Vlad was standing tall to the right of Sinead's throne as she entered with Tenele, patiently waiting for them to arrive on foot. His red eyes followed them both as they crossed the room toward him, while the rest of his body held absolutely still in that eery way that only the dead could. Sinead took in his attentive stance with approval.
"Your actions disappoint me, Lord Dracul. You know better than to tamper with the heart of my maiden." She looked at him sharply and a little curiously, almost curious how the vampire would respond.
He didn't. Vlad's head tipped forward dutifully, but he made no effort with speech.
"Now, if it's quite out of your system, your services are needed elsewhere. Both of you," Sinead went on, unfazed. "Enormous news has been delivered to me today. Dread tidings that I fear will spell war for our battle-weary lands. Shea's force's have crossed the Border, and Hepian has fallen by their hand."
At this, Vlad's eyes sparked vividly, his whole stance tightening with surprise. Arken soldiers, beyond the Border? Another war was going to start? "By whose word?" he asked, his thick voice brimming with fury.
"I was informed by travelers who escaped from the city when it was taken. They had with them a prisoner from the enemy troops, who is now being held in the dungeons. Vlad, I want you to gain any information you can from the man."
"Is there any chance this is a hoex, my Queen," Vlad said dryly.
"There is a chance," Sinead said. An image of the travers' conversation with her earlier, Mizuki's tears and Soran's solemn glare, came to her mind. "But I doubt it."
"Tenele," she said, sounding a bit wistful as she looked at her beautiful maiden who had just returned from so much harship, "I will require troops to investigate and secure the situation at the Border. Soldiers I can trust. I wish you to go there, and report to me all that you find."
Lore: Upon The Heels of War
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Emora Deen
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Tenele's expression was surprised and for the moment all thoughts of Vlad had vanished from her mind. War? Not again... Hepian had fallen...
"This must have been recent... We came close by Hepian on our return... We just..." Then she realized it. Talon had been Hepian last. Her brother... She kept quiet, though worry soon formed on her face. It was followed by determination.
"It will be done with great efficency, my Queen..." Tenele said, bowing her head. War.... She was going to war again... She had fought in many battles... Though none as big as the one that was about to befall their land. "I will leave first thing in the morning..."
"This must have been recent... We came close by Hepian on our return... We just..." Then she realized it. Talon had been Hepian last. Her brother... She kept quiet, though worry soon formed on her face. It was followed by determination.
"It will be done with great efficency, my Queen..." Tenele said, bowing her head. War.... She was going to war again... She had fought in many battles... Though none as big as the one that was about to befall their land. "I will leave first thing in the morning..."
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Soran Nightblade
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"You're still injured," Vlad objected to Tenele's eager words.
Sinead blinked, actually shocked by the sternness in Vlad's order. It seemed out of character for the vampire. "Tenele, will you be fit for this mission so soon? I will not send you if you're unready."
Vlad's eyes were glowing with another retort, but he held it at bay with a visible effort. Of course she'll say she's ready. Don't ask such a meaningless question! The thought of this new war bothered him immensely. He'd lived through the last Queen's War as a human being, and in the end was only salvaged by transforming into the creature he was now. He was pleased with his new form now, but a small scrap of his mind still remembered what it was like to suffer that war as the queen's chief commanding officer and watch his own world fall apart. If the war bothered him, the thought of Tenele jumping into it headfirst bothered him tenfold.
He caught Sinead's eye and held it. "You have thousands of soldiers," Vlad said very slowly, in a low, tempered voice.
"And Tenele is among the best," Sinead said, too interested in trying to understand the swirling fires that were Vlad's eyes at the moment to sound truly stern about his insolence. "I will arrange a carriage for you in the morning. Your first day's travel, at least, should be smooth enough for a cart to pass through. After that, I fear you will have to ride." She cast a look at Vlad that was half order, and strangely half apology. "War is fair to no one, though I wish it were."
In response, Vlad's gaze grew resigned. He involuntarily explored his fangs with his lower lip. Sinead noticed, but only turned to look at Tenele. "Forgive me for asking this cruel thing of you."
Sinead blinked, actually shocked by the sternness in Vlad's order. It seemed out of character for the vampire. "Tenele, will you be fit for this mission so soon? I will not send you if you're unready."
Vlad's eyes were glowing with another retort, but he held it at bay with a visible effort. Of course she'll say she's ready. Don't ask such a meaningless question! The thought of this new war bothered him immensely. He'd lived through the last Queen's War as a human being, and in the end was only salvaged by transforming into the creature he was now. He was pleased with his new form now, but a small scrap of his mind still remembered what it was like to suffer that war as the queen's chief commanding officer and watch his own world fall apart. If the war bothered him, the thought of Tenele jumping into it headfirst bothered him tenfold.
He caught Sinead's eye and held it. "You have thousands of soldiers," Vlad said very slowly, in a low, tempered voice.
"And Tenele is among the best," Sinead said, too interested in trying to understand the swirling fires that were Vlad's eyes at the moment to sound truly stern about his insolence. "I will arrange a carriage for you in the morning. Your first day's travel, at least, should be smooth enough for a cart to pass through. After that, I fear you will have to ride." She cast a look at Vlad that was half order, and strangely half apology. "War is fair to no one, though I wish it were."
In response, Vlad's gaze grew resigned. He involuntarily explored his fangs with his lower lip. Sinead noticed, but only turned to look at Tenele. "Forgive me for asking this cruel thing of you."
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Emora Deen
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Tenele looked at Vlad for a long moment as he became protective of her. "I think I'm strong enough, and if not I will be by the time I get there. I told you before I would be at the head of your army if you wished it, and I gladly will be. I fear neither death nor torture..." Her eyes never failed to look away from Vlad, only when the Queen addressed her.
Tenele wanted to talk to him in private. She wanted to spend this final night with him... For she knew in war to be a Queen's Maiden was to have a warrent for brutal death hovering above your head. She knew deep down that the chances of living through the entire war would be minimal.
"I'm going to the training court to prepare... I'll see you before I leave tomorrow, my Queen." Tenele turned and walked towards the far door that lead out of the throne room, her head turning to glance at Vlad one last time with a look that could only be read as longing. Then she left.
