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[Wandering Rogue]

The Mortal Age

 

A darkness hangs over my sleeping thoughts like a veil I cannot pierce.  Every night I can feel the shroud tightening upon my dreaming mind and it fills me with a sense of dread.  How long has this lasted?  It seems as if it was an eternity sense my dreams held light but could it have been as little as weeks?  It has begun to erode my waking self.  My body withers by the day and my mind grows increasingly clouded.  At first I attributed this to simple exhaustion but has the effects increasingly more profound I began to question it.  With my slumbering consciousness I attempted to probe that which intrudes upon my dreams and found...nothing.  No, that is misleading.  It was a thing but its defining characteristic was its lack of form.  It was a void where something may have been or should have but wasn't.  It showed no reaction and so I grew emboldened and attempted to speak to it.

 

It answered.

 

There were no words to be heard and yet I  knew.  Like a spike of insight the visions danced before my eyes.  It had been called here by someone.  They wished for it to watch.  Why?  It did not know.  It did not care.  It simply was bound to observe my fate as it guided my incorporeal form to a place I recognized.  A city I had gone to many a time in my youthful years and one to which I was bound for within the fortnight.  The sight of it gave me knowledge I would not of asked for even if I had suspected.  I felt it there.  Death.  That was awaited me and for what it had been summoned.  I felt no malicious intent and yet just the same I was filled with a cold certainty that the blade would rest in its hand.  Do not misunderstand.  I do not fear the inevitable.  In truth it left me feeling lighter than I had in years.  Few men are so blessed to know the hour of their doom and in that knowledge there is power.  Enough to change the course of events to come and if so who then would pay the butcher's bill?  These are the questions I ponder as the city of my destiny grows ever closer.

 

-Excerpt from the Private Journal of Ohmun

 

 

~~~

 

Nestled along the borders of Ascxil and Lunia is the small city of Luxen.  It was once a common stop for travelers walking the pilgrim's road to visit the shrines of the celestials but they are few and far between now.  The shrine of Lareurlis sits unattended and ransacked and has for decades.  The town though remains as it ever has and most likely will.  The trade brought in by the pilgrims may have dried up but the fields remain fertile and that's enough to survive and in good seasons they stock enough surplus to net in a tidy profit.  It's a hard life they live here but it is also an honest one that they consider themselves lucky to have.  They've seen the smoke rise up from their neighbors along the border that have suffered to be caught between the skirmishes of Lunia and Ascxil.  Doesn't matter which side of the border you fall on, eventually you come to hate them both in war time.  Course that's the worry of a future Luxen in a time hopefully far off.  Today is the day of festivals.  They laugh and joke and pray that the seeds they've planted birth a crop both large and healthy.  They wish for children both sturdy and strong.  Most of all, they ask for rains so that life can continue.

 

Its an old festival that was based around the shrine of Lareulis who was the patron of farmers and parents but that was before the coming of the destroyer and the war that changed everything.  Traditions survive even what gods do not.  They may no longer believe in the prayers but the motions and customs bring them comfort and ease their hearts even if they don't understand why it's so.   They decorate the town with the straw figures and lay out feasts at every corner.  Everything is free today so long as you come in good spirit.  The cobblestone streets are filled with hundreds of faces moving about as they sample this and that while the square itself is dominated by a towering figure of straw to be burnt during the night's climax.  Its a simple affair that lost its meaning years ago but it survives if only to bring the people of Luxen a brief respite from the toils of the everyday.

 

Not all was business though in Luxen.  Follow the northern road out from the city square and you'll find a row of taverns that led upwards in spiral before ending in a brothel titled cheekily, The Farmers Market.  Men and woman clad in armor and blades gathered about for more than the usual reasons there as a man by the name Edward Kensworth recruited for mercenaries of all sorts for a job he'd assured would fulfill any desires they could want.  Wealth?  More than they could carry.  Danger?  Near suicidal.  Fame?  Beyond reckoning.  The details were sketchy but he paid Reims upfront and that right there was a sight more than most a merc could hope for.  The fine ladies of the brothel were only too happy to wander about the group to put them all into am amiable mood.  All it took was a signature and they were on board.  That's it.  Nothing more.  Best to not think twice about these kinds of things and just go with flow, right?

 

They weren't the only ones who'd come for reasons beyond the festival though were they?  Tucked away in warehouse whose goods had been evacuated sat a circle of men and women of Lunia and Ascxil all gathered around a table holding a map depicting the local topography.  All had come beneath the shroud of secrecy to deal with an issue that impacted them all.  Dusk.  Those twisted individuals who worshiped the destroyer and in his name performed acts of the vilest nature without warning or fear of punishment.  Word had reached them from a source that both sides reputed that a den of them hid beneath Luxen.  This presented them with the opportunity to wipe out an entire coven of Dusk all at once before they attacked and scattered apart while blending amongst the populace.  The answer was simple.  Wipe them out now without warning but once again the relations and positioning of Luxen presented the problem more than the existence of the base itself.  Luxen was just this side of the Lunia border but the risk of Dusk base impact the Ascxil holdings nearby prompting them to rally their own response.  The fact that both sides were sitting at this table now was no small feat of diplomacy. 

 

The only outsider came in the shape of a young man with silver hair who wormed within his chair awkwardly.  He'd been the one to discover base and the mayor had ordered him to make himself to the commanders lest they had more questions.  He'd already told them it over and over how he'd spotted the men in black cloaks climbing down holes hidden in the fields.  They tucked them away nice but once you spotted one of them they became easier to ferret out.  Only took him an hour after that to find half a dozen of the holes course he wasn't brave enough to down into them.  He wasn't stupid.  Probably had a good sized setup under there if the distance between the entrances was any indication.  Least a couple dozen of the bastards down there...or maybe a hundred?  Who knows how many they packed away right?  He had asked the mayor if they had enough men for all this and he'd been all coy about how they had hidden their men outside the town to avoid suspicion.  Wonder just how many people he'll have bragged to once he got a few drinks in him.  The sounds of a chair scraping across stone snapped him back into the moment.  Ohh, please stop staring at me like that...

 

However, despite all the rest happening in Luxen there was one group that remembered just what it all was about.  Ohmun of the Way stood looking up into the boughs of a dying tree outside the abandoned shrine.  A nostalgic look crossed over his features as he remembered a time when it has still bloomed years ago when he'd called this town his home.  That was a different time though and he was a different man.  So much had happened to change him from that boy that would climb up there to shirk his chores.  A small smile split his wrinkled features as he laid his palm against the dried husk of a trunk that remained. 

 

"When did we get so old?"

 

The Way had set up within the shrine grounds to give out free medical care to citizens of Luxen as well as test the children for magic potential.  It was all of course optional and even if they tested positive all they would do was give to them the offer to teach them how to control their power safely.  It was their choice whether to accept or not.  Ohmun though had another motive but that was something he dared not share with the others.  The burden was for him alone to bear.

 

OOC

Spoiler

-Slice, Anima, L, Liar, Missy-

You are all in the warehouse and it is up to you to come up with a plan for how to attack the dusk base.  Know that your decisions will heavily affect how this intro plays out as the plan you put out will be followed the letter for better or worse.  Your identities and positions will only be known to the other side if you want.  If songbirds wish to claim to be captains in the army or  anything of the sort that is up to you.  Ascxil has brought forty men from the Lion's Mane including five saboteurs.  The men specialize in close combat but also come armed with crossbows.  Lunia has brought fifty of its own men.  There are ten mages.  Eight of them specialize in destructive magics while two are battle medics.  Five rangers who while skilled in combat make for top tier scouts.  The remaining thirty five men come from a veteran unit who have individually served no less than eight years.

 

-Rest of you-

You are free to do what you want within Luxen for now.  If you want to talk to the recruiter, Ohmun, or someone else of interest I will take control of them and respond.  This is more or less a social round of posting so feel free to interact while you have the chance because things will escalate quickly from here on out.

Edited by Wandering Rogue, 16 February 2014 - 10:33 AM.

[Rainbow Dash]

Quaid River-Reaver

Quaid was enjoying his last day in the village. For the past two weeks he'd been working hard for the people here, in return for food and shelter. More than field work - he'd moved two rivers and created an irrigation system to help with their crops. In return they'd gone so far as to give him a horse and cart on top of more than enough food to last him through his travels to the next village. He decided he would miss the town; Quaid felt that this friendly, tight-knit atmosphere is what his homelands fields should be like. It was always the small people who suffer the most when the men with power bicker.

He dipped his tail in the bucket of water he'd set by himself. Water flowed against gravity, slowly coating his body. Quaid needed to keep himself moist to prevent drying out. A dried out Ourous was not a pretty sight. The feeling of the cool trickle against his scales relaxed him. He leaned back further into the shade with the intent on napping until something caught his eye. Four hedgewizards - brothers by the sight of them - were putting on a little show for the children. Each had a man made of flame, perhaps a foot tall, performing acrobatics. Quaid's transparent second set of eyelids blinked as an odd kind of smile as the children laughed in delight. An idea came to him and he rose from his pallet.

