Follow the Stars (IC/See OOC for Signups)

by **The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness** » Mon Sep 07, 2015 11:26 am

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

Audry's smile faded as she heard the Arynii's voice, Akaro apparently being upset for some reason - if only a bit. "Alright!" was the simply reply that she came up with, not really sure what else to say before he sighed and continued. "It's... It's fine, really. I just, well," she shrugged, "I'm not too sure what to say. And just remember, if I thought you were disgusting, I would've let you lay there where I found you, or worse... Just you remember that!" Unsure what to do, she tried to give him a reassuring smile before giving him a rather awkward hug, hoping to comfort the Arynii a bit, after which she quickly went upstairs, to the room she'd hired earlier. Taking one of her books, she threw her bag into one of the room's corners, and jumped on the bed, beginning to read in the candlelight, practicing like she usually did before going to sleep.

by **Imperialisium** » Mon Sep 07, 2015 12:57 pm

Off the Coast of Illaeum

The Norvangr had been blessed with a favorable wind, and were able to tack themselves to it well enough to not suffer significant drops in knots. At the prow of his longship Ragnarr leaned up against the wooden prow bearing the eloquent carving of a dragon upon it. In his right hand he held a spyglass of Val Terar make. It's ivory body and brass fixtures etched in the manner of sirens. In his left hand a half eaten chicken leg was slowly disappearing into his maw. The gristle flicked into his beard as he ate the salted meat. Occasionally picking up a deerskin and drinking from the watered down elderberry mead therein.

The peoples of the other lands knew of the Norvangr, at least quite a few did, and knew what tended to happen when their ships were sighted off of the coast. In particular the raiding class of vessels known as longships. Norvangr merchants were commonplace in many ports of the world, but it was like two maritime worlds existed to the Northmen. That of trade, and that of raiding.

Lifting up the spyglass Ragnarr peered through it, gazing into the surf to see land. They were close, for gulls had been seen along with flotsam, they were close. As he trailed the horizon he stopped, ran the scope back again, and gazed at the unfolding coast as it came into view. The Norvangr knew this land well enough, Lechya, or Leidyra in their own tongue, a land that often held favorable bounty. But was more than capable of fending off raiders and pirates if they did not strike with speed.

Turning back to the crew he spoke with a grin, "Ready your sword arms."

by **Kaidou** » Mon Sep 07, 2015 7:46 pm

Coast of Tannhäuser

The Western wind swept across the coastal mountains like a spirit rushing across the land. As it blew on, the lone traveller walked on, resting slightly on his walking stick. He carried nothing with him, surviving only off what Nature had to offer him. As he walked along the mountains, the ghostly wind swept his light hair.

He stopped, turning to face the sea. One of the man's eyes was blinded, a long scar running down his face and into the cloudy, white pupil. The other eye was piercing and viridescent, keenly gazing upon the waves and reflecting their beauty. To many, this man was simply the Blind Swordsman, a fierce mercenary who prowled the wilderness in search of wealthy targets. To himself, however, Galmar Turinus was a very different person.

As he stood on the side of the mountain, the "Blind" Swordsman watched with his one good eye as a selkie girl of indeterminate age (at least, to him) climbed onto land and slowly walked further in, between the mountains. A terrible idea it was, thought Turinus to himself, attempting to come through Tannhäuser. He himself had some difficulty climbing the Großer Bergen that cut the land off the sea. Imagine how a selkie would cope. It was her choice, though, and Turinus would not interfere as of now.

Turning away from her, the man slowly made his way back South, the setting sun illuminating the mountains.

---

The Hall of Karmenúr had quietened down as its inhabitants prepared to retire for the night. Lord Tenningur, however, was still staying up in his office, handling the various documents and paperwork that had come in. As the attendant brought in bottle after bottle of whisky, the Lord slowly became more and more tipsy. His handwriting became more scribbly, and he was laughing more.

"Bring me another bottle!"

The attendant coughed, glancing about nervously. "My Lord, that's the 5th bottle you've had this night. It's not usually like this…"

Tenningur sat up, coughing. "You're right…" he said, still a bit tipsy, but noticeably more serious. "There's something that's been bother-hic-bothering me these couple of days..."

by **Illan** » Mon Sep 07, 2015 9:27 pm

The Armed Republic of Dutch coolness wrote:Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

Audry's smile faded as she heard the Arynii's voice, Akaro apparently being upset for some reason - if only a bit. "Alright!" was the simply reply that she came up with, not really sure what else to say before he sighed and continued. "It's... It's fine, really. I just, well," she shrugged, "I'm not too sure what to say. And just remember, if I thought you were disgusting, I would've let you lay there where I found you, or worse... Just you remember that!" Unsure what to do, she tried to give him a reassuring smile before giving him a rather awkward hug, hoping to comfort the Arynii a bit, after which she quickly went upstairs, to the room she'd hired earlier. Taking one of her books, she threw her bag into one of the room's corners, and jumped on the bed, beginning to read in the candlelight, practicing like she usually did before going to sleep.

Unknowing of really what to do during the hug, he merely bade her goodnight afterwards with a few brief and soft-spoken words. Not much progress towards understanding of his physiology, but that could wait. Eventually it would come. Once she walked off to the room of her choosing in the inn, Akaro himself stood up, and walked out of the building into the cold night. He was finally going to buy that coat.

Searching a bit for a clothier, while wearing his hood and such (and trying not to get accused of being a thief by what-hardly-passes for a guardsman around here), he made his way down the dimly lit streets of Woodthorn, most of them dirt or mud with stone bricks placed here and there as a pathway. Luckily it was dry enough that he wouldn't have to struggle through mud, and instead he had an easy time of it. Upon reaching the clothier, he entered the door, just as he was closing the shop. An elderly, gray haired and short bearded man seemed a bit scared at the sight of him entering the shop at this time, especially in his outfit.

Akaro spent a few minutes looking around for the apparel of his choosing, a thick, insulated, yet light cloak with what seemed to be some kind of fur lining the inside of it. And it fit over his usual light resin armor. Approaching the rather scared man, he placed the coat on the shop counter and reached into one of his pockets across his waistline. Deep in it was several, several gold coins - very valuable gold coins. He placed what was neccesary on the counter, and walked out before the older human man could say a word.