Tenele wanted to talk to him in private. She wanted to spend this final night with him... For she knew in war to be a Queen's Maiden was to have a warrent for brutal death hovering above your head. She knew deep down that the chances of living through the entire war would be minimal.
"I'm going to the training court to prepare... I'll see you before I leave tomorrow, my Queen." Tenele turned and walked towards the far door that lead out of the throne room, her head turning to glance at Vlad one last time with a look that could only be read as longing. Then she left.
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Soran Nightblade
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Sinead looked with approval, but also some concern at her bold warrior. "See me in the morning before you leave. I will arrange for supporting troops to be ready at dawn," she said. "Vlad, I need your report at dawn to ensure the safety of our forces. You are both dismissed."
Vlad bowed stiffly and rose, striding out of the room. He didn't look back at Tenele.
Vlad bowed stiffly and rose, striding out of the room. He didn't look back at Tenele.
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Emora Deen
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Tenele knew that before she could go to the practice room or anything she had to go to the ruins of her house. Standing at the doorway, or what used to be her doorway, all she saw was rubble. Then something caught her eye. It was a glisten of silver light reflecting in the sun. She stumbled over the rubble until she made her way to where the two swords stuck protruding upwards. To her luck it was, out of all the rest of her armoury, the only two things she would ever want out of the house. The sword that had belonged to her mother, and the katana that the Shogun had given to her as a gift.
She grabbed them both and pulled them from the reckage as the wind tossed her robe and hair. She shimmereed in the evening sunlight, silver robe and silver hair. The sun was setting now, falling lower and lower towards the horizone line. She turned her head in the direct and watched for long while... It could very well be that she might not see many of these sunsets in the future.
The practice room was empty, which was good. There was on located on each floor for the convenience of the Maiden's and soldiers that wished to spar. Since it was night she had no desire to go out into the cool night air to spar in the courtyard. So instead she stood in the elongated room on the floor where her new chambers were. She had seen no hide nore hair of the guests that Vlad had torments, which she supposed she wouldn't.
Moving across the room with the grace of her kind and the effeciency of her profession she looked to be a skilled dancer. Her movements were beautiful, but to an experienced fighter they would note the deadly skill of them. It had been a long time since she had been by herself to train and hone her abilities. It had been a long time since she practiced without actually being in the middle of battle. A skilled fighter would also note the slight destracted flow of her moments. She was thinking about something other than what she was doing.
She was thinking about Vlad.
She was thinking about dying.
She was thinking about war.
She was thinking about everything other than fighting at the moment.
She grabbed them both and pulled them from the reckage as the wind tossed her robe and hair. She shimmereed in the evening sunlight, silver robe and silver hair. The sun was setting now, falling lower and lower towards the horizone line. She turned her head in the direct and watched for long while... It could very well be that she might not see many of these sunsets in the future.
The practice room was empty, which was good. There was on located on each floor for the convenience of the Maiden's and soldiers that wished to spar. Since it was night she had no desire to go out into the cool night air to spar in the courtyard. So instead she stood in the elongated room on the floor where her new chambers were. She had seen no hide nore hair of the guests that Vlad had torments, which she supposed she wouldn't.
Moving across the room with the grace of her kind and the effeciency of her profession she looked to be a skilled dancer. Her movements were beautiful, but to an experienced fighter they would note the deadly skill of them. It had been a long time since she had been by herself to train and hone her abilities. It had been a long time since she practiced without actually being in the middle of battle. A skilled fighter would also note the slight destracted flow of her moments. She was thinking about something other than what she was doing.
She was thinking about Vlad.
She was thinking about dying.
She was thinking about war.
She was thinking about everything other than fighting at the moment.
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Soran Nightblade
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Sid was reclined against the stone wall of his cell, idly making faces at the guard who was watching him. The guard seemed trained not to change his expression or react to anything he did, and the ex-soldier found it an amusing enough way to pass the time. He was surprised by how civil Ighten’s dungeon was. If this were in Arken, he’d probably be dead by now unless he thought of a bribe to get himself out. This guy didn’t seem interested in bribes. He didn’t even seem interested that Sid could flip his eyelids inside out and touch his nose with his tongue. In the back of his mind, though, he was wondering what Rhen and his family were doing. Was Rhen going to be put to death? For defending him? Why had he done that anyway, if he hated him so much?
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Relax, that was the key. If he had to die, he wasn’t going out as the type who got all mopey over it. He’d had a decent enough life. Well, in all truth he really hadn’t, but never mind that.
Having the strange sense that something had just moved in front of him, Sid opened his eyes again – to find a man’s face inches from his. The face was human enough, but the eyes were deep crimson.
“Bwah!” Sid started, jerking back and smacking his head on the wall. Muttering a curse, he looked up again at the person who’d appeared in front of him. “A vampire in a bathrobe. Now I know I’m crazy,” he said, having no idea how to interpret the stranger’s intentions.
Vlad straightened up, an amused smirk blossoming on his pale face. He looked quite pleased with himself. “Enjoying your nap, human?” he snickered.
“Oh, did that on purpose, did you?” Sid said in mock fury, but he somehow liked the vampire’s smile. An amused looked grew on his startled face, and then he burst out in a deep, hearty laugh. “You got me. Sid Borden, and you are?” He extended his hand good-naturedly.
Vlad considered the prisoner for a moment. The human was not what he’d been expecting. Maybe this would be interesting after all. "Guard, you're relieved of your post!" he ordered to the stone-faced soldier watching them. The man hesitated, but turned and walked to another unit. “You may call me “Your Lordship,” the vampire smirked back at Sid.
“What sort of name is that? Your mother have a psychosis of some sort?” Sid teased.
“Oh, but I rather like it,” Vlad said darkly, smiling at the prisoner.
“You ain’t my new cellmate, are ya?” Sid realized, crossing his arms expectantly.
“I’m here to extract from you everything you know about Arken’s campaign at the Border, by way of any method I see fit,” Vlad said, a faint glow rising into his eyes.
