432 replies to this topic

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

"Ah, hello..."

Lotus looked with terror at the two men, both of them glaring at him with hot fury.

?Ah... ah... this humble one wishes to see more of the city.? Lotus stuttered.

?Is that so?? the closest man spoke.

?Ah, y-y-yes,? Lotus tried to speak, edging back. The murderous look in the man's eyes were unquestionable.

?Well I gotta tell you something on my mind Mogili, something quite personal,? the man spoke, his tone beginning to shake, ?I don't particularly like you.?

?Ah, this humble one does not understand,? Lotus spoke, confused. He briefly considered performing some small feat of nature magic to stop the men in their tracks and run, but after causing the trouble of a few days ago... Lotus tried to make a run down the street, only to be swiftly grabbed.

?Then allow 'this humble one' to explain,? the man mocked, ?You see me and my friend here have had a bad history with you Mogili. I lost my father to you. And Kard, well, you're are the reason he has no tongue.?

?This humble one does not kill!? Lotus tried to reason as he struggled.

?I'm sure you do,? the man spoke as he leered his eyes at the terrified Mogili.

With that, Lotus received a punch to the face. His body fell to the ground, and it did not stay at rest. Soon, they were all upon him, punching and kicking.

They continued doing so until amidst the excruciating pain, Lotus heard some dark joke about figuring out whether he was a man or a woman. They began to tear off his belongings, his clothing that had dulled the previous hits, his pendant...

Lotus cried out in pain, trying to shout out the Kinaa word for ?help?, but the foreign syllable remained clouded in his thoughts, leaving him to desperately beg for help and mercy in his own tongue.

"Please..."

"Anyone..."


" P l e a s e . . . "




" H e l p . . . "




The pain began to dull.

Soon, all trace of sensation left Lotus.

Unconsciousness had pulled him mercifully away.

Edited by Ken the Wandering Soul, 14 July 2009 - 01:46 AM.

[Steel Samurai]

Wil lay facedown on the cold stone, his flesh poking down into the crevices of the star engraved onto the stone beneath him. The nine hooded figures still stood around him, each with their sword pointed towards Wil's back. Three of the figures stepped forward.

"The Initiate has proved his Knowledge." They spoke of the final test taken back at Dvorec, to prove a novice had learned all a Dragon Knight might need to know.

Three more stepped forward.

"The Initiate has proved his Skill." They spoke of the test against the guards at the entrance to the Temple.

The final three hooded figures stepped forward.

"Now let the initiate prove his Quality."

A tenth figure stepped out of the shadows, holding an ancient stone rod. Unlike the others, he was clad in a black hood and cloak.

"By this Rod, I mark ye a Knight of the Order of the Dragon, and such ye shall remain till every foe of peace be slain or convinced of the error of his ways. Picture ye in your mind what sign ye would show the world of your calling."

Wil concentrated on a specific image, long since carefully drawn and memorized. The stone rod was touched to the back of his head, and then, with a sudden motion, the tenth hooded figure plunged the rod through Wil's back. He grunted, but did not flinch. There was no blood. The rod seemed to simply grow out of his back. Tiny veins in the stone suddenly turned blood-red, and the polished crystal top of the rod began to slowly turn the same color as the veins.

"Bring forth the Dragon's Blood." The now ten hooded figures called in unison.

Another hooded figure came forth, clad in a red hood and cloak, and held forth a silver pitcher. He presented it to each man, save the one clad in black, whose hand was stretched forth over the top of the rod now embedded in Wil's back. When each was satisfied as to the contents, they nodded approval and took a step back, each taking his place between two of the pillars, and pointing his longsword towards the middle of the star. The red clad man completed the circle, ending where he had entered, at the pillar positioned at the northern point of the star. In that pillar was a tiny basin, which drained into the core of the pillar itself. The red-clad man slowly poured the crimson contents of the pitcher into the basin. It flowed out of the base of the pillar into the star engraved upon the floor. Soon, every channel was full. The man in the red cloak faced the man in the black cloak, straddling Wil's waist. He took the pitcher and held it at arm's length, then tipped it. One drop of blood fell from the tip, splashing onto the round top of the stone rod still embedded in Wil's back. The man in the black stepped back and thrust forth his hands. A golden, translucent band of energy spread across each of Wil's wrists and ankles. The man in the red cloak stepped back, outside the circle. Slowly, but surely, it seemed as though the blood in the channels on the floor was being sucked into Wil's body.

[JRPomazon]

As Gate sat on a large boulder on the side of the dusty road, he tried to rest his body. His body was restless however, making his efforts to restore his energy in vain. How much time had he spent lying around? A couple minutes at most. Perhaps longer. He rose from the stone and re-emerged onto the empty road and began his journey again. The trees around him were beginning to thin out as he progressed, the scenery becoming more open and less inhabited. It looked familiar. Familiar usually carried the stigma of misfortune, at least for Gate. The first time he returned to a place he visited before, there were those who carried a great ill will towards him after he had destroyed a local tavern for one of his jobs. He received enough money to live decently for several months, it was a good thing. Of course, Gate survived his second visit but made the decision that a third wasn't the best idea.

A wooden sign on the side of the road came into view. It looked old, worn from years of weather induced strain but the words remained readable.

Imperial City Kinaancha - 20 miles

Edited by JRPomazon, 14 July 2009 - 04:46 PM.

[Chukchi Husky]

The walk through the park was just what Sophia needed. It helped to clear her mind of Argyros, and soon drifted away into her own dreamworld. She imagined herself as a wild kentauride again, a creature of the forest without the worries of the civilised world. Only problem was the path, acting as a reminder of being inside this city. As she was walking along the path, looking in admiration at the woodland that even within this urban environment has managed to survive. It made her wonder, for such a place to exist the centaurs of the city haven't been completely removed from their roots.

Being from a remote land where she would spend time in the woods by herself, and not fully aware of the city around her, it came as a surprise when someone began talking to her.
"Looks like another centaur has discovered the joys of drinking."
Startled, Sophia trotted on the spot and turned to the source of the voice, which came from a dwarf. A copper dwarf, judging by the height and width, who was carrying a variety of odd trinkets or gadget in a large pack that the dwarf seemed to carry with ease.
"Oh, excuse me," replied Sophia, blushing and then giving a bow, "You caught me in a day dream."
"No need to bow, I'm not a ruler," said the dwarf. "But it wouldn't have surprised me if you were drunk. You centaurs can't handle alcohol."
"Well, you don't have to worry about that. I never drink anything alcoholic."
"You're no fun," the dwarf then got out a bottle of something foul smelling and drank from it like it was water, and then continued speaking. "You're not from the city, are you?"
"No, it's my first time in the city. I hoped it wouldn't be too obvious."
"Too obvious? You have the look of a wild kentauride, or at least one from the grasslands." The dwarf then came towards Sophia, "Judging by your size and build, you're from a rural breed, used to wilderness, better endurance and much stronger hooves than the ones that live here."
Sophia smiled, "I never thought I'd meet a dwarf experienced with centaurs."
"Oh, I've spent much of my time in the company of centaurs," The dwarf then took another gulp of the odd liquid, "They're fascinating animals, at least compared to other not dwarves."
Sophia swished her tail. The comment about centaurs being animals didn't bother her, but it made her glad that a dwarf has a fascination with centaurs. "You're quite an unusual dwarf. It fills me with delight knowing one of your kind finds us fascinating."
The dwarf gave a short laugh, "That's an odd way of putting it. Have you met the centaurs here yet?"
"I met one already. He acted as a guide for me, but thought I needed curing from the wild."
"Don't let that put you off. Only a few are like that, trying too hard to forget their wild origins and act civilised. Planning on staying here long?"
"Oh, I don't know. I thought about leaving soon, but I might stay a while longer."
"If you do stay longer, you should be more careful. The centaurs shouldn't be a problem, but I can't say much for the other not dwarves." Again, the dwarf briefly stopped to drink some more, "They're not so... understanding, if you get my meaning."
That last comment the dwarf made merely fed into the fears she had about the city so far "You make it sound like I should only stay in this neighbourhood."
"Oh no, go visit the rest of the city. Better stay in more open areas though. Plenty of parks and gardens if that interests you, places to eat if you get hungry." Once more, the dwarf drank some more of the drink, "As for me, I best be going. A centaur here wants some dwarven advice on engineering. Farewell, wild mare."
As the dwarf was about to leave, Sophia spoke up once more, "Before you leave, may I ask what you're drinking?"
"Oh, this?" The dwarf held up the drink, "It's only my ale. A drop of it will knock out a centaur."