Akaro was, as it seemed, rather wealthy. Why did he hide it? The Arynii wanted to, by his words, keep Audry "pure". He didn't want to hand her everything on a silver platter, nor did he want her to experience any feelings of greed, or want for more. He liked her outlook of doing respectable work for coin - it was a morally good intention. Akaro told himself that his money of unknown origin was for emergencies - and he held to that. And made sure that Audry didn't know about it all either.

The cost was a bit of emergency purchase, anyway; he did truly need one. Especially with the seemingly and strangely colder climate around the area. Maybe it was just him. If anything, he could say he stumbled upon it in a store or caravan passing through town for a price he had "just enough coins" to scrape together for. Or he could say he even found it - but she likely wouldn't believe that.

The insectoid made his way back to the inn, and then up to their room. Silently, he opened the door, as not to wake Audry if she slept. As it seemed, she wasn't, and instead was reading again. He smiled cutely at her.

"What is this one about?" He said softly, trying to channel a more comforting tone as he at last let his hood down, finally having privacy. He sat next to her, but a slight distance still, away from the bed, enough to see a bit of her book.

by **Padellian** » Tue Sep 08, 2015 5:02 am

Paellion Family, 4 days before leaving for Norvangrheim.

The landscape near Volkor was nearly always clasped in fog and most as the warm southern winds collided with the cold winds from the north over the island. This has always led to Fyora to have legends of ghosts and demons making mischief among the thunder that boomed between the mountains. Legends of giants and spirits making war or mischief. When a person is heard to have gone missing, it is nearly always at first blamed on some sort of supernatural phenomena. The landscape of Fyora was one of rocky, mountainous, grasslands. Intermixed with sporadic forests and bushes, and the landscape dotted with cliffs and boulders tossed about.

Through this land scape rode two nobles with their 6 guardsmen in tow. The two nobles being the eldest children of Simonus Paellion.

"So brother, are you happy you will be leading Fyora while Father is gone?" Surinia asked as she ride next to him, clad in white fur to protect against the cold.

"Yes I am. Though I did wish father would've brought me along rather than our little brother. He's going to announce his successor to Ragnarr, and if he's taking Benjaminas it is a sure fact that he will be named the next lord of Fyora." Gedimina growled over this last bit of his statement as he looked ahead.

"What makes you think that Benjaminas will be declared the successor?" She eyed Gedimina closely.

""You can tell Father respects him more. Just look at the case in court the other day. I was criticized for implementing the law! He wasn't for not obeying the laws of the land!" Gedimina raised his voice causing the guardsmen to stir from from their inner selves.

Surinia turned to them, "Guards. Distance yourselves, we wish for privacy." The horsemen stopped while the siblings rode forward a distance. "Would it be terrible if little brother was made lord of the land?" She asked, though she herself had worried about the prospect before as well.

Between the Paellion siblings there was much love, but also much favoritism. Gedimina and Surinia were much closer to each other than to the other siblings. Vice versa, Benjaminas was closer to his little sister Dominique. Surinia worried she would lose all power and be married off in some charade of political maneuvering if Benjaminas rose to power. She was ready to prevent that of Gedimina was willing to follow along the same lines and work together to remove Benjaminas.

"Gedimina. How would you like to have Benjaminas removed?" She said said wearily.

Gedimina stared down the road without looking at her for awhile causing Surinia to become afraid that she hd overstepped her bounds. That was until Gedminia turned to her and didn't smile but nodded to her. "Let's work together sister. The two of us together will rule Fyora."

by **The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness** » Tue Sep 08, 2015 7:11 am

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

Audry looked up as the door to the room silently opened, Akaro appearing from behind it. She couldn't help but stare for a short moment as the Aryinii took off his hood, smiling at her as he did so. She followed him as he walked to sit down, before shifting her gaze back to the book. "Oh, uhh..." She blinked, staring at the book. "Well, it's a collection of myths, stories, that stuff... I was reading something about a really big wolf called Grunryn or Grunyn or something like that. I think he just ate everybody." She placed her finger on one of the pages, near a passage that did indeed seem to be about a rather big wolf that had indeed eaten a rather big amount of people. It was then that Audry noticed the insectoid's coat. With a puzzled look, she turned her face towards him. "Huh, where did you get that coat from?"

by **Segmentia** » Tue Sep 08, 2015 8:25 am

Xen'Karii Imperium
The Citadel
Karenth Lesaah, Xaal'Lesaah

The Citadel was a fortress married with a city. It had originally been just a fortress defending the main approach to the capital of the Xen'Karii Imperium, but as time went on a town was built to house the camp followers of the legions that were stationed at the fortress. And then the town was expanded to house the merchants and craftsmen that also followed. Before long there had been a large town busy with thousands of residents. This presented a problem of the town being left open to attack, though the fortress itself wasn't expanded until the outbreak of the Xen'Karii civil war. Since the end of that conflict both the fortress and the town had continued to grow until the Citadel was where it was at now, the second largest Xen'Karii city and the third largest of its fortresses.

Karenth Lesaah had been born and raised here, having been housed in the fortress section of the Citadel due to her mother being the garrison commander, but much of her activities had seen her all over the city-fortress, at least the respectable parts of it, though with such a large presence of soldiers criminal elements had never fully rooted themselves in the region. There were still petty crimes and the occasional major crime, but there was no network of thieves or cutthroats around to harass the citizens of the Imperium. It seemed fitting that her legion would be posted here for the moment, sort of a full-circle. Her legion wasn't going to be here long though, just long enough to restock it supplies and then it was heading south, to bring a few 'independent' towns back into the fold of the Imperium.

Karenth patted the neck of her Rakasul mount, getting a purr in response. The Rakasul, once properly tamed, were ferociously loyal things, and made for excellent cavalry mounts, and even guard animals. Many farms had at least one to drive off other animals or would be intruders.

