A Kingdom Divided: A Fight of Brothers(Fantasy IC Open)

[New Roman Empire]

Aos was had a feeling Markus was visiting with Celene the sorceress in the woods not far from the city. A rider was halted at the gate with a letter from Damal, Aos knew this wouldn't be good and Markus would need to see it right away. Aos ran to the barracks stables and grabbed his horse and Lieutenant Grim and Sergeant Mcgald mounted up and galloped out of the city towards the woods with Aos. Once they got to the woods they dismounted outside the house to see that Markus, his sister, Elenya and apparently Prince Derek was with them. "You two stay out here, make sure if you see a guard with a message for to let him in right away," Informed Aos as he saw both men nodded and walked into the house after knocking on the doorway. "Ah Celene, my mother sends her regards to you and her thanks for that cure for that sickness last winter," said Aos as he bowed and then looked around the room. "Markus, a letter came from King Damal, I thought since it was from him you better see it right away. Also the 7th officers have started to gain support and want me to lead them," Informed Aos as he now turned to Prince Derek. "Ah Prince Derek, I have heard of you but I have never met you in person until now," Informed Aos as he bowed again.

[Sempans]

"Elenya?" "About time, it's been quite a while." The door finally opened and out stepped a tall and beautiful elf with cream colored hair and sea colored eyes. She had pointed ears and wore a turquoise gown decorated with many magical amulets. Also, she seemed to radiate magic from her very aura. "Greetings, mameth" Elenya said, using the elvish word for mother. "This is my mother, the elf sorceress Celene." 'Has father returned yet?" Elenya asked. Celene sighed. "No, he's still at sea." "And you're still unmarried." The full blooded elf playfully poked her daughter in the ribs with a long fingernail. "Mother!" Elenya whined indignantly. "You're twenty two, you may be long lived but you're not an immortal so don't waste your youth child." "I want grandchildren, and you always told me you wanted a son named Elladon and a daughter named Lorelei, or Zoraya." "Those are elvish names." Wanda pointed out. She always liked elvish names, they were so whispy and beautiful. Celene curtsied to the emperor. "Your majesty, it's so good to see you again." "You too Princess Wanda." "Why aren't you married yet either, I know your brother is busy but the duty of an emperor and a brother is to find his sister a good match." "You're sixteen and there are plenty available monarchs and crown princes of these provinces, you should be a queen by now.""But you are heir at least until Marcus has children himself so I can see where he'd be picky about suitors." Wanda merely blushed at Celene's words and said nothing. Celene then caught sight of prince Derek. "Another half elf, brilliant!" she told Elenya "Is this going to be your husband, the child of two half elves always come out either fully human or fully elven you know." "Mother, stop!" Elenya hissed. "I just met him, he's not my fiance." she said about Derek.

Prince Derek found the Elvin Sorceress to be quite a card. Prince Derek blushed intensely at her remark on him marrying Elenya. He hadn't even thought about marrying anyone yet. There were a wide selection of Lords and Ladies to choose from, but he felt still a bit young for the whole ordeal. "It is a pleasure to meet you too, Sorceress Celene. I have actually heard a lot about you from my great companion Aros Oakwood, if you have ever heard of him." He smiled at her. He did learn something new about the reproductive cycle of Half-Elves though, which was a plus.

Suddenly, a man came in, looking like a knight. He spoke about a letter from King Damal, which piqued his interest quite, wondering what the Monarch had to say for himself. He was then greeted by the knight, and took the bow with grace. "My pleasure!" He said.

[Tomia]

Marcus watched as Elenya's mother open the door. The Elven woman was certainly beautiful, and it was clear to Marcus where Elenya got her good looks. He listened to Celene urge her daughter to get married. Celene was always one to speak her mind. He saw that Elenya looked flustered and didn't blame her. He was also under pressure from his mother to marry. He then hear her comment that Derek was half Elven and cringed inwardly, not wanting the Prince to be upset. Luckily the Prince did not seem upset by it. He smiled when Celene greeted him. "It is very good to see you as well ma'am. You don't need to call me your majesty you know. You've known me since I was nothing more than a little prince after all." He told his friend's mother. Since Macrus and Elenya had always spent so much time together, Celene was like a second mother to him." When she asked if Derek was Elenya's fiancé, Marcus felt a pang of anger that he didn't understand. Derek seemed like a good guy, so why was he angry? He hid his sudden emotion as best he could and convinced himself he was just being protective of Elenya. "Lady Marilee, this is Prince Derek of Sefmar." He told her, introducing her to the prince. Just then Captain Aos entered the home. Marcus sighed, it seemed that imperial business was following him around that day. "Captain Aos, your Sergeant told me you had departed for Roras. I hadn't expected you back so soon." He took the letter from King Damal and opened it, reading over it's content. He sighed and put the letter in his pocket. "Well thank you for this Captain. As for you entering the field I will consider it. I'll have to review the contents of King Damal's letter soon, and I will speak to you about it later. I will be returning to the palace shortly. For now, you're dismissed." He told the soldier.

