And Thus Our Teeth Were Broken (IC.)

[United Human Planets]

The world seemed flat. It was cold and rainy, and the fields of brown, half dead grass seemed to go on and on forever, as if one was to start walking they would fall off the edge of the earth before they reached the end of the fields. It was grey to, everywhere one looked it seemed like the color had been drained from the world. Human still put color on things, and their city's were frequently bursting with reds and yellows and blues, but once one left civilization it all seemed to go away. It would instead give way to the seemingly unending grey fields. Sometimes, when people were traveling the roads, they would come across old Metal Men from before the Deluge, wandering with seemingly no direction. Many of them were just shells, built for menial labor and now with nothing left for them they wander. But there were some that were built to be intelligent, and some of the still walk the earth as well.

If you really squint, you can even see the snarl of dead dragons int the distance. Their hard to find, but some say there are still living dragons, that the army's of New Rising can control them. Others say that there are far more terrifying things that live out beyond the Kingdoms, among the old Oil Wells. Some even say that the Three Kingdoms have been sending out agents to try and undermine one another, and to find the old machines and weapons from before the Deluge, to try and get a leg up over one another.

But, among all of this, is the Free Lands and the Live Wood. The last bastion of nature that we know of, the forest is protected by an order of warriors called the Reyndzhery. They live and work withing the Live Wood, and make their home in the Free City. Throughout all of the Three Kingdoms the Reyndzhery are some of the most respected. They give up almost all of their previous lives to protect the trees, and animals and the many artifacts that reside with in the Live Wood, and will continue to protect theme with their lives. Inside the Free City, located within the Live Wood itself, is a neutral ground between all the factions. There is no war, no coup, and there are no enemies of the Free City. They make their lives through trade, as a neutral ground for all party's to come together. Its in the Free City that many have begun to circulate rumors that the rulers are sending agents to the Free City to hire mercenary's, who congregate in the relative freedom of the city, to go out and find weapons from before the Deluge. Its here that our story starts, where some will learn of this chance to make themselves rich for life.

[Hetland 2]

There was a scream in one of the dark alleyways. Three figures stood a hooded figure, a man and a woman. The woman was undressed and laying against a wall, a knife wound in her stomach. "Six hundred and twenty days ago, I caught you doing the same thing to a woman. Evidence pointed to rehabilitiation." Storyteller pulled down his hood, and pulled letting the man see the glowing red eyes. "Evidence however points to a recidivism rate of 75% in this town. I judge you to be immoral and incapable of assisting the rebirth of humanity." He reached into his cloak and pulled out his large pistol. Aiming it at the man. The man froze, he'd heard rumors of the Storyteller, the man who traveled the known world passing knowledge and judgement. But everywhere he went there was always a trail of bodies in his wake. Most people thought that it was just a coincidence. Now... he knew the truth. Storyteller placed a gloved finger on the trigger. "For the sake of humanity, you must perish. I shall be taking your story as my own." And with that a loud bang rang out into the clear night sky. And the Storyteller continued on his way. His destination, just like his purpose, unknown even to him.

[The Clockwork Cities]

A candle stood lit in the darkness, a large tome at it's side, wrote in a long since forgotten language. A withered hand moved over the book, gently turning the pages. Grey eyes inspecting the diagrams and texts of an age gone by. It stopped at a page mostly consisting of text, with a small symbol at the bottom left corner. Octavius rose from his desk, slowly closing the the rather large and ancient texts.

"The Free City, to there I must ride. Something, calls me," The old man paused, "Acolyte, ready my horse!"
"Yes sir!" A much younger male dubbed an acolyte stumbled out of the room, going to carry out his master's wish.
"I'm sure his highness will not notice my absence that much, and if he does, I can explain it to him them. Hmph, fools the lot of them." Octavius took his cane and began to make his way down the hallways to the stables. He had an idea in his head and nobody would stop him.

