Overview & Main Roleplay

Aizen merely nodded to Yoren's words. 


"Understood, Yoren.. I am glad to have you along with me." to think, he would meet Lanister's mentor.. A heart-numbing thought. He forced himself to not call him sir. For him, a peasant, it was a habit of Aizen's.. everyone was above him on the social food chain, it felt like. He had to say sir or mister half the time he spoke with anyone, otherwise he'd get insulted, spit at, or some other derogatory action.


As Cecile spoke up, complaining of a rat.. Aizen nodded to himself, seeming to confirm his suspicion of nobles being germophobes. This noble, a princess no less, had a problem with a single rat.. creatures Aizen knew quite well. The only qualm he had with them was the diseases they would typically carry. Silently, he entered Cecile's room. Now.. how to flush out a rat?


With a jump, Aizen briefly leapt up, furiously stomping into the ground, producing a small vibration along with a clamor.. where was the rat? Would one show itself?


@Enuky


@Dalamus Ulom
 
@Enuky @DemetrioMachete @Trombone Geek


Lanister would take Cecile's hand gingerly. Though the plague had been almost completely eradicated by this point, Lanister still knew the horrors it wrought on everyone. If, by chance, that had been a plague rat.....Lanister had to keep himself from panicking. He would look up at Cecile. "You're not going to like this....But I have to pray this will help. "He said, as he'd walk into the keep, and towards the still. Grabbing a mug of pure alcohol, he'd walk back out, before taking her hand. He would then grip it tight, to keep her from pulling away, before pouring it onto the cut.


"This will burn, but trust me when I say that this will help. I just pray this isn't what I think it is..."He said, before standing. He would walk towards Aizen, before taking the Hobbit's shoulders. "Aizen, I need to tell you something. "He said, before leading him back towards Yoren. While he didn't want the hobbit to get a big head, Lanister knew first hand that the trials were some of the hardest thing in the life of an assassin. Aizen needed to be prepared.


"When you first came into my apprenticeship, I had lost two of my best students, Troy and Yaro, to the horrors of this world, one by assassination, and another to their own personal darkness. I had assumed that I would have no-one to pass on my teachings, or my legacy, too....You, however, changed that. "He told the hobbit, before continuing. "Master Yoren told me once, that the best leaders, lead by example.....I've done all I can to pass on his teachings to you, and in the year we've been together, you've proven yourself to be a fine assassin, an intelligent leader, and more than capable of achieving far more than I have....Now, the time has come for us to leave our positions as Master and Student, and become.....Brothers." He told him.


He would tell Aizen the truth, but not everything. He'd leave the Silencer bit out, for now.


"The Council has taken note of your accomplishments, and deemed you ready to become a Master. However, before you can ascend to that position, you must face only one trial, but it is by far the most arduous and life threatening....You must complete the Trial of the Spirit, and face the Room of a Thousand Mirrors. "Lanister told the hobbit. He knew that many who heard of this trial knew that it was by far the most dangerous, but no-one could predict how to approach it: It changed for each and every member. "That is why my Master is here. He is here to prepare you for your Trial, and believe me when I say this, you could ask for no-one better. I've trusted Master Yoren with my life more times than I can count, and I've done my best to keep that trust."Lanister said, before rising. "I am honored to call you my student.....but I am far more honored to call you a friend."


Natha would smile, before closing his eyes. "Because....my own mother did something very similar, only she didn't die. My mother was....a demon. She manipulated my father and his family, and it aided the fall of my kingdom. Believe me when I say I know this style of deception almost too personally. "He said, before standing. He would then shake his head. "You believe, like many, that Anger is unnecessary.....a misconception, born of ignorance. Anger is healthy, it allows us to fight back against tyranny and injustice....what is a problem, and unnecessary, is Rage. Wraith, to be exact." He said, before putting a finger on her heart. "You hold it in your heart easily, thus leaving a foothold for your demon. Wraith is a purely demonic force, but Anger is both good and bad, demonic and human. It is something you both can feel, and that is where we want to work towards: Working in union."


Natha would walk around her, tracing his finger from her heart to her arm. "You see your demon as sub-human, less than needed to pay respect.....but what you fail to recognize is that it is a soul-filled, emotion driven, intelligent being in it's own right.....Just as we commune with our own consciousness, calling it our inner demons, you must consort with this one: Keep a strong will in your mind, and not let it manipulate you, but do not fully cut it out. You both share this body, and for you to use it effectively, you must act as one. You cannot survive without it, and it cannot survive without you....I am sorry, but I would prefer to call it by a proper pronoun, instead of 'it' or 'them'. Do they have a name of their own?" Natha asked. "Another lesson is respect. It is a being that surpasses us in terms of spiritual energy. Angels and Demons live on a completely different level of understanding that we have yet to reach....Just as we respect nature, and ourselves, we must respect them. They are as much apart of the natural order as we are, for Light cannot exist without dark, nor can dark exist without light" Natha told her.


He would then move from the stump he was on, and look towards her. "I want you to draw your sword, and work with your demon to split this stump in half....Use both of your strengths together in order to accomplish it." He said, before stepping to the side, waiting to see what she could do.


Yaro would kiss Prudence's head, as well as Alfio's, before smiling towards her. However, this moment of peace was shattered by the reminder that he had to speak to his people. He would give her a look that said he wouldn't be long. He would then nod towards Chalondra and Syniad (if he is present) before walking towards the crowd before him. They immediately quieted, the flags raised in honor. Yaro would think carefully, before beginning to speak.


