126 replies to this topic

[Chikara Nadir]

Oh, Selena should know better. Getting this close to Chik in an attempt to throw her off, to intimidate her? Sharing such close quarters to the opponent was the smaller woman's domain, and the goddess found herself..thrilled to lock eyes with someone for so long a period of time. "If you think me non-threatening, keep in mind that you're little more a danger to me than a newborn cub. All beasts know that it's the mother bear you need to be concerned about."

The woman slid her thin fingers across Selena's hip, letting them linger for a second before reaching behind and snatching her bottle of tar and poison for another slow drink -- never once looking away, of course. "I'm not greatly concerned that any of my bloodthirsty men would abandon me for your army. Mine is more organized, better funded -- plus our handy little tendency at throwing inquisitions. They know that if they're worth their salt in the battle field, I will give them as much leniency as necessary in choosing how to dispose of their enemies. Torture has its advantages, both in finding out what ridiculous tactics you're planning, as well as in raising the morale of me and mine."

She let her lips open slightly in a pout, a mechanism that came unconsciously to her as a seductress. Of course Chikara knew that trying to get anywhere with Selena was impossible, but taunting her was good enough. "As I was saying before, you should really visit the Arbiter's Grounds some time. We have the best accommodations for a lady of your prestige, complete with baths and soap, as I know they're rare commodities up here. Also, you might recognize some of those orphans from…those we helped raise into heathen soldiers in the Labyrinth. All you need do is admit your inferiority to me, and all will be forgiven. We can end this meaningless war and go on with dominating and destroying the rest of the world as we were meant to. Together."

The goddess shrugged, leaning backward against the bar casually despite the cold on her elbows. The seams in her thin garments parted as they were weighed down from behind, the exposed skin of her cleavage and neck as seamless as that of a newborn - not a sign of any of the hundreds of marks of war that she had bore in a former life. "If not, I've accomplished everything I set out to on this day. You caused my people to fear my incapacities as a leader. Well, they already know that I can easily injure you, then sneak into your home nation and singlehandedly terrorize entire communities into submission before you even are able to raise a finger. And would you look at that -- I didn't even get a splash of blood or dirt on my dress!"

She couldn't help but giggle quietly, biting the corner of her lip with a single fang. Not too many in her home nation got to see those anymore; goddesses don't fall into fits of laughter, and they certainly don't often show off their animalistic features in public. "Anything you dish out, I'll throw back tenfold. If you touch one of my outposts, I will level one of your cities. If you kill another scouting party, an entire military branch of the Calatian mud-throwing brigade will disappear. This is how it has been since the day you thrust me from my seat in the Labyrinth, and so it will continue until you sink to your knees and allow me to look down at you."

[Selena]

"You're such a broken record," Selena said. "I've heard this speech about ten times now, and I'm clearly as intimidated as I was the first time. Even you stabbing me hasn't done much to rattle my nerves, although I admit it was a nice shock at the time. You just think you're doing well in this little debate. Now you're just making it sound like you're bullying the world due to your height complex. Like the stupid kid who can't do well on a test, so he starts beating up the brains just to make himself feel better. Maybe you should try wearing heels instead of going around in bare feet. It might take the edge off."

Still hadn't broken eye contact. The little hobbit had to lose.

"You just don't seem to understand one simple fact - I am not afraid. Are my knees shaking? Teeth chattering? Feet quivering in my boots? No. Go home and tell your people that you came into Calatia for a drink. They'll still know that I'm not dead and that you failed. And that you'll continue to fail, because, as we've established, you'd be too lonely without me. I can see it now. We fight all week, and then you come back here for drinks and laughs and whatever else your deviant mind can think up. That will be the way of things, won't it? Nice, orderly chaos. I'd visit the Arbiter's Grounds, but... well, you know what the sun does to my lovely pale complexion. I just got it back after living in Ikana for so long. Have mercy."

"Although it's lovely to hear you admit that you oh so desperately want me back. I'm flattered. No! Really!"

She made a face.

"Maybe you wanted me on my knees for some other reason, then."

[Chikara Nadir]

"Maybe I do…" The petite queen continued her lilting giggle, sliding the fingers of one hand through the loose tendrils of her dark red hair while the other hand stayed firm on her bottle, continuing to sip in response to every drink Selena took. "We'll never know, though, at this rate. You're very right, the same song and dance can only be repeated so many times. And even if you were to surrender yourself to me…and Koridai," the last part was tacked on by force, "You will always be actively seeking the next opportunity to usurp and replace me. Futilely, of course, but you obsess over trying all the same. Et tu, Bruté?"

"Interesting to know that you're too afraid of the quality of your skintone to visit my home, though. One might even mistake it for fear of being captured and confined like the dog you are." Time to up the ante. She raised one of her bare legs, sliding her toes along the hard metal and leather of her opponents' leg-guard. "I appreciate your willingness to always welcome me into your home, though. I suppose that if you can't keep me out anyway, you might as well pretend you have some control over the situation. Whether it's by giving me hearty allowances of your finest liquor, as you're so eager to do today..."

She finally let her vision break from the taller woman's dark gaze for a bare few seconds, only to look her figure up and down as though her godlihood offered her x-ray vision as well. "Or whatever else my deviant mind may want, as you so kindly insist."

[Sir Deimos]

Synile gasped upon smashing into the far wall of the bar, and sinks to the floor. It definitely was harder to breath now, but the affects of the alcohol had eased the pain before it could start to spread through his body. Chik was in a playful mood, despite her outward appearance. Had she really meant business he'd be missing a limb; his right arm specifically. Taking the psychotic swordsman's dominate arm away from him would be one of the only ways to damage him further. Mentally speaking of course.

Either he was drunker than even he anticipated, or that blow was harder than it initially seemed. Synile's vision had yet to return and his ears rang like hell. You could have used it...

No... that would have been futile anyway... It was all a game. He could feel a headache begin to form, and the ringing in his ears grew to drown out all the noise of the bar.

Your soul... belongs... to me... The voice was speaking in another language, but somehow the meaning behind the words came through clear as daylight. There will... not... be any... outside... influences...

