The Phoenix Wedding (IC/FanT/Signups)

[Alegeharia]

Malik Smiles at the emporer, despite only standing just above 4 feet his canine teeth still seemed menacing. " That's too bad, though I have heard of the order of Phoenix, however with our people it's a magic school." Malik takes the robe off revealing the armor and and arms he was wearing, along with a thick fluffy tail. " I suppose for now I'll get a bit comfy, after all we're among friends hmm?" He then turns to those he was introduced to and waves. " It is a pleasure to meet you, I hope things have gone well?
Aither returns with vin, after discussing things with the guard hearing about Phoenix's. "The phoenix is an interesting bird, also a very powerful type of magic, one should be careful with it." He extends a paw out to one of the new faces. "Greetings! I am Aither, it's good to meet you.

[Kalmarnavia]

Argalaic looked up at Ser Trevyn, who was as perplexed as he was, before accepting the small furried hand.

"Greeting to you, ser. I am Pri-actually." Argalaic looked up to his guard, "Ser Trevyn?"

Ser Trevyn cleared his throat, marched over and stood next to his Prince.

"You are now in the presence of Argalaic, of the House Wend, Prince of Kalmarnavia, Defender of the Dragon's Keep, son of Jaeharys, of the House Wend, the First of his name, King of Kalmarnavia, Lord of the Six Realms, Ruler of the Skies and Defender of the Faith, descendant of Argalaic the Conqueror, of the blood of Eralia and the Blood of the Dragon."

Argalaic smiled at the small royal before him, and finished shaking. He gestured to Don.

"And this is Ser Dontas Greenbow of Oakdeep, grandson of Lord Euston Greenbow of Oakdeep. Well met, Ser."

[Alegeharia]

Argalaic looked up at Ser Trevyn, who was as perplexed as he was, before accepting the small furried hand.

"Greeting to you, ser. I am Pri-actually." Argalaic looked up to his guard, "Ser Trevyn?"

Ser Trevyn cleared his throat, marched over and stood next to his Prince.

"You are now in the presence of Argalaic, of the House Wend, Prince of Kalmarnavia, Defender of the Dragon's Keep, son of Jaeharys, of the House Wend, the First of his name, King of Kalmarnavia, Lord of the Six Realms, Ruler of the Skies and Defender of the Faith, descendant of Argalaic the Conqueror, of the blood of Eralia and the Blood of the Dragon."

Argalaic smiled at the small royal before him, and finished shaking. He gestured to Don.

"And this is Ser Dontas Greenbow of Oakdeep, grandson of Lord Euston Greenbow of Oakdeep. Well met, Ser."

"Quite the name! Fancy, you mind if I call you Argal for short? I do not mean to offend But it would take ages to say all that each time eh? You say blood of Drago s? You have dragons as well?" Malik's ears perk up and his tail flicks in delight. " I did not think I would meet another kingdom with such gifts." He then turns to the others and points to his own band. "These are my brothers, Aither and Vin. We are all from Alegeharia, and have traveled through the portals, our trip was pretty short. How did you fair?

Aither:
Aither looks over to See Trevyn. "So are you his retainer? Brother? How fair you in the world?

[Atlantian Dominions]

Tertius tapped his falchion to his cheek a couple of times, pretending to consider it. He then shook his head and laughed.
"Who do you think you are? We've got ya outnumbered eight to one! If you won't accept our generous offer, then I guess you'll have to die. ATTA-"
Tertius' words were cut off by the bullet tearing through his skull. High General Numeri handed the legionary back his rifle and raised his sword.
"Imperial legionaries, these scum intend to sully the ground with Mr. Primrose's blood. KILL THEM ALL!"
With a yell, Numeri charged the brigands, slashing this way and that. With every slash, a brigand fell. The brigands proved to be better disciplined then most, however, and after the initial shock, most of the brigands turned to face the Imperials.
"Damn, that Primrose guy must be pretty important for the High General to come after us!"
Opiter yelled to Claudio, who swiftly cut down a young legionary with his blade.
"Well, that just means they're worth a lot o' coin. Grab em'!"
With that, both Opiter and Claudio made to drag Primrose away, both hoping that Butler turned out to be a horrible shot or that one of their pals would cut him down.

Adam Barber had started to plan out what would happen. The gang would rush them from all sides. He would gun down the leader first, then whoever got closest to John Henry Primrose first. They'd make a break down the street, putting all the remaining gang members on one side of them, and then fight and run their way either to the ship or to some police who could get them to the palace. He'd already started figuring the best way to shoot the falchion-wielding bandit to make him fall backwards into some of his goons, when the man's head burst into a shower of blood.

"What the-"

That was all John Henry Primrose had time to say before Adam shoved him to the the ground and opened fire, cutting down whoever was nearest him with his first two bullets. He ducked a man coming at him with a wildly swinging blade, then smashed the butt of his revolver into the robber's face. The more men he could dispatch without using bullets, the better. His adrenaline was flowing, his senses sharpened by the rush of combat and the years of training. This was not dissimilar to some of the sparring sessions he'd been put through by Saul Andrews. Except that these men weren't carrying nonethal wooden poles to thump him on the back or chest if he got sloppy. If these attackers connected with a blow they'd kill, or at the very least hurt a great deal.

"Adam!"

The young Gunslinger spun to see Opiter and Claudio starting to manhandle a struggling, cursing John from where he'd been sprawled on the street. He fired, two bullets at each man aimed for their center of mass, and then quickly broke open the pistol to drop the shell casings and flick fresh rounds into the empty chambers. He could reload quickly, but for the brief moment while he went through the motions he'd have to rely on his reflexes to dodge incoming blades. As soon as he was reloaded again, he brought the gun back up to continue firing at whoever tried to reach John or himself.

[Phaenix]

Tertius tapped his falchion to his cheek a couple of times, pretending to consider it. He then shook his head and laughed.
"Who do you think you are? We've got ya outnumbered eight to one! If you won't accept our generous offer, then I guess you'll have to die. ATTA-"
Tertius' words were cut off by the bullet tearing through his skull. High General Numeri handed the legionary back his rifle and raised his sword.
"Imperial legionaries, these scum intend to sully the ground with Mr. Primrose's blood. KILL THEM ALL!"
With a yell, Numeri charged the brigands, slashing this way and that. With every slash, a brigand fell. The brigands proved to be better disciplined then most, however, and after the initial shock, most of the brigands turned to face the Imperials.
"Damn, that Primrose guy must be pretty important for the High General to come after us!"
Opiter yelled to Claudio, who swiftly cut down a young legionary with his blade.
"Well, that just means they're worth a lot o' coin. Grab em'!"
With that, both Opiter and Claudio made to drag Primrose away, both hoping that Butler turned out to be a horrible shot or that one of their pals would cut him down.

Adam Barber had started to plan out what would happen. The gang would rush them from all sides. He would gun down the leader first, then whoever got closest to John Henry Primrose first. They'd make a break down the street, putting all the remaining gang members on one side of them, and then fight and run their way either to the ship or to some police who could get them to the palace. He'd already started figuring the best way to shoot the falchion-wielding bandit to make him fall backwards into some of his goons, when the man's head burst into a shower of blood.