The dancing fire was interrupted by a deep voiced but childish roar. A few of the kids squealed and parted way as a monster of water passed through their ranks. A tentacled blob with a giant eye and a mouth of serrated teeth closed in on the fire men. Each of the hedgewizards followed the magic flow back to Quaid while the rest of the crowd was focused on the fire and water before them. Quaid's gave his odd smile and a nod. The brothers realized what he was doing and nodded back enthusiastically. With a flexing of their will the firemen became armoured warriors with swords and shields. All four set upon the beast.

The monster Quaid made flicked it's tentacles around, occasionally having one bounce off of a fire shield or slap the ground near a warrior. One of the warriors slashed a tentacle and Quaid made it fall off the monster. The disembodied limb twitched a bit before dissolving into a puddle. The warriors were fighting cautiously. After a full minute Quaid grew impatient at their lack of action. The monster he made reached forward with all it's limbs and grabbed a fire soldier. Slowly it lifted him above it's mouth and dropped it in. In a gout of steam the soldier was extinguished.

Finally the brothers realized they needed to bring in the heroics. The soldiers, invigorated by the loss of their brother charged forward, hacking through the tentacles with determination. Quaid made his monster focus on two of the three soldiers, freeing up the last one for the finale. As they fought off his monster's onslaught the last brother circled around and climbed up on it's back. To get the attention of the children it lifted it's sword up high before driving it down into the monster's eye. Quaid's monster thrashed around for a dozen seconds before deflating and going still. Slowly it melted down into a puddle as the warriors made silent cheers. The crowd, swollen during the action, clapped enthusiastically. The brothers looked to thank the lizardman but he was already gone.

Back on his pallet in the shade Quaid stretched and relaxed. Today was going to be a good day.

Edited by Katia Managan, 19 February 2014 - 05:41 PM.

[Axe Of Khorne]

ADRESTIA AUROS (1)

 

Adrestia was content with the festivities happening around her. She had travelled far, from the cavernous depths of Aria, to the sunlit fields of Luxen, and felt that perhaps a day's rest in such an upbeat environment would do her good. The red armoured maiden rested outside one of the nearby taverns in the town square, leaning on the wooden railing, and tucking in to some of the stew that was being offered by one of the vendors. The festival was indeed strange; everything offered was free so long as you came with "good spirits"? Adrestia was adamant that she had to pay for her meal, and was quite stern when asking the vendor how much Reim it was worth. There was a little fear in the man's eyes when she pursued the answer. Then again, to a commoner, if they saw someone armed and armoured like she was demanding, let alone something as trivial as the price of a simple stew, one could imagine the result of such an exchange should it turn sour. 

 

That man had such cheek, A pretty face like mine always gets their first meal free, huh? Adrestia smiled at that. Sometimes even she can forget that she was a woman, despite her tomboyish attitude. Blushing at that thought, she hid her face behind the warmth of her meal. It could probably do with a bit more spice...

 

A deep, yet somewhat childish, roar pulled Adrestia away from the hearth of her meal. Her throat tightened, hairs on her neck standing to attention as she glared at the creature stampeding towards her. A monstrosity made of water, its features similar to...no! Adrestia didn't want to think about it. Her hand slowly reached for Valoraxe as it drew closer, eyes narrowed as her fingers stroked the haft.. A storm of fire assailed the transparent monster, and so the elements did battle. Strands of water striking against sparks of flame, the villagers cheered for the bright, burning spirit of their homeland to vanquish the monster "terrorising" them. For Adrestia, she had no desire to witness the climax of their battle. Burying her hatred ever deeper within that bloody breastplate she wore, Adrestia stormed off; she didn't want to cause a commotion over something that the villagers considered trivial.

 

Distancing herself from the exhibition, and her own brooding thoughts, she came across a bar. Lively place by the sounds of it, most likely the local drinking hole. Dealing with drunken yobs was not exactly desirable on Adrestia's list of priorities, but at least she could bury her head for a little while and maybe relax in a more social establishment. Shrugging her shoulders, throwing caution to the wind, she pushed aside the double doors. Men staggered around, of various classes and sobrieity, merrily enjoying drinks on the house! They all stank of booze, and it was barely the afternoon! A little drink is ok, but this? If someone were to bring a brazier into this place, Adrestia would heavily wager that the place would just explode due to the toxicity of the air. Lightly coughing to herself, she peered across the Bar, trying to find somewhere to sit.

 

"Eeeey pweshty whady! Fshansya pint-ah?"

 

"Who's dat? Shum fancy bodyguard er...?"

 

Adrestia "politely" pushed aside the villagers. Tip-toeing, and skipping across the vast wasteland of booze, bums, and bartenders pacing to keep their customers satisfied. There! She found solace; a simple wooden chair left empty! Seizing the initative, she half-leapt to claim it. As she was about to take her seat, she looked up to see a man opposite her. His clothes were quite formal compared to the rest of the clientel residing. Looking up at her as she claimed the chair.

 

"I am sorry, is this seat taken?"

 

Much as she'd prefer to find a quiet corner, chances are, this is the only empty seat available in the bar. Adrestia quickly sat down, wanting to claim the objective before someone took it away from her.

 

"I apologise for my intrusion. If you like, I can offer you a drink as compensation?"

Edited by Axe Of Khorne, 19 February 2014 - 09:10 PM.

[Linkd]

Miles Eversums

 

Miles was in Luxen again, he had been for the past few days, it was for a job.  Miles had come through the town for information but he couldn't find a way to get the information from the people.  The trail had gone cold, and Miles had already sent a message to the client, The trail has gone cold I cannot complete your request, enclosed in this envelope is the fee you payed me to do this job.  MIles had his own set of ethics and if he couldn't complete a job everything that was paid will be returned.  For the time being Miles decided to stay in this city.  He didn't particularly like being this close to his old home but nobody would even remember what he looked like after all it has been 5 years.

 

Miles walked amongst the citizens of the town, and none remembered the boy they had helped leave the town 5 years ago.  Well this is a new experience being here this time with no help, but I've all grown up now I doubt any of them remember who, or what I was back then.  When Miles had left his country he was just as arrogant as the rest of his people but now he was different, he changed.  Miles was now more sociable and understands they way people's minds work. 

 

He walked around enjoying the people's energy the positive energy was just flowing around, Miles decided to make plans to stay a bit longer.  Ahhh~ I would like to reminisce a bit here.  Miles walked into the local inn and went to his room, and noticed something very strange.  He found that someone had tried to break into his room, the evidence was everywhere, foot prints near the door knob and a slight bend in the door itself, obvious someone had attempted to kick the door in.  Miles looked at the footprint and realized it was from shoe not native to this area, the cobblers had their own method here and this was definitley not their style.  A foreginer.... why though?   Miles left the inn in thought looked around for some strange people, and he began to notice others who looked strange, out of place like they weren't from this town....

[Officer Judy Hopps]

The Claw of the Lion

 

Minerva Fairchild

 

With a touch of subtlety, a hooded figure drifted aimlessly through the expanse of crowds that had herded into Luxen for the festival. It was certainly odd to her, why she and a group of forty others had been dispatched here. It was rare the Axscil used the Lion's Mane in any instance, especially in the sake of subtlety. Tactics like a quiet conflict were not her preferred instance of style, as it involved light armor, light feet, and underhanded tactics. 

 

Then again, those she was told she would be working with were all to familiar with such ways. As were their adversary. So at their Captain's order,at a Crown Princess' order, the Lion's Mane entered the town scattered in various caravans that had made their way over the course of the past few days. And were now scattered invisibly among the populace waiting for the signal to meet at a warehouse with their opposites, the Lunians.

 

The girl actually smirked at the thought.

 

In the face of a greater evil, even old enemies could come to stand together. Looking skyward at the blazing circle as it crossed the blue heavens, a small burst of a celebratory firework brought upon themselves the signal. And quietly, the Lieutenant would make her way to the warehouse and slide into a side door. There, she would be the first of the Ascxilian forces to arrive, and there she would find herself eye to eye with the Lunian forces.

 

Shifting slightly, the neutral gray cloak she bore would fall off, and a crimson and black regalia of light leather armor would reveal who she was:

 

A Lieutenant of the Lion's Mane. Markings about her sleeve would further reveal her moniker and her rank, as grim as it were. Before them stood the Claw of the Lion. A notorious nickname for a Lieutenant, but effective nonetheless as stating her purpose. Minerva was the first into the fight, she always had been, and she always would be. Lunians would know very well who she was. As news of a Lioness with nightmarish speed had often reached many the ear of a Lunian defender or Songbird.

 

She did not act, she did not move nor speak, while a tension filled the silence that lingered between herself and her supposed enemy. Oddly, in spite of her relentlessly cold stare, she didn't seem to hold any animosity. She, a Lioness, was here to perform a mission alongside others in the profession of arms. The past little skirmishes she had been a part of meant nothing. 

 

For once, it seemed that Ascxilian and Lunian forces were banding together for the greater good. Giving her hope.

 

Hope that this was precedence for greater things to come.

 

As she was a rarity, a dazzling rarity in the rank and file of one of the most potent military forces known to mortal kind. One who hoped for some sort of functioning peace. For two countries to stand together, rather than bristle at one another like rabid dogs hiding behind walls of stone. 