"My people. Sons and daughters of Yunakai.... For many years, we have been a broken nation... Shunned, oppressed, and conquered by those we sought to escape! "Yaro said, slamming his fist down on the podium. "One Year ago, I asked for time.... and that time was granted by you. You, the strength in our arm, the holders of our dreams.... Our ancestors embarked on the greatest exodus in the history of all mankind... An exodus for freedom. Yunakai became that freedom. "He said, speaking of their exodus to find a land where they could practice magical craft free from the fear of witch hunts or lynch mobs. "Our new world changed our bodies. At first, it weakened us, but in fact, we were growing... stronger. "He said, holding out his hand, as magical energy swarmed around him. " In the time you have given me, I have rebuilt our nation, I have rebuilt our strength, and I have rebuilt our pride!... Our enemies at home have been re-educated. We have given them new insights into our cause. On this day, we stand united once more. On this day, those driven to divide us will hear our voice! On this day, we shall act as one, and we shall be ignored NO MORE!" He said, hearing the joyous cheer from those present, before holding up his hand to silence them.


"Sons, and daughters of Yunakai, This much, I vow... The history of these days will be written in blood... By crushing the armies of our enemy, by seizing the weapons they thought to turn against us, we are fighting for our very existence! "He said to them, referring to the conflict with Northern Yunakai and, in a greater aspect, the Rose Kingdom. "But if there those who would deny us peace, refuse our rightful place in the world, then, we will unleash such terrible vengeance, that generations yet unborn will cry out in anguish! The enemy may shatter our bodies, but they cannot break our spirit. Even now, they advance on our homeland to seize by force, what they cannot claim by right! "Yaro said to them. They could hear the passion in his voice, his true devotion to his words. "They cannot imagine what awaits them.... We will SMITE the invaders from our skies, on the backs of our honored creature, the Dragons! Though they sweep over our lands like the sands of winter, never again we´ll bow before them... Never again endure their oppression... Never again endure their tyranny... We will strike without warning, and without mercy, fighting as one hand, one heart, one soul!... We will shatter their dreams, and haunt their nightmares... Drenching our ancestor's graves with their blood! And as our last breath tears their lungs... as we rise again from the ruins of our cities... they will know, Yunakai...belongs...to the Yunkanians!."


"Sons and daughters of Yunakai, your destiny beckons. Stand with your brothers and sisters, stand with me, and together we will be undefeated. The past is our faith, the present is our strength, and the future... the future is our birthright! Sons and daughters of Yunakai, the path toward a better tomorrow stretches out before us. Toward a future that is golden and eternal. But our journey together must cross a wilderness of hatred and bigotry, a landscape of lies seeded by the venom of our old enemy. Our foe knows us. They fears us. But we must not underestimate them! "He said, referring to both Thornton and Oromis.


" The Rose Kingdom and their puppets in the North, while they cower and snipe from beneath their veneer of civility and freedom, are soulless and hollow. They make their pithy, mewling claims of liberty and righteousness, and all the while, they look upon the face of the Yunkanians with loathing and disgust. The enemy sees us as abominations, mutant freaks fit only for killing! To the foe we are less than human, but they will learn their mistake, my people! We will show them the iron and steel beneath Yunkanian flesh, and that weeds shall be burned before the might of Dragons! "He said to them, causing the crowd to again erupt in cheer.


"We shall cast them against the unbreakable rock of our collective will. We will make them realize the truth that the children of Helghan know in their hearts: that our race, the Yunkanian nation, is the next step for mankind! When we came to Yunakai we were lost, a broken collection of exiles on the verge of death. At first we thought our new lands would poison and destroy us! How wrong we were, as Yunakai saw what was in every one of us, our strength and our indestructible spirit, and made it manifest. The beginning of our nation was the rebirth of our people! A people fit to stride the very heavans and shatter our enemies! Sons and daughters of Yunakai, you are the embodiment of that glorious legacy, the inheritors of the victory that we fight for every day! You alone are fit to forge the future and the destiny of our people! History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid. We shall not suffer the irresolute and spineless men of the Rose Kingdom OR their puppets to dictate our path! "


"When you granted me the privilege of your leadership, I, Yaro Azarus, willingly sacrificed myself to the engine of our nation. My only goal to bring our people the absolute and deserved mastery of their destiny. I am humbled by the magnificent example that you, my people, have set! The workers and artisans among you who toil and ask not for a claim, but accept the honor of your leaders. The soldiers and warriors who burn with cold fire and unyielding resolve never flinching before the weapons of our adversaries. The teachers and commissars who hold the very soul of our people in their hands, shielding it from the lies of the treacherous and disloyal. You seek reward in service alone. Each of you shares in the greatest glory of them all. You are the true Yunkanians! Ruthless to those who oppose us, masters of those we defeat, unflinching in the face of adversity. I pity all those who were not born beneath our banner, for they will never know the touch of greatness as we do! And yet, there are some among our community who do not march with us. Voices raised in dissent and opposition. Soft minds that take the words of the Rose Kingdom for truth! To those who bear the seeds of rebellion in their hearts and question the way of the Yunkanians, I ask you this: Would you have us embrace the very thing that rejected us? Would you make us lay down our weapons and surrender our armor, stark naked before a force that wishes only death and destruction for us?" He asked the crowd before them, and smiled as he heard the roars of anger towards this.


