Dragon Knight's War (1st arc)

[SerenityAngel]

Many centuries ago there lived a powerful king and queen who ruled the world with both kindness and a firm hand. The king was nearly the embodiment of color and light while the queen was the embodiment of the night sky on the clearest night with the moon in full. The king was as kind and gentile as the queen was firm and disciplined. They were no ordinary king and queen. They were the Dragon Rulers. Being of great power that were  born with the powers of dragons and their unique abilities. Those of this breed were very long lived but matured as humans did but stopped aging at maturity.

​

After three thousand years of marriage and ruling the pair were finally blessed with an heir. A princess with golden hair and looked much like her father in coloring but had the beauty of her mother. Surprisingly, only four years later a son was born to the queen and had the same golden hair and grey eyes but something was off during the birth and it forebode of things to come. Eleven years later the king and queen disappeared and assumed they had died and the heir was their daughter, Angel. A year later, when she turned 16, the dragon ruler coronation happened and Serenity was made to awaken as her true self before she was ready and became queen. She was still new to ruling and was not used to having to be responsible for thousands of places and millions of lives. She slowly learns what it truly takes to be a ruler, let alone a good ruler.


Only about two years ago the Queen and her brother, the prince, were suddenly at war with one another. The details on the battle itself are vague at best but it was fought between the queen and her brother and the knights evenly distributed between the two. The queen was barely able to grasp the win and with a heavy heart banished her brother, the knights that stood beside him and those that backed him from the kingdom until such a time as she sees fit for them to return. The queen was gravely wounded but being the ruling dragon her powers of healing were enough to keep her alive and eventually heal a year later after the battle with her brother. Now Angel is back on her feet but her days now have been covered with grey clouds and she doesn't smile anymore. Her heart has been covered with a shadow of shame of what she had done to her brother.

 

[SerenityAngel]

The day nearly sprung into action as the sun climbed into the blue sky speckled with white fluffy clouds dancing about. The people were happier than they had been in a long time since the princess became queen. The brow of the still young lady was heavy these days with sorrow and bewilderment but kept a smile upon her pretty face to keep her people's spirits high. How long she could continue this façade no one knew. She sat in the throne as a proper queen should and thought upon the past and everything that led up to this point. It weighed her heart down to be without her brother for two years now. No one knew that she was doing everything she could to change the way the kingdom is but being only one person and having many things hidden from her sight and ears so she needs people she could trust to tell her of the truth or she can't do her job properly. The only person she could truly trust in the entire kingdom anymore was Serenity, her Dragon Knight Commander. Thankfully Serenity was nearly always by her side if she was not training either herself or the other knights. Angel was brought some documents to take care of and keep the kingdom running. After morning routines she was able t get up and walk the castle grounds to her own desire and so she did with a heavy heart and a practiced fake smile.

​

Serenity begins her day before anyone else and gets up an hour before the sun rises to get her own training done and push herself to her own limit before she would train with the other soldiers She always tried to be the perfect soldier as her dragon side demanded of her. Her golden and shining armor was polished to a mirror shine, even her helmet had not even a fingerprint on it. She made her way to the castle grounds and toward the training grounds to see if she could find any of her fellow knights to see if there was anything she needed to bring to the queen to help her make this a better kingdom. She saw that some of the common soldiers were slacking off and playing around when they should have been training so she yelled at them with a firm voice to get them into shape. They were quick to get back into line and start training hard when her voice rang out and her emerald green eyes watched them and how they would pull out all the stops and truly hold up the honor of being soldiers worthy of the kingdom of Terashimasu and to serve the Queen of Light.

​

@Cunning Commander @Iskander @Wandering Hollow @revior
​

 

[Iskander]

Miles and miles away, up between the stony peaks of the young kingdom of Tasogare, a large shadow passed over the rocks and slopes of the land. The way it flashed across the ground was clearly too swift to be a cloud, and if one were to look up and squint against the brilliant light of the early morning sun, their suspicion would quickly be proven correct. High above flew a dragon, reptilian beast of giant proportions, beating its wings almost lazily as it steered across the landscape.


Adelaide Hyde was doing her mornings rounds over the area surrounding the castle grounds. Partly because even though she did not feel them when she was in her human form, her dragon wings could use some stretching every now and then, partly for security’s sake. She blinked her large yellow eyes and peered down through her slitted pupils, seeing everything in sharp black and white contrast. Down below she could see the occasional building and roaming herd of livestock, punctuated by small human forms.


In the two years that she and her fellow Knights had been here, the people of Tasogare had grown accustomed to dragons passing overhead. They still stopped and looked towards the sky as one passed overhead, but just as soon got back to their work. From up here, it wasn’t much different. Almost every morning did Adelaide fly her beat around this place, and things had almost started to become dull. Every day the same castle walls, the same houses, the same cracks and crevices in the more unhospitable spots of the mountain range. She didn’t register everything anymore, as it had become so trancelike a routine.


At this moment, she realized she had made her way back to the castle already, and veered slightly to the left to come in at the right angle to land. Due to the geography of the kingdom, Tasogare was in equal parts cramped together and spread out. Any parts that were flat enough to build on were used to their full potential, but they were few and far in between. It just so happened that the courtyard of the castle was big enough to fit one adult dragon, barely. Adelaide flew a half circle to aim and touched town on the rough flagstones, as the few people that were there quickly moved out of the way. As soon as her claws touched the ground, she concentrated and shifted back into her usual self.


Technically, she should report to the King after patrol, but she figured another empty report would be a waste of both of their time. Still, nodding at a few people as she went by, she stalked towards the gate into the stone building.