There was a long silence between them. Vlad observed Sid’s blank expression, wondering how interesting the human would actually turn out to be. “Well then, I suppose we have a lot to do. ‘Your Lordship’ ‘sa bit of a mouthful. Mind if I call you Lordy?” Sid sat forward and met Vlad’s scarlet eyes with his own blue ones. His hand was still there, waiting to be taken.
The vampire narrowed his eyes. “I like you, Sid. Pity I’m authorized to torture you.”
“Are you now?” Sid smiled. His voice sounded a little mellow, like he was exhausted with the world.
Vlad nodded, but stopped smiling. He felt more or less the same way at the moment. “Why is a man like you working for Arken?” he asked, taking a seat against the wall across from Sid.
“Guess I ran out of ideas,” Sid smiled, thinking of Rhen. “If you can’t beat em, join em. Though personally, I never had much of an issue with it, but I did know a man who would frown and sulk every time someone suffered by his hand. I guess he messed up my head too, I could swear I was fine before that. Now a gent like you working for Ighten, there’s something more int’resting.”
“Indeed,” the vampire agreed. He was trying to hold a decent interrogation, but what his mind kept skipping to was Tenele, and Sinead’s words. She’s said he wasn’t human, and obviously he wasn’t, but where did that put him with Tenele? She could leave at dawn and he may never see her again. Human lives were short in comparison to his; he was accustomed to seeing them come and go. Why was this so different? He could understand that it was, but not why.
“Hey, Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it,” Sid said, peering at him from across the cell. “You alright?”
Vlad’s gaze jerked back up. He must have spaced out. “Your duties, your orders, Shea’s plans. Tell me all of them, starting with Hepian,” he said with a cold smirk.
Sid rolled his eyes. Guess he pushed the wrong button. “I can only tell you what I know.”
“Then start talking.”
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Relax, that was the key. If he had to die, he wasn’t going out as the type who got all mopey over it. He’d had a decent enough life. Well, in all truth he really hadn’t, but never mind that.
Having the strange sense that something had just moved in front of him, Sid opened his eyes again – to find a man’s face inches from his. The face was human enough, but the eyes were deep crimson.
“Bwah!” Sid started, jerking back and smacking his head on the wall. Muttering a curse, he looked up again at the person who’d appeared in front of him. “A vampire in a bathrobe. Now I know I’m crazy,” he said, having no idea how to interpret the stranger’s intentions.
Vlad straightened up, an amused smirk blossoming on his pale face. He looked quite pleased with himself. “Enjoying your nap, human?” he snickered.
“Oh, did that on purpose, did you?” Sid said in mock fury, but he somehow liked the vampire’s smile. An amused looked grew on his startled face, and then he burst out in a deep, hearty laugh. “You got me. Sid Borden, and you are?” He extended his hand good-naturedly.
Vlad considered the prisoner for a moment. The human was not what he’d been expecting. Maybe this would be interesting after all. "Guard, you're relieved of your post!" he ordered to the stone-faced soldier watching them. The man hesitated, but turned and walked to another unit. “You may call me “Your Lordship,” the vampire smirked back at Sid.
“What sort of name is that? Your mother have a psychosis of some sort?” Sid teased.
“Oh, but I rather like it,” Vlad said darkly, smiling at the prisoner.
“You ain’t my new cellmate, are ya?” Sid realized, crossing his arms expectantly.
“I’m here to extract from you everything you know about Arken’s campaign at the Border, by way of any method I see fit,” Vlad said, a faint glow rising into his eyes.
There was a long silence between them. Vlad observed Sid’s blank expression, wondering how interesting the human would actually turn out to be. “Well then, I suppose we have a lot to do. ‘Your Lordship’ ‘sa bit of a mouthful. Mind if I call you Lordy?” Sid sat forward and met Vlad’s scarlet eyes with his own blue ones. His hand was still there, waiting to be taken.
The vampire narrowed his eyes. “I like you, Sid. Pity I’m authorized to torture you.”
“Are you now?” Sid smiled. His voice sounded a little mellow, like he was exhausted with the world.
Vlad nodded, but stopped smiling. He felt more or less the same way at the moment. “Why is a man like you working for Arken?” he asked, taking a seat against the wall across from Sid.
“Guess I ran out of ideas,” Sid smiled, thinking of Rhen. “If you can’t beat em, join em. Though personally, I never had much of an issue with it, but I did know a man who would frown and sulk every time someone suffered by his hand. I guess he messed up my head too, I could swear I was fine before that. Now a gent like you working for Ighten, there’s something more int’resting.”
“Indeed,” the vampire agreed. He was trying to hold a decent interrogation, but what his mind kept skipping to was Tenele, and Sinead’s words. She’s said he wasn’t human, and obviously he wasn’t, but where did that put him with Tenele? She could leave at dawn and he may never see her again. Human lives were short in comparison to his; he was accustomed to seeing them come and go. Why was this so different? He could understand that it was, but not why.
“Hey, Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it,” Sid said, peering at him from across the cell. “You alright?”
Vlad’s gaze jerked back up. He must have spaced out. “Your duties, your orders, Shea’s plans. Tell me all of them, starting with Hepian,” he said with a cold smirk.
Sid rolled his eyes. Guess he pushed the wrong button. “I can only tell you what I know.”
“Then start talking.”
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Emora Deen
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Tenele panted, stumbling over to the wall where her swords laid waiting for her to weild them. She leaned against the wall with her back, her head arched upwards towards the ceiling as she took in slow deep breaths. She was dizzy, but didn't want to prove Vlad right about the fact she hadn't finished healing completely. She had been run through with a sword last night after all.
With stuborn determination she knelt down and grabbed the hilt of her mother's longsword. She rose to her feet and went through the proceedures, the excersizes, wanting nothing more than to vent the frustration that was building inside of her. Once again it seemed the world was moving 2000 miles faster than her... and she was left grabbing to hold on to something that would carrier her at its pace.
She spun, weilding her sword to the left and jump back, startled that her weapon had collided with another when she was sure that she was alone in the room.
A young man stood before her, a soldier she could tell. He had his sword drawn and was facing her with a rather annoying "more holy than thou" smirk. Tenele took several steps back, taking air into the lungs that two nights ago had been filled with smoke. Maybe Vlad was right... Maybe she should wait?