"Peace is something we all desire, but the Rose Kingdom and their puppets would make it the peace of the grave! Shattering our nation's spirit and burning us to ashes! Beware the puppets amongst us, sons and daughters of Yunakai! Know them, and spite them! Give them no succor or shelter! If any one of you doubts the fidelity of another, be it neighbor, brother, parent, or child, speak! It is the sworn duty of my commissars to isolate and re-educate these misguided souls. To bring them back to our fold. Expunge their weakness for the greater good! Our victory is imminent. With our hearts tempered in the fires of war we strive forward and take the fight to the foe. Let us never forget the duty that we have taken upon ourselves. Our enemy is tenacious and bold. The Rose Kingdom dared to turn their puppets upon that which we hold dearest. Our cradle, our homeland, our... Yunakai! This invasion will not go unpunished. This criminal act unleashed the whirlwind of our wrath! Our weapons never tire, and we have beaten back the foe! Sent them... running towards their masters in the North! The path we have chosen is not an easy one. Struggle is the father of all things and true virtue lies in bloodshed. But we will not tire, we will not falter, we will not fail! In the blood of our warriors comes the price we must pay. Blood alone moves the wheels of history. And we will be resolute! We will fear no sacrifice and surmount every difficulty to win our just triumph!" He said, as the crowd before him broke out into cheers.


Yaro would hold up his arms out towards the crowd before speaking. "Defenders of the Yunkanian Dream....NOW IS OUR TIME!" He said to the crowd before him, and couldn't help, but bear a proud smile as he heard the chants before him, the flags of their nation waving in honor of them. This was what he fought for, this was what he would willingly throw away his life for! The people, the nation, standing before him.
 
Lance had managed to calm his racing heartbeat and stuff away his anger at the demon's audacity to threaten Cecile. Watching the girl jump out of bed and rush to tell someone about her newly acquired 'rat bite,' Lance couldn't help but feel the negative feeling rush back to the forefront of his mind. He was in no mood to deal with the source of those emotions. Just the remains of that spell from a year ago, he told himself; that was his normal excuse. That mental manipulations buried their way into your head until you couldn't get them out at all. He refused to consider any other suggestion; it meant he'd fallen for an air-headed, immature princess. Impossible, for a man of his upbringing, at the hands of a stern and independent merchant king.

Lance decided it would be a good idea to warn Lanister about his dream and the potential danger Cecile was in, but when he tried to stand the world tilted dangerously and the light filtering through the windows brightened and the Bathelonian king felt gracelessly to the floor, missing the bed so badly that he conked his head on it. More injuries to worry about. Great, he thought sarcastically, bracing himself on the bed and trying to rise to his feet again. He managed, but when he took one step spots danced across his vision and the movement jumpstarted a painful migraine. 

Growling in irritation, Lance slumped back onto the bed, digging the heels of his palms into his eyes in an attempt to block out the piercing light. He eventually resigned to burying his face in his pillow, but the headache lessened marginally. He couldn't help but slam his fist down on the bed; while it was a childish move--almost a tantrum by his standards--it did help to somewhat relieve his annoyance. Lance just hoped he would be able to move whenever the group was ready again, although the rising pressure in his temples made it highly unlikely. 


///


Maeve felt respect for Natha's weathering through having a demon parent, but almost rolled her eyes as he went on to say anger was useful. She could agree when he said wrath was harmful--it was what Yaro was suffering from, after all, and look at this current mental state!--but she had seen simple anger turn into unnecessary violence her entire life; she had been an example herself for a while, until she learned to lock it away so tightly that it disintegrated over time. 

"Kalamitat doesn't have a gender, and I've always called it, well, 'it.' If you want me to try respect I suppose a transition to 'them' and 'they' would be the farthest I could go. It--they.. never stated a preference when it came to pronouns. But I suppose I'll try your little experiment," she added after Natha requested she and Kalamitat merge their abilities and split a stump in half.


Wake up; Natha wants us to try something. No response. Maeve increased the volume of her mental voice; still nothing.

"I think you scared it--sorry.. them.. scared them enough to make them refuse to respond for a while. Or maybe they just don't like you, because of your use of the fire. I don't know; but Kalamitat won't wake up," she said apologetically. Secretly, she was relieved; Maeve was in no mood to 'collaborate' with her demon, and probably wouldn't be for a while now.

((Shaz and Syniad will reappear when the first battle begins, and Ferris will reappear whenever she feels the need to appear :3))
 
Oromis


After a rest, he awoke with a start. He felt much better, and was surprised he was so jolted awake. He stopped for a bit and caught himself, then left his room and went out to the inner fort for some food. He was served, just tea and fruit, with some tender meat, and he just ate in silence. He wished he had something to read, but he accepted the silent meal just fine. @Enuky @DemetrioMachete @Trombone Geek  @Andraus
 
Aizen could only remain silent at what Lanister was telling him. It had barely seemed like he had made any progression, through his eyes.. but here was Lanister, proclaiming how well he had done. The mention of his students Yaro and Troy.. maybe that was why he was passing this on so easily.. maybe Lanister felt he was nearing the end of his own life, or career. Aizen could understand that.


"The Trial of a Thousand Mirrors..." he whispered, his hands gripping in tension. The Wilting Rose's most brutal trial.. Yoren was here to prepare him for that, was he?


@Dalamus Ulom


@Andraus


. . .


The new day arrived, and Klaus hadn't slept at all. He remembered the incident from when they first arrived in Yunakai. He wouldn't subject everyone to his night terrors again. He had spent the entire night doing various exercises.. mostly push-ups. 


Some time after everyone was awake.. Yaro hoddled off to go and deliver his speech. As Royal Physician, Klaus attended, though kept his presence mostly hidden from the crowd. Soon, he thought. Soon they could go look for the Gray Truth!


@Enuky
 
South Yunakai--




When Aizen shook the room, Cecile hoped it would be enough to locate the vermin that bit her. Unfortunately, nothing stirred and shortly after Lanister intercepted her help, calling him aside and speaking to him in private. 


