Fantasy [Closed] A nation in havoc

[Duke of Doge]

Nia sighed "Just a stinging cheek, and scraped up hands. " she looked down at herself, and the blood on the walls, she put her hand over her mouth "I'm going to be sick" she said looking away from the scene, pulling up her hood once again.
Rhaine

 

[Caffeine Freak]

Sam growled in effort as he rolled the slumped body into the manhole - a sickening crunch as it hit the bottom. Dragging the metal cover back over, Sam straightened up and headed back over, brushing his hands together.
"Damn, that guy was heavy." He grimaced, stopping in his tracks as he realised one person was missing. "Where's Dan? Is he getting a mop?" Sam looked between Ru and Nia. "...What?"


TheCountryWarrior Duke of Doge Rhaine

 

[FireMaiden]

With the orc friend gone, and the sun having set a few hours ago, Zephyra decided to resupply and head back to Dalania. She left a few coppersmith in the bar, and left, cughing a little once she exited the tavern. The dry air making her do so. Hitched outside was Hazel, a purebred Buckskin. The horse whinnied, happy to see his owner after she was missing for a few hours. Zephyra smiled, patting the horse as she unhitched, taking the reins to lead Hazel down the street. She didn't need much, just a few days worth of food, and of they stuck to the roads and didn't stop at any towns, Dalania would be practically a straight shot.

She was only doing this because she was low in coin. The nobles always had stuff for her to do, whether it be something small like protection of transport, of what she normally took on. Which was easily described as Mercenary work. Hell, even the king hired her once for all three. Zephyra however, didn't like the snot nosed little brat she had to protect, always going on about how she should do her job. It took all her might not to clock the kid. Even the memory of that job pissed her off, so better not to think about it. With a sigh, the mercenary hitched Hazel outside a merchants store, and went in. Wasn't there for long, as what she needed was pretty much all he had. Some food, a new map, and a few other things better left unmentioned.

And like that she was in the road again, her cloak on with it's good up, she gave off an aura which could sour milk. Many people may wonder why a woman was out by herself, especially at night and in orc territory. Well, she had made a name for herself as a sword for hire. She was expensive, but worth it. She always got the job done, which meant she was good at what she did. Which would imply that people don't live after crossing her.

Even back home, when she was just a little girl she was trouble. That's why sh- "What the hell?" She felt something strike the back of her head, something hard. Like a rock. The woman turned in time to fuck under the second rock. "What the hell kid!?" She nearly shouted. The kid just ran, making the woman sigh, before she got the hell outta dodge.

 

[Rhaine]

Ru listened intently as Nia spoke, though her eyes stayed trained on the dead man slumped against the stone wall. She barely blinked. At the Princess' last statement, Ru's full attention was brought back, and she came to the other girl's side, resting her hand gently on her shoulder. "Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, Princess Nia. Just focus on breathing and you won't be sick. I have peppermint in my satchel if its serious." It was the tone that she used when she was healing - a calm, but sympathetic cadence, especially considering what the other girl had been through tonight.

It wasn't the first time Ru had seen a man be killed, but she was affected by it all the same. Still, the night air made Ruilethal brave. She felt tall. She looked back to the dead man, catching sight of Samuel as he spoke. She shook her head once before speaking. "I don't believe so. He headed back to the tavern." She answered gravely in response to his question. Honestly, she didn't know how to feel about the events that had taken place. It had all happened so fast, she felt dizzy in its wake.

Duke of Doge Caffeine Freak TheCountryWarrior

 

[Duke of Doge]

Nia did as she was told. Breathing in through her nose and out her mounth. Before turning to Sam "how. Are you so calm?" She said staring at him in disbelief.
Rhaine Caffeine Freak

 

[Caffeine Freak]

"Calm?" Sam stared back in his own equal, yet completely misplaced disbelief. "I'm freaking out, here! A guard could turn the corner any minute! Making a quart of blood and several dozen chunks of grey matter disappear from the side of the roadway is no easy feat!"
Sam let out an annoyed groan, kneeling down to observe the body. "Even in death you're determined to ruin everybody's evening, huh?" He muttered, checking the cadaver's pockets.
"Welp," He breathed, returning to his feet. "I guess we could just leave him here. Not like he's in any shape drop an alibi on us."

