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Post by Sovereign on Oct 8, 2012 18:12:10 GMT -5
Bethany
She could see a little of herself in this young girl and it touched a side of her that made he do reckless things. She had the keys to the cell in her hand, actually had thought going into the room and speaking to her.
"Listen carefully, Shy can I call you Shy? There is a tent with a green silk line interwoven into it's flap forming a symbol of a hawk, it is full of food, water, blankets and what not. Go there quickly, you'll have to sneak in but I have a suspicion that that's your specialty." She turned and crouched and drew a V in the ground. "If you trust me, follow the path of these symbols, it is my own path. No one else knows it about it.The symbols are all messy to fool people into thinking it's animals. But it will always form a V." She quickly erased the dirt symbol.
"Be safe." She threw the keys to Shyahwyn. "I'll pray that you make it safely." She got back up but before she could leave she heard someone approaching. She looked to Shyahwyn "Shy, hide them!" she whispered quickly before Eve showed up.
"Bethany, we are to round up the Archers, you are to lead them." Eve said before saying something to Shyahwyn. "Let's go then Eve, goodbye Shyahwyn. I hope Melzikiah listens."
"Is it really that bad?" She whispers to Eve as they walk away.
OTT: If you don't want Bethany calling her Shy, just tell me and I'll change it. ^.^
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Post by Zabby on Oct 8, 2012 18:25:51 GMT -5
OT: Now that TJ is back, time to dump a really long, kinda dark JP on you guys:
Saudra With the arrow still piercing her leg, her jaw in pain, and her entire body bound, Saudra was plopped down in front of the one man she hated more than anything else. They had yet to take out her gag, but Saudra glared daggers at the man who killed the only person she had ever really cared about.
Malphas
“Saudra, captured. You were always weak.” He bends down to her, drawing one of his throwing knives, stabbing it into her wrist. “I’m going to remove the gag now.” He says as he pulls it out of her mouth. “You’ve come back to me, my beautiful black Crow.”
Saudra Agony flowed through Saudra’s body as Malphas drove the knife through Saudra’s wrist, but she tried her best to not let it show. She refused to let this man get the upper hand on her by letting him get enjoyment from her suffering.
After her gag was removed, Saudra responded, “I know I was weak. I was too weak to do anything before, and I’m still too weak to kill you now, no matter how much I want to.”
It hurt her to say these things, but she knew it was true. If she had been stronger, she would have been able to save Hozai and her life would be very different right now. Looking back at it, every time she failed, it was because of hope. Originally it was the hope of learning about her real parents, a hope from her childhood that was never fully extinguished. That’s why she hesitated all those years ago in the throne room. Then, when Hozai came along, she had hope for a different life. That’s why she surrendered her life over to Elhanan and Hoazi’s words. She had hope, but now that he was gone and she was captured again, it felt like he had never come and spoken those beautiful “truths” to her. She was caught up in the same mess she’d always been caught in, but this time, she was going to fight for her life.
“Crow King,” she said forcefully. “Let me work for you. Let me grow strong under you.” Saudra only said it because she thought it would preserve her life and give her a better chance to kill the man. If she could convince him to keep her close, she would have a good chance of delivering a final blow when she got better.
Malphas
“Of course you are weak, you are a whore to a priest.” Malphas says slamming his foot down on the knife sticking out of her wrist, smiling at the scream he got this time. “Do you think I’m going to trust you after your failure?” He walks to his window, “If you hadn’t failed, you’d already be dead!” He turned to her. “I was going to let you assassinate Riviaz, after he named me his sole heir. Then you know what would have happened? I’d have hunted you down and killed you myself.”
He drew his sword and lifted it high ready to bring it down on her.
Saudra The pain and blood loss was starting to take a toll on Saudra. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could fight to remain conscious. The blood was pumping loudly in her ears and she could barely hear, much less understand, what Malphas was saying. It was then that she saw the glittering of a sword leaving its sheath. If he’s going to kill me,thought Saudra to herself. I’m going to try to take him down with me!
Saudra, with the very last ounce of strength she had left, grabbed hold of the knife pinning her down, wrenched it free from the floor and her arm, and hurled it at Malphas’s head. Saudra never knew if her aim was true or if she hurt him at all because she passed out almost as soon as the knife left her hand. She was exhausted and dying from all the abuse her body had taken.
Several Hours Later
Malphas
“Wake up, Saundra.” He had barely dodged her thrown knife, it had left a cut going from his left eye to his ear. She had impressed him then, as she did years ago. Malphas had had her wounds treated, and given a strong medicine to help with the pain. Now they were in the place where he killed Hozai. “Wake up.” He says again, lightly slapping her face.
Saudra Saudra had fallen into a dreamless sleep, but she was shocked awake when she felt the slapping on her face. She looked around herself, knowing where she was and what had happened here. A large knot twisted up in her stomach, but she refused to let it show on her face. She refused to let the Crow King know that she knew what happened her.
“What do you plan on locking me down in the dungeons again?” she asked in an annoyed, strained voice.
Malphas
“No, but before I let you free I need an answer that you wouldn’t give me last time we met.” He walks over to a dark corner and starts to drag something heavy and awkward out. It was Hozai’s body, slowly decomposing, flies swarming around his wounds. “Is this the priest you whored yourself out too, my darling?”
Saudra When Malphas brought Hozai’s body out and laid it spralling in front of Saudra, she lost any control she had over her emotions or face. She crumpled there in front of the body, crying. At first, she felt no influx of rage, no desire to strike out at the man who had done this to Hozai. Rather, she felt cold and empty. Laying there in front of Saudra, lifeless, was the only person who had ever cared about her, and she had watched him die like a helpless child.
Saudra hated herself for not being able to save Hozai. She hated herself for not be strong enough. She hated herself for not being good, like Hozai was. Every time she entered into battle, the blood lust would work up in her. She enjoyed the hunt and the kill. After all their prayers and talks and works, nothing had changed. Saudra was still a killing machine. Hozai, a servent of Elhanan, was killed and gone. There didn’t seem to be anything left for her here.
