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Hiryu Domochuku Vice Captain
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 Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 4:25 pm
Another early morning dawned upon the mountain town Kaito, streams of pale light began to cover the mountain landscape from the tall summits to the very small crack in the ground....not much was hidden even with this landscape. The darkness had been pushed back from this town and had become untouched from what was going on in the capital. Kaito was always quiet at these morning hours, the residences were still asleep but the beauty of this place could be seen at best at these hours...when the sunrise hit those cherry blossom trees just right...it gave the entire town a pale pink glow that almost seemed to represent the peaceful and traquility of this place. One sound could be heard this early though that seemed to echo through the mountains...a repeative clang, that of steel against steel.
Not but a few miles after from town was a hermit of sorts' home. It was nothing extravagant or overly complicated, nothing more then a normal traditional home of this country with a strange stone part that extended to a structure almost double in length. This is where the clanging noise originated from. Who was this hermit? Most in the area known him by a single nickname, the Forger. Told to be a monsterous man could forge anything from the simplest materials. While not being entirely truth, he was tall to say the least...but a gentle and kind aura came from this man. Within the larger structure, he dwelled....doing what he always did. Forge. A large man he was indeed even with a obivious blacksmith outfit, he was built like a wall...strong and unmoving from tireless days of forging. He carried two traits that were foreign in appearance to most people of this country, grey eyes and brown hair. When one would look into his grey eyes, it was almost as if they sparked just as did the metal with each thrust he made with his hammer. It was unusual warm in this place but that only made sense with the large flames in his large stove-like object. It was here that weapons were built...for it was all this man knew how to do other then wield his own creations. For those who knew him personally...which were very few, he went by Shurui...which in irony when one learns the meaning of his full name...and his own secrets. A hand rose then to wipe his brow of sweat....yet another weapon was being forged as always for someone who had requested it, one would think that growing up alone would make you lonely...but he had learned to deal with such things. Keeping his hands busy with word and mind sharp with knowledge he gained through many trades....it was the life of a blacksmith, nothing too complicated nor involving in other people's lives.
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Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 5:24 pm
Just beyond earshot of the repetative clanging of steel upon steel a young looking woman was hunched over a small plant by a gentle stream that trickled through the forest. The forest wasn't far deep into the mountains and in fact had a steady trail that led down towards the town. It wasn't trodden often but stil was clear as ever in the spring.
Thing one so far had been wet, which fared well for the young woman who left the small plant where it was, growing by a moss covered stone that was lapping with genlte waves.
Gliding her steps back towards the small home, her sturdy but thin frame weaved bewteen the hung dry herbs and spices. Inside it smelt of rosemary and clay, the wooden walls matter with both to create a seemless thick home. It wasn't tall, but short enough for just her to waltz under, short enough for her to clib onto the roof in the winter and catch a clear glimpse of the high moon.
Inside were a few small belongings she'd aquired over her years, a bed, a table, shelves and shelves of bottled, jugged and jarred strangities. As she rolled a bit of clay between her bare hands the off white colours of skin and clay blended until only the lines of her fingers could distinguish between the two.
Then, adding a few other items from random jars she rolled the clay into a tight ball. It was here she began to hollow it out, mould it into a cup like formation.
A broken mug lay not far from her on a table and her motive was clear as she set the clay cup to the side, a small window where the sun shone in lightly through the hay and thatch window. It would cake and soon be strong like the last.
Moving back out into the sunlight she brushed her silver and brown hair back from her golden eyes. Taking in the scenery she slung a bag over her shoulder. She needed some things, jars from the town Kaito.
"Now, or later. Stop procrastinating." Roa whispered to herself and set off.
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Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 6:27 pm
Early spring a time when people were prone to falling in love and spreading peace. This was not the case however with The General of a countries army. Alexander Grevious, some defined him as strong and compassionate. Others described him as a cruel and merciless killer. However, in times of war, people that were being defeated always saw the ones who defeated them as vicious and merciless.
Riding upon a white steep Alexander sat with pride. His white armour shone in the morning sun and heated his cool body. His golden hair fluttered in the wind, and seemed to be as untameable as the mane of a lion. His hair is what some say earned him the name Alexander the Lionhearted, though these stories were usually exaggerated and false. His eye's glittered with a certain determination that was a rarity in the times of war, but he made it his duty to keep his appearance strong a noble. A golden ornament hang around his neck, catching the sunlight ever so slightly and casting rays of light off in every direction. His blade rested at his side. It was his sign that he was not afraid to deal with any enemy that stood in his way. His steed was a glorious white stallion. It's muscular body and frame seemed to tower over the soldiers that traveled in its wake.