[New Roman Empire]

Aos bowed and then left the house heading back outside. He signaled for both men to mount up, something about that letter made Aos worry. But he wasn't sure what it was, all he knew it was from Damal probably complaining how Aos told him to deal with revolts peacefully. It wouldn't surprise him if Damal's guards were in the village and harassing the villagers. As the group got away from the house and away from hearing distance, "It's kings like Damal which is gong to destroy the empire. I know my duty to protect the Emperor, but if he doesn't give me the option to engage in the field I may have to resign or go into exile. Will the 7th follow in the event of me needing to do this?" Asked Aos as he looked at Lieutenant Grim who nodded. "This news of creatures of old returning disturbs me more, we might have to search for Mt.Faldrum for that monastery if the rumors prove true," Informed Aos as they arrived at the city gates.

[Nuridia]

Elenya noticed that Marcus looked a little unhappy at her mother's assumption and she couldn't help but be a little bit happy about that. Hey may feel the same way about her that she does about him. As the royals talked, Celene looked around at the group. "Oh, where are my manners?" "I forgot to invite you all in, you must be cold in this weather." "Come inside if you wish, I have tea." "Well, I don't know where we're going to put the dragon." Celene pointed or the white, golden eyed dragon by Wanda's side. Wanda patted the dragon's neck. "You okay with waiting outside for us girl?" she asked it. "I promise you I won't be long." The dragon made a sound and put her head against Wanda's shoulder and she smiled. "Brilliant." Wanda said, hugging her dragon.

[Tomia]

Marcus smiled at Celene. "Well that's very kind of you Lady Marilee." He said to her. "I'm afraid I can not stay long though. I must return to the palace soon. I have imperial business to deal with." He smiled as Wanda spoke with and pet her dragon. She was always very connected to the large animal. While he was originally skeptical about bringing a dragon into their home, she had become a perfect companion for his sister. He walked inside with the others and sat down in Celene's home. The house was quite cozy and warm. Marcus sometimes found it more comforting and welcoming then castle. Which was probably part of the reason he liked spending so much time there in his youth.
Alder
Alder heard Marik's comment and shook his head. "Hey, I'm no coward alright. I'm willing to stand against my father, but you're talking about war. Against my own family, how am I supposed to for that." Marik's voice rose. "How many families has your father killed? And how many more will he kill if people like you stand by and do nothing." He snapped his fingers and a man came up and cut the ropes off Alder's wrist. Alder was surprised. "Return to your castle." Marik said. It was a test of trust. To see if Alder was on their side or not. "If you truly want to help the people of this land, then you will not tell your father about us. I'm sorry about this but we'll have to make it look like you fell in an accident so you can lie properly." Alder wasn't sure what he meant by that but then saw a man raise the hilt of his sword, and before Alder could react the man brought his sword down on Alder's head, knocking the boy unconscious.

[Sempans]

Marcus smiled at Celene. "Well that's very kind of you Lady Marilee." He said to her. "I'm afraid I can not stay long though. I must return to the palace soon. I have imperial business to deal with." He smiled as Wanda spoke with and pet her dragon. She was always very connected to the large animal. While he was originally skeptical about bringing a dragon into their home, she had become a perfect companion for his sister. He walked inside with the others and sat down in Celene's home. The house was quite cozy and warm. Marcus sometimes found it more comforting and welcoming then castle. Which was probably part of the reason he liked spending so much time there in his youth.