"Come on girl, lets get back." She said, turning the large feline back towards the Citadel, her honor guard following suit. She could see her legions camp before its walls. She didn't want her soldiers getting comfortable sitting in the fortress so had decided to have them camp outside of it. It would be less of a hassle to break camp and begin marching again as well.

by **Illan** » Tue Sep 08, 2015 9:01 am

The Armed Republic of Dutch coolness wrote:Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

Audry looked up as the door to the room silently opened, Akaro appearing from behind it. She couldn't help but stare for a short moment as the Aryinii took off his hood, smiling at her as he did so. She followed him as he walked to sit down, before shifting her gaze back to the book. "Oh, uhh..." She blinked, staring at the book. "Well, it's a collection of myths, stories, that stuff... I was reading something about a really big wolf called Grunryn or Grunyn or something like that. I think he just ate everybody." She placed her finger on one of the pages, near a passage that did indeed seem to be about a rather big wolf that had indeed eaten a rather big amount of people. It was then that Audry noticed the insectoid's coat. With a puzzled look, she turned her face towards him. "Huh, where did you get that coat from?"

Akaro looked over the book she was reading - she was correct. It was a tale about a large wolf and its "journeys." He was rather fascinated by human folklore - they always featured the oddest things. Dragons, harpies, Angels.....he never saw any of them, yet human lore made references to them. It was amusing to see, however. Entertaining.

"I apologize if I interrupt, but I can help you with that if you need it." Akaro smiled, before hearing her ask where he got the cost.

"Oh? This?" He said, quickly thinking of an alibi. "I found it on a caravan on the edge of town - they had it for cheap, I figured I wouldn't be able to find a price like it again. So I put together what coins I had and bought it."

by **The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness** » Tue Sep 08, 2015 10:09 am

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

Audry shook her head rather quickly. "No, but thanks! It's better if I manage to do it on my own." She frowned as he mentioned how he got his coat. "Hmm, didn't notice a caravan when we entered. You shouldn't have gone and spent all your money, though I guess you can grab some of mine if you need it... You did really need that coat, did you? You shouldn't spend money on things you don't need." She shook her head again, before turning her attention back to the book.

A bit later, she closed it, having finished the story she was reading. Audry stood up and put the book back in her bag. "Turns out the wolf got killed by the hero," she told Akaro, "and all the people he ate were still alive in his stomach!" She jumped back on the bed, throwing her leather body armor to the floor, (logically) preferring the shirt underneath for sleeping. "Right," she began, "I think I'll go sleep. We'll go find a job tomorrow morning, shall we?"

by **Illan** » Tue Sep 08, 2015 12:15 pm

The Armed Republic of Dutch coolness wrote:Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

Audry shook her head rather quickly. "No, but thanks! It's better if I manage to do it on my own." She frowned as he mentioned how he got his coat. "Hmm, didn't notice a caravan when we entered. You shouldn't have gone and spent all your money, though I guess you can grab some of mine if you need it... You did really need that coat, did you? You shouldn't spend money on things you don't need." She shook her head again, before turning her attention back to the book.

A bit later, she closed it, having finished the story she was reading. Audry stood up and put the book back in her bag. "Turns out the wolf got killed by the hero," she told Akaro, "and all the people he ate were still alive in his stomach!" She jumped back on the bed, throwing her leather body armor to the floor, (logically) preferring the shirt underneath for sleeping. "Right," she began, "I think I'll go sleep. We'll go find a job tomorrow morning, shall we?"

Akaro was relieved when she let his story of finding his coat be. He would, of course, turn away any money she offered him. He wouldn't dare take any of it. "It's fine, Audry. You needn't worry about me." He said reassuringly, dozing off a bit and examining his hand and wrist, specifically the natural dart that resided in the underside of his wrist. One was "growing back", he had to use one a couple days ago when a rather undesirable sort tried to approach Audry whilst she was sleeping out in the wilderness (as she typically did). Given he always looms over top of her like a guardian angel, the rather shady individual wasn't given the chance to approach her, and met his end with a sharp and poisonous dart in his neck. He hid the body away, and Audry never knew about it.

When she started to move to put the book back up, Akaro was shaken awake from his slumber against the wall. "Oh....a happy ending to a grim tale, yes? Those kinds of writings are common where I come from." He smiled out, before affixing himself a bit cozier, taking the coat off and now using it as more of a blanket. "Yes, we will find something tomorrow. Sleep safely, Audry."

by **Krugmar** » Tue Sep 08, 2015 2:52 pm

᛫ ᛈᛁᛈᚣᛚ ᛫ ᚣᚡ ᛫ ᚧᚣ ᛫ ᛘᛂᚮᚿ᛫
People of the Meon

᛫ ᚡᚫᛚᚣᚱᛁ ᛫ ᛘᛂᚮᚿᛋᛆᛂᛐᛂ᛫
Valerie Meonsaete
᛫ ᚸᚫᛚ ᛫ ᚡᛁᛚᚼᚮᛋ᛫
Gal Vilhos

The Palace oft felt empty, devoid of all warmth and any cheery souls. Things had been far different three years ago, before the plague. Her mother, the Archduchess, had held numerous balls, plays and festivals within the Palace and the gardens. Those had been magical times, full of innocent excitement and divine joy. The magic had died, it seemed, replaced with only darkness. A great shadow descending upon the fair valley. An enemy who could not be broken so easily. Yet hope remained, small and weak, but still there.

The young lady walked slowly through the halls, observing the grand suits of armour and ornate portraits of ancestors long dead, and hopefully staying that way, with an idle curiosity. It did not take a long time to reach her fathers study, the Palace only being relatively small. Carved around the door were ancient Karûnin runes, a prophecy long forgotten by all but the Meonsaete.