Do you mean..? Synile's senses come rushing back to meet him. Chikara and Selena were staring at each other. There still weren't many people around. Synile's peripherary vision revealed Khallos standing off to the side. Synile's head was still swimming from the alcohol, but the torrent definitely wasn't raging like it was when he provoked Chik. Pain was now the dominate presence in Synile's body. He carefully takes his nodachi off of his back, and uses it to help prop himself up. It made a handy cane when it was required. Synile hobbles over to Khallos and looks over at the two former Loddies.

"She may try to hide it, but she's more Chik that she may admit..."

[Selena]

Selena took a deep breath. She was not one of the menfolk. She was not going to fall for the exact trick the menfolk always succumbed to - and that's precisely what it was. Besides, Chikara was used to getting her way with people using these kind of tactics. Quite frankly, Selena was getting rather sick of ending up the poor sap, as if she were one of those Koridian generals or any hapless male denizen of the Labyrinth. Chikara knew she could get away with it because Selena was not one to show open signs of affection, preventing her from striking back. It wasn't her sort of thing. She was much better with weapons than she was at the art of flirtation, but, well, seeing the surprise on the face of the mighty 'goddess' would be worth it.

She grabbed Chikara by the shoulders and slammed her down onto the bar - an easy enough thing to do, given her delicate frame. Had to be uncomfortable. Even hurt a little. But she'd seen Chik survive worse. She towered over the other woman, glaring down at her, brown locks of her hair falling around the left side of Chik's face. She snarled.

"I am in complete control of this situation. Despite your protests, I'm sure you quite like that idea."

Selena leaned down, almost... and then not. She released the other woman and sat back down at the bar, acting as if nothing at all had happened. Another deep breath, following by a rather large sip from her vodka bottle.

"You looked away first - I win." She crossed her arms. "You can go home now. You've wasted enough of my precious time. I have a warrior princess to go and see. I'm sure she's missed me very much, and she'll be more than happy to welcome me home. Killing your border soldiers is a good bonding experience. Exhilarating, in a way. And certainly not stressful enough for me to worry about opening this wound back up."

[Chikara Nadir]

Chikara hesitated with a breath of Selena's scent so close to her as the taller, ostensibly stronger woman hovered over. How someone could smell like the mountains, like pine with a hint of pure cold -- mint, perhaps? -- was beyond her. The corners of the bar bit into the goddess' frame as she was forced down, creaking under the force of a Loddie warlord whose strength surpassed that of normal mortal men, and then the moment was over and the cold Calatian back at the bar, drinking from her precious vodka bottle. It wasn't simply having another being so close to her that caused such an effect, regardless of the person's gender, history, or social standing. No, it was rare enough to have someone stand up to her like that anymore. The woman was beyond feeling any fear of Selena injuring or causing any actual menace to her being, thus she found herself purely entertained.

"There is only one warrior princess left in this world," the goddess stated as if fact, pulling herself back up and taking a step outward. Her eyes sought out the expressions of those around her, wondering if anyone else would get the idea to push her down and attempt to make themselves a hero (or martyr) in the name of their viking nation. "And she is too proud to recognize her rightful position in this world. Fair enough, though. Continue to go rogue, no skin off my back."

"However, know this." Chikara slid her fingers through her hair, growing tired of having it bound up so tight. She grabbed the edge of the gold rope holding it together and pulled, releasing the loose curls from their confinement and tossing the flaxen cord across the floor as a child would do with a forgotten toy. "You've inspired me to change my ways, little girl. I believe that I will be integrating my personal affairs into those of Pope Toan's, giving him responsibility over hearing requests and claims by heads of city and state, all of that political jibber jabber. Affairs of military, however, I will be glad to continue overseeing personally, as I intend to return to the front in all due haste. I will miss my throne room with warm seat and bowing overfed rabble, but I have missed my sword moreso. Enjoy what time you're given to heal. Consider it my last gift to you before....well."

The woman flipped the length of her hair behind her with the attitude of a teenaged girl, reaching to grasp a fresh bottle of whatever that terrible drink was she'd fallen in love with. "We BOTH have been out of the Labyrinth for far too long. I think we need a little reminder of what hell really is."

The goddess blew a quick kiss Selena's way, then winked once at Celesta as her only sign of gratitude for the drinks. "Ta ta until then, my little mountain flower?"

[Selena]

Selena rolled her eyes as the goddess disappeared into the same nothingness from whence she came. The bar left in peace, Selena continued to stare at the wall in silence, playing with the rim of her shot glass. So, she was going to be commanding her armies in the field? That was a surprising change. Good. It would make things... interesting. There were two ways Chikara could handle it. She could use the full extent of her divine powers to crush the opposition, thereby providing safety for her people. Unfortunately for her honor and reputation, that would be akin to 'cheating.' It would be too easy. There'd be no fun in it. She wouldn't be facing off against Selena properly. So came the second option. Chikara could suppress her powers and fight like a mere mortal warlord. Things would be equal. If Chikara won, then it wouldn't be because of superpowers, it would be because she was legitimately better commander than Selena. The downside? The people of Koridai might begin to demand why the goddess was not smiting her enemies in an extreme manner. But then, what was always more important to Chikara? Keeping her underlings content, or worrying about what Selena thought of her?

The god powers would be kept in check. Calatia had a chance. Not that it mattered. Selena figured that, sooner or later, the Calatians and Koridians would grow equally fed up with their behavior and rise against the pair. How they planned to do that against Chikara was worth a story of its own, but there was likely a way. People wouldn't tolerate being led by two super-villains for more than a century or two, even if they were good at it. Then the pair would be forced back together, common enemies to the world's population. Their closest companions would follow them. They'd build another underground warrior society and plague the civilizations of the future. It'd all go back to the way it was. It had to be that way. No one - not even Steel or the other leaders of the world - could kill either woman. They could only do that to each other, and it hadn't happened yet despite their best efforts.

"Well, that was... interesting."

Selena stood and left her vodka bottle where it lay. She turned to face the other occupants of the Mead Hall, and found that they were all staring directly at her after the long winded debate and show of force by both participants. Yeah, yeah. She knew this look. She got it all the time whenever the two started to fight. No matter the location, the arguments were always a good show for the local population. The Labyrinth. Khuffie's Alliance. That one bar in Kakariko, where they'd ended up arm wrestling over the last bottle of rum. They just always had to assume that there were other things going on when they fought like that. Dirty minds, the lot of them.