Rhaine Duke of Doge TheCountryWarrior

 

[Duke of Doge]

"Calm?" Sam stared back in his own equal, yet completely misplaced disbelief. "I'm freaking out, here! A guard could turn the corner any minute! Making a quart of blood and several dozen chunks of grey matter disappear from the side of the roadway is no easy feat!"
Sam let out an annoyed groan, kneeling down to observe the body. "Even in death you're determined to ruin everybody's evening, huh?" He muttered, checking the cadaver's pockets.
"Welp," He breathed, returning to his feet. "I guess we could just leave him here. Not like he's in any shape drop an alibi on us."

Rhaine Duke of Doge TheCountryWarrior

"Your worried about that?! Your with the princess of Dalania. I can just grant you a pardon."

 

[Caffeine Freak]

Sam blinked. "Oh. Nice, yeah, that's a way better idea! If only I met you a few years ago!"
The rush of dodging the law's bullet faded pretty quickly. "Speaking of which... What are you doing out here, your highness? Surely you should be within the safety of your castle. The night streets are crawling with parasites." He cast her a mixed look of confusion and concern, which quickly melted into sudden realisation. "You.. You 're not supposed to be out here, are you?"


Rhaine Duke of Doge TheCountryWarrior

 

[Rhaine]

Ru remained silent for a few moments before speaking. Blood was nothing new for her, but that level of gore certainly was, and it didn't sit well in her chest. "I don't think any of us should be out here."

Her eyes lingered over the dead man. "What sort of weapon did Dan use to kill them anyway? I've never seen or heard anything like it. Was it magic?" That sent a chill of excitement through her that was only dimmed by the horror of the circumstances. More than that, what power did Dan possess that he could cause such carnage without much effort at all? She wished he hadn't retreated so quickly. She would have liked to ask him.

Caffeine Freak Duke of Doge TheCountryWarrior

 

[Duke of Doge]

"I like to sneak out occasionally... the palace- It's just- I can't be myself! Do what your told, behave yourself. My father wouldn't let me see the world myself. I want to see the country I will be the ruler of someday. I want to know-to understand my people." Nia said shifting a bit in place. "now I see why he didn't want me out here..." she added, looking at the dead man on the side of the road. Before looking down at her feet, speaking quietly. "I should just accept how good I have it, and stop having these childish ideas."
Rhaine Caffeine Freak

 

[Caffeine Freak]

"What sort of weapon did Dan use to kill them anyway? I've never seen or heard anything like it. Was it magic?"

Samuel choked on a laugh. "Magic? Ha! Good one, Ru. But seriously, though." He slid a glance at the dead man. "A handheld projectile weapon that runs on black powder, seems awfully like something Virgo would've developed. I guess these guys were pretty good test subjects."

With a casual turn back to Princess Nia, he began to rub the back of his neck. "I can't say I'm not glad for your independent mindset, your highness, but perhaps some lessons in self defense wouldn't go unwarranted." Sam gave a sideways nod to the tavern. "With all due respect, Dan won't always be around to blow holes in whoever decides you're worth a few pennies."

Duke of Doge Rhaine TheCountryWarrior

 

[Rhaine]

At Samuel's response to her words, Ru's brow raised. "I assure you, Mr. Weiss, I wasn't jesting." She didn't say more, though she wished to. She didn't feel the need to explain herself, and in any case, even if she related what she had seen in her life, she doubted she would get anywhere with him without physical proof. She wanted to question him further about the device he described, but now didn't seem like the time.

She turned her attention back to the Princess by her side, her gaze softening. "I don't think your ideas are childish, Princess. As a future ruler, I believe it is essential that you understand firsthand who and what you will be ruling when the time comes." She spoke as if she had experience in the matter. Glancing back to the dead man, she added, "However... Mr. Weiss is right. You should know how to defend yourself. Have you anyone to teach you? Surely, with all your resources."

Caffeine Freak Duke of Doge TheCountryWarrior

 

[Duke of Doge]

Nia shook her head. "No, I haven't had a teacher. I've been waiting for one to come along, but I want someone to teach me self defense, herbalism, and some alchemy. Topic that, you know, actually interest me. Not math and the other things they teach at the castle." She explained, pausing then for a moment "can we like, go away from the corpse?"
Rhaine Caffeine Freak

 

[Caffeine Freak]

"An amazing suggestion." Sam gave an approving nod. "Let's walk and talk, shall we?" He performed a sweeping gesture to the stretching street.