And then the dwarf left, headed towards the centaur neighbourhood. Sophia thought about going back to the neighbourhood later, but for now she stayed in the park and followed the path.

[Steel Samurai]

Faint red marks began appearing on Wil's back, increasing in intensity with each passing moment. Slowly but surely, they began to form the image Wil had focused on earlier. His body writhed in agony as the Dragon's Blood coursed through his flesh, seeking the surface. Sweat poured from his naked body, creating dark spots on the grey stone beneath him. Slowly, the hooded figures around him began chanting:

Father Wyrme, Mother Sun

We have gathered here this day

To witness the birth of a Dragon


Give him wisdom, Give Him strength

Let his fire ignite the hearts of all

To peace for the nations.


But if listen they do not

Let his blade strike swift and true

Turn the Dove into a Beast


Raise this Baby Dragon

To sacrifice his peace for that of others

Raise him now, a Knight.


With the final word, the figure clad in black stepped forward and pulled the rod from Wil's back, leaving a gaping wound, which, surprisingly, did not bleed a whit. Tendrils of flesh stretched across the wound, healing it at a rate impossible for a normal human. The Dragon's blood was still fresh in his body. Had Wil's arm been severed from his shoulder as he was now, the blood would have regenerated a new one in a matter of hours, at the cost of immense pain. But the accelerated healing would not last. In three days, the blood, now still hot from the dragon's veins, would cool, leaving Wil to heal only about ten percent quicker than the average man.

Wil lay on the floor, panting. He opened his eyes and looked up. The hooded figure in black stepped back, in surprise. He had not expected it from this one. Not with the reports they had received of him from Dvorec. Wil's irises were blood red. Perhaps this would make things easier. Perhaps not. Regardless, they couldn't have a scene here and now. He nodded to one of the other men in white. He stepped forward, and brought the hilt of his blade down on Wil's head. Hard. And then, to Wil, there was nothingness.

[Sephrenia Katrov]

Sephrenia collapsed into an alley, frustrated. She didn?t know what she?d been expecting when she?d just wandered off looking for some ?wind? to catch her, but thus far, she?d gotten nowhere. Except hungry. She scowled as her stomach grumbled. What was she even looking for? She wasn?t sure. She leaned her head back against a wall, allowing her cloak to fall over her eyes. At least she could see. Although, in this city, she wasn?t sure that was a blessing.

She tried to organize her thoughts. She casted them back to home. What was she searching for? She didn?t know. Her only clue was ?humans?. Humans that changed everything for her people. But how could she find them? She didn?t know. She had few clues, only the impression that what she was trying to get herself caught up in ran much deeper than a band of people seeking to thin out her village. So where to begin? There it was again; she didn?t know. She bit her lip in consternation.

Something caught her eye at the head of the alley. She glanced up to see a man dressed in blue embroidered silk, long cloak pinned with what appeared to be a crest. She caught his gaze and was taken aback. Even from a distance, his grey eyes were clear. She had the impression that a storm was forming behind them. The uncomfortable hunger in her stomach grew into uncomfortable anticipation. Here it is.

She hurried to her feet as he stepped away, rushed to the head of the alley. Tried to, rather. She tripped over her cloak as she stood. By the time she reached the street, she could no longer see him. Her stomach sank. Strangely, she wondered if it was sinking with relief. Something about the man made her nervous. But she felt that he would have been a start. She stood there with indecision for only a moment before beginning to dodge through the crowd after him.

[JRPomazon]

Gate knew exactly where he was going. He wasn't aimlessly wondering back into the grand city he had just escaped from, the city with the criminals who said they would kill him if he ever returned. It didn't matter, he could take care of himself. He felt a pull bringing him back, a reason of sorts. It was . . . new. He needed new clothes, he current outfit was covered in holes and rips. It wasn't that Gate had a sense of fashion, it was the fact that he clothes could get in the way of protecting himself if the need arises. All it could take was a hook to snag him for just a second and then the end. He had done in a man in such a fashion before, so it made sense to him.

He had no money left, he spent all of it on new daggers or he lost it in the woods he just got out of. Either way, he didn't have it. He would have to pay Speedwagon and his employer Turisas a visit. Another sign appeared before Gate:

Imperial City Kinaancha - 14 miles

[Steel Samurai]

Wil opened his eyes and looked up to see a vaulted marble ceiling towering above him. A cool wetness spread over his forehead. He reached up and took the damp cloth away, then turned and sat up. His legs dangled off the edge of the bed. Odd. He got down, bare feet clapping against smooth stone, and looked at the bed from a distance. It was huge. At least ten feet long and six feet wide. Wil looked around him. He was in a massive room, easily the size of a cathedral of moderate proportions. Beds lined the walls, each with crisp, new linens, but he seemed to be the only one in the room. A clatter came from behind him, and he turned to see a willowy, fair Light Elf come from the room behind him. Wil bowed deeply, and the elf smiled as if there was some joke only she knew of, and curtseyed in return. It was then that Wil realized that he was still quite naked. He turned beet red.

"Lady, I beg you forgive me for my current state."

"Your pleas for pardon are most unnecessary, Sir Wilhelm von Schlieffen. Indeed, I am here to give you clothes to change into. The council requested that they see you as soon as you felt well enough to be moving about." She set a fresh set of clothes on the bed, and turned while he changed, an action which made little sense, but made Wil feel much less self conscious.

"I am ever so sorry about the size of the bed, but you are much too big for the regular beds, so we had to use the one made for treating werewolves and trolls, and the like."

"Not at all, my Lady." Wil pulled up the linen trousers and turned to her as he began to button up the silk shirt. "You obviously know my name, but I fear I do not know yours, my Lady."

"How rude of me. I am Miriel, daughter of Forlonis."

Wil's eyes widened. King Forlonis was the monarch of Valanda, one of the last Elven kings left with any power. The Kingdom of Valanda was an ancient country, and very influential throughout Sharom, located at a point central to the entire eastern half of the continent. He quickly took a knee. The formal bow of earlier was a deep sign of respect or gratitude for a commoner, and quite sufficient for any nobility in the Fenti plains, but an Elven Princess was another matter entirely.

"Forgive me for my rudeness, your highness."

She laughed, her voice sounding like a tinkling bell. "Rise, Sir Wil. I am not offended, nor, I think, do you even need to give me more than a bow while we are here."

Wil slowly rose.

"In any case, Sir Knight, I think it best if you go to the council chambers now."

"Thank you, your highness. For your help. Many things I wish to ask you, but, I shall see you again?"

"I imagine if you look hard enough you will, indeed, be able to do so." She smiled.

"Then, with your leave, I shall go to the council."

"You need not seek my leave in your own territory, Sir Knight. But thank you for asking. It is indeed granted."

Wil bowed again, turned, and left.

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

Fire was all around.

That was all that there was.

That was all that would be.