[Kelmet]

The fortress city of Achinsk the Empires easternmost city, its main connection to the Free City and Kingdom of Ashland. A proud beacon of enduring human civilization, now reduced to yet another war-torn landscape in the conflict with the Kingdom of New Rising

As Alexei rode his horse into the main encampment surrounding Achinsk he was greeted by the aroma of hundreds of unwashed soldiers and the scent of blood so thick it felt like it coated his throat. Feelings that had become all to familiar to him since his deal with Rostislavovna. "Commander" a stern voice shouted as a man in full New rising armor with it's symbol emblazoned on its breastplate strode up next to him extending his hand "My name is General Ivanov I got word that your were arriving to help us take this Fortress." shaking the generals hand " That is my attention general, would you care to bring me up to speed?"
"Well for the past few months we have been hitting the walls with Trebuchet's while we assembled siege towers but up until two weeks ago it was intermittent fire at best, the Imperials kept hitting us with surprise raids that made it extremely difficult to keep a constant bombardment and construct the towers, it seems tho their numbers have been weakened to the point were their holding everything back for when we attack. Which I'm sad to say at this pace will be at best another month. Up ahead is the war council tent i'll introduce you to the others and you can tell us your plan."
As General Ivanov and Alexei entered the mud caked tent the group of men bickering over a table full of maps and battle plans snapped to attention and becoming immediately silent.
"Gentlemen this is Commander Petrovna you all know who he is and why he is hear so listen up."
"Thank you general. As i'm sure you all are aware that at our current rate it will be at least another month until we have a chance of taking this castle, I am also fairly certain none of you think that is acceptable so on my way here I came up with a plan, I won't bore you with the formalities I just need your five best men and for the rest of your army to be rested and ready for combat tonight."

[United Human Planets]

A young woman sat atop an old, shaggy horse and looked out from the fields to where a city stood, surrounded by the army's of New Rising. She was an average size, but looked much smaller in the clothing she wore. A big, ratty greatcoat was waorn over rusty, chinked chainmail. Her shirt was to big, and poofed out from under her mail like a bizzare dress, and she had to wear three pairs of socks to keep her boots from falling off. On her waist she wore a notched, second hand sword, and a pistol that she probably wouldn't be able to use even if she had to.

She looked again at the queens soldiers. She could tell who they were by the blue flags that flapped in the breeze, and she could make out the sigil of the queen rainy on some of the closet one's. Three diamonds in a line, topped by a stags rack. Their presence created a problem for her. She has been traveling the road that led to Achinsk, where she hoped to find an inn before she set off the next day to return to the Free City, where she would collect the pay she was owed for delivering a package to a little village in the north eastern corner of the Empire.

She sighed, and brushed a strand of her dark hair out of her eyes. She kept it in a bun, but still it found a way to be messy anyways. It didn't matter, it wasn't like she was striking a particularly elegant figure to begin with. She spat, and spurred her horse towards the city. Her chances weren't high, but she figured she might see if anyone would offer her a tent in the camp.

As she marched onwards to Achinsk, she looked around at the surrounding countryside. It was particularly grey today, and the slushy snow that coated the ground looked like vomit. In the distance, she could see the shell of a tank, left behind after some long forgotten war. As she got closer to the city she passed a wide stretch of foundations, left over from a town from before the Deluge.

It went on like this for hours, and it was sufficiently dark by the time she reached the army's camp. The soldiers watched her go by, but none of them said anything. She saw some of them operating a line of trebuchets, laughing great big boulders at Achinsk. A ways off, she saw a muddy tent, that seemed like it was where whoever was in charge was. She thought a second, before deciding to make her way there.

She spurred her horse again, and made her way through the camp. A platoon of soldiers passed by her, who looked weary from fighting, with muskets slung over their shoulders. She watched them pass, before continuing. When she reached the tent, she dismounted her horse and stepped forward to the sentries.

"Hello," she said, "my name is Vasilisa Petronova. I'm here hoping to find room and board, but it seems like your armies are laying siege to this city, so I was hoping to speak to an officer. I can work in exchange for a tent, and I have my own food so I shouldn't be any problem."