Alexander was on a mission, a mission of peace that was to be addressed to the emperor of this country. His duty was clear and his path was set. The town of Kaito would be his first stop. Rumours had been spread to his country that the emperor here had been mistreating his people, and that problems were arising quickly in the small towns. However, as the countries of the world knew, rumours were not to be trusted. In any case, Alexander chose to travel with one hundred of his finest soldiers. Each soldier was appointed a position in a town, and three other members to assist him in distributing provision. It was a noble cause indeed
The trip to Kaito was along and arduous. The soldiers, donning their white plate mail and parade helms, carrying sacks of provisions and carting along mules, were all tired and in need of rest. Luckily in their journey they had only the need to defend themselves once, and successfully fended off the marauders with ease.
The path leading to Kaito was well travelled and proved to be a rather enjoyable last leg of a long journey. There was forest to the south of them, and a steep cliff to the north. It was an serene view that seemed to boast all the beautiful aspects of nature. The trees were budding, and the flowers were blossoming. However, Alexander and his men had no time to stop and take in the beautiful scenery.
Upon reaching the outskirts of the town of Kaito, Alexander called out to his troops to set up camp, and that their garrison would be set up there until it was time to move out again. The soldiers did so, and Alexander rode off on the steed towards the town. He was to report to the mayor, or head of the town as to not bring any suspicion about towards the small army situated outside of their fare village.
Thus the aide of the Holy Blade Army had arrived in the small town with intentions of good, and pure hearts.
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Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 6:51 pm
Walking down to the town she wore a deep brown cloak that hung formlessly from her shoulders. Underneath adorned as always in her leather armour and sword she hide them from the townspeople. Everything had to be hidden.
Slipping into the town she pulled the hood up but her face was still visable in the clear day to anyone who crossed her path. But froma distance she would have appeared simple, like a begger perhaps?
People, immediately as she entered noted her presense and many stepped clear of her path. Once Roa had minded this attention but now she understood it, embrassed it and walked on as though she'd seen nothing different.
"Leave us witch!" One old man cried, but his young grand daughter pulled him aside, whispering for him to stop calling her that. They feared Roa a bit, but other came up warmly.
"It has been years."
"Leave me." Roa answered harshly the middle aged man who appraoched.
"You healed me. 12 years ago. You cured me of-"
"I said Leave me. HAvn't you the sense to do so?" She countered almost bitterly. But it was then she saw a white beasts in the town.
Her eyes narrowed and Roa went about her business, the man having left her side, whispering to his son about the old tale.
"She healed my wounds. I've never seen such magic. A blessed woman she is. Ageless, but fierce."
"Jars."
"Ahh, yes. Your order came." Turning the face the merchant she saw him point to seven cases of glass jars of varying sizes.
"Payment?"
"We agreed-"
"Prices have changed old woman." The merchant remembered her when he was a boy and his father had dealt with the Witch Roa.
Pulling back her hood her face came into full view, her silver and long brown locks of hair tossed gently by the wind about her in the town.
"We had an agreement Bregan."
"And it has changed."
"What has?"
"I can't provide the horse."
Irritated she cursed in a strange tongue.
"Then how am I to take them from the town."
"I just don't know. But I'll hold them until you find a way." Cursing again to herself Roa straightened and was about to refute the merchant when two young boys came running up to him.
"There are guards outside of town Papa. Soldiers!"
"What? Dellin, you speak falshoods."
"No Papa, he tells the truth! At least 300, 400!"
"100." Roa chimed in with a firm face. Glancing over her shoulder she noded to the horsed man. "And he leads them."
"How could you know?" Bregan countered looking at the man without realizing that he was withing earshot of him.
"Get me that horse and you'll know." Bregan laughed and shook his head. The town was buzzling with activity when a few cries were heard, hushed over many others.
"It's JACOB!" A young man and woman came carrying a small child through the town square, his face pale, lips blue, eyes bloodshot and fingers yellow.
"The healer! The healer." Roa watched and cursed. She knew it. she'd seen it before. Tunkle weed. The boy ate a touch of it with the raspberries just north of the city. The raspberries always grew far too early near the city.