Prince Derek looked around the house. It was very comfy and warm, and he rather liked it. He kept glancing over at Elysa and Celene, curious of the relationship that was between them, and Elysas father, who, while away, was still a part of the family. He sometimes wondered who his actual father was. Not that he didn't love his father, just the opposite. Though, sometimes, he was just curious about him, where he got his red hair and other things. He could possibly ask his mom, but he didn't know how to bring it up really, and it wasn't something he saw as truly important for him.

After looking around a bit, he decided to sit down with the others, scratching the back of his red head, drifting off a bit mind wise...

[Tomia]

Marcus sat with Derek, his sister, Elenya, and her mother. He was glad to get out of the cold as the morning proved to be rather chilly. There were times when Marcus wished he could resist the cold like the people of Roras. He sipped on the tea Celene had served them. "Thank you very much for the tea Lady Celene. It was quite refreshing. It reminds me of the times I would visit your home when I was younger." After a little while he finished his tea and put the cup down. "Well, I guess I can't delay any longer. I should be getting back to the castle." Marcus wasn't exactly looking forward to it. He sometimes wished he didn't have the duties he did, but knew he couldn't fail his family.

[Nuridia]

Celene smiled. "Well, come back some toher time won't you?" "I know you have imperial duties to attend to, and remind my daughter to write to me." she joked. Elenya smiled at her mother. "I will, goodbye Mother." The two women hugged again before Elenya and Wanda left. Sorcha flew beside Wanda, she had been hunting in the woods as evidenced by the bear claw she brought back. "Thanks girl." Wnada said, taking up the claw. "Bear's her favorite because they're the hardest to hunt, Sorcha always liked a challenge." she told Derek before checking the dragon's scaly hide for wounds. Hunting bear normally left Sorcha a few scrapes but nothing her fire breath couldn't handle.

[Tomia]

Marcus smiled and hugged his friend's mother farewell. "Of course we'll visit you ma'am. I know Elenya loves when she comes home." He chuckled at her joke. "Don't worry my lady, I will. I'll order her to do it." Marcus joked. He had never actually ordered Elenya to do anything in his life. He never really felt like the emperor around, just a normal guy, which he very much liked. After they had said their goodbyes and started walking back to the castle when Sorcha flew beside them. He chuckled at Wanda's comment. "I'm sure no bear would be a match for her sis. But it seems you got a nice trophy out of it." He told her as they walked back to the castle. After a little while they returned to the large palace. The palace was beautiful and ornate. Flags flying the imperial sigil were scattered around the grounds. As they approached the main gates an imperial soldier came running towards the group. He bowed before Marcus. "Your majesty, Sir Verio is waiting for you in your training yard. He says you have a lesson today." Marcus groaned, he had forgotten about his training lesson with his master of arms. Sir Verio was an Elven warrior and master of almost every form of weaponry. He did not like it when Marie was late. "Thank you, tell him I will be right there." As the boy rang off he turned to the group. "I'm afraid I must go now. Prince Derek your room should be ready for you, just ask one of the servants and they will bring you to it. I would like for you to join us for dinner tonight if possible. Wanda there is something I will need to speak to you about later when I am free, for now though, how about you visit mother? I'm sure she will enjoy your company." He turned to Elenya. "You're welcome to come with me to my training session Enna. I'm sure it will be more fun with you there. And if you're still interested in helping me with my work, I'll have to start working on my paper work and council meetings after that."

[Nuridia]

Wanda nodded and put Sorcha in the large dragon enclosure that housed her during foul weather and cold nights. When it was nice outside, she was allowed to roam free in the royal parks but since it was chilly she went to the dragon house. The princess lifted up her skirts and ran toward the palace to her mother's suite of rooms. She knocked on the door, hoping Marie was there. "Mother?" "It's me, Wanda." "Are you here?" she asked. Meanwhile Elenya nodded. "Sure Marcus, you know I alway enjoy spending time with you." "Even if the work is boring." "Besides, I need for practice anyway." "Just let me go grab my bow." Elenya smiled at her friend as she went to the palace to get her weapons.

[Sempans]

Prince Derek smiled at Celene. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Celene, I hope that we shall meet again," he said before walking it. Wanda then brought up her dragons apparent scratches, saying that she liked bears and challenges. This brought him thinking of Phaeyl, whose diet mainly consisted of the large fish and creatures that were off in the sea, though she did some time take her chances with some of the larger desert spiders.