᛫ ᚹᛖᚾ ᛫ ᚧᚣ ᛫ ᛋᛏᚪᚱᛋ ᛫ ᚠᚪᛚ ᛫ ᚠᚱᚣᛗ ᛫ ᚧᚣ ᛫ ᛋᚴᚪᛃ ᛫ ᚣᛈᚪᚾ ᛫ ᚧᚣ ᛫ ᛞᛖ ᛫ ᚧᚣ ᛫ ᛞᛖᛞ ᛫ ᛒᛁᚴᚣᛗ ᛫ ᚧᚣ ᛫ ᛚᛁᚡᛁᛝ ᛫ ᚫᚾᛞ ᛫ ᚪᛚ ᛫ ᛒᚪᚾᛞᛋ ᛫ ᚣᚡ ᛫ ᚠᛖᛚᚩᚳᛁᛈ ᛫ ᚪᚱ ᛫ ᛒᚱᚩᚴᚣᚾ ᛫ ᚹᛖᚾ ᛫ ᚧᚣ ᛫ ᛏᚢ ᛫ ᚠᛖᛋᛏ ᛫ ᚹᚣᚾ ᛫ ᛁᛋ ᛫ ᚱᛁᚡᛁᛚᛞ ᛫ ᚫᚾᛞ ᛫ ᚪᛚ ᛫ ᚻᚩᛈ ᛫ ᛁᛋ ᛫ ᛚᚪᛋᛏ ᛫ ᚣ ᛫ ᛚᛁᛞᚣᚱ ᛫ ᚣᚡ ᛫ ᛗᛖᚾ ᛫ ᚳᚫᛚ ᛫ ᚱᚪᛃᛋ ᛫ ᚫᚾᛞ ᛫ ᛒᛚᛖᛋᛏ ᛫ ᛒᚪᛃ ᛫ ᚠᚪᛃᚣᚱ ᛫ ᚻᛁ ᛫ ᚹᛁᛚ ᛫ ᛒᛁ ᛫ ᚻᛁᛚᛁᚪᛋ ᛫ ᚹᛁᛚ ᛫ ᛗᚪᚱᚴ ᛫ ᚻᛁᛗ ᛫ ᚫᛋ ᛫ ᚻᛁᛋ ᛫ ᛏᚳᚩᛋᚣᚾ ᛫ ᚫᚾᛞ ᛫ ᚾᛖᛗ ᛫ ᚻᛁᛗ ᛫ ᚪᚱ ᛫ ᛘᛂᚮᚿ ᛫ ᛁᚡᚣᛚ ᛫ ᚳᚫᛚ ᛫ ᚾᚩ ᛫ ᛗᚩᚱᛏᚣᛚ ᛫ ᚠᛁᚱ ᛫ ᚫᚾᛞ ᛫ ᛞᚪᛃ ᛫ ᚣ ᛫ ᚠᚪᛃᚾᚣᛚ ᛫ ᛞᛖᚦ᛫
When the stars fall from the sky, Upon the day the dead become the living and all bonds of fellowship are broken, When the Two Faced One is revealed and all hope is lost, A Leader of Men shall rise and blessed by fire he will be, Helios will mark him as his chosen and name him Ar-Meôn, Evil shall know mortal fear and die a final death.

A great deal of the prophecy was now understood, though it proved worrying to her father. He believed that their family would be supplanted, the chosen one being of different birth and blood. She didn't believe that. She didn't want to. She carefully pushed the door open, but found the study to be empty. Sighing softly, she closed the door and returned to the halls, filling her thoughts with times gone past. Far happier times.

᛫ ᛋᛁᚵᛂᛒᛂᚼᚱᛐ ᛫ ᚣᚡ ᛫ ᛒᛖᚴ᛫
Sigebehrt of Beck
᛫ ᛏᚩᚱ ᛫ ᚠᛂᛚᚠᛆᛚᛆᛋ᛫
Tor Felfalas

Success could often be a great hindrance, as Sige quickly found out. They had delayed the army heading towards Gal Vilhos by several days, killing the commanders and inciting the dead to turn upon each other. Without sufficient leadership they would run rampant, trying to kill everything in their path. This delay had caught the attention of the Darkness, and it had sent its mortal followers, the Chosen, to find out what was going on. They were ruthless in their inquisition, burning down entire areas of the forest to smoke out several of his rangers. Their ranks were seemingly endless, his weren't.

"Captain, they have hit us from the east. They have smashed through the walls, we can't hold them!" shouted Tidfrith, one of his rangers with a nasty gash sliced across his forehead.

Sige groaned, pushing his hands into his face as he attempted to rethink their position. "Sound the retreat, we flee back to Gal Vilhos. Better alive and fighting than dead and... fighting for the enemy" he said, quickly shuddering at the thought of being an undead minion.

Several horns quickly sounded out, and the shouting of several hundred men filled the air as they all attempted to run. It took Sige several minutes to reach the bottom of the tower, and then he saw it. Hundreds of the creatures pouring through the now broken gate guarding the road. He was frozen in fear for a few seconds, until an arrow thundered straight into his shoulder.

"Captain! Come on, we must go!" shouted Tidfrith, grabbing his arm and pulling him harshly. He fumbled on to his horse, though he could barely keep his head up and eyes open. The pain was unbelievable. "Captain? Captain? Bollocks! Somebody ride with the Captain, I think he is-" he heard Tidfrith say, before he fell into darkness.

᛫ ᛞᛄᚪᚾ ᛫ ᛘᛂᚮᚿᛋᛆᛂᛐᛂ᛫
John Meonsaete
᛫ ᚸᚫᛚ ᛫ ᚡᛁᛚᚼᚮᛋ᛫
Gal Vilhos

"Lord Kalahad has gathered his army by Dol Valas and reports signs of an army approaching the fortress. He plans to send some of his forces to Dol Semrith and the eastern river crossing, to prevent an attack upon Tol Kalahad." said Folcheorht the Shields, a senior Swan Knight and trusted friend.

"Excellent, and the army at Dol Itir?" inquired John.

Folcheorht sighed, "The army has scattered, a traitor opened the gates of Dol Itir and the army was ill positioned, perhaps on purpose. Part of it has fled to Galas Dratha, the rest to Dol Pelros. Lord Dratha has requested reinforcements, and Lord Amrein has answered the call, though his army will take some time to reach Dratha." he replied.

"Traitors? The Followers of the Stars, blasted cult. Is it possible that they may have infiltrated Gal Vilhos?" John asked, a frown barely appearing through his great beard.