The lone figure laid there helpless.

Fire was all around.

There was no way out.

He was alone.

He hoped this was not a vision of death.

Fire was all around.

He hoped that this was a dream.

Something that may end.

This was a field of death.

Fire was all around.

H e l p . . .

[Ransom]

(hey folks. Finally made a first post. And if you havent read my character's bio.)




For a theoretical ruler of two countries, and the royal heir to the throne of another, Prince Longinus of Quin hadn?t really travelled much.

But that didnt mean he was excited.

They had traversed 200 leagues on the Great Road all the way to Kinaancha, crossing 3 borders and the Fenti plains in their entirety. Longinus? first real journey.

Predictably, the prince found the whole business incredibly dull. At first the prospect of some real world travel was exciting, and he had always desired to examine the remains of the Kinaani Empire. What had the culture been reduced to, after such a fall?

But after 3 days of farms, the occasional farming village and more farms, Longinus grew bored. Bored enough to forsake his horse and lock himself up in his carriage for practically the entire journey.

But he didn?t waste time. Longinus never wasted time.

His steam-iron carriage became a portable war-room. He examined maps, wrote letters, and hatched plans. He even brushed up on his history, studying both the annals of Kinaan and any information he could find about the DragonLords.

He already knew all of it, but he had always thought it extremely necessary to know your enemy well. Or your ally.

In this case it was neither. He knew not the status of his summoners to his political position. Did they support his takeover of Drojok or didn?t they? Were they intimidated or thrilled by his ambitions?
He knew this meeting was about trade agreements, but was it really necessary for him to appear to them in person?
No, the DragonLords must have an ulterior motive.

He didn?t think it was assassination; they seemed much too multi-dimensional to just kill him off. Not to mention, it wouldn?t solve their problem. Exports of silver, iron and gold would still be halted from Drojok until they appointed a new leader, which could take anywhere from a month to a year with their election system.
Not to mention the certainty of a Kilord invasion if he was killed.

But maybe they didn?t know that?

Not possible. An organisation as old as crafty as the Dragon Knights would have spies and information sources all over the world.

But it didn?t matter. He had taken all the necessary precautions. The party that left from Qi were more than well equipped. With 40 of the Quinian Royal Guard on Horseback and 60 Drojekian foot soldiers, they were adequately protected from anything less than an army. Six steam aided carriages and thirty packhorses accompanied them, bearing supplies and a generous number of gifts to present to the Dragon Lords.

Guns mostly.

Quin was famous for its signature long range rifle, a technology that was only emulated by the Dwarves, but not favoured by them. Anything that could kill from such a safe distance was seen as cowardly by most Dwarven cultures.

However, a battalion of trained Quinian long range riflemen could turn the tide in any battle, and Longinus knew the Dragon Lords were smart enough not to let something as fickle as honour cloud their judgement when it came to war.

Even with all this protection, the prince didn?t feel entirely safe. He needed a bodyguard, and a good one. He had trialed a few mercenaries back in Drojok, but none fit the profile he wanted. He needed someone an unstoppable, a man who would not only defend him but ruthlessly ensure that any slight chance of a threat would dine in hell before they could even think about touching him.
He needed a DragonKnight. The legends of their skills and warlike prowess named them unparalled. It was perfect.
And this convoy was his chance.

In the meantime however, other precautions had to be made.

He had decided that a decoy must ride into the city in his place, donning the Royal Sword and posing as the beloved crown prince of Quin.

He would ride in the guard of course. Longinus wasn?t missing his opportunity to finally get a glimpse of mankind?s greatest city. The echoes of The Kinaani empire.

He had always held a fascination for cities. Architechtural grandeur signifed succes of a civilization to him.
Leave something that lasts. A mantra he devotedly repeated in his mind.

Though Kinaan was almost directly North from Quin, the only easy way to the island was through the space between the Aani Mountains and the Chanda Woods. From their they could cross the Great Bridge to Dirinkor, and then sail to the Kinaan mainland.
This meant a direct north-eastern trajectory straight through the prosperous nation of Bontehr. They would spend a short time in Urik'la, and then travel up through Doorakra into Gorend.

When they reached the Orc nation of Urik'la and it's capital city, Gror'na'shamdarg, Longinus saw the opportunity for a political move.

The capital of Urik'la was built around the old fortress of Cha'Shor, where the lord of Gror'na'shamdarg resided. Once a mighty defensive blockade for the Kinaani empire, it was now the palace of Tankorg IV, the man his people called ?The true lord of Cha.?

Thanks to an upfront gift of thirty Quinian rifles, Longinus was received well. Lord Tankorg had heard of him, and was pleased with the exploits and fame of so young a ruler.
He was charmed by a personal demonstration of one of the rifles, and finally of the offer of an exclusive trade agreement.

Tankorg accepted, particularly impressed that he had ?travelled so far, to personally speak with the true Lord of Cha!?

Longinus continued to stroke the man's ego until they were invited to stay to rest before the journey back. The prince was even offered a ship for his desired ?leisurely visit? to Kinaancha.

Everything was going perfectly. His men were happy and well fed, he had made an advantageous trade agreement on the fly, and he would gazing upon the great towers of Kinaancha in less than a month.

Ah, success.




The only way things could get any better now was a night with a few of Tankorg's hand-picked human servant girls...

Edited by Ransom, 16 August 2009 - 05:44 AM.

[Steel Samurai]

Wil walked across the crisp, green lawn to the Dragon Temple, his bare feet embracing the delicious coolness of the grass. A short, balding man clad in black armor approached him.

"Hail, Sir Wilhelm. I am Lord Rogyar, Eustacius Fulgorn of Gorend. Well met."

"Hail, Lord Rogyar. How may this humble knight serve the cause of peace?"

The Dragon Lords are each given a title when raised to the council, inherited from whatever Lord retired or passed on to open room for them. Officially, the titles mean something, each representing the area over which that Dragon Lord has jurisdiction. However, many of them have become redundant with the passing of the Kinaani Empire, and serve no real purpose. The three titles that retain most of their significance are that of Kinaaryu, or Arbiter of the Council, Toryenrusa, or Treasurer of the Order, and Rogyar, the Dragon Lord responsible for leading the entire Order into battle, during times in which war comes.

"The cause of peace shall serve you, should you let it."

Wil narrowed his eyes. Something about that sounded wrong.

"I beg your pardon, Lord?"

"A misspeak, a misspeak. Think nothing more of it."

Wil doubted that that would be the case.

"I shall do my best, Lord."

"I have come to escort you to the Council. They are waiting for you, now."

"Of course, Lord. Thank you, Lord."

Rogyar led the way across the grass back to the Temple of the Dragon.

[Ransom]

Longinus was disappointed in Kinaancha.

It had the bustling crowds, the rich culture, the towers that reached to the clouds... it was all so very breathtaking.
But something was missing that was eating away at the edge of the prince's mind.

Why was he not intimidated by this place? Where was the impressive grandeur of the civilization of Kinaani? The rich and dominant attitude of a people who had owned the world? Where was the fierce and ruthless maw of the greatest empire that ever existed?

In short, Longinus had excepted to have met his match in Kinaancha. A city that would represent all that he aspires to. A civilization that would prove frightening and challenging simultaneously. A people that could finally best him and push him to his absolute limits.

But it was not to be. Kinaancha was by all impressions a seminal feat of humankind, but it was broken. The empire's demise had brought this city down to a terrible flatness of being. It was filled with miles of slums and gangland. Disorganised crime was rank, as were petty racial and territorial gang wars. Dwarven run factories and elven storehouses lines its borders, clogging the air with an unpleasant thickness. The rich were segregated from the poor, and the huge palaces were walled off defensively, as if shutting off the rest of the world.