@SerenityAngel@Cunning Commander@Wandering Hollow@revior

 

[revior]

Joseph Tauber


Slowly, gently, the morning sunlight seeps in from the gaps between the curtains and feel onto the back on a man, one that is asleep on the table. Feeling the sudden heat, the man lazily got up and felt his aching head. He had been up for most of the night, shifting through documents, sorting out information obtained from his network. He looks through the gap between his curtains and his tired eyes met with the rising sun, burning them. The sensation fully woke him, and he turned back to the assortment of documents on the table and frowned. He realized that he had been drooling on them. Hastily he shifts through them again, letting out a sigh of relief when none was too damaged. Fighting against his headache, he got up and puts on his dark cloak, his padded shoes and his mask. He plans to meet with the king today and discuss a matter of some importance.


How long has it been, two years? Two years since they've left home, well, most of them, and came to this new land, a land belonging to them. Yet, the man named Joseph, the spy master felt that the king may still be licking his old wounds, the desire for vengeance and to prove his superiority over his sister, the queen of Terashimasu, still fresh in his mind. Perhaps soon, there will be another war. Good, the spy master thought, the peace was getting tiresome for him.


In time, he arrived at the courtyard, at the exact moment Adelaide returning from her patrol. A chill ran down his spine at this exact moment, and Joseph began scanning his surroundings for another fellow knight, Annabelle Schwartz. Is she not around? He thought, unable to find her, even though she can be often found sticking around Adelaide when off duty. Perhaps she's stalking someone else today, maybe the king.


"Oh crap! Oh crap! I'm up late again."


Form behind him, Joseph hears a familiar voice, and it snapped him out of his thoughts. But before he could even turn, he was knocked down into the ground before he realized it by a slender figure.


Tamamo Mizuchi


Today as well, she got up late. A bodyguard wasn't supposed to wake up later than the one she's guarding, especially if the one is a king. She'll probably be scolded by Adelaide again. Thinking about this, she rushed out of her room and down the hallway, not keeping her eyes on where she's going. It was inevitable that she'll run into something, and indeed, she did. However, it was fortunate, since the one she ran into and knocked down was just Joseph. Really, he should have seen it coming.


Looking somewhat angry, or at least Tama thought he looked angry beneath his hood, the man got up, dusting off his clothes before crossing his arms. He seems like he's going to say something, but decided against it and walked away. Joseph doesn't talk very often, at least when he doesn't need to. But it wasn't as if he's mute like Anna either, which makes Tama thinks he's looking down on everybody else, adding to her dislike for him. Well, if he isn't going to speak, nether am I, she childishly though, walking away from him, before realizing that she needed to head for the other direction, towards the castle. She could tale a detour, but that'll make her even later. Not wanting to be scolded even more, she decided to begrudgingly follow behind Joseph pouting slightly in her displeasure.


@SerenityAngel @Wandering Hollow @Iskander @Cunning Commander

 

[Ticci Toby Rogers]

Gilbert Beilschmidt
​

Gilbert awoke as he always did: Trying to turn off his alarm, only to his the little joy buzzer instead. The small pranking device sent a small shock through his body, and he was fully awake in a matter of seconds. To most the buzzer would be a small annoyance in the morning, but to Gilbert, it awakened the dragon in him, and therefore awoke the human as well. Gilbert groaned, as he was not a morning person, wile he roiled out of bed and began to suit up for the day of training. Gilbert had a rule, and smart people knew it without being told: no talking around Gilbert until he had been shocked by something stronger then the buzzer, or had caffeine in his system. Everyone was happier thanks to that rule. Gilbert got in less trouble, and solders stopped being the victims of ruthless, literature inspired revenge pranks, for the splitting headache Gilbert had received. No one wanted a repeat of the pig's blood incident (Carrie, Stevin King). 


Gilbert managed to throw back a strong cup of black coffee, and a few shocks from a prank pen, and he was feeling like himself again. He hurried his way down to training, in time to see Serenity scolding some of the more lax solders. Gilbert smirked as he walked up to the beautiful creature, and asked, "Oh my radiant Serenity, how do you do it? How do you manage to become more beautiful each and every day? How can one of the most gorgeous examples of what God can make, somehow manage to shine brighter and brighter every day? You look perfect, as usual, Serenity... Your breast look nice with that extra tightening in your armer, and your figure has never been more pronounced!" 

 

[SerenityAngel]

As Serenity was disciplining her soldiers the day moved on and she kept her straight posture as usual. She strived to be the perfect soldier and knight that the queen needed. She saw in her and her rule that the future would be bright and better than it was when she was a child. She knew without a shadow of a doubt that Queen Angel would bring the kingdom to peace one day. As she watched her soldiers train harder she heard the familiar voice of a confident fellow Dragon Knight and one under her command. Her emerald green eyes kept straight and watched the soldiers train with all their heart and soul. Gilbert, the confident Teutonic Knight. She sighed a little as his constant compliments of her form was pleasant at first as she was not often complimented but from him it was almost constant and now they held now light or warmth in her anymore and lost their sparkle but she responded to them never-the-less. "Good morning Gilbert." she replied, "You're as blandish as ever. Did you get a good night's rest? You flatter too profusely, Gilbert, if you keep saying such things your words will lose their spark. The added tightness was necessary for my posture. I've been having some trouble sleeping lately from back pain, causing me to slouch unnecessarily. The tightening keeps my back straight and will hopefully alleviate the problem and allow me a proper night's rest." she explained that the accenting of her chest was not intentional and would most likely be fixed the next time he saw her. "The armor I'm wearing needs to be remade. It shows to much skin and doesn't protect enough. Decorative armor has no use to a Knight. Let alone the Knight Commander. The armor needs to serve a purpose, and not just to look pretty." she then turned to look at him in the eyes, "By the way, I do hope you don't say such things to the queen when you see her. A normal compliment is fine but do not comment on the particulars, alright? She's been having a hard time of late." she then turned her gaze back to the training soldiers, "She's becoming troubled but she will not even speak to anyone about it. Even after recovering she's still broken-hearted and refuses to let anyone know it, but she's not at her strongest. So show some modesty with her when you speak, please?"