"Move away." She walked forward, pulling her cloak to the side. The couple lowered their boy to the ground and immediately his eyes shot open, grumbling about his stomache and his chest.
"I need a knife." Looking around she could see none of the people near her had what she needed. Glanceing to the soldier on the horse she yelled comandingly.
"Quick. I need a small clean blade!"
"I'll not see you butcher my son!" The woman cried but the husband held her back.
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Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 7:18 pm
"Quaint" Alexander spoke under his breath. The town was small compared to the imperial city that he hailed from. However it was nice to be away from the hustle and bustle of warfare in his home country. It gave him the chance to actually tavell outside the borders and do some real good for a change. It felt as though a burden had been lifted off his back and that he would be able to return home refreshed.
Even though the town was small it was still easy to get lost in. He had managed to find his way into a small villa, but had lost himself in the bustle of morning commerce. His goal was to reach the mannor or office in which the head of the city resided, but it proved to be a much more duanting task than expected. The area that he had arrived in was busy with trades and different goods being sold. It must have been the market for the pesants and workers of the town and country. Numerous small shops were selling baked goods whie others were selling goods of all sorts.
"Hmph... I guess that I was destined to have my patience tried here. I suppose that my quest for the mayor of this town will have to begin with one of these fine merchants." He sighed heavilly, but kept his spirits up. Dismounting his steed he ventured to the first merchant he came across. He was nestled between a potery merchant selling his jars and other goods, and an odds and ends trader.
"Excuse me good sir! Could you direct me to the head of affairs aro-" He was cut off abruptly as mention of his soldiers arose to his right. Apparently tow young boys had been off playing and discovered them. He had hoped that he would have more time before the stories came about, but of course the rampant tales of children could not be ceased. He thought it best at the moment to pul his soldiers further from town, possibly far enough that the people of the town would not be frightened by their initial presence.
Upon mounting his steed he reared and began a trot towards whichever way he had hoped he came from, but was halted again be the calls of a woman. A quite distinguished woman at that. Almost, recognizable. A blade? she requests a blade, your pouch quickly! his mind almost instictively pulled him to his pouch. He withdrew a small cerimonial blade that he had been given upon attaining the rank of General. IT was very ornate, never used in combat, but as sharp as his blade, and cleaned daily. Alexander dismounted his steed with such speed and grace and was by the womans side hilt towards her in seconds. He bowed curtiously.
"The blade you requested miss..."
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Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 7:34 pm
Roa took it without another word and slided it gently down the boy's arm. Immediately a yellow fluid oozed in the bloods stead, the yellow tinge in his fingers faded completely from his hands.
"What happened to my son?"
"Tunkle weed." Roa answered abruptly, turning to his other arm and repeating the process. It was when she reached his legs she cursed and drove the ceremonial dagger into the ground.
He groaned in pain for his stomach and chest.
"Tuckle weed doesn't even grown in the spring."
"Do you want to argue with me?" Roa countered before picking up the blade again and wiping it off on her cloak. She dug it into the boys calf and he scream and started to squirm. It was then that the vines, without thought, emerged from the ground and wrapped around the boy's arms and legs, holding him firmly.
The townspeople looked on aghast until the wife brought her foot to Roa's pale face. Rolling to the side she cursed as the yellow liquid dripped from her wound.
"YOU'RE KILLING HIM!" She yelled, jumping on Roa. But before the woman could land another blow she was knocked aside by the strong woman, where she went to the boys other leg.
"If i wanted your son dead. He would be." She answered, Roa finishing and handing the knife back to the man.
Once she stood Roa wiped a thin line of blood away from her cheek.
"Feed him Feran oats and rosmarry for three weeks. The poinson hasn't set in enough, his wounds will heal soon enough. Make sure he drinks lots of water." Inside she cursed ever helping those wretched people and turned fully to face the soldier.
"You stand out in this town, and I thank you for your blade but I suggest you leave. You'll find soon enough you and your men won't be welcomed here." Her words were hushed enough as she tugged her gloves back on and pulled up her hood.
