Ask to Join Boryia Tales, Heritage of the Bracia's Throne (RP)

[Helios.]

Two guards stood outside the castle gates. Upon seeing Michaelis one of them shouted. “What’s an elf doing here?!”
Before he was interrupted.

Then, his partner beside him started to butt in. “Michaelis? Isn’t that the King’s old butler? Let him through!”

“Fine!” The other one shouted. The gate started to open. “If you’re here for the funeral, you can go to the catacombs for the ceremony. The catacombs have opened up round the backside of the keep.” He pointed to the location.

Meanwhile, the other guard noticed the other pack of guests behind Michaelis. “You lot. State your business here! You here for the funeral?!” He noticed their strange collection of mounts and his speech broke off near the end.

@Clite of Dragonbow @Cmeriwether

- - - -

Carlock and the strange lady entered the large spectral library. Normally, it was guarded by big cat riders but they seemed to be all gone. Upon entering through the door, they were not greeted by soldiers but an old man with an ancient white beard and robes, indicating he was a wizard. There was a small posse of younger wizards behind him who helped escort Carlock and the lady to another part of the massive library, which they may have not been able to navigate without them, though they had been to this place a few times before. The library had different sections dedicated to many different topics. Nerds and noblemen alike sat reading a plethora of books. On the corner of the second floor were a group of working class children learning to read as part of a new programme of reform. They passed this and ascended all the way to the fourth floor. There, more wizards awaited them, a large crowd. There were also a significant number of nobles who were curious enough to try and listen to them. It looked like the woman wizard was preparing a speech.

- - - -

Outside the remains of the burnt down tavern, two men marched over to the presumably dead body of the shifty Stevenson Al killed. One was wearing a fur coat and looked like the man talking to Carlock and the girl from before. The other was a regular looking wizard.

“So, what can you do for me about this one? He was doing so great until that bastard killed him.” The man from before said looking down at a massive cut in the chest of the Stevenson.

“Not much. If you think I can do a full necromancy of him, you’re wrong.”

“What did I pay you for then?!”

“Hang on a minute. He may not be dead. Let me check.” He put his hand to his neck. “I feel some pulse...it might be possible.”

“His name was Tyrone Stevenson by the way. Named after a Tigroran a few generations ago. Never got the acknowledgement for his loyalty so he started helping us. I heard that monster Al killed his brother, Tylar. Tyrone wrote a letter on his death. He sent it to our men. We’re currently trying to work out a way of sending it to the noble families without arousing suspicion or attention to men connected to us.”

“Is that so?” The wizard chuckled. He pressed his hand in the cut and suddenly it started to seal itself.

Tyrone Stevenson’s eyes opened. Soon, they would all be out of there.

 

[Cmeriwether]

"This is the Tigroran palace, correct, Natalie was told to look for the Grand Library by Ocarina, looking for a book on seafaring curses." Wendy explained.

Sufeeris was about ready to trample the guard, but Natalie calmed down the horse.

"I also need to speak with an Alyosius." Natalie responded.

"I am Logan Maverick, the Archmage of The Eastern Corridor of the continent of Axlandor, and I am here looking for something to help me master the Spell Grand Nexus." Logan explained as he kept his Dragon in check.

 

[Helios.]

One of the guards looked at Natalie. "Aloysius Tigroran? He's not here. He was supposed to be here more than half a day ago, but the hours past and we weren't able to find him. We were under orders to protect him should he come but that changed quickly when Leopold arrived. It was made worse when Leopold died. If you're not aware, he was found dead two hours ago. Catherine Tigroran ordered us to 'do what Leopold would do'. By this, she meant to capture, torture and even kill the former heir. He's been renounced."

The other, rougher guard bounded towards him. "These people have no time for speeches." He said to him. He then turned to Logan. "Yer what?! What gibberish was that?!"

"I have no idea what it means either." The other guard looked at him menacingly. "He might be making this stuff up."

"What the hell is the Eastern Corridor? Axlandor?!"

"He mentioned a spell named Grand Nexus? Maybe we should direct him to the library? That's where all the wizards hang about. There are many spell books there. Maybe he won't pester us if we send him there." Then he realised he had spoken aloud in front of Logan instead of whispering it to his colleague.

"Shut up, you stupid. Crazy whack wizard wants to fool around in the chaotic library! All wizards are whack. We should question their intentions."

"What do you wish to do once you have found this spell 'Grand Nexus'?" The guard asked Logan. "If you do not intend to do anything bad with the spell, you may proceed to the library. A shortcut can be found along the rocky cliffs near the coast."

 

[SageNeb]

Arthur nodded along at what Leo was saying acknowledging his statements.

"That may all be true... in which case I'd just go with whoever's ambitions I prioritize the most. First I'd secure our borders, then develop our lands, then conquer... the thing I care the least about is how rich the nobles are though. I'd prefer instead to keep our citizens happy."

"As for the Montiantes? Well I haven't spoken to them since the meeting because that was yesterday but Lady Lucinda wishes to focus on development of the Kingdom which I don't see why the others would disagree with."

"What about you? I'd assume you want to use our military to defeat the Numekosians first."

 

[Clite of Dragonbow]

Michaelis turned his head and simply said to a guardians "They are with me" but he doubt that it could help much and hoped that his guest will manage to pass the gates.

He headed to see Leopolds funeral , but even earlier he headed to his room, as it was this moment that no one was here and searched for anything that could lead him to any useful informations. When he left a room, it was hard to tell from his poker face if he found something or not and headed to the catacumbs. On his way he meet Ocarina and Boryia, when Ocarina was having her little rest on a chair. "It seems that I arrived too late. Good to see you two again. How are you feeling, Lady Ocarina?"
@Helios. @Cmeriwether @Spoiled Bread
---
Leo smiled "Who knows? Maybe you assume right or maybe not. I can just tell you that there are other possibilities to get a great power without fighting for a throne and that I always take a side of honest and hard-working people" said Leo to Arthur. "Well, now excuse me. I think that its time for my everyday's afternoon spar. You can watch, if you want. However, I don't care much if you won't want to. Tay, would you mind to spar with me?" he asked his retrainer then leaded to the huge grassfield "This place will be good. Rules are simple, if I won't defeat you in a ten minutes, then it is my loss. You can use any weapon you want, just try not to kill me, please" he said in the end with innocent smile "Ready when you are!"
@SageNeb @Night's Shadow
---
A cloaked figure approached the man with a fur coat, some wizard and a guy that seemed to just return from beating up. The presence of the figure couldn't be felt, it didn't emanate with magic or bloodlust. It just stand there, on their way. The figure stood between two other cloaked figures, that was wearing a black cloaks (main figure has white one) . One was a huge person and another a bit smaller than the white cloaked figure.

"Well, well, look at you. So great and powerfull Black Fury members, eh? Would you have some time to spare and let me guve you a... Proposition?"
@Helios.

 

[Helios.]

Tahris Silvermane began his speech. He started with reading passages from the heirloom book he was reading. Then the gibberish turned into actual interpretable speech. “People! Throughout history, my family have served the Tigrorans. We were indebted to them for the help they give during a financial struggle and that one time...Just when my family was on the verge of disintegrating, I found myself with a great man, Leopold. He saved me from death. Without him, I would be dead. And he saved this noble family and area from imminent destruction...”

“No he didn’t!” Catherine cried as she stood next to the tomb of Tigris Tigroran.

“Interrupting me are we? Perhaps you would like to come up here and say some great things about your loyal husband?”