"What the-"

That was all John Henry Primrose had time to say before Adam shoved him to the the ground and opened fire, cutting down whoever was nearest him with his first two bullets. He ducked a man coming at him with a wildly swinging blade, then smashed the butt of his revolver into the robber's face. The more men he could dispatch without using bullets, the better. His adrenaline was flowing, his senses sharpened by the rush of combat and the years of training. This was not dissimilar to some of the sparring sessions he'd been put through by Saul Andrews. Except that these men weren't carrying nonethal wooden poles to thump him on the back or chest if he got sloppy. If these attackers connected with a blow they'd kill, or at the very least hurt a great deal.

"Adam!"

The young Gunslinger spun to see Opiter and Claudio starting to manhandle a struggling, cursing John from where he'd been sprawled on the street. He fired, two bullets at each man aimed for their center of mass, and then quickly broke open the pistol to drop the shell casings and flick fresh rounds into the empty chambers. He could reload quickly, but for the brief moment while he went through the motions he'd have to rely on his reflexes to dodge incoming blades. As soon as he was reloaded again, he brought the gun back up to continue firing at whoever tried to reach John or himself.

Phaerix, Umbra District

Opiter grunted as Barber's bullet went clean through his shoulder.
"Claudio, Claudio this guy is better then we thought. Claudio?"
Opiter looked to his right and gasped. Claudio had been shot right in the heart. Opiter quickly pulled out his knife and held it to Primrose's neck. He looked at Butler and spoke.
"Let me leave, or I'll slice this man's throat! I mean it!"
Before Barber could answer, an axe buried itself in Opiter's head. As Opiter fell over dead, High King Siganeld offered Primrose his hand.
"You'd do good to not get kidnapped again, boy. Who knows when Siganeld the Strong will be there to save you?"

[Atlantian Dominions]

Opiter quickly pulled out his knife and held it to Primrose's neck. He looked at Butler and spoke.
"Let me leave, or I'll slice this man's throat! I mean it!"
Before Barber could answer, an axe buried itself in Opiter's head. As Opiter fell over dead, High King Siganeld offered Primrose his hand.
"You'd do good to not get kidnapped again, boy. Who knows when Siganeld the Strong will be there to save you?"

Adam Barber could almost hear Saul Andrews, standing behind him, passing judgement on his abilities. "Sloppy work, Adam. You got rattled, and you missed." He had been imprecise, which was one of the greatest sins a Gunslinger could commit. And that imprecision had led to another sin: failing to protect his charge. John Henry Primrose was frozen in place by the knife against his throat, looking to Adam with panicked eyes. It was the first time in his life that he'd ever felt truly afraid for his life.

And then, suddenly, the knife was gone. The robber collapsed as Siganeld buried his axe in Opiter's skull, spraying John with bit of blood and brains. John's legs collapsed under him and he fell to the street alongside his would-be kidnapper. He sat there, in a daze, until his rescuer offered a hand to help him stand back up. He took it and rose from the street, wiping some flecks of blood from the side of his face.

"Well, getting into this mess was not how I'd planned to spend the day," John said.

"Thank you for your help," Adam chimed in as he lowered his revolver. It seemed that the bandits had been routed, and the threat had passed. "We're trying to reach the palace, but we became lost."

[Kalmarnavia]

Argalaic straightened up. The impudence of this creature apparently knew no bounds.

"Prince Argalaic, or 'Your Grace', will suffice. Our journey was long, arduous and tiring- I could not have traveled here with my companions by my preferred means, Styrax is not fond of carrying more than I upon her back for very long. I believe we shall follow the lead of our host, and retire for a short period. I am told the rooms we are staying in are well-appointed, so I expect yours shall be too. If you would excuse us- Ser Trevyn? Escort Ser Dontas and I to our rooms, then find Ser Jace. He shall relieve you as guard for the rest of the day so you may rest."

Argalaic turned to go up the stairs to his rooms with Dontas, Ser Trevyn following on behind.

"Arge...did he say that they also possessed dragons?"
"Yes, he seemed to suggest as much. It was always entirely possible the dragons of our realms were not the only ones in existence but this news is...troubling, in light of discussions I have had with the Emperor."

Dontas stopped in the middle of the hallway.

"Discussions? What kind of discussions?"
"Politics, economics and the future of nations, my dear Ser Dontas."
"Arge I swear to the Twelve, if you're going to drag me into some harebrained scheme for personal glory..."
"Aha, funny you should say that. Ser Trevyn, the door?"

Ser Trevyn opened the door to Argalaic's rooms. He gestured for Dontas to follow.

"Allow me to explain in private?"

Ser Trevyn closed the door behind them, and went off to find Ser Gerold. He wasn't sure, but he was somewhat certain he could hear a decidedly raised voice, that sounded suspiciously like Ser Dontas.

[Alegeharia]

Malik's ears flicked about as he gathered what little he could from the fading voices. He pondered on the thoughts of dragons and the emporer as his group walked around the palace venturing to their rooms. Malik looked around his room, how droll of a place, even in his castle albiet stone it still felt warm, there was something amiss here. He put his robe back on to cover his body, looking more like a commoner of the streets now, he said aspell in enochian to safeguard his personal items under the robe letting encroachment become an alarm before leaving his room yet again. He paused for a second as he felt something rustle in one of the pockets in the robe.
"Why Icharien, this is no place for hatchling like you... Stay hidden, stay quiet, there is something dark here and I think it best to find out. Why with all these tall buildings I'm sure someone is having quite the fun."
Aither was indeed thrilled. He had left palace as soon as he found his quarters. He ventured around the nearby area before finding a tall building, looking around to make sure no one was around and checking roofs for guard placements he started climbing up the wall scaling fup what precious little foot hoods the stone work gave, true it's easier with claws but it still proves a challenge when there's hardly any imperfections to use. After a few minutes he finally made it up to the roof, he sat on it's tallest point and looked around, from a pouch on his belt he pulled out some worn bamboo and stuck it in his maw idly chewing on it, a habit he picked up to relax, pulling out a collapsed periscope from another pouch finding sights on Malik walking around, then scanning the rest of the area.

[Kalmarnavia]

Ser Gerold stood stonefaced outside Prince Argalaic's rooms. Occasionally courtiers, guards, the so-called magi and the poor wretches the Emperor had enslaved walked passed. The all stared. Some whispering to each other. Ser Gerold did not mind. His armour was greater and more complex than any than the guards and soldiers wore. He was a good head taller than most he had seen. And his chestplate bore the nine sword emblem of his order. He certainly cut a striking figure.

A comely looking female slave wearing a slip of purple silky material approached the door holding a try with two ornate goblets and a large, apparently very full decanter jug. She smiled shyly at Ser Gerold, who responded with a sly grin. He knocked on the door, and opened it slightly.

"Your Grace? Did you request...refreshment?"
"Yes! Well over an hour ago, when I sent Ser Trevyn to take a rest. Send it in."
"Your Grace."

Ser Gerold stood aside, opening the door. The girl entered, and sat the goblets and decanter on a table. She looked demurely from the Prince, who had changed from his tunic into a simple shirt and trousers, and Ser Dontas. She smiled warmly.

"Thank you for providing the wine," said Arge, not unkindly, "that will be all."

The girl bowed low, and departed with Ser Gerold tightly closing the door at her back.

Arge poured the goblets to the brim, drained one, and refilled it before offering the other to Dontas. He stood tightfaced, staring.

"..."
"..."
"You can't stay quiet forever Don."
"...You had no ri-"
"I haven't done anything, Don! I made a suggestion I didn't betroth you to anyone!"
"Yet."