No, that was a ridiculous thing to think of. Shea wouldn't be waiting for them to get well before making her attack. She would strike when she felt she had the oprotune moment.
"Can I help you?" Tenele asked in a voice that rang with authority.
"I need a sparring partner and there isn't anyone else here," he said. He spoke to her as if she were a common slave who just happened to spend her off hours practicing in the sparring rooms.
Tenele arched an elegant silver eyebrow at him and looked at his stance. He couldn't be more than eighteen and though she herself looked to be in her early twenties she was actually far older than that. The life of a half-elf was long, however not quiet as long as that of an actual elf.
"As you wish, my lord," she said, humoring him for the moment. She bowed her head respectfully towards him, silver hair falling in front of her face. She knew he would take this as meaning she was off her guard. He did and lunged towards her, though moving his sword in such a way it wouldn't harm her.
Tenele moved to the side swiftly, bring her sword around and down on his. The broad sword nearly fell from his hand since he was not prepared for her attack. Quickly the young head-strong soldier moved to recover his pride. He swung to the side, and Tenele deflected with ease. Over and over there swords met and all the while it seemed as if Tenele was using little to no effort at all. This only seemed to aggrivate her opponent.
"You're new aren't you," Tenele muttered and he either didn't hear her or ignored her.
When they were in close enough proximity he made a quick move and managed to swing his leg out, tripping Tenele up. She fell back into the wall and he pressed his sword close to her throat to hold her there. Leaning in with a victorious smile, he batted his eyes and made a face that she recognized as fake pitty. "I'm sorry, I think I won!"
"Hardly even come close," Tenele said kneed him in the gut. The kid needed his pride cut down or he was going to get him and the men he would be with killed.
He stumbled back sucking in air quickly to regain his breath. Tenele walked towards him as he slowly righted himself. With an agry expression he growled and charged at her.
Tenele sighed and turned as he roared, swinging his blade black and forth angrily. She ran towards the wall and he followed close behind. With fluent agile grace she leaped, walking up the wall and pushing off wit her left foot. She arched through the air backwards, flipping and coming to land on her feet. She wasn't finished there. Once her feet made contact she dropped, swinging her leg and catching him as he was running in the direction the wall. His feet were knocked out from under him and he fell face first onto the floor.
The Queen's Maiden rose to her feet, trying to control her racing heart and dizzy thoughts. She stepped over to his side, putting her sword to the back of his neck, letting the cold steel touch his bare skin. He had lost his weapon in the fall, his hands flat against the floor and his nails almost digging into the wood flooring.
Tenele smiled down at the young lad and leaned forward slightly. "I'm sorry, looks like I won..." Those were the words he had used and she hoped that by returning them he would see the error of his cockiness.
"Who are you?"
"Queen's Maiden Tenele Raider, but you can call me Lady Raider," she said, letting the boy up.
"I... I'm sorry I didn't realize m'lady...." He did move rather quickly to apologise for his ignorance.
"Rule one; when you are facing someone you have never faced before... Size them up and try to figure out who they are or what they could be skilled at... If you don't you might find yourself dead before the first clash of swords can be made." Tenele advised. He was young and looked to be some nobleman's son who had been raised with everyone telling him how good of a soldier he was.
Tenele sighed and walked back to where her katana was. She slumped slightly, placing her hand against the wall to steady herself as she set the blade down next to the katana. The fight with the boy had tired her out tremendously... which usually it would take a fight with more than just him. She could curse Vlad for being right, however she wouldn't give in. By the time she reached the border she would be rested and stronger. She took a deep breath and released it after holding it for several moments. It was ragged and shakey and soon she realized she was trembling. However, she had no desire to stop what she was doing at the moment. She needed to wear herself out... It would help her stop thinking about Vlad.
"Lady Raider," the voice of the young soldier said.
"Yes, what is it?" she asked.
"You don't seem well, shall I call for someone?" Tenele couldn't really tell if the boy was actually being genuine or trying to suck up.
"I am well," Tenele breathed. "I wish to practice in peace. There is another room on the next floor. I am sure you will find plenty to test your skill against."
The boy gave a nod and with his feet moving rather reluctantly, he left her to her peace.
With stuborn determination she knelt down and grabbed the hilt of her mother's longsword. She rose to her feet and went through the proceedures, the excersizes, wanting nothing more than to vent the frustration that was building inside of her. Once again it seemed the world was moving 2000 miles faster than her... and she was left grabbing to hold on to something that would carrier her at its pace.
She spun, weilding her sword to the left and jump back, startled that her weapon had collided with another when she was sure that she was alone in the room.
A young man stood before her, a soldier she could tell. He had his sword drawn and was facing her with a rather annoying "more holy than thou" smirk. Tenele took several steps back, taking air into the lungs that two nights ago had been filled with smoke. Maybe Vlad was right... Maybe she should wait?
No, that was a ridiculous thing to think of. Shea wouldn't be waiting for them to get well before making her attack. She would strike when she felt she had the oprotune moment.
"Can I help you?" Tenele asked in a voice that rang with authority.
"I need a sparring partner and there isn't anyone else here," he said. He spoke to her as if she were a common slave who just happened to spend her off hours practicing in the sparring rooms.
Tenele arched an elegant silver eyebrow at him and looked at his stance. He couldn't be more than eighteen and though she herself looked to be in her early twenties she was actually far older than that. The life of a half-elf was long, however not quiet as long as that of an actual elf.
"As you wish, my lord," she said, humoring him for the moment. She bowed her head respectfully towards him, silver hair falling in front of her face. She knew he would take this as meaning she was off her guard. He did and lunged towards her, though moving his sword in such a way it wouldn't harm her.
Tenele moved to the side swiftly, bring her sword around and down on his. The broad sword nearly fell from his hand since he was not prepared for her attack. Quickly the young head-strong soldier moved to recover his pride. He swung to the side, and Tenele deflected with ease. Over and over there swords met and all the while it seemed as if Tenele was using little to no effort at all. This only seemed to aggrivate her opponent.
"You're new aren't you," Tenele muttered and he either didn't hear her or ignored her.