"So, where were we before she rudely interrupted? Right. Saving Rhia and Leo," Selena said. She opened the Mead Hall doors back up and marched outside. "I'm going skiing. In the cold. Very cold. Cold is good. Maybe the boat's still here, if you prefer that way down. ...Don't you all judge me! I know what you're thinking!"

She stomped her way over cobblestone and a light layer of fresh powder until she reached the outskirts of the castle itself. She grabbed up her pair of skis from an attendant who was happy to fetch them, and marched back down through town carrying the large wooden planks on her shoulder. With a flick of her wrist, she detached her ceremonial cape, leaving herself in armor alone. Capes were good for speeches and public appearances, but horrible in battle. Got stuck on just about everything.

Boat was still there, but ready to launch. A couple of the Huscarls were getting ready to push off. Good. Time to go. No more distractions. Selena dropped her skis onto the snow and latched herself to them. She dug both of her poles into the snow. Snowpeak was.... was... steep. It would be fast. That was good when it came to saving people far below, but... oi. Okay. She could do it. She'd done it before.

Ready, steady....

Go!

She pulled herself forward using the poles, and gravity took over from there. Off she went!

[Khallos]

"So, where were we before she rudely interrupted? Right. Saving Rhia and Leo," Selena said. She opened the Mead Hall doors back up and marched outside. "I'm going skiing. In the cold. Very cold. Cold is good. Maybe the boat's still here, if you prefer that way down. ...Don't you all judge me! I know what you're thinking!"

Lena getting straight back into the fray, no surprise there. Besides Chik was simply an amusing if irritating distraction. Rushing after her Khallos picked up his skis that he left by the door and came back to find his troops still preparing to depart.

Without hesitation Selena latched herself to skis and a few seconds later sped off downslope.

"Hurry up damn you!" Khallos shouted at the Huscarls. "Lady Selena leads by example and she will lead us to victory! No skulking inside or teleporting around the world on a whim so as to abandon her people! She does her duty for you and now you shall do your duty for her! For Calatia!"

Khallos attached his skis and set off after Selena with those Huscarls who were following on skis alongside. The rest started to push the longboat into motion behind him, building up momentum.

Khallos grinned as gathered speed behind the heavily armoured figure 100 odd yards or so in front.

The Calatian expedition would get its relief force.

Edited by Khallos, 27 February 2010 - 07:12 PM.

[Selena]

ooc: Aaaand we're back.

--



It was nightfall when they returned from the battle, and Selena prayed that the end of her very long day would come to a close without much additional fuss or further interruptions from a bored deity. The wounded were taken straight to Snowpeak's medical facilities to recover from their injuries, where they mingled with those who had been hurt during Chikara's "visit." Selena had had no time for herself to process all that had gone on in her absence. Immediately after her partial recovery, she had been off to rescue Leo and Rhiannon. That was why, as soon as she returned to Snowpeak, she took a temporary leave of absence from her companions and fled to her personal workroom in the castle.

It was adjacent to her bedchambers, since she often worked late into the night and then collapsed in a heap on her bed. The bedchambers were simple and for relaxation or related entertainment. She spent most of her time in the workroom. It was larger, with packed bookcases full of various texts recovered from the Cursed Lands and many documents concerning Koridian activities. The most sensitive ones were kept in her oak desk, with its many trick locks and security features. Papers were strewn about the place in organized chaos. A giant wall map of the southern lands, with pin flags marking the locations of her armies and known Koridian forces. Any new reports were delivered immediately to the workroom, and rather large pile had built up in her absence.

Selena sat in her comfy chair, feet propped up on the desk. She was getting the condensed version of the news from her assistant - a dutiful brunette with an attractive set of form-hugging armor.

"The assault on the Chasm of Wyrms was the first attack," she said. "They sent only a few elite soldiers rather than a proper army. The known combatants were Lord Steel, Lord Solomon, and a warrior known as Perseus Ransom. Four hundred Calatian soldiers were killed in the assault. Some rather... creative graffiti was left behind as an informal declaration of war."

That was... embarrassing. Not the end of the world, just embarrassing. Steel's former dorm had never one a single Dorm War, and Selena was more than confident in her own generals. Rhiannon had proven her worth as a warlord countless times, Showsni was a genius, wisp was ideal at motivating the people, and Selena was completely and utterly terrifying. The Calatians would rally together to form an unstoppable war machine. The attack on the Chasm of Wyrms would do little more than enrage her land of warriors. Steel was only a tactics man.

"We're still functioning with the other supply routes intact," said her assistant. "The loss of the Chasm is unfortunate, but not enough to throw a major wrench into our operations."

"And the fortifications being built for the Ice Cavern and its surrounding settlements?"

"Wisp is overseeing the construction and says that things are going well. It will be an excellent defense should we face a local threat. Very out of view and only accessible via a series of small tunnels. Enemy scouts will have a tough time locating it."

Selena felt a pain at her side - the knife wound had been a little disturbed by the battle and the climb back up the mountain. "What else is going on?"

"There's a potential mission that you may wish to personally undertake."

"Yeah?"

"The 'Witch of Voodoo Isle,'" the assistant said. "She--"

"Voodoo Isle?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Sounds like a great tourist destination."

"She claims to know a way to defeat the goddess Chikara," the assistant continued. "She has instructed us to journey to Korento, which is another continent to the south of Verden. She will meet us on the southern tip of that continent and show us the way to any secret weapons she might have."

"Any details on this nice lady?" Sounded like a trap. Chik in a witch-suit.

"General Leo encountered her, so you may wish to ask him for more details. She equated Lazu with 'Ahrem,' it seems. Perhaps an older name for the same deity. She said it was a forbidden weapon or something to that effect, and the costs would be high."

"Definitely won't send in the underlings for that one," Selena said. "I'll go myself. Lying around on a boat for a while will give my wounds time to heal. Sounds like a trap to me, but worth checking out."

So, to-do list item #1: Talk to Leo about the old lady witch person.

"Your guests have been allowed to wander Snowpeak, though our soldiers are certainly keeping their eyes on them. The Mead Hall is open for business and most other establishments are available if they want to entertain themselves. No problems yet. The Alliance officer you captured is being held in the dungeon and awaits your interrogation."

Jordan hadn't cause a hurricane. That was... good. To-do list item #2: Get the new people oriented and go interrogate the Alliance officer.

