first place?

He shouldn’t be here in this cold land that was not his own?

He shouldn’t have ever become a knight in the first place, denied himself a portion of life simply because his mother had seen little use for men other than to fight and that a child outside of her line of succession—which was to say a male child—could hold no other possibilities for life?

He shouldn’t have listened to Ginnifer on that night?

He shouldn’t have brought a priestess of V’hallar with him to perform the marriage when Safia likely had her customs?

He shouldn’t have been weak when Illiza had come to him in the night?

He shouldn’t have regretted it?

He shouldn’t have pushed her away the next time?

He shouldn’t have felt guilty for what he’d done?

He shouldn’t have been who he was?

He shouldn’t be who he is?

He shouldn’t be here?

He shouldn’t care?

He shouldn’t shouldn’t?

“…want you to think badly of me…but you make me…” Lawrence said, as he allowed his hand to slip along her neck as he removed it, “…want to be better.”

Tag: JediMasterAnne

 

IC: Gwenn Cliffe
Breezecroft, Docks
　

Gwenn awoke early the next day, but after all the stress and emotion of the previous day and a night of fitful and disturbed sleep, she couldn’t help but feel a little haggard as she prepared to face the day. The events of yesterday might as well have been a dream, because today Gwenn was expected to carry on as normal, and that included a harks days work back down on the docks. Maybe throwing herself into her work would help take her mind off things, plus she found some small relief in being able to wear her own clothes again. Upon arrival at the docks, She was surprised, but also very grateful that Slade Moorecroft was not overseeing operations that morning. Old Bigart, though not the most pleasant man, didn’t resort to violence and intimidation to see his goals reached.

She was expected to work, so work she did. There was a lot of activity down in the docks that morning and there were no lack of tasks to keep her busy. She had been busy moving and stacking crates on one of the dock’s boardwalks when she heard the sound of footsteps on the wooden planks approaching her.

“Gwenn”

A familiar voice caused her to look up. She noticed Cold-Eyes was standing beside her, regarding her with his distinct icy gaze. He had been the one to invite her to the bloody breeze, and had witnessed the king and his interactions that night. Straightening up, she looked him in the face. She had seen him in her nightmare, his face twisted in fear and anguish. The memory caused an involuntary shiver to shoot up her spine.

“Rumor throughout Breezecroft is that the King wishes to take you as his concubine. That he wishes to return you with him to Delmaristead to live…“I don’t believe them, but I do know that King wanted to meet with you.”

Gwenn managed to keep her expression neutral, despite the rising feeling of irritation that threatened to well up inside her. It was bad enough that the people of breeze croft were talking about her, but it was even worse knowing they thought she was the kings new “plaything” Her stomach almost roiled at the thought. And gods help her If the rumours had reached Slades ears... (now she was even more grateful for his absence) The sound of snickering and whispering found her ears, and she glanced over to where the jetty met the dock. A couple of fish-wives were looking at her, but quickly averted their gaze and sauntered off, still clucking like hens. She shot a brief dirty look at their backs as they walked off, but looked back at her colleague as he spoke up once more

“Did everything go. . .well? I do apologize for bringing you with me to the tavern. A mistake on my part.”

Gwenn shrugged her shoulders, sparing a quick look around to see if Bigart was watching them. He didn’t like the workers standing around doing nothing, but his attentions were currently focused on a young girl and his attempts to woo her judging by his body language. Poor girl… Gwenn found herself thinking as she crossed her arms and looked at Cold-eyes once more.

“Why ya apologisin‘? It aint like ye knew the king was goin’ te walk in the door…As fer how it went…it’s a little hard te talk about…”

She hoped Cold-eyes would understand. She was still coming to terms with the whole situation. The news would come out eventually, it was unavoidable, but Gwenn hoped that she could at least spend her last days in Breezecroft in relative peace.
　
TAG: @spycoder9

 

IC: Safia Rolmar
The Mountains of Mirwyth
Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
Grounds—12 days before her wedding

She had been anticipating that he would simply ask why, and a sort of explanation had been taking form in her head, but his true response left her both a bit startled and more than a bit confused. Even his manner had changed; up until now he had seemed all ease and light humor, but now he had grown more serious, and that made her feel nervous again.

Better than what? What was he talking about? Why would she think badly of him? Certainly she did not know him very well yet, but it would take a lot more than one little breach of etiquette to make her think ill of him—and if she was honest with herself, that kiss had in fact had the opposite effect, improper or not. Safia straightened slowly as he gently removed his hand from her neck, her golden eyes searching his pale blue ones for some clue. “What do you mean?” she asked.

TAG: Trieste

 

IC: Ser Lawrence Kildare
The Mountains, Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
Castle grounds
12 days before his wedding

What did he mean? Words had never been so useful to him. His sisters had paid more attention them. Even Landon could use them better than he could. He knew some things, but mainly how to hold command over fighters, not how to deal with such unexpected emotions.