"but what am I supposed to do now", Cecile whined to herself. She was too apprehensive about a rat to sleep there. While she had hoped to sleep until later in the day, it was already early morning and the girl decided to stay awake. She couldn't sleep near a rat, and it seemed Lanister and Aizen weren't concerned about it. Instead, Cecile wandered after Oromis and to where he was eating in the dining hall.


She sat down across from the king, eyeing him curiously and staring at his food. She didn't want to speak first, and likely say something to irritate the king.


. . .
​


 
​


Prudence awoke to the sound of maids moving about the room. As Yaro had promised, they were bringing gifts for Alfio. The witch sat upwards in the bed and said nothing as they presented to her a handful of tiny outfits to adorn her little one in. The maids were very respectful to Prudence, as rumors of her becoming queen and Alfio a prince spread about the manor. They admired their future queen, and adored little Alfio.


After feeding her baby, a bath was prepared for them and shortly afterwards Prudence and the other women began looking at the different clothes, putting Alfio into them and switching them out. 


She was proud to see Alfio so nicely dressed... in the tiniest robes she'd ever seen... Eventually, she settled on putting him in a paif of white tights for warmth and a royal blue robe. She held her baby and dismissed the maids, watching over him in private. She felt much better after having rested well, despite getting up several times to feed the baby in the night. She wasn't sure where Yaro or Klaus had gone, but was happy there tending to Alfio.


@Inheritance @DemetrioMachete @Andraus @Trombone Geek @Dalamus Ulom
 
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Oromis


Of course Oromis noticed her sitting down, and at first just stared past her or at his food, but quickly realized this was immature. Again he wished he had something to read. "Greetings Princess" He said sharply. "Can I do something for you?" He took a sip of the tea, it helped him recover from the gallons of alcohol that was being flushed out of his system. His tone was not annoyed at all, it was calm, and hopefully revealing. He wasn't irritated she was here, rather glad for the company, but still wasn't sure why she of all people sat down. Last time he checked she was terrified of him and hadn't come near him..?

@Andraus @Enuky
 
South Yunakai--



Cecile seemed to struggle to maintain eye contact with Oromis, perhaps appearing nervous to be around him... which she was, and Oromis could very easily startle her. There was another reason for it though, and the truth was Cecile was horribly nervous by the reality setting in. That is, in just a matter of hours they would be facing their enemies...


She looked across the table and studied Oromis. He was so strong,  and judging by how much he spewed magic while drunk she knew he was powerful as well. She averted his eyes and looked down to his food again. 


"I'm nervous about facing that witch...", she said. Cecile thought about all the stress and suffering this curse put her through... She hadn't ever spoken to the witch, either. She wasn't sure what to expect, but she expected a powerful opponent. Cecile wasn't sure why she wss bringing her fears to this king, but as far as she knew Lance and Edwin were still both asleep. 


"I'm glad we have you on our team", she said to Oromis. She felt a bit more confident with his accompaniant. 


@Inheritance
 
Oromis


"I see" He was going to stop there,  but instead he decided to speak again. "If you don't mind-how did this Witch curse you? You seem to be fine; Young, Pretty,  that knight certainly adores you." He ate for a second, then "Think nothing of it. I myself have little expirience fighting Witches,  but I always have persuasion and reason. " He grinned,  holding up his fists. "Don't be nervous though- there are powerful people on this journey,  and the Witch doesn't know what's coming. The fight shouldn't last long-it'll end once I get my hands on her" he winked before draining his cup. He had no idea who he was  facing,  but it couldn't be too hard...right?


@Enuky
 
Natha would sigh. "I am not surprised. I've been as a Silver hand of justice to Demons.....It is a blessing and a curse sadly. "He said, as they'd continue walking. "Also, I am not saying that you should rely on Anger, I am saying is Anger is healthy....Emotion in general is a healthy thing, but it's another thing to let emotion control you. Justice can easily turn into Vengeance, loving life can easily turn into lust or greed, and so on. You seem like a smart enough individual that you don't let your emotions control you, but I fear you may  be cutting them out completely. "Natha said, before pulling his bow off his back, and releasing the string. It would hit an elk in one stroke, and Natha would approach it, gathering food for himself and Maeve. "You need to find the middle ground: Live life with emotion, but never let it control you.....I never said it was easy, but it is the best possible way." He said.


He would hold up his dagger, showing it to her. "You see this? It was once a sword by my father, the King of Alethea......It was broken when he died defending it. I used this blade once, so consumed by my anger and rage, that I struck out and waged a one man war against the Infernal King....But after a century of fighting, and Alethea being hidden, my rage burned out. I realized that, by acting in vengeance against the demons, I was slowly becoming the very thing I hoped to fight against.....So, for a few decades, I stayed at a Bathelon Monastery, to rediscover self-control and heal my soul." Natha said, standing back up. "Before I left, I promised the Head Cleric I wouldn't let myself become consumed by that force again....It's difficult, But I hope I've done him proud. "Natha said, as they'd continue.


Natha was a very complex individual: Once, to the Demons, he was seen as storm of fierce vengeance, but now, he seemed....older, calmer, and he hoped wiser. "In truth, I've forgiven my mother for what she has done long ago....I only wish to save my kingdom from the rule of Demons. They do not deserve such a fate. "He said. It was rare for someone to learn from rage, and try to change themselves, but it was clear he worked very hard to control himself. "I was wrong to act out in vengeance....I only hope that now, I can be the leader I need to be, and help my people. It is never easy to deny your demon blood the right to control...Every time I fight, I can feel the primal part of myself pulling at me." He said. It was obvious he tried hard to be a better person that he used to be. Cursed with Demon blood, it was likely never easy, but he seemed to manage it well.