But then a thought popped up in her mind. She tried to fight it down with sensibilities, but once it showed up, it could not be beaten back. Hozai’s death wasn’t Saudra’s fault. It wasn’t Malphas’s fault. It was Elhanan’s fault, if he even existed. Everything that had happened since she had first met Hozai led up to this point. This point where Hozai had given his life for a being that should have been protecting and preserving him, while Saudra, who could have protected Hozai, was being restrained by people supposedly chosen by Elhanan to fight Malphas. Then, after betraying Hozai like that, Elhanan abandoned her back to her old life. A life that was founded on one rule: kill or be killed. If Elhanan did exist, he was a much crueler master than Malphas could ever hope to be. Realizing this, Saudra finally gave up any hopes she had of a different life.
She dried her tears and looked right up at Malphas. She said coldly, trying to play the new part she had committed herself to, “That fool? You think I was his whore? Surely you give me more credit than that, my King.” She smirked at him now. She could not stand or move too much because her wounds were still taking their toll. She could only lay there, accepting her fate.
Malphas
“Tell me the truth or I will kill you right now. Was he the one who turned you?” Malphas says. “The one who made you afraid of doing exactly what you were meant to do.” He walks closer and crouches down. “You are too useful to me, and I don’t want to kill you. I was the one who gave you life. The mercenaries your idiot uncle sent you too, those were my men.” He moved closer to her ear. “I made you, every breath you breathed from that point on has belonged to me. Not some priest or some fairy tale. I am your creator.” He stands up and walks over to the body of the priest crushing what is left of his head with a boot.
“SO WAS IT HIM WHO SEDUCED YOU AWAY FROM YOUR GOD!” Malphas thundered.
Saudra A shudder went down her spine as Malphas leaned close to her and revealed that he was the reason for her killer instincts, but for some reason, it relaxed her more than upset her.
It makes so much sense she thought to herself More sense than the idea of a benevolent, all knowing being out there pulling the strings to make my life work out for good somehow. I was made to be a killing machine only to do Malphas’s bidding. There’s nothing more to me, and there never has been.
She flinched a little when when Malphas crushed Hozai’s body and said quietly, both out of shame and out of fear, “Yes, he was the one. I’m sorry, for my weaknesses Master.”
Malphas
“Don’t let it happen again, I need you ready for the war coming up.” Malphas lifts her up. “You serve me, and only me, and one day I’ll let you put your weapons down for good and take up residence in your parents house again.” He looks down on her. “I’ll make you greater than they ever were.”
Saudra Saudra felt light as Malphas raised the assassin from the ground. What he was saying, all of it, sounded so alien to her now. She understood what he was saying, but that all seemed something for someone who didn’t live the cursed life she did. There was no hope of comfort or greatness for her anymore.
“My Lord,” she said, returning his gaze with a confused look. “I have no parents, only you. I will never lay down my weapons. Not until I perish. I only live to serve you now.”
Malphas
He walked to the door. “Good, then serve me by getting rid of this body, showering and meet me tomorrow. We must discuss your upcoming role in this battle.” He opened the door and left her with Hozai’s body. Perfect. I have my top assassin back.
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Post by Sovereign on Oct 8, 2012 19:13:29 GMT -5
Samson
Everything he had done over the past decade was haunting him now. He had shut off his emotions and never let them get in the way, and in doing so he had become the kinda Monster the late King had trained him to defeat. I am a monster….[/b] He punched the wall, collapsing in a heap, crying and praying no one saw him.
After what seemed like an eternity he rose to his feet, tears still coming down his face. He looked at his sword, where Elhanan had broken it in his vision, you could see something forming. He couldn’t make it out but he was sure that it was a reminder of the vision.
A few hours later
Samson had made his way to the temple and had been praying for what seemed like the first time in his life. “Elhanan, create in me a new heart, I wish to be a new man….a better man.” You are already a new man, Samson. His head shot up but saw no one, as he looked up at symbol of Elhanan, a tear drop. It was said that his very tears created man; yesterday it seemed like a fairy tale. But now, he very much believed it, fore it was his own tears that had been used to bring about a new creation in him.
“Thank you, Lord.” Samson whispers, and just then he remembered the dead priest. He shot up from his seat and ran out of the temple. Towards the dark castle looming ahead of him.
30 minutes later
It was the door, it seemed heavier now, knowing what was inside. “I must face this.” And with those words he opens the door to see a young woman he recognized as Saudra Turk. She wasn’t a prisoner though, so that only meant…. Malphas has her again…no… He won’t keep her, she is mine, and Malphas cannot win. But she is not ready yet. He heard Elhanan speak again. He knew the voice belonged to Elhanan because it had spoken to him back in the temple.
“SAUDRA TURK!” Samson put his Shadow Blade mask on. “I have new orders for you.”
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Post by Zabby on Oct 8, 2012 21:34:57 GMT -5
OT: Excuse as I backpost a smidge
Saudra
After Malphas left, Saudra dragged herself over to Hozai's broken, sad body. She bowed her head over it and started to cry.
"I'm sorry," she muttered to the dead man. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you." She sat there crying until nothing more could come out.
"Good just can not exist for long," said Saudra finally feeling all grief of Hozai's passing leaving her.
Then she looked around the room. She needed to dispose of the body, and the best way for her to do that was to burn it. She saw some straw in the back of the cells. She half-limped and half crawled over to it. After gathering enough to get kindling around the body, she made her way back to it. It was right about when she began to prepare the body for burning using the straw that she heard a loud voice in the distance.
Looking up, Saudra saw the man that made her fail all those years ago in the King's throne room. She didn't trust him as far as she could throw him, which in her state was not far at all. She glared at him and said, "I only take orders from the King." Then Saudra continued her work of prepping the body.
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Post by purplemunster94 on Oct 8, 2012 22:08:05 GMT -5
Samara
Samara smiled slightly at Avan as he talked about the cave they were in. "It's much better than laying on the forest floor dead, or worse, in the hands of Malphas." She looked out toward the setting sun, as Avan seemed to be in deep thought.
As another voice entered the cave Samara jumped, and slid away. Realizing for the first time that she had left her bow and arrows in the Inn. She stood slowly as the woman talked. She wanted to trust the woman, but since the Inn, she knew that people were not to be trusted anymore. She didn't know what to say, or even did she want to say anything because she knew she would say too much. She looked to Avan hoping he knew what to do, in situations like this.
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Post by atlantis on Oct 8, 2012 23:50:29 GMT -5
Avan
It took a moment to make out her image as his eyes adjusted to the shine of the sunset around her face. A foreign woman, head cloaked in a scarf, had entered the cave and offered them help. He heard Samara back away behind him and he reached for his axe, still carried on his back. "Who are you?" he asked, though he knew whether she was friend or foe there was little he could do in his present state.