"I..." Lawrence still didn't know where to go, but he found himself talking anyways, not knowing where this was going to go, "...have never been accountable for my actions to another person before. There was duty to my lands, to our people, and through that to our god. And I did things in service of that that were horrible." You did things that were horrible against that too. "Things that I will not say I should be proud of." You shouldn't be. "Things that were necessary." Was that night so necessary? "'What has been said in the darkness shall be heard in the light.' My family's words." And yet you transgressed all the same, knowing that you could never hide it forever. "I believe that. One day I shall be called to answer for these things." Oh yes you shall. "The fact that I am now to be joined with you, that I shall be accountable to you, makes this all too real for me now. Perhaps once I could look to answering to V'hallar, but you will be my wife and I your husband. I will not live for myself or my lands anymore. I shall live with you, for you. And one day there are things I will tell you, a day when perhaps you will understand and not think less of me for what I have been, for what I wish I had not."

The nagging voice had died away now. "Perhaps now was not the time, but we have so little time before...the ceremony. It would have been deception to not tell you these things, even if I have truly told you nothing. I would rather that you thought less of me now, so that I could prove by our life together that I deserve more than for you to put me on a pedastal now and find me lacking later."

But by that logic, why then did he still not tell her about Illiza? He was so close to doing so, but he held back still. If he truly believed what he had just said, what difference did it make if she learned mere hours into their acquaintance or later? But still he said nothing.

Tag: JediMasterAnne

 

IC:Fleet
19 Days before the wedding, Desert Coast
Mirwyth, Abandoned Smithy

It took some time, but Kaili finally seemed to have drifted back to sleep. Her mumblings had ceased, and Fleet was left only with unanswered questions, a roiling sense of mental worry and anxious feelings. He sighed heavily, not sure of what to do now, other than guard his sick friend.

Upon pondering what he should do, that's when he heard a thumping sound. At first he thought he'd imagined it, but then he heard it again. Feet suddenly got up and strained to listen. His eyes darted from side to side as his heart began to pound faster in his chest. With a quick motion, he produced the dirk he had been 'playfully' swinging around before.

"…gods old n' nu….." He heard himself whisper. What if it was one of the soldiers coming back to kill them. What if they had killed Lorain already? Wouldn't he had heard it? No, not if they snuck up behind her and covered her mouth. Not if it was more than one.

These thoughts were not helping Fleet's sense of security. He held the dirk tighter...and his hand started to tremble. A drop of sweat ran down the side of his face, past his eye and down his cheek.

'…gods! What should I do!?" he wondered to himself. Then he heard the thumping sound again, and almost jumped. He blew out a breath and waited for a moment, but nothing happened. He also realized that the sound wasn't getting any closer, so no one was coming up the stairs, as he'd feared. Taking in a quick breath, Fleet walked very slowly towards the door. He stood behind it and waited. Nothing happened except that a different sound caught his attention, and he frowned. He wasn't sure what he'd heard. "Maybe it's vermin down there…." he wondered aloud.

Cautiously he opened the door ever so slowly using his foot. Then he peeked out, his blue eye and ruffled hair slowly emerging from behind the door. There was nothing new to see other than the staircase, but at least he could hear better now that the door was open…..and something else.

Fleet frowned, twitched his nose, took a better whiff, then his eyes opened wide as they would go.

'FOOD!'

He was smelling food, and that probably meant that…..

The urchin boy did not waste another moment. He tried to be quiet as he quickly ran down the stairs and followed the scent of what he recognized to be vegetable soup. Oh! for mercy's sake! His stomach had begun to make noises already, but he ignored it. Doing his best to move silently, but still with a sense of urgency, Fleet moved on, until he finally arrived at the source.

"LORAIN!!" He exclaimed, in an excited whisper! And very glad she was alive. He ran over to her and gave her a quick hug, then turned wide eyed towards the pots she used to do her cooking. Fleet looked up at her, so happy and excited, he didn't know what to say.

"I'll see if they've got some bowls 'round here…sumwhere….I'll fetch 'em right quick like."

With that, Fleet placed the dirk back in its place at his side, then went about the business of finding some bowls for them to eat some soup out of, as he disappeared into an adjacent room.

Tag:Ktala,spycoder9

 

IC: Safia Rolmar
The Mountains of Mirwyth
Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
Grounds—12days before her wedding

Safia frowned a bit; from the way he spoke, it rather sounded like he had a guilty secret. And he seemed to think that whatever that secret was would lessen her opinion of him. “…one day there are things I will tell you, a day when perhaps you will understand and not think less of me for what I have been, for what I wish I had not.”

She did not like the idea of his keeping secrets from her—to her, such behavior was unhealthy for a relationship, even one as yet unformed as theirs. Secrets led to distrust, and if they were going to live with each other, they needed to trust each other.

But he had said that he would eventually tell her whatever it was, so perhaps for now it was better not to pry. She didn’t want to seem nosy; she wasn’t Synthia, after all. Let him open up in his own time.

That did not mean, however, that she would simply forget about it. “I won’t press you about your regrets,” she began, again looking squarely in his eyes. “As long as you keep your promise to tell me one day.”

TAG: Trieste

 

IC: Ser Lawrence Kildare
The Mountains, Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
Castle grounds
12 days before his wedding

"I will," Lawrence promised, his voice firm and decisive, before he repeated, "I will.

"Before the wedding."

What.

Where had that come from? He hadn't intended to say that. And now he had. V'hallar help me.

Lawrence took Safia's hand. He was committed. If this was a military maneuver...well, he'd burst forth from the gates in all out charge now. There was no turning back, there was only going forward. And now he had only eleven days--eleven days--to work up the courage to tell Safia about...what he'd done on the journey here. Of course, he could lie to her...tell her other things, tell her the horrors of war, tell her of...but he had sworn an oath by those that were closest to him not to tell of that--ever. No, he had to tell her about Illiza. There was no other option.