 

Finally, when the last of the Lion's Mane had gathered into the Warehouse, the Lieutenant would slide comfortably into position sitting beside that of the Captain, of whom she looked at with a slightly skeptical eye. The Crown Princess of Ascxil. Was she really an asset that they should risk in open field, working side by side with a possible second enemy in the form of a rival country? She certainly didn't see Lunians bringing their Queen to the foray, why did the Emperor decide to take such a substantial risk?

 

It left a slight distaste in the Lieutenant's mouth.

 

She had lead assaults on cultist positions many times before with remarkable success. Was the Vice-Captain's presence here truly necessary? With a sharp gaze, Minerva almost seemed to glare through the informant when he began describing the rat holes the cultists had buried themselves within. It made him uncomfortably, and she could see that. It was as he marked the locations on the map with a trembling hand she noted his nervousness.

 

That was good. It meant he was telling the truth.

 

Slowly rising to a stand among the dusty light of the warehouse, Minerva's smooth fingertip drifted over six locations as her touch drifted over the map. Six holes. All of which were spread apart indicated that there was quite the incredible number of adversaries within. There was no further intelligence other than where the holes were. So the certainty of whether or not each rat hole was linked through underground tunnels left much to be desired. If they were connected, this would be much simpler. If they were all spread apart, everything was going to get much trickier. 

 

Assuming the worst of the situation would always be the best route. And it meant the careful application of both tactics and force. They standing here were just under a hundred strong, counting the Lunians. Judging by the locations of each and how they were configured, she could assume the cultists had that much, if not more. In addition to having the home field advantage. Little known were the traps and other troubles that could kill and maim within each hole. 

 

Perhaps, the best option was to combine and mitigate forces. Utilize specialties together for the greatest efficiency. Yet she was uncertain if the Lunians would even budge at such a notion. If she really wanted, she could probably just have each Saboteur demolish a hole, leaving only one for the Cultists to emerge from, assuming they were connected. Or she could just have them demolished and bury them all alive in each of their disgusting little homes. 

 

Glancing at the Lunian mass forces, she frowned.

 

That's what was tricky about the whole scenario. As far as she knew, other than specialized groups, Lunians had very little rank structure, which lead to difficulties both fighting and now, assisting them. 

 

"Please, have your leader step forward." The Lieutenant stated curtly. Withdrawing her touch from the map as she took note of the accumulated strength both sides held. "We need to clearly set the rules of engagement and cooperation. I intend for this operation to process through as smoothly as possible. For both of our kingdoms." If anything, the Fairchild certainly held an air of distinction in comparison to even the many nobles of the Mane. 

 

"My name is Lieutenant Minerva Fairchild, the Lion's Claw." She could almost see the air visibly tense further as suspicions as to who she was were affirmed. "I believe that if we want to get this done with the fewest number of casualties possible. We need to work together. No Swords or Daggers in the backs of our...temporary allies. So please, your leader, would you bring him to bear so that we can cooperate fully to get this done."

Edited by Trouble, 17 February 2014 - 07:18 PM.

[Diabolical Rhapsody]

Asta Sarunai

 

Asta sat on a small mound fashioned into a seat in the field, sucking onto a blade of grass balanced precariously in between her full lips. She was a bit hungry but the juice from the bite mixed with the saliva made for a unusual juice to keep her interested in what was going on a few paces ahead. Dressed in a simple skirt and a blouse, the people here were rather appreciative of her so she had gained the courage to roam around without the cloak.

There in the clearing in the field, the Lagos brothers were putting on a show for the children, aged around 10 by the looks of them. The unadulterated excitement and curiosity filled the eyes of the little ones as they watched in awe the acrobatics of tiny soldiers made of nothing but flame dance in front of them. The brothers were a part of The Way, rescued from the edge of Aria where there was a single human village. Settled mainly near the coast, they had been uprooted by the massive storm that frequented the shores every few decades. She had known them for a decade since. Travelling together as they took classes together to hone and use their magic potential. It was surprising as their teacher had noted, that The Way found around thirteen children with magical potential from the Arian catastrophe. Ohmun had said it was fate that guided the young ones to them.

To her surprise, they were soon joined by a water giant about five times their own size, standing at roughly around a grown child and water roughly giving it a shape of a monster usually found in books. The show changed from acrobatics to fantasy puppeteering. It was wonderful to watch children hung on to them in rapt attention as the monster and the valiant soldiers fought. She traced the mana to an Ourous standing not too far. By the looks of it, he had join to have fun and had reached a tacit understanding with the brothers.

The show lasted a little over half hour and the Ourous disappeared as silently as he had arrived. The children gave a thunderous applause and then asked for even more. But Asta was interested in the identity of this silent benefactor. With her naturally gifted ability, she traced the recluse to a shade of a tree. Relaxing on a pallet as he settled himself for a nap. She was hesitant to approach him but she gathered her courage and walked up to him. Her leather handbook still in her hands and the picture of the Ourous’s little display evident on the white sheet.

“Um…...S..So..Sorry to Dis...Dis..Disturb you!” she stuttered, her voice rather soft and gentle. Her pristine white locks danced as a gentle breeze picked up. With amber eyes were filled with mild curiosity and genuine appreciation for the Ourous’s talent. His color also had given her courage to talk with him, as she thought he would not be repulsed by her appearance. With her tail curling up her leg she asked.

“Are you one of the new Water magi that joined The Way. ”  

[SliceAndDice]

Markus the Falcon

 

By the time the Ascxil Military's Commanders had made their way into the warehouse, the vast majority of the Lunian forces had gathered within. Ten mages selected from the best the Magic Academy had to offer, five rangers called from the deepest wilderness along the borders, and the other thirty-five all hand picked by the various Generals amongst the capitol. It was a force meant for two purposes; the first was to ensure that the Dusk infestation was eliminated beyond a shadow of a doubt. The second was insurance, in case their Ascxillian allies tried anything at the last moment. Although the former was the primary objective of the meeting, the latter was doubtlessly on everybody's mind in the room. The tension could be cut with a knife, and all it would take to spark an open brawl would be a single spark. 

 

And then a Lieutenant of the Lion's Mane stepped forward. Whether it was an intent to be this very spark or an attempt to douse the matches, nobody could quite say, but she made the first move that could be considered on-site diplomacy nonetheless. She carried about her an air of one who had fought and killed for her beliefs before and would readily do it again, but for all of that she was young, young enough to be half the age of many of the grizzled old veterans on either side. Perhaps her youth had been intended as a tool, to show up the older crowd and goad the discussion into commencing, like a small rock's tumble that causes a great boulder to move. For better or for worse, it worked.

 

When Minerva Fairchild finished her address, a man walked out of the Lunian ranks toward her. He had short blonde hair, was taller than average, and carried himself with all the stature of royalty. He was dressed in the blue and silver hues of Lunia's Military attire, and according to the various emblems he was quite well decorated. As he approached, he eyed her with a steely gaze that seemed to be sizing her up. And the look on his face clearly displayed his opinion; she did not measure up. After a long silence, he finally spoke in response.

 

"You said your name was Minerva, right? The Lion's Fang?"

 

He sniggered.

 

"Don't make me laugh. This isn't a play date, this is a strategy meeting. Now, why don't you run along to your dolls, and leave the fighting to people with more experience than you, hmm?"

 

The Lieutenant didn't move. She simply stared at him in response, perhaps boiling with indignant rage, perhaps simply astounded at his audacity. Of course, the point of his affront had been to stun her into silence and intimidate her. When that apparently didn't work, he furrowed his brow, and clenched his left hand around the nearest object it could reach at his side; his weapon. His right started to reach around to the hilt to draw it as he spoke again through gritted teeth.

 

"Alright you little brat, you've got five seconds to back down before I-"

 

"That had better NOT be the sound of a sword leaving it's scabbard I hear, Captain!"

 

The sound of another voice from the warehouse's door drew the attention of everybody in the room. It's source was a single man, clad in a simple grey traveling cloak. Beneath the cloak was no military uniform, no armor or decoration, merely a tunic as blue as the sea, a pair of tan breeches, and a leather belt. And yet, for all that, he spoke and carried himself with such authority that an onlooker would be sworn he was in command of the whole room. As he approached the table and the pending swordfight, he removed the cloak's hood to reveal his face. His hair was blonde, just as the Captain's, but in a far less well-kept style that hung and swayed in the breeze. His features were sharper and more defined than the military man as well but most telling were his eyes. His eyes were orange in color, unusual in and of itself, but moreso was how they seemed to pierce through everything they looked at like a bird of prey's.

 

"And just who are YOU?" The man responded, turning to face his apparent new adversary.

 

The newcomer didn't respond to the open hostility immediately. He finished his walk to the table and looked the Captain in the eyes from roughly 6" above him. Then his hand flew to his belt, where it grabbed something that he then slammed into the outer edge of the table, outside of the map of the area. Once he took his hand away, the object was laid bare for all to see; it was a large knife, its edge razor sharp and its silver hilt ornate and decorated with images of birds in flight. To those of Ascxil, the meaning would not be very clear. But to anybody who had attained any amount of command in Lunia, it was unmistakable- the only people who carried those daggers were the Songbirds. And there was one thing taught to every single one of them when discussing the knives.