Argalaic forced the goblet into Dontas' hand.

"IF we found you a bride here. If we secured an alliance that could be strengthened by that marriage, you should consider it your duty to your country to secure that alliance. I shall not pull rank, shall not utilise who we are. But Ser Dontas, believe me- if I must, I would put the Six Realms before our friendship."

Dontas sighed, and drank deeply.

"...If it comes to it, I want to choose my own. I want that freedom at least, Arge."
"I cannot guarantee that, Don as you well know. But I shall push for your preferred match, if it comes to it."
"Thank you."

Argalaic poured himself another goblet. Dontas took another heavy gulp.

"Arge?"
"My friend?"
"...If I am impudent stop me here, but...you're betrothed, you have position, you're a key military commander. Why are you pushing to involve yourself in a foreign war, to involve us in a foreign war."
"..."
"I'm sorry, Arge I-"
"No no, it's a legitimate enough ask. Rachel will make a brilliant wife, a fantastic mother. I have position, and adoration. And glory enough for myself. But I must bring it to the realm. Partaking in the Emperor's war, winning his trust, winning rights for our economy and our guilds to trade, to work, to invest here- I win and as does our realm. I want to contribute, I don't want to pushed into shadows when my brother basks in the light of a crown."

Dontas drank deeply, and nodded satisfied.
"And anyway, all of that means if the worst comes to the worst I am keenly and securely placed to take the throne."

Dontas sprayed wine everywhere, while Arge burst into laughter.

"The sad thing is," the knight said wiping his mouth and chin, "you're at least partly serious."
"Well, I remain heir to my brother so long as he is without child. If that continues and he was to lose his life, the I by right become King. This merely ensures security for me."

Dontas nodded.

"Enough of that, let us be merry and drink until such times as the Emperor's guests are here, and we can begin to be properly festive."
"Hear, hear"

Argalaic poured two more goblets, handed one to Dontas, and raised in toast.

"To the King!"
"The King!"

They slammed goblets, and drank heartily.

[Phaenix]

Opiter quickly pulled out his knife and held it to Primrose's neck. He looked at Butler and spoke.
"Let me leave, or I'll slice this man's throat! I mean it!"
Before Barber could answer, an axe buried itself in Opiter's head. As Opiter fell over dead, High King Siganeld offered Primrose his hand.
"You'd do good to not get kidnapped again, boy. Who knows when Siganeld the Strong will be there to save you?"

Adam Barber could almost hear Saul Andrews, standing behind him, passing judgement on his abilities. "Sloppy work, Adam. You got rattled, and you missed." He had been imprecise, which was one of the greatest sins a Gunslinger could commit. And that imprecision had led to another sin: failing to protect his charge. John Henry Primrose was frozen in place by the knife against his throat, looking to Adam with panicked eyes. It was the first time in his life that he'd ever felt truly afraid for his life.

And then, suddenly, the knife was gone. The robber collapsed as Siganeld buried his axe in Opiter's skull, spraying John with bit of blood and brains. John's legs collapsed under him and he fell to the street alongside his would-be kidnapper. He sat there, in a daze, until his rescuer offered a hand to help him stand back up. He took it and rose from the street, wiping some flecks of blood from the side of his face.

"Well, getting into this mess was not how I'd planned to spend the day," John said.

"Thank you for your help," Adam chimed in as he lowered his revolver. It seemed that the bandits had been routed, and the threat had passed. "We're trying to reach the palace, but we became lost."

Phaerix, Umbra District

High King Siganeld retrieved his axe from the dead bandit and laughed.
"You're heading to the palace, you say. What a coincidence, so are we!"
Siganeld swept his arm out and laughed again.
"Seems this city isn't as boring as I thought. These bandits were actually a bit of a challenge, though no man can best Siganeld the Strong!"
After Siganeld had finished gloating, High General Numeri rode up to the Barber and Primrose.
"You two caused me a great deal of trouble. Those bandits killed three of my men and wounded seven others," Numeri grinned, "though I have forgotten the excitement of battle, and for reminding me, you have my thanks."
Numeri turned to a legionary looting a body.
"Bring the horses forward!"
He then turned back to Barber and Primrose.
"I do hope you know how to ride, as the Imperial Palace is a quite far away."
The legionary returned with two coursers, one white, the other brown.
Hearing that they were about to leave, Siganeld shouted.
"Nrali! Enough looting. We're leaving."
The thanes and jarls groaned, with Soul-Mug complaining that one of the bandits had a nice Lorian Wine on his belt, before they mounted and waited for Barber and Primrose.

[Alegeharia]

After situating Icharien, Malik was on the streets looking around and taking in the scents of the bustling city, he looked up to the sky catching a familiar shape on the roofs chuckling to himself as he walked around browsing various shops. He inspected each statue, insignia, hints of religion and found himself quite a bit of ways from the castle. He paused at a nearby food place to catch a quick bite, heading into the store he looked over the counter giving a friendly wave and ordering some food before plopping into a booth.

He smiled and thanked the maker giving her a ample tip directly before eating his food. Once he was he full he thanked the maker again and started to head back out to the streets making his way back to the castle, taking various notes on guards, citizens, important objects and landmarks, while drawing a map as he walked.

---

Aither was keeping an eye on Malik the entire time through the periscope. He turned his attention now and then to nearby roofs and walls where he could be seen looking for guards, in case it was not okay for someone to be on roofs. He looked into the direction of various sounds, all incoherent but audible to at least gauge position, he figures that a tussle occurred some ways from the castle but its died down since then. he didn't care about the brawls, as long it did not cause issues for himself and his brothers, he returned to watching Malik once he was back on the streets.

[The Worst Nation Possible But In Europe]

A man walks up the guards at the border. "Here goes nothing" the man thought. It was very unlikely that the people knew anything about The Worst Nation Possible, though granted most people didn't. Most people only knew one thing, even as far as here. They are hostile. Hostile to everyone and everything around them. Never signing any treaties nor sending any diplomats. Also attacking, it was though the stupidity of President Bevito that The Worst weren't seen as much of a threat. What is a spearman going to do against a fireball? What is a spearman going to do against a machine-gun? He knows that if he is going to pull this off, it needs to be far from Bevito, and far from were people think of his nation as a joke.

[Atlantian Dominions]

High King Siganeld retrieved his axe from the dead bandit and laughed. "You're heading to the palace, you say. What a coincidence, so are we!" Siganeld swept his arm out and laughed again. "Seems this city isn't as boring as I thought. These bandits were actually a bit of a challenge, though no man can best Siganeld the Strong!"

After Siganeld had finished gloating, High General Numeri rode up to the Barber and Primrose. "You two caused me a great deal of trouble. Those bandits killed three of my men and wounded seven others," Numeri grinned, "though I have forgotten the excitement of battle, and for reminding me, you have my thanks." Numeri turned to a legionary looting a body. "Bring the horses forward!" He then turned back to Barber and Primrose. "I do hope you know how to ride, as the Imperial Palace is a quite far away." The legionary returned with two coursers, one white, the other brown.

Hearing that they were about to leave, Siganeld shouted. "Nrali! Enough looting. We're leaving." The thanes and jarls groaned, with Soul-Mug complaining that one of the bandits had a nice Lorian Wine on his belt, before they mounted and waited for Barber and Primrose.