"You are kind and understanding," he said as he squeezed her hand in his, "I must be the envy of many men who have known you longer." He smiled.

Tag: JediMasterAnne

 

IC: Safia Rolmar
The Mountains of Mirwyth
Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
Grounds—12 days before her wedding

She felt a bit better when he assured her that, whatever it was he was hiding, he would reveal to her before their wedding. Hopefully, such a short time frame would mean less time for her to…get in over her head, emotionally speaking—something she was already in very real danger of doing. Despite her awkward start with him, she had quickly become much more at ease with him, even felt drawn to him. Funny, considering that a week or so ago I didn’t want anything to do with him—but now, knowing that he had this secret might encourage her to not rush in.

"I must be the envy of many men who have known you longer."

She returned his smile. “I suppose so. I can think of a few who might be a bit jealous.”

Actually, only one man came to mind, and the thought of that man made her smile fade a bit. By now, she could not think how Matheus could not know of her coming marriage, and she could imagine that he might be envious of her new husband-to-be. But she wasn’t going to say any such thing to Ser Lawrence She still wasn’t sure how he would feel if she were to mention the prince, so for now it was probably better if she didn’t.

TAG: Trieste

 

Lorain Ashkey, Blacksmith Shop - The Deserts of Mirwyth
Abandoned Town Smithy, Desert Coast - Nightfall

Lorain was quietly cooking in the kitchen downstairs from where she had left Fleet and Kaili. She wanted them to spend some time together, and there was no need to bother him while she cooked. Besides, she had a feeling that...

"LORAIN!!"

Fleet called out to her in an excited whisper. She turned and smiled, as he ran over to her, giving her such a fierce, quick hug, she thought he would knock her over. She felt bad, about leaving him alone for so long, but there was no way she could ask him to leave his friend. Besides, it was harder to spot one person, than two. She ruffled his hair, even though she was sure he wouldnt like it. Just like her brother. Fleets eyes turned quickly toward the pots that she was using to cook with, and it caused her to smile, as Fleet looked up at her, so happy and excited, he didnt know WHAT to say to her.The poor boy. No telling how long it had been sense he had last eaten. His stomach growled in anticipation.

"Aint much, but it should be make our bellies feel a bit better." Lorain told him gently. Fleet didnt seem to care in the least. He quickly replied, "I'll see if they've got some bowls 'round here ... sumwhere... I'll fetch'em right quick like." With that, Fleet placed the dirk back in its place at his side, and then went about the business of finding some bowls for them to eat some soup out of, as he disappeared into an adjacent room. Lorain watched him leave, and then turned back to her cooking. The tea, she took off the stove, and set it aside to cool. The soup, though poor, Lorain had to admit, smelled pretty good to her too. She would make sure Fleet would eat. Kaili, most likely would not eat, but would drink the tea. The sweetness should help Kaili. Lorain rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. She leaned against the wall. This was a difficult enough task, if she had been alone. But with a child and a sick woman? The ole ones were certainly making her life interesting. A challenge to be sure. But her pa, always told her to deal with the challenges, head on. But right now, she was at a loss of what to do, come the morning. They needed a secure place to hide. If those Knights didnt leave, then they would be searching the rest of the town, or hopefully, heading out, hoping that they ran out during the darkness. Something that Lorain would have done, if she had been alone. Supplies. Animals. Money. A safer hiding area. Lorain ran the list through her mind. Especially the last one. She wanted to be able to fall asleep, and not have to worry about waking up with a dagger at her neck.

Lorain had chosen the blacksmith, because of one, weapons. Ones that most would not think about normally. And two, they should have a storage area, as many other smiths did. Especially if they were hiding there more special metals, food stuffs, or cash. It would be the next thing to take care of. But that had to wait, until she could see. Trying to run around in the dark, it would be easy to miss something.

When Fleet made it back, with whatever it was he found, Lorain would hand him the bread to carry up as well. She quickly smothered the oven, snuffing the flames. "I'll carry the pots up de steps. Dat way, we can pour when we gets upstairs...and not 'ave to worry about spilling soup. Besides." Lorain gave Fleet a grin. "Ya wont have to keep running up and down de stairs." She also instructed him to grab some mugs as well for the tea. Once Fleet was ready with everything, she very careful, and slowly headed up the stairs. If it was too much, she would make two trips, but letting Fleet get his bowlful first, of course.

Upstairs, they would finally relax, and eat a well earned meal. Lorain would sit back, and carefully watch, without staring of course, Fleet as he ate. Once she was finished, she would deal with Kaili. She could only hope that this would help the poor woman. She didnt know how Fleet was going to deal with her passing. But for now, only the gods knew if she was going to make it. Lorain could only do so much. But whatever Lorain could do, she was determined to do her best.




TAG: @greyjedi125, @spycoder9

 

12 Days Before the Wedding
Isles, Mirwyth
Delmaristead, Abandoned Home


He had listened to her attentively, always giving her words some respect. When she finished, he didn’t speak immediately. Instead, he looked away from her. Off to the side, his teeth gripped down on his lower lip. Under a certain twinkle of light, his eyes quivered.