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 2:10 pm
Aleaxander took the blade that the woman had used on the small boy. It seemd as though the proceedure was very messy and unnecassary, but then again he really didn't know how medical procedures were done in the small town. He looked to the blade and raised an eyebrow towards the still remaining trickles of yellow bile. You will be in need of a great cleaning this evening my friend. He slid the blade into the belt he wore around his waist and hoped that he could be of further assistance. However, when the mother of the boy attacked the one who was aiding her son he was taken aback. It was almost shocking at first, but instict took over and he mobilized as fast he could, thankfully his involvement was not required as another man took charge in his place. Sighing in relief he removed his hand from the hilt of his blade.
As the woman turned to him and spoke Alexander stood at attention and made constant eye contact. He found that it was either taken as a gesture of being able to trust a person or intimidate them. However when she spoke he broke contact and found himself staring off behind her. He wasn't one to judge, but he could not look her in the eye. Her pale features and ghostly hair was not something that he saw on a common basis. It wasn't until she had turned to walk away that what she had said really sunk in.
"Madam! I'll have you know that we are on a mission of peace! We wish only to bring good tidings from my king to the people of this fair country. I would hope that you do not have such a grudge towards these people deny my quest of it's riteousness. These people surely seek provisions and supplys." He spoke with strength and honor, over the bustle of the crowd towards the woman who he assumed was paying him no mind. "And you are welcome for the blade!" He yelled this time over the crowd. A strange town indeed... I hope that the other people around here are not as... interesting as she. he breathed deeply and exhalled, turning to return to his steed.
Mounting his horse once again, feeling as though he had mounted it for the hundredth time. He reared and began a slow trot back to a group of men who were discussing something around what appeared to be a tavern. He greated them with a sort of joy.
"Greetings friends! I've come from a country to the north, I'm seeking the head of this fair town, would any of you please point me in the right direction?" His face remained stern, but not so much that it was intimidating.
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 3:08 pm
Roa was about to spin around, snap at him for what reason she'd forgotten in her old age but he was gone back to his mount.
"Peace..." she whispered under her breath, the faded memory of men like him riding into the city. Riding into her home. Anger flared inside of her. Peace was a lie. Always a lie and she could feel it in her bones.
But he was right when it came to what these people needed. The crops in the last few years had been bleek. Which meant that Roa had to resort to her own and her own garden was growing baren with vegetables. Cursing again to herself she moved forward, following the man towards the tavern not far from where the incident occurred. Many people staring at her with wild paranoia.
"Fair town?" The tavern keep laughed heartily with his friends and looked at the man on his horse. "I'll not be listening to the ramblin's of some stranger in these parts! Will you lads?"
His friends jeered and laughed with him.
"Tell me stranger, what have ye to offer in trade for what you seek? Perhaps a few gold coins or a-"
"Mouth full of leeches perhaps?" Roa appeared leaning against the building, her cloak hiding her face but the men knew her voice.
"Roa... what... you said you wouldn't be here for another two months. I havn't got yer order!" The tavern keep soon found himself alone, his friends backing in the doorway.
"I'm not here for my order. Small provisions."
"Have you the money?"
She stepped forward and pulled her hood back, grinning menacingly at the man. Always, with fear she could find what she wanted. In the back of her mind she remembered when she hated those that used tis tactic. She fought them furiously for it to cease in her home city but that was lifetimes ago.
Too long ago.
"Do I need it?" The grin faded as she stood now between the tavern keep and the stranger. Franticly he looked to the man behind him for help but eventually shook his head.
"No... no. A favor for a friend."
"How kind of you." Turning over her shoulder she looked at the man. He'd attempted before to stare her down, or perhaps it was his military training. Either way it had bothered her fiercly.
But he had helped her.
"The Elder is away from the town, seen travelling to the Eastern ridge. There are smaller villages that way that Kaito trades with." Turning fully, the tavern keep took his chance to run inside to gather what Roa would want. Supplies.
"The council stayed in his stead. But you'll find them as agreeable as most people of this place."
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 3:34 pm
The events that had unfolded in front of him, that had nothing to do with him, and then came back to his case surprised him. It was interesting how people in this town were so much different than that of his homeland. These people were much more rude and in need of a lesson in manners. Before he could reply to the man, the woman who he had lent his blade to only moments ago showed herself once again. A strange woman... strange indeed. She was defending him, and belittling him at the same time. It was not something he was accustom to.