“Don’t speak to me with authority, butler or I’ll have your head. He was not a great man! He abused me and the children! See this shrine here? Tigris Tigroran died an early birth due to his harsh ‘family values’. He was not good to the children.” She was were over to another shrine. “Here! The tomb of Aloysia, Al’s twin sister who died early! Because of Leopold’s harsh practices and refusal to see a doctor, she died early! Because of that, our Al went crazy with power! The dominos keep on tumbling! Our oldest heir went missing and is presumed dead because he saw what Leopold tricky was! The truth was, Leopold wasn’t loyal! He had many affairs with several women!!”

“Now now, settle ma’am. I should remind you that because I was one of the last people to see Leopold alive! A the servants maids and guards listen to me because I am the voice and will of Leopold. He would not want to see us fight like this! Truth be told, all those deaths were due to others foolishness and fate, something Leopold didn’t have on his side. Leopold wanted to conserve the family. His direction was warped!” He continue to talk on about how great Leopold was.
@Clite of Dragonbow

@Spoiled Bread
- - - - -

A guard followed Michaelis on a mount into the catacombs. He looked towards him and peered behind him.

“Hey you!” He shoured at the elf. “What were you doing around the court?” The guard asked suspiciously. “The ceremony is over here, look.” He pointed at Tahris, who was now speaking.

@Clite of Dragonbow

- - - -

The female wizard stood on a chair next to a large table. Around it, dozens of nerdy nobles and weird wizards gathered.

“My fellow library denizens and wizards. Excuse my abruptness, I inherited it from my mother...Anyway, we have all gathered here to express our recent feelings of distrust and distain against our noble leaders of the Kingdom, in particular, the Tigrorans! They have denounced us through Aloysius Tigroran and he must be stopped!”
Carlock was right by her.

@Cmeriwether

- - - - -

The man in the fur coat turned toward the goose figures. “Who...are YOU?!”

“This wasn’t part of the plan!” The wizard beside him exclaimed. “We were supposed to get the support of the Stevensons, then Caspe, the court of the Tigrorans then-“

“Shut up!” The man shouted at the wizard. “Or I’ll kill you.” He looked intriguingly at the hooded men. “If it’s a deal you want...you could be of use to us? What exactly are your skillsets?” He was a bit creeped out they knew he belonged to Black Fury.

@Clite of Dragonbow

 

[Spoiled Bread]

Ocarina

"Ah, Sir Michaelis. Good to see you again." Ocarina greeted back the elf, she blushed a bit at the sight of him but otherwise she kept her composure. She's still feeling a bit tired so stays on her chair. "I am good, just need a brief rest is all."

Fortunately the ritual started not long after that. Tahris Silvermane started his speech, but in the middle of it he was interrupted by none other than Catherine herself. Whose decided to spoke about how Leopold was mistreating her and the childrens. Ocarina glanced at the other family members, most of them seems to be not sure as to what to do.

The problem of the main family had become public secret ever since the day Aloysius joined the Black Fury. Everybody know about that, but no one dare to speak up since they didn't want to get involved and potentially offense Leopold, now that he's dead...

Ocarina sighed and jolted a message down into a paper. With a bit of Bronya's help, she was able to stands upright and walked slowly towards Catherine.

"Aunt Cathie. Please calm down. The dead are resting. Let us respect their peace and keep ourself quiet." As she tried to calm her aunt, she slipped the piece of paper into her hand.

Uncle Leo had gone, but if you desire it, if you really wish for it, Aunt Cathie. Then I'm willing to tap into his chronicle and read his past in the court. But please, let's keep our living problem among us the livings.

As the keeper of the grand library who mastered the magic of fate-reading. Her words would be considered as truth and be of significance in the court. She wasn't comfortable with the thought of reading the past of a dead person, since Leopold wouldn't be able to refuse it, but if she can end this family conflict. Then it would be worth to do.

@Clite of Dragonbow @Helios.

 

[Clite of Dragonbow]

Michaelis smiled softly to Ocarina as she greeted him and he was listening to this family drama that was happening in front of him. Michaelis remind himself about a guard and how annoying he was, but its not like he could do something about it.

He watched as Ocarina tried to calm down her aunt. She definitly could deal with hard situation as she seemed cool and calm. He then looked at the Leopolds coffin. Humans don't believe in holy elvish mother, so Michaelis didn't know if Leopold would want to receive his prayers. Michaelis couldn't get rid of the feeling that something really bad is about to happend.
@Spoiled Bread
@Helios.
---
White cloaked figure smiled "My skillset? I can turn you to dust and no one will remember that you existed for example!~.."
"Powerful One-..." the one of black cloaked man interrupted to calm his master down.
"Oh, Sorry, Sorry~ I forgot myself" man in white said and then continued "I will give you one of my man to support you in your plans. He was serving under me getting into various wars and overwhelmingly winning in them. He has lots of experience and lost only once in Quackosaurium Invasion. He is a pawn that I hope may turn into Bishop or a Tower under your lead" he said with a smile. One of cloaked figures took off his hood and showed his face he had dark blue, almost black hair and snake like, blue eyes. Muscular and 6'1 tall, it seems that he lost a left hand and one eye, but the feelings that he give could intimitade even experienced generals.
"His Name is Narga Odiare... Or maybe I should say Nargadio Odiare-Dragonheart~
Im sure that he will help you greatly. He isn't a muscle idiot, but a really expierienced fighter and he knows many tricks of politics and intrigues too. He also knows this technique of Dragonhearts and as his great-grandfather was banished from Bracia, he doesn't have much love for this country. Of course I want someone in return for my help" said the cloaked figure.
"If you value your life, then you will bring to me a sacred treasure that is hidden in one of four great families treasury!"
@Helios.

 

[=Nightshade=]

“Yeah, I’ll spar,” Taylor agreed, following Leo to the field. When they arrived, she waited for the signal to start before pulling out four throwing knives in each hand. They weren’t the ones she’d specially crafted for combat, they were of lesser quality, but she was an accurate marksman with either. “Let’s do this,” she said with a grin.

Springing into movement, she weaved an unpredictable path across the field, bringing her knives into position before throwing one hand’s worth. The four knives lanced towards Leo; they wouldn’t do any damage, if he failed to block or dodge they’d merely give him a rather nerve-wracking haircut or slice off a small piece of his clothes. As he’d requested, she wasn’t trying to kill him. Just give him a close enough shave that it’d seem realistic.

@Clite of Dragonbow

 

[kyuukestu]

"You flatter me," Tia smothered a giggle with the sleeve of her dress, "but you're right, I'm well aware. I won't shy away from using my beauty as a weapon. My hand in marriage would be rather enticing, don't you think? The Tigroran heir's picked up on it, but I need to confirm his ideals."

"You are right though; If I am to take the throne, it must be with the full support of the other heirs, but that may not be as hard as it seems. The Dragonheart heir had invited me to visit them while we were at the party and, from what I could tell, he isn't dead-set on the throne. I'd love to set out for the Dragonheart's domain later today, I believe he'd could become the first to pledge his support."

"Should I fail to persuade him, we must resort to more...forceful means. However, I'd like to show my sincerity first. If we must force them all into submission their resentment will fester, and if Bracia is to survive through the decade we must be able to unite against external threats."