 

"The Songbird's Song is used in many ways by many birds. Birds of Iron carry the notes to their brethren that the Song might be sung; the Birds of Bronze prepare the instruments and see to the safety of the singer; Birds of Gold are they who sing the Song of blood and solace, and who let fall the silence when the Song is done. But mind carefully the coming of the Birds of Silver, for it is they who consort with the Moon Herself and compose the Song from its dawning to their dusk."

 

The reaction was immediate. The Captain's face turned from angered red to pale white as he looked from the knife to the man's eyes and back again.

 

"I believe I've made myself clear. Kindly return to your men, and keep your hand off that sword. The sweat might make it rust."

 

With a deft motion, Markus withdrew his knife from the table and resheathed it on his belt. As the Captain hurried back to where he had stood before, the Falcon turned to the Lion's Mane Lieutenant. He undid his traveling cloak and rested it across the corner of the table, revealing his tunic to be embroidered along the shoulders with a pattern few Lion's Mane members had ever seen; that of the Lunian Royal Guard.

 

"My apologies for the misconduct of my officers. My name is Geoffrey, of Her Majesty's Royal Guard. I've been sent here at her direct request to take command of our forces for the operation."

 

He gave a slight bow to the girl who could not have been any older than he was. Perhaps that was why he knew how to give her proper respect; he knew firsthand that age was no prerequisite to great deeds.

 

"Now, as to the matter at hand, what do you suggest?"

Edited by Dicedarg, 17 February 2014 - 07:31 PM.

[I-Am-X]

Rias Vastia

 

Luxen

 

"With the looks of things... makes it seems like everything along the border was nothi-" She muttered to herself before shoving more food into her mouth as she walked past another stall looking for more to eat. Well, as long as they're in good spirits now. Frantic people running around in chaos is never a good sight. Than again....with chaos brings another fight.

 

As Rias passed approached the shrine grounds, she took notice of a group of 4 hedgewizards from the way putting on a show for the kids there. With a smile, she moved in closer as she decided to watch it for a little while as she couldn't help look back on what she was like as a kid. Wasn't much time for magic shows...heh. After the show, which lasted little over 30 minutes, even she was left impressed at the show. "Not bad, Not bad at all..." Looks like they had a little help there, though, the kids sure enjoyed it. That's all that matters...

 

Walking towards the City Square, she followed the nothern road out. Eyes locked on a tavern, "Either way, my current job in luxen for the guild is over with. So I might as well sit back and enjoy myself for the time being. Father also wanted me to meet with someone about another job, but they can wait. He shouldn't mind." she laughs and she happily heads in. Almost an hour later, Rastia, after downing a few drinks, exits the tavern. Taking a deep breath and stretching a little, she figured its about time to get to the next job. After a little more walking, and passing a few more taverns, she reached her destination. A Brothel. The Farmers Market, huh? With a laugh, How Fitting.

 

Moving in a bit closer, she took note of a suspicious man surrounded by people covered in armor and wielding blades. So, I'm not the only one then? Hmm. Approaching the man, "Are you Edward Kensworth?" she asked. "Rias Vastia, here on the order of Ashen Vastia of Phoenix Ashes. I Hear you've got quite the job request?" She grinned

[Officer Judy Hopps]

A Meeting of Adversaries

 

Minerva Fairchild

The Lion's Claw

 

After her little speech, the Lieutenant was met initially with silence. Carefully, she observed Lunian eyes that darted between themselves as they distinguished who should be the one to step forward. With the bitter glare of skepticism from many, she could easily grasp the thought that not one of them took her seriously. One finally stepped forward, a decorated officer whose eyes seemed to simply laugh at her presence. 

 

"Don't make me laugh. This isn't a play date, this is a strategy meeting. Now, why don't you run along to your dolls, and leave the fighting to people with more experience than you, hmm?"

 

If his unnecessarily rude comments in an already tense situation were meant to get a rise out of the girl, he was met with no satisfaction. Minerva simply stared nonplussed at the man, with an unimpressed expression upon her face. If this was the best Lunia had to offer in defense of its own kingdom, there was very much left to be desired. She only hoped that perhaps a decent handful of those who glared at her didn't share the same sentiment. 

 

However, once this man didn't get a rise out of the Lieutenant, he moved towards violence.

 

"Alright you little brat, you've got five seconds to back down before I-" His hand rushed towards his weapon, and Minerva reacted in kind. There were two reasons that the Lunian went pale, two to be precise. First was the voice of another's intervention, and second was the realization that look on the girl's face. Her hand had come to rest on the hilt of her sword. It seemed the rumors were true, as crackling white light laced and arced across slender cheeks.

 

As this new Lunian stepped forward, the Lieutenant unhanded her weapons and retreated respectfully to the Ascxilian side of the room, resting her palms upon the table. His bow would be met smoothly with the grace of hers as the garb of a Royal Guard came to bear to her vision. He apologized for the misconduct of the pale officer who still stared at her, and she in turn would actually admit the fault of her own.

 

"Apologies from myself as well, I was simply aiming to quell the rising conflict. Whether that be by a show of force, or the removal of a hand." There was a long pause after her comment as he then inquired as to what her suggestions were for this type of mission, and she actually offered but a softened smile in response. This one had both experience and respect, finally, they might be able to get something done. 

 

"There are many options for handling this ordeal. More often than not, Cultists do not post a guard outside of their rat holes for the sake of keeping them hidden. With our forces at hand, I believe we'd be closely matched in numbers. And as such, diving into the holes to flush them out will lead to many casualties on both our sides." That and the account of a Lunian sword just accidentally straying into the back of an Ascxilian Lion. Yet she would not dare to utter such talk in front of anyone in an already tense situation. 

 

"What we can do however, is flush them out." Pointing at five of the six holes which were closest to the town, and as such, a greater risk, the Lieutenant continued. "I have with us a handful of specialists who are exquisitely qualified to engage in clandestine works, like demolition. More often than not, as I've seen on nearly a dozen similar operations, the holes are connected by underground tunnels, filled with traps and other issues we'd rather not face, either of us I would wager." Drawing up a quill and black ink then, she drew a pronounced line of onyx over five holes. "Demolish those, and the cultists will only have one hole to emerge from."

 

Drawing a U-shaped line then that surrounded the front, left, and right flanks of the tunnel, Minerva continued discussing the strategy at hand. "What I recommend then, is that we have a phalanx formation cutting off their initial escape. Letting their steel crash down upon shield and spear in vain. And..." She drew an arrow then, coming at the rear of the plausible adversary's forces. "We have a heavy cavalry charge take them from the rear. Being the hammer that crushes them against the shield. Of which, if I could have twenty or so, both equally Lunian and Ascxilian, I would be happy to lead the charge."

 

Setting down the quill, the girl simply looked the Royal Guard in the eye as she rested her palms upon the table once more. "What do you think of this, Geoffrey?" There would be but a slight twinge in her voice, making it plain she didn't believe his name. "Would you be willing to accept the risk of fighting side by side with your enemy?"

Edited by Trouble, 17 February 2014 - 11:30 PM.

[ANIMA]

These are the interesting times Henry though as he observed the people present in the warehouse meeting. He never thought he'd see soldiers of Ascxil (and knights of the Lion's Mane no less!) sitting at the same table with the soldiers of Lunia outside the negotiations of armistice which usually follow numerous skirmishes between these two countries. Not to mention, these soldiers were now negotiating a joint military venture! To be honest, Henry felt a little honored to be a part of such a rare, if not utterly unique event. He fought men and women of Ascxil before and he will likely fight them once more before his stay in this world is over, but he appriciated a chance to gauge how capable they are as allies. Neither Henry nor his father felt any deep hatred for the empire their lands bordered. They were a rival, but one which you knew to expect, like one would know to expect storm and plague.

Unlike most people in this stuffy warehouse who were standing and tense, Henry sat right next to the table with maps of the region on a plain but comfortable chair which was brought before the meeting by one of his attendants. Said attendant excused himself immediately and was allowed to join the festival for the next hour or two. Henry's legs were crossed, his hands were in his lap and he radiated an aura of calmness. Nothing in his demeanor showed he was in any way affected by the edge which was almost visible in the air. Actually, he would seem very relaxed. He wore his riding uniform instead of his blue military uniform and there was no obvious sign of Henry's rank, military or noble. All in all, he didn't attempt to draw attention to himself, but he did not actively try to stay unnoticable.

Without interfering he listened to the introduction of the young lieutenant of the Lion's Mane and the rude response of the Captain. For the former Henry felt glad that there were others sharing  his enthusiasm, or at least some of it, for this cooperation of their two kingdoms. The young lady introduced herself as Minerva Fairchild and Henry's face stretched in to a smile of pure joy. He read about the Fairchild family and hear stories of his father and his cousins who fought them. They were capable warriors and honorable opponents. Personally, Henry never fought one. At the time of his battles with Ascxil the scale of the conflict was too small for such prestigious family to get involved. Alaistra family probably wouldn't had gotten involved either if their holdings weren't bordering Ascxil and young Henry needed some experience in matters of war. Anyway, Henry appreciated opportunity to see one Fairchild in battle.