“Why did I leave you?” Treyvor repeated. “The kingdom is in shambles and you want to know why I left you?” He stood at once, looking around, at almost any and everything.

“We can’t. . .I can’t. . .” He rubbed his face at once, sighing.

“Diana, I know we have. . .somethings unsaid between us. That we will have to get out pretty soon. I understand that. But. . .I can’t talk about it right now. Not. . .not what went on back then, at least.” He shook his head. “Answer me this.”

He sat down again, and finally was able to meet her eyes. They hadn’t been this close in years.

“Where is Lord, or King, Delmari? Why has he left Delmaristead to rot?”


TAG: afellowjedi

 

12 Days Before the Wedding
Islands, Mirwyth
Delmaristead, Harbor – Siren’s Song Tavern

Kenji soaked up the atmosphere of the tavern. It was a small little hole in the wall place, but it was surprisingly clean and well maintained. Currently the clientele consisted of mostly sailors, about half the men from the merchant ship that had brought him and Kojira were present. As a result, the two foreigners had been accepted immediately.

Kenji relaxed against the wall at a back table with his kiseru (Smoking pipe), listening to Raymen and another man talk about the current situation in Delmaristead. Apparently there was a war on. Four Kings war for dominance over the land. This was also the reason for the warm reception they had at the docks. It seems the Lord of this province was one of the declared Kings and his own city had risen against him.

Kenji sighed. It seems he left one clan war for another. If he and Kojiro were to live by the sword in this land, he had no doubt that they would be drawn into this conflict eventually.

“No man is that lucky! You **** cheat!”

The shout drew Kenji’s attention to a table across the room in time to see a brutish looking mariner charge a slightly weaving Kojiro.

“Ah hell.” Kenji swore under his breath in Otosanie.

Despite his obvious intoxication, Kojiro deftly deflected the man’s attack and into the nearest table, scattering its occupants and drenching them in alcohol.

Silence hung in the air as every eye in the tavern focused on the soaked men. Then, as if of one mind, everyone began fighting. It was a free-for-all.

Tag: spycoder9 (if you want in on it, otherwise just a post to get back into the swing of things.)

 

GM Approved!

Name: Gavin Hunter
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Appearance:

Homeland: The Capital City
King: The Rightful King, by default
Occupation: Assassin, Woodsman
Family Banner: A simple white stag on a dark green crest
House Words: Cursum perficio (literally, “I accomplish the hunt.”)
Biography: Gavin is an accomplished soldier, trained in the arts of war by his father, who served the last king. Gavin also grew up hunting in the forest, where he developed proficiency with the bow. When Gavin’s father died, he replaced him as a servant of the king, bound to obey any command.

 

GM APPROVED!!!!

Name: Ser Alistair Bryce
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Appearance:Alistair is an average looking man; he stands 6’0 tall, and even though he has light skin it has been thoroughly tanned from years of being outside. His body is toned and hardened from years of martial training, leaving him with lean and sinewy muscles. Alistair has short cropped auburn hair with spots of premature grey at the temples, light green eyes and what one would call an average face, with a straight nose as well as stubble on his face. He also has two scars on his face, one that goes across the bridge of his nose to under his right eye and the other a horizontal scar that runs from his left temple to above his ear, along with countless other scars over his body.
Clothing and Equipment: Alistair carries a bastard sword made of Valyrian steel which he calls Shadow Bane which is the only heirloom he has of his family, as well as carries a dirk with an Elkhorn handle. He also wears the armor shown below. (Ignore the face and all that)



Homeland: The Mountains
King: He holds allegiance to no king yet and works for anyone who has the coin
Occupation: Hunter (name used for a long dead order of monster hunters and sellswords)

Family Banner: A white elk head with two crossed arrows behind it on a black field

House Words: He who falls does not fail, but rises stronger than ever.

Biography: Not much is known of Alistair’s past. Like most illegitimate children born out of wedlock he was given to an orphanage in the city of Harrowmont that acted as his home until he was eight years old. On his eighth name day a stranger appeared at the orphanage and requested to take Alistair, though the head mistress would not have it, claiming none of the children were up for adoption and why a man would want such a sorry child. But after much persuasion and a little bit of intimidation Alistair was free to go with the man. He had no idea who he was though; just that he was a mountain of a man with long salt and pepper hair and more scars than Alistair had fingers. On the long quite ride back to the man’s home, the stranger revealed to Alistair that he was in fact his uncle Magnus, his father’s brother who had set aside his past life and taken up the calling of a “Hunter” a monster hunter and sword for hire, who became estranged from his family. This came as both a shock and a relief to Alistair, who was finally glad to have some sort of family. After days of traveling, they finally arrived at his uncle’s cottage in the Dragonwood which sat situated on the banks of a river called North Brook.

Years passed and now Alistair was a man grown at the age of 18. Over the years his Uncle Magnus had taught him what it took to be a Hunter. And even though his uncle was the last Hunter as far as they knew and most of the monsters in Myrwith had become extinct nearly two centuries ago, his uncle still taught him of all the species of beasts and monsters that lurked in the dark and how to best defeat them. He also taught him the lore of these creatures and where they came from as well as their extinction. After a while Alistair began to wonder if his uncle knew more about these creatures and their demise as he was letting on. His uncle took it upon himself as well to teach him the skills that any good hunter should know such as the martial arts, including the use of the sword, the axe and bow among other weapons. But he also taught him about the worlds of trade, politics, customs and courtesies, the healing arts, as well as reading and writing. It was all very much him but his uncle Magnus insisted that any good warrior and hunter is well rounded in all these areas and that in order to wield a blade a warrior must first learn to wield his mind. But this was not all that was taught to Alistair by his uncle, he was also taught about his lineage and where he came from, and finally who his parents where.