While certainly not opposed to using threats and coercion to gain the throne, Palladia believed it would be beneficial to gain the throne through a willing and mutually-beneficial agreement with the other heirs. The Empire's forces were already at their gates, requiring half the kingdom's army to be stationed at the borders. If Palladia, as Queen, would need to watch out for her own subjects then the Kingdom of Bracia was doomed to fade into history.

@Sentorus67

 

[Sentorus67]

"I appreciate you focusing on peaceful options. Please only try to focus on them." Yowashi was smiling, he was going to do whatever it takes to not have a psychopath anywhere near power.

"Since you already started, lets finally go over the competition. Aloysius is..." he frowns. "Everything about him seems pretty awful, he is irrational, emotional, and too rowdy for his own good. If you going to entertain his notion of engagement then be cautious. though placating him would not be the worst idea."

"From what I can get of the Dragonheart's heir is has a desire for power, right now he thinks that means taking the throne, I have no doubt you can convince him otherwise. Note that since he's somewhat intelligent he may try to some underhanded or militant techniques."

"Then there's Lucinda Montiante. forgive me but I don't know much about her. I mostly heard rumors that I could not verify. If they have any credence shes has not interested in the throne at all. its worth keep a close eye to see what she's doing."

Yowa quickly turns his head to Andre. "If at any moment you would like to add anything, all you need to do is speak up. there are many times when you are given the chance to express yourself, do not feel ashamed to say what's on your mind when we're just chatting."

He lastly took out a paper more clean than the rest. "Lady Tia. the last person I need to mention is the elf Michaelis. while not an heir, I do not believe a man so invested in the kingdom will remain neutral for long. His feats enormous, his influence pervasive, and his insight noteworthy. We will require the most care to keep him docile."

"Anything else you would like to discuss?"

@Clite of Dragonbow @kyuukestu

 

[Helios.]

Puma and Wade Shantysong rode on horses through the gate. The guards didn't even stop to recognise them. They just let them through the already open gates. They nodded their heads in agreement. That was them. They questioned why the pair had taken so long to get here. A group of big cat riding guards approached them in the courtyards.

"What took ya so long, sirs?!" The hairy man on a large tiger squealed.

"Bandits. Tons of them." Puma replied.

"We were held down by the Stevensons." Wade said. "We stopped at the Whispering Wildcat. They attacked us. The whole place was in flames."

"We rode off in the night but we were held up by more bandits on the pathway in front of us. We had to fight them off with the guards we had." Puma pointed to the last of the wounded guards coming through. Many were battered, tired from no sleep over the night and had cuts on their chest with blood gushing out.

"Stevensons? Damn, I knew they were not loyal. I'll alert Catherine!" He shouted as rode off.

His second-in-command approached them. "I'll get some medics on these people. First, we'll tend to you master Puma. I doubt you want to miss your father's funeral whilst it is still going on?!"

"Father?! Dead?! What?!!" He exclaimed. Puma was so angry, he drew his sword as he talked. Wade's face was in shock.

"Calm down dear Puma." Wade said to him. "How did he die?"

- - - -

Al rode along top of Spotty with great difficulty. The leopard creature came to a halt at the sight of a plethora of dead bandit bodies on the main rode leading to Caspe. He bucked him and the heir flew into the air into the face of a bloody body. He got up, brushed himself and jumped at the sight of it.

- - - - -

"Quacksaurian invasion?!" The wizard asked to the hooded figures. "We've never heard of that. Do tell us about it."

"So you offer us a Dragonheart?" The shaved yet still hairy man asked. "What is he, a bastard like I?" He paced around angry that the men had not shown themselves. "What are your other names? What's your leader's identity?!" He exclaimed as he pointed at the white 'powerful' one.

 

[Clite of Dragonbow]

Leo smirked at the knives, it looked like a good start. He grabbed a stick that was on the ground and deflected the all knives with it, well, almost all, he had to dodge two. "Heh, you shouldn't kill me, but take it seriously"
He rushed with the incredible speed at his retrainer "Get ready! Its me who has a time limit to win, not you" he said with a smirk.
@Night's Shadow
---
Andre remain quiet for the whole time and suddenly Yowa told him that he can speak his mind, but he didn't know what to say. "I think that we should take our time on gathering more informations about Montiantes, if we want their support. We need to know them. I don't know others too well, so I can't tell anything that may help you as for now, Lady Tia" he said.
@kyuukestu
@Sentorus67
---
"Well, of course you didn't heard, as it happend in another continent after all~" said Cloaked man "Quackosaurium is a country where a huge war broke up, Nobles called the Lords of Death attacked and failed Quackosaurium. Narga lost to... As he said it himself, a young boy with flames darker than Night, it was his first and only lost, but he managed to get for what I send him to Quackosaurium so in the end he succeded on his mission" said Cloaked man.
"You should say 'Like me~', not 'like I~'" the 'Powerfull' one corrected him. "Yes, he is a bastard child, but I doubt that he will tell you more than that. For you, the only thing that should be important is, if he is useful and I just told you that he is~" said cloaked man.
"Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi! You don't know that pointing your fingers at others isn't nice?" white one said and he took off his hood, revealing a quite young face. The man was around 18 years old. He has red, ringed eyes and black medium length hair, but with his hood taken off... It wasn't just his face revealed. Unbearable bloodlust filled the air as the black haired man made a demonic grin. Even his people couldn't bear the fact that their master had that big killing intent. It was almost impossible to imagine that so big Bloodlust can be contained in one being.
"Let me tell you one think, you will gratefully accept my help and stop asking question that aren't important!~ But if you want to know my name and will it make you silent then listen!~" He took a deep breath.
"I am Jackal! And better for you, if you won't forget!~"
@Helios.

 

[=Nightshade=]

Taylor smirked. It seemed like it would be fun after all! The Dragonheart prince was a lot better than she expected; there was no need to go easy on him. “Fine, if that’s the way you want it,” she practically laughed. “Playtime’s over. Let’s get serious!”

The two knives he’d deflected were heading in her general direction, as well as his own charge. The second before his attack would’ve hit, she slipped to the side, sticking her free hand out as she did so to catch both knives with the holes set in the hilts. Behind him, she aimed the two she’d just retrieved at his left shoulder and right hip. If he didn’t move, they’d make contact this time, but not in any vital areas.

 

[SageNeb]

Arthur decided to stay and watch the spar for a bit since he didn't have many other plans for the day. He followed the two and sat observing the match. He watched as the two rushed towards each other with great speed and Taylor use her knives to try to attack him.

Isn't that a bit much for a regular spar? Well I'm sure Leonard can handle it anyways, besides the two have yet to use magic as well. If they're even good at using it.

 

[Clite of Dragonbow]

Leo attack didn't land on Tay, instead it hit a ground and made quite a hole in it. He noticed that she is planning something and quickly jumped away, but he notice a bit too late and get a scratch on a shoulder, It didn't make any difference, but it was too close to comfort.
He could try to block it, but there was a slight risk that he would receive a hit and there was also a possibility to get a great chance for quick counter and finish. He didn't want to end it yet, as well as he didn't want to take any damage. He had a time limit, but a good spar could be good for both him and her, so he didn't want for it to end too quickly.
He took a better grasp on his stick, should he use magic?
No, he didn't thought it would be good to use it yet. She was fast, but maybe she was also quite light.. There was one way to find out.
He threw his stick away and smiled "Second try!"
He rushed at high speed again at Taylor and awaited her reaction, if she wouldn't react at all. He was just about to give a fast, but not strong, jab in a stomach.
@Night's Shadow
---
Michaelis walked up to Leopolds coffin. "I don't know what kind of person was in his private life, but he didn't seek any harm for the kingdom and its king. This is what mattered to me, as someone like me, who isn't really liked by who he is. I couldn't meet him better and say if he was a good person" he said, kinda to himself, but everyone could hear him. He then turned to Ocarina "Lady Ocarina, is it possible to see his last moments?"
@Helios.
@Spoiled Bread

 

[kyuukestu]

"Peace would be preferred, but I cannot promise it," Palladia's tone, though apologetic, was firm.