They reached the palace, and as everyone left, he found himself at a stop. His men all seemed to have found rooms, and the griffons were at the corral. He decided to walk around a bit, enjoying the ornate palace, thee bustling guards and staff. He was comparing to his own palace. It had a lot more stained glass, as well as inlaid desert gems. It was also next to its own oasis, which made permanent settlement much easier then in other places.

He then decided to go to his room. He asked a walking guard, who proceeded to show him the way. He entered to find a nicely furnished guest room. He walked to the bed an sighed, then looking down at himself, laughed, "First, write a letter, then, put on a bloody shirt...then go see Aros..."

[Tomia]

The empress dowager was in her bedchamber when Wanda knocked on the door. Empress Marie opened the door and smiled when she saw her daughter. "Wanda dear, I'm glad you stopped by. Done riding that companion of yours? I must say I never did expect to have a daughter who's best friend was a dragon. Come sit down with me sweetie." Marie said as she sat down on her bed. The middle age woman had light blonde hair like her daughter and maintained her good looks. "Have you seen Marcus today? He wasn't at breakfast. I know he has taken his duties quite seriously. Your father would be very proud if he were here today, of both of you. I know your brother is very busy with his duties to the kingdom, but I really think he should also look to find a wife. He needs someone to share his troubles and comfort. Being emperor can be very stressful and lonely. He needs a good woman at his side." Marie said to her daughter.
Marcus smiled at Elenya and nodded, watching her walk off. He then waved goodbye to Derek and returned to his own room. He took of his crown and placed on it's resting pillow and went to his private training yard where his Elven instructor was waiting for him. "You're late." Sir Verio said in his thick elvish accent. "I apologize sir, the time slipped by me it seems." Sir Verio tossed him a wooden sword, which was the weapon they always trained with. Marcus always felt ridiculous using it but Verio said it allowed you to focus on your technique without having to worry about injury. "Why is your armor still on?" Verio asked. Marcus sighed and undid the straps for the top half of his armor, leaving him shirtless. "When can I use a real sword in our sessions?" Marcus asked. "When you can go a session without being hit." Verio asked simply. Marcus sighed and raised his wooden sword as they began to spar. Marcus felt like a child using a wooden sword, and didn't see why he needed to fight without a shirt. Verio said the armor just slowed him down. Marcus wasn't really embarrassed about that part. He was in good shape and had a very muscular stomach and chest. He started sparring with his master as he did nearly everyday.

[New Roman Empire]

Aos walked into the training courtyard just in time to see the start of sparing, Alexa followed in close behind him. Damn those slavers weren't kidding, these bonds with the mage breakers are strong. She hasn't left my sight yet, oh well might as well make use of her abilities while I can. She might try to kill me at some point but oh well. Aos then looked over and saw she was watching intensely as the sparing went on. She was making a wax doll that resembled the Markus's face and soon she pulled out some more wax and started to make a doll that looked like Sir Verio. Aos didn't like Verio not because he was an elf but because Sir Verio rarely saw combat and was the one who trained the regular troops while Aos had to make sure the imperial forces were well trained including the Royal guard. "Alexa, don't you use magic on these people. I know what you can do with those dolls, don't try it cause you will be killed the instant they know what you have done." Whispered Aos as she gave him a look of pure annoyance from that comment, she knew well what would happen or so she thought. She just nodded and walked over to a corner and turned her back towards the fight. Well, she has an attitude problem. I guess we shall see what she does next with those dolls.

[Nuridia]

Wanda smiled at her mother and sat down, it was scary how much they looked alike. Well not so much, at least Wanda would age gracefully. "Yes, I put Sorcha in her house for now." "It's going to be cold tonight and she went bear hunting." Wanda showed her mother the bear claw to prove it. "I've seen Marcus, he went riding early this morning." "Elenya was with him too, he said he had something to tell me after I'm done talking with you." She then chuckled at her mother's insistence on Marcus to wed. She had been insisting on it for a while. "You know what, you sound just like Lady Celene." "She's insisting on Elenya to get married, and me too." "We went to see her today, she asked why I wasn't a queen by now." the younger blonde admitted. "Marcus does need a good woman I will admit that, a real empress." "I've said it a thousand times and I'll say it again." "He and Elenya should totally get married, they're perfect for each other." "Who cares what the nobles say about her being half elf, he's the emperor and he can do what he wants." "Besides, Elenya loves him." "I see it in her eyes, but she never says anything because she doesn't want to ruin things." "Marcus loves her too I know it but he won't say anything at all." "They love each other, and Marcus doesn't need some ambitious viper who only wants the crown." "Besides, their children would be drop dead gorgeous." Wanda added. Meanwhile, Elenya had changed into a deep green jacket and trousers that allowed her ease of movement, grabbed her quiver of silver arrows and feeling the dark wood of her ebony bow, and pulled her black hair into a braid before going to join Marcus and Verio on the training field.