His father had been Eric Bryce, a knight in the service to the lord of Harrowmont and a son to Barric Bryce, a noble lord whose family was descended from the First Men and whose keep watched over all the lands around Northbrook. But his mother had been a simple seamstress who worked in his father’s holdfast and who had died in childbirth with Alistair while his father Eric was away fighting the army of a self-proclaimed bandit king in the east, a fight which he as well perished in. When Barric learned of his son’s death, he made the decision that he did not want to raise a base born child to be the future Lord Bryce, and he had no other option since Magnus had forfeited the claim to become some low life sellsword. So it was decided that Alistair was to be sent to the orphanage. And that was when the legacy of the Bryce family had ended, it was said that Barric and his wife tried for one last son but the attempts were futile, and so it was that years later both Barric and his wife passed, leaving only Magnus Bryce and Alistair as the last two surviving members of a long forgotten house thought dead by all other lords.

But soon the days came when Magnus has taught Alistair all he knew about being a Hunter and that it was time to let him go experience the world outside of the small cottage and help those in need wherever he found them. On the day that Alistair was packing the last bit of supplies into his saddle bags his uncle came out to him with one last parting gift, it was a long object by the looks of it, wrapped in a black piece of cloth. When his uncle unrolled it revealed the most amazing sword he had ever seen with a blade made of Valyrian steel. His uncle said it had never truly been given a name by his family ever since it was created; So Alistair gave it the name of Shadow Bane. But the sword was not the only gift, the simple piece of cloth that held that sword was in fact a banner that revealed an elk’s head with to crossed arrows, it had been the banner of House Bryce. Stitched under the sigil were words that Alistair could only make out to be the runes of the First Men, but he could not read them, but his uncle translated it to him “He who falls does not fail, but rises stronger than ever.” It was then that Alistair promised his uncle that one day he would restore House Bryce to its former glory. And with that, Alistair departed his uncle’s cottage with Shadow Bane slung across his back. That had been years ago and now he serves as an experienced Hunter, traveling to every backwater town and holdfast he can, looking for work wherever it’s needed.

 

IC:Fleet
19 Days before the wedding, Desert Coast
Mirwyth, Abandoned Smithy

They ate mostly in silence, but Fleet really seemed to be enjoying his soup, as he would make little 'mmm' sounds of delight and say 'mmm, good' now and again. He was a bit of a messy eater, as expected, but he ate it all. Every last bit. No stewed vegetable remained un-eaten, and every last drop of the broth was imbibed.

Once finished, the boy looked at his empty bowl with pride. He looked towards Lorian, then flashed her a smile, even as he nodded eagerly while he spoke.

"It was good. Really! Haven't had hot soup in some time."

Fleet looked quite content, when suddenly a 'burp' erupted from him quite unexpectedly. The boy looked surprised at himself, but then quickly apologized, while vainly trying to keep himself from laughing in embarrassment.

"Oh! pardon m'bad manners. Matron would've whacked me a good one right then!" He beamed a smile and chuckled at the memory. Still amused at his lapse, the urchin boy got up from where he sat and made to grab the 'dishes', but then stopped. For a brief moment, it had felt like everything was normal, but one look around, and reality set back in.

Fleet would have normally made his way to the kitchen, but he did not. He wasn't quite facing Lorian now. He didn't move, but stood his ground, holding his peace for a moment. When next he spoke, there was tremor in his voice, but also a tonality which indicated he'd yielded to a certain realization.

After a moment, the young urchin broke the silence.

"If….if…Kaili dies, I wants to bury her. I don't want t' leave her to that dog outside, or pirates…or any bloody whack'r walking 'round this toun. I….I want t' bury her. Decent like."

It wasn't clear whether he was talking to Lorain or to himself, or perhaps both.

"I...wants to go far away."

Fleet seemed to stiffen, as if almost realizing the fullness of what he was about to say, of what it all meant.

"I wants to go with you."

Still, he didn't look. Not at Lorain, or at Kaili, especially after her last outburst. She wasn't looking well at all. Not at all.

Jakob

'I....I...don't....understand.'

Fleet let out a long sigh, but didn't speak. And then, he took a few steps and walked just outside the door.

Tag:Ktala

 

15 Days Before the Wedding
Cyrell, Mountains
Castle Meeting Room



After the advisor nodded and headed off to do as the lord had bid, only a breathe of a few seconds passed before Lady Helen strode into the room. She held her head high, regarding the bastard man with curious, but not hostile, eyes.

“My lord husband, I had scouts sent to investigate the approximate size and leader of the army,” In her eyes, it was obvious she was hurt by the next few words that would escape her lips. “One of the three came back alive, and his mouth was. . .” She shuddered. Even her legs seemed to quiver, and it looked as if she was about to fall. Rowan stood as if to hurry to catch her, but she steadied herself.