"You should know better than I then undercurrents of this kingdom, and conflict, though a last resort, I will still resort to if necessary."

Diplomacy was the trademark of the Puresoulia's and, quite frankly, given their relative newness, Palladia suspected that the other families would have a better capacity for warfare: whether the Dragonheart's military connects, the Montiante's wealth, or the Tigroran's size. Each of them was an edge the Puresoulia's didn't have and Palladia knew better than to engage an enemy's area of strength with her own weakness.

"I think..." she paused to contemplate her words and downed the final dregs of her drink, "for the most part our preferred motives are aligned. I have one more thing to discuss, or rather a directive to give. Winning through peaceful means will be difficult, we will be required to stay one step ahead of the other heirs. In order to do that we'll need information: eyes, and ears in every corner of the kingdom. The Puresoulia have a detachment of private soldiers, about forty (40) men strong. I'd like you to critique the troops, select the ones that are sharp and witty, no more than five (5) and have them lay the groundwork for an information network."

"The merchants should be well-versed in the kingdom's happenings and, even better, a merchant caravan loyal to us could travel freely and while making scheduled reports. Use whatever means you deem necessary, but bear in mind I want a network robust enough to, eventually, stretch beyond the borders of Bracia. I will approve funds and whatever else is necessary for you to accomplish this task.

"Andreas, I also have a task for you. Since you were once a gladiator, then you are surely the most familiar with fighting styles that exist in the rest of the world. I trust that you'll be able to adequately assess the quality of the Puresoulia's guards and tell me how they stack up to opponents you've battled over the years?

"I will give you both five (5) hours to lay the groundwork for your respective tasks, after which we must set out. I mentioned my meeting with the Dragonheart heir, yes? I'd love for both of you to be present and wish to depart later this evening. Any questions?"

@Sentorus67 @Clite of Dragonbow

 

[Spoiled Bread]

Ocarina

"If the akashic wills it." Ocarina replied Michaelis' question with a somber tone. She then glanced towards Tahris and nodded.

"Mister T, please continue. Let's give uncle Leo a good farewell." She then walked back towards her chair, where Bronya prepared a few pills and a bottle of water. Ocarina drank the pills.

"Pardon, milady, but if you want to perform The Reading, isn't better to do it now? When the family are still gathering?" Bronya asked with a concerned voice, but she kept a composed appearance. Her hands gripped the briefcase tighter, it contained Ocarina's divine staff. Bronya thought that since her mistress told her to bring it, she might already anticipated something like this. Ocarina shook her head.

"If I should read uncle Leo, then cousin Al deserves to witness it."

@Helios. @Clite of Dragonbow

 

[Sentorus67]

"Of course Tia" Yowa bowed as he arose from his chair "Five hours is more than enough for the setup. It may not be fully operational, but I'm certain I can manage more than you think. Since Andre said he needed to talk to you then I will excuse myself." Gathering the rest of his notes, he made his way out of the dining hall.

Yowashi first task involved finding the best applicants for espionage. He already had a few people in mind but needed to test them rigorously. Through a long process of interrogating each possible candidate, Yowa gathered 9 studios workers from the household and one outsider, a local crier. They were each privately given a stone that had a colored shape drawn on them. Their task was to find the person who the stone with the green circle and red x inscribed using only words and deduction. Of course, the owners of the stones were to avoid this at all costs. The trial quickly devolved into bickering as some were too aggressive, while others where compulsively lying, at some point one of them was becoming violent and had to be kicked out early. Of all the people the crier was doing little as she merely listened and gave no insight. Two more people left as each person's tactics were constantly being appraised.

"You are inconsistent with your stone." one of the candidates, a plain-looking girl, scolded "You're just making up colors now!"

"If the point is to not reveal our stone" responded a man fat enough to roll "then there is nothing wrong with what I'm doing."

"Don't think you're in the clear, girl" a man who looked too old and frail to be a part of this banter chimed in "I noticed that you have a slight twitch whenever your lying, you can't hide it from me."

"And I noticed you are avoiding to lie" A tall man with some aura of refinement and pressure. "Through the process of elimination I'm pretty sure I know what you have."

This type of back and forth lasted for two straight hours until Yowashi ceased the procedures. "All right, all right, shut up. We have reached the end of the this task, final answer who do you think has either of the two target stones." Everyone's answer was widely different with the crier's being the most peculiar.

"No one has the green circle." she said. Yowa raised his eyebrow

"And who has the red x?"

"You have it."

Yowa scratched his chin, "Very well, everyone please reveal your stones." two more people were removed as they truthfully revealed during the trial. finally, as everyone placed stones, both of the crier's predictions were correct. "well done to everyone for making it this far. as well for actually figuring out my test. While the rest of you are behind, your skills in deception and observation were definitely exceptional." The remaining people were, the plain girl, the fat man, the regal man, the old man, and the crier. "On later dates, we will go into further details on your roles, how you are to conduct your operations, and who you'll be working with. Thank you for your time." With that, he dismissed them all and immediately shifted to working on the next task. Half of his hours were already gone so he needed to be fast.

 

[=Nightshade=]

Taylor’s expression fell from a smile to one of concentration as Leo rushed at her. He was faster than she’d given him credit for, and as she slid beneath his punch, it grazed her nose. There wasn’t much power behind it, but it was quick, almost too quick to dodge. She danced back out of range, studying her opponent’s moves, watching and waiting for an opening. Close range was not her forte, so she kept her distance.

Hmm... She watched his movements closely, warily, always keeping at least two meters between them. Hmm... Taylor flipped a knife between two fingers on her left hand, tracking his movements carefully. Hmm... now! With a flick of her wrist, she flung three knives towards Leo, again at non-vital areas. His speed was more than she’d accounted for, and would definitely make winning difficult, especially considering that he’d been trained for combat, whereas she was a former self-taught, hit-and-run, stealth-centered, freelance assassin who uses throwing knives as her main weapon. Her lip curled in a small smile. Let’s have some fun with this.