"Princess Rhiannon would also like to speak with you at some point, she said. She doesn't seem very pleased with you. I'd look out. Something about how your faked your death."

Did not. To-do list item #3: Smooth things over with Rhiannon.

"All right, thank you," Selena said. "I'll take things from here."

The assistant left the room, and that left Selena with a horrible dilemma. Talk to Leo about a weapon that could kill Chik.... or deal with the wrath of Rhiannon? It would only get worse if she waited longer. Chik-killing witch, fight with Rhia. Kill Chik, fight with Rhia. Chik, Rhia.

Oh, hell.

[Rhiannon]

As soon as Rhiannon had reached the group of people on the field Selena had ordered everyone away. Swept up in the group Rhiannon followed or was carried she really couldn't remember which everything happened so fast. The next thing she knew she was in the medical chambers getting her arm fixed up. Everyone was fussing over her.

"Princess, your arm." "Princess, are you okay?" "Princess, princess, princess."

"Everyone please!" Rhia raised her voice on a tiny bit. Placing her hands on her temples and rubbing, she tried to recall what had happened and only one word came to her mind. Selena. Placing her hands down, she put on the best smile she could manage. "Everyone, thank you so much for the care. You are the heart of our whole operation." Swiftly, she got off the table, bowed to the nurses and doctors and marched out the door.

On her way to the castle she was disapointed not to see Sir Turtlelot or the mysterious man Selena was with earlier. She wanted to know what was going on. Why did Selena keep her in the dark? She was a big girl, and getting tired of being treated so young. She spotted Selena's assistant closing the door to Selena's office. The girl was nice, she had been helping Rhia out while Selena had been presumed dead.

The assistant bowed when Rhia approached. "Miss Rhia, I just relayed your message." Rhia smiled at the girl, "how many times have I told you not to bow to me?" Rhia placed her hand on the girls shoulder and thanked her.

Not even bothering to knock Rhiannon swung open the door to Selena's chamber.

"Who do you think you are?" She demanded, one hand on her hip, the other strained in the sling with her fist tightly closed.

[Selena]

Oh no. She was here already. Selena could recognize the Stance of The Defiant Crane, a signal in the art of Femme-Fu that something very bad was about to happen to Selena. Selena sank into her chair, trying to make herself look as meek as possible. That would hopefully tame some Rhiannon's pent up violence before the full force could be unleashed upon her. Well, now what? This was a dangerous situation. It had to do with Selena not-being-dead when she should have been. No fault of hers, but getting Rhia to believe that? Rhia no doubt thought Selena had planned the whole thing. Time for smooth talk.

"I know what you must think," Selena began, "but I didn't plan this. She really did attack me. It was only through some magical tricks that I was able to stay alive long enough for a Calatian patrol to find me. I'm lucky to be alive, but I'd be stupid not to flaunt it as Chik being 'powerless' to stop a mere mortal. It's good for Calatian morale. Gives people hope."

Selena fluttered her eyes and frowned a little. On purpose, of course. This was a matter of survival.

"The wound is real if you want to see it. It still hurts."

She turned her gaze to Rhiannon's arm.

"And how is your injury, my dear protege?"

[Crimson Lego]

Standing in the courtyard of Snowpeak Ruins, a lone dwarven general leaning on his battleaxe felt that he had finally returned home.

Arms crossed, Leo gazed up at the massive castle that the capital of Calatia. Ever since the Lost Woods were burned down, the dwarf had been trying to seek another place he could live in out of the influence of the Alliance, the god that had destroyed his home, or his avatar. This is it. Sighing in relief at the feeling of a finished mission, he ascended the steps and nodded to a few acquaintances, occasionally saying a “Hello,” or greeting of some kind. The recent mission had ended only a few hours ago, and the gains were quite reasonable. Gold, weapons, and rum. Casualties were a minimum on the chase to the Alliance camp; almost no prisoners were taken. Serves these bastards right, grimaced Leo as he remembered the damage they had caused. Many of the Snakeheads were walking around Snowpeak; some were just trying to get some fresh air, others were helping the last of the wounded Calatians up the slopes; however, the majority of them, with their weapons, were gazing up at the skies, most likely thinking about the war. It is inevitable. Personally, Leo knew exactly that it would come down to this, no matter what. Either way, the rivalry of Selena and Chikara or the ideals of each nation would spark it. The Alliance was a big surprise, thought the dwarf. Since the Cataclysm, he had believed that the nation was gone from Verden, and possibly the world, its remnants floundering in Andiel. Sooner or later, Alpenland or the pirates would run them over.

Pushing open the large doors of the castle, Leo took a deep breath in, savouring the fresh air of the mountains. It was cold, but free from most pollution. Shouldering his axe, the general headed in the direction of his living quarters. Perhaps it would be smart to get a good night’s sleep after all he had been through.

Entering his room, Leo sat down in his chair, thinking about what to do. A moment later, he got back up and headed for the exit. Perhaps he would check on the Cuisine to see how business was doing, and then visit the medical facilities to take a look at Jurgensen. I’ll need him if the Team’s going to hold together. Heading out through one of the side doors, the dwarf headed for the distinct building to the south with a pumpkin soup sign above its door. Some food wouldn’t be bad either.

Entering through the back door, Leo greeted one of his assistant chefs. “How’s it going, Rob?” he said with a smile.

“Not bad, General. I heard you just got back from a mission,” replied the man. “Business is still doing good; lots of people coming in for burgers and such.”

The dwarf smiled in response as he got a drink out of the refrigerator. “Any new guys get hired while I was gone?”

“We got one; his name is Jason and he’s a former Woodie as well. I think you 2 would get along.” Rob hesitated for a minute, and then spoke quickly. “Sir, what should we do about foreigners? Do we serve them or not?”

Leo merely shrugged as he popped open the bottle of rum and headed out. “Give ‘em their order if they make one, but be cautious. We don’t know who we’re feeding or who could be a Koridaian spy.” Heading out, the dwarf took a few practice swings with his battleaxe. Still good, he smiled, noting the sharpness of the blades. These would take more than a few lives in the future War.

Taking another gulp from his drink, Leo continued towards Snowpeak while practicing his combat skills. There was still some paperwork to be finished before the mission could be officially concluded.