It felt like any other city, any other town or province. Just bigger. That was all. An extension of something achieved a million times over.

Kinaancha had lost its soul. It was hollow.


As longinus rode, somewhere in the middle of the lines of royal guards, he could feel this oppression of spirit, this yield to fate. It discouraged him.

This was the greatest city of mankind and the cultural centre of the human world? He had always been proud of being human for the very reason that when they worked together (under the right leader) they could achieve anything.

Nothing of that spirit seemed to be left.

For a brief moment this even made him doubt his own goals... Is gaining the world worth a penny if it has no spirit left?


They marched on, their large procession attracting quite a crowd as they travelled deeper into the city.

Longinus was finding the decoy plan extremely frustrating. As the crowd waved excitedly, he couldnt help but feel a potent anxiety for what the crowd's impressions of his replacement were. What were the people thinking of the way this imposter held himself? Did they approve of his clumsy wave, and stupid smile as he greeted them?
Were they taking him as just another naive young noble?

No, his decoy, a Drojekian soldier, wasnt doing a very good job, just riding through the crowds like it was just another summer's day. His riding technique wasnt even up to scratch! And the way he fidgeted with the reins was ghastly!

It was really a shame he was the only man with red hair tall enough to make a convincing him. What does a common foot soldier know about being royal?
This would not do. He would have to find some way that he would be able to traverse the town again, but as his true self. Surely the people would not see to much of a difference and forgive him for his previous unfashionable entrance.

Maybe he could just announce that he had been drunk.


Actually It wouldn't have surprised him if his incompetent decoy was.

But still they made ground through the bustling packed streets of the city, slowly plodding to their destination. As instructed, the mercenaries dispersed into Inns and taverns as they went, eager to blow all their pay on a hearty meal or wench. The Dragon Temples accomodation, although generous, was only promised for Longinus and his royal guard, no one else would be admitted.

As they made their way through the city, the sun started to sink on the horizon, it would be evening soon.


Finally, the dusk-lit steps of the Dragon Temple were upon them.

It was time to see what the true Lords of Kinaan were made of.

Edited by Ransom, 17 August 2009 - 11:33 AM.

[JRPomazon]

It was a blessing that a carriage would happen to travel on the road, it would have been at least another day of walking if it hadn't come by. Gate let go of the wheel axles on bottom of the steel carriage as it traveled through the city, finally free of the immense heat that was given off my the vehicle. It wasn't too bad, at least for Gate to handle. Once again, he found himself in the streets of the imperial city. Gate was aware that due to his last meeting with the mobster Turisas that there would be those who would feel obligated to take his life. It made sense, he made a fool of the man and damaged pride is a groom to revenge. It didn't matter, he would cut any man who became a hazard to his survival. That's how he always did things and not even Turisas would change his mind.

[Steel Samurai]

Wil followed Lord Rogyar into a back entrance of the Dragon Temple, directly up a winding stone staircase.

"This is the fastest way into the council chambers. Don't bother with the grand staircase at the front, it's there mostly for visitors."

Up and up they went, climbing higher and higher into the temple, passing doors to other levels. Finally, they reached a small, plain wooden door.

"Head through there. I have one more level to go."

"Thank you for your help, Lord."

Lord Rogyar turned and gave Wil a hearty, genuine smile. "No trouble, Sir Wilhelm. I like to get to know all of the Knights I may one day need to command."

Wil touched two fingers to his forehead, the closest thing the Order of the Dragon had to a salute, turned, and opened the door. He emerged in a small hallway, lined by marble benches with plush, red velvet cushions. This was the antechamber, then. At one end of the hall was an open arch, the grand staircase visible just beyond it. On the other end was a large, heavily fortified door that lead, Wil was sure, to the council chambers themselves. On one side of the door there was a desk, a comely young maiden attending it, seemingly asleep. Wil stepped up to the desk. She was snoring. He cleared his throat. No response. He rapped on the table, softly. Still nothing. He rapped again, with what he meant to be only slightly more force. The table cracked, and a resounding THUMP rang out in the hallway. The maiden started, rubbed her eyes, and looked up at Wil sleepily.

"'O're you?"

"Knight of the Order of the Dragon, Sir Wilhelm von Schlieffen, of Heinenschaach, here to see the council as requested." He unconcsciously stood straighter as he gave his title for the first time.

"Oh, right." The girl turned lazily and slid open a small piece of wood covering a rectangular hole, just wide enough to see through with both eyes, in the wall next to her. She could see only the council's scribe, who looked up at the sound of the wood moving. When he saw her eyes, he nodded, slightly.

"Oright. You kin go in, I s'pose."

Wil bowed, turned, grasped the iron ring on the door, and turned. What an odd girl. Not the sort've person one would normally see serving the Order. The door swung open, and Wil stepped in, then gasped at the sight which met his eyes.

[Chukchi Husky]

Resuming her travels in the city, Sophia trotted down the pathway through the park and ended up coming to one of the main roads in the city. Where the park path and the road met was a restaurant with open air seating facing the park. At the moment it was somewhat busy, seemingly a popular destination for various people of different races. Maybe she'll return later, when she is hungry.

Following the road, she discovered it wasn't as crowded as she thought. The lack of crowds didn't bother her much, but it made her curious as to why they disappeared. Maybe it was the time of day, or some sort of event. At least for now it would make her feel less uncomfortable for the time being. Without the crowds, it was more calm, but not as much as the walk through the park.

As she travelled down the road, there was a sound coming from one of the streets that branched off the road. Sophia then approached the source of the sound while remaining distant. Two humans attacking another, who appeared unconscious. She was warned of the violence that happens in the city, and it made her wonder, what kind of creatures these humans were, attacking a defenceless person of their own race. She thought that a centaur would never do anything as low as attack another. There were no guards around, why there wasn't one to stop this she didn't know. She could wait for one to appear, or even go to find one, but by then the victim could be dead.

Despite the advise she was given, she went down the street. Maybe the sound of her hooves would scare the attackers away.

After a short gallop down the street, Sophia came up to the victim, the attackers left just before she arrived. She approached the victim, discovering he was still alive but unconscious, but there was something odd with him. The markings on his body and most likely his belongings scattered nearly, he wasn't from the city, but one of the Mogili tribesmen. Why one of them would be here she didn't know, but it wasn't the time to wonder. He needed help.

First she gathered up the Mogili's belongings, mostly torn up clothing and an odd pendant, and placed them nearby for now. Then, she lowered herself next to the Mogili, and slowly moved him onto her equine back and used a spare belt to hold him in place. Next, she got the belongings, tied them in a bundle and put them away for now, and then set off, hoping to find a place of healing.

It had been a while since she attempted to carry someone on her back. Horses did it easy enough, so could a centaur she thought. The Mogili wasn't too heavy, which made it easier. She may have gotten some odd looks, it wasn't everyday that you say a centaur carry someone like a horse, but they didn't bother her too much. For now her mind was occupied with finding healing for the Mogili.

Before long, she came upon a hospital. It may not be the best, but this hospital was run by a charity, and hopefully won't turn down a Mogili. When she entered the hospital, a volunteer working as an orderly came to Sophia.
"A centaur carrying a... Mogili? A strange sight I don't think I'd ever see." The orderly said in an almost surprised but calm tone..
"He's unconscious," Sophia replied, "Ruffians assaulted him, but they fled before I found him."
"Come with me," the orderly spoke, and then he walked though a doorway. Sophia followed the orderly and entered a room full of beds, some of them occupied. The orderly stopped next to an empty bed, and when Sophia came next to the bed, the orderly helped to take the Mogili off her back and onto the bed.
"We'll try to heal him," the orderly said. "We try to take care of everyone, there's no discrimination here. Thank you for bringing him to the hospital."
Sophia smiled and bowed, "I fear what may happen if I never brought him here and merely left him."
"There's no need to worry now. May I ask for your name?"
"Of course, it's Sophia."
"Sophia, far worse could've happened if you never arrived when you did. A doctor will come to him soon. As for me there are others I need to attend."
The orderly then rushed off. Sophia got out the Mogili's belongings and placed them next to the bed. Now that someone could heal him, she left the hospital, but planned to stay nearby. After rescuing the Mogili, she felt a responsibility over his life. Maybe she'll return to the restaurant for now, but would visit the hospital again.