 

[Clite of Dragonbow]

Michaelis walked up back to Ocarina and Bronyia, to not interrupt further the ceremony.
"Sorry that I asked for this... You don't have to do this lady Ocarina, if you don't want to.. Its just.. There is a serious matter, that must be solved for your, your family and kingdom future. I hope that you understand" he said and made a low bow to her.
@Spoiled Bread
---
Leo smiled to Tay as she seemed to really take this spar seriously and concentrate on how to fight with him. She picked a good moment for an attack, but he was expecting something like that.. Well, it doesn't change much. He menage to dodge the two knifes and barely one, when it cut his skin. Well, it wasn't vital, but he was hit! He took a deep breath "Round Three..." He rushed with a completely new speed "Sorry, but less than two minutes left for me" he send a barrage of punches at Tay, he didn't went all out with strength, but he definitly was speeding up his attacks.
@Night's Shadow
---
Andreas bowed to Tia "I will do my best!" and after a while Yowa left them alone. "Umm.. Lady Tia, about that matter that I wanted to discuss..." he looked at the floor, kinda too shy to look up to Palladia. "I was thinking about getting a support of another fraction... As I said, I am an islander from the south.. Islanders are proud and strong people. Having their Chieftains and Great Chieftain. After meeting with Dragonhearts, if you will allow me to... I may leave for a day to the Islands and become a Great Chieftain due to a law of the duel. They may not listen to you, even if I am your retrainer, but..." he looked up at her "I-if we get married then both people and those teritories would be under your rule. Lands with a lot of natural resources, with strong and loyal people..." he said, he wanted to sound for all the benefits of this marriege idea, as he had no doubt that only with this he could reach her, with a slight blush on his face, he bowed again and said "Emm... That's what I wanted to tell you. If I said something wrong, then I am truly sorry..."
@kyuukestu

 

[=Nightshade=]

Taylor watched Leo closely. He was standing still, assessing his slight injury. She blinked. Wait, what the— where’d he— She sprang backwards, whirling as she did, and barely tracked him as he raced towards her. So fast! She landed, dodging his first three punches. But his speed was incredible, and his fourth clipped the side of her head, the fifth her shoulder, and the sixth her stomach. She was prepared to double over in pain but... it didn’t hurt nearly as much as she’d expected it to. He’s testing my speed, she thought. He’s not using his full power. I could’ve punched that hard when I was a five year old. He must be holding back. She smirked as she leaped backwards again.

“Less than two minutes left,” Taylor said, grinning. “So isn’t it time you stopped holding back?” She brought her remaining four knives to bear. If he rushed at her again, she’d throw them in all directions. He’d run right into at least one of them. “If you’re worried about hurting the little girl, don’t be. I’ve almost died more times than I can count on both hands. You know how many times I’ve actually died?” She held out a fist. “Zip. So let’s pull out all the stops for this last minute, and have some fun going all out!”

@Clite of Dragonbow

 

[Helios.]

Puma paced around the catacombs. "But...but...it was so sudden...I didn't have the time to..." His eyes watered.

Wade approached him. "Young one. Calm down. He's dead, but you still have the rest of your family with you." He turned to look at the guests who were interrupted once again by noise.

"Ah-hem." Tahris cut them off. "You two should get amongst the crowd. Master Puma, if you have something to say about Leopold, say it here."

"Nothing!" Puma cried, crying tears in his eyes. "He was horrible!"

"Don't say that." Tahris replied. "It's because of him the legacy of his family, of YOUR family continues. He sealed that." He opened a page in the Silvermane heirloom and began to read it in his head.

- - - - - -

Al searched the remains of the dead bandits. He picked up various pieces of bloody leather and spotted several banners with the Black Fury symbol, the notorious Panther, and placed it into his pocket. He noticed various old vials of potions and placed them into his bag. He also saw several books with pages ripped out. One was a tome on the 'Spells of Rogue Wizardry' and the other was a large novel, 'The Caspe Library: How the Tigrorans are trying to control your rights as a wizard." He pocketed the books and said to himself as he snarled at them that he would use them as pieces of evidence.

Amongst the remains was a long letter written in a very messy hand. Al spent a long time reading it.

- - - - - - -

A letter was sent out to various speakers in the major cities of Bracia: Colmonta, Belfa, Caspe and Cidoviano. It was relayed to them to be read out a loud to large crowds of the working class, the poor and the middle classes. Copies were exchanged to various nobles in the area who also seemed interested. It created a loud buzz unheard of from such a family. It was written in a messy handwriting, the letter's handwriting copied word for word by Black Fury members to authenticate the down to Earth approach of the writer:

To Ye Idiots out there,

It is I, Tyrone Stevenson of the great Stevenson family! We owned and ran the Whispering Wildcat tavern for years under the influence of Catherine Tigroran and the rich snobs up there in their high castle in Caspe! We submitted to them for many years as bannermen yet they gave us very little support! Little did we know that the kindness of Catherine was the menace of that buff Leopold, her husband! He tricked us into submitting into him! After several conflicts and many of our men dying we decided enough was enough! We will no longer be the bannermen! Unfortunately, there are few of us left! Two of the supposed Princes parked up to our tavern last night, sent their guards in and attacked us unprovoked and burnt down our treasured tavern! They beat the men and abused the women! They should be tried for their crimes to their people! They are not fit to rule! My brother, the one I spent every day and every moment with, Tylar, was killed by the vicious Al! I am the last of my kind left! However, my brothers, I have started amassing followers again from other cities who wish to overthrow this accursed noble infested land! We will take back what is ours and the worker shall be in control rather than the rich and uninformed! We shall do it with the aid of the organisation, Black Fury! Black Fury shall reign supreme! They have already transported me to a secret underground base and I am now awaiting your call to arms against a repressive and brutal regime which may become more powerful! We must all rise and make war with them!

Tyrone.

This is the letter that Al had discovered but it was also one many were soon to acquire.

- - - - - - - - - - -

The woman now standing on a table in the middle of the library started to speak. "Ladies and gentleman. I'm proud to announce that we have been part of a plan that has been going on for years, a plan to overthrow the current society when a key question is being asked..."

A less noble looking wizard approached her. "Who are you and who are you to know what to do in these times?"

Carlock approached him. "I am Carlock III, Great grandson of the Azure Wizard of the Waters, Azarex-Albertus. He was one of the founding members of this library and of the conclave of wizards. He was a master magician and handed down many of his books on spells to me, but chose to focus on one particular element. After a while, he left the library with his family and settled elsewhere but raised a family of wizards who tried to think outside of the box. The result was a society of wizards who were separate from the library. Now, I, his descendant has come back to legitimise them as members of this library, their one true home. I don't normally talk much...i'm normally quite shy, but this lady right here...I do not know much about her, but I've been with her for a few years now and I can confirm she knows more than me. She's an amazing person. She's going to lead the revolution in thought." He smiled at her.

- - - - - - - - - -

Mounted soldiers approached the man talking to the hooded figures with Black Fury symbols on their backs. "Sir!" One cried.

"Aw, don't talk to me like that! What is it?!"

"The letter from Tyrone Stevenson has been delivered to all the available addresses."

"Excellent." He nodded. "A storm's coming."

"Anything else?"

"Take this wizard away. I don't want his magic all over me. Put him in a dungeon...or kill him."

"What?! No!!!" The wizard cried. "I helped you!"

"Well you're useless to me now." He pointed to him. "Take him away."

As there we screams coming from the wizard, he was dragged away and the mounted men fled the scene.

The man turned to the hooded figures. He smiled at the man who he knew was going to be a part of his society. Then he turned to their leader. "Well, Jackal...nice to meet you, a pleasure doing business, I'm sure we can work together to achieve the best possibility for society." He smiled and produced a hand in an attempt to shake his hand.

"I'm sure you've heard of me before. My name IS Felix Strongpaw after all."