As for the matter of the rude soldier... If Henry didn't feel as good as he did about other things he might've frowned at the Captain's discourtesy. Looking at soldier's face he tried to match it to any in his memory, but it seemed the Captain wasn't part of his men. That was both good and bad. Good because there was no risk to Termonera's soldiers' reputation, bad because he couldn't order him flagged so he learned to bite his tongue next time he addressed his betters. Fortunately Geoffrey, Queen's personal attendant and another Songbird in this warehouse, chastised the Captain without need for Henry to interfere. So, Queen wants him in the command of Lunian forces eh?... Henry cast a glance at Lunian soldiers present. His father was furious and ashamed that lack of vigilance on his part and part of his men led to the covenant of Dusk emerging in Termonera so he sent his soldiers together with his son to help the effort to eradicate the pest. Half of the wizards, twenty six of the veterans and all rangers are men in the employ of Alaistra.  A boyish chuckle escaped the young noble. 

Now, he decided, I should introduce myself lest I seem to lack common courtesy.

“A pleasure to meet you lady Fairchild, My name is Henry d’Alaistra.” Henry stood from his chair and made a slight bow in the direction of Minerva with his standard smile. Then he turned his attention towards the table. “Although you make a good suggestion, your plan assumes that the cultists would quickly come out once the five holes are destroyed and make themselves easy to crush with forces concentrated on one hole. However, I find that highly unlikely. Chances are that besides traps those tunnels hold provisions which will help them endure holed up- pun not intended- for months if not an entire year, time which we don’t have. Simply the fact that some of Ascxil soldiers are on Lunian territory is giving a fit to many of our nobles, I don’t dare imagine the mess an entire year of your presence here would create.” He paused for a moment because he actually did imagine it and the image in his mind widened his smile. “If we bothered to starve them out like this we might as well shut down all of the holes and just let them starve. If they have a trick that would allow them to escape six closed holes it is just as likely they’d use it to escape five.”

“Now,” Henry adjusted his glasses as he stared down at the map “we could attack all holes simultaneously. Our forces are limited but I believe both of us have brought their elite forces and the narrowness of the tunnels would limit the impact of their numbers, if they are any big- most of the Dusk tends to be brainwashed rabble with more zeal than military skill. We would progress slowly, room by room, in a tight formation. Mages and saboteurs would use their talents to flush each room with fire, then the rangers would scout out for traps and lastly melee soldiers will proceed in to the room to deal with the leftovers while their attention is diverted by their comrade caught in the fires. We won’t bother with prisoners because they will be just unnecessary burden and might enter chaos in our formation.” He raised his eyes and looked at Geoffrey and Minerva. “Who knows, we might find out some other exits beside these six?”

[Liar]

LILITH | Royal Palace, Ascxil

 

“…and that’s my report of the agricultural sector in the south, your Imperial Highness.”

 

Lilith, Crown Princess of the Empire of Ascxil, gazed directly into the eyes of the heavyset man that stood before her desk. Her elbows rested on the ornate wood, her fingers weaved together in front of her face in a way that covered her mouth. The man removed a handkerchief from his pocket, dabbing at beads of sweat running down his temple and forehead. The princess hummed as a response, and she laid her hands to rest.

 

“I thank you for your detailed report,” she said curtly, her face betraying now emotion. “You are dismissed.”

 

The man bowed in a hurry and made haste for the exit. As Lilith heard the door close and the lock click, she stood up from her seat and made her way to the large continental map framed on the east wall. The picture took up nearly half of the wall’s area, but rarely was there anything this detailed in public circulation. She had commissioned this particular map before she had left for her duty in the Lion’s Mane, hiring the best cartographers Ascxil had to offer. It only just finished a few months ago when she returned after completing her service.

 

The map was not the only thing that could be considered grand in the princess’s office. Nearly everything from the desk, the bookshelves, and the other priceless artefacts that called the room their home was meant to showcase the power and wealth of her position. It aided her in intimidating those that were her lesser and impressed those that were her equal. This psychological edge served her purpose well.

 

Her hand reached out to the map allowing her finger to delicately settle atop a village nestled in the southeast of Ascxil. Her digit began to trail from one village to the next, tracing an invisible line that travelled northwest until finally it ended on the border city of Luxen. A smirk, not a smile, played at her lips, and a rare chuckle escaped her.

 

“Surely the Gods would not be so mirthful as to make this fate.”

 

 

 

| Luxen, Lunia

 

Smuggling a detachment of elite soldiers into Luxen was an easier feat than many would expect. Because the number of soldiers were so little compared to larger operations, it was easy to slip in a small party every few days. Lion’s Mane soldiers had entered the town in groups no more than ten (and all from different directions and time) a day, slipping into Luxen without any suspicion. The fact that the villagers lowered their guard because of a festival contributed to the ease.

 

Lilith had been among the first group to enter Luxen several days before any meeting would take place with the Lunian force. She had used that time wisely to study the town and its inhabitants. Knowledge was power, and power was absolute. The town held approximately five-hundred residents, a small percent of which were trained militiamen. They were larger than most farming villages, but that was inconsequential. For a town that bordered a rival country it held poor defences. Its “walls” were more for decoration than for any practical use. Regardless, Lilith did keep note of several routes or positions that can be taken advantage of if the worst was to come.

 

But despite her criticisms, the princess found the town to be a little quaint. The people were prosperous and happy, caring for their livelihoods than the politics of their superiors. They strived to enrich themselves by working hard and that mentality only served to enrich the nation they resided in as well. It was such a shame that they paid their taxes to Lunia and not Ascxil.

 

The room Lilith rented at the best inn in Luxen overlooked the town square, giving her a glimpse of the afternoon festivities in preparation for the evening events. Red eyes scanned the people, analysing information she gathered from simply observing. One subject in particular caught her attention. Four men of magic entertained the crowd with dazzling fire, but it was not too long before a member of the reptilian race appeared before them and joined in. Fascination sparkled in her eyes as the Ourous controlled water with simple motions, creating a story that entranced the spectators. However, the event ended all too soon. The cheers and applause of the crowd could be heard even from where she sat. The Ourous had left in secret, but Lilith caught where he left to. There was nothing her eyes could not catch.

 

Suddenly a firework burst in the sky, grabbing her attention. Lilith ended her musings as she knew what that signal meant. She placed the cap resting on the small bedside table and placed it over her head, adjusting it ever so slightly to make it a good fit. There was work to be done.

 

 

 

| Warehouse, Luxen

 

Lilith wondered if this was the best Lunia had to offer, but as she glanced at Minerva from her inconspicuous position amongst the other soldiers, the princess began to doubt her decision to allow Minerva gain some experience in dealing with foreign dignitaries. Her expression remained neutral as she listened to the various suggestions that were being made, but much of her control was spent trying to prevent herself from bursting into laughter. It was a battle she felt she was losing.

 

“You have said enough, Minerva,” her voice spoke up, taking on a formal and commanding tone.

 

The princess calmly walked towards the table from her original place, taking long, careful strides to the lieutenant and two Lunian commanders. The soldiers were stunned by her apparel. Although her outfit was modest and gave her the appearance of an effeminate, lean man, there was no mistaking the regal presence Lilith exuded from merely being there. She took her place at the table, making it though as she was at the head of it despite its round edges. The princess removed her cap and set it on her lap, folding her arms in a tent as she nodded in acknowledgement at the others.

 

“Minerva, are you trying to embarrass Ascxil with your poor tactics? If you cannot take proper heed of the information in front of you, then I believe it was wrong of me to have given you this opportunity to speak on my behalf.”

 

Her voice was soft, almost soothing. Even as she admonished Minerva, neither volume nor pitch was raised. It was simply a straightforward chastisement of a subordinate not unlike Geoffrey had given to the Lunian captain earlier.

 

“Lord d’Alaistra, is it?” Lilith turned her attention to the noble. “You’re right when you say that time is not on our side. These cultists are quick to scatter as soon as they smell a whiff of trouble. If we are to move, now is the only time. We will not have another chance to catch them so soon again. However, that being said, I think we should not make assumptions of what we might find down below. Additionally, I do not believe we have taken proper stock of the soldiers our two sides have brought in this venture.”

 

Lilith scanned the room, taking glances at the various soldiers that were currently present. It took nary a second before she resumed speaking, “Ascxil has provided a forty-five man unit in eliminating the cultists. These men and women are all career soldiers and are trained professionals. Because it will cause suspicion if we were to pack heavily, we only have light armour, crossbows, and swords. Of these forty-five man unit, five them are specialists known as saboteurs. They do not perform magic, but they are experts in demolishing any obstacle we may face in this mission. Correct me if I’m wrong, but from my count, Lunia has provided ten mages and five rangers with the remaining men being soldiers equipped with swords and shields.

 

“From the information given to us, these cultists have been using some sort of underground lair as a base of operations. These six holes discovered are entrances to that lair. However, let us not assume that these are the only entrances. The size of these holes can fit only one individual at a time. If they have made this place their base, then it can be inferred that there is another entrance somewhere that allows the cultists to have a stable supply line.