[Kelmet]

As the assortment of officers cleared out of the command tent, each with a varying degree of disappointment on not being let in on the planning of the attack to make sure there men were ready and able for battle come nightfall only Alexei taking a moment to look at the map of the camp, the layout of the siege all from the central location of the command tent and General Ivanov standing silently as the rest of his staff cleared out. Before he had the opportunity to speak Alexei lightly stated " I know they don't like it, having to put their men's lives in someones else's hands and having no say in the plan.'
General Ivanov stated rather bluntly "We all know your methods work, but you have never stuck with an army long enough for the officers core to trust you, they have doubts. More to the point Commander I had a tent set up for you, on of our larger ones has a bed and some wood panels to make up a floor. Probably saw it on your way in its entrance is flanked by banners of that symbol you have as your coat of arms."
Alexi walked over and put is hand on the generals shoulder and looked into his eyes reassuringly
"By tomorrow night when we are having our evening meal in the grand hall of Achinsk doubts will be alleviated. As for my assignments that is the queen's business, now will you give me a few minutes alone and make sure i'm not disturbed?
The general nodded and Alexei moved back to the table and removed the small cube that is Nastavnik and placed him on the table as his holographic display opened as Alexei knelt in respect
"I have arrived in Achinsk Nastavnik the army is preparing as we speak by morning this fortress will belong to Queen Rostislavovna."
Nastavnik's voice was warm, like a fathers, it made Alexei feel safe helped him take his mind of of his own family troubles "Rise my student. You have done well in our quest to better the world and stay in the queen's good graces. If....When you succeed speak to me again. We will discuss how you will gather those of like mind to your cause, for you will never reform the Reyndzhery alone."
"Yes, Nastavnik. Until we meet again" deactivating him and placing the small cube back into his pack. Thanking the general as he exited the tent and mad his way to his.

A young woman sat atop an old, shaggy horse and looked out from the fields to where a city stood, surrounded by the army's of New Rising. She was an average size, but looked much smaller in the clothing she wore. A big, ratty greatcoat was waorn over rusty, chinked chainmail. Her shirt was to big, and poofed out from under her mail like a bizzare dress, and she had to wear three pairs of socks to keep her boots from falling off. On her waist she wore a notched, second hand sword, and a pistol that she probably wouldn't be able to use even if she had to.

She looked again at the queens soldiers. She could tell who they were by the blue flags that flapped in the breeze, and she could make out the sigil of the queen rainy on some of the closet one's. Three diamonds in a line, topped by a stags rack. Their presence created a problem for her. She has been traveling the road that led to Achinsk, where she hoped to find an inn before she set off the next day to return to the Free City, where she would collect the pay she was owed for delivering a package to a little village in the north eastern corner of the Empire.

She sighed, and brushed a strand of her dark hair out of her eyes. She kept it in a bun, but still it found a way to be messy anyways. It didn't matter, it wasn't like she was striking a particularly elegant figure to begin with. She spat, and spurred her horse towards the city. Her chances weren't high, but she figured she might see if anyone would offer her a tent in the camp.

As she marched onwards to Achinsk, she looked around at the surrounding countryside. It was particularly grey today, and the slushy snow that coated the ground looked like vomit. In the distance, she could see the shell of a tank, left behind after some long forgotten war. As she got closer to the city she passed a wide stretch of foundations, left over from a town from before the Deluge.

It went on like this for hours, and it was sufficiently dark by the time she reached the army's camp. The soldiers watched her go by, but none of them said anything. She saw some of them operating a line of trebuchets, laughing great big boulders at Achinsk. A ways off, she saw a muddy tent, that seemed like it was where whoever was in charge was. She thought a second, before deciding to make her way there.

She spurred her horse again, and made her way through the camp. A platoon of soldiers passed by her, who looked weary from fighting, with muskets slung over their shoulders. She watched them pass, before continuing. When she reached the tent, she dismounted her horse and stepped forward to the sentries.