Neither John Henry Primrose or Adam Barber could be said to demonstrate incredible skill at mounting and riding a horse, but they'd both done it enough times to get seated on the mounts without looking foolish. John seemed more at ease astride the beast than Adam did - as an Owner's son he'd gotten an equestrian education by default, though he rarely rode in a saddle. Adam, on the other hand, had never quite gotten over a juvenile distrust of horses bred by his time on the streets as a youth.

“Our apologies for the loss of your men,” Adam said to Numeri. “Thank you for coming to our aid.”

“There was no one to welcome us at the docks,” John said, somewhat put off at the High General’s words that seemed to blame him for the deaths of his men. As if he’d wanted to get accosted and nearly kidnapped in some dingy foreign brothel district! “We thought we’d make our own way to the palace. But I’m grateful for the escort.”

As the group began their journey to the palace, Adam thought to ask the commander of these troops about their encounter. He rode up to a position alongside General Numeri. “Who were those men who attacked us?”

Meanwhile, John was interested in this High King who had made such a dramatic entrance and saved him from his would-be kidnappers. “So,” he asked Siganeld as they proceeded down the streets. “What do you know of this Emperor we’re going to visit?”

[Phaenix]

High King Siganeld retrieved his axe from the dead bandit and laughed. "You're heading to the palace, you say. What a coincidence, so are we!" Siganeld swept his arm out and laughed again. "Seems this city isn't as boring as I thought. These bandits were actually a bit of a challenge, though no man can best Siganeld the Strong!"

After Siganeld had finished gloating, High General Numeri rode up to the Barber and Primrose. "You two caused me a great deal of trouble. Those bandits killed three of my men and wounded seven others," Numeri grinned, "though I have forgotten the excitement of battle, and for reminding me, you have my thanks." Numeri turned to a legionary looting a body. "Bring the horses forward!" He then turned back to Barber and Primrose. "I do hope you know how to ride, as the Imperial Palace is a quite far away." The legionary returned with two coursers, one white, the other brown.

Hearing that they were about to leave, Siganeld shouted. "Nrali! Enough looting. We're leaving." The thanes and jarls groaned, with Soul-Mug complaining that one of the bandits had a nice Lorian Wine on his belt, before they mounted and waited for Barber and Primrose.

Neither John Henry Primrose or Adam Barber could be said to demonstrate incredible skill at mounting and riding a horse, but they'd both done it enough times to get seated on the mounts without looking foolish. John seemed more at ease astride the beast than Adam did - as an Owner's son he'd gotten an equestrian education by default, though he rarely rode in a saddle. Adam, on the other hand, had never quite gotten over a juvenile distrust of horses bred by his time on the streets as a youth.

“Our apologies for the loss of your men,” Adam said to Numeri. “Thank you for coming to our aid.”

“There was no one to welcome us at the docks,” John said, somewhat put off at the High General’s words that seemed to blame him for the deaths of his men. As if he’d wanted to get accosted and nearly kidnapped in some dingy foreign brothel district! “We thought we’d make our own way to the palace. But I’m grateful for the escort.”

As the group began their journey to the palace, Adam thought to ask the commander of these troops about their encounter. He rode up to a position alongside General Numeri. “Who were those men who attacked us?”

Meanwhile, John was interested in this High King who had made such a dramatic entrance and saved him from his would-be kidnappers. “So,” he asked Siganeld as they proceeded down the streets. “What do you know of this Emperor we’re going to visit?”

Phaerix, Noble District

High General Numeri turned to Barber and grimaced.
"Those were members of the Bloody Skulls. Usually they're not so bold as to attack in broad daylight."
Numeri lowered his voice to a whisper.
"We believe that our rivals, the Rohdar-Gozari, are bankrolling them as a prelude to war, but we have no evidence."
Numeri scowled once more.
"As if this city didn't suffer enough five years ago, now we have foreign guests being attacked in broad daylight. That Antoniae Galvisia probably had a hand in this, just to smear the Emperor's good name."
Numeri composed himself once more and smiled.
"But never mind that. We should be entering the Noble District any time now."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Numeri was speaking with Barber, High King Siganeld spoke with Primrose.
"Emperor Titus? Well, he's better than his brother was, that's for sure. Though his time on the frontier has made him annoyed by protocol. That's probably why he invited you and I."
Siganeld grinned as an elderly noble scowled and muttered "barbarian" as he rode past.
"The last couple of Emperors wouldn't have let foreigners into their country if their lives depended on it. But Emperor Titus knows that his country needs to open itself up to the outside world to prosper. But he's not doing this for egalitarian reasons, no, he does it because he's pragmatic."
Siganeld smiled.
"If it would help both him and the Empire, he'd probably enslave us all on the spot with no second thought. But that probably won't happen. He does have an image to maintain."

[Alegeharia]

After situating Icharien, Malik was on the streets looking around and taking in the scents of the bustling city, he looked up to the sky catching a familiar shape on the roofs chuckling to himself as he walked around browsing various shops. He inspected each statue, insignia, hints of religion and found himself quite a bit of ways from the castle. He paused at a nearby food place to catch a quick bite, heading into the store he looked over the counter giving a friendly wave and ordering some food before plopping into a booth.

He smiled and thanked the maker giving her a ample tip directly before eating his food. Once he was he full he thanked the maker again and started to head back out to the streets making his way back to the castle, taking various notes on guards, citizens, important objects and landmarks, while drawing a map as he walked.

---

Aither was keeping an eye on Malik the entire time through the periscope. He turned his attention now and then to nearby roofs and walls where he could be seen looking for guards, in case it was not okay for someone to be on roofs. He looked into the direction of various sounds, all incoherent but audible to at least gauge position, he figures that a tussle occurred some ways from the castle but its died down since then. he didn't care about the brawls, as long it did not cause issues for himself and his brothers, he returned to watching Malik once he was back on the streets.

Malik Looks around seeing that he is now in the noble district he nods, and starts finding his way towards the castle. He sighs as this is taking too long, but instead of doing the normal time quickener, he lowers to all fours and starts running at a breakneck speed heading back towards the castle, he slides under a few horses to avoid a collision since he was so small. "Excuse me! Sorry!" The pup keeps running at full speed after getting through the horses and makes his way to the castle. Slightly embarrassed by his own actions he presses on to find the castle doors.

Once he gets to the gates he pants for a bit and waves at the guards. "H-hey! It's me let me in I need to get to my quarters and prepare for the rest of the day.

[Phaenix]

After situating Icharien, Malik was on the streets looking around and taking in the scents of the bustling city, he looked up to the sky catching a familiar shape on the roofs chuckling to himself as he walked around browsing various shops. He inspected each statue, insignia, hints of religion and found himself quite a bit of ways from the castle. He paused at a nearby food place to catch a quick bite, heading into the store he looked over the counter giving a friendly wave and ordering some food before plopping into a booth.

He smiled and thanked the maker giving her a ample tip directly before eating his food. Once he was he full he thanked the maker again and started to head back out to the streets making his way back to the castle, taking various notes on guards, citizens, important objects and landmarks, while drawing a map as he walked.

---

Aither was keeping an eye on Malik the entire time through the periscope. He turned his attention now and then to nearby roofs and walls where he could be seen looking for guards, in case it was not okay for someone to be on roofs. He looked into the direction of various sounds, all incoherent but audible to at least gauge position, he figures that a tussle occurred some ways from the castle but its died down since then. he didn't care about the brawls, as long it did not cause issues for himself and his brothers, he returned to watching Malik once he was back on the streets.