When they were in close enough proximity he made a quick move and managed to swing his leg out, tripping Tenele up. She fell back into the wall and he pressed his sword close to her throat to hold her there. Leaning in with a victorious smile, he batted his eyes and made a face that she recognized as fake pitty. "I'm sorry, I think I won!"
"Hardly even come close," Tenele said kneed him in the gut. The kid needed his pride cut down or he was going to get him and the men he would be with killed.
He stumbled back sucking in air quickly to regain his breath. Tenele walked towards him as he slowly righted himself. With an agry expression he growled and charged at her.
Tenele sighed and turned as he roared, swinging his blade black and forth angrily. She ran towards the wall and he followed close behind. With fluent agile grace she leaped, walking up the wall and pushing off wit her left foot. She arched through the air backwards, flipping and coming to land on her feet. She wasn't finished there. Once her feet made contact she dropped, swinging her leg and catching him as he was running in the direction the wall. His feet were knocked out from under him and he fell face first onto the floor.
The Queen's Maiden rose to her feet, trying to control her racing heart and dizzy thoughts. She stepped over to his side, putting her sword to the back of his neck, letting the cold steel touch his bare skin. He had lost his weapon in the fall, his hands flat against the floor and his nails almost digging into the wood flooring.
Tenele smiled down at the young lad and leaned forward slightly. "I'm sorry, looks like I won..." Those were the words he had used and she hoped that by returning them he would see the error of his cockiness.
"Who are you?"
"Queen's Maiden Tenele Raider, but you can call me Lady Raider," she said, letting the boy up.
"I... I'm sorry I didn't realize m'lady...." He did move rather quickly to apologise for his ignorance.
"Rule one; when you are facing someone you have never faced before... Size them up and try to figure out who they are or what they could be skilled at... If you don't you might find yourself dead before the first clash of swords can be made." Tenele advised. He was young and looked to be some nobleman's son who had been raised with everyone telling him how good of a soldier he was.
Tenele sighed and walked back to where her katana was. She slumped slightly, placing her hand against the wall to steady herself as she set the blade down next to the katana. The fight with the boy had tired her out tremendously... which usually it would take a fight with more than just him. She could curse Vlad for being right, however she wouldn't give in. By the time she reached the border she would be rested and stronger. She took a deep breath and released it after holding it for several moments. It was ragged and shakey and soon she realized she was trembling. However, she had no desire to stop what she was doing at the moment. She needed to wear herself out... It would help her stop thinking about Vlad.
"Lady Raider," the voice of the young soldier said.
"Yes, what is it?" she asked.
"You don't seem well, shall I call for someone?" Tenele couldn't really tell if the boy was actually being genuine or trying to suck up.
"I am well," Tenele breathed. "I wish to practice in peace. There is another room on the next floor. I am sure you will find plenty to test your skill against."
The boy gave a nod and with his feet moving rather reluctantly, he left her to her peace.
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Emora Deen
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Tenele opened her eyes to the sunlit room she was sleeping in. She laid in bed for a moment looking around at the place she was staying in at the moment. It was ornate and lovely and soon her surroundings would change to nothing but a bloody mess. Today was the day she set out on the journey that possibly could mean the end of her life. Strangely she felt excited... or maybe that was the fear talking.
Tenele sat up to find that in the night someone had brought her armor. It was the armor of a Queen's Maiden... a red skirt tripped in silver... Knee eye armord boots with the emblem on the knees of them. The top was short, mid length and red leather with metal lacing through it creating a protective intricate design.
Tenele looked at herself in the mirror. She had adorned this armor many times, but never had she adorned it to go to war. Her battles had always been fought in regular clothing. She pulled her arm-guards on and fastened them, also fastening the shoulder plate to her chest plate. She pulled on her gray attatched the sheath for the katana so it hung on her back and wrapped the belt around her waist to hold the sheath to her long sword. When she got to the carriage she would put take them off to get more comfortable, but for right now this would make it easier to carry everything. Finally she finished the dressing process by pulling the gray cloak over her shoulders.
* * *
Rai woke up and the first thing she did was bound across the room and run to the window. She stopped and looked out at all the people moving around doing there day to day jobs with facination. She laughed at those who did stupid things and watched with earnest intrest. A child that could not get enough of new things.
OOC: Tenele's attire.
Tenele sat up to find that in the night someone had brought her armor. It was the armor of a Queen's Maiden... a red skirt tripped in silver... Knee eye armord boots with the emblem on the knees of them. The top was short, mid length and red leather with metal lacing through it creating a protective intricate design.
Tenele looked at herself in the mirror. She had adorned this armor many times, but never had she adorned it to go to war. Her battles had always been fought in regular clothing. She pulled her arm-guards on and fastened them, also fastening the shoulder plate to her chest plate. She pulled on her gray attatched the sheath for the katana so it hung on her back and wrapped the belt around her waist to hold the sheath to her long sword. When she got to the carriage she would put take them off to get more comfortable, but for right now this would make it easier to carry everything. Finally she finished the dressing process by pulling the gray cloak over her shoulders.
* * *
Rai woke up and the first thing she did was bound across the room and run to the window. She stopped and looked out at all the people moving around doing there day to day jobs with facination. She laughed at those who did stupid things and watched with earnest intrest. A child that could not get enough of new things.
OOC: Tenele's attire.
Last edited by Emora Deen on Sun Jan 06, 2008 10:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Mizuki
Dawn broke and the light poured into the room, its rays falling on Mizuki's eyelids making her wake up. She stretched her arms, trying not to disturb Soran and dislodge herself carefully from his arms. She saw Rai at the window and smiled, not wanting to disturb the girl from her fascinations outside. She smiled back down at Soran's sleeping face, wanting to cuddle back into the comfy couch and rest her head on his lap, but it was a small rap on the door that drew her away. Who would be knocking now? A guard fetching them to sit before the Queen? A sinking feeling settled itself in her stomach remembering she had not succeeded in reviving her powers. She opened the door carefully and peeked out from behind it.
"Yes?" was her small reply as she braced herself for the worst. It was a petite maid, or so she thought, but a closer look revealed that she had more expensive clothing on than that a maidservant would have. So then her rank had moved up in Mizuki's mind, she turned into the wife of a Lordling, so gathered from the ring on her finger.