"Hello," she said, "my name is Vasilisa Petronova. I'm here hoping to find room and board, but it seems like your armies are laying siege to this city, so I was hoping to speak to an officer. I can work in exchange for a tent, and I have my own food so I shouldn't be any problem."

"Hey!" Alexei shouted as he jogged " If your looking for a place to stay I think I cant hep with that" He said as his gently started to lead the horse towords his own tent

[Achidyemay]

Hato Hato Mikheil rapped on the clinician's door, a solid maple construction that seemed to fit snugly into the short door frame. Three large, warped pieces of colored glass, blue, yellow, and red, were set into the door and Mikheil could see a motion through them. The figure got closer and with some difficulty pulled open the door.
"Haha, are you certain you don't use a schedule?" The clinician said as he invited Mikheil in. The clinician was short and stocky and the building was also, with narrow horizontal windows running at head height along the walls and the apex of the roof was hardly ten feet off the ground. Mikheil crouched slightly to go into the building.
"What do you mean?" Mikheil asked, his voice light and friendly, as if he were laughing at his own confusion.
"I had a Tseltel leave here this morning, her name was Petrovka, Ilian Petrovka, do you know her?"
"I can't say that I do, although that is a funny coincidence."
"Yes, although you should probably join her."
Mikheil's face flashed briefly with concern, "Why?"
"I do suppose you aren't messengers," the clinician's voice was suddenly solemn, "New Rising is attacking Achinsk."
"I knew they were pressing there, I didn't think they'd actually, you know, reach the city walls even. That city's the Empire's last connection to this town."
"Exactly." The clinician nodded. "The news of it came this morning, that's why Ilian left."
"The Empire isn't going to give up easily, and they have the most men, a lot of lives to sacrifice and a leader who is willing to sacrifice them. There will be blood."
The clinician grinned slightly, but with concerned eyes, at the mentioning of the Tseltel's unofficial motto.
"Ilian had the right of it," Mikheil continued, "I'm sorry to have stopped by only to leave again so quickly."
"No problem at all, I'm fine, I'm fully stocked, and I've had a lot of help these past few weeks from your corp, I'm always grateful for what you do. Please, before you leave, let me cook you something."
"Thanks for the offer, but I don't want to impose." Mikheil grinned.
"I insist, there hasn't exactly been anyone for me to take care of around here for a long time." The clinician jested.
"I suppose I could use a break from the travel." Mikheil relented.
"I'd bet" The clinician said, before shuffling off to the kitchen. "Feel free to pull a chair up to the fire, it's been a cold summer."

[United Human Planets]

Vasilisa was a little taken aback when she saw a man come out of the tent, waving to her in greeting. She had expected a lot more coercing on her part to gain a tent. The man came right up to her, comfortable as could be, and started leading her horse away, stating that he had a tent she could stay in. She took a second to register what was happening, before she quickly turned and quickly jogged to keep up with the man.

"Thank you," she said as she caught up, "I can work if you need, I don't want to be living off of others if I can help it."

[Kelmet]

Vasilisa was a little taken aback when she saw a man come out of the tent, waving to her in greeting. She had expected a lot more coercing on her part to gain a tent. The man came right up to her, comfortable as could be, and started leading her horse away, stating that he had a tent she could stay in. She took a second to register what was happening, before she quickly turned and quickly jogged to keep up with the man.

"Thank you," she said as she caught up, "I can work if you need, I don't want to be living off of others if I can help it."

"What kind of work did you have in mind, what are your skill's any special talent's?" Alexei asked as he smirked when he saw his tent, aside it's entrance were to banners much like those across the camp but this on with a white and black background with a large red cross a perfect replica of the symbol on his swords and armor. As he tied off Vasilisa's horse to the hitching rail outside his tent.