- - - - - - - - - -

 

[Clite of Dragonbow]

"Nuh Uh~ Nothing rings a bell, but don't worry, it may be I just don't care for gossips this much, so maybe you are famous as a monster from a fairy tale~" said Jackal and snickered.
"Don't get me wrong, I don't care much about society that didn't care much for likes of me.~ Just get me a things I want and I will help you, Coolio?~ Great, then I will be off. I have some matters that I have to attend later" in all this conversation, Jackal didn't seem to care for wizard fate "See ya, boy Felix" said Jackal, then he and his companion dissapired... Just dissapired. Leaving Felix with Narga.
@Helios.
---
Leo smiled "Yeah, maybe I shouldn't give you a handicap" he snickered "But... I hope that I won't break your spine. You are still stronger than some of my people, but your tehnique still can be polished" he said, he stomped on the ground and ground cracked. "So, as I warn you, better protect your spine" he warned her and rushed aiming to kick her.
@Night's Shadow
---
Jackal was standing on top of the mountain, somewhere in Bracia. He was preparing to see a storm, that will soon be surpassed by another storm. In his eyes, Bracia's fate was already decided. Country was about to stop existing. He took a deep breath, being alone in such romantic place as this mountain, in such dramatic country.
He took another deep breath, he was about to use a power that he was collecting for a while, but it was worth it for them.
Suddenly, a huge magic circle appeard on a ground and started to shine "Come back and serve the great Lord of the Void again, his followers need you again. Come! Heralds!" he whispered.

 

[Foxex]

Within the complexity of the huge magic circle it was clearly split into three distinct sections. From the center of each of the sections a beacon of light appeared shooting high into the mountain sky, a beam of red, blue, and green. Blood, wisps fire, and small rocks and sand began to spontaneously spew out of the ground from where the red light bean was. The green beam of light appeared to be tainted by a black fog as swarms of flies came out of nowhere and circled around the column of green light unnaturally, the ground below it turned black and soft as unknown pustules and toxic green ichor began oozing from the earth. Large emanations of magic radiated out from the blue pillar of light and it was surrounded by what looked like spirits and souls swirling around the light.

The three pillars puled in unison as a clawed hand busted fourth from the ground below each of the beacons of light. When the hand from the green pillar gripped the earth, the ground turned black as vine like darkness spread around for several meters. From each of the three beacons a being crawled out of the ground. They all looked humanoid and similar to each other except their colors were radically different.

The being from the red beacon sniffed the air and gave off a low growl as she looked upon Jackal, her exhaling breath was a glowing blood red mist. Her blood red eyes were glowing brightly, made even more vibrant by her black sclera.

The being from the green beacon knelt down and pick up a handful of untainted earth, sniffed it, and frowned. She let the dirt slip out from her fingers but instead of dirt a swarm of large black flies swarmed out of her hand and away into the mountains, her eyes were glowing a bright toxic green among her black sclera eventually looked at Jackal.

The being from the blue beacon was floating several centimetres above the ground, the magical runic markings in her fur was glowing a subtle baby blue. “The air is calm… I don’t like it….” She said almost breathing out her words, soft spoken and sweet. Her glowing icy blue eyes fell on Jackal as well.

All three girls faced Jackal in the center of the magic circle. “I am Rhd, Herald of the great Void God.” Said the girl from the red beacon.

“I am Grein, Herald of the great Void God.” Said the girl from the green beacon.

“And I am Bleu, Herald of the great Void God.” The last one said from the blue beacon.

“You are weak… but you freed and summoned use.... Shall we begin to lay waste to this this world?” the three asked in unison, their harmonized voices were rather pleasant, but at the same time bone chillingly cold.

@Clite of Dragonbow

 

[Cmeriwether]

Logan had been in the library with Wendy and Natalie and looking for books about curses, due to Travis's situation, as she checked on him using the pendant. She had tears hanging, it being tough for her to bear. Wendy had found a book and handed it to Natalie. Natalie looked through the book sadly, this was the eleventh book checked between the three of them after Logan told off the cultists. Natalie then found the curse she was looking for.

"The Blue Seafarer's Mark of Randomness." Natalie responded, "That's Travis's curse."

She read through the book as Logan talked with the cultists and other people in the library. Natalie blushed as she read the cure.

 

[kyuukestu]

"The United Tribes..."

Palladia was silent, her nails rapping against the wooden table as she called upon her memory of geography. The United Tribes were far to the south and the only routes between them and Bracia were sea routes. This was both good and bad. It was good because the Puresoulia's territory was upon the country's southern border so they were well-situated to make use of such and all. However, it was unfortunate that the ocean was a vast distance, and coordination between territories at such lengths apart would prove difficult. Even if the United Tribes were to fall under her domain, how realistic was it that they would be able to maintain strong relations?

As thoughts swirled in the heiress' mind, she eventually decided to dismiss them. None of that would become relevant until Andreas had actually claimed the throne and evidently, by his own admittance, the islands were not likely to accept her easily.

"That seems like a long way off, but if you really can achieve that then it would be beneficial to the kingdom, and perhaps, I wouldn't mind marrying you."

That was all Palladia would say for now as Andre the retainer and Andre the King were two vastly different concepts and she would need to judge for herself the eligibility of both.

 

[=Nightshade=]

“I dare you to try and break it,” Taylor teased. She deflected his kick, with a forearm before launching a counterattack. It seemed like Leo had taken her advice and pulled out all the stops for the last thirty seconds or so, because he managed to block every one of her attempted strikes. It wasn’t often she encountered someone able to match her speed or exceed her strength. His next strike hit a glancing blow on her jaw, causing her head to snap back as she cartwheeled backwards, using a knife to stop her momentum. Still, she refused to use her magic power; this would be a fair sparring match. The next time they locked in close combat would be the last before the time ran out.

As the seconds counted ever downward.

(OOC: ITS THE FINAL COUNTDOWN XD)
@Clite of Dragonbow

 

[Clite of Dragonbow]

Leo smirked, he finally learned it. Taylor had quite hard to see and learn move pattern, but thats why he wanted this spar. He wanted to learn from her movements. His time come slowly to an end however so he made a one final rush, aiming with a straight punch. He tightened his muscles in his hand and fist slowly was about to land on Tay. She didn't want him to hold back? Fine.
"Time stop!" said the Butler.
Leo couldn't pull a punch, so he turned not to hit Tay. He punched the ground so hard that it made a loud impact sound. The ground under his fist, completely crushed.
"Oops..." he said quietly. He almost forget that he shouldn't kill during spar and this one punch couldn't definitly crush a skull if it hit.
"I played too much and lost!!" he said smiling and turned back to Tay. "Sorry, I shouldn't make any excuses for his lost. My fault that I didn't make this a serious spar from the beginning" he continued.
"You were really fast Tay, but your strength isn't on par with your speed. In fact, if this fight went longer then there would be a decisive moment where you wouldn't be able to dodge and taking a demage from more serious me maybe wouldn't be as bad as if I hit regular person, but I doubt that you would end up with a bruise. So you should work on that, as an assassin you may take on probably anyone in Bracia, but if you were forced to normal fight.. Well, thats why we will spar everyday 'to the death' kind of rules, with magic, weapons, techniques and everything. it will help you raise your abilities as my retrainer" he said and smiled, although he said all that he was a bit suprised, how good she was.
"I learned a bit too today. This spar let me further my abilities as a warrior. So better be prepared, I don't let my opponent use in fight something that I see more than once"
@Night's Shadow
---
"Then...I will show you detailed plan of the travel with the list of what I would need after all my tasks and responsibilities" said Andre and made a little bow. "I will go now to my task"

It took him a hour to gather all guards and begin their training, after he trained with most of them. He wasn't very happy of the result. Most of them couldn't handle him for more than a minute and for some that was the best they could do.
Maybe it was enough to be a guard of the noble, but it won't be enough to be a guard of the Queen!
One of the guards didn't even seem interested in a training!
Andre walked up to him "Hey, Its your turn now! Show me what you got!"
"What a pain... Do I really need to-..." guard didn't finish before Andre aimed to hit him and guard had to bow down, or he would get his face crushed by a staff, that Andre was holding.