 


Natha would look around at the forest they were in. "I must say though, over the years I've lived, I've learned to appreciate beauty and accomplishment......Your Kingdom, Yunakai? It is a very beautiful place. You started as a group of mages, looking for a place in a world where people hated you for using magic, and built a prosperous Kingdom, under the watchful eyes of the Dragons. Bathelon has managed to keep it's natural beauty, without every having to suffer the corruption of Greed. It's rare for a merchant kingdom to be like that. The Kingdom of the Rose......Despite being beaten on, crushed, and attacked numerous times, it has rebuilt and regrown. Your generation are Descendants of Survivors. Be proud, for you're far greater than my people ever were." Natha said to her, intending it to be a compliment.


 


@Trombone Geek
 
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South Yunakai--



CWhen asked about her curse, Cecile blushed. She felt ashamed of her problem, but decided to answer him. It was the least she could do in return for his support. 


"I am cursed with insanity...", she began. Her hand instinctively found its way to her heart, where the golden X symbolizing her curse was etched into her skin. "For now I'm alright, but as time passes the effects of it become more debilitating...", Cecile avoided his gaze again. "I never know when or where I'll have another episode", she said with a shudder. The experience of losing all cognitive control was scary indeed. 


She recoiled sligtly when oromis raised his fists without waring, but after hearing Oromis speak so surely of himself, the princess felt a small surge of confidence. In truth, Cecile could learn from the new king. She was so dainty and fragile, but he was rough and powerful. 


Cecile rose to her feet, standing next to the table. If they were going to face her greatest enemy, she might as Well try to be prepared.


"I'm going for a last minute work out before we go", she said to him with a small dismissive curtsy.


"I'd appreciate a few pointers from someone as skilled as yourself", she added quietly. 


@Inheritance
 
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Oromis


He stood up as well, towering over her. "Why not-don't need you getting injured if we can help it" He still had questions, such as how and why would such a curse be afflicted on someone. He also wasn't sure about teaching her, because if she went insane and say...attacked him with what he taught her that could be a real annoyance...still...


"Alright, so what kind of magic are you skilled with, I myself use destruction magic, and control forces like Lightning, Ice, and Fire. I use my physical strength for the rest." He created a small electric ball, condensed it, then held for a second. His arms shook with effort, then he released it, creating a great electric aura all around them. Blue, Yellow, and red lights danced around. "There is of course an object of control to magic as well." He released the magic, making everything go back to normal...a bit dull really. "What can you do?" @Enuky
 
Cecile stood next to Oromis while he demonstrated his ability. She watched on curiously as his hand produced an electric charge at the palm of his hand. He was effortlessly paying with the size and shape of the orb. Suddenly, he released his hold of the magic and blasts of colorful lightning swarmed around them. 


The princess stared in awe at the colorful magic, looking slowly around the circle until her eyes met with Oromis's. His eyes were flickering with power, and she found herself becoming mesmerized by it until it all vanished, leaving the two standing in a quuiet dining hall again. 


"What can you do?" Oromis asked, drawing her attention back to the matter at hand.


"Um...", Cecile fumbled. She was embarassed after seeing what Oromis could do so easily, and in truth she wasn't sure she wanted to pracrice now. Nevertheless, the princess dug into her shirt pocket to retrieve a small wand. 


The Rose Princess had only studied magic in the last year of her life. Before the Yunakai-Rose War, women of the Rose Kingdom weren't considered citizens, and magic was of course illegal. While Oromis would find such a culture very different from that of the Yunakai, it meant that Cecile had never been any formal training in childhood and while growing up. With only a year of experience, the princess was nothing compared to Oromis. 


Cecile thought about what spell to demonstrate. She could conjure fire and ice, but not lightning. Finally, she decided on her "ignitus" spell, a simple fire technique that she was most comfortable with casting. 


Unlike Oromis, Cecile required the aid of a casting stave or wand to cast spells. She also required the use of verbal spells. 


The truth was, in magic verbal spells weren't necessary to casting. The mind is what controls magical energy. Spells were developed long ago as a teaching aid to young spell casters. The act of calling a verbal spell simply assists casters by making it easier to "visualize" what is to be accomplished. 


But for Cecile it was necessary, and so she drew her wand and spoke, "Ignitus!" She pointed her wand away from them and sent a small fire ball lunging across the room where it hit the wall and was quickly extinguished against the cold, stone walls. 


@Inheritance
 
Maeve listened to Natha quietly, and found herself respecting the man even more because of his sacrifices and his trials. His last few comments, about her people strong, seemed to rekindle her anger a bit.

"Kuvira betrayed my trust, and that of others'. She made a plan without me and stirred the Rebellion into motion through foolish actions instead of consulting me. Just a few months before that she had spoken of how she'd wish I would take an official position as her advisor.. I miss her," Maeve admitted, kicking a rock away as the two of them walked along. 

"We should be in the town of Reefshallows, soon. It's along the coast, closer to the sea than the fort; part of it is even built on the reefs near the water surface, if the name isn't clue enough," she said suddenly, changing the topic. "From there, we can move on to Yunakai and let the new king know. If he's smart, he'll warn the other monarchies of this dangerous alliance," she said, glancing towards Natha to see what he had to say about her plan.

///

About an hour later, the migraine had subsided to a faint ache, and Lance discovered he was starving. He took his time rising to his feet, and was relieved that he could actually walk now. There was a bruise on his right temple from falling, but it wasn't too noticeable, mostly hidden by his blonde hair. Which was a good thing, in the king's book, since it was a bit embarrassing to suffer defeat when your only opponent was gravity and a bed.

