Fantasy The War

[KhalZhavvorsa]

Bellatrix's grin became a soft smile. She had passed the test. Her loyalty and devotion to the man, regardless of 'law' was clear when the anger and rage appeared in Svenja's eyes. She cared for her champion, just as Bellatrix did her's. The elf however, was looking very gray and sick. It was very clear that her dark aura was far too great for him and one he could not handle. However, the tend moment was over the minute metal scrapped against metal. The drawing of a sword. Bellatrix's eyes where pulled to where Arkos was. He was very jealous, actually.. there was no word to describe how jealous the man was. It was rather upsetting. Bellatrix pulled herself away from the elf and walked over to Arkos as though he was nothing but a whelp. "You will sheath your sword and stand utterly still. You are not to speak or move a single bone, Arkos." Her voice was as cold as the winter far to the north of her lands, and as hard as fresh steel. It was very clear that Bellatrix was not happy with his actions, and in no way would tolerate them right now. After giving the command she knew he could not disobey, she turned back towards Svenja and her champion, any smile or playful act from before was not gone. "Excuse him. He is the most loyal warrior I have, but he has..problems." She gave a small hard look to Arkos for a moment, then looks back to them. "I will write up the papers making the treaty complete as well as our alliance. The crown will be given out of generosity and for the forgiveness of my champions actions." She stated, thus finishing negotiations. "Arkos. You disappoint me. I thought after all these years that you would still not be as jealous..but yet I am proven wrong. We will discuss this later, in my personal chambers. Understood?" She spoke to him.


The guard would nod, as though he knew what the mage was talking about. "Proceed. The Queen will be found in the West Wing Meeting Room." He said, his voice deep and gruff before he snapped his thick metal guantlets together and summoned two city guards. "Escort him to the Queen quickly." He directed, the two city guards would nod and begin making their way for the Queen.


@Ami the breadling @KaalsyBR @Clockwork Syringe

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Alexander was relieved to see the tall man nod and summon two guards. "Proceed. The Queen will be found in the West Wing Meeting Room." The guards then began to escort him over to the castle with haste. However, he wasn't sure if the guards outright trusted him as they made no move to restrict his movements, more so due to him meeting with the queen under such short notice. Still he quickly spoke to the two guards, "Let's make haste for the meeting room then!" Alexander spoke as he began to run quickly with the two guards side by side. Surprisingly, they kept up with him as they ran side by side, although he was positive that they were not subject to the limits that a normal human would have. Then again, Alexander wasn't a normal human now was he?


After running to the castle gates, he stopped and spoke to the guards, "After you, I do not know my way around this place."


@xEmoBunnehx

 

[Cryo]

"Well that should be the end of anyone bothering you."said Nekri as she gulped down on her drink."Now let's move on to my payment."


Her client then eyed someone that sat at the bar, he returned the look and both gave each other a firm nod. The man walked over to Nekri's table and dropped 2 pouches full of silverpeaks, both totalling 50 silverpeaks.


"Alright, then looks like you don't need my service any longer. If you need me, you know where to find me."she said and exited the tavern along with her payment.

 

[The Fluffiest Floof]

Svenja was just busy with not killing, when everything seemed to break down into shattered pieces. The whole peace treaty was endangered. The light queen had mentally already gotten ready to fight, when Bellatrix saved the situation. A thankful smile appeared on Svenjas face, being cast to Bellatrix and disappearing.


Then, Svenja felt happy. "Alright. Sadly, we can not stay longer than a day." Her eyes searched the ones of Raeghal, asking quietly, if he would be able to hold out that long. "I believe, as a celebration for our upcoming treaty, we should dine together, no?"

 

[Graecus Scum]

Demetrius Drake


Drake admired the line of kneeling, chained soldiers. They weren't from the Queen's army, of course. No, they were simply rebels that he had hypnotized to be loyal to the queen. They were strong, brave, and good fighters.


"They're perfect, Katara. Good job." He murmured. Kat beamed. Praise from the coven master was not an easy award to win. "Bring them to me, one at a time." He ordered, lounging on his ornate chair. Not a throne, but a very nice chair. Kat yanked the first soldier to his feet, bringing him closer. The fear scent in his blood made Drake's fangs ache with longing. Drake lunged, attacking like a viper.


It took him all of thirty seconds for the entire group to be writhing in pain. In a few hours, they'd be turned. "Put them in the dungeons, separate them so they don't kill each other before I can train them." He said, waving his hand as he wiped the blood from his chin. He turned to Kat once again.


"And... Kat? Arrange for a meeting with the queen. Have this new batch trained and ready by the time it happens. I think she might want them, I've heard rumors about war." He offered, sitting down once again and staring at the door.