Edited by Chukchi Husky, 26 August 2009 - 06:27 AM.

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

In the dream, the fires had continued without stopping. The fires burned everything. The fires burned all that lived in a senseless rage.

In the dream, he cried out to have the fires stop, to have it all stop burning. The rain was brought by heavy storm clouds that came to loom overhead. The rain was a downpour, putting out the fires and relieving him. The rain never stopped coming down. The rain drowned everything.

In the dream, he cried out to have the rain stop, to stop everything from drowning.

In the dream, he wished that the blue sky would come...

~

Lotus's conciousness started to break back into the real world. It happened slowly, his senses straining to engage themselves. The dull pain was unfortunately the first thing to come to him, but luckily other sensations came in to distract him.

After what felt like the longest time, with background noise all around him, when two voices came to the fore.

"So this is it, the womanish looking one here?"

"Yeah, some human from the Mogili Tribesmen. Brought in a by some centaur."

"Huh. Well, did this one have anything interesting on him?"

"Eh, most of the usual traveler's stuff. He did have this interesting looking pendant."

"So, could we--"

"I would not. Apparently, the good Princess has taken an interest in him."

"What? Why would she be interested in some wandering Mogili?"

"Beats me, but as long as her eye is on him, her eye is on anything else he owns, so touching anything of his would be... unwise."

Lotus, still trying wake completely up, could only barely make the conversation about him. Even as the conversation from the two orderlys registered in his ears, his half-awake mind could only translate vaguely what was being said, but his mind became further excited when a beautiful, new voice came inbetween the first two.

"How is he?" the new voice spoke.

"Dunno, doesn't seem to have changed much. Pretty much just been--" one of the first two spoke.

"Wait, look at his eyes!" the second interrupted.

Lotus's eyes had begun to flutter open, his tired eyes trying to come into focus.

"This humble one..."

The self-deprecating words tumbled out of Lotus' mouth without further thought of what to say, his mind still trying to sort itself out.

"He speaks Kinaa," the first voice spoke with surprise.

"We don't need these then?" the second voice spoke, picking up something in his hand.

"No," the newcomer spoke, "It would be unwise to assume he knows Kinaa perfectly. Keep the books on hand just in case."

"As you wish Lady Miriel."

[Renegade]

Alabast shot straight up, sweat soaked his clothes and covered his face.

Another nightmare...How long have I been imprisoned here..4...no 5 days?

"I wish someone would tell me something..Let me know why I'm here.."

With that he rolled over on the cot and went back to sleep.

[Arato]

Arato had followed the soldiers who had captured Alabast all the way back to the gates of the Imperial City, but once inside he had lost them in the crowd. He had to be extra careful not to be recognized and the city's first impression on him had not been a good one. He did not want to stay any longer than necessary, not with all the other still out in the woodlands somewhere.

He guessed they had taken Alabast to a prison or some sort of containment cell at least, but he did not even know where to begin.

Food. The thought crossed his mind that he hadn't eaten in days. He needed food. How would he get food, he had no money left. He had no way of making money.
Steal it, the though occurred to him.
No, stealing is wrong, period.
But it will be so easy for you, no one needs to know...
But it's wrong
----------------------------------------------------
It was the first time Arato had ever stolen, he felt sick to his stomach even though he had only eaten a couple apples and some bread.
It may have been wrong, but he needed food and he couldn't risk asking around and being recognized as one of the trouble makers. It was necessary, and at least he hadn't ran into any trouble yet.

He had spent a few nights on the streets but he wanted something better. Picking the pocket of a local townsperson had been easier than he thought and he spent the money on a room in the nearest inn. As he slept, it donned on him... Arato was alone again. No Xavier to keep him company, no friends or family to talk to. He was truly alone, and he enjoyed it.

[JRPomazon]

The brothel that he visited before smelt terrible, the aroma of cheep perfume, sweat and who knows what covered the building like a veil of pestilence. It must of have a special night. Gate decided to walk around the back of the building, the girls could have been used to watch out of him. It was unusually clean for a back alley, no excess filth or rot. Seemed that Turisas cared about his property. Lurking in the shadows and remaining unseen was essential here, no use being seen until it was beneficial.

There was a lantern above the back door and a man guarding said door. He looked big, almost familiar. A moment passed. It was Kravitz, the man Gate took down previously. That juggernaut would be nothing but a push over. Gate shook his sleeve, a pair of daggers slid into his hand. Whether or not he would kill the man this time was still a mystery.

[Renegade]

"Come with me" a gruff voice had said.

Alabast only sat there for a minute, then stood up and followed the guard.

Finally something is happening to me thought Alabast.

[Chukchi Husky]

When Sophia left the hospital, the thoughts on her mind were still focused on the Mogili. What would bring a Mogili to the Imperial City of Kinaancha? Possibly the same reason I?m here, she thought, but it was still something that bothered her. Maybe she would find out more once the Mogili is awake and well, but for now he was unconscious in a hospital. She felt there was more she could do to help him, more she should have done. If only I arrived to save him earlier. Now he was in the care of the healers. Perhaps later she will return to see him, or someone from the hospital will find her once he is awake.

For now, it was back to travelling through the city. Other thoughts came to her. She needed to eat and find a place to sleep. It seemed simple enough, travel back to the centaur stable inn, and on the way eat something at the restaurant. A city this size must serve all kinds of exquisite cuisine at it?s many different restaurants.

She began to trot down the lowly street from the hospital, heading back to the main road and then the restaurant. She looked towards the sky, and saw the sun beginning it?s descent. Soon it will be dark, and a city like this is probably not the best place for a young kentauride to find herself at night.

Trotting down the road, she could see the crowds have returned. Whatever caught their attention before had stopped and they went back to their normal routine. A few of the people in the crowds, especially the males, looked at her as she past them. She could almost feel those leering eyes on her body, something she thought she may never become accustomed. Of course those looks were expected, she was a kentauride, even to the humans she was an attractive, beautiful creature.

On the way back to the restaurant she passed a tavern. Not a place that would normally interest her, except when she walked past, a voice came from the direction of the tavern. A voice she thought was directed to her, ?Hey, you?re one of those horse people, aren?t you??

Sophia looked towards the tavern. Outside was a man, an apparently well travelled human, sitting with his fellow humans next to an outdoor table, She gently trotted towards him, and once close, asked him, ?Horse people??

?Yes, I met a few before,? he replied, ?But you?re the first horse girl I?ve seen.?

?I never thought horse girls existed," a second man said.

Then the first men made a comment, ?Looks like a rancher got busy with his prized mare,? and then gave a short laugh.

A third man then spoke up, ?Don?t be stupid,? he said to the second man, ?And don?t call them ?horse people?, she?s a centaur,? he said to the first man. He then began to talk to Sophia, ?Forgive my friends,? he said, ?They have no idea how to speak to a pretty lady, including ones of our race. Their experience with ladies is only limited to those they pay, I?m afraid.?

Sophia bowed towards this third man. ?You seem to have more sense than your friends, good sir.?