​

After Serenity finished her request Angel stepped out onto the grounds. Her face as lovely as a rose but there was a hidden burden in her grey eyes that showed so little of her broken heart. Her long white hair done up properly as a queen's appearance should be and her crown resting properly atop her brow. Her gown was made of high quality fabrics and she was richly adorned though, to be honest, she would much rather be wearing something a lot lighter and less of the finery that came with being the queen. True, as a child she had wanted to be like her mother, dressed prettily with a lot of jewelry but now she just found them to be a heavy burden. She was graceful as she walked with such an air that she seemed to be nearly floating with her great beauty. She was pleased that the soldiers were training so hard and were coming along well with Serenity's training for them. She wondered if they were happy as they were. Training day in and day out to keep the kingdom safe. She prayed that the gods would be kind now and soon deliver her brother back to her and her heart would be lifted again. She saw both Serenity and Gilbert conversing this bright and beautiful morning. She noticed that Serenity's armor was tighter than usual and she wondered why but she would not pry as it was her own business to wear what she liked. "Good morning to you both. How are you this morning?" She asked with a cheerful sounding melodious voice that wrapped like velvety silk around them in comfort and warmth.


@Ariettie

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Annabelle Schwartz


The sound of the wind. Annabelle enjoyed the moment of silence with only the sound of the wind blowing through the craggy mountain range. Having grown up in a smelly dump of a town, she very rarely felt any breeze but up in her new home, its a common thing and sometimes scary. She found it slightly funny how she used to wonder about things like wind and snow in the past only to be surrounded by it. Not that she minds really, at least the air is fresh. 


"...... arh.... Tsk." Annabelle pouted as she tried to say something but found herself to be as mute as ever. At least it made one thing clear to her, she wasn't dreaming. With a rather childish pout, she got up from her seat on the edge of the castle wall and hopped onto the walkway. She brushed the dirt off her leggings as she walked down the steps leading back to the courtyard. As she reached the courtyard, she spotted her fellow knights there. A small smile appeared on her lips as she locked her sights onto Tamamo walking behind Joseph. Seeing her pout had awakened a certain desire inside her. 


"Aha~" Annabelle let out a small laugh as she slipped into one of the secret security hideaways and reappeared behind a pillar behind the pair. She quietly walked closer and closer before reaching out to prod Tamamo on the back of her head. A wide, slightly malicious smile on his face. 


Cassius Arontinmato


"....... Another night has passed." Cassius said in a grim tone as he closed the tome he was reading. He gently placed it aside as he rubbed his tired eyes before gazing at the candle as it flickered and died. He sighed and got up from his seat in his private library before making his way to the throne room. He had to brief his knights on their latest duties and get their reports. Verbal or otherwise. 


His hair was a disheveled mess and his eyes looked tired but he still carried a commanding figure due to the way he presented himself. His clothes were simple for a Royal. A cotton shirt under a set of black armour. A simple silver circlet adorned his head and showed his status. Simple, everything he had was simple and utilitarian. His armour, although distinguished by the gold trim, was identical to a knight's. His cape was made of a thick, insulating material and stopped at his midsection to increase his mobility and his high collar kept the wind away from his neck. All simple. Just the way he preferred. 


"I need more... More power... So that I may change this world." Cassius muttered to himself as he entered the throne room and sat down at the simple throne of hewn stone. He took a moment to rest his eyes as a couple of servants rushed to throw the curtains apart to let some sunlight into the room. A handmaiden meekly offered him a wetted cloth to clean his face and he thankfully accepted it. Once he feels that he's ready to listen to his knight's reports, he called one of the servants over.


"Tell my knights that they may enter." He said in a soft, tired voice. The servant quickly bowed and hurried out of the throne room.


@revior @Iskander @SerenityAngel   

 

[revior]

Tamamo Mizuchi


A sudden chill runs down her spine. A killing intent? No, a motherly intent.


Her sword flew out of her scabbard in a single flash while she spun around to meet her assailant behind her, stopping her blade just short of cutting her assailant's hair.


"Woah!"


Tamamo leaps back upon realizing who it was.


"Gosh! Anna, you scared me. I thought I told you not to do that." she said, her pouting worsens.


Sensing a gaze, Tamamo looks behind, finding that Joseph had stopped walking and had been watching the two. Amusement is clear within his eyes. Suddenly feeling embarrassed, she hid her reddened face and rushed ahead, going to meet the king before he arrives at the throne room.


"Your Majesty..." she said while panting, "I am sorry for my tardiness."


She then moves to stand behind him, assuming her position, hoping that she won't be scolded to much today.


"A-at any rate, you looked tired. Have you been staying up all night again? Perhaps you would like some herbal tea? I believe there are some fine herbs in the kitchen that can alleviate fatigue."


Being around the king for most of her time, it was clear to her that the king was always tired. She wishes that he'd take better care of himself, it just wouldn't do for the leader of the kingdom to collapse when it needs him the most.


Joseph Tauber


As always, Annabelle is impressive, sneaking up behind without even Joseph noticing till it was too late. Had she been an enemy, Tamamo would have been dead and Joseph would be up next. Tamamo may have been fast to react, but had the opponent truly meant to kill, she would have been too late. At least, that's what Joseph believes.