Malik Looks around seeing that he is now in the noble district he nods, and starts finding his way towards the castle. He sighs as this is taking too long, but instead of doing the normal time quickener, he lowers to all fours and starts running at a breakneck speed heading back towards the castle, he slides under a few horses to avoid a collision since he was so small. "Excuse me! Sorry!" The pup keeps running at full speed after getting through the horses and makes his way to the castle. Slightly embarrassed by his own actions he presses on to find the castle doors.

Once he gets to the gates he pants for a bit and waves at the guards. "H-hey! It's me let me in I need to get to my quarters and prepare for the rest of the day.

Imperial Palace, Titan Gate

The guards looked down at Malik. One laughed.
"Eh, is that strange bear-looking thing speaking? Scaurus," the guard turned to his partner, who frowned at the strong smell of alcohol, and said, "hey Scaurus. Am I drunk, or is their a furry little human down there?"
Scaurus frowned once more and looked down at Malik and jumped. He turned to his partner and slapped him.
"Quintis, you idiot! That's a royal down there!"
Scaurus turned to order that the gate be drawn when he was pushed from the gate. He screamed for a moment, but was cut short when he landed with a sickening crunch. "Quintis" soon changed into a beautiful women with long, black hair. A wolfish smile tugged at her cheeks as she looked at Malik.
"Oh no, it seems our poor Scaurus has suffered a fall. And at the hands of a visiting, non-human royal no less."
She laughed once more and suddenly tears were flowing down her cheeks.
"Stay right there. The guards will soon arrive to take you to your new home. The Imperial Dungeons!"
With that, the woman ran off, yelling "murder, murder."
Before Malik could do anything, Archmagus Konrad appeared next to him.
"That, Your Majesty, was the so-called angel the people speak of and the soon-to-be Empress, Antoniae Galvisia."
He placed a hand on Malik's shoulder.
"You must bring we to your brothers before the people here of this. When we're all together, we can bring you to the safety of the palace."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Imperial Palace, Apartments

One of the Phoenix Guard, Gallus, knocked on the Prince of Kalmarnavia's door.
"Your Highness, are you in there? There's been a murder and we must confirm your safety!"
Meanwhile, another guard knocked on Emperor Titus' door.
"Your Imperial Majesty, one of your loyal servants has been murdered."
Titus quickly flung open his door, armored in his wyvernscale armor with sword at the ready.
"Yes, I heard the bells. Has the culprit been captured?"
The guard bowed his head and went somber.
"No, Your Imperial Majesty. But your betrothed claims that King Malik, the furry one, killed the man."
Titus glowered at the man.
"Do you truly believe that King Malik, though a non-human, could fling a heavily armored guard off the walls of the palace with no one but my betrothed noticing? He is obviously being framed! Assemble a squadron and bring him and his brothers into the palace before there's a pogrom on non-humans!"
When the guard didn't immediately follow his orders, Titus grabbed him by the shoulders and yelled.
"NOW, by the Great Phoenix do it NOW!"
With that, the guard ran off to fulfill his orders.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Phaerix, Noble District

Numeri's ears perked up when he heard the bells and he turned to his charges.
"Apologies, good sirs, but something horrible must have happened for the alarm to have been raised. We must hurry to the palace."
After informing Primrose, Barber, and the Nrali of this, he whipped his horse into a gallop.
Siganeld laughed once more and turned to Primrose.
"This is the most exciting wedding I've ever been to!"

[Alegeharia]

Malik Looks around seeing that he is now in the noble district he nods, and starts finding his way towards the castle. He sighs as this is taking too long, but instead of doing the normal time quickener, he lowers to all fours and starts running at a breakneck speed heading back towards the castle, he slides under a few horses to avoid a collision since he was so small. "Excuse me! Sorry!" The pup keeps running at full speed after getting through the horses and makes his way to the castle. Slightly embarrassed by his own actions he presses on to find the castle doors.

Once he gets to the gates he pants for a bit and waves at the guards. "H-hey! It's me let me in I need to get to my quarters and prepare for the rest of the day.

Imperial Palace, Titan Gate

The guards looked down at Malik. One laughed.
"Eh, is that strange bear-looking thing speaking? Scaurus," the guard turned to his partner, who frowned at the strong smell of alcohol, and said, "hey Scaurus. Am I drunk, or is their a furry little human down there?"
Scaurus frowned once more and looked down at Malik and jumped. He turned to his partner and slapped him.
"Quintis, you idiot! That's a royal down there!"
Scaurus turned to order that the gate be drawn when he was pushed from the gate. He screamed for a moment, but was cut short when he landed with a sickening crunch. "Quintis" soon changed into a beautiful women with long, black hair. A wolfish smile tugged at her cheeks as she looked at Malik.
"Oh no, it seems our poor Scaurus has suffered a fall. And at the hands of a visiting, non-human royal no less."
She laughed once more and suddenly tears were flowing down her cheeks.
"Stay right there. The guards will soon arrive to take you to your new home. The Imperial Dungeons!"
With that, the woman ran off, yelling "murder, murder."
Before Malik could do anything, Archmagus Konrad appeared next to him.
"That, Your Majesty, was the so-called angel the people speak of and the soon-to-be Empress, Antoniae Galvisia."
He placed a hand on Malik's shoulder.
"You must bring we to your brothers before the people here of this. When we're all together, we can bring you to the safety of the palace."

Malik gasped as the exchange went down. Maliks Shoulder shoned brightly from the defensive barrier turning to see the arch magus. "Oh its you again? Don't worry about that it just keeps things from entering. Knowing my brothers they've already moved on some where safe, Vin usually sticks with Aither and he will probably be hard to find. If we act quickly I could heal that man! I co-" Malik was cut off as Aither and Vin approached form another side. They exchanged glances and nodded as if a wordless agreement was made. "I'm sorry... its not safe for me to do such a thing,"

Aither patted Malik on the head as Vin held onto his back, "You wanted us all here? Surely this ploy wont work, However I can see how the politics of it works. I suppose now we will see where the compass points hmmm? Well, lets go then." Aither gnawed some more on the bamboo shoot he had in his mouth as he walked with Malik. Despite the extra weight of Vin, he was easily able to keep himself ready for possible attack, even if it came from the magus, he was ready to use what he calculated would be stronger here due to the ties of the pheonix.

[Phaenix]

Imperial Palace, Titan Gate

The guards looked down at Malik. One laughed.
"Eh, is that strange bear-looking thing speaking? Scaurus," the guard turned to his partner, who frowned at the strong smell of alcohol, and said, "hey Scaurus. Am I drunk, or is their a furry little human down there?"
Scaurus frowned once more and looked down at Malik and jumped. He turned to his partner and slapped him.
"Quintis, you idiot! That's a royal down there!"
Scaurus turned to order that the gate be drawn when he was pushed from the gate. He screamed for a moment, but was cut short when he landed with a sickening crunch. "Quintis" soon changed into a beautiful women with long, black hair. A wolfish smile tugged at her cheeks as she looked at Malik.
"Oh no, it seems our poor Scaurus has suffered a fall. And at the hands of a visiting, non-human royal no less."
She laughed once more and suddenly tears were flowing down her cheeks.
"Stay right there. The guards will soon arrive to take you to your new home. The Imperial Dungeons!"
With that, the woman ran off, yelling "murder, murder."
Before Malik could do anything, Archmagus Konrad appeared next to him.
"That, Your Majesty, was the so-called angel the people speak of and the soon-to-be Empress, Antoniae Galvisia."
He placed a hand on Malik's shoulder.
"You must bring we to your brothers before the people here of this. When we're all together, we can bring you to the safety of the palace."