“They. . .they muted him. And. . .they had his hands. . .cut away.” Her composure was almost at it’s breaking point. But she had held strong before, she would continue to do so.

“He has no way to communicate, or even wishes too. But we do know that they wish to continue and wreak havoc across the mountains as they travel.” Helen approached her husband, glancing at Rowan even as she walked. She eyed the guardsmen, as she leaned in and lowered her voice.

“Villages. . .completely ravaged. No one spared, not even women or children. Much like Harrowmont. Word’s begun to get out amongst the people, and men are wanting to call up arms, while women wish to run to the Capital and bow to their true king.”

“You must act, before they can continue to cause unrest.”



TAG: Lukes_Apprentice

 

Abott Tuckman
Isles, Docks

At having the moment of tension passing, and his body not loosing any of it's good humors he decided to consider their first meeting a successful one. Although the way she talked he felt that he may need to exchange one path for another. Namely keeping his trap shut until she was ready, with a body like that he didn't want to be on her bad side, especially considering the knife and her back up. She was a hard woman of the sea, probably had more salt in her veins then most men to have gained such a position as well.

"Certainly." he simply replied with a shrug, his palms wide and up-turned. As if he had a knife in his back everyday, considering some of the price gouging he had done in the past you learn to live with it that or else give it first. Still, the sweat upon his brow probably betrayed the cool air he tried for. "I am captain only of my own ship though, to you. . .Admiral? Yeah, more that." he said with a decided nod that that needed settled first before even the mug of ale. Something for which he now waved her to lead the way as he gave a wane smile as he bobbed his curls.

TAG: spycoder9

 

Lorain Ashkey, Blacksmith Shop - The Deserts of Mirwyth
Near Aqarda, Abandoned Town, Rooftops, Desert Coast - night - 19 Days before the wedding

Lorain watched, a faint smile on her face, as Fleet dug into his soup. The happy eating sounds Fleet was making, made her efforts worth it. She made sure he had enough, as she ate her soup. Once he was finished, Fleet looked at her, flashing such a huge smile, that he practically beamed. Lorain laughed softly.

"It was good. Really! Haven't had hot soup in some time." Lorain nodded, smiling. "Glad you liked it. Wasnt much to work with, be it will keep ya belly full." she added with a grin. Lorain inwardly chuckled. Fleet looked quite content, when suddenly a 'burp' erupted from him quite unexpectedly. The boy looked surprised at himself, but then quickly apologized, while vainly trying to keep himself from laughing.

"Oh! pardon m'bad manners. Matron would've whacked me a good one right then!" He beamed a smile and chuckled at the memory. Lorain laughed. "Means ya liked my cooking then." she added, as she also finished her soup as well. Fleet moved then, and for a second, it looked like he was going to grab the bowls, but then he suddenly stopped himself.

Lorain had moved to check on the fruit tea she had made. IT should be cool enough by now. But she stopped, when she noticed Fleet was just standing in the middle of the room, looking away from her. She watched him carefully, as he spoke, his voice now taking on a new tone.

"If….if…Kaili dies, I wants to bury her. I don't want t' leave her to that dog outside, or pirates…or any bloody whack'r walking 'round this toun. I….I want t' bury her. Decent like."

So, he felt it too. Lorain had been wondering how to approach the subject to Fleet. But she should have realized that Fleet had probably been living on the streets for awhile now. He had probably seen more death than she has, and that fact in itself was sobering. Fleet wasnt looking towards her, but looking off, at a wall. His voice took on another property, as if he was talking to someone else, his voice wavered as he continued to speak. It had grown softer as well, and Lorain listened carefully to his words.

"I...wants to go far away."

Fleet's body tensed.

"I wants to go with you."

It took all of Lorain's reserve to keep from running over and scooping up Fleet. Wanting to hug him tightly, and take all of this away. But from his body language, she was guessing it was taking all that he had, to simply voice his desire. He had not turned to look at Lorain, and as Lorain slowly stood up, Kaili spoke out.

'Jakob' .... 'I....I...don't....understand." she spoke, as her head tossed in its fevered state.

Fleet let out a long sigh, but didn't speak. And then, he took a few steps and walked just outside the door. Lorain looked from Fleet, to Kaili, and then back towards Fleet who had now stepped out of the room, near the door. Lorain quietly walked over to the bed where Kaili lay, and she spoke in soft tones, as she let her hair cascade down over her shoulders.

"Suhhhs. Tis okay Kaili. Yer little one is fine. Gets yerself some rest." Lorain told her gently. She reached over, and poured a little bit of the cooled tea, into a spoon, and gently fed a bit of it to Kaili, slowly pouring it into her mouth. "You just takes care now, let this tea do ya some good." she intoned, as she fed another spoonful to the woman. Lorain could only try to make her comfortable. Even if the woman had done what they claimed, if she was dying, then Lorain would do her best to make her last moments comfortable. She was still a person. And she had done right by Fleet. So she would do her best to help her. Lorain fed the woman a few more spoonfuls, and then replacing the pad on the woman's forehead, she tucked the covers tightly, and then walked out of the room to find Fleet.

Walking up behind him, Lorain went down to her knees, to be a bit more level to the boy, as she let out a soft sigh.

"Fleet..."

Lorain paused, gathering her words. Her hands clenched and unclench slowly, as she spoke to the young boy in front of her.