Unsure of where he could find food, Lance wandered aimlessly, eventually coming to the dining hall where Cecile and Oromis were, apparently having a lesson. "I hate to interrupt.. But does anyone know where I could eat something? It's been a while and to be frank, I feel like I'm starving to death." It was likely he would retreat into the least populated space after getting his food; Lance was feeling rather reclusive. 
 
Natha would reach over, and lightly pat the girls back. "You feel betrayed, but from what I was told, she was unprepared to lead. A puppet by her own mother. She may not be entirely innocent, but she is not the sole bearer of the blame. You have a right to be angry, but I can sense you still care deeply for the woman." He said, trying to be as comforting as possible. When told the game plan, he nodded, but would speak up. "It sounds reasonable, but let us stop in this 'Amberjack' for a day. It is best to get as much info as we can, and if I remember right, Humans and ale normally mean loose lips, correct? Plus, we could sell what I've gathered for coin, and use it to resupply." Natha asked her.


He would then pick up the hunting goods he received from the elk. "But that is merely my suggestion. I shall follow your lead and go along with you either way. " Natha said. A noble born, willing to listen to an Assassin, a demon possessed one at that? This man was cut from a different cloth then most nobles. Maeve would then be able to see he was again fiddling with that Locket, running his thumb over it, as if to confirm it was still there. What was so important about it that his hand constantly returned to it?


Yaro would walk down from the Podium, and walk towards Klaus. "Good news, my friend. The Ship is almost prepped. Within two hours, we'll be ready for departure. It's just enough time to settle any last minute accounts, get laid in your case, or gather anything last minute you'll need."Yaro said, patting the mans back. "I promised that I would make sure we could go to this island, and I always keep my word. "Yaro said. Over the course of the year that he had known him, Yaro had a growing respect for the doctor, and he was more than wiling to devote time to finding the doctors family heirloom.


Yaro would return to the Palace proper, and would see his soon-to-be Wife with a dressed up child. He would smile, as he walked over, and gently took hold of the child. "He's strong and healthy....and devilishly handsome, he must get his looks from you. "He said, with a cheeky grin. He would then balance him properly in his old. "I don't think I know his name yet....what is it?"


Lanister would nod, before speaking. "Yes. Master Yoren trained me and prepared me for my own trial years ago. His teaching will help you pass through your trial, and reach the rank that is rightfully deserving of you..."He said, before turning towards Yoren. "Thank you for doing this, Master. I don't think I'd be able to properly prepare him as you had for me....my own personal failing is that my spirit has always been weak." Lanister said, with shame. He had no problem admitting his own failings, but it didn't mean he liked having them.


Lanister would then turn towards Lance, before reaching into his bag. He would hand Lance Salt cured Rabbit, a small roll of bread, a wedge of goat cheese, and a canteen of water. "Sorry it isn't more, King Lance, but I didn't expect to meet anyone else during my trip. "He said to the king.


@Trombone Geek @Enuky @Dalamus Ulom @DemetrioMachete
 
Heinrich stood at attention as Yaro spoke. So in two hours, they would be ready to leave?


"Wunderbar!" the doctor exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "I can hardly wait!" the smile present on his face was one of eagerness.


He would use that time to go and suit up properly for an adventure. The moment Yaro dismissed himself, Heinrich vanished into the main town, heading for his established home and office.


As he walked, his thoughts drifted towards his mission in Umbra Carcerem. Oooh, the looks of anguish he'd meet upon those demons would be so utterly satisfying. After all.. Klydebern instilled fear in the Demon Lords, centuries ago; and his body count rose to the thousands. Those raid survivors were but pissants before the likes of Asmodeus and Baphomet, he thought. Ah, but what of Mizuki..? She didn't seem to fear Heinrich at all. Quite the opposite, in fact. Being near the pride demon sent a burning sensation to Klaus' heart.. screaming of danger. It felt wonderful to defy.


@Andraus


. . .


Aizen didn't sleep at all, last night. Concerns over Cecile kept him awake, mostly.. along with his upcoming trial. Why hadn't he taken that trial already, he thought? Maybe he wasn't qualified at the time.. for his service in the Wilting Rose had changed his outlook a bit. 


He rubbed the crust from his eyes.. deciding now would be a good time to go and fill his stomach. He eyed the place.. wondering if they had any sort of pig meat; his personal favorite. Sausage, bacon, ham.. they'd all suit him. 


"I suppose I am to refer to Master Yoren now, rather than Master Lanister.." he spoke, mostly to himself. "But.. "A rank I deserve"? Am I to become a Master in the ranks of the Wilting Rose? Many questions.. keep them for later, Aizen. They will be answered in due time."



@Enuky


@Dalamus Ulom


@Trombone Geek
 
@DemetrioMachete (I ship it. I ship it like FedEx.)


Mizuki would be outside the palace, and she was with...a box of surgical tools. She seemed to be in her own little world. "Oh, what to do, what to bring, for such a lovely trip....oh how much fun, I shall have, with everything in my kit.~ "She sang to herself, though Heinrich would be able to hear. She would hold up a scalpel, and just smile. "A new place.....new faces.....This shall be a lovely learning experience.....Old tombs normally carry traps. What sort of tortures and poisons could these traps pose? I must know! I must see!" She said, excitedly.


She would then pull out the barbed claw hook, her eyes glinting with excitement. "I guess me an ol' hooky will have a LOT of fun together~"
 
Cecile was anxiously awaiting Oromis's critique when Lance entered the room. After he apologized, the princess smiled at Oromis and said, "Oromis was going to show me his technique". As Lance was also inexperienced in magic, Cecile thought maybe he would be interested in joining them. 