He was silently berrating himself for leaving such a mess of a trail, especially with Samara's warning of trouble at the inn. But there was nothing to be done about it now. He examined the woman's smile and hoped he could trust his senses when he thought she was genuine in her offer. He nodded his head toward Samara and said, "She's been bleeding pretty badly." He still kept his axe ready, though, in case of any sudden moves by the new arrival.
Goons
With Ackbar's dismissal, Madoc and Warren had gone first to the infirmary to have Madoc's wound treated, and then out into the city for a drink or two. The pub was empty this early in the day, inhabited only by the chronic drunks and the broken-hearted. They took a couple of seats at the bar and ordered the usual.
Locke knew when he joined that these were the risks, Madoc told himself. But then, he wasn't joining for king and country. He was joining for me and Waka. And I swore to protect him!He had gone through the same thoughts over and over again in his head since the minute he'd turned away from his youngest brother there in the forest. And every time he came to the same conclusion: the captain was wrong, they should go back, Locke could be saved. But though he'd defied Ackbar before, this was something bigger than he'd ever dealt with. Madoc was halfway through his drink when Warren spoke and stirred him out of his depression.
"Where is Laka?" he asked simply.
The question made Madoc's insides turn to ice, caused the knot in his throat to grow three sizes. He remembered what Ackbar had said about the Hawks being cannibals and savages. For a second, the image of Locke's face, his terrified eyes, flashed in his mind and he shook his head to get rid of it. "Captain says he's gone."
"But gone where?" Warren pressed.
"Gone to be in the Sky Country, Waka," Madoc snapped. He realized his mistake just as it happened and when he saw the hurt look on his brother's face, he immediately apologized. He shuddered at his own irritability and the fury that was developing inside.
"...There's a country in the sky?" Warren mused beside him, taking a gulp of his own drink. "Is Malphas King of it, too?"
"Laka told me once," Madoc answered with a weary sigh. "There's a place you go when you leave this world called Asezerah. And no, I don’t think King Malphas even has the power to set foot there. He says that when you pass into that land, you're welcomed in through a garden of roses. And the Lord Elhanan greets you and heals you of the troubles of life.”
“And Laka went there?”
“Captain says so,” Madoc nodded. “But... I can’t believe that. He’s still out in the forest somewhere.” He quaked again with the images Ackbar had put in his mind of what the Hawks did to their prisoners. But going after him, just the two of us? What could we hope to accomplish?
“Well...,” Warren began, taking the last swig of his drink. “We’ll find him then. When Malphas takes out that camp. Or he’ll find us. Laka’s smart like that.”
If he still has legs to stand on Madoc thought with a nod.
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Post by Just what it says on the tin. on Oct 9, 2012 20:53:39 GMT -5
Moire A sliver of maternal instinct touched Moire for a moment as she watched the girl rise shakily to her feet. In the darkness, it wasn't too dificult to mistake her for Hazel, with her dark hair and fair skin. Understandably, the young man was also on guard, his politeness thinly veiling suspicion made even more blatant by his his hand's slow movement toward the axe. Moire thought for a moment before deciding that a vague, shadowy response or a blatant lie would require too much energy to nurture. "My name is Moire." She said, still keeping a restrained, disarming smile as she crossed over carefully to the injured girl. She had no intention of offering any more information than was necessary for trust. Where she was known, she was known as the Kel; her innocuous first name would scarcely hearken to that. She took her hand to stabilize the girl, who was wobbling slightly where she stood. Fresh blood had seeped through the cloth wrapped around the woman's waist. The binding itself was not carelessly done; one of the two must have had experience with such injuries. With the limited information Hazel had been able to Moire and the other Sieve through bouts of wakefulness, the girl at the inn, Samara, had been a healer. That was a likely guess, Moire decided, as to the identity of the girl, but who the man was remained a mystery. Not that it mattered, in either case. "You've done well enough on your own, but there remains a set distance where nature and skill can carry you. When fortune is thin, it tends to be shortened." She continued. "I am travelling with a small group, and I have medicine. More importantly, I can offer security.
"As for a price, it's a cruel thing to offfer anything without mention of cost. In this case, consider it an owed kindness to a wronged friend; I expect nothing from you." The words felt a little cumbersome to pronounce, as Moire was unfamiliar with dealing in moral rather than monetary terms. But if they could lead her to anyone in a position of power, knowingly or not, the trifling sum wasted on medicine would be inconsequential. Even more so if it placed her in a position of trust.
Releasing Samara's hand, Moire walked to the opening of the cave and guestured out.
"It's entirely your choice, of course. But it's rare that you can keep your own interests entirely preserved in any negotiation. I wouldn't waste the opportunity."
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Post by Zabby on Oct 10, 2012 22:26:25 GMT -5
JP with TJ and Zabby
Shadow Blade
“I only take orders from the king.” Shadow Blade heard her say and before he knew what he was doing he had his sword out and pointed it at her. “You have no rank, and are only alive because of the mercies of the Great King Malphas.” I don’t believe that at all, but she does. He slashes his sword to his side. “And I am his right hand man, I was there when you screwed up the assassination of that weak king, I was there when you failed to protect this priest. I’ve succeeded every time you have failed.” He hated talking like this, he hated wearing this mask again but he needed to.
“Do you think you will succeed in throwing that knife at me?”
Saudra The Shadow Blade’s words stung deep. She felt the hatred of the man rising within her. “Well, I won’t fail this time,” she replied annoyed. “So you can just go away and if the Lord wishes for you to take care of the body, he can tell me so himself.”
Then in response to his knife question, she said in an overly cocky tone, “Of course I can. I’m better than you. I always have been.”
Shadow Blade
“That is why I was responsible for your failure to assassinate your biggest target.” Shadow Blade advanced. “I’ve become the best , not because I never leave room for error, but it is that I always leave room for error.”
Saudra Anger flashed up in Saudra and she launched the knife at the man, hoping it would find its target. “That doesn’t mean anything you old fool!” she cried.
Shadow Blade
His blade flashed with lightning speed, knocking the knife out of the air. “It means everything.”
“It means EVERYTHING! It’s because of your pride that the war went on longer. Yes, yes it was only a few weeks, but more people lost their lives because of your incompetence as an Assassin. Face it, you were never meant to BE an assassin.” He paused, not knowing whether or not to reveal who was in fact responsible for her mother and father’s death.