When all was said and done between the woman and the tavern keeper she turned to him and spoke. Alexander did not want to hear what she had to say, but took it in anyways. The information pertaining to the where about of the towns elder was unwelcoming news. A council that was in his place was equally grave news. It was easier to convince a knowledgeable old man to accept aide for the people under his watch. However, when people are given a chance to discuss and doubt the intentions of a man... things are easily skewed and cast out as being falsehoods. Alexander knew that it would not be wise to address a council of men that would be equally suspicious of his intentions as the merchants and businessmen.
"Well then, what pray tell would you suggest I do Madam? I can't very well wait for your elder to come back. By then the supplies that I have brought with me would be spoiled and the other towns along the way to the capital would go without along with this town. I can have my men set palisades and camp twenty miles to the west, and hold up there. But it would only be for a short time... when is this elder to return?" Alexander was frustrated, but managed to keep his tone strong. He had hoped the woman before him would be able to make sense of it. "And as for myself... I am the acting diplomat between my country and men... and Kaito. I am obligated to remain within the confines of this town until these supplies are delivered! My king would have my head if he learned that I overlooked one of the towns and cities on his list. There are more factors behind even those!"
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 3:57 pm
Rolling her eyes Roa did not want to deal with these problems. But the city needed the suplies. A part of her old self, a part of Wynn sparked inside of her and the woman appeared to gain a little colour in her cheeks.
"Follow me." She said firmly, turning away from the tavern.
"I will be back Kroger." She called into the tavern before Roa started into the street.
"We will appraoch the council. There is not another option. The elder wouldn't return for at least a week if he is visiting half the villages he's claimed to." Her steps were steady and a path was clearing as she walked, villagers stepping to the side.
Why was she helping him? Why did it matter? She could survive with what she had. The villagers would sell their food before eating it, their obsession with money becoming their end. And this peace offering, she was skeptical.
But it had been so long since she'd seen someone like him.
Seen someone noble and diciplined. It reminded her of the old days, and brought back kinder thoughts.
"If the council will not see reason, then they will not have anything to do with you." Grinning she stopped near the old courthouse, a place where she'd watched many face 'justice'. And yet it had never come to her doorstep.
"I don't like diplomats." Roa said to herself but cared little if he heard while she climbed the steps, not waiting for him to leave his horse.
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 4:15 pm
Alexander sat on his warhorse, standing before the courthouse. It seemed to be dilapidated in way, like it wasn't used... or used properly. He assumed it was the way the court looked that represented the kind of justice that occurred in this town... twisted. He grimaced, and a shot of anger flashed across his face. There was nothing he could do about what the backgrounds of these men were, but he could at least try and sway their opinions. He would fail as a leader if he did not at least try. Sighing heavily he dismounted and turned to the courthouse once again. Off his mount the court seemed to be more ominous than it actually was. He remembered the grand house of justice in his homeland; the grand testament to upholding the law, and living life as peacefully as possible. This courthouse did not bring the feeling of peace or justice into his body.
Walking up the steps to the double doors of the court, he stopped for a moment, and spoke.
"My my... Where are my manners? I have yet to even introduce myself. Here we are, a woman like you guiding a knight like me and we aren't even on a first name basis." He laughed slightly for his forgetfulness before bowing with great courtesy. " I am the first class Heavenly Knight of the country of Argrus. My name is Alexander Greivous and it is my pleasure to be in the company of a fine lady." He ceased bowing and returned to his dignified upright stance shooting glances towards the house of law.
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 4:30 pm
All the formalities she'd practiced when young seemed to force her to at the very least turn. her eyes met his as he spewed on with his title. There were days when she had done the same, days where she would speak that speech to every man and woman she met. Even children to make them feel noble.
She remembered the last time she had done so and with that memory came the Knighting she had once valued more then her very life.
"Heavenly knight?" Roa echoed. The country name seemed distantly familiar but for now it was nothing. Like his title it no longer meant a thing. "I supposed you'd be the kind to die for your honor." The words had slipped from her lips disrepectfully and she sighed before correctly herself.
"I am Roa." ...Wynn, First Order of the Knights of Cavingam, Daughter of Talius Guardian to King Fredran, Maiden of the Noble House of Garuem, and Queen of - Like clock work it played in her mind. Regret swelled and she found herself again turning away from him and the town to the court house, her cloak dragging along the ground.