The man got out of his seat. ?No, fair maiden, I should be the one bowing. for being in the presence of a beauty such as yourself.? He then bowed in front of Sophia, gently picked up her front right leg, kissed her above the hoof, and returned to his seat. She let the kiss pass for now. For all she knew, this strange gesture was a custom. This man was trying to be chivalrous, even if only to impress his friends or even to charm her.

Sophia asked, ?Are you a knight, good sir??

The men laughed when they heard that. ?No, fair maiden. I and my friends are mercenaries, our loyalties lie only to those willing to pay.? Mercenaries, rogues, that might explain his behaviour. She would need to be careful around them. The third man continued to talk, ?Tell me, fair maiden, I can tell you?re not from this city. Are you a centaur princess from some far away woodland realm??

Sophia giggled and blushed when she heard that, ?You think I?m a princess?? She could not help but blush. It seemed everyone she met made a comment about her beauty, but being called a princess? The idea filled her with romantic visions, like those from the stories she read when younger. But, like his chivalrous behaviour, the mercenary may have said it simply to charm her.

?Surely a beautiful creature such as yourself must be descended from a royal line,? the man replied.

?Oh, no, good sir. I?m not of a royal line. Centaurs have no royalty. I only come from a stable in the wilderness of the grasslands?

?Please, fair maiden, call me Gnaesus,? he replied. ?And I must say the wild has certainly made you nature?s most blessed daughter.?

Now it was more obvious. If this mercenary is trying to charm her, she would need to be more careful around him. Evening will arrive soon, and she wanted to go somewhere safe before dark. ?Thank you,? she said to him, ?For a human you are... enchanting, but I?m afraid I cannot stay for longer.?

?Oh, now you?ve done it,? interrupted one of the other men, speaking to Gnaesus, ?You scared off the horse girl.? It seems this man will always call centaurs ?horse people?.

?No, I doubt I scared the fair maiden,? Gnaesus replied to the man, and then returned to speaking with Sophia, ?May I ask why you must leave us??

Sophia thought she should at least say some of the truth. ?Well, if you really want to know, I haven?t eaten since I came to the city earlier, and it will be dark soon.?

After Sophia finished speaking, Gnaesus turned to the other men and began to speak amongst themselves. She wondered if telling them that she planned to leave was a bad idea. Before long Gnaesus turned back to speak to her, ?Fair maiden, we would rather enjoy your company for longer and if you gladly honour us with your presence will kindly offer to order a meal fit for a beauty such as yourself.?

Now he offered to buy her some food, a tempting offer for any hungry centaur. ?Are you sure? You should know that centaurs have two stomachs.?

?That?s not a problem. I?m well aware of your kind?s... eating habits.? The other men snickered after hearing this. Probably laughing at the idea that centaurs eat like horses, and as much as horses. ?Don?t worry about the other men. I?ll make sure they won?t behave in an inappropriate manner. Perhaps the experience will be valuable to them.?

Maybe it?s not the best idea to eat with these... humans, but if what Gnaesus said was true then there should be no problems. If any problems with them do arise, then they can answer to her hind hooves. ?I did plan to visit a restaurant I passed earlier.?

?Then we shall go there, if you wish,? interrupted Gnaesus. He seemed determined to be in her company for longer.

Sophia thought there was no way to convince him otherwise. ?Alright,? she said, ?But you should at least know my name. It?s Sophia.?

?Thank you, Sophia," he replied, ?We shall leave for the restaurant now, unless the other men are unfinished here.? he then turned to the other men. Both of them got out of their seats, and one of them made a comment, ?I finished before she came here.? Gnaesus then got out of his seat and resumed speaking with Sophia, ?We?re ready to leave. As none of us know this restaurant, we will follow your lead.?

Sophia merely smiled in reply. Once the men got out and stood by her, she began a slow trot, slow enough for a human to keep up a walking pace. All she knew that this man was clearing in awe of her, and that he offered to buy her a meal. She never thought anything bad will happen from this encounter.

[Steel Samurai]

Fifty stone dragons, with eyes of precious gems and teeth of gold, glared across the room at Wil, who stood on a marble platform projecting out into black nothingness. The room itself seemed far larger than the building would have permitted. Wil looked nervously across the gap to the Dragons, fashioned so that a platform with a chair pointed directly towards the stone platform Wil stood on. For some of the sculptures the platform was on the arm of the dragon, others the back, and still others inside the gaping mouth of the dragon itself. Close by the platform was a small stone door, cleverly carved into the sculpture itself. Only around half of the seats were filled. Wil knew that the number of the Dragon Lords was very close to fifty as things stood; the rest must be out on other missions or duties.

Three of the dragons were central, directly across from the stone platform. Wil assumed these were for the Kinaaryu, Toryenrusa, and Rogyar. But there was only one man in the room to whom Wil's eyes were drawn. He sat atop the head of the largest dragon in the room, a dragon with eyes of jet. Though seated, Wil could tell that he was nearly as tall as Wil himself, and, though clad only in the plain white robe of the Dragon Lords, seemed far more dangerous than Lord Rogyar or any of the armored Knights Wil had met yet. His flowing red hair well trimmed goatee, flecked by grey, framed a weathered face and detached, calculating blue eyes. The amulet of black steel around his neck, the Heart of the Dragon, would have told even the newest of the Order who this man was, but even without it, Wil would have known. He was the Lord Kinaaryu. Doreken Virken Apollo Saul. Arbiter of the Order of the Dragon. Former ruler of the Island of Skond, off the coast of Skye. One of the most powerful men on the continent. Wil's eyes met his, and their gazes locked, for a moment. The arrival of Lord Rogyar, in the seat next to Lord Kinaaryu's, broke their gaze, but Wil knew he had just been measured.

Toryenrusa called the meeting to order, and a clerk seated on a platform to the right and slightly above Wil's began to take notes of all that was said and done. Lord Rogyar spoke first.

"Hail, Sir Wilhelm von Schlieffen, Knight of the Order of the Dragon and Kavaliere of Heinenschaach." The "Kavaliere" title was given to all of noble birth in Heinenschaach who had no further rank.

Wil knelt, head bowed, right hand clenched in a fist above his heart, left hand likewise clenched behind his back. The Dragon Knight salute, used only when addressing Dragon Lords in an official context. Should a knight be in the presence of a foreign head of state or nobility, a number of factors would determine whether a bow or salute was used. Primarily, the custom of the country. If bowing or saluting the noble in question was symbolically placing the Knight under his authority, none would be used. On the other hand, if said bow or salute was merely a sign of respect, then the Knight would bow or salute in whatever was was traditional in the country. This occasionally led to problems, as, in a dispute between two countries, one would have a bow that meant respect, and in another, a bow meant subservience. The Knight would thus bow to one and not the other, creating a false impression of partiality. However, this was a necessary evil, and usually resolved quickly.

"Hail, Lords of the Dragon Council. What does the Order and the cause of peace require of me?"

"Rise, Sir Wilhelm." This was Lord Kinaaryu.

Wil stood tall, gazing up at the army of Dragons around him.

"We have a task for you. It will require great skill and diplomacy . . ."

Edited by Steel Samurai, 09 November 2009 - 08:37 PM.

[JRPomazon]

Killing the thug wasn't a smart idea. One person goes missing and their might be more complications than he cared to make. Take out the lantern, let darkness provide the path. Gate threw his daggers at the loosely hanging light, the glass shattering softly under Kravitz as the light went out. Gate sprung into action, his movements now unnoticed. As the large man moved away from his post to shake the shards off his person, Gate entered the brothel fro the back. Kravitz noticed someone slip inside and chased after them. As he opened the door himself, he noticed no one inside the back room. He stood their for a moment.

Gate made his way around and out of the back storage room, hiding behind crates and boxes. He found a door and exited quietly. He entered a familiar hallway, time to pay Turisas a visit.