"They have, it spreads like fire through the nobility. I would suggest a secret purge of the officers and the Swan Knights." he replied, a grim look upon his face. Before the darkness had arrived Folche had rarely been without a smile, now joy seemed to be rare to him.

"How would this purge be carried out?" John asked, curious as to how the secrets of the unworthy could be learned. He was a military man, not prone to spying or politics. Such things were as alien to him as the darkness sweeping over the valley.

"The fire of Helios does not burn the faithful." he answered, his look growing darker. The thought of burning people sickened both of them, but the fate of Gal Vilhos could depend upon it. John could only hope that Helios would forgive him for such an act.

די פֿינצטערניש אויפֿן מעאָן
The Darkness upon the Meon

גוטהלאַק די סידער
Guthlac the Snyder
גאַלאַס מאָרהלאַוס
Galas Morhlaus

He cursed silently as blood ran down his hand. He had cut himself accidentally again, his long and sharp nails easily slicing his delicate flesh. He began to limp over to grab a piece of cloth, before a menacing voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Do not move, Guthlac." the voice said, putting particular emphasis upon his name. He turned slowly to see the Speaker walking slowly towards him. The figure grabbed his hand and sharply twisted it, causing him to cry out in pain. "Weak and pathetic, no wonder your kin threw you out into the streets." it said.

"It wasn't my fault!" he protested, though his voice faltered and stuttered. He felt great fear when he was near the Speaker, who may have been alive or dead, male or female. It never removed the helm, and its deep voice betrayed no hints, despite what one would imagine.

"That is what they all say. It matters not. You are needed, the Star Child wishes to speak with you." it replied, before ushering Guthlac towards a large set of doors. They swung open as if on command, yet revealed nothing inside, it was completely pitch black.

"Where do I-" started Guthlac, before he was violently shoved into the room. It was cold, too cold for anything living to survive in it for long. He foolishly stumbled around before he hit into something agonisingly solid. His eyes slowly made out the figure, a throne, and sitting upon it was a skeleton, clad in the colours of the Morhlaus family.

"Gaz'vuzul, Makfraa-dum za vek." a voice said, booming with strength across the hall, yet whispering it quietly within his mind. He clutched at his head and screamed in fear, before noticing the robes flying towards him. His undergarments became noticeably heavier as the figure flew in front of him, before an old and decayed hand slowly rose up. His breathing became sharper, faster and more laboured. A single finger latched upon the side of his head, and everything went dark.

ולפריד יטיראַע
Ulfrid Itirae
דאָל יטיר
Dol Itir

"The Speaker shall be pleased to learn that our plans have proceeded faster than expected." mused Ulfrid, pushing his hood back and slowly removing his mask. The other Followers sitting with him did the same, and chuckled as if what he had said was a great joke.

"Gal Vilhos will fall, our agents are in place. It is Dol Valas that presents more of a problem, Lord Kalahad is a vicious one, he won't go down without a fight." said one of the followers.

"What of our agents in Dol Valas? Surely they will prove to be his downfall?" replied Ulfrid, knowing full well himself what Eadmund Kalahad was like. A great brute of a man who, despite being in his advanced years, was said to still have the strength to tear a bear in two. Ulfrid half believed it.

"Kalahad rooted them out, killed most of them, the rest fled. He must have been given help by someone, or something." replied another follower.

"Troubling, but I doubt he will be able to best our armies. One Gal Vilhos falls he shall have to fight on two fronts, and kill those he once knew in life." said Ulfrid, gaining another round of laughter from those gathered with him. His conscience was slightly tortured, having watched his own men being slaughtered and raised from the dead, and having to betray his own brother and his family. Yet now he was the Lord of Dol Itir, and he had been promised Galas Dratha and the west for his obedience. It was a price he was willing, and already had to an extent, pay.

by **The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 5:00 am

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

"Well, you can't go about without any coin." Audry shook her head, letting the subject go. "A good end indeed. I think he accidentally killed several people when he cut the wolf's stomach open, though... But yeah, most stories always seem to have a 'good' ending. It's getting a bit boring, really!" She gave Akaro a smile. "Lets see what we find tomorrow, then. Good night!" And with that, the human lay down on her side, looking away from the Arynii as she blew out a candle, closing her eyes and soon falling asleep.

Come morning, Audry awoke with a small beam of sunlight shining on her face. Slowly, she moved upright, stretching her arms and giving a short groan as she did so, before looking towards Akaro, seeing if the insectoid had already woken up. "Morning!"

by **The National Dominion of Hungary** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 6:28 am

The Kingdom of Lechya
Watchtower close by the village of Parczew.
Jacek Zalas

The man cupped his hands around his mouth and breathed out to warm them through the leather gloves. The high stone tower rose up on a rock slope above the coastline, giving a good view across a bay that provided a natural harbor for any ships approaching which the old watchtower was supposed to, well... watch over and light the beacon if any pirates or raiders approached. The man, Jacek Zalas, a soldier of the local Parczew militia looked out across the misty waters with a simple spyglass, nothing, as always. He heard steps on the wooden stair behind him and soon afterward felt a knock on his shoulder, turning around toward another militiaman, his old friend Zdislaw who carried a bowl of stew. "You should take this and warm up by the fire, it's been damn cold all morning." Jacek took the bowl and handed his friend the spyglass. "Darek's cooking hasn't improved has it?" He asked as he studied the stew, prok and some vegetables floating about in the sauce. "That's a stupid thing to even hope for and you know it." Zdislaw said with a small laugh and looked across the misty sea with the spyglass. The militiaman's smile soon faded from his lips...