However, that wasn't the case. It turned out Lance was hungry, and when he brought this up it completely diverted Cecile's attention. Her attention span was too short; she forgot all about the practice session at hand. 


"I'm hungry too!" Cecile announced. She reached for the bread Lanister had, munching on it without asking. 


@Inheritance
 
Oromis


Oromis was silent for a second as he saw the spell. He hadn't used words of power in a long time...though his spells were never very complex nor did they require much memory or magic finesse to cast them. Well before he could say anything she left to go get food... "Hungry are we? That's great! Because stopping in the middle of a battle to steal someone's food is always the most successful way to go." He growled. Obviously she was getting bored! Well ok, then he would help her not be bored. He took a deep breath, summoned much of the power within him, and sent a fireball hurling into the ground about 20 feet away from them, which exploded, destroying most things (though there really wasn't anything to hit) that was there, as well as send a burst of fire right back towards the group. It of course didn't reach the-Oromis knew this, as he had cast this many times. SO as the fire came within inches from his face, he stood completely unphased, and turned to the other two. "Tell me, who taught you magic? And how much control were you taught to use when casting?" @Enuky
 
South Yunakai--



Cecile was still munching on Lanister's roll when Oromis snapped at her. She turned just in time to see a blast of fire being flung their way and recoiled, dropping the roll and instunctively moving her arms to protect hereelf from the flames that never reached them. 


After waiting long enough to see she was in no danger, Cecile let out a relieved sigh and lowered her arms. She glared at Oromis for frightening her, and muttered, "you didn't have to be so rude". Clearly, she wasn't too fond of such surprises.


She shook her head and focused on his question now that he'd commanded her attention. Cecile stuttered slightly, "I um, I've learned from Sir Lanister and Queen Katha and.. myself", she said, and that was most of her teachings. 


"I have control", she said, not sure of how else to put it. She thought her control was adequate, anyway. 


Cecile lifted her wand to demonstrate again. "Ignitus", she said, casting a steadier stream of fire this time. 


. . .
​


 
​


Prudence was elated when Yaro returned to her. She'd been just resting with her baby, and joined his side next to the elegant cradle that was brought to her earlier that morning. 


She stepped close to Yaro, pressing gently against him with her own small frame. Her body was soft and plush from having so recently given birth. Yaro was holding Alfio and admiring him... a fact that made her proud. 


She blushed at his compliment, "I wish he could look like you", she said. 


 "His name is Alfio. Alfio Azarus", she added, wrapping an arm around one of Yaro's elbows and leaning against him.


@Inheritance @Andraus
 
@Enuky Gonna punch you in the feels button.


Yaro would smile at her. "Even if he is not mine by blood, I will love him like he is my own. I will teach him to carry the Azarus name with Pride and Dignity. " He said, before this got him to thinking about something, as he'd reach into one of his drawers. "Oh, that is right. I found this when we killed that bi- uh, woman Kuvira" He said, not wanting to swear in front of a child. He would then walk towards her. "I can't understand it, but maybe you can?" He said, handing it to her. Prudence would see that Yaro didn't know the sheer weight of what he handed to her.


It was Troy's Grimoire.


It was made in a journal given to her by Toriel in her orphanage. Troy would almost always have her nose buried in it, writing about some magic or another. However, the first page was not one for spells, nor was it an original page. It was placed in there, and upon inspection, it was a letter to Prudence!


Hey Pru-Pru. If you are reading this, then It means fate finally saw it fit to do me in.
​


Took it's sweet fucking time.
​


Ya know, I remember when we first met: We had both lost our family due to the tyranny of the Monarchies, but you never let that stop you. You had vision, and you made it real in the resistance. We may have argued about it's direction, but I'll never deny that the Resistance was a good cause.
​


Of course, then I left after....ah, you already know the story, don't need to repeat it.
​


 No, this isn't me asking for forgiveness. I don't deserve it.
​


What I want to do is give you this: If I am dead, the book is yours.
​


I finally did it Prudence! I told you I would, and I did it: Life-Crafting. Everything I know, I wrote it down in here. My life has been devoted to creating a new form of harnessable magic, and here it is.
​


But, if you're reading this, then likely I will never get a chance to teach it to anyone. But I know that, if you read this, you'll teach it to others, and finish what I started.
​


You know, I remember how we met. You took me under your wing, and practically raised me alongside Toriel. I was your apprentice, you were my master...at least in my eyes, since we never made it official. But you gave me form, you gave me purpose. I may have disagreed with what we did, but I never doubted the sincerity of your actions.
​


All of these things we've done, are what makes me who I am....But they're also holding me back.
​


I can never complete this goal, It was always too big for me. But if I pass this off to you, you'll have just enough to get started.
​


I wish there was another way....but, I am leaving this message, as well as others, to explain why I have to go this time.
​


Heh, ya know, it was actually Toriel that got me thinking about it.
​


She used to read us stories about brave heroes, noble crusades, and happily ever after's...
​


I still believe in them to this day.
​


There are so many stories where the hero has to give their life to save the day. Because of their sacrifice, the good guys win, everyone cheers, and we all live happily ever after, like in the story. But the hero...They'll never know if the day is actually saved. They'll never know if their sacrifice actually made a difference. In the end, they'll just have to have faith. Ain't that a bitch?
​


But you know what? I have faith in you.
​


Because you were more than just my leader, Pru-Pru.
​


You were my Best Friend....You were my Sister in all but blood. And for what it's worth? It was an honor to fight beside you.
​


Goodbye, and good life to you, Prudence.
​


 
​


Your Friend
​


Toriel 'Troy' Conners'
​
 
Lance accepted Lanister's offer with a grateful nod, pausing for a moment and shrugging when Cecile snagged the bread for herself. He began quietly eating the rabbit meat, turning to head out of the dining hall before jumping backwards when Oromis casted his spell. Being much closer than the rest of the group, Lance was forced to sidestep a ball of fire before it sizzled out on the stone. Lance sent a cool gaze Oromis's way, 'Really?' written all over his expression. "That was rather unnecessary, King Oromis. Do be more aware of where your allies are; it will help you greatly in avoiding decimating them," he remarked, although he seemed more cranky than shaking. Turning, Lance continued out of the dining hall, disappearing into some random, empty room where he could eat in peace.