[Chukchi Husky]

From the tavern the distance to the restaurant was a short walk away. As it was coming to evening the crowds had began to thin. Sophia now travelled their with three male humans, and unsure of what she got herself into. For her the entire experience was new, and with her naivety, believed no harm would come from it . Nevertheless, there was something about it that persisted in the back of her mind. At least the presence of her new companions helped to stop some of those stares, or that could just be the time of day.

Gnaesus, who seemed to act like the leader of the three humans, walked to the side of Sophia. and he asked a question, ?I hope it?s not rude to ask where the fair maiden calls her homeland?? This might be a new experience for him, looking up to someone of the opposite gender, but he never showed any sign that it bothered him.

?Of course it?s not rude,? Sophia answered in her normal, cheerful way, ?If you want to know, I come from Tindar.?

?I know the country, one of the grassland nations, as I expected,? he replied, ?A few years ago I passed through Wesorte while I was employed as an escort for someone of importance. Compared to other cities, it?s only a frontier town, but what made it unusual was the significant amount of centaurs. I?m certain your kind prefers living in the expanse of the grassland over more inhabited lands.?

One of the other men interrupted, ?Enjoying the grasses as much as the horses I bet,? and then laughed. Gnaesus looked back at this man, but never said anything.

Sophia giggled, ?Yes, you could say that. We do graze and frolic about over the open country like horses. It?s hard for us to live in cities, so only a few of us live in them. Most of us live in small herds and settlements in the wilderness of the country.?

?Was your home in one of those settlements??

?No," she answered, and began talking with a fondness that sounded almost dreamlike, ?My home is more remote, nestled in gently rolling hills of the golden grasses. Nearby there is a small woodland, where I spent much of my youth playing, and a stream--? but before she could finish, she felt a pain on her rear. A fly decided to land on her rump and bite her. This startled her for a moment, and then, with her long tail, swatted the fly like so many centaurs and horses have done before her.

The two other men laughed at the sight. Gnaesus ignored them for now, ?A fly bit you?? The way he spoke sounded like he lacked concern for her well being.

Sophia began to swish her tail as usual, but this time to fend off the other flies that began to appear, ?Yes, a fly did bite me,? and then resumed walking, ?I never had a problem with flies back home.?

?The climate this far south is much more humid and warmer, and the city is not the cleanest of places. Perfect for flies. They come out in the evening this time of year I?m afraid. Don?t worry about them. You won?t catch any diseases from them, if you?re worried about that. ?

?At least that?s one good thing, I suppose I can bear with the flies." she replied. After looking at the men, Sophia noticed the flies never bothered them as much as her, ?How come the flies don?t come after you??

A short moment passed before Gnaesus answered ?How can I put this... the flies prefer the taste of the equine,? which made the other men laugh again, ?It?s just the way of things.? Just another burden for centaurs living in the city, a flying annoying pest that bites.

?You should consider yourself lucky.? spoke Gnaesus, who followed up one of his travels, ?During the time I spent further south in the Fenti Plains one particular nation had a problem with flies that make the ones found here in Kinaancha seem tame. One of my fellows nearly died from a fever caused by the bite. But enough about flies. Are we near this restaurant??

?Yes, we are almost there.? Just ahead of them, Sophia could see the restaurant, located where the pathway into the park joined the road, ?It?s the one next to the park.?

?Good, I can see why you would want to eat there. Excuse me for a moment/? Gnaesus turned to the two men, briefly speaking something to them. Afterwards, the two men left them. ?Before you ask, my companions decided not to join us. As I thought it is not their kind of place. Shall we move on??

Sophia merely replied with a smile, before trotting the short distance to the restaurant/ For some reason she thought that when Gnaesus spoke, it seemed he left out the real reason for the departure of his companions. Maybe the reason was that he felt his companions would simply be in the way, but wondered why he let them follow in the first place. . Perhaps there was some other reason, but she hoped it was nothing.

[Steel Samurai]

"We have a task for you. It will require great skill and diplomacy . . ."

"Of course my Lord. This Knight exists solely to serve the cause of peace." The traditional phrase for acknowledgment and acceptance of a task.

"Tell me, Knight Wilhelm, what do you know of the isles of Himmel?"

"Only what was taught at Dvorec, Lord Kinaaryu. The Himmel were once a powerful empire, posing a serious threat to Kinaani coasts and borders, but several hundred years before the collapse of the Kinaani empire itself they fractured and split into the multitude of island fiefdoms and principalities which now comprise most of the archipelago. Most of the states consist of only one or two islands, and longstanding rivalries exist between many of the fiefdoms, which caused the split in the first case and has continued unbroken since then."

"Correct. Now, two of the most powerful fiefdoms, Doura Karaeai, and Preescule Keiwerna, have just begun to escalate their petty raiding and skirmishes into all out war. Should this take place, many innocents will be lost, and it will further destabilize the area. Your mission is to do your utmost to stop this from occurring. This is your first mission, so of course we do not expect you to do this alone. One of our seasoned veterans, Sir Geren, shall act as leader of the mission. The Council Scribe will give you all of the pertinent information on your way out."

Wil knelt, one hand over his heart, turned, and exited through the stone doorways. So. His first mission was about to begin.

[JRPomazon]

Moving thorough the scummy building, Gate approached the office of Turisas. He kept his steps quiet, avoiding any chance of attracting attention. He approached the door quietly, unguarded foolishly. It was simple, scare him and take some money with him. He needed new garbs to increase his chance of survival, tattered robes were nothing but a hinderance. He noticed the door was slightly opened and decided to look inside. He saw the Turisas, Speedwagon and . . . what appeared to be a young woman.

"Listen sweetheart, your parents had a lot of money they borrowed from me and I have been patient with payments. But a dead beat is a dead beat, and dead beats don't pay up. So, to make things even, they said to me that you would be so kind as to pay off their debt for them. Isn't that a good thing for a daughter to do for her parents Speedwagon?"

"Yeah. A shining example that our youth really are our future, boss."

She remained silent, although Gate could not see her face he could figure out what she might of been feeling. Scared, perhaps even angry.

"So long story short, you're going to be working for me for a while. I make sure my ladies are treated right, but if I hear a bad word from a customer and I make sure that pretty little face of yours gets wrecked. You understand?"

Turisas took out a cigar and placed it in his mouth. The girl remained silent however, her refusal to speak violating the boss' pride.

"Speedwagon, I don't think she understand me. Please explain to her."

The suave underling walked over to the young girl and slapped her across the face, causing her to turn and fall back to the ground.

"Now I know you can talk. If you didn't, I'm sure some nice guy would a married you by now. Now answer the boss' question."

As the girl slowly got up, happened to look at the slightly open door and see someone behind the darkness.

[Crimson Lego]

Once the guards had gone, Leo pulled out a bottle from his pocket and scooped up as much as possible in it. “Well, it’s been nice talking to you guys,” he said, smiling as well as he could. “I’m afraid I have to go now for…other purposes.” Turning around, the dwarf grabbed his axe and ran off into the forest in a seemingly crazy way.

---------------------------------------

Though he had not kept track of time, Leo had been traveling for a short period of since he left the group sitting by the campfire. Oddly, he hadn’t considered why the stranger had called for them all to duck; they didn’t even have an idea why the guards were patrolling there. This world is full of oddities, he thought. And Leo was not going to let this get him into trouble at all.

Continuing on his journey, the dwarf thought about returning to Zok sometime before heading out again; he quickly shook his head at the notion. There’s no point in turning back now. What do I have to gain by returning home anyways? Steel dwarves were usually not the ones that backed down when they faced challenges or uncertain situations. Perhaps he could venture through the forest and seek out a Shadow Elf or 2 that could provide him with some directions.