Malik gasped as the exchange went down. Maliks Shoulder shoned brightly from the defensive barrier turning to see the arch magus. "Oh its you again? Don't worry about that it just keeps things from entering. Knowing my brothers they've already moved on some where safe, Vin usually sticks with Aither and he will probably be hard to find. If we act quickly I could heal that man! I co-" Malik was cut off as Aither and Vin approached form another side. They exchanged glances and nodded as if a wordless agreement was made. "I'm sorry... its not safe for me to do such a thing,"

Aither patted Malik on the head as Vin held onto his back, "You wanted us all here? Surely this ploy wont work, However I can see how the politics of it works. I suppose now we will see where the compass points hmmm? Well, lets go then." Aither gnawed some more on the bamboo shoot he had in his mouth as he walked with Malik. Despite the extra weight of Vin, he was easily able to keep himself ready for possible attack, even if it came from the magus, he was ready to use what he calculated would be stronger here due to the ties of the pheonix.

Imperial Palace, Grand Foyer

Archmagus Konrad nodded in approval upon seeing all the royals in one place. It saved him the effort of portaling all across the city looking for them.
"Good, you're all here."
Archmagus Konrad said as he summoned a portal. Through it, they could see the pillars of the Grand Foyer and slaves cleaning the room meticulously.
"Simply step through this portal, Your Majesty and Your Highnesses, and we'll be safe in the Imperial Palace. From there, we wi-"
Konrad's words were cut of ass an arrow pierced his throat, yet the portal was still active.
"Go....I will close...the portal...once you enter."
The dying Archmagus whispered. He raised his head to see who had shot him, and saw an angry mob of commoners and merchants, along with gangsters armed with crossbows, bows, axes, and the occasional pistol.
"GO!"
Konrad yelled to the royals, using the last of his magic to blow a whole in the mob. Some of the weaker willed ran upon seeing some of their number die, but most became enraged and charged the royals.

[Alegeharia]

Malik gasped as the exchange went down. Maliks Shoulder shoned brightly from the defensive barrier turning to see the arch magus. "Oh its you again? Don't worry about that it just keeps things from entering. Knowing my brothers they've already moved on some where safe, Vin usually sticks with Aither and he will probably be hard to find. If we act quickly I could heal that man! I co-" Malik was cut off as Aither and Vin approached form another side. They exchanged glances and nodded as if a wordless agreement was made. "I'm sorry... its not safe for me to do such a thing,"

Aither patted Malik on the head as Vin held onto his back, "You wanted us all here? Surely this ploy wont work, However I can see how the politics of it works. I suppose now we will see where the compass points hmmm? Well, lets go then." Aither gnawed some more on the bamboo shoot he had in his mouth as he walked with Malik. Despite the extra weight of Vin, he was easily able to keep himself ready for possible attack, even if it came from the magus, he was ready to use what he calculated would be stronger here due to the ties of the pheonix.

Imperial Palace, Grand Foyer

Archmagus Konrad nodded in approval upon seeing all the royals in one place. It saved him the effort of portaling all across the city looking for them.
"Good, you're all here."
Archmagus Konrad said as he summoned a portal. Through it, they could see the pillars of the Grand Foyer and slaves cleaning the room meticulously.
"Simply step through this portal, Your Majesty and Your Highnesses, and we'll be safe in the Imperial Palace. From there, we wi-"
Konrad's words were cut of ass an arrow pierced his throat, yet the portal was still active.
"Go....I will close...the portal...once you enter."
The dying Archmagus whispered. He raised his head to see who had shot him, and saw an angry mob of commoners and merchants, along with gangsters armed with crossbows, bows, axes, and the occasional pistol.
"GO!"
Konrad yelled to the royals, using the last of his magic to blow a whole in the mob. Some of the weaker willed ran upon seeing some of their number die, but most became enraged and charged the royals.

The trio hop through the portal as the magus is shot. Malik loosk back at the magus as the portal swirls down and closes, he curses in an ancient language and looks around the pillars. Malik looks over to Aither and checks on vin finding them to be ok, he ponders what to do next as they scan the area, with no weapons drawn they aim to look innocent as they have no guilt to bear. He waves at the slaves nearby and sighs."Oh fluff, what to do...."

[Atlantian Dominions]

High General Numeri turned to Barber and grimaced. "Those were members of the Bloody Skulls. Usually they're not so bold as to attack in broad daylight." Numeri lowered his voice to a whisper. "We believe that our rivals, the Rohdar-Gozari, are bankrolling them as a prelude to war, but we have no evidence."

Numeri scowled once more. "As if this city didn't suffer enough five years ago, now we have foreign guests being attacked in broad daylight. That Antoniae Galvisia probably had a hand in this, just to smear the Emperor's good name." Numeri composed himself once more and smiled. "But never mind that. We should be entering the Noble District any time now."

This land, in Adam Barber's opinion, had very strange-sounding names. Rohdar-Gozari, Antoniae Galvisia...at least the gang had the decency to call itself something easy to say like "the Bloody Skulls." But it seemed as though this Emperor was losing control, on the streets of his own capital. That wasn't a good sign; he'd have to be more on his guard then he'd expected to be. Who knew what other dangers could threaten his charge?

"Sounds like a real nest of vipers," Adam commented as they rode.

As Numeri was speaking with Barber, High King Siganeld spoke with Primrose. "Emperor Titus? Well, he's better than his brother was, that's for sure. Though his time on the frontier has made him annoyed by protocol. That's probably why he invited you and I." Siganeld grinned as an elderly noble scowled and muttered "barbarian" as he rode past.

"The last couple of Emperors wouldn't have let foreigners into their country if their lives depended on it. But Emperor Titus knows that his country needs to open itself up to the outside world to prosper. But he's not doing this for egalitarian reasons, no, he does it because he's pragmatic." Siganeld smiled. "If it would help both him and the Empire, he'd probably enslave us all on the spot with no second thought. But that probably won't happen. He does have an image to maintain."

It did not fill John Henry Primrose with confidence to be attending the wedding of a man who would enslave him without a second thought. But it sounded like this Emperor Titus was a practical man, and he could deal with a practical man. The ship that he'd taken to get here was full of textiles, foodstuffs, and the other products of Atlantians farms and factories. If this Emperor was a pragmatist, he would see that making a good impression with John was the key to a very lucrative trading relationship. He'd intended to try and do as little business as possible on this trip - he was far more interested in making liaisons of the personal and...intimate nature than forging new trade deals. But a good Atlantian businessman never let a chance for profit slip between his fingers.

Numeri's ears perked up when he heard the bells and he turned to his charges. "Apologies, good sirs, but something horrible must have happened for the alarm to have been raised. We must hurry to the palace." After informing Primrose, Barber, and the Nrali of this, he whipped his horse into a gallop.

Siganeld laughed once more and turned to Primrose. "This is the most exciting wedding I've ever been to!"

"Quite," John remarked as their horses galloped through the streets of the city. Adam did not bring his mount to an immediate fast start. He waited until he could ride alongside John and speak with him as they traveled.

"Quite the exciting place," he said.

John chuckled darkly. "Very exciting," he agreed. "I wouldn't mind if things got a bit less exciting."