[Sir Turtlelot]

Turtlelot followed behind the group of soldiers riding on his bison. He remembered Selena's words "We haven't been introduced, Bison-Guy, but I noticed that you came as if from nowhere to help my people. I'm in your debt for that. I'm Selena, the leader of Calatia. You're welcome to visit my capital and get some food... assuming you can eat. If not, then I'm sure we can repay our debt in some other way. We welcome any assistance against the tyrants of Koridai. We'll lead the way, if you're interested. No strings attached if you don't want to stay."

So, the two warring nations are Calatia and Koridai, and it seems as though I've ended up with the Calatians. I'm assuming that the war must be some form of rebellion against Koridai by Calatia.

He was curious as to where Rhia had gotten off to, since he did not see her as they were leaving. She was probably taken for medical treatment, her arm didn't look in the best of shape.

The landscape was beautiful, snow everywhere, and they were surrounded by a forest and mountains. As they entered the kingdom itself, Turtlelot was receiving many strange looks from the locals. He was not too surprised, his size alone was something out of the normal. He kept enshrouded by his dark cloak to keep people from being too shocked. As they got to the the town center, he looked around. There were numerous shops and houses around, and there was a rather large castle, not all that far away. Turtlelot noticed a forest area behind all of the shops and houses and decided to go into it.

Perhaps it is best that I stay in solitude for awhile, at least there I know it will be peaceful.

Turtlelot rode slowly on his bison through the woods for some time, eventually the town was out of sight and he was alone. It was quiet and peaceful here. Eventually he came to an opening from the woods and stood before a valley between two cliffs. In the middle of it was a statue. Turtlelot stopped and dismounted his bison to take a better look at it. After gazing at the statue for a few moments, he walked to the other end of the valley and looked up to see the castle. It was a large castle, and looked very old. It looked as if it had been carved out of ice. Regardless of what it was, it was still a marvelous sight.

Turtlelot looked up at the castle wondering who all was inside of it.

[Sir Deimos]

"I love a good hike." Synile had sweat out all the day's liquor, and now, aside from a minor hangover, was feeling rather good. His strength more or less returned, and that ache that was in his bones had more or less vanished. However, that hallucination... well, it gave him chills every time he thought about it. If that happens again... Could I tell who my friends are..?

"There is no such thing as friends." Synile pushed the unwelcome intruder's words right out of his mind.

That wasn't right... I owe an apology to that dwarf... and Lenabear. They were his comrades, and he had turned his sword on them.

"Like a beast. You live like a beast. You fight like a beast. You betray...

"SHUT UP!" Synile's yell causes the people around to glance his way. Most of them hurry away from him, some just go about their business. It was clear what the majority of people here thought about the hermit who dwells in the hut outside of the capitol. Synile raises his hood and wanders into the busier areas. One of the voices in the back of his head was rather clearly laughing. Yeah, real funny.

Synile notices slightly off into the distance someone of a short and stocky build emerging from that popular food stop everyone seemed to like. What was that place called... Crystal Cookery..? Cr something... Whatever. Either way, it seemed that Synile had found the dwarf he sought.

"Who cares what he thinks of you. You'll just outlive him, like all the others anyway. He doesn't reek of blood."

There's a war coming up. Our side will fare better if the officers don't have to worry about being chopped up by their own. The dwarf was practicing hewing down imagined opponents, while drinking something. Synile quickly ran up along side the dwarf, being mindful of the axe.

"I'm sorry." Synile just unceremoniously blurted it out. He wasn't good at this sort of thing. "It was nothing personal... That business back there. I... I suppose I wasn't myself." The look on Synile's face seemed more full of worry than sincerity. "Anyhow... Hey, weren't you friends with spear guy? I wonder who's keeping an eye on him..."

Edited by Synile, 22 March 2010 - 09:40 PM.

[JRPomazon]

WHY IS IT SO COLD?: A thought that would circle around in Jordan's head as he walked though the viking stronghold. It looked a lot nicer than he imaged, not nearly as many weapons on the walls. Drafty as hell in some spots though, he wasn't geared up properly for this.

AH-CHOO!

He sniffled, brushing his nose with his hand. Not his favorite kind of climate, but it wasn't like he was going to be a permanent resident. At least wandering these hallways was a good way to kill time.

"Selena is back! Did you hear?"

"Yeah, it's incredible! Now she's back, Koridai won't stand a chance! I heard that the goddess barged in and ran off scared after she saw Selena!"

"Really? Wow, that's amazing!"

Two children ran through the halls with reckless abandon, praising their homeland and playing soldier. They passed by Jordan without a care, caught up in their fun. The first question that ran through his head was where were the parents of these kids? I mean really, they'll run into something if no one is watching them. That and the fact that he had no idea there were kids here. As they're little feet sped off, Jordan smiled to see that even here, kids could still be kids. To each his own then.

He walked on and took in the sights, knowing full well that he was being followed by two soldiers. They were called 'copperheads' if he recalled. He wasn't going to do anything, might as well pretend he didn't notice their loud breathing rippling the air.

[Rhiannon]

Rhiannon was furious, although most of it was hidden hurt. How could Selena have left her so long, only to come back and act like nothing happened? She hadn’t even come to the medical wing. Rhiannon frowned when Selena stared to act meek to curb Rhia’s anger.

"I know what you must think," Selena began, "but I didn't plan this. She really did attack me. It was only through some magical tricks that I was able to stay alive long enough for a Calatian patrol to find me. I'm lucky to be alive, but I'd be stupid not to flaunt it as Chik being 'powerless' to stop a mere mortal. It's good for Calatian morale. Gives people hope."

Selena paused, fluttering her eyelashes causing Rhiannon to roll her eyes. "The wound is real if you want to see it. It still hurts. And how is your injury, my dear protege?"

“Oh please, don’t you dare act like the victim here, and don’t change the subject either!” Rhiannon walked right up close to Selena’s face. Her voice softened, “Why didn’t you tell me?” Her eyes filled with a touch of hurt for just a second before turning hard again, “And why do you have this impulse not to tell me anything? I am the Princess. I am in charge here too. I can make decisions and for once I’d like to be treated as such. I mean have I really been locked up in this tower so long that I’m useless to society? I go out once and I get hurt,” Rhiannon paced, she was lost in her thoughts and rambled. She felt like she had let her Kingdom down and had greatly missed talking freely with someone.