"Weapons." A guard demanded once they entered the hall. Roa was first to pull back the cloak entirely. now it could be seen she wore the garb of a mercenary and warrior. Her belt with hilt was unhooked and dropped in the man's hands. Reaching down to her leather boots she produced four daggers, all dirty with soil, and finally tugged another from inside her leather vest. It was sheathed.
"Do not open the sheath."
"I'll do what I want Witch." The guard answered, as though about reayd to spit in her face.
"Then you'll die a slow and excrutiating death from the poison. Do not touch my belongings while I am gone." Leaving the cloak her attire clung tightly to her thin but strong frame as she took steps towards the main chamber. She appeared even younger now, as though barely 22 or 23. Her hair came down to the middle of her back in lucious waved locks of silver laced with deep leather brown.
"You should hurry yourself Greivous of Argrus." Old habbits died hard as she reffered to him by association. The old ways were layered deeper then the woman would care to admit. "The council has always been rather impatient."
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 5:18 pm
"My honour is my life madam. Without it I am nothing more than a coward." He looked her in the eye and kept his expression stern and dignified. He questioned why a question like that would have come up. What was it to her where he stood on the ideals of honour. She should know that knights are expected to honour the code and sacred rights of the king and knighthood... but maybe not... and with war becoming a gaining a common place in he world it was easy to see that people were not as honourable as they used to be. He broke his silence as she spoke her name.
"Roa..." an interesting name for an interesting woman. He had felt that there was a mystery surrounding this woman, and now that he knew her name it made him want to unravel the mystery further. He smiled, but not enough that others could see it. The back of her head couldn't have had eye's in it anyways. The guard was keeping her occupied. He was surprised by the amount of arms that she bore, swords and knives. He expected a battle-axe to be hidden under the cloak, but was disappointed when she removed it. However, the disappointment was replaced with a sort of awe. Though seeming to be haggard and unruly she had a much more feminine body than he expected. She seemed to be proud of the body that she had, but he was never good at reading women. He shook his head and mental noted to train his hormones to keep his thought of women at bay.
"Weapons you say? I can give you but one." He pulled the knife from his belt. The ceremonial dagger that had more use as a paperweight, and was still coated with a few tendrils of caked on bile. "This blade is all that I can allow you to take. My sword stays where it is." The guard seemed to glare at him with hatred. Alexander could see it in his eyes. "Alright, I can see that it is your duty. I will relinquish Mateus to you." He removed the blade from it's belt and place it in the guards hands. The scabbard was covered with ornate designs and consisted of steel, silver, and gold. It was his pride. "Take care of her, she is like my child." He spoke light heartily and moved on passed the guard. Roa was beckoning him to make haste... it was not like him to feel as though he were being given orders by women, but she seemed to be quite commanding. He replaced the lighthearted face he had on with a much more determined and stern look. It was his duty that was on the line now, and he was determined to convince this 'council' that his intentions are good.
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:41 pm
The way he repeated her name startled her. It was as though he were storing it away for later, and she couldn't help but frown while her back was turned to him. Turn around and leave. There is nothing good to come of this. The council will- Once he'd reached her side she ever so carefully glanced to the side to him.
"Follow my lead and you'll get what you came for."
Then, with her gloves firmly covering her hands she grabbed the cuff of his collar and pushed herself and Greivous into the chamber.
"IF YOU THINK YOU CAN CONVINCE THESE FOOLS YOU'RE MAD!" She said, pushing him into the room. The council was seated at chairs at a massive square table at the center of the room. Only one side was covered, so that the door was visable and their small banter was cut short when Roa entered the room.
"Look! Another fool to join your table!"
"Who let the Witch in here!" One man said rising from his chair. There was one seat at the center that was empty.
"A fool who believes in PEACE and TRADE!" Spitting at the floor next to Alexander's feet she cursed at him.
"What is the meaning of this!?!" The guard appeared and Roa swore at him as well.
"You're ALL FOOLS! Mad! If you think that PEACE and SUPLIES will save you you are deluded. This fool wants to give you things. Supply for free?! IN PEACE!?!"
"Detain the witch! Detain her!" Another council member cried but Roa produced another blade from behind her.
"Another step guard and you'll be bleeding to death for these fools."
"Witch, this is nonsense! Leave us! You know nothing of our neighbours or the treaties of this city. You're crazy!!" Laughing manicly at this comment the men seemed to swallow in unison.