“Any assassin with even a little skill would have made a plan A-Z, but you didn’t. You had so much pride in your perceived ability that you had one plan, and one plan alone. Use the skills that your uncle had purchased for you to get close to the king, and assassinate him and his wife, oh daughter of the Great House of Turk, and I was the one who told the late king who you exactly were.” He frowned. “I knew of your connections to Malphas, because your uncle has always been a slimeball. But that I didn’t tell the king, I wanted to see exactly how good you were.” He walked a little closer. “Another good quality of an assassin that you lack, is the control of your emotions, they’ve been raging since the day he contracted the assassination on your parents.” A single tear ran down his face, hidden under his cowl.
Saudra The scornful words were hard for Saudra to hear. She felt her temper rising, and she was beginning to decide the different ways she could kill this man with her bare hands, but then a thought occurred to her.
He’s testing me, isn’t he? she asked herself. He’s the one who broke me last time, just talking about my parents. He’s the one who caused me to fail the King. This must be another test, to see if I’ve grown past that. Saudra began to swallow her anger, her pride, and her hatred.
I’ll take a different moment to kill him. she thought to appease herself. When I fully gain Malphas’s favor, I’ll convince him to allow me to do it.
Looking up at Shadow Blade with a smirk on her face she said, “Say what you will, Old Timer. You are still not getting this body away from me, and when the King finds out you’ve tried, I’ll get to pluck your feathers one by one.”
Shadow Blade
He smiled. You’ve learned to control your emotions, but not how to get rid of them. I pray that you never do. Or you’ll become what I was, a monster. He thought to himself as he walked up to her. “You are letting your plan show.” And with those words he raise his sword high in his hand, not directly over his head and swung it in an ark hitting her with his flat side, knocking her out.
Samson Blake
He bent down over his body and began to cry. “I’m so sorry Saudra, it’s not your fault. It’s not.” He cradled her head in his lap. “Lord Elhanan, I pray that you keep your promise concerning this young madam, if I would have acted sooner, her parents would still be alive. But I put off my investigation, and her parents died...forgive me.” He uttered the last words to both Elhanan and Saudra. “Create in her a new heart one day, destroy the hate and pride poisoning her very soul this instant.” He took out a washcloth he usually only used for his blade and began wiping the tears from his eyes, then he used his tears to wipe the blood from her face. “I’m so sorry.”
He had to act quickly, so he pulled out two vials, one of a drug that would erase the last half hour of her memory, the other was a drug that killed pain and allowed for restful sleep. This stuff was top of the line and very rare. He went over to a bucket with drinking water, they kept it there for when the torture took a long time, reached in and got the cup of water out. Mixed the drugs with the water and walked back over to her body.
Kneeling once again, he left her chin back and squeezed her cheeks to force open her mouth and poured the drink down her throat. He had just stood up and put back on the ‘mask’ of Shadow Blade when someone walked in.
Beryl A well dressed redhead swept into the room. She saw Shadow Blade kneeling by Saudra and a knowing smile grew across her face.
“Trying to get your own turn in with Mal’s new toy, huh, Shaddy?” she asked him in a half teasing, half sarcastic tone. Then she surveyed the whole room.
“The poor lamb,” she continued with mock compassion. “She must’ve passed out before she could do anything with that ugly mound in the room. She’ll have to learn to clean up her own messes if she wants to live here.” Beryl let out a sigh. “Well, I’ll have to send some servants down here to clean up for her.”
Turning to Shadow Blade, she said with a smile, “Shaddy, would you be a dear and help me carry this girl to the room Mal’s prepared for her? I don’t think I can do it by myself.”
Shadow Blade
“Only toy worth playing with of Malphas’s is you Mistress Beryl.” He said with the same teasing, sarcastic tone that she had used. It had always been a game of theirs, but something was different this time, he hated calling her a toy but not doing so would have rose suspicion. She has been poisoned by Malphas just as Saudra has been, she’s beautiful but broken.
“Don’t bother with the servants. I’ll clean up down here, after I help you carry her to her room.” He says as he gets up.
Beryl A smile crossed Beryl’s face as Shadow Blade complemented her. She began to walk over to him and the girl. She, after Shadow Blade was standing, placed her hand lightly on his mask and said softly, “You’re too sweet, hun. If only you’d let me take this mask of your’s off. I bet your kisses would taste just as sweet.” She let her hand drop from his mask and brushed up against his chest before it fell to her side.
Shadow Blade
“ I would not betray my King in that way Madam.” And I don’t mean that monster you share the your bed with either. “Though you flatter me greatly.” He reaches down and brings her hand to his mouth and kissed it lightly. “But we have work to do, do we not?”
Beryl “Alas we do,” replied Beryl with a sigh. “It’s always work and no play with you men.” She shook her head and then continued, “If you’ll just pick her up and follow me.” She began to walk up the stairs leading out of the dark, dank prison to the more light and airy rooms above that she usually traipsed about all day long.
They walked until they came to a small guest room on one of the higher floors. Beryl opened the door wide revealing, in the center of the room a large, goose feather bed covered in marvelously vibrant sheets. “Just place her there,” said Beryl and she went over to large bowl of hot water in the corner. She brought it and a chair over to the bed, ready to clean the girl.
Shadow Blade
He sighed and picked up Saudra very gently, and cradled her to his chest. I will atone for this. He thinks. It was he who needed to take responsibility for everyone of her problems. If he had sent out his Shadows fast enough, Malphas could not have touched them. He could have handled her assassination attempt better, allowing her to find out the truth of her parents demise. And last of all if he had woken up sooner, the priest would still yet breathe. He had a debt to pay to this young woman.
“Beryl, do you ever wonder why Malphas keeps her around? She failed him in assassinating that maggot of a king.” He said laying her down.
Beryl
“Well Shaddy,” replied Beryl. “I’m guessing that he’s got something invested in this girl. Mal hates to lose, so if he has some sort of plan or some sort of bet riding on this girl, he’s going to make the plan work.”
Shadow Blade
“You have that right, and more than losing, he hates people who have it better off than he, it makes him a strong, yet terrifying king. Do you wish to know how he came to have her under his command originally?” He asked, knowing her tennet for gossiping. Walking over to her leaning down with his mouth less than inches from her ear and whispered. “It’s a juicy tale, full of jealousy and murder.”