Rhiannon was still angry, but what had happened out there was more important at the moment. Plus the tension she was carrying greatly hurt her arm. Finally coming to rest on Selena’s desk she let out a heavy sigh, “Who was that man you were talking to? What happened out there? And where is the man I invited to the Kindgom?

[Selena]

But... but she was the victim! Being stabbed meant that you got to wear the victim hat. She just capitalized upon her misfortune, that was all. There was nothing wrong with that! Things were made a little better when Rhia got up to her face. Ah, good! She was in range. Selena puckered up, hoping that some sugar would smooth things over, but no. That never worked. Someday.

After some furious pacing, Rhiannon sat down on her desk. Selena was always fine with pretty girls sitting on her desk. The workroom was always incomplete without one. Now, the complaints. Selena didn't tell anyone anything? Well, perhaps she did keep to herself, but it was also difficult to communicate your intentions to someone when you're bleeding out on a mountain or the person you're trying to get in touch with is in the heat of battle.

"I'm not trying to keep you in the dark," Selena said, holding her hands up in surrender. "I didn't tell you about being stabbed because, well, I was semi-unconscious at the time. I didn't tell you about rushing into battle to reinforce you because you were... there! Right now I'm just here to catch up on all I've missed. I haven't had a moment to myself since I was able to walk around again. There's a lot I need to catch up on. Four hundred men dead at the Chasm of Wyrms! Goddess's tits, that's a lot."

Selena crossed her legs, still propped on the desk, placing one on top of the other. She waggled the top foot a little.

"Bison-Guy should be wandering around somewhere. He and Jordan are free to tour the capital. Jordan of the Whirlwind Spear used to be a powerful warrior of the Forsaken Fortress. He was under Steel's command. Seems to have a problem with Steel now, so I thought it was best we try to win him over. If not as a permanent ally, then one we can occasionally partner up with. I'm pretty sure this is the guy that caused Khuffie's palace to nearly fall right on top of my head when we were fighting at Olimandias!"

And since Rhiannon was upset about not knowing everything...

"On the subject of information, however, it seems we might have a lead on a weapon - or something - that can defeat Chik. We'd have to sail far to the south. There's another undiscovered continent down there, apparently. We have a contact who can show us the way, but I've got to ask Leo about any information he might have. He's the one who encountered her. I'm going down there myself. Too risky for the common folk."

Selena leaned forward and smirked.

"You wanna go with me?"

[Crimson Lego]

Glancing at the man and lowering his axe, Leo realized that it was the one that seemed to have tried to kill him earlier on the recent mission. He sure looks a lot better, thought the dwarf. Might have been something he ate or drank earlier. In normal circumstances, he would have filed a report, but seeing as Selena knew, he decided to drop it. Besides, this man might prove to be a good comrade in tight situations, considering he was skilled with weapons his size. I wonder what dorm he was in before the Cataclysm. Probably one of the power fighting ones.

“No problem,” replied Leo with a smile. “And yes, I am acquainted with Jordan. You think he should be followed?” added the general. “I seriously doubt he’s a threat to Calatia at this moment.” Jabbing his axe into the ground, Leo held out his right hand. “My name’s Crimson, by the way. Leo Crimson.”

[Khallos]

ooc: business and personal life have been wondeful foes of late. Participation will be low.

Sitting on the steps of the front of the barracks Khallos lay back and panted with exhausation.

Delegating even at his best that longboat was a bloody pain to drag back to the top of Snowpeak...perhaps he should rethink their use...

[Rhiannon]

Rhiannon knew she was whining but couldn’t help it. She had been left alone for so long without someone to confide in and anyway it served Selena right for leaving her alone. A little whine could only do her some good.

"I'm not trying to keep you in the dark," Selena said, holding her hands up in surrender. "I didn't tell you about being stabbed because, well, I was semi-unconscious at the time. I didn't tell you about rushing into battle to reinforce you because you were... there! Right now I'm just here to catch up on all I've missed. I haven't had a moment to myself since I was able to walk around again. There's a lot I need to catch up on. Four hundred men dead at the Chasm of Wyrms! Goddess's tits, that's a lot."

Rhiannon just looked at her at while she talked. There was nothing to say. She felt bad for barging in.

"Bison-Guy should be wandering around somewhere. He and Jordan are free to tour the capital. Jordan of the Whirlwind Spear used to be a powerful warrior of the Forsaken Fortress. He was under Steel's command. Seems to have a problem with Steel now, so I thought it was best we try to win him over. If not as a permanent ally, then one we can occasionally partner up with. I'm pretty sure this is the guy that caused Khuffie's palace to nearly fall right on top of my head when we were fighting at Olimandias!"

Selena never seemed to pause. I guess I owe her for ranting to her…

"On the subject of information, however, it seems we might have a lead on a weapon - or something - that can defeat Chik. We'd have to sail far to the south. There's another undiscovered continent down there, apparently. We have a contact who can show us the way, but I've got to ask Leo about any information he might have. He's the one who encountered her. I'm going down there myself. Too risky for the common folk."

Selena leaned forward and smirked. "You wanna go with me?"

Sighing, Rhia got up from the desk and stood in front of Selena. She felt emotionally drained from being pent up so long. “Next time tell me or something? I want to be involved too.”

Rhiannon paused for the last question. Going on another quest right now might be tough. So she simply said with a sly smile, “I’ll think about it.”

[Sir Deimos]

“No problem,” replied Leo with a smile. “And yes, I am acquainted with Jordan. You think he should be followed?” added the general. “I seriously doubt he’s a threat to Calatia at this moment.” Jabbing his axe into the ground, Leo held out his right hand. “My name’s Crimson, by the way. Leo Crimson.”

Synile took Leo's hand and shook. It was a good, firm handshake; clearly indicative of Leo's character. "So you're the Crimson General. I'm Synile. The nut that lives in the shack on the outskirts." Synile noticed that Leo seemed to look upon his nodachi with curiosity. "I see you eyeing up the Muramasa II. I don't know her real name. She never told me." Even off the battlefield, there was a dangerous light to Synile's eyes, eyes that seemed to hide hundreds of years worth of experiences. They were eyes that were constantly on the look out for threats, even when the threats were internal. "I remember when I first laid eyes upon her... It was actually the first time I met Selena... We were on a raid and, well... she called to me..." Synile's notices he's beginning to ramble. "I'm sorry about rambling, I'm not accustom to interacting with people these days."