"Jacek." A grimace of fear took over Zdislaw's face as he turned toward his firend and gave him the spyglass. "Take a look." He took a large step to the stair and shouted down. "Darek! Get the oil! And be quick about it!" Jacek raised the spyglass to his eye and looked across the water, wondering what had made his firend so worried, and there, sliding out of the mists, he saw them... the Drakkars, the Norvangr have come, to raid for those were no merchant ships, on no the were not. Now Jacek shouted as well. "Darek hurry up we have to light the damn beacon!" He looked at the finely carved heads on the prows as the drakkars rowed closer and closer to the sandy shoreline. The third guard in the tower ran up the stair with a large container of oil in his hands. "What the hell, what's going on? Who is coming?" A frightened expression on his face. Jacek simply took the oil and shoved the spyglass in Darek's hands as he and Zdislaw filled the large iron bowl on top of the tower with wood and poured oil over it before setting it alight in a high flame. "Oh by the Lady..." Darek mumbled to himself as the Norvangr ships reached the beach. "Come on Darek, we need to get back to the village!" Jacek shouted and grabbed the man, the three militiamen swiftly left the tower, running back into the woods.

by **Illan** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 7:34 am

The Armed Republic of Dutch coolness wrote:Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

"Well, you can't go about without any coin." Audry shook her head, letting the subject go. "A good end indeed. I think he accidentally killed several people when he cut the wolf's stomach open, though... But yeah, most stories always seem to have a 'good' ending. It's getting a bit boring, really!" She gave Akaro a smile. "Lets see what we find tomorrow, then. Good night!" And with that, the human lay down on her side, looking away from the Arynii as she blew out a candle, closing her eyes and soon falling asleep.

Come morning, Audry awoke with a small beam of sunlight shining on her face. Slowly, she moved upright, stretching her arms and giving a short groan as she did so, before looking towards Akaro, seeing if the insectoid had already woken up. "Morning!"

In his soon returning slumber, Akaro was swathed in an array of dreams. As he always seemed to be. Some of home (or what remained of it), some of his former mother figure and what happened to her, some of....terror. Of dying to his old marks. But one that really got to him was a revisitation of the day Audry found him....except he didn't make it. The assassins whom were his former compatriots instead got the best of him, and he left with a crawl, his odd dark gold leaving a trail with each crawl. He even saw the oak tree he rested under in reality during that moment, as well as a figure pass by it, the figure that would be Audry. He tried to yell out to her to get her attention, but no words could come. He saw the shroud of dark befall him as he died, and then a....feeling of falling. Spiraling into a void.

At last he awoke, in cold sweats, at the beckoning call in the form of the words "Morning!" from Audry. He felt soothed, at least slightly, but still dazzled and dazed by his dream.

"M-Morning, Audry." He managed to say, recovering his senses more slowly than usual.

by **The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 9:00 am

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

Audry, meanwhile, didn't seem to have had any sort of bad dreams at all - the girl hardly moving and remaining quiet in her sleep until she had finally woken up. She hadn't had any bad dreams in quite some time, and always came to her senses rather quickly after waking up. As such, she was slightly confused by how Akaro seemed to have his senses a bit dulled as he woke up, the Arynii apparently covered in sweat. She couldn't help buy frown as she stood up, seemingly not very amused. "You didn't drink too much last night, did you?" Shaking her head, she put her sleeveless leather body armor back on. "I'll go downstairs, get some breakfast there."

by **Illan** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 10:33 am

The Armed Republic of Dutch coolness wrote:Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

Audry, meanwhile, didn't seem to have had any sort of bad dreams at all - the girl hardly moving and remaining quiet in her sleep until she had finally woken up. She hadn't had any bad dreams in quite some time, and always came to her senses rather quickly after waking up. As such, she was slightly confused by how Akaro seemed to have his senses a bit dulled as he woke up, the Arynii apparently covered in sweat. She couldn't help buy frown as she stood up, seemingly not very amused. "You didn't drink too much last night, did you?" Shaking her head, she put her sleeveless leather body armor back on. "I'll go downstairs, get some breakfast there."

"No - you know I never drink. I just had a bad dream, Audry." Akaro seemed a bit offended at the suggestion, but he was understanding of her concern and didn't give her a crass tone. "I just.....I'm fine now. I promise." Akaro said stoically, not about to share his story without any coaxing. He was cold, however, so he stood up and put on his light, yet warming, coat, standing with her. "Yes....I am rather hungry. Let us go." He said in an attempt to stave away any uncomfortable conversation, leading the way down the hallway and stairs.

by **The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 11:27 am

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

"Oh, I... I see. Sorry." Audry closed her eyes for a moment and shook her head. It seemed that Akaro didn't want to continue on about his bad dreams, and the Arynii put on his coat before quickly changing the subject and going downstairs. Well, at least breakfast'll be nice. Going downstairs, she immediately went for the bar to get her breakfast, which consisted of some bread and water - it wasn't much, but it was more than enough, the girl used to those kind of things from pretty much her entire life, both back home and in the wild.

Once finished, she stood up, looking towards Akaro. "Right, let's see about those jobs, shall we?"

by **Illan** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 1:13 pm

The Armed Republic of Dutch coolness wrote:Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

"Oh, I... I see. Sorry." Audry closed her eyes for a moment and shook her head. It seemed that Akaro didn't want to continue on about his bad dreams, and the Arynii put on his coat before quickly changing the subject and going downstairs. Well, at least breakfast'll be nice. Going downstairs, she immediately went for the bar to get her breakfast, which consisted of some bread and water - it wasn't much, but it was more than enough, the girl used to those kind of things from pretty much her entire life, both back home and in the wild.

Once finished, she stood
, up, looking towards Akaro. "Right, let's see about those jobs, shall we?"

Akaro got his own breakfast, which consisted of what he believed to be pork (or some form of pig meat), beef, and some cuts of chicken. It was the diet of Arynii - almost exclusively carnivorous. He sat with her, and ate his meal with as much politeness as he could for an insectoid being whose jaws seperate down the middle. After he was finished, with a surprisingly not messy outcome, he joined her in standing up.

"Yes....let's get some work."

by **Padellian** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 8:03 pm

3 days before putting to sea for Norvangrheim

Dominique, Gedimina, Surinia, and Benjaminas stood within their father's chamber as he had requested for the two to come to him directly. Now they waited silently as their father say before them in a wide chair filled with furs by a table. He sat eating and staring at the two of them. A maid stood by the entrance of the room and watch them nobles out of the corner of her eye. In another corner a single Ironguard stood with his helmet removed holding a sheathed sword.