Beryl An excited chill traveled down Beryl’s spine as Shadow Blade leaned into her and tempted her with a story. A smile spread across her face as she dipped a cloth in her hand into the hot water. “You know I’m always up for a good story,” she said nonchalantly, but her eyes flashed with a desire to know what the masked man was talking about.
Shadow Blade
He crossed the room and sat down in a very comfortable chair. “As you were a friend of Malphas’ growing up, I will assume you know of the Noble Turk family, a family that was of a ‘higher’ breed than the Azazel's if you will.” He crossed his legs. “I and Malphas are the only one’s that know this tale, so keep it to yourself Beryl.” He says hoping that she indeed would not and let it slip to Saudra.
“Malphas was jealous of them for their high position in the nobility, if the royal family was wiped out a Turk could very well ascend to the throne. Malphas on the other hand, had no legitimate claim to throne, and this outraged him. So he began hatching a plan that took years to come to fruition, and took me years to uncover,” He said the last part with a hidden sadness. “Part of that plan, had no real rhyme or reason to it. He just hated the Turks.”
“He put out a contract to assassinate this young woman’s parents, I didn’t act fast enough and they died soon after.” He smiled, though it was a fake one for Beryl’s sake.
“But you see his plan was not yet complete, their daughter would then become his finest weapon against the king, and now as you can see she is also his favorite plaything.” He looks at Beryl searching for any signs of hurt. “Though, he has different kind of ‘plays’”
“He had befriended the girls Uncle, who is a slimeball by anyone’s standards and convinced the man to send her to a mercenary camp where she learned her assassin’s arts, then to throw any suspicion off of him...he had her Uncle ‘present’ her to him, Malphas that is.” He looked over at her limp form. She didn’t deserve it.
“Then she had to prove her worth, and after she had killed most of the former noble houses, it was the king’s turn. But Malphas hadn’t counted on me to foil her plan. By having the king mention her parents.” He stood up and walked over to her limp form. “She’s deadly good, but she is still young, hormones rule her body and she can not control her emotions. Even now after all these years, her anger and hatred must be directed at something or it will consume her. Though, what Malphas has planned for her no one knows. He originally meant to kill her off after the assassination attempt.....” He looked at Beryl. “How’s that for a story.”
Beryl While Shadow Blade told his story, Beryl began washing Saudra and changing her bandages. She was calm during all of it, except when Shadow Blade mentioned Malphas liking Saudra more than her. She looked a little annoyed, but quickly got over it.
“That’s an interesting story Shaddy,” replied Beryl as she stopped washing Saudra. Then she continued pointedly “It almost sounds like you regret the girl’s place in life now.”
Shadow Blade
“You know nothing of her place in life now, I would regret your place too if you ended up in her position. She is so young and has seen and felt so much death.” Shadow Blade spoke with a controlled rage, almost letting it go and blowing his cover. “I regret a lot of things, but the truth remains that Malphas is a strong king, and worthy of everything he has.” He walked over to Beryl.
“Every good thing he has, he deserves it. Except maybe you, I don’t know a man alive that deserves you,” he smiled, hoping that his flattery would make her forget his slip up.
Beryl The woman just shrugged at this. “I’ve never had to face death like you,” she replied. “But I always imagined you enjoyed the killing. That’s why you did it. I don’t understand why anyone would ever do anything they don’t enjoy. She probably likes it too.”
Then she smiled back at him for the complement. “If I didn’t know better Shaddy,” she replied. “I’d think you were buttering me up for something.”
Shadow Blade
“I’m too old for buttering, Beryl.”
“Malphas has many who love to kill and are good at it. But he choose me, for a different reason.” He walked around her back. “I know how to figure people out, I know their deepest secrets.” He smiled. “I even know some of yours, Beryl.” He leaned in close. “Malphas wasn’t your first love, and you wouldn’t have chose him if it wasn’t that he made you feel wanted, the one you want....the one I believe you STILL want is not Malphas, though you do take him because he makes you feel wanted.” He walks back around her, and smiles. “Melzikiah Azazel.” And let the name linger in the air.
Beryl The playful smile that danced on Beryl’s face faded as soon as Shadow Blade started to turn the conversation back on her. She felt a tightness in her chest when he talked about her first love, but when he uttered his name, she gulped.
No matter how much Beryl convinced herself that she was happy in her life and she couldn’t imagine life ever working out better for her, there was always a part of her that wondered what life would be like now if Melzikiah had never rejected her, if they had ended up getting married instead of never seeing each other again.
Beryl just shook her head and said quietly, “I’m sure you know how dangerous it is to even speak that name Shadow Blade, but I’ll have you know that pleasing the King is my one and only concern. I am here for him, and I would not have it any other way.”
Shadow Blade
“I apologize madam, but for your sake, I hope you do not lie to yourself in this matter.” He bowed. “No matter how much people think their paths are well lit, many times they are mistaken.” He turned and headed to the door. “The reason I killed, the reason I fought, is to protect my younger sister. Now she’s dead. I did NOT enjoy it one bit in the beginning, but now I have wore my mask so long, I have become nothing more than a beast.”
Beryl
For the first time in a long time, Beryl had nothing to say. She just turned back to her task of preparing Saudra for when Malphas was ready for his newest assassin. She allowed Shadow Blade to slip out of the room without offering any parting phrase.
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Post by Sovereign on Oct 11, 2012 0:24:44 GMT -5
Melzikiah
He smiled at Alaric. "I understand your worry, I really do. But I must evaluate them all, all three." He stood up. "Oh yes, Niah, Alaric before you get the men ready will you please check on the sick man who came in earlier. He might be of some use to us in the coming battle."
He walked through his tent leaving the two there by themselves and made his way to where the two crows had been incarcerated. "You two, I need to speak to you." He says as he opens the cell door and walks in. "I run a rather strange army here you see. I give all prisoner's a chance to redeem themselves and earn their freedom, there are more than a share of former Crows and even former Mercenaries in the Hawks." He looked at them both. "So what do you say?"
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Post by atlantis on Oct 11, 2012 0:35:47 GMT -5
Avan
He didn't know if trusting this strange woman was the right choice or not. She seemed fairly kind and had at least been honest enough to share her name, but then why should she show such interest in them? Anyway, given the state of things, he didn't see any better options. He needed to rest his leg, Samara needed tending and likely medicine as well.