"No need to be accustom to people. They're meant to keep your blade accurate."

"No they aren't..." It was a whisper, but Synile noticeably says it aloud. "So... how did you come to serve under Lena dearest..?" Synile's intense eyes focus keenly on Leo's face. Still trying to convince himself that the thoughts in his head were just bouts of paranoia.

[Selena]

Ooh, a sly grin. She was in the clear. Selena did a mini-victory dance in her head. The crisis had been averted.

"Next time I die, I absolutely promise to get your permission first! Now, I've got a little to-do list going. Have to talk with Leo about the Chik-killer. Have to interrogate that Alliance officer with Jordan, and I have to learn a thing or two about Bison-Guy. You want to follow me to all three, or do you want to tackle Bison-Guy by yourself?"

Wait. Selena winked.

"Well, not tackle. You're not allowed to be tackling any strange men without my consent."

[Rhiannon]

"Next time I die, I absolutely promise to get your permission first! Now, I've got a little to-do list going. Have to talk with Leo about the Chik-killer. Have to interrogate that Alliance officer with Jordan, and I have to learn a thing or two about Bison-Guy. You want to follow me to all three, or do you want to tackle Bison-Guy by yourself?"

Wait. Selena winked.

"Well, not tackle. You're not allowed to be tackling any strange men without my consent."

Rhiannon bent down to be level with Selena’s face. “Pinky swear to it?”

Rhia smiled. Selena always knew how to get out of a tight spot. She didn’t care much for Chikara-killing but was very interested in this Jordon fellow, she couldn’t remember him, yet she felt as if she should. She also wondered about her medical friend.

“I’ll come to some, just send me a message or something and I’ll be there. And tackle? Really Lena?” Rhiannon shook her head and gave the woman a tight hug.

“It’s good to have you back.”

With that said she walked out the door down the hall to bedroom where she desperately needed to shower and get out of these clothes. The air seemed to be on the warmer side today than usual.. perhaps I’ll wear a dress…

Edited by Rhiannon, 23 March 2010 - 11:59 PM.

[JRPomazon]

At first, the tag alongs who weren't really tag alongs were kinda cute. Thinking they had some sort of advantage as they watched from afar, when the truth was the man they were following was more than aware of their presence. Jordan stopped walking in the middle of the grand hallway and shouted back.

"Alright guys, how long you going to keep this up? It's been fun and all, but c'mon. This is just sad."

They stopped their tracking, and came out into the open.

"See? Was that so hard?" Jordan asked sarcastically.

"Hmph. This is one of the heroes of the old world? My infant son has more muscle on him that you do." One of he followers commented.

Oh good, a family man. How sentimental. Sure Jordan wasn't any body builder, but he wasn't THAT lanky or thin.

"I'll have you know a medium build like this isn't all that bad thank you very much." He replied. "I don't need muscle for me to grab one of these spears and-"

"Well, they aren't really spears." The other follower commented.

"Huh?" Jordan asked simply.

"Well, they don't have the same kind of shape as a normal spear. I'd say they were more like glaives or partisans, lancing weapons. There is more to the blade."

Jordan pulled one of his weapons out and looked at it carefully.

"So does that make him Jordan of the Whirlwind Lance? Actually, that brings up another question: Is that really your name? I mean really, 'of the Whirlwind Spear' is a very peculiar last name." The first soldier asked as his partner looked at the weapon.

"Of the Whirlwind Lance you mean." The other chimed in.

Jordan just watched them, confused, annoyed and stupefied as he just watched these two talk. It was better when they just kept quiet and pretended they were being stealthy. Were all Calatians like this? Was this some sort of horrible torture? It was probably better if he left before the other one mentioned his obscenely muscular child again.

"Look fellas, if I was going to tear this place up, I would already be raising hell." He said to them as he put his spear/lance/stabby thing back.

"Just ask your warlord Fos- er, Selena. Now, if you excuse me."

The followers grabbed him by the shoulder.

"Look, I don't know ya and I sure as hell don't like ya. So unless a superior tells me to, you're not leaving my sight." The viking said, ready to make a mess out of nothing. Jordan shrugged and knocked the viking's hand off his shoulder.

"Fine, fine, just stop talking." Jordan replied, continuing on his merry way, completely unaware that he was on route to Selena's quarters.

[~Celesta~]

Ooc: Oh good lord I had forgotten all about this! T.T Don’t kill me…



------



Celesta sighed softly, her knees curled to her chest stillhuddled behind the bar. She stayedthere, like a coward, still lost in her turbulent thoughts. She hadn’t expected to see Chik in her bar,nor had she expected to be witness to their heated debate. She had only recently accepted the fact thatshe was now working under Selena, who was once her enemy a long time ago. But seeing Chik now was overwhelming toher. She had huddled there trying tocalm her nerves while the two of them finished their argument, and she stayedthere as everyone left to help Rhia and the others.



Her mind had kept chanting for her to go and help, but herbody wouldn’t respond, so she stayed there the whole time, huddled up. She didn’t move again until she heard thevillagers call out in triumph of the returning Calatians. Hearing their safe return re-engaged herbrain’s connection to her limbs and she stiffly stood up and surveyed the MeadHall around her. It was nightfall, shehad lost track of time, so seeing was tougher than she expected. It was a mess, she busied herself withcleaning it, sure that tomorrow it would be needed again. She hoped that maybe Selena had forgottenabout her, or ignored her cowardice, and she was not about to disturb the womanat this hour, they all needed rest, not the apologetic ramblings of a sorceresswho is too weak to go help her own people.



She sighed as she locked up the now clean Hall and headedoff to her house to get some rest.

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

It was a nice spot.

The spot that the wolf had found, that is. It was a quiet little pond out of the way from the rest of Snowpeak. The place a had a quality that was difficult to describe, but the wolf enjoyed the feeling of the air here. He laid down in the snow, the swords tied to him resting on either side of him.