...

Andre was shocked and looked at the guard, boy with a messy brown hair, who was laying tired on a ground.. He wasn't similar to the rest, he got potencial to get better. Andre planned to train all of them, but that one had a potencial.
He walked up closer to a boy "Hey kid, would you want to join me on one trip?"
@kyuukestu

---
"Yo~ I am Jackal~ That who did the summoning" said Jackal to the three girls. "Even if I seem a bit weak to you, it may be caused that summoning takes quite a lot energy. Also, calling others weak is really rude you know?" Jackal voice was strict, as if he was teaching kids, but it sounded as he did it more out of fun than anything else. Other than being rude. They seemed to be loyal to their 'Lord'.
"Please don't be rude, Becouse I can always send you back" he said simply and looked at them.
He smiled when they said about laying waste to this world "Well, why we need to be in such a hurry. Let's gather a bit strength and play on this huge playground first. Laying waste can wait untill we get bored, can't it?" he asked them.
@Foxex

 

[Foxex]

“Well, if what you say is true ‘my lord,’ then you can’t exactly send us back… you don’t have the power to if we don’t want to go.” Rhd put her hands on Jackal’s shoulders gently massaging him.

Grein sighed and began walking around the space, pacing in around in a large circle. “This world is rich and plentiful. There is a lot of energy and power to reap, I agree with Jackal.” Grein knelt down near the edge and looked down at a very small village in the far distance. Grein’s right hand began to surge with a vibrant green and black misty fog. Then she plunged her hand into the ground, the ground turned back around the impact. Black and oily, sticky, spider web formations began to spew out from the ground and the strange blackness and substance on the ground began to make its way to the village. Grein stood up and looked at Jackal, “So what do you want to do now?” she asked with an innocent smile and a shrug.

Bleu simply sighed and stood next to Grien with a slight smile. “What will you have us do?”

 

[Clite of Dragonbow]

Jackal was a bit suprised with sudden massage, but he didn't have anything against it. He looked at the three hounds and thought for a while "Your task gonna be simply. Choose one of you to stay with me as my guard for now. Another one gonna be my 'contact' and will tell me everything that is happening in Numekosian Empire, I need a detailed raports. Of course, I would send someone else to do this job, but I need someone that can really take care of themselfs and that I can trust completely, if something goes wrong and empire will try to get rid of you, just try to steal one thing and come back to me. I will think about third one, where may be needed the most..." he said and looked at everything from the mountain top "I bet that it will be fun playground~"
@Foxex
---
Next day
---
Servants seems to be in a rush, as soon the heir of Puresoulia was about to visit the great Dragonheart's Palace. Leo didn't seemed to be much bothered by the visit. He didn't sleep tonight as he studied in his head all movements and attacks that Tay used and wondered how to make her a better fighter and Assasin. He also knew what he want and thought that he may know what Palladia wants. Let's hope she will enjoy her visit here.

Meanwhile, Nis again stood in front of Tay's doors to greet her in this new day. He was wearing today a more formal clothes that butlers choosed for him, so he looked almost as Mr Michaelis a bit. He leaned on a wall, waiting for Tay to open a door and smile.
@Night's Shadow

 

[kyuukestu]

The trademark purple carriage of the Puresoulia's heir apparent hurried along the roads leading towards the Dragonheart's domain. Flanked on all sides by members of the Puresoulia's personal guards, the group made a sizeable, if not slightly imposing, caravan; and, at the center of it all, Palladia mused over a peculiar letter that had arrived yesterday.

"What do you think, Yowa?"

Palladia passed the letter to her retainer and waited for him to read it over. The letter itself was shocking declaration from the, now deceased, head of the Tigroran House. It had revealed a number of 'curious' developments within the Tigroran lands but for each question the letter answered, two more easily took its place. The Tigroran heir's interesting attitude and words made more sense in light of his apparent connection with a rebel organization, but it boggled the young lady that the Tigroran head had not only known of his son's involvement with a rebel organization but had still allowed him to attend the King's funeral as the designated heir.

Although it seemed like the Tigroran head had denounced the young man in the letter, Palladia couldn't help but wonder if something more was at play.

Her expression was mildly troubled, and she took a moment to peer through the blinds of her carriage, assessing the one-dozen strong guard detail she'd taken with her, each mounted on a horse.

"Perhaps," she began, as she noticed just up ahead, the Dragonheart's domain, "after we're done here we should pay a visit to the Tigrorans."

@Sentorus67 @Clite of Dragonbow

 

[=Nightshade=]

Taylor yawned as she opened her door, wincing inwardly as she stretched the small but blooming bruise on her jaw. She had once again ignored the floofy dresses that had been picked out, instead was wearing something at least slightly suitable for, you know, movement. The only thing of which was what could have been a riding outfit, though it had about ten too many frills for her taste.

“Hey,” Taylor greeted Nis with a wry half-smile, looking him up and down. “Well don’t you look just dapper. Don’t recall you ever wearing a suit before.” She nodded slightly to herself. “Looks good.”

@Clite of Dragonbow

 

[Sentorus67]

Yowashi read the note forward and back. A public denouncement was surprising but not shocking.

"It would take me less to believe this is true. The Tigrorans infighting is definitely going to ruin themself. I believe if we let them be they would ruin their entire territory." He stared at the note seeing if anything caught his eye. "I believe this instability needs to be controlled. I will check in with some scribes and see if anyone can produce copies en mass." He grins at the thought the worst of the competition is finished.

"I believe this to be an excellent talking point. It will set the mood for more rational families to not ally with insanity. While I am planning a possible visit of Tigrorans lets not ignore who we're meeting now."

@kyuukestu

 

[Clite of Dragonbow]

"It isn't quite that I choose it for myself or something..." started Nis as he reminded himself about butler litteraly rushing to his room and forcing him to change clothes.

"They didn't let me to at least stay on bare-foot..." he complained in mind.

"At least it seem that they didn't get to you and didn't put you in dress or something.. Or did they try to?" he asked her and added with a smile "I think that you wouldn't look better than now and you look just great, so no official dress is needed" he continue to smile and bowed out of joking, as he did in the first day "Shall we go, Milady? I bet that Lord Dragonheart is waiting for us" je chuckled and leaded to Leo.

@Night's Shadow
---

"My Lord, Puresoulia heir finally arrived to our domain" said the butler.
Leo was sitting on a chair in front of him 3 chessboards and 3 different people. Two of them was his teachers, another was a captain of the guards. "Already, well.. Let's finish a play then..." he raised his hand and with hige speed placed chess pieces on boards. "Checkmate. Checkmate. Checkmate... Alright, let's finish this brain warm-up for now and let's greet properly the Flower of Puresoulia.

---

Andreas was slightly behind, with a new clothes to represent well Lady Tia. As he wasn't included to her conversation with Yowa, Andre was watching fruits of his trainings with guards. Great, their view definitly was giving you feeling of respect and importance of the Puresoulia's Heir, future Queen. He didn't thought that they may got overshadowed by Dragonhearts.

The 10 lines of guards came from the castle, their armors made from black metal was made to resemble dragons, helmets like Dragons heads, metal gloves and boots had sharp claws, spears long for about 2 meters. They looked dangerous and not only just armors. People also felt like completely another league from their guards, like if they spend most of their lives in Spartan training and Battle.