"Benjaminas. Do you know why I have called you to my chambers tonight?" Simonus spoke suddenly breaking the silence. His voice was stern and made his children become nervous suddenly.

"No father. I do not know." Benjaminas looked at his father though did not make eye contact.

Simonus looked at him and then rose out of his chair. On cue the Ironguard approached Simonus with the sheathed sword, handle pointed to Simonus. Simonus pulled the sword from the sheath and showed a bright silver sword that shined like that sun itself upon a clear day. "Do you know what this is?" He asked as he pointed it at Benjaminas.

Dominique took a step forward as Simonus pointed the sword at Benjiminas. "Father! Sto-" she was cut short by a look from her father.

"It's Reveltuin. The sacred fire. The sword used by ancient kings of old, given to our ancestors in service of a long forgotten king of the old times. It's a symbol of his lordship, a badge of honor and of office." Benjaminas replied now looking at his father's eyes.

"Good boy." Simonus moved closer and had the sword poking into Benjaminas chest. "Kneel."

Benjaminas kneeled before his father, the sword becoming leveled on his shoulder by his neck. "Do you swear to uphold the honor of Paellion house, to honor the duties, responsibilities, carry the burdens, fulfill the sacrifices necessary for the survival of our great house? To live with honor and die with dignity? To be fair in all aspects of life? To serve and lead our people to infinite prosperity? To serve with distinction and to continue to expand the glory of our house?" Simonus stared at his son with daggers that looked into the his soul.

Benjaminas stared back at him. "Yes. I swear."

"Stand boy." Simonus ordered him, which Benjminas did. Simonus took his other hand and slapped Benjaminas across the face. "This is so you may be humbled in your new title that you are about to receive." Simonus spoke. He then gave another back hand to the other side of his face. "That is so you may remember your oath." Simonus then stopped back and before Benjaminas realized what was about to happen, Simonus stabbed the sword into Benjaminas.

At once Benjaminas had the legend of Reveltuin become true. It felt like fire in his chest but felt cold next to the blade. He did not fall to the ground but did yell in pin as Simonus pulled it out. "That is so you remember the punishment you will receive if you break your oath!"

Benjaminas fell to the floor as blood spilled down his shirt and pooled on the floor. "Rise Lord Benjaminas Paellion. Lord and head of house Paellion, ruler of Fyora Island."

Benjaminas stood on shaky legs and was helped by his sister. Dominique helped to hold him up. Surinia and Gedimina looked at each other then left the room all while under the watchful eye of Simonus. He decided how was not the time to sooth Gedimina's ego, it was time for Benjaminas to first seek care for the bleeding cut on his shoulder. Then to celebrate his new title.

"Maid retrieve the court doctor and have him stitch Benjaminas up." Simonus ordered then helped to carry Benjaminas to a chair for him to sit in until the doctor could fix him. He had a smile on his face though it could also be seen he was in pain. This was very understandable, since Reveltuin leaves a wound that may close over and scar, but will continue to hurt as an ache for the rest of his days. Something that will feel like burning and ice cold stings.

"You have done well my son. I'm proud to name you the next lord of the family. You have done well and will be a good ruler to continue the peace and prosperity for Fyora." The old man smiled through his bushy beard at Benjaminas, though Dominique stared at him in disbelief.

"Why did you stab him?!" She screamed at her father.

Simonus turned to her and parted his own shirt to show a scar in the same area that Benjaminas had been stabbed. "This is the way of our family. The head of the family will remember the oath they give. Even if it means pain for them." Simonus then laughed lightly, "Your concern is not needed my daughter. He will have pain till the end of his days, but he will live."

She glared at him, but then softened her gaze as it returned to Benjaminas. The court doctor had finally arrived and had set to work upon the new lord.

Simonus made Dominique leave the room and told her they would all celebrate tonight in the dining hall later that night.

Surinia and Gedimina were in another part of the castle while there brother became sworn in as the new lord. Gedimina still furious that he had been passed over for the chance to become head of the Paellions.

"How could father do this?!" He growled towards his sister in rage. "How could he pass over his eldest son for his youngest. I deserve that title!" He walked back and forth quickly as his sister watched.

"Be calm, brother we have already made plans for this, remember?" Surinia spoke reassuringly to him. She pulled him close into a hug to comfort him. "We have made multiple plans for his demise. So please be calm. Once those plans succeed, you can take over as lord and head of the Paellions. We must be patient for now though. Please remember that brother! We cannot give away our plans so quickly before the time is right."

Gedimina looked at her eyes and nodded in furious but calm and calculated anger. "Your right. They will not be returning. I will be lord."

by **Der Kaiser Mikey III** » Wed Sep 09, 2015 8:18 pm

The Kingdom of Lechya
Visegrad
Mordred De Hauteville

Lord Mordred had arrived in Visegrad on one of his own trading vessels. Unlike the King, he was well versed in the ways of the sea, and in possession of current charts to note. Though of pure noble blood and now royal lineage, he was descended from the second son of three previous generations De Hauteville Lordship. No doubt his own forefathers having squandered their estates, their holdings were now limited to the large Manor De Hauteville, and the ICTC (International Capuan Trading Company (Of Fine and Exotic Nature)). He was similar in look to his cousin the King, however much thinner and more flamboyant in dress. Currently, he was wearing a silver threaded black leather and velvet doublet with a fine anatomical cuirass studded with blue diamonds. His ivory hilted saber rested in a similarly embellished sheath. Taking his heavily ringed, blue velvet gloved hands from the railing of his ship, he began his descent from the deck to Visegrad's pier, taking care to avoid the beggars, peasants, and merchants hawking their wares as he climbed aboard his white, black maned destrier named hellscream.