Looking at Annabelle before him, he smiles, not that it shows through his mask, but his eyes to hint at his expression, though he'd rather not show any part of his face too often. His red eyes are, after all, one of the key traits of his appearance and would be a dead giveaway if anyone so much as pay even a bit of attention.


He waves at Annabelle for a bit before continuing towards the throne room, still musing at Tamamo's reaction. It was interesting how her persona so quickly changes when she's going for the kill. It was as if she had become the blade itself, Joseph wonders what would have happened had she not realized it was Annabelle in time. Well, it's not like Annabelle is one to die that easily.


As he arrives at the throne room, Joseph ceased his musing, it is now time for business. Perhaps today the fires of war will begin anew.


@Wandering Hollow @Iskander @SerenityAngel

 

[Ticci Toby Rogers]

Gilbert Beilschmidt
​

 
​

Gilbert nodded in thought. He knew that Serenity had no intention of making herself more appealing, but Gilbert also knew that, weather helpful or not, his words would not be forgotten. Even as Serenity admitted on getting new armer, he knew he had put a helpful (however so slight) insight into her arsenal. He smiled as he saw the Queen. She was beautiful, and as much as he would like to get into specifics, he took Serenity's words into account. "Good morning, your Highness..." He said with a small bow, "You are as lovely as ever, and I believe lovelier still..." Even as he spoke, Gilbert could feel the sadness in his Queen, and needed no explanation. If he hadn't promised to be sensitive to her, he would have gotten more specific with his compliments, in hopes to keep her mind off the depressing situation.

 

[Iskander]

As it turned out, Adelaide was not the only one headed for the throne room. As she walked through the corridor to the large doors behind which the king would be waiting, she came up behind her fellow knights. All of them, she noticed pointedly, as Tamamo seemed to be away from her station. Overslept again, most likely. Adelaide didn’t want to be harsh on the girl, but she really should work on that. No matter, she already made her way into the throne room before Adelaide reached the rest – not after pulling a weapon on another knight, to her horror, maybe they did need to have a talk – and Adelaide caught up and bid the others good morning.


She entered the room and stood next to Joseph, before standing to attention and saluting smartly. The other dragon knights had never seemed to catch on to proper military etiquette, she mused, but thankfully the habit had become so ingrained that being the only one to use it did not make her feel self-conscious about it. She waited for everyone to get settled and for the king to speak up.


The king himself did not seem to be in good shape, she noticed. Adelaide felt it had been becoming a trend lately, but she wouldn’t have dreamt of prying in the monarch’s private business. Still, it worried her a little. Maybe Tamamo would know more.


Speaking of, she tried to catch Tamamo’s eye and raised her eyebrows in a question. Late again?


@revior@SerenityAngel@Wandering Hollow

 

[Ticci Toby Rogers]

Gilbert Beilschmidt
​

 
​

Gilbert nodded in thought. He knew that Serenity had no intention of making herself more appealing, but Gilbert also knew that, weather helpful or not, his words would not be forgotten. Even as Serenity admitted on getting new armer, he knew he had put a helpful (however so slight) insight into her arsenal. He smiled as he saw the Queen. She was beautiful, and as much as he would like to get into specifics, he took Serenity's words into account. "Good morning, your Highness..." He said with a small bow, "You are as lovely as ever, and I believe lovelier still..." Even as he spoke, Gilbert could feel the sadness in his Queen, and needed no explanation. If he hadn't promised to be sensitive to her, he would have gotten more specific with his compliments, in hopes to keep her mind off the depressing situation. 

 

[SerenityAngel]

Serenity was appreciative of Gilbert's words. At least now she knew to cover up more and perhaps flatten the chest area so that it would prevent people from averting their eyes below her face. She would have to have the smith to customize it for her. When the queen made her appearance she politely and properly bowed before the benevolent ruler and greeted her. "Good morning, your majesty. It is good to see you up and about today." she said calmly as she was surprised the queen would be wandering the grounds today rather than in her room pouring over documents as usual. Even the queen needs fresh air once in a while and sunshine. She smiled as Gilbert held back his impulsive specific comments and acted with respect and restraint. 

                                                        ​

Angel smiled as she was greeted by two of her knights kindly. "Thank you Gilbert, you're very kind." she replied to the Teutonic Knight with as warm a smile as she could muster. The loss of her brother weighed upon her mind constantly and worried the effects it would have upon the kingdom. She wondered how he was doing and if he was well and wondered if he would ever return and things could go back to the way they were. She then requested that they both meet her in the dragon hall. She had something to tell the Dragon Knights. She would have to talk to them and inform them of something she was sure was going to have a massive effect on the kingdom. Serenity knew much of what she was going to say but not everything. "I need to see both of you in the Dragon Hall, if it would not be too much trouble. I have to speak with the Knights about a troubling matter that will potentially effect the kingdom." she said before heading to the royal garden to try and brighten her spirits but the fragrant roses and lilies only did so much. She could not take being away from her brother like this. To feel the hate that he bore for her to drive him, not only from her side, but to actually attack her and go to war against her to the point she had to fight against him and nearly lose her live and banish him to distant lands. She wanted to send him something to try and soften his heart and reach out to him and try to mend the broken bond.


@Ariettie

 

[Ticci Toby Rogers]

Gilbert Beilschmidt
​

 
​

Gilbert gave his Queen a soft nod of acceptance for his next task, before bowing politely to her as she exited. His usually happy, confident face grew sad, as he watched his Queen. He knew how hard it was to have the people you love hate you so much, and it was the worst feeling in the world, especially when you're determined to keep loving them. He let out a depressing sigh, and said to Serenity, "My mother used to tell me that pain is beauty... The closest I've found to that analogy is you, seeing how you're undeniably beautiful, but manage to cause much physical pain in battle... I don't think Mother knows what true pain is, or beauty for that matter... Our Queen is beautiful, but her pain is not what makes her such... Her pain only brings sadness. It is her unyielding love for those who hate her that brings beauty... Sometimes I wonder if she knows how rare a trait that really is..."