The wolf had trailed the Jordan and the Calatians back to Snowpeak, hoping he might find more hints of where he might find Her. He remembered Jordan saying that someone named Steel might know where She was, and the wolf knew he had heard that name being tossed around by the Calatians. Steel… the wolf knew that name should be familiar. But like Jordan, like Her, everything seemed to be indefinite and cloudy.

It was a shame too. The wolf swore he caught scent of Her when he entered Snowpeak, but it seemed to disappear after a while. Where was She? Who was She…?

“Look, it’s right there.”

The wolf’s ears perked up, looking at the source of the voice. Just some kids. He laid his head back down and resumed his rest, caring less.

The little group of kids continued their hushed (yet still audible) whispering and gawking, the wolf still not minding. That is, until it realized it understood something said by what seemed to be the oldest of the bunch.

“Probably just someone’s pet, look, I’ll show you.”

A boy, likely in his teens, walked forward while the rest stayed in hiding. The boy came close, and extended out a hand.

“See, I’ll just give him a little scratch behind the e-“

“Rrrr…”

The boy retracted his hand at this sudden growl. And then tried reaching out again.

“Rrrrrr…”

“Now see, it obviously wasn’t trained well,” The kid shouted back at the other kids.

Before the kid could try anything else stupid, a word echoed through the air.

< < “Go.” > >

The wolf turned his head to look the kid directly in the eye.

< < "Go, or Bite." > >

[Selena]

Aw, a victory hug. Selena smiled and then watched Rhiannon run off to her chambers to relax after the battle. She took her feet off the desk and hopped off her chair. As she passed by Rhiannon's room, she heard the rapid shedding of armor and, for a split second, considered barging in like the incorrigible little brat she was. However, having just avoided unchecked fury, Selena decided not to risk another trip to the doghouse. The other woman could fling sharp objects around the room with her mind, after all.

She continued on until she neared the main hall of Snowpeak, and it was there that she noticed once of her guests. Jordan. Trailed by two of Calatia's fines-- oh. No. It was just those two. She had to compliment Jordan's restraint. Most people would have tried to kill them by now. Selena should have been more specific when ordering two guards to watch him. Selena was feeling merciful, so she decided to liberate Jordan from his suffering.

"Bjorn and Olaf," she said. The two men stood at attention. "You are dismissed from your duties. Go get something to drink at the Mead Hall."

"Ma'am!"

Both saluted and ran off, remember a few previous encounters with Selena that were less than pleasant. She watched them until they were gone, then turned her eyes back on Jordan's. He'd been walking towards the direction she'd come from. Perhaps to see her? He was probably getting impatient waiting around for her to go interrogate the Alliance officer.

"I hope those big, tough norsemen didn't scare you too much," she deadpanned.

[Crimson Lego]

Nodding as the man who had introduced himself as Synile carried on with his short story about the sword, Leo found that the ‘nut’ was not as scary as he thought before. Now that he’s fine, he’s actually pretty nice. The dwarf had good instincts about which people were good to be in a crowd with, and which ones would cause you trouble. Synile was definitely in the former. When he stammered about not being accustomed to interacting with other people, Leo gave a shrug in response. After he stopped, Synile whispered something that sounded like "No they aren't". Odd; was he talking to me or someone else? There was nobody nearby except for a few patrolling Calatians. Ignoring the oddity, the dwarf decided to answer Synile’s question. “It’s a long story,” he began, “but I’ll try to keep it short.

I’m about 25 now, and an inhabitant of the Lost Woods. After the Third Dorm War and my parents’ deaths, an Alliance soldier came and offered me in the training of an assassin.” Taking a deep breath and remembering all the good times, Leo continued on. “Because I’m a dwarf, I was never able to truly be one; however, I gained much more speed and stealth than an average dwarf. In return, he handed me this axe and told me I’d be a great soldier someday.”

Clapping the weapon on his back, the general’s smile disappeared as he spoke aloud his thoughts. “Unfortunately, he was an Alliance soldier, and I had a grudge against that organization and everything to do with it. From there, it led me to the unification of the dorms; somehow I ended up in the Eagle’s Talons after the meeting. That’s how I met Jordan. From there, we cleansed the Talons of Lazu’s influence, and then left for our respective dorms.”

Finishing off his rum and handing the bottle to a pass Snakehead, Leo gazed up at the star-filled sky. “In Olimandias, Steel ordered me to lead as many Dorm troops out of the city as possible after the ambush. As ordered, I was able to get out…but only saved 700 troops.” Sighing, the dwarf crossed his arms and looked at Synile. “Less than a third of the original task force.

After the Cataclysm occurred, I headed back immediately to the Lost Woods. Nearly everybody I knew was dead or had left before the destruction occurred. From there, I crossed the mountains, met up with another group of refugees, and made it to Snowpeak Ruins. And that, my friend, is how I’m here. I am here to fight and avenge the deaths of all those that Chikara killed, and therein lays my loyalty to the Kingdom of Calatia and Lady Selena.”

Exhaling as he finished his biography, Leo shrugged to Synile. “Speaking of Selena, I have to go hand in some paperwork for the recent mission that's in my office. You interested in coming to the Ruins with me?”

[Sir Deimos]

Exhaling as he finished his biography, Leo shrugged to Synile. “Speaking of Selena, I have to go hand in some paperwork for the recent mission that's in my office. You interested in coming to the Ruins with me?”

"I need to talk to Lena-bear myself. It seems we share a common destination." Synile gestures an 'after you' with his hands, and the two resume walking in the direction of the ruins. Olimandias... Chikara. The voices always seemed quieter than usual when Synile's thoughts were of that time. He was off on some fools errand when those events came to pass. That whole period of time seemed murky in the depths of his mind. The nodachi seemed to pulsate on Synile's back.

"It could have been different. Some 'Champion' you make."

"A champion that wasn't even there to be able to salvage his home, and protect his family... I won't make that mistake twice." That was out loud... Careful now. Synile was always somewhat embarrassed when he realized he was talking to himself aloud. Shaking the thoughts from his head, he looks towards his destination, and his new dwarf companion. These people don't seem too bad... Maybe I should abandon that shack after all...

[JRPomazon]

OoC: Can't think of much to write.

"I hope those big, tough norsemen didn't scare you too much," she deadpanned.

"And I hope you choke on your next meal." He replied, smugly grinning.

"Well, at least this saves me the trouble of looking for you. You mind if we move along to see our Alliance friend?"