"My husband is a general of the Queen," she talked quickly as if she was afraid. She had a small bundle in her arms, it looked like clothing. "He said there had been weary travelers come in and gave a warning, then later were sentenced to a possible death if they could not prove their story true." The sinking feeling came back and Mizuki quickly looked behind her, praying Rai was not hearing any of this. Her eyes were icy and expressionless as she turned back to the woman at her door. She found more pity for the woman than anger.
"I... don't know what you had gone through but... escaping a devastated town must've done a thing or to to yourselves." She proffered the small bundle of clothing to Mizuki, a pleading look that only asked Mizuki to take this small kindness. "You'll be meeting the Queen again today," she was actually warning her, Mizuki watched her carefully, saying nothing. "It's for you," she pointed at the clothing, "Can't meet the Queen in travel worn clothes." She gave a weak smile, more of pity but there was kindness, bobbed a curtsey and fled down the hall, as if what she had done was a blasphemy.
Mizuki still stood, albeit perplexed at the doorway with the feeling of her inside rolling. They would see the Queen again today, and they had no proof to offer. Meaning Soran would be executed and herself and Rai may be put to the dungeons, or exiled. She didn't think either was any better, not having Soran would be like death already. But, they had endured worse, had they not?
Taking the clothing inside and closing the door firmly behind her, Mizuki laid out the clothing on the small table and chairs in the room. A man's tunic, a child's dress, and a simple dress made for a young woman. The bitter irony hit her then, they'd all meet death in the great fashion of the Queen's court.
"Yes?" was her small reply as she braced herself for the worst. It was a petite maid, or so she thought, but a closer look revealed that she had more expensive clothing on than that a maidservant would have. So then her rank had moved up in Mizuki's mind, she turned into the wife of a Lordling, so gathered from the ring on her finger.
"My husband is a general of the Queen," she talked quickly as if she was afraid. She had a small bundle in her arms, it looked like clothing. "He said there had been weary travelers come in and gave a warning, then later were sentenced to a possible death if they could not prove their story true." The sinking feeling came back and Mizuki quickly looked behind her, praying Rai was not hearing any of this. Her eyes were icy and expressionless as she turned back to the woman at her door. She found more pity for the woman than anger.
"I... don't know what you had gone through but... escaping a devastated town must've done a thing or to to yourselves." She proffered the small bundle of clothing to Mizuki, a pleading look that only asked Mizuki to take this small kindness. "You'll be meeting the Queen again today," she was actually warning her, Mizuki watched her carefully, saying nothing. "It's for you," she pointed at the clothing, "Can't meet the Queen in travel worn clothes." She gave a weak smile, more of pity but there was kindness, bobbed a curtsey and fled down the hall, as if what she had done was a blasphemy.
Mizuki still stood, albeit perplexed at the doorway with the feeling of her inside rolling. They would see the Queen again today, and they had no proof to offer. Meaning Soran would be executed and herself and Rai may be put to the dungeons, or exiled. She didn't think either was any better, not having Soran would be like death already. But, they had endured worse, had they not?
Taking the clothing inside and closing the door firmly behind her, Mizuki laid out the clothing on the small table and chairs in the room. A man's tunic, a child's dress, and a simple dress made for a young woman. The bitter irony hit her then, they'd all meet death in the great fashion of the Queen's court.
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Soran Nightblade
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Sid looked up drowsily at the vampire sitting across from him. There was a nearly empty bottle of wine sitting on the cement floor between them. At some point the vampire had brought it in for kicks. It was certainly the longest, and strangest interrogation Sid had ever had. Unfortunately, the wine hadn’t loosened his lips if that was what Vlad had intended. Sid had been a mite tipsy at points, but there was simply nothing more to give.
He looked at the “Lord”, who almost looked asleep against the opposite wall. He hadn’t asked Sid any questions for several minutes. He just sat there too still to possibly be alive, looking downward. Maybe the vampire was finally winding down. It had to be almost dawn, not that Sid could have slept if he tried.
“You thinking about something?” he finally asked.
Vlad looked at him, those ruby red eyes studying him for a moment. “Yes.”
“Well, what is it?”
“I’m asking the questions here.”
“No, actually, you’ve been quiet for about 20 minutes. I can feel the dawn coming, do you need to, like…sit in a coffin or something?”
Vlad laughed a little. “I do nothing of the sort.”
“Most vampires sleep during the day.”
“I’m special.” Vlad sounded a little bored, like his thoughts were elsewhere.
“Alright, then,” Sid obliged. He poured himself another glass and prepared to keep himself awake for a while more.
“There’s a squadron leaving for the Border, today.”
Sid brought down his glass, wondering why the vampire was telling him this. “Anyone you know?” he asked.
Vlad was quiet again, rethinking it. Why would he say this to a prisoner? Maybe because he was a prisoner, it seemed safe. Safe in the ears of the dead. “There’s a girl.”
Sid waited, the Vlad said no more. “You love her, then?”
“No,” Vlad said, looking thoughtfully at the blood-red liquid in Sid’s glass.
Sid crossed his arms, a little disappointed. “She love you, then?”
“No.” The soft flare of red in his eyes was the only movement in the vampire’s body.
Sid rolled his eyes. “Now that ain’t right. I ain’t spoken one word to you t’s been false for the last ten hours, and here you are lying up a storm my first question of the night.”
“Don’t be insolent. I’ll have you speak the truth about Arken, and keep your mouth shut otherwise.”
“I told you the whole truth, and I think you know it. You won’t get another word of information out of me until you drive me insane enough to make up horseshit to you, and by the time you mess me up that bad, she’ll be halfway to Arken.” Sid met the vampire’s eyes sternly, and he was surprised to see the angry glow in the vamp’s eyes give a little. “I ain’t goin anywhere, Lordy,” he said firmly.