[...and then went afk for ~8 hours]

 

[Rhaine]

As they began to depart from the horrific scene, the smell of blood passed, replaced by the crisp night air. However, Ru could still feel it's wake as if it were caught in her hair. She pondered heavily, busy with her thoughts. There was a lot to take in.

In a dark part of Ru's mind, she loathed turning her back on the corpse. She imagined it, mangled and disfigured, reaching out for her. She shivered, drawing her cloak closer about her body, resisting the urge to look back.

She considered the Princess' words, and before she could catch it in her throat, she voiced her thought. "I could offer my services to you, Princess, if you wish it. I'm a healer, so herbalism is my trade. I don't pretend to be a master, though I don't know many that truly exist. As for self defense..." She looked down to the street below. "I know my way proper around a dagger - how to defend myself the best I can manage from those bigger than me... which is everyone." Her last words carried a sardonic note to it. She flushed, almost regretting speaking at all. "Forgive me for my forwardness, your highness." She quietly added, the strength she had possessed only minutes before all but forgotten. It was a ridiculous notion now that she considered it. An Elf with a name that meant nothing here instructing the Princess of Dalania.

Ru thought the sharing of knowledge was one of the most noble pursuits to be found, and she rose to teach and to learn whenever she could. Still, so much for not getting involved.

Duke of Doge

 

[Duke of Doge]

Nia held up a hand "Dont apologize. It's exactly that kind of forwardness I'm looking for. For once I want people to see me as a person, not a princess. Some straightforwardness is exactly what I want." She said with a smile, before she'd blink. "Of course I'd have to convince my father you are trustworthy. But I mean..." she did her best puppy dog eyes "who can resist this?"

Sure letting someone you met only hours before possibly be your teacher wasn't the smartest plan, but Nia had always trusted her gut instict, acting on impulse. So far it had worked.

She brushed her hair out of her face, emerald eyes soon looking skyward. Staring at the clear night sky as aurora soon began to dance across the sky, mixing with the monumental amout of stars in the sky in a beautiful display of color, painting the ground below with just a slight green tint.

Nia stared at the spectical in silence for a time before speaking her mind- "This never gets old... I could just lay down and watch this for hours."
Rhaine

 

[Caffeine Freak]

Samuel nodded, his gaze set dreamily on the obsidian sky melting into the stars. "Maybe one day we'll all have the luxury of doing so." He breathed, a brief glance over his shoulder at the streets in their midst. Thoughts began to bubble into his mind, about how ill-prepared he was for the evening's earlier encounter, about how he'd been unable to lend a hand to the Princess and instead let Dan step in, about how narrowly they had avoided-

He wouldn't let himself think about what might've happened, but Sam realised that for once in his life he had people who weren't himself to care about, and I'll be damned if I stand by and let something like that happen to my friends again. 'Friends', yes, that was the word. Although tonight was hardly a bonding session, he felt closer to these people than he had to anyone else in his life.

"We should get going. It's getting late." He gave an insightful nod to the lack-of-sun-ness in the sky.

Rhaine Duke of Doge

 

[Rhaine]

As the Princess spoke praise and looked to her with a light-hearted pout and a bat of her eyes, Ru flushed and let out a soft sound that might have been a laugh, faintly covering her mouth as she did. It was shaky and disjointed. She still hadn't recovered from the carnage that had seemed to mar the night, and good-natured humor almost seemed surreal.

At the taller girl's next words, Ru's green gaze turned to the picturesque sky. Something quiet resonated in her. The sky was the same no matter where you were. The thought gave her courage, and she felt less alone. It wasn't complete or wholly placating, but it certainly wasn't nothing. At Samuel's hushed words, her eyes found his form beside her. "Hopefully." Ru wished the quiet word had sounded more optimistic.

Her gaze fell. She nodded in agreement of Samuel's next words. "You're right, Mr. Weiss. I think I speak for all of us when I say that there has been enough excitement for one night." Her tone was almost breathless.

Duke of Doge Caffeine Freak

 

[Caffeine Freak]

Sam stared at the night sky a moment longer, his determination becoming the mould for his next plan. "I should get back to the lab. Urgent matters require my attention." He swept around and strode off down the street. "I'll meet you back at that tavern tomorrow!" He called over his shoulder, before the shadows cast by the leering buildings engulfed him.