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Cassius Arontinmato


Cassius suppressed the urge to smile as his youngest knight came running in. Tamamo was like a small child to him. Energetic, childlike in behavior and appearance and a constant ball of energy. After the usual apology about her being late, she even asked if he was lacking sleep. She even offered to make him some herbal tea. Cassius simply chuckled at her eagerness.


"That would be lovely Tamamo. Perhaps later..." The sound of the other Knights coming in drawing his attention back to the door. "once the meeting is over."


Cassius gazed over at each of his knights. Joseph, his spymaster, was looking as shifty as ever. Cassius was fond of him, he joined his side during the debacle of a war even though there was plenty of evidence that he was the one who started it. Still, the fact that he stayed on his side despite the exile was interesting to say the least. Cassius is certain that Joseph is the only one among his 4 knights that know his true intentions but as long as he listens to orders and doesn't do anything too rebellious, there should be no reason to worry.


Next would be Adelaide, his Commander in charge of the regular army and the militia he's building up. A dutiful person, responsible, diligent but... weak against the money. To think that he managed to lure her over to his side with a nice sack of gold when she herself is trying to fight corruption. At least she's someone that he can easily control.


That leaves Annabelle, his Shade Knight. Pretty, motherly, a lovely sight but with a rather scary temperament. Her past makes her easy to control and he's aware of the strong love she feels for him. If fact, it was thanks to her that he knows how to build up his Kingdom. Make them love and adore him. After all, why force someone to do something heinous out of fear when they can do it out of love? After all, is it a bad thing if you do something for your beloved ruler? 


"My Knights... Its good to see you all on this fine morning. Let's not dilly-dally, we have a long day ahead of us. Adelaide, I want a report about the town's defenses and the soldiers. Joseph, I'll need you to gather information off all mercenaries in the area. I want reputable ones who are willing to fight for a suitable price. Annabelle, I want you to go and visit the town and check on the population. Check for spies and if any are found, report them to Joseph." Cassius ordered before pausing for a moment. It seems like his sleeping habits are slowly catching up to him but no, he needs to do more research.   


Annabelle Schwartz


Annabelle giggled softly and even reached out to touch the tip of Tamamo's sword. She always found that reaction to be humorous and rather cute. Annabelle gleefully watched as Tamamo ran off towards the Throne Room. No doubt that she was late, yet another reason for her to camp outside Tamamo's room later. As for Joseph, Annabelle cheerfully waved in reply to his own wave. It was nice to see him as usual. For if its something the two have in common, its the fact that they don't really speak. Although one by choice.


They were soon joined by Adelaide who bid the pair a morning greeting. Annabelle replied with another smile and nod in return. She was glad to see Adelaide again. She did notice Adelaide fly off for her morning patrol but saw no reason to join her. After all, her flying wasn't really that great and she hated turning into her dragon form as it reminds her of her dark past. 


As she entered the Throne Room with the others, she immediately noticed her King's weariness. A worried expression crossed her face as she took her place next to Joseph despite her wanted to rush up to her King to check on him. But she steeled herself and figured that she could always do that later. 


@revior @Iskander @SerenityAngel

 

[revior]

Tamamo Mizuchi


"Yes, do look forward to it."


Tamamo smiled when she heard the king's chuckle. Nowadays, it's mostly frowns and sighs from the king. She can't quite understand why is he so depressed for. Is it because of his defeat two years ago? But he is still amongst the living, his new kingdom growing in strength, and his knights who rallies at his call. Does he believe us to not be good enough? Such a thought dawned on the Swift Blade Knight, and now even she feels depressed, though she is at least disciplined enough to not show it on her face.


During the meeting, Tamamo met with Adelaide's eyes and she can easily see the reprimanding gaze held within. Quickly, Tamamo's eyes shift away, pretending not to have seen it. Perhaps if she can avoid Adelaide like this for the whole day, she won't be scolded. Her gaze then turns towards Annabelle, who seems to be musing at something on her own. Perhaps tonight she'll be sleeping elsewhere, maybe in Adelaide's room. No, Adelaide will just find an opportunity to reprimand her. Annabelle's room may be out of the question, she doesn't really wants to find out what she keeps in there. Then Joseph?... Perhaps she'll have to camp out tonight.


Joseph Tauber


Joseph was smiling, not that anyone could tell. From the content of the meeting he had deduced, fairly easily, that war is coming. Finally, after so long, the fight will begin anew. Joseph had been waiting for this day, he could have left as soon as the last war was over and find another one to fight in elsewhere. But he had a feeling, the Cassius Arontinmato, the Banished King, will not lie down for long. At last, the tedious nothingness of the peaceful daily life will be over.


Of course, Joseph hadn't been simple sitting around waiting for this. He had already compiled a list on all of the mercenaries around area, renewing them at the slightest change. He had prepared them for this very time. What concerns him now, however, is whether or not to include the information of his own clan, whom he of course didn't forget, are also mercenaries. He would be risking having something that leads back to himself involved in this war. If such a connection were to be found out were they captured by the enemy or found out by an enemy spy, it will prove a mighty blow on his ability to infiltrate the enemy. In the past, he had avoided this by never directly contact his clan until the job is done, and he had once been gone for so long, the others had thought of him already dead. However, they are very loyal, though somewhat expensive, and he had even heard that there are a few more who had been trained the same way as he had. Though they seem still lacking in experience, they may still prove useful. Well, no matter, the decision on whether to hire them or not lies entirely on the king, and whatever it is, Joseph will just have to deal with it.