He didn't have the foggiest idea where he could find others sympathetic to his cause and to his knowledge, aside from Saudra, all the other prisoners had been killed. Well, except for that one girl that ran off on us. But who knows where she's gone off to? He needed some way to make himself known to Hawks and rebels without revealing his location to the King and his Crows. Without fellow rebels, any attack he planned on the capital would be worthless.
He sighed and relaxed a little. Yes, I suppose there really is only the one choice, isn't there? Sitting in this cave isn't going to get us any closer to victory and without her help, what will we do? But the only way to gain the things they needed seemed to be through honesty; he hoped her charity would extend as far as they had need.
"You can call me Avan," he said at last with a gentle bow. "If you're going to make such generous offers, it'd be wise to know you're making them to enemies of the crown. We're in search of rebel sympathizers as well as fleeing a bit of trouble in Damagra. If this should diminish your charitable interest, I would understand. Otherwise, we humbly accept any assistance you can lend."
Locke
It had been a while since he had spoken to Ben and the two of them had sat in silence for what seemed forever. His head was still spinning from the impassioned idealism of their conversation, though his thoughts were becoming increasingly shadowed by the memory of his brothers. He felt like they had rushed into the King’s service without even once thinking of what the Crows stood for or why the Hawks were rebelling. Now he had seen the Hawks for what they were, void of all the King’s propaganda, and realized the people he’d called enemy for the last few years were friendlier than most of his comrades. Being captured had turned his world on its head.
His thoughts were interrupted as a man entered, clad in heavy armor and dark clothing with decoration detailing his importance in the world. When he spoke, Locke’s suspicions of his rank were confirmed; he must be the head of this camp.
When Locke heard his offer, he was frozen in place, unsure of whether he had heard the man correctly. It took him a moment to find his voice. “M’lord, though I’ve only just arrived here, I’ve seen the merciful ways you deal with your enemy. And I’ve seen the strength with which you stand behind your convictions. My whole life I’ve known few people like those in this camp. Because of it, my heart is with you.”
He swallowed hard, catching his breath as his heartbeat accelerated at the sound of his words. “But sir, I don’t think you would find my allegiance as much a service as a disappointment. I don’t want to hinder your battle plans. I don’t want to be responsible for your failure.”
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Post by purplemunster94 on Oct 11, 2012 18:04:45 GMT -5
Samara
As soon as the woman helped Samara to her feet, she knew that she was someone to be trusted. Not just because of her kindness, but the look in her eyes. She smiled at Moire, and watched as Avan gave his name. He might not have trusted her as fully as Samara did, but at least he was willing to trust her enough with the information that they were against the crown.
Samara nodded along with Avan as he told her their dilemma, then curtsied a little unstable, "My name is Samara. We've had some real trouble the past few days, and we truly do understand if you no longer want to help us, for fear of your own safety." She sighed, "But if you are willing to help us, it would mean the world to us."
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Post by atlantis on Oct 17, 2012 1:42:34 GMT -5
OT: Looonngg JP between Zabby, TJ, and me. This is the portion with Zabs; still working on the Lock/Melz portion. ^.^
Ben Letting out a snort, Ben shook his head, half at the ridiculousness of what the man was offering and how willing his cellmate was to accept it.
“Really?” asked Ben with an arched eyebrow. “You know nothing about us. You know nothing about our plots, or missions, anything and here you are just offering us a chance to turn coat and join you? Do you really want men that would sell their souls just because they think it would save their skin? The Crown might have a lot less to worry about from the Hawks than I originally thought.“
Melzikiah
“Who was the one to show you such kindness.” Melzikiah asked before turning to the other one, the one who had selflessly got an arrow through his arm. “I want men who, after seeing the truth don’t allow their preconceived notions to rule them.” He took a knee next to that same man.
“The Crown has nothing to worry about from us, Malphas Azezel, my brother, on the other hand stands to lose everything that he stole.” He looked at them both and saw the usual shock. “Yes, I am indeed Melzikiah Azezel, the youngest son of the Azezel Noble house.” He smiled. “But, now you are thinking ‘he wants the crown for himself’. Let me assure you, that glory is not something I want or could ever deserve. Only one of either the Yalown or Falconer bloodlines can take the Crown.”
“And we will find the true heir.”
Locke
He ducked when the man turned his attention toward him, hoping he could hide somehow. “Her name was Bethany,” he replied and listened to the story of Malphas Azezel’s brother. “But... all the royal family are dead. At least, that’s what my father told me.”
Ben When the man revealed his identity, Ben was rather shocked. He had no idea the king had a younger brother, but the man kept talking and Ben listened. “You’re wrong,” replied Ben a little annoyed. “The document Rivaiz signed cannot be overturned by the Yalown or Falconer lines. It is all the proof Malphas needs. Any movement, even if it’s backed by an old, noble house, is still treason! I don’t care what kind of notions of morality you have. A country is not built upon people taking up arms against their rulers and protectors whenever they want.”
Melzikiah
“A country is not built upon people taking up arms against their rulers?!? Do you even know who you serve!? Malphas Azezel ignited a war against the Yalown line. He and Rivaiz took up arms against the royal family, it’s RULERS.” He fished out a document. “And by a decree that can not be overturned by any other king, we as Hawks have every right to fight and dethrone Malphas.” He threw the document at the prisoner. “Read it, signed by a nameless preist, Fredric Falconer, and Tilion Yalown on the day of his crowning, and the formation of the Hawks. Forever law.”
From this day forward, at any time and under any circumstances should a king or queen ascend to the throne to, and show themselves of unfit character, the organization known as the Hawks can remove them from the throne and replace the unfit royalty with a person of outstanding character.
If a noble takes the throne in any of the following ways, he can be dispatched, through any means necessary:
1. Forceful ascension to the blessed throne. 2. Unjust judgements. 3. Any and all violent Crimes. 4. The increase of taxes to line their coffers.
We hereby, on this most glorious day sign this document into law, and proclaim to the nation that this law shall ever stand. We sign this in the presence of the Great Elhanan.
Tilion Yalown Fedric Falconer I priest of Elhanan.
“In case you are not up to date on your History, Tilion Yalown united this country against a corrupt king, and the Falconers who were the royal family at the time followed him. The priest was there to make sure that the document was not in anyway malicious, and as long as Elhanan lives, this document is LAW”
“Let me name of the list of crimes committed by the Crow King. One, Forceful ascension to the throne. Two, He murdered many, many people. Just ask Miss Bethany; he had her father killed because of a grudge. He has lied to the populace of the kingdom, Rivaiz wasn’t the one who killed his family.”