The door burst open, then slammed shut again as Sam barraged into his lab. Mechanical microscopes, test tubes, unlit burners and assortments of possibly illegal substances lay scattered across the middleroom workspace, whilst a wooden desk sat quietly in the corner. "The time for standing around has passed." He declared dramatically, swiping various blueprints and apparatus clean from his desk with an audible crash. "Now I have a reason to fight on." He whispered, slinging an oak leather satchel onto the wooden surface. A devious smile spread across his face.

 

[Duke of Doge]

Nia took her eyes off of the sky, breathing a breath of warm air into her hands as she started back the way she came. "You can follow me back to the castle if you want." She said tossing a glance back to Ru. "I might summon you to the castle tomorrow, so try and keep a loose schedule, and find some nice clothes."
Rhaine

 

[Rhaine]

Ru watched Samuel take off into the night with a smile before she turned to the red-haired girl. She gave a nod, a pleasant expression taking form over her features. "There are strength in numbers." The cold wasn't fluid or impermanent. It held fast against her skin. She shifted under the fabric of her clothes.

She stilled slightly with the information Nia gave her, though she continued to walk on. Her eyes widened and there was a pause before she managed to speak. "Oh yes - yes, my Lady, I will." Her mind whirred in a million different directions. Ru gently gathered a bit of fabric from the skirt of her dress in her hand, moving her thumb over the dull, coarse fabric. It was a plain dress, meant for hiding.

If she was summoned to the castle tomorrow, she wouldn't be able to hide anymore. It was a frightful thought, but for some reason it only stirred a thrill through her.

Her eyes searched the Princess' form. She wondered how the girl was truly coping after everything that had happened. It certainly hadn't managed to weaken her, as the girl seemed to walk with firmer step, even spattered in blood. Ru thought she might be made of something stronger than may have been previously assumed.

They drew nearer to the castle. Ru pulled her hair over her ears with slightly trembling fingertips. "I hope you are faring well, Princess Nia." She voiced her earlier thought with quiet sincerity, and it almost sounded like farewell.

Caffeine Freak Duke of Doge

 

[Duke of Doge]

(I had to type this twice, because school wifi is fucking dogshit.)
Nia stopped walking a good distance from the castle wall. Taking off her cloak and folding it up before putting it into her bag. " Trying to forget about it" Truth be told, she probably wouldn't get much sleep tonight, and she'd probably be "off" for a few days.

It was like a dark cloud was looming over her head, and she just ignored the fact it was there. Much like the death of her mother, she simply ignored it. Preferring to focus on the present, and how it will effect the future.

Above all else, when push comes to shove, if Nia wants to do something, nothing short of death would stop her from doing what she wanted. So if she wants to not be affected by what just happened, she will keep moving forward no matter what.

Nia looked at the shorter girl at her side " okay so basically, what you're doing to do is-" she stopped mid sentence, noticing Ru's now exposed ears. " You're an elf?" She said stating the obvious, raising a brow and tilting her head to the side.
Rhaine

 

[Rhaine]

Ru listened, and was at once taken aback by the Princess' sudden declaration. A question formed over her lips, a voice to her confusion, but it didn't reach open air. As the cold nipped at the pointed tips of her ears, Ru came to clarity.

Of course.

The Princess hadn't known she was an Elf. Whatever Ru had attained had been on a preconceived false notion, a misconception. The realization was bitter, but almost comfortable in its familiarity.

She bowed her head slightly. "Yes, your highness. You should know... I did not intentionally conceal it from you. I am aware that this changes things. I have no expectations, my Lady." Her voice was docile, yet unwavering. It had been heavy-handed of her to have simply believed that the Princess was aware of who she had accepted service from. Now it was apparent, hanging in the air between them. She was an Elf, and not only an Elf, but one not originally from Dalania. Ruilethal waited for what she had come to expect.

Duke of Doge

 

[Duke of Doge]

"Thats cool, never met an elf before. Actually having an elf as a teacher for the princess could improve our reputation." She said simply. "Alright, I'm going to go in. Goodnight, see you tomorrow!" She said before running off towards the castle. Luckily, getting into the castle without being spotted.
Rhaine

 

[Rhaine]

Ru could hardly believe her senses. With a few simply-put words, the red-haired girl had defied every and all expectation. She blinked, willing herself to say something. The Princess had turned before she could completely recover her bearings. "Y-Yes! Alright! Goodnight, Princess!" She stood alone, hands clasped together against her chest, shivering as a heavy gust whipped at her cloak and her hair.

She would not sleep tonight. Too much had happened. Ru resolved herself to retrieve her wits for the morning. She would need them.

Duke of Doge