The ride through the city was one of meager note, most of it blurred with consumption of laudanum. Once past the gates, the lone De Hauteville dismounted, before following the Guard into the impressive Citadel of the Lechyan King. Following a few winding staircases, lovely hallways, and fine art exhibitions the Guard stopped before a pair of golden, engraved doors...

by **The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness** » Thu Sep 10, 2015 6:40 am

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

With breakfast finished, the two soon left the premises of the inn they'd been staying at. Making sure she had everything with her, Audry started looking around, trying to see if there was anything on a noticeboard as well as asking around. There didn't seem to be much worth looking at, unfortunately - nothing she was good at, at least. Woodcutting or working at a mill was not something she considered herself much good at.

After a while, however, the human ran into a notice that she did consider interesting. Taking it from the board, she walked towards Akaro, and showed it to him. "This looks pretty interesting, doesn't it?" Looking for brave people to investigate a series of kidnappings.

by **Illan** » Thu Sep 10, 2015 8:15 am

The Armed Republic of Dutch coolness wrote:Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

With breakfast finished, the two soon left the premises of the inn they'd been staying at. Making sure she had everything with her, Audry started looking around, trying to see if there was anything on a noticeboard as well as asking around. There didn't seem to be much worth looking at, unfortunately - nothing she was good at, at least. Woodcutting or working at a mill was not something she considered herself much good at.

After a while, however, the human ran into a notice that she did consider interesting. Taking it from the board, she walked towards Akaro, and showed it to him. "This looks pretty interesting, doesn't it?" Looking for brave people to investigate a series of kidnappings.

"Seems convenient. I'm rather skilled at investigating and tracking, as well." Akaro stated, looking over the notice. It was true, he did gain some skills back as an assassin. It was like hunting for him, only the prey was much smarter than an elk or deer. You had to move swift and pay attention to every little detail - and that knowledge can go a long way in many scenarios.

"Do you want to do it? It sounds like it could be rather....unpleasant."

by **The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness** » Thu Sep 10, 2015 8:37 am

Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

"Hmm. I don't see why we shouldn't do it! Do something good, get payed for it... and I can also put that brain of me to good use. And don't you talk to me about unpleasant! Remember those bandits that, uhh, 'visited' my home I once told you about?" Audry shook her head. "Not the only unpleasant thing I've experienced. So, let's see..." The human looked back towards the notice. "Right, that place it mentions - I can probably find that. Just follow me!"

So it was that Audry went searching throughout the city, practically forcing Akaro to follow even if he didn't want to. After heading to the wrong place entirely several times, the two finally arrived in the small, dark alley they were supposed to go. Standing in front of the only house there, which appeared to be made entirely out of wood and was beginning to rot, Audry looked towards her Arynii companion, with a small grin plying her lips. "So, do you knock or do I knock?"

by **Illan** » Thu Sep 10, 2015 10:04 am

The Armed Republic of Dutch coolness wrote:Audry Tanners
City of Woodthorn

"Hmm. I don't see why we shouldn't do it! Do something good, get payed for it... and I can also put that brain of me to good use. And don't you talk to me about unpleasant! Remember those bandits that, uhh, 'visited' my home I once told you about?" Audry shook her head. "Not the only unpleasant thing I've experienced. So, let's see..." The human looked back towards the notice. "Right, that place it mentions - I can probably find that. Just follow me!"

So it was that Audry went searching throughout the city, practically forcing Akaro to follow even if he didn't want to. After heading to the wrong place entirely several times, the two finally arrived in the small, dark alley they were supposed to go. Standing in front of the only house there, which appeared to be made entirely out of wood and was beginning to rot, Audry looked towards her Arynii companion, with a small grin plying her lips. "So, do you knock or do I knock?"

Akaro wasn't truly concerned for himself about the danger of job - he knew danger. He was familiar as familiar one could be with something. He was concerned for her; he didn't want to rope her into another dangerous occurrence which could, eventually, lead to her getting killed because he wasn't able to save her. That's what he feared above all - as stoic and quiet as he could be, he cared for the young woman that saved his life, beyond anything else in his life right now.

Upon reaching the unpleasant alley, his fears were only made more intense. When she asked who should knock, he quickly stood in front of her. "I should - I do not like the look of this place at all. It could be some strange trap." He said with a bit of unease yet a sort of fiery defensive attitude about him - a determination to keep her safe.

Reaching one hand stealthily into a dagger sheathe on the side of his waist (one of two, the other was situated on the other side) he knocked firmly on the door, ready to draw his sharp and poisoned blade should he need to. Then again, his Kyrinii canisters were on the back of his waist, he could use those. Then again, Audry was rather unnerved by them...

The knock resounded through the house. Stating firmly to whoever the denizens may be, Akaro said "We saw a notice regarding kidnappings on the notice board - it said to come here. We are here to take the job."

by **Imperialisium** » Thu Sep 10, 2015 1:04 pm

Close to the village of Parczew
The Kingdom of Lechya

As the lead ships slid onto the shallow surf, raising gentle mounds of sand as they slowed rapidly, booted feet landed on the soft sand or splashed through the shallow shoreline onto the beach. The Norvangr moved out immediately onto the grassy terrain and began to form a perimeter. Each ships warriors and crew forming a rough demarcation point in a semi-circle. While crew and small groups of warriors stayed behind to mind and tend the ships. This was a rather large group of ships, most of them being larger designs so they could transport bulk cargo back to Norvangr. Yet, due to their design they could reach rather impressive speeds for their builds.

Ragnarr looked back at the host coming off of the ships. He had roughly 2,000 warriors with him. A rather large force for a raid, but the beginning of the season always meant large numbers of men and even women volunteered to go out in the first go. Crouching on his haunches Ragnarr grabbed a fist full of dirt and let it fall between his fingers like dust in the wind. It was good soil here. Rich and healthy. Ragnarr had been to many a foreign place in his life time, but the coast of Illaeum always bore good produce.

A shout came to his left and he saw men pointing. They'd found a watchtower, no doubt they'd be seen, and a blazing beacon was alive at its topmost point. "Extinguish that flame!" shouted Ragnarr and the word passed down the groups until a party led by Olaf Sharktooth, one of the ship captains, were rapidly moving towards the tower to seize it .

Raising his ax Ragnarr began to walk forward into the countryside were thin plumes of smoke could be seen trailing into the sky. A village was near.

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