[Sempans]

Prince Derek entered the room that was Aros. Aros had simply stayed in his room, reading from a book on the Olden Creatures, awaiting for the Young Princes return. He had made sure everything was settled. "So, my young companion, Austro(Elvin for companion, affectionate), how was your diplomatic talk with the Emperor," he asked, looking over Derek. Derek nodded, smiling. ''I think it went rather well,'' he said, looking over a mirror. ''The Emperor seems to have a handle of things at the moment, and has shown absolute support and backing for Sefmar. I don't know how he does it, though. I feel anxious for the day that I will rule over the province, and here is the Emperor handling the ruling of an entire Empire!"

Aros nodded, face stern. "Prince Derek, I would believe that Emperor Marcus has his hard times, and so will you. You are still a young sapling, but with each day you gain more experience. Just today, you managed to talk with the Emperor on equal footing, and have him back our province.'' Prince Derek smiled. ''Oh, I suppose you're right. However, I would like to invite you to dinner with me with the Emperor. You are willing to go, no? I would feel more comfortable with you around, as always."

Aros nodded. "Of course, young Prince, I am at your service,'' Aros said, with a slight bow of the head. Prince Derek smirked, ''Trust me, Aros, I know that better then anyone." He smiled slyly at Aros, before beginning to walk out. ''Remember, be prepared for dinner,'' he said. Aros watched as he walked out, chuckling and shaking his head as he returned to the book.

Prince Derek walked slowly back to his room, humming a tune, his hands strumming the air as if a harp was there, grinning in a lost fashion...

[Tomia]

Marie smiled at her daughter when she showed her the bear claw. "Well that's quite a prize. I'm sure Sorcha worked very hard to get it for you." She gave a small laugh when she said that she sounded like Elenya's mother. "Well all mothers want their children to marry a good partner and have grandchildren. I'm sure Elenya will attract a good man, she is kind, and very beautiful. Well I wish to see you married as well Wanda. You're a lovely ad beautiful young girl. Any man in this kingdom would be lucky to have you. I'm sure we'll you a caring husband soon, unless your fiery scares all the young princes away." Wanda's mother joked to her playfully. She smiled at her insistence that Marcus and Elenya should get married. Wanda had long been convinced that those two were perfect for each other. "Well I know your brother cares about her a lot. They have been inseparable since they were little children. Your brother is expected to marry a noblewoman or a princess though. But when it comes to my son's happiness, I want him to do what he wants." The empress then hugged her daughter and held her arm around her. "You know, I still remember perfectly how your father and I came to be married. My father was a rich noble lord in the capital province and one day he brought me here to meet your father, in the hopes of us one day marrying. I was very nervous, he was to emperor one day, and I was afraid he wouldn't like me. But when I met him he was so kind and handsome. All my nervousness disappeared and a short time later we agreed to marry. I loved him, very much. That's the kind of marriage I want you and your brother to have." Marie told her daughter. She chuckled at Wanda's comment about children. "Well I'm sure their children would be gorgeous. But that will be for them to decide. Don't worry child. If Marcus and Elenya truly love each other I'm sure they end up together."
Marcus was sparring with his instructor when he saw Elenya walk into the yard. He smiled and waved to her, which earned him a knock on the head from Verio. "Focus" the Elven instructor admonished. Marcus shook his head and continued training. As they fought Verio spoke. "Sword fighting is about reading your opponent's thoughts and actions. And having the speed to act upon them." In a quick motion Verio struck Marcus in the ribs twice before sweeping his legs out from under him before Marcus could react. "That is why I am the master." Version said with a smirk as he helped Marcus up who was rubbing his ribs to try to dull the sting.