"I'm MAD? That's what HE CALLED ME!" She said brandishing the blade. The counsil men looked to the stranger and took in his attire. Compared to the mad woman with the knife he appeared more sane.
"Any foe of yours is a friend of ours." They said with a laugh and she began to whisper words of power. Really, it was jibberish but the council men shivered at the sound of it.
"Then be cursed together. Fools..." She put the knife away and moved towards the guard, raising her voice. "ALL FOOLS!"
Slamming the door behind her she sighed, straightening out her vest and grabbing her belongings.
"Crazy witch." The guard said seeing her change in demeanor and she smirk at him.
"You havn't the faintest." Then, bringing the cloak about her shoulders she stepped outside of the courthouse and set out for the tavern.
"Forgive her," One man said as the rest sat. A smaller, younger man pulled a chair from the wall and brought it to the opposing side of the table. "She is a mad crone from the mountain forests. Roa, she calls herself has plague us for over 100 years. Her rantings in this council room have been the prelude to many a good friendships with villages near and far. We have come to find," The council man said "men she finds crazy are often the sanest and kindest we've ever met."
"Come boy, sit with us. Tell us what you ask of our small town. Our Elder is away, visiting neighbouring villages."
"He was once a travellor like yourself. Brought to our doorstep by the witch."
"A mad one she is,"
"Yes, yes." The men talked a bit amongst themselves, 9 of them in total but the leader rose his hand in silence.
"Tell us friend, from where do you come?"
"Here." He shoved the sack across the bar and Roa took it eagerly.
"No apples to sweeten the deal?" The tavern keep frowned.
"If it were a deal I might." Grinning she dropped a few coins on the counter. The man looked delighted and mildly suprized as she exited the area.
"Roa!" The merchant, from earlier came up to her ina huff, the two boys tailing in behind to see the witch.
"Your shipment. I can't house it."
"You deny me a horse and then you refuse to-"
"Wait," The Tavern keep followed her out and stood not a few steps from them. "I have a horse."
"I'm not a charity case." She countered, her old pride seeping through.
"It's wild. A theif rode it into town three nights ago. He was hanged yesterday for theivery and suspect of murder." The tavern keep said. "I was to have it butchered but the price was too high. Take the horse and we're even."
"What....?" Roa looked at the man strangely.
"You've been dealing with my family since my Grandfather was alive. Just take the damn horse." Turning on his heels he nodded to the merchant who laughed.
"You have a horse."
"I havn't a place to keep the damn thing." She said with a laugh, a smile touching her lips that not many men had seen.
"I can sell you some-"
"Mention it again and I'll cut out your tongue."
Working with the merchant she was able to set a saddle, bartered for some healing herbs, as well as a hitch and cart (which was a rental from the Merchant Bregan) for the crates she had to take.
"Bring it back within three weeks and you'll only owe... ah... just bring it back." Nodding she left the hitch where it was to return to the courthouse. She was in better spirits and until she reached the steps she was smiling. But... to keep composure she opened her pack, sat down and ate an apple the Tavern keep had slipped into the sack, waiting for Greivous of Argrus.
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Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2006 2:06 pm
High in the mountain range above the town of Kaito, Asa's tattered cloak fluttered about him as he hid the lower half of his face, he turned his head and watched the large hawk land a few yards from him.
"Why do you follow me?", he tried to ask the creature but all it did was tilt it's head at him and fly off with a shrill call. Sighing he looked back down at the town a slight rumble took his attention after he had watched a large garrison of soldiers arrive. Turning around he looked up the moutain side. An avalanche was coming, without panicing Ace pulled his shield off his back and opened up his wings dashing down the snowy mountain side he jumped onto his shield and began to slide over the snow using his wings he easily controlled his speed and direction. Weaving to one side he was out of the path of the falling snow but he turned back towards it just as he bent down and put a hand on his shield instantly it burst into flames.
Back and forth he went across in front of the avalanche his falmes melting the snow but near instantly makeing ice trenches; redirecting the snow. Nearing the village walls the threat posed my the snow had all but disappeard most likly due to the warmer weather as well. With a hard flap of his wings Asa turned and went along the walls sliding a hand along is stoney surface, picking his shield up he strapped it to his arm and hid his wings once more as he walked along the wall and with his usuall quietness he went in the main gate.
The people seemed oblivious to what had just happened but that's what Ace prefered.
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