[Phaenix]

High General Numeri turned to Barber and grimaced. "Those were members of the Bloody Skulls. Usually they're not so bold as to attack in broad daylight." Numeri lowered his voice to a whisper. "We believe that our rivals, the Rohdar-Gozari, are bankrolling them as a prelude to war, but we have no evidence."

Numeri scowled once more. "As if this city didn't suffer enough five years ago, now we have foreign guests being attacked in broad daylight. That Antoniae Galvisia probably had a hand in this, just to smear the Emperor's good name." Numeri composed himself once more and smiled. "But never mind that. We should be entering the Noble District any time now."

This land, in Adam Barber's opinion, had very strange-sounding names. Rohdar-Gozari, Antoniae Galvisia...at least the gang had the decency to call itself something easy to say like "the Bloody Skulls." But it seemed as though this Emperor was losing control, on the streets of his own capital. That wasn't a good sign; he'd have to be more on his guard then he'd expected to be. Who knew what other dangers could threaten his charge?

"Sounds like a real nest of vipers," Adam commented as they rode.

As Numeri was speaking with Barber, High King Siganeld spoke with Primrose. "Emperor Titus? Well, he's better than his brother was, that's for sure. Though his time on the frontier has made him annoyed by protocol. That's probably why he invited you and I." Siganeld grinned as an elderly noble scowled and muttered "barbarian" as he rode past.

"The last couple of Emperors wouldn't have let foreigners into their country if their lives depended on it. But Emperor Titus knows that his country needs to open itself up to the outside world to prosper. But he's not doing this for egalitarian reasons, no, he does it because he's pragmatic." Siganeld smiled. "If it would help both him and the Empire, he'd probably enslave us all on the spot with no second thought. But that probably won't happen. He does have an image to maintain."

It did not fill John Henry Primrose with confidence to be attending the wedding of a man who would enslave him without a second thought. But it sounded like this Emperor Titus was a practical man, and he could deal with a practical man. The ship that he'd taken to get here was full of textiles, foodstuffs, and the other products of Atlantians farms and factories. If this Emperor was a pragmatist, he would see that making a good impression with John was the key to a very lucrative trading relationship. He'd intended to try and do as little business as possible on this trip - he was far more interested in making liaisons of the personal and...intimate nature than forging new trade deals. But a good Atlantian businessman never let a chance for profit slip between his fingers.

Numeri's ears perked up when he heard the bells and he turned to his charges. "Apologies, good sirs, but something horrible must have happened for the alarm to have been raised. We must hurry to the palace." After informing Primrose, Barber, and the Nrali of this, he whipped his horse into a gallop.

Siganeld laughed once more and turned to Primrose. "This is the most exciting wedding I've ever been to!"

"Quite," John remarked as their horses galloped through the streets of the city. Adam did not bring his mount to an immediate fast start. He waited until he could ride alongside John and speak with him as they traveled.

"Quite the exciting place," he said.

John chuckled darkly. "Very exciting," he agreed. "I wouldn't mind if things got a bit less exciting."

Imperial Palace, Titan Gate

As High General Numeri and the column approached the Imperial Palace, he looked around in dismay. A black scorch mark stained the cobblestone road, and the burnt bodies of Imperials lined the way to the Palace. Once they arrived at the gates, they saw a crowd attempting to break the gate down while a large number of rifle wielding guards demanded they disperse. Numeri stood stop his horse and yelled.
"What are you fools doing?! Disperse immediately or face the Emperor's wrath! Legionaries, skirmish line!"
His soldiers neatly arranged themselves into two rows, their rifles at the ready. One of the mob threw a rock, and the panicked guardsmen atop the wall opened fire, and the legionaries outside followed suit. Yells of anger were replaced by screams of pain, as the mob was gunned down.
"Cease fire! In the name of the Emperor, cease fire!"
Numeri shouted, but it was too late. The mob had gone silent, and nothing moved amongst the corpses. Numeri groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"By the Great Phoenix, why?! Why today of all days?"
Numeri rode up to the wall and yelled at the guards.
"Why was a mob even here in the first place?"
One of the guards shouted down.
"There was a murder. Ol' Scarus was pushed by someone, and Antoniae Galvisia thought it was those bear-things. You know how the commonfolk blame non-humans for the war, and they killed the Archmagus Konrad when he portaled the royals to safety."
Numeri was confused. Bear-things? He was unaware of this, but he turned to the column and spoke.
"While this was an unfortunate tragedy, I believe we'd all be safer within the palace."
As Numeri led the column inside, High King Siganeld shook his head.
"If this is what the week will be like, the Alabaster City will be stained with blood."

[Alegeharia]

This land, in Adam Barber's opinion, had very strange-sounding names. Rohdar-Gozari, Antoniae Galvisia...at least the gang had the decency to call itself something easy to say like "the Bloody Skulls." But it seemed as though this Emperor was losing control, on the streets of his own capital. That wasn't a good sign; he'd have to be more on his guard then he'd expected to be. Who knew what other dangers could threaten his charge?

"Sounds like a real nest of vipers," Adam commented as they rode.


It did not fill John Henry Primrose with confidence to be attending the wedding of a man who would enslave him without a second thought. But it sounded like this Emperor Titus was a practical man, and he could deal with a practical man. The ship that he'd taken to get here was full of textiles, foodstuffs, and the other products of Atlantians farms and factories. If this Emperor was a pragmatist, he would see that making a good impression with John was the key to a very lucrative trading relationship. He'd intended to try and do as little business as possible on this trip - he was far more interested in making liaisons of the personal and...intimate nature than forging new trade deals. But a good Atlantian businessman never let a chance for profit slip between his fingers.


"Quite," John remarked as their horses galloped through the streets of the city. Adam did not bring his mount to an immediate fast start. He waited until he could ride alongside John and speak with him as they traveled.

"Quite the exciting place," he said.

John chuckled darkly. "Very exciting," he agreed. "I wouldn't mind if things got a bit less exciting."

Imperial Palace, Titan Gate

As High General Numeri and the column approached the Imperial Palace, he looked around in dismay. A black scorch mark stained the cobblestone road, and the burnt bodies of Imperials lined the way to the Palace. Once they arrived at the gates, they saw a crowd attempting to break the gate down while a large number of rifle wielding guards demanded they disperse. Numeri stood stop his horse and yelled.
"What are you fools doing?! Disperse immediately or face the Emperor's wrath! Legionaries, skirmish line!"
His soldiers neatly arranged themselves into two rows, their rifles at the ready. One of the mob threw a rock, and the panicked guardsmen atop the wall opened fire, and the legionaries outside followed suit. Yells of anger were replaced by screams of pain, as the mob was gunned down.
"Cease fire! In the name of the Emperor, cease fire!"
Numeri shouted, but it was too late. The mob had gone silent, and nothing moved amongst the corpses. Numeri groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"By the Great Phoenix, why?! Why today of all days?"
Numeri rode up to the wall and yelled at the guards.
"Why was a mob even here in the first place?"
One of the guards shouted down.
"There was a murder. Ol' Scarus was pushed by someone, and Antoniae Galvisia thought it was those bear-things. You know how the commonfolk blame non-humans for the war, and they killed the Archmagus Konrad when he portaled the royals to safety."
Numeri was confused. Bear-things? He was unaware of this, but he turned to the column and spoke.
"While this was an unfortunate tragedy, I believe we'd all be safer within the palace."
As Numeri led the column inside, High King Siganeld shook his head.
"If this is what the week will be like, the Alabaster City will be stained with blood."