"As long as there be breathe inside me, you are welcomed to come with me, young Ser." she tells him slowly. "I could not imagines another I would have to walk this journey with, and when all this business is over, then I would love for ya to come to my home." she states, a small grin beginning to grow on her face.

"Me brother would loves that. He'd probably try to steal ya from me, as an apprentice, course, he'd have to fight me for that!" she added with a small chuckle. She wondered how her brother would react to that. She looked at Fleet, looking to see if he would turn to face her. She would let him decide his actions on his terms.

"I will stay wif ya, as long as ya wants me to be there, Fleet." Lorain paused once more. "And, if Kaili leaves us, yes we will not leave her to the wolves. We give her a fitting burial, someplace peaceful, if we can." she told Fleet in a soft voice. Lorain didnt move, she simply watched Fleet for any reactions, patiently waiting and watching.




TAG: greyjedi125, spycoder9

 

IC:Fleet
19 Days before the wedding, Desert Coast
Mirwyth, Abandoned Smithy

"Fleet.."

Lorain had called his name, so half turned toward her, but kept his gaze down. He held his empty bowl with both hands, and seemed the very picture of what he'd always been. A beggar boy.

The strong and kind giant woman knelt next to him, so she would be on his level.

' She shouldn't have to come doun t' me level. I should rise up to hers…' He thought, as he began to listen to her words.

"As long as I have breath inside me, you are welcomed to come with me young Ser. I could not imagines another I would have to walk this journey with, and when all this business is over, then I wild love for ya to come to my home." Lorain offers the young urchin a growing smile. He takes a peek from under his messy hair, but looks down quickly once again. His lower lip begins to tremble and his shoulders shook a little. The boy takes in a sharp tremulous breath, as he attempts to regain some composure.

"Me brother would loves that. He'd probably try to steal ya from me, as an apprentice, course, he'd have to to fight me for that!" she adds with a small chuckle. Fleet responds with a chuckle of his own, though it sounds a bit choked. Tear drops fall inside his empty soup bowl. Not liking what he sees, he wipes his face from any remaining tears, then cleans the inside of his empty bowl and turns to fully face Lorain. His gaze is still tentative, and despite his reddened eyes, there was something else there.

"I will stay wif ya, as long as ya wants me to be there, Fleet."

He nods, his eyes shifting downward, then slowly back up again. He draws another intake of air, then slowly releases it. Lorain pauses, before speaking once again.

"And if Kaili leaves us, yes, we will not leave her to the wolves. We give her a fitting burial, someplace peaceful, if we can."

The pause that followed was as long as it needed to be, as they both remained in their place. Each contemplating their own thoughts. Then the boy slowly nods as he looks up to search Lorain's countenance. His blue eyes search her face for a moment, then he looks in her eyes.

From whence did such valor spring? How was kindness and strength wrapped in one flesh so mysteriously? This was not the abounding cruelty dispensed by the world, nay. Kaili had shown him this kindness as well, this strength. He needed this….no, he craved it. To be brave in the face of fear.

And so, he nodded once again, as he breathed in the air of resolve and resolution. He did not smile, but frowned a little, but not because he was troubled. His was the expression of one who found themselves suddenly in thought.

"Someplace peaceful…" he repeated, almost like an echo, his gaze far away for a moment. Then he focused back on Lorain.

"I want to be big and strong….and brave." He stated simply. It was, perhaps, a sort of personal declaration, a resolution, a realization. "I don't want more folks dying b'cause of me. I want to protect them."

'And if I have to….' His thoughts trailed off as images of the many innocent lives he'd seen taken by workers of cruelty flashed in his mind's eye. Did they die because they were weak? No. He knew it was not THAT simple. He was beginning to see that with greater clarity now.

Without saying another word, Fleet offered Lorain a tight smile, then wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. He gave her a squeeze, and held on to her for a moment, the slowly let her go. He looked in her eyes again, and drew from the strength he saw there. For now, that would be his source. His smile was a bit sad, but the resolve remained in his eyes. Taking that with him, he turned and faced the room, and proceeded to walk back in.

Putting the bowl to one side, he sat himself once again next to Kaili, and stroked her hair. He wasn't feeling as sad now, as he had some moments ago. He'd finally accepted the possibility of this loss. This was not about what he wanted, but about what needed to be done.

All he knew was that Kaili had saved him, that she was kind, that she defended him, fed him, kept him alive. That's all he needed to know. But there was more. Much more he didn't know. The things the Knight had said. He didn't like that. And now the Knight was dead. Probably deserved it. Kaili was dying. Did she deserve that? Who was she really? And who was Jakob?

Fleet released a long sigh and shook his head lightly.

Lorain was right.

They had to leave town as soon as possible, for there was no life in this town. Especially, if they wished to live another day.

Tag:Ktala,spycoder9 ( desert fox )

 

15 Days Before the Wedding
The Capital of Mirwyth, Valona

Catwalks


Her son was almost down the hall, his legs moving quickly. At the sound of his mother's voice, Matheus turned his head and looked at her. He almost continued his steps, but decided against it at the last second and approached her.

"I loved her, Mother." He shook his head side to side as he approached her, and his eyes were quivering under the lights. Jaw locked as he tried to fight the sadness, he looked away from Emilia's eyes. "I loved her more than anyone else in Mirwyth. She was to be my queen, and we were going to rule with a brood of kids running around us. She was. . .my everything."