///

"I suppose it would be better to turn up with more information," Maeve conceded, glancing over her shoulder at him. "But we should stop in this town first and rest and recover. Not to mention your elk will get a better price here, where the people mostly eat fish and whatever harvests their farms crop up." Maeve rose an eyebrow as the man fiddled with the locket; it was almost like he wanted to draw attention to it. 

"So, what's the deal with your necklace?" she asked, turning back to watch where she was going, ducking underneath a low branch and avoiding the main road as much as she could. At one point, they had to cross it and open ground, and she clung to cover as much as she could before darting over. She was probably being paranoid, but seeing such a large force of demons meant there were likely scouts all over the place. 
 
@Trombone Geek


Natha would look down at it, before speaking. "It's a.....It's best if I show you." He said, before opening it. Inside...was a memory flower. It was obviously very old, but very well taken care of. The locket looked like it was built specifically to carry it."These carry memories. I am not sure if something like this still exists in your world, but it was widely used in Alethea as a means of keeping track of important records....I keep this with me, so I never forget." He said, before lightly tapping on it. It's petals would open, and the two (three?) would be engulfed in a memory....


Fields of Alethea, Years in the past...


Natha would be standing amidst the dirt of a ruined tower. His breath was ragged, and he was wearing a full set of Alethean Armor (You said you wanted Roman/Greece, so I did what you said @Enuky). His men were exhausted, and the demonic forces under the Ishikawa and the Mazoku were doing their best to crush this last hold-out of resistance from the Alethean Military. Natha would see them approaching, hissing and growling at the male. Natha would bite down, before pulling off his helmet, his matted hair now visible, as he'd raise his sword, before rushing forward, a battle cry escaping his lips.


One demon would fall before him, the sword piercing it's chest, as Natha would kick it away. Holding up a shield, he'd slam it against another to send it away, before using it to bash the demons head in. Natha could feel the rage building in his chest, his anger fueling his need for revenge. Pressing his hands together, he would then cast them out, as the silver fire would appear around him. Now, with Kalamitat basically hiding in Maeve's mind, she'd be able to see this fire first hand in this memory, and she would notice it didn't look like fire.


Rather....it moved about like liquid.


Natha would cast this fire out, it burning the demons around him, before he would then knock another demon down. Using the momentum, he would stomp down on this demons neck before shoving with enough might to rend the creatures head off, leaving a bloody mess where it's body was. A blast of magic would send Natha to the ground, his teeth grinding. Maeve would be able to see the demonic aura flowing around his body, like a corrosive material around the soul.


Natha would hold out his arms, and the swords of the fallen demons on the field would start to rise. When all were raised, he would outstretch one arm, as they'd aim towards the oncoming horde. Shooting towards them like arrows, the weapons would pierce into the demons cutting them like ribbons, before the rest would retreat, for the moment. Natha stood there, his men behind them, reinvigorated by their leader strength, but Natha had a different look in his eye: Cold, hatred burning his soul to the core, and a vengeful glare on his face.


Much like how Yaro was...


Present...


Natha would close the locket, as he'd place it back into his shirt. Maeve would be able to see his hand was trembling. This memory obviously tormented him. "Back then, I had just lost my family, and it was all I could think.....that, and my burning hatred for every demon in existence...I used to keep this with me to remind me what I was fighting for.....But now it has a new purpose: To remind me what I must not become. You see how I acted back then....I was a monster, I didn't control my anger like I do now, and I simply became another demon on that field....I use this locket to remind myself what I must never become again. Some people would call it torturing myself....but I know I must keep myself in check, lest I become the thing I wish to destroy. "Natha said. He was torturing himself, making himself out to be a monster, because he feared what would happen if he became like that again.
 
Klaus stopped in his tracks when he heard Mizuki singing. Off the track to his home he veered, to stop by. His eye twitched and there was a ringing in his ears.. every fiber of his being commanding him to smite the evil dem-


"You're coming with us? To the tomb of Klydebern?" Klaus asked her as he approached. He had shrugged off the urge.. scolding his body for thinking it could control him. "You'll be real satisfied seeing the Demon Slayer dead and buried, won't you? And.. are those torture tools? You'll be fighting with those?" his voice sounded condescensing.. but soon he was laughing.


"Of both of those things, I am guilty of! After all.. with my ancestor being long dead.. nothing but the tomb itself is stopping me from retrieving his weapon! And.. well I will show you here in a minute." Heinrich broke away, entering his home, which was only a few blocks away. He passed through the main room, stepping over the corpses of the previous occupants, and slipped into the bed chambers, where he stashed his equipment. Under his clothes, he slipped on his steel cuirass, and took up his shield, crossbow, and mace. Minutes later he returned to Mizuki, showing her his mace. Engraved on the handle was "Mr. Spanky".


"The mace was originally a tool for torture; flaying the skin off of heathens. Put enough muscle behind it though, and you've got a decent bludgeon!"


@Andraus
 
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