 

[Cosmo]

~?~

Arkos stared forward, his blade half-drawn, he had, foolishly, hoped he had regained control of himself in time, but he had not. The second the feminine elf had moved in front of his Queen, he knew it would only escalate. He had failed the 'test' that he was never meant to pass. The anger he felt at himself pass over to her; she had used him, again. A tool, which he may be, but as a tool with some level of conscious thought, he could resent being carelessly used as such.


His convenient outburst gave her the perfect opportunity to hand out the crown as an 'apology' allowing her to retain dignity whilst still being a threatening figure that retained power. If Arkos wasn't so angry with her, he would almost have applauded the move even if it came at his own expense. At her command, his body moved of its own accord, the blade sliding back into the sheath and his body freezing exactly as he was, his body still slightly forward, his leg still placed onto the ground as if was still about to march forward, but he could not. No matter how hard he struggled against the bars in his mind, no matter how hard he willed his arms to move, his mouth to open, he could not. He was little more then a statue, and until commanded otherwise, he would remain there, for all eternity, if that was what she desired and he could do nothing to oppose it.


If using him as a toy for her plans wasn't enough, when she spoke to him in his mind, whatever attempt he would have had to control his thoughts was banished, "Understood. I shall endeavor to find someway to 'live' with your disappointment, as difficult as I am sure that shall be," He replied, not bothering to hide his irritation or the tone of his words, "Not that I have a choice."



​

@Ami the breadling


@xEmoBunnehx


@KaalysBR

~?~

Aldrich Orrak,


Liaison to Graenum





"There is no official leader," Aldrich politely answered as he led the king down the hallways of the large fortress, "But some members will have more pull then others either from deals, personal wealth, well, you understand."


It was a short trip, as the High Council Chambers was not far from the front gate, allowing the members to quickly convene when needed. Aldrich nodded politelty to the various City Guards lining the hall, their long spears held out from their bodies as they stood as statues guarding key doors and standing guard over entrances to halls.


The old man paused by a large oak door and slowly pushed it open, "They are waiting for you."


The room was rather small and lacked any windows lit by chandeliers hanging from the roof. Raised on a dais was a crescent table with five chairs and five figures setting around it, three women and two men of varying ages, it opened up to the steps leading up to the dais, the design meant to allow the speaker to stand in the center of the Council members and speak so that they could all hear. The second the King stepped into the room, he would be announced by the secretary sitting at a small desk near the steps leading up to the dais, a quill in their hands and a large scroll of paper at the read, the secretary would record everything that was said.
​

@UnknownOrigin

 

[UnknownOrigin]

Alistair Cadwell III of Graenum
Alistair entered the room, head held high. The second he walked past the door, a young secretary announced him.

"Presenting King Alistair Cadwell III of Graenum." She said, her voice carrying through the hall. He nodded to her and walked up to the lectern, Jon at his side.

"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice. It is truly an honor to meet with the men and women who help run this city with the nobility and sacrifice that it takes to bring any kingdom to greatness." He said, his voice smooth and polite. Here, he had no power. Here, he was just a man, who could be killed in an instant. Respect was his best tool, his best option.

"War is coming. As surely as the sun rises every morning, war will come. Sooner rather than later. Neither this nor my kingdom is capable of standing up to Bellatrix on its own. But together, with the right blend of allies and cooperation, I am fully confident that we can stand together, united, and survive these battles to come." He continued. Not that he showed it for an instant, but he was nervous. This was the first time he had made a speech such as this, and he had very little idea of how long to go on. According to Jon, he had to make a firm, convincing statement in as little time as possible.

"The kingdom of Abstrain has offered a meeting, to discuss possible alliances. If our three kingdoms join together and fight as one, we will weather this blow, we will not be defeated. If you accept this treaty, this declaration of peace between us... Graenum and all of our soldiers, all of our resources... We will stand beside you no matter the occasion." He finished. He had no idea how this kind of meeting worked. He assumed, at that point, that they would take their turn to speak. Jon offered him no advice, as it would've been unseemly to be dependent on his common adviser during this stage.​

 

[Graecus Scum]

Evelyn Hamilton

Evelyn stared down at the papers, struggling to make sense of them. They made sense, in theory. An alliance between Graenum, Ostliem, and Abstrain. Together, they could be quite powerful. But what did she gain? She had armies. She had ships. She had food and money. Was she joining them just for the status of having allies? If so, weren't there better options.

She rubbed her brow, trying to contain her frustration. Only one person could ever help her when she was in a bind such as this one. She gestured for one of her servants, who rushed forward immediately.