 

“However, my biggest concern is how we are going to move our units into the base. There are too many of us to enter the cultist base all at once even with six entrances. Let us refrain from talking tactics and instead focus on the overall strategy. The bulk of our forces should set up a perimeter not only in the town but around the entire area in order to scope out any more possible entrances and to ensure cultists cannot escape in the event that they catch wind of our operation. Five small parties each having at least a saboteur, a ranger, and a mage will enter the base using the entrances. The sixth entrance will be guarded in case my theory that there is a supply entrance is incorrect. If the enemy knows where each entrance is located and they retreat, they will use the one where soldiers have not entered from. Does anyone else would like to share their thoughts or contribute?”

 

Her arms were folded as she sat back after finished sharing her thoughts. Lilith took note of Geoffrey and Henry, remaining cool and confident even in the face of her rival country. Suddenly, a mischievous smirk could be found on her face as she gazed dangerously into the eyes of the two commanders.

 

“Forgive me, but I believe I have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Lilith, Crown Princess of Ascxill.”

Edited by Liar, 21 February 2014 - 03:31 AM.

[Führer Itulhu]

Kuroi tsubasa 

 

another place another day and Kuroi had no idea where he was... like usual, Kuro stumbled into Luxen two days ago after he was meant to head south but he headed in god knows what direction. Kuro learnt where he was after stumbling into the town of Luxen when they where preparing for a festival, Kuro asked a few questions and learnt that there would be free food and that was enough for him to stay in this town. So now the festival has started and Kuroi could be found walking stall to stall eating all kinds of food to satisfy himself, as he ate food and walked around he saw a small flame from the corner of his eyes.

 

"fire......FI- no no must not look" and with that Kuro turned around as quickly as possible to avoid looking at the beautiful flames dancing around with the chance of burning all, if he looked at the flames directly his flip would switch and that would not end well for anyone. As it turns out Kuroi had turned his back on the performance, good thing too... wouldn't rub off well if Kuroi started shooting fire around everywhere.

 

As Kuroi walked in the hopefully opposite direction he somehow found his way to the front of a brothel, he then noticed that there was an unusual amount of armed people around it. And it seemed that Kuro had suddenly grown interested in whatever was going on.

"um excuse me what is going on here?, there seems to be a lot of people armed to the brim around here" Kuro knew he may have looked out of place standing around all the armed people but he held no care for it, "whatever is happening is there a chance to.... set something on fire?" A sadistic glint could be seen in his eyes as he mentioned fire, it seemed the flash of flames from earlier had started making him itch in temptation.

Edited by itano123, 18 February 2014 - 10:42 AM.

[Mors]

King

Chapter 1 - Betrayal

 

Not for the first time in his life, King woke up in an unfamiliar place with a bloody wound. The gash was sickening mix of brown and faded crimson, and King was the appropriate mix of confused and irritated. Betrayal. It was a word thrown around a lot in Relorth, and for good reason it seems.

 

Don't hate me too much King. After all, it was you who taught me that the only one you can trust is yourself. Rolo's voice echoed and throbbed in his mind. Faint blurry memories flashed briefly before him before fading away into darkness.

 

Rolo you backstabbing bastard bastard King cursed his one-time friend as he struggled to lift himself out of bed. If there was a word thrown around more often in Relorth than "betrayal", it would be "vengeance." Fueled on pure spite and vindictiveness, the former crime boss managed to ignore the pain and fatigue, and eventually got to his feet.

 

"Oh, you're finally awake!" a man's voice reached from across the room. "You've been out for nearly a week now. Was worried you wouldn't make it."

 

The man looked to be in his late forties or early fifties. He was well built for a man of that age with thin scars noticeable along his hands. Not the sign of a warrior or a fighter, but of someone with a life filled with hard work. Probably a farmer or something similar. He wore a kind smile on his face as he helped King get to his feet.

 

"Old man, where am I?" King asked.

 

"You're in Luxen! A fine time to erm, visit, so to speak, seeing as it's the day of festivals and all! I found you collapsed in the dirt five days ago and..." the man never got to finish his sentence before King stuck him between the ribs with his hidden knife. For a brief moment his eyes flashed with - surprise? Anger? Regret? King never knew, but it was the same face they always made before they died.

 

"Sorry old man, nothing personal, but you really shouldn't help strangers." King said, laying the corpse to the ground. He would never understand what sort of madness could overtake a man where he would help a person they had never met before. Really, the odds that a person with stab wounds lying in the dirt would be the trustworthy sort were extraordinarily slim.

 

Unfortunately, the old man didn't seem to have a wife or daughter he could enjoy. But he found plenty of bread and cheese in the pantry, as well as a selection of cured meats and even some fruit. He ate his fill, exchanging weariness and fatigue with a full stomach, and stuffed what he couldn't finish into an empty potato sack. The farmer's clothes were a little worn and a bit too small for him but he took those too.

 

"Luxen huh? Well I suppose a little pleasure before business isn't all bad," King grinned and left the now empty house.

Edited by Mors, 18 February 2014 - 11:15 PM.

[El Phantom]

The Fang

 

~Earlier~

 

"The Dusk...", he spoke those words with great disgust. He had met them once before in Roiassau, a raid that almost went completely awry when they ran into them, witnessing their ritual. They were stopped though, and put to the sword. They've been around for some time, and the ragtag vigilante group he was with, made it a thing to kill them, their actions were not welcome after all.

 

"Very well Princess. I shall stand guard and await your orders", he responded, and just as he bowed, he disappeared into the shadows, as Lilith made her way to the warehouse.

 

 

Present

 

For now he resided above the meeting taking place below him, all the while keeping watch. The unique visor glowing a dull maroon while it was active, watching the landscape, it's effects let him see through the dark as though it were day, all the same he can voluntarily turn this ability off. Usually it glowed a bright red, but after a close call some weeks back, he had it modified so that he can control the glow personally, while it makes him detectable, the bright red made him able to intimidate those he met in the dark. He can easily hear everything being spoken in the meeting, and it was as he expected. Lilith simply taking command, some condescending tones from both sides before that though. He predicted he would be tasked with scouting out the tunnels, the darkness of those caverns were like a second home to him, and none can find him so long as shadow  blankets them. All the same, it would be his job to kill the leader, even if they routed the Dusk from Luxen, so long as that leader lived, their chances of returning were that much greater.

 

Likely he would be called down sooner or later. Lilith probably knew that keeping him as a secret act would cause a bit of distrust with the Lunians. This was a joint operation, and trust was important. Regardless for now, he sat upon a concealed area of the roof, just over the rafters, his visor letting him see what there is to see. The festivities seemed to be going well too fortunately, and hopefully there was no need to disturb that. Knowing the Dusk, it might not be that easy, they moved quickly, they were followers of chaos, they would not hesitate to harm the citizenry if it meant they could escape or get away with their deeds. There was to be no hesitation behind his blades.

[Unbelievably Majestic]

Mu La'cee

It was hard work searching for a cure to a mysterious illness. There wasn't much in the way of leads. Or place to start looking for leads. Or even clues as to where to look to find a place to start looking for a lead. It was very complicated. And frustrating. It was already taking longer than Mu had expected. He just wanted to get back home and save Clara. At least he knew Krunk would keep her safe as long as was necessary. He didn't know what he'd do without Krunk.

Today had been hard work. He'd been surfing from town to town at full speed for the past few hours. He would turn up, try to find any hints about magical healers or super herbs or just about anything, and then he'd move on. By this point he was a bit bored of all the rushing around and decided to have a little rest, sat against a tree. It was a nice spot for sitting. The tree had a bit of a groove in it where Mu could lean comfortably. He wasn't sat for long before he was disturbed by a voice.

"When did we get so old?" The voice said.

Mu sat silently for a few moments before he spoke. "She likes you." Mu emerged from behind the tree. "The tree I mean. It feels like she likes you." He added with a smile. He looked the man in the face, realizing he really wasn't joking with what he said to the tree. He was old. He face was wrinkly like a dried sea prune. He felt like he was forgetting something important. A memory began waving and shouting at him to try and get his attention. He looked back to his childhood lessons with Krunk.

Rule 1, he remembered. It was always Rule 1. This was Rule 1 from the weird 'How to be Funky like Krunk-y' class. The class when Krunk turned up with a strange wig made of seaweed. Rule 1 was that people over a certain age should be treated with respect and, if you don't know them, you should always try to have a nice clean shell when you talk to them. Mu cast a quick glace down and realized he was filthy. He was wet and muddy with pieces of seaweed still stuck to his body. He felt a little embarrassed and his face got a hint of red added to it's usual colour. He muttered a little apology then clicked his fingers. The water lifted from his body and placed itself in a nice neat puddle on the floor, taking the dirt and debris with it. Nice clean shell. Mu thought. He was rather pleased with himself.

"Hi." He said in a cheerful voice holding out his hand, ready to perform the complex hand movement's of the flipper shuffle. Krunk had told him that it was polite to do a flipper shuffle when you met new people. Apparently people also did it when they met in serious situations, like business deals or when someone makes a great joke. "My name's Mu! Nice to meet you. You wouldn't happen to know any ancient remedies to an unknown eel-ness would you?" The chance he would know what Mu was looking for was probably somewhere between zero and telekinetic kangaroo-rhinos. But Mu figured it was worth a try. What if the man did know one such a cure and he hadn't asked? He would feel very silly if that happened.