Finally emerging onto a dirt road, Leo’s shoulder was beginning to ache from carrying the weight of his battleaxe; he then placed it in the sash that was slung across his back and located on his back. Feeling more comfortable as the weight of the axe was now spread throughout his entire body, the dwarf heard a rustle of leaves. Kneeling down, he pulled out his knife and waited silently. This may be it, he thought. His suspicions were confirmed a moment later when 5 elves dressed in black emerged from the trees, aiming their bows at him. Placing his knife on the ground, Leo put his hands in the air to show he was not a threat. “I come in peace,” he said.

A tall elf, a bit more muscular and taller than the others, lowered his weapon as he realized his captive was not a threat; the others followed suit. “You are a Steel Dwarf?” he asked in a cautious tone.

Leo nodded in response and stood up, offering his hand. “Leo Crimson,” he said. “I was wondering if you and I could do some trading; I have some gold, but I am currently low on supplies right now.”

The elf smiled. “Come, I shall bring you to my camp. We can discuss this bargain further there.” The elves trailed after, keeping an eye on Leo in case he made any sudden moves against their leader.

Edited by Leo Crimson, 10 January 2010 - 12:34 PM.

[Ransom]

Architecturally, the temple of the Dragon Lords was magnificent. Through every grand hallway and great yawning arch that Longinus? party went through, his breath was robbed from him anew.
The structural style was timeless, classic; a window of time from the days of old, rendering the relatively modern architecture outside primitive and crude. Not unlike the Quinian royal palace in fact, he realised, just on a much larger scale.

Yet the temple was not a thing of beauty alone, but a fortress. It's structural integrity and strength could not be doubted with the visible might of its walls, and the brawny girth of its gates and doors only suggested defensive purpose.
In fact he was sure it could withstand a full-blown siege as well as any castle.

Yet still, it contained this deceitful beauty, an almost religious elegance that calmed the soul and soothed the nerves.

No doubt this council would prove much the same; corruption and violence hidden under a veil of wisdom and intentions of peace.

Longinus knew that nothing in this world was certain. However he also knew he could always? always bet his very soul on the inherent darkness of every man?s heart.


When they reached the great marble stairway leading up to the council chambers, the page that they had been following motioned for them to halt, and then scrambled up the stairs in a fluster.
Stupid boy.
They had had some trouble with him to begin with. First of all, he apparently had not been informed about the decoy, and instead of waiting patiently for Longinus to reveal himself in the proper fashion, he immediately addressed the replacement, welcoming him into the temple as Crown Prince of Quin and Lord of Drojok and surrounding states. He bowed with a flourish and then stared stupidly, waiting for a response. The drunken foot soldier (who was later relieved) just smiled back at him, apparently forgetting that he in fact wasn?t the Crown Prince or Lord of anything, but a (now former) common foot soldier with just a little more monthly wage then a house cat.

Longinus immediately showed himself after that, emerging from the line of royal guards to address his herald and get things moving.

?Diaden,? the herald looked nervous at the sound of his name, ?address this page and enlighten him of his error, request a second presentation, and then to lead me to my quarters so that I may prepare for my meeting with the council properly.?

Both the decoy and the page looked at me in confusion, the page with an almost panicked look.

?Oh and get this fool off my horse and relieve him of his position in my service.?

After that everything had gone smoothly, with the exception of the apparent shame of the page, who from then on was not only nervous and jittery, but much too eager to please.

Now this same page was tripping on the stairs, and Longinus thought he may have heard a small whimper before the boy sprinted onwards disappearing behind the huge doors to the council.

After several minutes, the doors opened again, this time admitting not a page, but a burly Dragon Knight, in full dress.

?The council will meet with you.?

As he climbed the steps regally, Longinus smiled. Something about all this seemed too easy.

[JRPomazon]

She got on her feet, still intending to resist Turisas and Speedwagon. She was property. She knew she was property and yet, she continued to struggle. Gate watched on, not yet intending to show himself. But she saw him. He knew she saw him. Things were beginning to turn far more troublesome than expected.

"Speak up princess, I ain't GOT all day!" The old fool barked, motioning to Speedwagon to make her talk. She didn't even give either of them eye contact as she was grabbed by her dirty blonde hair.

"I'm not a whore." She said silently. Speedwagon smiled.

"Whore? That's a harsh word to say. We don't employ whores here, we only hire diligent escorts and companions." He said.

"Do you think I'm stupid?" She asked him. Speedwagon threw her into the adjacent wall.

"No, but this would be a hell of a lot easier if you were." He replied, cracking his knuckles. Despite his small build, he still seemed confident that he could beat a woman.

"Listen sweetheart, we don't want to hurt you too bad or else we might have a hard time selling you off to our customers. Now do you understand or not?"

Why did he watch this all happen? Was it out of some sick amusement that he watch this girl suffer like this? Was he just waiting for the right time? What made Gate hesitate?

[Steel Samurai]

Wil stepped quickly down the stairs quickly, allowing himself a smile and moment of pride. It was an important mission he was about to embark upon, not one usually given to those who had recently received the Anointing of Blood. A small, wimpy looking page was ascending the stairs, followed by a tall, redhaired fellow. He was nearly Wil's height, an unusual trait indeed. There was something about him that caught Wil's attention. Something . . . magnetic, and yet deadly. As though this man drew people to himself as moths were drawn to a flame. Wil's leather boot hit the tenth step from the top as the man's stylish slipper stepped lightly onto the same marble slab. Wil's eyes were drawn to the man's inexorably. Time seemed to stop as he looked into the pools of light blue so seemingly innocent on the surface, yet with an ambition and desire for power underneath the surface that grew gradually until it seemed it consumed the first impression of innocence. The gaze was broken as abruptly as it was begun, each man continuing on his way without another glance at the other. But Wil felt it would not be the last time their paths would cross.

* * * *

Smoke billowed from the chimney of the building, set in the back of the citadel compound. Wil had to bend nearly double to enter, a steel dwarf meeting him as he stepped inside. Two beady black eyes, lost in a sea of ash colored hair, evaluated Wil's massive figure, hunched over in the low ceiling of the armory's blacksmith.

"I'd ne'er believed it if I haren't seen it wid me own eyes."

He turned and went further into the room, motioning Wil to follow him.

"I got the orders fer this suit o' armer couple months ager, I tought twas fer a giant, I did. Biggest suit I e'er made. Damn proud of it too, I am. Best black steel th' mages could make, and th' ground garnet insignia be made t' strengthen th' entire breastplate."

"It sounds as though it is of the highest quality, Master Armorer."

"Oh aye, that 'tis. Y'll not find a better suit anywhere, aye, and if ye come across a man skilled in rune-enchanting I har lined the inside with Platinum. My name be Vorekk, by d' way, and ye must be Ser Wil."

"A pleasure to meet you, Master Vorekk."

They entered the Armory proper, vastly different from Vorekk's small smithery. Shelves and shelves of various pieces of armor and weaponry filled the room, almost a library of warsmithery. It was here that the Dragon Knights brought whatever pieces of equipment they captured in their travels, especially if the item in question was exotic or something rarely seen. The Order liked to keep its Knights as well and efficiently equipped as possible, replacing outdated equipment with fresh designs as often as possible. Vorekk led Wil off to a side room, and there, hanging on a wooden doll, was a suit of black armor. A dragon was emblazoned on it in red. The same design as the tattoo which now covered his back. Wil stepped forward and hurriedly began to put it on, barely able to contain his joy. Ten minutes later, with the strong, nimble fingers of the dwarf to help, and Wil was looking at the way the Armor sat on him in a mirror. This was it. With this on his back, he was now a full Dragon Knight.

"Welcom t' the order, boyo." The dwarf chuckled.