Nodding after he received the order, Joseph awaits the meeting to end before returning to his room to grab the list he had so eagerly sorted through just last night, his heart flutters with glee knowing that his work had paid off.


@Iskander @Wandering Hollow @SerenityAngel

 

[SerenityAngel]

Serenity watched as the queen left their sight and she continued training her soldiers as normal but the pain the queen was always feeling was almost palpable but she was strong and had to be in order to protect and rule her people with kindness and love. It almost pained the Knight Captain to watch the queen even walk around but it was not her place to dictate a queen. "You are right, Gilbert." she said in reply, "It is not pain that makes one beautiful, it is the love in their heart and the queen's love is unmatched by anyone. The war two years ago nearly killed her, not just the physical wounds, but the wound to her heart to fight her own brother. I do not envy her, her burdens but I do feel pity for her. Such weight on young shoulders is too much to ask of anyone. I wish her brother could understand that he could never be king with his heart as it is and was."


A soft sigh escaped the rosy lips of Serenity, the White Light Knight, before she gestured for Gilbert to fallow her to the Dragon Hall where they were expected to meet later. The massive hall was lined with paintings of dragons, large and powerful. Each one unique and full of youth and strength. The hall itself was made of dark grey stone with matching pillars to climb up thirteen feet and support the arched ceiling with tapestry to accent and decorate the long hall as far as the eye could see. This was the Dragon hall where the portraits of the past kings and queens in their dragon forms were hung and honored.


Serenity wondered what exactly it was that would cause the queen to leave her throne and summon her knights. Perhaps it had something to do with the Banished King. This thought disturbed her greatly and she hoped that it was not as she feared.


Angel's heart had been slow mending these past two years. The betrayal of her brother was hard to take, nearly impossible. On her poorer days she had wished that her brother had managed to kill her but if he had then there would be no chance for change. If only she had told him. If only he had known. If only. But now things were nearly ready, nearly time for another confrontation. Another war was to ensue. She had to speak to her brother somehow. But would he even entertain the idea? The only way to know was to find out. She used her breath of creation and used it to send a message to her brother in the distant mountains. A letter for her brother to read alone with her seal on the envelope. It would find its way to his hand and his hand alone.

 

[Ticci Toby Rogers]

Gilbert Beilschmidt


Gilbert Followed Serenity to the dragon hall, but began to speak harshly to her, "Do not pity her!" Gilbert was loud and obnoxious, but he was a good solder who knew his place, most of the time. There were some things that could set him off, and Serenity just pulled the trigger. "Pitying someone is worse then slapping them in the face! Don't pity her! Mien Gott! If you are to feel anything, then put yourself in her shoes, and bear some of her pain! Feel her sorrow, but do not disassociate yourself from her by pitying her! Pity hurts, because someone's recognizing the pain, but doing nothing to help! Do not pity our queen, help her get back the one person who can end her pain! Help her end this war!" 


Gilbert looked away from Serenity, and sighed, in an attempt at controlling himself. He calmed slightly, and, in an almost robotic voice, said, "I apologize for my outburst..." His voice began to waver, as if he were struggling to stay composed. "I just keep thinking about how I would feel if I were fighting a war with my own brother... I could not let you continue to pity her... I know how much pity can hurt..."

 

[SerenityAngel]

Serenity was always a calm and collected person and very deliberate and kind but to hear Gilbert go off like that when he did not understand either hers or the queen's positions and duties she turned to him and her normally bright green eyes that were always warm and held such light went very dark and even turned a deep forest green that seen to suck the very light out around her in her anger at him. It was a frightening stare directly into his eyes that would chill the soul. This look had never been seen before and Gilbert better know to be afraid as this was not a side of Serenity that anyone wanted or should see without feeling terrified. "Be quiet Gilbert. Do not speak without knowing or you will get yourself into trouble you can't claw your way out of." she warned darkly in a voice layered with that of her dragon side's voice a dark but elegant and terrifying tone. Eventually she pulled back as she did not wish to stay that angry for long and returned to being the proper knight captain and second in command under the queen herself. "Understand, Gilbert, I know my place and I know my duty. I cannot bear her burden for her, nor can I be her shoulder she can cry on. She is the queen and as such comes such restrictions that would seem inhumane to you. It ties my hands at many ends. Pitying her is the only thing I am allowed to do besides be there when she calls for me. If you understood or even knew you would not speak like that and you will not do it again, do you understand?" she took a deep calming breath and gestured for him to fallow her to a particular painting of two dragons in fight in a circle. One larger, with a white scales and red horns while the other was smaller and lean and elegant with black scales and silver horns and wings. "It is the duty and soul purpose of a ruler to find a mate and rule the land with all the knowledge and power of all those that came before them. While it's the Dragon Knight's duty to protect that ruler with their lives as they are the pillar upon which our world is supported. The rulers hold all the power in the world but they are restricted by their position as are we. Our duty, Gilbert, is to ensure her life, not her feelings or her frame of mind. I know the queen better than anyone else, even her own brother doesn't know her like I do, but even so I still can do nothing, that is why I pity her. It is all I can do for her at this point. If I could I would bear her burdens for her and bring her brother back but it is not my place to do so and nor is it yours. Do you understand? So the next time you feel the need to try and reprimand someone, make sure you understand them first before passing  judgment." she then turned away from the painting and looked at the painting of Angel in her dragon form. It was beautiful and pure white with elegant horns and wings that stretched so wide it was nearly impossible to paint her like that.