Turning to the other man. “Bethany is a fierce but gentle woman, you are lucky she is the one who brought you in and not someone else. While I do my best to keep the Hawks on the straight and narrow, they are still learning how to work under my rules, like this one, that allows for redemption.”
Locke
He glanced over Ben’s shoulder to read the document the man had tossed, saw that it was tightly sealed, listened to the Hawk leader’s story. A squirming started in his stomach as he spoke of Bethany’s father and his memory was jogged to what she had said before she left him-- and the vivid courage she had spoken. He shook his head in disgust and turned to Ben. “You, you’re an officer. Don’t you know any of this? Yet you’ll follow this monster as your king?”
His blood was boiling, but at the same time, he was trembling in fear. To the leader, he returned his attention, adding, “Sir, I swear to you my service and....” He paused, his head feeling light. “I give my life to the true heir of the throne.”
Ben After reading the document and hearing the man’s speech, Ben’s head was swimming from all the information. He put his head in his hands and whispered, “This can’t be. This is..”
As the man next to him swore loyalty to an organization they still knew nothing about, Ben just shook his head. He looked up at the man claiming to be Malphas’s brother and said, “How... how do I know this isn’t an elaborate ruse... To... to trick me into betraying my country?” Ben did not sound convinced by his own question. He was simply grabbing at straws because he was so comfortable in his life, he did not want things to change.
Melzikiah
He smiled as the man pledged his life to the future king, whoever that may be. "What's your name?"
Then the other man spoke up. "Sir, you know it's true by the rose, hawk and tear drop stamped into that paper. There is no single way for those seals to be replicated."
Locke
"It's Locke, m'lord," he answered with a bow. "Locke F-Fendras." Turning to Ben who still seemed a little less-than-convinced, he added, “And he’s right; I read about them in Houses and Histories. Why is it you’re so reluctant even after the truth’s been shown to you? I mean, my own past paints me three shades of a fool, but everything in me says that what this man says is the truth. Not because I’m afraid of what he’ll do if I don’t follow him. I’m every bit as terrified of dying under his command as I am Ballack’s, but at least this way I know I’ll die for a reason.”
Ben Clenching his fist and shaking his head, Ben sighed and said, “You don’t understand, Fendras. My whole life, I’ve been in service to the throne. I was born a servant. I was raised to follow the Crown no matter what, but Lucas found me on the street. He saved my life. I owe my complete loyalty to him. I can’t just abandon him, but I can’t just ignore this either. I don’t know...”
Ben put his head back in his hands. He really wasn’t sure which duty mattered more.
Melzikiah
He nodded at Locke. "It's a pleasure to have you join our ranks. I'm not going to rush you." He clasped Locke's hand, pulling out a piece of paper with a metal clasp in the shape of a Hawk. It was made out of the most simple metal but its design was very intricate. "This here will get your weapon back and a new set of armor. Can't have you you looking like a Crow. The Hawk is your symbol now, wear it proudly. We all have one."
He then turned and faced the other. "Follow your heart." He threw the same parchment/Hawk down. "It's your life."
Locke
As Ben explained, he began to feel sorry for his harsh words. He received the Hawk from Melzikiah with some foreign feeling of pride, though a nagging thought in the back of his mind reminded him he’d done nothing to be proud of yet. With a last look at Ben, he said, “I might have some inkling of your dilemma-- my brothers are still out there following Malphas, y’know. But... they would want me to do the right thing. If they were here, they would follow m’lord as well. I hope that even though we’re on opposite sides of the war, they’ll see what I’ve done and be proud. Anyway, you already know the right answer, somewhere.”
Melzikiah
"He's right and this Lucas, he's like your brother. I know the feeling. I'm waging a war against my only brother and all I've ever wanted was to hear him say, 'I'm proud of you'. Those simple words I longed for." A single tear went down his cheek. "But then I realized that all he wants is power, no matter who he has to hurt or leave behind. If I...." He trailed off and went silent.
Ben
Ben stretched himself out, a confused look crossing his face. He scratched his head and thought. But Lucas' not like that. He has been nothing but good to me. He’s watched out for me and guided me. We’re on equal footing, and I know that.
Ben shook his head and said, “You’re going to have to kill me to keep your story a secret because I can’t betray Lucas. I’ll fight by his side until the end.”
Melzikiah
"Or I can just keep you in this cell," he says picking up the parchment. "Locke, let’s go." Melzikiah turned and open the jail cell.
"Ben, I desperately hope I don't have to kill you."
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Post by Bhunivelze on Oct 23, 2012 21:18:27 GMT -5
(JP between TJ and I)
Krieg
“Well this is interesting, to say the least.” the young man said as he looked at the court prison. Some scratches and scuff marks, they seemed only a couple days old. Even some blood spots here and there. He bent over to look at some of the blood when he felt a cold hand on his shoulder, as a reflex he turned and swept the ground with his left leg and toppled a man over. He then raised his right foot high above his head and brought it down on the supposed attackers gut. He nailed him with his heel. Right in the diaphragm. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The dropping angel technique was a hard one to master. Learning the exact spot to drop the heel was the hardest part, but finding the right force to just bruise a few ribs and wind the target wasn’t an easy task either. It wasn’t until the man had enough air in his lungs did he realize that it was a guard.
“...Bloody.........hell.....were.. you thinking?!” the guard asked, gasping for air.
“Don’t sneak up on me. I’m not responsible for what happens afterwards.” Krieg said smugly. “Now, what did you want?”
The guard tried to get up but fell down again... and again. Laughing, Krieg helped the poor man up.
“Malphas... has summoned you....” The guard got in, in between gasps.
Krieg sighed. So... Malphas does remember me. It had been awhile since Krieg had any assignments. Well, besides roughing up a couple spies here and there, Krieg had been in the markets more than anywhere else.
As the young man walked to the palace he couldn’t help but notice the stench of corpse. Fresh corpse. Knowing that Malphas was borderline insane and could snap on anyone at anytime he just brushed it off. He walked up to the King and bowed. Knowing that if he didn’t the King would likely run his fancy blade through his throat.
“My lord, I understand you have a mission for me?”
Malphas
That sniveling brat failed me, and it’s only by my mercy and grace that is he even alive right now, but that doesn’t mean I trust him.” Malphas looks up from the book he had been glancing at, why he read at all he never knew but it helped him think. He didn’t even know what the title of the book was.