[United Human Planets]

Vasilisa was a little taken aback when she saw a man come out of the tent, waving to her in greeting. She had expected a lot more coercing on her part to gain a tent. The man came right up to her, comfortable as could be, and started leading her horse away, stating that he had a tent she could stay in. She took a second to register what was happening, before she quickly turned and quickly jogged to keep up with the man.

"Thank you," she said as she caught up, "I can work if you need, I don't want to be living off of others if I can help it."

"What kind of work did you have in mind, what are your skill's any special talent's?" Alexei asked as he smirked when he saw his tent, aside it's entrance were to banners much like those across the camp but this on with a white and black background with a large red cross a perfect replica of the symbol on his swords and armor. As he tied off Vasilisa's horse to the hitching rail outside his tent.

"Well, I can do any sort of heavy lifting you may need help with," said Vasilisa. "Im relatively good with a sword, if that means anything. I can cook to. Whatever help you need, Im willing to lend a hand."

Vasilisa looked upwards at the tent as Alexi tied her horse up. It was a lot bigger than what she had been expecting to sleep in that night. It was almost the size of a small cabin, and there were banners with the same sigil that Alexi was wearing stuck into the dirt out front of its entrance. She couldn't help but stare, it had been a long time since she had actually gotten to sleep on something soft, and it was looking like today might finally be that day.

[Kelmet]

"What kind of work did you have in mind, what are your skill's any special talent's?" Alexei asked as he smirked when he saw his tent, aside it's entrance were to banners much like those across the camp but this on with a white and black background with a large red cross a perfect replica of the symbol on his swords and armor. As he tied off Vasilisa's horse to the hitching rail outside his tent.

"Well, I can do any sort of heavy lifting you may need help with," said Vasilisa. "Im relatively good with a sword, if that means anything. I can cook to. Whatever help you need, Im willing to lend a hand."

Vasilisa looked upwards at the tent as Alexi tied her horse up. It was a lot bigger than what she had been expecting to sleep in that night. It was almost the size of a small cabin, and there were banners with the same sigil that Alexi was wearing stuck into the dirt out front of its entrance. She couldn't help but stare, it had been a long time since she had actually gotten to sleep on something soft, and it was looking like today might finally be that day.

Alexei's eyes light up a bit when he hears of Vasilisa's ability to cook.
" A cooked meal would be fantastic, you should find everything you need in the by the fire." Alexei unpacked the few belongings he had brought with him as Vasilisa started to cook

"So what's your name?"

[United Human Planets]

"Well, I can do any sort of heavy lifting you may need help with," said Vasilisa. "Im relatively good with a sword, if that means anything. I can cook to. Whatever help you need, Im willing to lend a hand."

Vasilisa looked upwards at the tent as Alexi tied her horse up. It was a lot bigger than what she had been expecting to sleep in that night. It was almost the size of a small cabin, and there were banners with the same sigil that Alexi was wearing stuck into the dirt out front of its entrance. She couldn't help but stare, it had been a long time since she had actually gotten to sleep on something soft, and it was looking like today might finally be that day.

Alexei's eyes light up a bit when he hears of Vasilisa's ability to cook.
" A cooked meal would be fantastic, you should find everything you need in the by the fire." Alexei unpacked the few belongings he had brought with him as Vasilisa started to cook

"So what's your name?"

Vasilisa made her way over to the fire, taking in the tent as she went. She looked over the supplies she was offered, and and began gathering up what she could use to make a meal.

"Im Vasilisa," she said. "And yourself?"

[Kelmet]

Alexei's eyes light up a bit when he hears of Vasilisa's ability to cook.
" A cooked meal would be fantastic, you should find everything you need in the by the fire." Alexei unpacked the few belongings he had brought with him as Vasilisa started to cook

"So what's your name?"

Vasilisa made her way over to the fire, taking in the tent as she went. She looked over the supplies she was offered, and and began gathering up what she could use to make a meal.

"Im Vasilisa," she said. "And yourself?"

"Commander Alexei, Its good to meet you Vasilisa. If you don't mind I need to go take care of some business in camp and ill be gone about a half hour."