Edited by Unbelievably Majestic, 21 February 2014 - 04:21 PM.

[Rainbow Dash]

Quaid River-Reaver

The lizardman studied the girl briefly as he dragged his water bucket into his lap. He had heard of Daomer but never actually met one face to face. She had eyes the same colour as his. Quaid's transparent eyelids blinked, the Ourous's strange way of smiling. "The way?" he repeated. Quaid's voice was deep and rich. "I am afraid I am unacquainted. Pardon me just a moment."

He waved his hand over the bucket and the water rippled. Mana connected Quaid to the water but if the Daomer paid attention she would see the mana did not flow from him - the magic came from the water. A vision struck him, a chaotic collection of images, feelings, metaphors and language. She will teach the mountain to weep, something told him. The second thing the waters gave to him was a sight of her sitting on a throne made of shackles, the throne perched on top of a pile of twisted rubble. Lastly, he felt her swim through a pool of midnight.

The entire thing lasted but an instant before it was gone. Quaid shook his head to clear it. Sometimes he had visions of clarity but often they were as erratic and nonsensical as this one. Quaid always made sure to take a vision anyway; you never knew when it could be important. How he called other people often depended on what he saw of them. His own name was chosen by the waters and so he named other people by what the waters told him. Often people tried to pry what he saw out of him. But if the waters had wanted them to see, the waters would have shown them in the first place.

He set the bucket aside and rose to his feet. "It is a pleasure to meet you, queen-in-the-black-waters. My name is Quaid River-Reaver. A travelling priest out of Racar"

[Diabolical Rhapsody]

Asta Sarunai

 

Asta mentally berated herself of her asocial ways, because she usually never talked to people she had the habit of putting words in their mouth and not let them converse with her. She was sorry that she did the same this time and the initial reaction from the Ourous was one of surprise. He took his bucket of water in his hands and let his thoughts be known in a deep, rich voice. Asta was happy of her skin color for the first time in ages as she felt embarrassed by it all. But something about him calmed her a bit, his eyes the same shade as his held amiability and a smile.

 

He waved his hand over the bucket and the water inside rippled, strings of mana formed linkages between the subject and the object. To a novice user it would look as if the mana was flowing out of the Ourous but in fact it was the opposite, the Water was the one with the magic. The Undines were deep and enigmatic ones, they gave in to the requests easily but never completely. It was her first time seeing this level of tuning between the caster and the element. The Ourous was not a magi, he was a sage. He sat there unmoving as what would seem like visions, ones only for his eyes, hit him. He shook his head as if to confirm their ceasing and then he spoke again in his rich, deep voice. Setting the bucket aside and rising to his feet he called her a ‘Queen’. Asta was thankful that she didn’t had the skin of her brethren for it would be a shade of plump tomato red had she been blessed a lighter tone. But her chin; buried deep in her chest and her shy smile were perhaps a give away.

 

“It is my pleasure to make acquaintance with a Sage of the Undines such as you. The fact that you are a royal only further adds to it. I am blessed to have received a name from the Undines but am not knowledgeable enough to discern its meaning. As far as I know, no royal blood through my veins. I’m just an orphan rescued by ‘The Way’ from the devastation of Arian shore not long ago.” she said with a tinge of sorrow nearing the end of her words. With this, she bowed to the Ourous and offered her hand to the Sage, “I’m Asta Sarunai of ‘The Way’, in your gratitude for sharing our goal for helping the needy.”

Edited by Diabolical Rhapsodii, 20 February 2014 - 04:30 AM.

[Asor al ed Ergnas]

Super Fun Sexy Times With Maureen

 

A small girl twirled her skirts around festively to the joyous music that reverberated through the streets of Luxen. As she danced, she passed out small blue flowers to passerby; and wished them well. She danced and danced, while her family at the nearby flower stand clapped in tune with the music. It was the picture of happiness in a town surrounded by the misfortune of war. Except for..."Move out of the way you whippersnappers! I have a race to get too!" came out the croaked cry of an old woman pushing her way through the crowd. Pushing them aside with a tall bandaged staff, and a massive handbag; the old woman stopped at the edge of the girls dancing circle. The girl happily made her way towards the crone, and proffered a flower. The old woman drew her hood back and her gnarled face, with olive skin and long silver hair threaded with purple beads; and a ornate gold broach. She quite clearly was once very beautiful. The woman, already bent with age; leaned in and smelled the flower. "For you! Miss! We have more at our stand too! All kinds!" the little girl cried with joy. After taking a long whiff of the blue petals, the crone opened her mouth and *CHOMP* went down the flower. The little girl stepped back in shock as the old woman chewed thoughtfully. Swallowing, she let loose a wide, toothy grin. "Good flowers. Much love in them." she said, tousling the little girls hair. She walked through the dancing circle with no cares in the world. As she did so however, she stamped her staff upon the ground. Nearby, all the unbosomed flowers opened and shone with a beautiful air. People exclaimed happily, and made their way to the family's stand, trying to get some of the pretty flowers. The little girl however, just looked at the old woman's back as she disappeared through the crowd with a dumbfounded look. Letting the remaining stem of the flower fall from her grasp, onto the cobblestones. All that could be heard through the boisterous crowd, was the cackling of an old woman in the distance.

 

"Ladddddddieees and GENTLEMEN! Today we bring you the 53rd Grand Speed Hobbling Championship!" an announcer roared above the cheering of the crowd, voice amplified by magic. "This year we have a few previous winners in the pack of contestants! Defending her title we haveeeee........Helga Roth!" he yelled, as an old woman in bright green robes stepped out from the line of line of ladies, of whom which there was none less than 65 years of age. Helga waved and flexed her old muscles. "You people know the rules! The fastest old bitty to cross the finish line gets FIVE-HUNDRED REIMS and the title of CHAMPION! Isn't that EXICITING! Now as you all know, no weapons, or magic except your canes or walking staffs. But who's to say one of these ladies doesn't want it more!"  said the announcer with a lavish smile. "Contestants! At your marks!" the line of old women stepped forward, and took ready hobbling stances. Leg out, cane forward, back hunched. The stance, of a vicious competitor. A gong sounded and the announcer yelled out with enthusiasm "GO!" and the old bats, were off. "Annnnd Helga take's the lead swiftly! Gertrude and Mary-Ann are both neck and neck for second, with the other competitors close behind. Look at these dames hobble with such vigor! But wait, what is this?!" he exclaimed, seeing something tearing ass toward the start line. "OI! YOU BETTER RUN FAST YOU WENCHES! CAUSE MAUREEN IS A COMIN! KEKEKEKEKE!" she yelled with a booming voice, passing over the start line, and officially entering the race. "I DON'T BELIEVE IT FOLKS! AFTER FIVE  YEARS, OUR GREATEST TWELVE-Thats right folks, TWELVE!- TIME CHAMPION HAS COME LATE INTO THE RACE! Welcome now....MAUREEEEEEEEN!" the announcer practically screamed, as the crowd went nuts. Speed Hobbling is a big deal around here.

 

Maureen swiftly overtook two twins, Flora and Fauna, who were casing the back. "Maureen is now in this race! Taking fast the ones lagging in the rear! OHH! That must have hurt, Marueen just sent Agatha flying with a well placed tackle! What a race! Stepping swiftly around the inner curve she climbs through sixth, fifth, FOURTH PLACE?! LOOK AT THIS CRONE MOVE!" spoke the announcer with so much excitement, he looked ready to drop from dehydration from all the sweat pouring from his commentary. Maureen neared Mary-Ann and Gertrude, they closed ranks. Maureen sucked her teeth. "Nasty old bats! Still Helgas lapdogs are we?!" "WELL THEN!"  Maureen bellowed, reaching just behind them, and slid in the space between the both. Adding a little flick of her wrist, she toppled them both. Cackling wildly Maureen righted herself at the end of her slide, and set forth like a stalked chasing it's prey. "NOT THIS YEAR MAUREEN! I HAVE A GOOD THING GOING SINCE YOU LEFT!" Helga cried behind her. Maureen smirked and laughed again. "Can't stop this yo! I RUN THIS SHIT" she laughed, turning on her heel and running backwards, past Helga. Giving her the finger Maureen crossed the finish line. "WHHHHHHHAT AN UPSEEEEEEEEEEET! MAUREEN DECIMATED THE COMPETTION! In all my years supervising this race, I have never. Seen. Anything. Like. THAT! What a day! WHAT A DAY! People of Luxen, welcome your new CHAMPION!" he said, presenting Maureen with a sack of gold and a ribbon. Hand and staff in the air, Maureen roared with the crowd, and began to meander off; however not before giving Helga the nastiest smirk she could.

 

"Think it'll be enough?" said a voice from Maureen's handbag. "Should be. I really do need to find a new apprentice. This may be the best way. Of course, he can't turn down an old friend like me anyways kekekek" said Maureen out loud to her bag. The old dilapidated shrine loomed ahead. There was the man she was looking for. Ohmun. He'd grown up to become a fine man. It had been years since Maureen last saw him. But her Sight told her to come here and find him. For what purpose, she had decided not to divine. "Life is full of surprises, Jack. I wonder what this venture has in store for us." she told the bag, which purred loudly. She spied him, old now. Not young and spry as she remembered him. He was talking to a handsome young nymph. Maureen quietly approached the tree, and sat down, listening to their conversation. Taking out some cheese and biscuits, she sent a message with her mind to Ohmun to approach her when he had the time. Eating happily she stopped when the Nymph spoke of "ancient remedies" she laughed quietly to herself. "Boy. there's a cure for any illness. It's just a matter of knowing where too look. This might perhaps, be your lucky day." she said, still sitting and looking at the ground with a wide smile.