[Nuridia]

Wanda listened to her mother. "I believe I'm a little too young to get married, Mother." "I'm only sixteen, isn't that a bit young to get married?" the princess asked. "You and Father had a wonderful marriage, I admired your relationship very much and I hope Marcus and I have a marriage like that." "Anyway, I think that Marcus and Elenya will end up together." Meanwhile, Elenya waved to Marcus and saw when he got bested by Verio and reprimanded by the elf instructor for losing focus. "Well he isn't the master for nothing." Elenya smiled, her bow and arrows strapped to her back as she handed Marcus her water skin.

[Tomia]

Marie listened to her daughter's question. "Well dear, I wasn't much older than you when I was married. I know it seem a little scary and sudden now but once it happens you will feel much better about it. But you know your brother and I wouldn't force you to marry if your not ready. You'll marry when you feel ready. But I'm sure when you meet the lucky boy that you wish to give your hand to, you'll be much more sure about marriage." She told Wanda. The empress smiled at her daughter's comment about her own marriage. "That's very kind of my sweet daughter. I hope you and your brother find mates who are as good to you as your father was to me. As for your brother he may very well end up with Elenya. I know I would like that. Elenya would be a perfect daughter in law, but we can not force it. I'm sure they will realize their feelings for each other soon enough."
Marcus saw Elenya approach him and his instructor and grinned a her comment, feeling slightly less bad about losing now that Elenya was there. When Elenya said Verio was the master, the elf looked at Marcus. "You should listen to this girl she is very smart." He said motioning to Elenya with his sword. Marcus smiled and took the water skin Elenya offered him, his fingers accidentally running over hers as he did. "Thanks Enna, you're the best." He said before taking a drink from it and retuning it to her. After he did that Verio spoke up. "Enough chatting, again." He said to Marcus who nodded and raised his wooden sword as the two began to fight again.

[Nuridia]

Wanda sighed and smiled. "Well I suppose you're right." "And thanks to you and Marcus for not making me get married." Meanwhile, Elenya smiled at Marcus and bowed to Master Verio before taking back her water skin and wishing Marcus luck and heading to the firing ranges to practice her archery. The targets were set up all around and Elenya loaded an arrow into her bow and fired an arrow toward the high target first.

[Tomia]

Marie smiled at Wanda. "Of course dear. Besides, we know better than try to get you to do things you don't want to do. Remember when your father and I tried to make you learn the harp? I remember one day we came into your room and saw it broken, you told us it fell." She reminisced with smile. "I'd hate to see what would happen if we forced you to marry. The poor boy might find himself in your dragon's stomach." The empress joked playfully. She then stood up. "Well, how about you say we take a walk to the market dear. It would be good for me to get out of he castle. Besides I'm sure you'll have time before Marcus will want to speak with you."
Marcus continued to spar with Verio and occasionally glanced at Elemya who was practicing her archery. Verio continued to instruct the emperor. "Think of the sword as another part of your hand, like your wrist or fingers. You need to focus on your opponent. Anticipate his next move and strike." As he spoke Marcus managed to knock the sword out of Verio's hand. The knight smiled. "Finally your majesty." Marcus smiled, proud at his achievement and the two men turned to see Elenya firing at targets, looking calm and focused. "You could a thing about focus from her." Verio told Marcus.

[New Roman Empire]

Aos was now back in his office in the old war room of the palace before the new one had been built a decade ago. Aos had discovered it only by accident while he was searching the castle for any weak points or secret passages. The room was rather large, it had been found on the far wall of the great hall by pulling down on a torch holder. Of course few people knew where his office was as the door was generally closed and Markus knew about the room. Aos was reading some reports and requests when a explosion raddled the castle and spilled the goblet of wine he had on his desk. "Damn alchemist blowing things up at least once everyday. He best now have punched a hole in the wall again or the mason will be pissed since he had just did it again last week," bickered Aos as he cleaned up the wine and pulled out the last High General's book from four decades ago off the shelf. Aos has taken every document in the war room and organized it and put it on a shelf so he knew what everything was. He had old war plans, maps and books all the knowledge he would need in the event that he needed to find something or help defeat an enemy with old plans. Aos had been reading the journal, it held battle plans, accounts of campaigns. But something disturbed him, the book kept mentioning Shadowwave keep it had been abandoned long before HIgh General Tartus was born. Few people ventured there at all, but every time he went there something seemed to happen. Troops would go missing and be found dead and their skin white to the bone, many were found hanging from the old gate. I wonder what happened there, its weird that it happened every time that he went to the keep. I probably should get the 7th and investigate what was going on there, but it also says a great evil lurks there. It only refers to them as the darkness once and nothing more. There isn't a warning besides that, that doesn't sound good at all. I probably should show this Markus right away. Sarah popped into his office and he smiled, "Well looks who came to visit, I will be right back I found something that Emperor Markus would be very interested in," informed Aos as he kissed her forehead and he walked out of the room and into the training yard. "Emperor Markus, I have some grave news that you might want to know about. I was reading High General Tartus' book that was in the old war room. He made several trips to Shadowwave keep and said every day they were there men ended up dead and only referred to the enemy there once as The darkness. We probably should go and investigate that," Informed Aos.