Angel had been on her own and trying to think of the right words to send to her brother but there was only ever one way they truly connected and were siblings and that was at night when she would sing to him. Perhaps a melody would best convey her feelings to him and she could use her power of creation she was able to send him a song that expressed her every feeling and how she wanted him to come home soon. She even wanted to talk to him in person if he would like to try and see if they could resolve the dispute between them without involving anyone and ending the war before it begins. Besides that she had some things to tell him and to explain herself and why she was forced to banish him like this. She then used her power to send the letter to him directly and she hoped that there was still something left of her brother that still wanted to be family.


@Ariettie@Wandering Hollow

 

[Ticci Toby Rogers]

Gilbert Beilschmidt


Gilbert flinched away from Serenity as her anger was quite terrifying in full force. In all honesty he expected to be killed on the spot, but realized after the fact that that was a pretty stupid assumption. He wanted to defend himself, but didn't know if he could keep himself composed, so he let Serenity get her point across, before saying, "I understand there is not much we can do, but how will pity help her? All it is, is a sorry excuse to help... It holds no loyalty, or genuine concern... I don't like pity, because the people who are helping you, may only be pitying you... And the second you're better, and all is well, they leave you stranded... I'm not saying that's what you'll do, and I'm not pretending to know your relationship with the queen, I'm just asking you not to pity her, because however small it may be, pity is a horrible excuse to do anything... I'm sorry for butting in... I know it's not my place to judge you, or the queen...." Gilbert bowed his head, with his hands clasped behind his back, in a position of submission, and acceptance, that he had assumed many times in his life. He was expecting any form of harsh reprimand for his lack of control, and continued argument, even if the fear was unwarranted. Gilbert simply assumed that if he messed up, he could be easily replaced, and that everyone was simply waiting for him to do so.


@SerenityAngel

 

[Iskander]

Adelaide nodded at the king’s request. She thought back to when she had been flying over the surrounding area, only a few minutes ago, replaying the journey in her head. The town itself was defended mostly by its position on a hillside, making it particularly difficult to reach by an organized military force. Of course, it was also protected by the old wall that surrounded the lower part of it. When she had flown by it, it had seemed perfectly intact. At least in the moments that she had been paying attention, she thought guiltily. Then there was the castle, which was further up the mountain side, a little ways away from the town. Of this, she was sure that the thick stone walls and the watchtowers had been kept in good shape, in case of an attack on the still so newly crowned king of Tasogare.


Why the king was asking about this now, this and the army – Adelaide could guess. If war was on his mind, there could only be one adversary he planned to confront. The idea of going to battle against his sister and her army did not sit well with Adelaide, for several reasons.


“The town’s defenses are secure, you majesty,” she answered. “The standing army counts five thousand soldiers who are at your command, not including mercenary forces.” But only just. She knew the army of their old homeland would easily outnumber them. If it was to come to a direct confrontation, she hoped Joseph would be able to deliver on his part.


@Wandering Hollow@revior@SerenityAngel

 

[SerenityAngel]

Serenity saw the fear in Gilbert's eyes and his posture and she mentally scolded herself for getting to hot under the collar like that. She calmed herself down enough to speak to him without bringing fear into play. She saw the older boy's submissive stance and sighed. Though he had expected her to discipline him she just gently put a hand upon his shoulder to assure him that he was not in trouble, nor would she harm him without just cause. "Gilbert, you are uncensored and that is to be admired in its honesty but you are also brash and jump before you look. I pity her yes, but it is not my reason for staying beside her or doing what I can for her. Pity is just an afterthought for me. My duty comes first and my emotions last, understand? You are an irreplasable Dragon Knight, and you are valued above most others, but do not let words or others emotions bother you. It won't do anyone any good. As I said I do feel pity for her, but it does not drive me to do anything. It is my own desire and will that move me to action. I fallow her because I am loyal to her. I trust her and believe in her. That is why seeing her in such pain causes me to pity her because I can't do anything about it to make her smile from her heart." she then removed her hand from his shoulder and gave a gentile smile, "I apologize for my own outburst like that. I did not mean to frighten you. Please forgive me." She did not like showing her dragon side very often and even less when it came to her comrades that were supposed to be by her side but ever since the war her trust has been hard won. Half of the knights went to the prince's side without a second thought and those that stayed hardly think that the queen is doing her job but they just do not know the duties, nor the weight that rests upon her shoulders nor the fate that awaits them in the coming years.


@Ariettie

 

[revior]

Joseph Tauber


As soon as the meeting was over, Joseph went on and grabbed the documents he had compiled over the months, detailing of the mercenaries in the vicinity of Tasogare. But first, before he presents it to the king, he should review it first, so that there may be no errors.


Firstly, the barbarians who had made camp in a forest to the north. These uncivilized man mainly survives as bandits raiding passing caravans. At first sight, they may not be ideal for hire, they are scoundrels, thieves, and should never be trusted. However, should war come, and it certainly will, they will show their true value. In war, one may find a time where one is to get one's hands dirty, some may not be willing, while others, though able to see it through, may face indignation for it. The key is liability, or rather, the lack thereof. These barbarians will do anything for gold and will be perfect for seedy deeds that should never be linked to the king of his knights. Though one must take care to not reveal one's name to them. Perhaps one can pose as a merchant of questionable morals? If so, then one must take to to bring a sizable force with them so that they would not be robbed themselves before being able to hire anyone. Then again, perhaps one need not hide their name, after all, how much weight can the words of bandits hold? No, rumor may still spread, it's best to not let one's guard down.