Vlad couldn’t remember the last time someone had looked at him like that. The way a good friend looks when he tells you you’re too drunk to ride home. This wasn’t a friend, but this prisoner seemed to be immediately comfortable with strangers, even him, as if he’d known them for years. The the more he questioned Sid, the more he wondered how this man could possibly be who he said he was. But for now, the guy had a point. “We aren’t done,” Vlad said, standing up effortlessly even after sitting on stone all night. “I’ll bring more wine next time.” He said with a smirk.
Sid smiled back “See you then.”
And the vampire was gone.
Sinead sat at her balcony window in her quarters, watching the sun rise over the horizon. She had not slept a wink. Her thoughts were with her country, and her servants. Rubbing her hand against her temples, she turned to look behind her, and was only half startled to find Vladimir Dracul standing behind her.
“No rest this night, my Queen?” he asked.
“No,” Sinead said quietly, looking back out the window. Nor for you either, I’m informed.”
“The enemy ranks seem to have carefully screened information so that even commanding officers know only what is immediately necessary to their mission. Prisoners of war will not be a useful resource in this campaign.”
“You are certain he knows nothing?”
“I have been inside his mind. He hasn’t breathed one lie all night.”
“Then our soldiers march blind,” Sinead said in disapproval.
“He knows nothing more, my Queen. We may assume the strategies given in Hepian will be reused, and I will give you each detail on that, but where they are headed next remains for us to learn.”
Sinead stood up and began straightening her gown. “Well, if that’s all you have to report, it’s time to send out the troop.”
Vlad bowed, closing his eyes as if to teleport away.
“Are you not coming to see them off?”
Vlad glanced up at her, his red eyes glowing strangely. “No, My Lady,” he said, and disappeared from the room.
* * * *
Soran, for once, was so far gone that not even Mizuki's movement around the room woke him. He hadn't even woken to his strange dreams. Maybe it was something about Sinead's palace that prevented such things. Without Mizuki's weight to prop him up, he lilted sideways a bit, comfortable against the warm couch.
He looked at the “Lord”, who almost looked asleep against the opposite wall. He hadn’t asked Sid any questions for several minutes. He just sat there too still to possibly be alive, looking downward. Maybe the vampire was finally winding down. It had to be almost dawn, not that Sid could have slept if he tried.
“You thinking about something?” he finally asked.
Vlad looked at him, those ruby red eyes studying him for a moment. “Yes.”
“Well, what is it?”
“I’m asking the questions here.”
“No, actually, you’ve been quiet for about 20 minutes. I can feel the dawn coming, do you need to, like…sit in a coffin or something?”
Vlad laughed a little. “I do nothing of the sort.”
“Most vampires sleep during the day.”
“I’m special.” Vlad sounded a little bored, like his thoughts were elsewhere.
“Alright, then,” Sid obliged. He poured himself another glass and prepared to keep himself awake for a while more.
“There’s a squadron leaving for the Border, today.”
Sid brought down his glass, wondering why the vampire was telling him this. “Anyone you know?” he asked.
Vlad was quiet again, rethinking it. Why would he say this to a prisoner? Maybe because he was a prisoner, it seemed safe. Safe in the ears of the dead. “There’s a girl.”
Sid waited, the Vlad said no more. “You love her, then?”
“No,” Vlad said, looking thoughtfully at the blood-red liquid in Sid’s glass.
Sid crossed his arms, a little disappointed. “She love you, then?”
“No.” The soft flare of red in his eyes was the only movement in the vampire’s body.
Sid rolled his eyes. “Now that ain’t right. I ain’t spoken one word to you t’s been false for the last ten hours, and here you are lying up a storm my first question of the night.”
“Don’t be insolent. I’ll have you speak the truth about Arken, and keep your mouth shut otherwise.”
“I told you the whole truth, and I think you know it. You won’t get another word of information out of me until you drive me insane enough to make up horseshit to you, and by the time you mess me up that bad, she’ll be halfway to Arken.” Sid met the vampire’s eyes sternly, and he was surprised to see the angry glow in the vamp’s eyes give a little. “I ain’t goin anywhere, Lordy,” he said firmly.
Vlad couldn’t remember the last time someone had looked at him like that. The way a good friend looks when he tells you you’re too drunk to ride home. This wasn’t a friend, but this prisoner seemed to be immediately comfortable with strangers, even him, as if he’d known them for years. The the more he questioned Sid, the more he wondered how this man could possibly be who he said he was. But for now, the guy had a point. “We aren’t done,” Vlad said, standing up effortlessly even after sitting on stone all night. “I’ll bring more wine next time.” He said with a smirk.
Sid smiled back “See you then.”
And the vampire was gone.
Sinead sat at her balcony window in her quarters, watching the sun rise over the horizon. She had not slept a wink. Her thoughts were with her country, and her servants. Rubbing her hand against her temples, she turned to look behind her, and was only half startled to find Vladimir Dracul standing behind her.
“No rest this night, my Queen?” he asked.
“No,” Sinead said quietly, looking back out the window. Nor for you either, I’m informed.”
“The enemy ranks seem to have carefully screened information so that even commanding officers know only what is immediately necessary to their mission. Prisoners of war will not be a useful resource in this campaign.”
“You are certain he knows nothing?”
“I have been inside his mind. He hasn’t breathed one lie all night.”
“Then our soldiers march blind,” Sinead said in disapproval.
“He knows nothing more, my Queen. We may assume the strategies given in Hepian will be reused, and I will give you each detail on that, but where they are headed next remains for us to learn.”
Sinead stood up and began straightening her gown. “Well, if that’s all you have to report, it’s time to send out the troop.”
Vlad bowed, closing his eyes as if to teleport away.
“Are you not coming to see them off?”
Vlad glanced up at her, his red eyes glowing strangely. “No, My Lady,” he said, and disappeared from the room.
* * * *
Soran, for once, was so far gone that not even Mizuki's movement around the room woke him. He hadn't even woken to his strange dreams. Maybe it was something about Sinead's palace that prevented such things. Without Mizuki's weight to prop him up, he lilted sideways a bit, comfortable against the warm couch.
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Emora Deen
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Tenele made her down the spiraling staircase that led to the main corridor on the first floor. She felt her heart pounding in her chest and for the life of her she couldn't figure out why she was being so nervous. It was more than likely do to the fact she was going to war... and had not yet said good bye to a man she cared dearly for.