After his mental destruction of Saudra, he had called for an old but valuable tool of his, Krieg Westwind. The man had never failed a job, and he never would as long as the pay was right. It wasn’t long after he had stopped reading that Krieg walked in and bowed. “My Lord, I understand you have a mission for me?”
Malphas smiled, people respected him. “Did you hear about the break out a few nights ago?”
Krieg
Puzzled, Krieg stood up and looked at the King. “Of course your Majesty. It was hard not to. Master Kriess was imprisoned because of it, correct?” Kriess shouldn’t have been locked up. one mistake and he’s imprisoned? Yeah, that makes sense. Krieg thought to himself. He realized that Malphas had given him money and a place to stay, but other than that, Krieg couldn’t see any other reason to stay. But what could he do in the rest of the world. He decided just to stay content in the palace.
Malphas
“I want you to follow him, become his aid, and his protector.” Malphas looked into Kreig’s eyes. “And make sure he succeeds and works well with Lucien Wylder. If he fails at either of these tasks, kill him.”
“I do not take failure lightly, and he is lucky I am giving him this chance.”
Kreig
“Yes, your majesty. Of course, your majesty.” So that’s his game. Follow the failure. “If he cracks, make him shatter?” Though I’m not a big fan of watchdog duty, I like staying alive so... Krieg stood and bowed one last time and started out of the kings throne room. Not until he reached the door did the young man hesitate.
“My lord... I mean not to question you. But if Kriess was such a problem to begin with, why is he back? Would it not be easier to kill him?”
Malphas
“Easier is not always better. He failed me, this is true, very true. It was on his watch that some of the most important of my prisoner’s escaped.” Malphas paused, rage covering his face. “And it was due to some silly rivalry he has going with Wylder. I’ve spoken to the men and they told me everything, how Wylder left his position to investigate something very suspicious and Kriess stopped him, well his best friend stopped him.”
“But, the young man has potential, and I very seldom let potential fall away. I watch, and wait, see if they bloom or meet their doom.” He laughed at his own rhyme.
Krieg
As Malphas chuckled at his little rhyme, Krieg bowed once more and excused himself from the throne room. Kriess is it? I’ll admit I’m not a fan of babysitting but, better to suffer than to die. He walked to the quarters of the young strategist and knocked on the door. A new mission begins at this moment. Failure is not an option. Strike when they don’t expect it. Hold back when they do. Krieg closed his eyes while reciting this old saying he learned from his father. As the door began to open Krieg got back into a more relaxed persona.
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Post by Zabby on Oct 23, 2012 22:23:15 GMT -5
Saudra and Beryl Waking up, Saudra was amazed by the sheer decadence around her. Warm sheets wrapped themselves around Saudra, but she could still feel the throbbing in her wrist and leg. She knew she would be out of commission for weeks and Malphas would not be happy with her.
Why would he do this? she asked herself confused. If I'm no use to the Lord with this injuries, not for a good long time. Why would he...
But a bubbly voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Oh you're up!" said the voice of a woman who quickly made her way over to Saudra. A beautiful blonde woman was looking down at Saudra with a look of, not concern, but amused interest. "I was worried you'd never come back to us."
Saudra panicked and began trying to get away from this stranger. She tried to push herself out of bed, but a shooting pain came from her injured wrist and she crumpled back to the bed.
"Don't push yourself too much m'dear," replied Beryl with a wink. "We need you to full strength as soon as possible."
"Who are you?" asked Saudra as she realized for the first time she was clean and her clothes were changed. Has the Lord given me a servant? she asked herself confused.
"I am Beryl," she said in a happy tone sitting down on the side of the bed. "And I'm the King's Mistress. You," she touched Saudra's nose in this action. "are Zai, the King's concubine and personal slave. You will always be at his side unless he dismisses you. You're going to have to change into that." Beryl gestured to a dress behind her "And meet the King soon."
Saudra's heart began to beat faster when the world concubine came up. "You mean..." she said stunned. "I'll have to..."
Beryl blinked a few times while Saudra was stammering and then gave out a twinkling laugh. "No silly," she said rolling her eyes and giving Saudra a condescending head pat. "That's a cover story. We can't just advertise you as an assassin. That would defeat the purpose now wouldn't it?"
"Yeah, you're right," responded Saudra in a relieved tone.
"Now, dear," said Beryl as she stood up from Saudra's bed. "We need to get you changed."
"Okay," responded Saudra. Beryl helped her out of the bed and to change into the dress. Saudra was pleased to see that she could now limp along with limited help from the other woman. There was also a cane provided for her, so that would help her immensely, but Saudra's wrist seemed like it would take months to heal. I hope I don't have to use this any time soon, she thought to herself as she looked down at her wrist.
While Saudra was spacing out, seeming to evaluate her own injuries, Beryl said, "Come on honey. We need to find Mals."
"Mals?" echoed Saudra confused.
Beryl let out another light laugh. "Malphas, the King, m'dear. Don't be so daft." Then Beryl turned on her heal and began to exit the room
"Mals," whispered Saudra to herself. She was in awe that there was a person who would dare to call the King that. She shook her head and limped out after the odd woman.
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Ambassador
Full Member
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidance of things not seen.
Posts: 130
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Post by Ambassador on Oct 25, 2012 20:03:15 GMT -5
Eve
"Is it really that bad?" Bethany whispered to Eve as they walked away from the prisoners holding cells.
Eve nodded curtly. "Yes. It seems my return has brought us bad luck." She spat. She hated herself for allowing the crow to follower her, and thus bring Malphas' very army to their gates. It made her angry, almost guilty. "Come on," Eve brought the focuse back on the present task. "Let's round up the archers and ajourn to the armory--I happen to know there are dozens of new arrows ripe for the picking."
Alaric Melzikiah smiled at Alaric. "I understand your worry, I really do. But I must evaluate them all, all three." He stood up. "Oh yes, Niah, Alaric before you get the men ready will you please check on the sick man who came in earlier. He might be of some use to us in the coming battle."
Alaric nodded and saluted dutifully. He was still worred about the girl, but he knew his duty was to focus on the impending battle. Carring out orders would help him keep his mind on track.
Alaric gestured wordlessly to to tent flap, letting 'Niah' know he was ready to go, then steped outside the tent and set a course for the healers tent.
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