Second, is a band towards the east, they seem to be foreign warriors who have lost their master and became an outcast in their own society. They say that they would give anything to have the honor of serving someone again and will be fiercely loyal if hired, or so the rumor goes. They also are said to be excellent swordsmen excelling in the wielding of a type of curved blade similar to a saber... Having looked through these documents again, something about them sounds familiar. These men would certainly be useful, and may be considered to be hired for the long term.


Lastly, is a clan of great familiarity. A nomad clan that had set up camp to the south after catching the scent of war in the air, the Ulfur Clan, the clan in which the Phantom Knight was born. There is remembrance of them being skilled and fierce in battle, and according to the information gather about them, it seems that had not changed. So long as they are paid what they're promised, they will abide by their contract, a clan of mercenaries through and through. It also seems that they have a few fledglings trained in the way of shadows as well. Though they made not be ready for anything too difficult, these fledglings should at least be able to handle surveillance without much difficultly.


Having gathered together the documents, Joseph returns to the king, heading for his room where he presumably have retired to. Aside from the mercenaries, there is still one thing one Joseph's mind, a ploy that may strike a deadly blow to the Terashimasu Kingdom. However, this is something that perhaps only he can pull of, requiring him the leave the kings side for an indefinite amount of time. He had been wanting to discuss this with the king for some times now, and now that war is about to begin, perhaps some haste should be made.


@SerenityAngel @Wandering Hollow

 

[Ticci Toby Rogers]

Gilbert Beilschmidt
​

Gilbert flinched at the hand on his shoulder, but soon relaxed his posture, and looked Serenity in the eye. He was relieved that she wasn't angry with him, but her explanation left him feeling a bit foolish for assuming Serenity would detach herself in such a way.  Gilbert gave her an over confident smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, and said, [COLOR= rgb(255, 0, 0)]"It's alright! I guess if the awesome me can loose his temper, so can you!" [/COLOR]


Gilbert didn't exactly believe all of what Serenity said, as he still felt himself easily replaceable, but the fact that Serenity had told him the opposite had helped his determination tenfold. He was determined to live up to her standards if it was the last thing he did. 

 

[SerenityAngel]

Serenity could not help but smile as Gilbert once again his ego inflated self as it was rather cute and funny how he could bounce back so quickly and his personality and at the same time almost give her permission to be human for a moment. She gestured for him to walk with her down the hall and speak while the queen was busy with her own duties and tasks. "It's not. As Knight Captain, I should be in better control of myself and my emotions." she assured that it would not happen again, though to be fair, she is younger than Gilbert, if only by one year, and she is still human and capable of mistakes, though she tries to keep them to a minimum. She then looked at him with kind and gentile jade green eyes and smiled softly at him, "So please accept my apology for my anger, it was unfair of me to react in such a way." she was formal in everything she did it seemed but when around children she was a completely different person. Around innocent children she smiled brightly and could easily outshine the sun but otherwise she was a formal and disciplined Knight Captain. 


In the mean time, queen Angel's message was being carried by the very winds above the clouds and through space to find its way to her most beloved younger brother. The only family she had left. It was no wonder she did everything she could to spare his life after his betrayal. Some may see the banishment as harsh but it was all she could do to keep him alive and her spare her heart the pain of losing the last of her family and the only one she could come to for true family support. Eventually the message made its way to the king, her brother and it started as a ball of light in front of him before landing on the table of his desk. It soon formed and nearly solidified into the queen's form looking up at him. She smiled up at him before speaking to him, "Brother. Cassius....How have you been?" She asked him. Her voice nearly choking as she tried to keep calm from crying. "I hope this message finds you well and your in good health. It's been two years since we last spoke....t...two years....it seems like so much longer......like an eternity. I miss you my little brother. I know you may not see what I have done as right or good now or even a hundred years from now, but you must believe I have done everything I within my power for both you and the kingdom. I wish to make amends and go back to how things were. Back when we were both happy." she then took a deep breath and sighed as tears started falling from her grey eyes, "I miss you Cassius. So very much and this message is all I can send you. What I wouldn't give to see you now. How you've matured these two years. I'm sure that you've taken care of those that have fallowed you and helped them to prosper as much as you could so far and will continue to become greater. ... My wounds have healed and I'm back on my feet now. heh....I....I know you didn't mean to do so much damage. You didn't mean to hurt me as badly as you did. It wasn't your fault. Please, Cassius...please come home? I need you...I always needed you...why you turned from me, I still don't know, but if it was something I had done please tell me. There are things I have to tell you and explain to you. Important things that I should have the day mother and father left. Things I didn't want to tell you as it would change so much and we had already lost so much that I physically or mentally could not handle anymore but it's time you knew and understood. Please...if you must, bring your knights with you and I will bring mine and we will meet at a neutral location so we can talk. Whatever you wish, dear brother, I will do. I hope to see you soon and the others. Yours truly, your loving sister, Queen Angel." she then curtsied and a white light enveloped her and dissipated and disappeared. An invitation back to the kingdom was his.


After the delivery of her message she turned from the mountains in the distance to head to Dragon Hall and meet with her Knight Captain and the other knights.


@Wandering Hollow@Ariettie

 

[Ticci Toby Rogers]

[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 128)]Gilbert[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(255, 0, 0)] Beilschmidt[/COLOR]


Gilbert nodded to Serenity when she gave him the gesture, and began to walk with her. He listened to her patently, and finally said, "No offence ma'am, but no one's perfect... Not even you... It's alright to be human every once in a wile, healthy even! Just like they tell us to let the dragon in us out to play every now and then, the same goes in reverse... Please don't forget that... I'd hate for you to turn into one of those unfeeling drones out there..." He gestured towards the door they'd come in, referring to the regular solders, who acted like puppets on a string, with no free will, or true passion.



@SerenityAngel