She was heading for the main double doors now, walking to meet with everyone outside. Walking to hear the last wards of the Queen's fairwell... Walking to meet the men she would die next too. The double doors grew closer and she found herself glancing around wildly, looking for any sign of the vampire. She found none. He was no where to be seen. She had expected him to visit her that night, however he never came. Now it seemed he wouldn't come to see her off this morning. Was he that angry she was going?
She stepped outside in the cool morning air. The middle of fall was approaching fast and snow would be thick on the border... Elements that some soldiers would not know how to handle.
* * *
"Daddy! Look there is an army outside!" Rai said, pointing towards the mass group of people gathering in the courtyard that she could just barely see from her perch in the window ceil.
She was heading for the main double doors now, walking to meet with everyone outside. Walking to hear the last wards of the Queen's fairwell... Walking to meet the men she would die next too. The double doors grew closer and she found herself glancing around wildly, looking for any sign of the vampire. She found none. He was no where to be seen. She had expected him to visit her that night, however he never came. Now it seemed he wouldn't come to see her off this morning. Was he that angry she was going?
She stepped outside in the cool morning air. The middle of fall was approaching fast and snow would be thick on the border... Elements that some soldiers would not know how to handle.
* * *
"Daddy! Look there is an army outside!" Rai said, pointing towards the mass group of people gathering in the courtyard that she could just barely see from her perch in the window ceil.
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Mizuki
Mizuki perked up at Rai's excitment, Soran hadn't stirred. He was more tired than any of them. She walked to the window and looked out, just barely seeing a large squadron make its way out of the city before they disappeared behind a castle tower. 'So,' Mizuki thought, 'They'll act whether we're right or not.' Her mouth was set in a grim line, they would march to Hepian and possibly be killed. Their story would be found true but Soran would already be killed and Mizuki and Rai in despair. An odd way to work things in war; one would think they would be honored in some way, but instead they would be torn asunder.
"Put your new dress on Rai," Mizuki said grimly. "Get yourself clean up. I'll wake your father." She turned towards Soran, sleeping peacefully on the couch and touch his shoulder gently, not truly wanting to awaken him. Tears pricked her eyes as she wondered, would this be the last time she looked at him in a state of peace?
---
He landed outside right in front of the Squadron and causing quite an uproar, but had had only one thing on his mind and did not think about the soldiers in front of him. He walked straight to the castle, like a man on a mission.
"Put your new dress on Rai," Mizuki said grimly. "Get yourself clean up. I'll wake your father." She turned towards Soran, sleeping peacefully on the couch and touch his shoulder gently, not truly wanting to awaken him. Tears pricked her eyes as she wondered, would this be the last time she looked at him in a state of peace?
---
He landed outside right in front of the Squadron and causing quite an uproar, but had had only one thing on his mind and did not think about the soldiers in front of him. He walked straight to the castle, like a man on a mission.
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Soran Nightblade
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- Location: NJ
Forces were gathering outside, and Queen Sinead was walking down a passage in the formation to stand at the front of the ranks. She faced them and began speaking in a loud, strong voice that even he could hear. "My soldiers, this is a grim day for our country, but we need not have a grim future. Arken CAN be defeated. We have done it before, and with your skillful allegiance, we will do it again. My blessing and support is ever at your back. Thank you, my soldiers."
The troops gave up three mighty cheers to the Queen, and the captains began shouting orders to prepare for the march, when a strange being landed among them. Many were too busy to notice, but a few men ran after the newcomer and chased after him. “Hey! Halt, you’re not authorized to enter the castle!” one shouted after him. They looked back at the rest of the group, who were too far back to do anything to help by that point. The men stopped running and watched the figure disappear into the castle.
“We can’t leave the march; let’s report this to the door guards and get back to our spots,” they told each other.
Soran opened his eyes heavily, Mizuki’s soft touch waking him. He looked at her and it took him a moment to register the redness in her eyes. He wondered what in the world she was looking at him that way for, and then the events of the day before, and the comfortable royal couch he was sitting on, came back to him. “Morning, huh?” he mumbled, pretending to be comfortably drowsy.
The troops gave up three mighty cheers to the Queen, and the captains began shouting orders to prepare for the march, when a strange being landed among them. Many were too busy to notice, but a few men ran after the newcomer and chased after him. “Hey! Halt, you’re not authorized to enter the castle!” one shouted after him. They looked back at the rest of the group, who were too far back to do anything to help by that point. The men stopped running and watched the figure disappear into the castle.
“We can’t leave the march; let’s report this to the door guards and get back to our spots,” they told each other.
Soran opened his eyes heavily, Mizuki’s soft touch waking him. He looked at her and it took him a moment to register the redness in her eyes. He wondered what in the world she was looking at him that way for, and then the events of the day before, and the comfortable royal couch he was sitting on, came back to him. “Morning, huh?” he mumbled, pretending to be comfortably drowsy.
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Mizuki
"There's clothes on the table." she said not offering to explain their presence, she gave a weak smile and bent down to kiss his cheek. "There's an army outside," she whispered into his ear, lingering ever near him. But pulled away regretfully to change into the dress given to her.
---
The door guards met the black winged boy with at first civil orders to halt, and when he did not and began to restrain him. It caused him to throw a tantrum.
"I WANT MY MOTHER! SHE'S IN THERE! LET ME GO!" He flailed and kicked and bite and punched. It only made the guards try harder, threatening to kill him if he did not obey. But the boy would not listen. Metallic substance flashed from his finger tips, knocking the guards off and he dashed inside. An alert was sounded, as a little boy yelled out for his mother and ran the halls of the castle.
---
The door guards met the black winged boy with at first civil orders to halt, and when he did not and began to restrain him. It caused him to throw a tantrum.
"I WANT MY MOTHER! SHE'S IN THERE! LET ME GO!" He flailed and kicked and bite and punched. It only made the guards try harder, threatening to kill him if he did not obey. But the boy would not listen. Metallic substance flashed from his finger tips, knocking the guards off and he dashed inside. An alert was sounded, as a little boy yelled out for his mother and ran the halls of the castle.
Last edited by Mizuki on Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.