Edited by Sangre de la Rosa, 20 February 2014 - 08:28 PM.

[Officer Judy Hopps]

Keep your Enemies Closer

 

Minerva Fairchild

 

Her question remained unanswered at first for a long moment of quiet as the Lieutenant remained steadfast in her poise with her palms upon the table. Either the Lunians were shocked that she might be able to create some sort of strategy, or they completely disagreed with this idea in the first place, simply left the girl guessing. It wasn't until another person bearing an almost eerie grin stepped forward with a few words that her focus snapped to him.

 

“A pleasure to meet you lady Fairchild, My name is Henry d’Alaistra.” He began with, and Minerva instantly recognized the name. It was that of a family who held much of the property very near the border of the two constantly quarreling countries. Little was known of a "Henry" however, and as such she eyed him skeptically, unsure of what military training or experience he had endured. Yet her doubts were cast aside quite easily as he revealed he had quite the strategic mind. 

 

He even brought up a concern she hadn't thought of. What if there were other exits that the informant hadn't seen nor revealed?

 

Quickly thinking, she opened her mouth to try and discuss a strategy by which this wild card could be covered, in addition to the strategy he came up with; yet she didn't get a chance as finally Vice Captain came forward and began to speak. First came admonishment at the hand of Lillith and the Lieutenant folded her arms with a  spreading frown across her lips. The princess did have an eye for strategy sure, but not quite the same level of field experience the Lieutenant held. With her strategy, the Cultists would have been forced to emerge from such a hole, either that, or be caved in upon by their own sanctuary. 

 

That is, if the wild card possibility that Henry had brought unto consideration would not come to fruition. 

 

Upon suggesting that they create a wide perimeter by which the Lion's Mane and Lunian forces could cover a greater amount of ground, the Fairchild shook her head in disagreement, pausing only with shocked eyes as Lillith openly introduced herself to the Lunian forces. Most of them were taken aback a degree by the presence of Ascxillian Royalty, but they quickly regained their professionalism. In the Fairchild's eyes, the Princess' plan had a key flaw. 

 

"I understand the point and purpose of a greater perimeter, your highness. But here is the problem." The Fairchild's hand swept across the map. Overall, it was a rather incredibly broad area. With only a hundred or so at their disposal, a wide perimeter would simply lead to unnecessary deaths on both sides, in addition to many of the cultists escaping. "We can create a perimeter sure, but our forces then would be far too spread out over such a great area that if the cultists come out in any form of concentration, a mindless herd even, they'll easily overrun whatever two or three Lions or Lunians stand in their way and make their escape. We would need a solid number of twenty soldiers or so, known for their ability to move quickly or on horseback, in the center of it all in order to catch up to the cultists and finish them off. Thinning out an already weak perimeter to begin with."

 

"While the specialized groups of rangers, magi, and saboteurs infiltrating the caverns sounds wise, consider our numbers. The groups would have to be only five in number or so. That's six holes, that's already thirty soldiers who are indisposed, if they don't get completely overwhelmed by the hundred or so cultists hiding within the caverns. Leaving only seventy or so for the perimeter. Cutting further down by an additional twenty or so, so that we could have some sort of centralized force to react to an additional escape method, that leaves only fifty for the perimeter. Nowhere near enough, less than a eighth of what would normally be called for such a wide area. Such a strategy would not, and will not work."

 

Setting her palms down on the table then, Minerva stared at the six holes and then back at the Lunians. "Our objective is two pronged. Not only must we try and eliminate as many cultists as possible, but we also must save this town from destruction at the hands of mad men. Which means the priority isn't necessarily the deaths of over a hundred cultists, it is to save innocent lives. And delay their deaths at least a bit longer so that perhaps we can draw out them into a more open field. What do you propose, Geoffery? Seeing as we're limited in time, I believe we need to move out within the hour. And our movements can't even be noticeable, so the group that ventures into the tunnels needs to be small, specialized, and powerful. For who knows how many cultists are already in the crowds of the festival watching for us, and if there's actually any entrances into their rat holes in the town itself."

 

"I think a sound thought could be taken to having some Lunian and Ascxillian soldiers in the town itself, nearly a third of our complement as the thought that cultists are already infiltrated and waiting to strike a helpless populace is rather horrific. They could be there to hold them off long enough for the main force to respond."

Edited by Trouble, 21 February 2014 - 01:23 AM.

[SliceAndDice]

Markus the Falcon

 

As the stratagems began to be proposed left and right around the table, Markus simply focused on the map, his mind spinning about in thought. If the truth was to be told, this was far from an ideal operation. All they really knew for certain was who the enemy PROBABLY was and where they PROBABLY where. It was far too little definite information. But then, what were Songbirds good at, if not forming plans based on haphazard information that was completely false a good 30% of the time?

 

He did, however, take his eyes off the map when the Vice-Captain of the Lion's Mane announced her name and position. Compared to the reactions of some, his was remarkably low-key. He didn't jump, look quizzical, or even appear startled. He simply stared intently at the girl who said it, perhaps wondering how much of what she said was the truth. He had to admit, if she was being honest, it certainly showed bravado; he was in the same position as her, but he didn't reveal himself for what he truly was, and there was no way in the 6 hells that his life was worth more than hers, respectively. Some few seconds later he returned his gaze to the map, his brow furrowed.

 

After Minerva spoke again and Lilith seems ready to admonish her again, Markus held up his hand with the index and middle fingers extended and his elbow bent at 90 degrees. The standard nonverbal call for silence in a militaristic arena. It didn't take long for the crowd to hush themselves, and he drew in a breath to speak his mind.

 

"Gentlemen, ladies. While it is true that time is not on our side, we do have enough of it that we can afford to plan a proper plan of attack. Rushing headlong into this like a pack of Sabian bulls is only going to get good men killed. Now, Miss Lilith, you have hit on a key point, the size of the entry holes. They seem to be of a size ideal for a bandit or thief, but not for a soldier. In addition, down each one of those holes is likely a slew of traps, if not a dedicated watchman to keep an eye out for intruders. Moreover, given the size, I think that sending men down the tunnels at all is quite unwise, let alone in large groups; you see they are just small enough that a corpse in full armor could more than likely trap his fellows completely if misfortune struck."

 

And don't think I didn't notice how your squadron plans would call for more Lunians than Ascxillans going down there to their deaths either. He thought to himself silently, his eyes focused on the map so as to not betray his private musings. 

 

"However," he continued, "Some care must also be taken for the people who dwell in Luxen. Having some of our forces on standby within the city has merit, but we must balance it out correctly."

 

"I am also generally opposed to the use of your Saboteurs until we have a more in-depth knowledge of the structure. Notice, if you will, where the Dusk have set up shop- directly under the fields that are the lifeblood of the city. If we use explosives with anything less than the utmost assurance of their effect, we risk causing the field to collapse and ruining a large portion of what keeps this place on its feet. However..."

 

His eyes returned to the map for a bit longer. Roughly a dozen seconds later he glanced up again, a fire in his eyes.

 

"That may be our answer. The fields. This is likely to be a large colony that has been in place for some time, yet the crops directly above them have all the appearances of growing well. That means that their base, however large it is, is not interfering with the roots of the plants above it. Assuming the crops would need about three feet of good soil, that would mean a hideout tall enough to fit the average male with reasonably comfort would need to have its floor be... nine to ten feet below the surface, give or take."

 

"Furthermore, if we look at how the holes are arranged, this area here," he said as he circled a large area in the center of the marked holes with his finger, "Would seem to me to be the rough size and area of the hideout itself. Now, if we know that..."

 

He raised his head to look the two leaders of the Lion's Mane in the eyes, "We may not need to bother with the holes at all, aside from a small guard at each to prevent escape. If our mages set up right about... here," he pointed to an area about 10 yards away from the edge of the fields and 20 yards from the cenetr of the supposed base, "We can use Earth Magic to lower ourselves down to the proper level, then tunnel to the outer edge of their base. Once there, one or two of the Saboteurs can use a small, controlled explosion to break down the wall. Once the base is breached, we're free to send in our troops in much larger detachments and formations than we could through the holes, take the cultists completely by surprise, and execute them swiftly and easily before they even have a chance to mobilize a defense."

 

"Now, as to the defense of the town, I do not think a large detachment would be strictly necessary for that task. If our five Rangers take up posts on the town rooftops, they should be able to easily spot out any escaping cultists. With them as eyes, several small and mobile units can move throughout the town to eliminate escapees and infiltrators as well as seal off the emergency exits, managing that portion of the threat effectively while not detracting too much from the main assault and without drawing much suspicion."

 

He then addressed the group as a whole one final time, with Lilith in particular. He wanted to see how she ticked if he could.

 

"Any thoughts?"

Edited by Dicedarg, 21 February 2014 - 09:52 AM.