Malik turned to see the new group of people enter into the palace he quickly put an unarmed guard up with his brothers following suit, then dropped to a ready stance seeing it was other royal looking figures. "Are you here to fight me or the one that framed me? It's been an interesting day and so short of long lasting allies. " The wolf pup sighed and looked over to Aither and Vin nodding to let them know it's mostly ok. "I have been doing nothing but self defense and I would really rather not go down for something I didn't do so if you aren't here to kill me then please help us, we could use some assistance, this weddings going about as crazy a tavern brawl..."

Aither, the red panda, relaxes some and sighs, it's been a long day for him and it seems that it won't be ending anytime soon. Alas, he has much more to do and it seems it wont be ending anytime soon.

[Kalmarnavia]

Ser Gerold had left his post but for a moment to find a privy in which to relieve himself, but upon his return found a guard hammering on Prince Argalaic's door. His hand went to the hilt of his sword immediately, while the gun in his left wrist began spooling up.

"HALT! Cease at once! What business do you have with the Prince?"

The door suddenly flung open. Argalaic stood there, red faced, breathing heavily, and in anger.

"I swear by all Twelve Gods if someone doesn't explain what is going on dragon or no dragon I will burn this poxy Palace to the ground."

The guard hurriedly explained there had been an act of murder which people had blamed on the small non-human King, and rioting had broken out across the city. Argalaic grew quiet, while Dontas appeared behind him.

"Ser Gerold? Summon your sworn brothers and guard this door. Have someone fetch the black chest from my rooms and bring it here- I shall don my own armour and remain in here with the Prince until such times as order is restored."

Ser Gerold looked to Argalaic, who nodded.

Within moments, the three Knights of the Nine stood stock outside Argalaic's door hands on sword hilts. Inside, Argalaic paced his room while Dontas sat armoured, watching the door. They awaited word from the Emperor of the state of affairs, and what exactly was being done to ensure their safety.

[Danceria]

Phaerix, Talon Harbor

---

Two ships, both alike in dignity, amidst the dingy waters of Talon Harbour is where we lay the scene. Yet neither ship was alike in content nor conduct, for one flew the red aquila of Archades, while the other flew the blue dragon around a white tree. One ship was largely human, while the other held a motley mix of species great and small, and all relatively humanoid. The ship from Archades was indistinguishable from those in Phaenix, the Byzantine spirit proudly borne and enduring. Those from Dunseron were less uniform, hailing from many kingdoms, one of Man, one of Dwarf, and one of Beastfolk. Both nations held proud mariner traditions stretching back to their foundations, yet pleasantries were terse and exchanges were kept painfully curt and short. As the two marched notably apart from one another, many onlookers felt and feared a fight may break out between the two parties here and now. Especially when the tall, dark haired ambassador decided to personally size up the diminutive Dunseron.

“Well, well, well.” Came the Hellene’s haughty introduction. “A Barbaroi’s boat came into harbour, Providence does not favour you.”

“Providence has placed us both in the same harbour and upon the same path.” Came the Dunseron’s succinct reply, and an extension of his hand. “For the sake of Arda, I hope we both make an impression upon this “Emperor”.”

A barking laugh and a few words were exchanged between the Grecian generalissimo and his entourage, “ “For the sake of “Arda”.” he mimicked and mocked the tone of the young, pale skinned and pale-haired knight. “For the sake of Hesperos-” A subtle linguistic correction, between the native Dunserons and the Byzantines who colonized in the east, naming the vast continents that they dwelt upon “-and my cousin the Basileus I am here to display goodly might. I’m certain there is a court for pages to preen their petitions.” From the bowels of the Dunseron ship came the growled chirping telltale of a Dancerian Dragon. Now these beings came in varying sizes-usually the older and more powerful growing in accordance, but most kept smaller sizes. This one in particular had a marble grey coat, slightly larger than a cow but with the nimbleness of a cat, as she gently pawed her way from the depths to the mast and narrowed her eyes at the braggart who belittled her master. Calling back in the secret tongue of the Riders-carried in by the folk of Berk and Old Valkarth, the dragoness slinked down from mast to deck, before skulking off into the waters by the side of their ship. Sea-cat, being the name of the beast, was aptly called for she was as powerful in the ocean as she was in the skies. A young dragoness, she had not formally gone through the ceremony of being bonded to her master, and the two had only trained for a year, yet they were quick and deep companions.

“Beasts hearken unto beasts.” Came further insult from the Doux, who was answered by a cudgel being flung from the deck square into the back of the Grecian’s head. The culprit, a fiery haired and blazing tempered young She-Dwarf, garbed in the metal-woven robes befitting any Lady of Durin’s Folk. What may occur afterwards was a harsh treatsie in Sindarin, politely informing the Doux that his lineage was of catamites, and other persons of loose morals regarding sex and wealth. The silver haired Dunseron representative hushed her, before a full fight broke out between the crews of the vessels.

“...I apologize on behalf of my fiancee.” Came the Dunseron’s words, a respectful bow. “I look forward to our cooperation for the sake of our motherlands, Princeps.”

Whether out of fearlessness or arrogance, the olive skinned Archadean kept his pace up, smugly smirking at the Dunseron heathens. “Try to keep up, milk-boy. You and your circus.” Once more, the She-Dwarf rushed down, now with her axe in order to show her opinion to the Princeps’ pontificating. Once more, the Dunseron held her back. Now was not the time to shed blood in the house of another, and the crew kept their work of unloading their cargo and gifts to lay upon the Lord of the Realm...

[Phaenix]

Ser Gerold had left his post but for a moment to find a privy in which to relieve himself, but upon his return found a guard hammering on Prince Argalaic's door. His hand went to the hilt of his sword immediately, while the gun in his left wrist began spooling up.

"HALT! Cease at once! What business do you have with the Prince?"

The door suddenly flung open. Argalaic stood there, red faced, breathing heavily, and in anger.

"I swear by all Twelve Gods if someone doesn't explain what is going on dragon or no dragon I will burn this poxy Palace to the ground."

The guard hurriedly explained there had been an act of murder which people had blamed on the small non-human King, and rioting had broken out across the city. Argalaic grew quiet, while Dontas appeared behind him.

"Ser Gerold? Summon your sworn brothers and guard this door. Have someone fetch the black chest from my rooms and bring it here- I shall don my own armour and remain in here with the Prince until such times as order is restored."

Ser Gerold looked to Argalaic, who nodded.

Within moments, the three Knights of the Nine stood stock outside Argalaic's door hands on sword hilts. Inside, Argalaic paced his room while Dontas sat armoured, watching the door. They awaited word from the Emperor of the state of affairs, and what exactly was being done to ensure their safety.

Imperial Palace, Apartments

Emperor Titus had just finished reading the palace defenses in case the minor riot turned into a siege when he was alerted that the mob had been slaughtered. He cursed, but had the alarm lowered and the defenses relaxed. He then walked towards the prince's quarters. When he arrived, he nodded his head and spoke.
"You may relax now. The mob threatening the palace has been... dispersed, alas I fear the cause of our trouble is still at large. I would interrogate the only witness, but tradition demands that my wife-to-be be left alone as much as possible."
Titus sighed before speaking once again.
"This changes nothing. The wedding will still take place at the end of the week. Hopefully it will be quieter than today."