Each word was like a knife being thrust into her heart and once she looked into his face and saw the pain reflected in his eyes, someone took that knife and twisted it even further to make this failure complete. House Reynard did not fail -- or more accurately, Emilia of House Brendle did not fail. It was clear from his response at the dinner that Fenton would not lift a finger to help their son. If anything, he prided himself with pouring more salt into the wound and making a joke rather than righting the wrong that had been made. That would be Fenton's ultimate failure. The Queen would not stand by and allow this to happen.

Still unsure of how Matheus would react, Emilia extended her hand gingerly and gently stroked her son's cheek with the back of her hand. "Don't worry, my son," she whispered softly, a hint of a smile on her lips despite the tears that were threatening to spill forth. "She will still be your queen."

Moving her hand from his cheek to rest on his shoulder, the Queen started to walk slowly down the long corridor. "Walk with me. Time grows short and we have much to discuss."

---

Matheus led the way to the catwalks, where the city could be seen from all directions. The sun had finally set, and the torches were lit all throughout the town and on the catwalk. Matheus found it troublesome to see very far away without things becoming blurry. A trouble that seemed to have been plaguing him since his childhood.

"Why does Father continue to do this?" He finally whispered, leaning on the stone banister of the catwalk. "He alienates his people, even his own family. Is he incapable of love? Is he. . ."He couldn't continue.

He shook his head, continuing to stare off at the distance. Across the Capital lands, the deserts, the prairies, to the frosty mountains, where deep inside her snow castle his former betrothed was wearing a green robe with an orange fox bright on it. She was kissing her fox, her stomach growing quick with his kits. That was the worst part. Imagining her. . .bedding this man. Any man, for that matter. He was to take her maidenhead. Him. That desert fox who had protected the desert from danger.

"His. . .his foolishness. . .will cost me the woman I love!" Matheus stood angrily. "I'll murder all those foxes. I'll burn their groves down, Mother, I swear I will. And then I'll have his head, that Lawrence Kildare, paraded through the streets! I swear I will!" His voice had risen higher and higher, shaky but finding strength in his anger.

And for a moment, only the glimmer of a second, Emilia could see some of her husband in her son.

TAG: HanSolo29

---

The Castle Halls


The king had requested the presence of his assassin after dinner.

Of course, when Gavin Hunter finally arrived at the castle after finishing that task of the day, dinner had been over for a few moments. He passed by the Queen and her son, the Crowned Prince. They seemed to be in such deep conversation though that they only briefly acknowledged him.

The lithe Maela Reynard was walking from the private dining hall, humming a pretty tune as she approached. The Silent Knight was following her closely behind, having been assigned with the unfortunate duty of guarding her for the day. As she saw Gavin, a smile immediately lit on her face. His father had been kind to her while he lived, carving her a small wooden toy every time they visited back from a personal assignment. She never truly spoke to Gavin before, but was always perky and happy whenever she saw him in the halls. Her usual happiness seemed. . .dim somehow, but she still walked up to him.

"A pleasure to see you, Mister Hunter." She curtsied as only proper. "Father mentioned you would be arriving after finishing your recent mission."

She resembled much of her mother, with her sparkling eyes and long black hair. Very beautiful indeed.


TAG: NickOfTime

 

15 Days Before the Wedding

Gavin Hunter
The Castle Halls

Gavin followed the path up to the castle, as he had on many other nights. His footsteps were as light as if he were stalking a deer. Gavin knew that to be called upon by the King, was to be called to action. As he entered the keep, he passed the Queen and the Crown Prince. Gavin had known Matheus since they were both mewling children, but tonight neither mother nor son paid him any mind. Gavin knew little of the concerns of the castle. He only knew what he was told by the King, and that suited him perfectly.

Before he had taken more than ten steps inside, Maela Reynard exited the castle’s dining hall. Thin and beautiful, she had always seemed to float over the ground, as if more angel than human. Tonight, however, Maela might have sworn he saw her feet touch the ground. Gavin allowed himself a moment to wonder, what might weigh her down this night. They met, her demeanor cheerful, despite whatever intrigue plagued her. Gavin’s expression was slightly harder, as was customary for the young hunter. He had seen too much death to exude levity so freely. He did not stop a small smile from gracing his face, however.

Maela curtsied and Gavin bowed, as tradition demanded. “A pleasure to see you, Mister Hunter. Father mentioned you would be arriving after finishing your recent mission."

Gavin’s smile grew smaller at Maela’s mention of his work. While he was sure that she did not know the true nature of his service to her father, he grew uncomfortable discussing his assignments in her presence. Gavin nodded, eager to direct the conversation towards her. “I trust you have been well since my last visit, my lady?”

Though he was no silver-tongued court vassal, Gavin was aware of court etiquette and he silently thanked his father for teaching him to bathe before visiting the King.

Tag: spycoder9

 

IC: Safia Rolmar
The Mountains of Mirwyth
Shodaire, the Tower of Stone
Grounds—12 days before her wedding

When he gave no reply, Safia quickly cast about for a change of subject, hoping to avoid any awkward silences.

“We still have a couple of hours before supper,” she pointed out. “Shall we venture outside the walls and explore the woods for a while?”

TAG: Trieste