[Tomia]

Marcus was training with Verio when Aos came into the training yard. Verio was not happy about the interruption but Marcus told him it was alright. The emperor was sure that if the captain of his guard was coming to speak to him so abruptly it was probably important. He listened to Aos speak. He was aware of the rumors that surrounded Shadowwave keep, but they were always rumor and conjecture. Marcus and the imperial court had always assumed it was just a bandit hideout, and thought it not worth to send anymore men to investigate. However if Aos was so interested Marcus figured it would be best to indulge him. "Well, I am aware of Shadowwave captain. We've never had anything more than rumors to go about it though. If you're interested though I suppose you may go investigate if you wish. Take that company that you used to put down that rebellion in Roras. When you return we will speak about what happened during your time in Roras. Farewell captain, I'll see you when you return." With that Marcus went back to sparring. After a little while Verio and Marcus had finished training. Marcus was sweaty and sore from fighting. He shook Verio's hand. "Thank you sir, I'll see you again tomorrow then?" Verio nodded to Marcus and smiled. "Of course your majesty." Sir Verio bowed and walked back to his quarters. Marcus walked over to Elenya. "I think that knight enjoys hurting me." He joked to his best friend in the Ancient language. Usually it was a language only spoke by nobility and was a sign of social status but Marcus had taught it to her a while ago. Elenya had in turn taught him elvish. "I'm gonna go bathe and then I have some paper work to look over. You can meet me in my study if you want. Thanks again for offering to keep me company." He waved to we as he walked off to his private bath chambers.

[Nuridia]

Wanda stood up and dusted off her skirts. "Okay then, I need to get some new dresses anyway." the princess joked to her mother. "I would ask if we could fly Sorcha there, but I doubt a dragon would fit in the marketplace." Meanwhile, Elenya was satisfied with her progress but felt she could've done a little better. She saw the knight Aos come and speak to Marcus. That guy is everywhere we are, I think he enjoys stalking Marcus. she thought about the royal guard. Meanwhile Marcus came up to her still shirtless and Elenya tried to hide a blush. She'd seen him train many times, why was this different? "Hey there, I assume the training went well?" she asked. "And if Verio does hurt you, you can always have him arrested." she joked back to him in the ancient language. "See you around." she waved back to him as he left and she went to go collect her arrows.

[Tomia]

Marie smiled at her daughter. "Well, you're right about that. We wouldn't want to scare the people of the city after all. Besides, I'm too old to be riding dragons." She joked. She then began to walk out of her room with her daughter. "You know I've always liked this city, and your father did his best to make it feel like my home. I worry a little, about this trouble in the provinces. I would hate to see war breakout." She said to her daughter as they started to leave the castle. A they walked a young guard approached them. "Your majesty, if you mean to leave the castle, allow me to escort you through the city. The emperor would not be pleased to hear I allowed you and your daughter to leave without protection." Marie smiled. "Very well sir, and thank you. What is your name." The knight bowed his head. "James, your majesty." She smiled, "Well, it is nice to meet you Sir James." She said as she walked with the knight and her daughter out of the castle.
Marcus had seen Elenya blush a little and wondered what was wrong, she had never blushed before around him, so he wondered why she did now. He chuckled at her joke. "Well I could, but then no knight would ever be willing to train me again." After he had left he took a bath in his private chamber and got dressed a suit of brown light armor, before heading off to his study to begin looking over the paper work and reports that awaited him.