The guards part and a young noble walked through the center. He smiled to his visitors, clearly looking slightly down on them, showing them who is the ruler of this land. In his eyes there wasn't any hostility however, only happines and honest. He and his guards didn't seem like king and his people however. He felt in front of them something more like Commander and his people. It was hard to say if it was good or bad, but he could say that they follow him not by loyally, but by strong faith in their leader. Not that his orders were absolute but, that his orders are the best for them. Someone who was really similar to that elf butler of the king came, he wasn't the same person however, as he was definitly younger. He made a smile and said "We are really happy to welcome you, Flower of Puresoulia and her men in-" he stopped and then Leonard said his part "-The palace of Dragonhearts, Xarthja"

@Sentorus67
@kyuukestu
@Night's Shadow

 

[Foxex]

The three Heralds made the decision quickly and easily. Bleu was to infiltrate the Numekosian Empire, her abilities and skills will make the job beyond simple. Rhd was to protect Jackal and Grein was on standby just as she preferred. It would give her time to brew her pestilences, contagions, and diseases.

Blue faded with a gradual golden glow of light, and was gone.

“So, do you have a keep? Or a base of some sort Jackal? Or are we going to have to build something out there?” Rhd asked looked around the mountain top.

Grein smiled at them “Well, while you guys figure that out, I’ll find my own place, just call me if you need anything.” She walked a bit away from the two. “Let the games begin once more….” The air around her began to radiate an eerie neon green glow as a massive swarm of flies came from seemingly nowhere and began swarming around her nearly completely blocking her from view. The swarm only got thicker and darker by the second before they all suddenly disbursed and vanished along with Grein.

 

[Clite of Dragonbow]

"Well, shall we go inside? I would prefer if guards stay here, but retrainers can come with us~" he said

Leo walked silently throughtthe hall for a while and suddenly chuckled and smiled "Sorry about that, but making such a scene of a power competition was a need. I just wouldn't want some of Dragonhearts to know about a real truth of this conversation. I will explain soon, but for now I will just say that it is for the safety of us both" Leo said seriously. They arrived at some sort of a meeting room, with a huge table covered with the tablecloth that covered it completely on the middle. "Well, let's talk then, visit the bath and eat dinner later~"

@kyuukestu
(probably @Sentorus67 too)
---
Jackal watched as Grein and Bleu dissapired in front of him. "Well, its less flashy than their entrence, but it is still flashy... Well, nevermind..." he said and after a while he turned around. "Well, we are already in my 'base'" he said and took away some snow, it revealed a hidden entrance, stairs made from a stone lead down to the dark. Jackal went downstairs and took a torch with him.
After a 5 minutes of walking down or so, they reached the end.
There was a small town made out of stone, people were either praying to a statues or training fighting. Some laught in the taverns and it seemed like a normal town, too normal in fact.
"I found that abandoned by Dwarfs town about half of a year ago. It had almost everything we needed, but..." he stood in front of a huge temple. "We had to build this ourselfs" he walked inside and there were 6 chairs that made a circrle made out of black stone. "3 out of those seats are for you, Bleu and Grein" he said.

@Foxex

 

[kyuukestu]

"What boasty dragons." Huffing beneath her breath, Palladia stepped from her carriage. She held her head high, in part to survey the draconic guard whose pomp and circumstance had clearly been meant to awe her—and, by extension, her convoy—and to present a bold, dignified figure not only in response to the display, but also in rallying the members of her convoy. Accoutred in a plush purple and white gown, glossy heels, and her insignia-bearing jewelry, the noble lady cut a sharp contrast with the metallic gleam of armor; and, even sharper was her gaze, which was every bit the match the polished spears and gleaming talons of the Dragonheart Guard.

For a moment the Puresoulia heir simply stared at the small military display. She was slightly off-put by the display of grandeur; but, since Leo had seen fit to receive her himself, the Violet Duchess was content to go along with his requests.

Thus, as requested, the group, under the leadership of their lady, entered Xarthja, and upon further prompting, Palladia more than comfortably left her guards behind and proceeded towards the meeting room. At some point before entering, she'd retrieve a decorated, hand-held fan from one of her guards and, though beautiful, its beauty belied its danger.

"While kind offers, dinner and a bath are courtesies I must decline. After my business is done here I make haste for the Tigroran's domain."

Opting to speak no further of her own matters, Palladia put pleasantries aside and got into the meat of the matter.

"You've hinted at your objectives before, at the King's Funeral. I gather your end-goal isn't the throne but something else. If our goals align then perhaps we can be more than just acquiantances. So, what is it that you desire?"

@Clite of Dragonbow

 

[Clite of Dragonbow]

"You know that saying that you decline my kind offer and just will go to Tigrorans later can be really mean for the one that accept you in their domain and takes their time to greet you properly with dinner and bath.. It can hurt, you know.. But I understand, you don't have time. I will just hope for a next time then" he said and then listened to her calmly "Would you at least want a glass of wine? Taylor, can you bring wine for us?" he asked his retrainer with a playfull smile then turned back to Palladia. "Straight to the point huh... You really are in hurry, I am kinda sad that you want to leave me so fast.. What you may need from Tigrorans. No matter what we do, Al won't return to be a heir, so could it be. Situation checking and seizing support? If we are about to be allies I should know what you want to do, no?" he asked as he looked at Tia with calm, friendly look. "Okay, I won't take more of your time anymore then. My goals... This all thing of four heirs and our aiming for a throne.. I was preparing for it all my life, I didn't had any contact with outside world and people didn't threat me seriously, but I know how many things our kingdom lacks. We need a grand reform, in all aspects, Military and Economy the most. Wars with Numekosians destroy this kingdom more and more, we will need to repair the demage of pointless wars and defeat Numekosians once and for all as soon as we get occasion. I would want to regain my Father's sword that is currently in King's treasury.. And mom's necklace from Numekosian Emperor's hands!!" Leo said the last sentence with a terribly great bloodlust, which even Nis didn't expect. He seems to really hate Numekosians. "Those are goals for Kingdom and my completely selfish reasons... Sorry for even saying about those selfish ones..." He said and made a small bow to Tia as apology "My family... Dragonhearts are currently shattered between three fractions that weakens Dragonhearts from inside. My fraction is the biggest one and I have no mayor problem with somehow controlling the other fractions, but what if I die for some reason? Dragonhearts main line will dissapire and Dragonhearts will surely stop to exist. We are family that created this kingdom from basics, we conquered the lands that Tigrorans, Montiante and Puresoulia inhabit now! I just don't want it to end like this, so for now, I need a good relation with the future ruler and a good position in or country that shut up other fractions... Those are my goals.. Let me Bracia.. No... Let me be your 'Sword', Lady Palladia. I can definitly prove to you how useful I am in both politic and war" he said with determined voice and looked her in the eyes.

"Sorry... I got ahead of myself probably, but I didn't want to lie to someone that I may be about to support" he said.

@kyuukestu
@Night's Shadow

 

[kyuukestu]

'How...direct.'

Though it was her intention that they cut past pleasantries and platitudes, the sheer amount of information that Leo had supplied left Tia...suspicious. She suspected the Dragonheart heir was either a bit naive or exceedingly crafty. Erring on the side of caution, she pressed forth slowly.

"I'd like to hear more. You mentioned 'grand reforms' but you've also admitted to never leaving this castle, how then, will you be able to implement proper reforms?"

@Clite of Dragonbow