"Send me Daeshnir, please. He's probably training." She ordered, returning her attention to the papers. It wasn't supposed to be easy for her to get headaches, but this was certainly giving her one. She took a sip of her wine, which was imported from some kingdom that she couldn't remember. Abstrainian wine was fine, but she had been in the mood for variety, instead of the sickly sweet flavor that plagued her kingdom.

She tossed the papers down. There was no way she could finish this on her own. She'd wait for her champion.​

 

[Play On Words]

Daeshnir Valnov
Daeshnir was in the combat arena when the servant found him. Due to the hot weather and exercise, his shirt was on the ground a few feet away, and he was not wearing armor. He faced two men with swords, and had no doubt in his mind that he'd win. He charged first, sword held high.


When he was just a breath away from them, he somersaulted in the air, landing behind them. Unfortunately, they had reflexes equal to him, and he only managed to kick one by the time they whipped around. The one he kicked flew forward, but he had to dance away to avoid getting skewered by the second. He parried another strike before whirling around, slamming the flat of his blade against the man's ankles and sending him sprawling. It wasn't until then that he noticed the servant and began to walk over, picking up his shirt and shrugging it on as he walked.


"Does the Queen require me?" He asked. At her nod, he set off at a brisk jog, arriving at the Queen's side in just a few moments. "I apologize for my lateness, Your Majesty. I was training." He said, bowing stiffly as he took his place behind her. He tried to keep his eyes firmly forward, but he couldn't help them from flickering down slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. It was strange, she was the only one who could make him smile, who could bring some emotion onto his scarred face.
​

 

[Graecus Scum]

Evelyn Hamilton

Evelyn blushed slightly when she met his gaze, but forced herself to offer him the papers. "It's a missive from Alistair Cadwell, the King of Graenum. He'd like to offer us a treaty." She explained, taking the opportunity to stare openly at him while he was distracted. He was... Handsome, to an extent. A part of her, the Light in her, still distrusted him due to his parentage, his obvious relationship to Dark Elves. But she was able to ignore it easily.

Daeshnir had been the most loyal man that she could've ever imagined. His uncle, Beshkev, had been a decorated soldier in her army for years until he was killed in battle. It was just a year later that she appointed his nephew as her Champion, and she hadn't regretted it since. He'd saved her life many a time, often getting himself hurt in the process.

"The problem is... I like Alistair, he's a good man, a good King. But if I accept his treaty, I accept it under the knowledge that he is currently trying to sway Ostliem. If I accept him, I accept Ostliem, and they have very little to offer us. No King or Queen, just their idea of letting the people rule." She explained, hoping she didn't sound silly. Daeshnir was far better at politics and was strategy than she had ever been.​

 

[Play On Words]

Daeshnir Valnov

Daeshnir skimmed the missive, brow furrowed. The terms seemed simple enough, everything in line. But he could understand Queen Evelyn's hesitance to bond herself with such a new King, who wanted to ally himself with other small city-states. "Alistair Cadwell is a good man." He agreed, a twinge of jealousy in his voice. It was common knowledge that a marriage between Alistair and Evelyn would benefit both kingdoms greatly, and he had problems not hating the man for that.

"Your Majesty, the choice, in the end, is yours. I can try to influence you all I want, but it shouldn't make a difference. It is your decision. But if you do accept this treaty, it will further the rumors that you and King Alistair are intending on being wed." He said, voice a bit stiff. She hadn't told him what she had planned to do with Alistair, which didn't help his mood about the situation.

Then again... He couldn't really complain. The same rumors floated around about him and the Queen, which was ridiculous. She was a goddess to the people in this city, they worshipped her. She was a kind and just ruler. And he... He was just the hired muscle. He knew that. It still hurt, though.​

 

[KaalysBR]

Raeghal seemed hesitant to let go of the hilt of his sword,but eventually he did exactly that. His fingers slid down slowly,and he removed himself from the aggressive posture he was once holding.


His breath was still coming shalow with annoyance,but he quickly hid it behind the secure walls of a cold expression. The only movement that came out of him was when Queen Svnenja asked a question about his health in the Dark Kingdom. They had never actually needed words between them. A simple look was enough.


I will hold on for as long as you need me to,my queen.

@Ami the breadling

@xEmoBunnehx
​

 

[KhalZhavvorsa]

To say Bellatrix was giddy would be an understatement, to even say she was happy would be one. The thought of a celebration brought the biggest smile to her dead face. It had been so long...so very long. The last celebration Quanni had was when she marred Demitri. That was many, many years ago. "Oh Svenja darling! Do you really mean it?! A celebration?" Bellatrix;s excitement was clear in the way her eyes twinkled with hope, her body almost wagging at the pure joy of such and idea. Truly she had wanted one for so long..but what was there to celebrate? Now there was a momentous occasion to do so! She would certainly go all out, even if war threatened her back door. Her childish nature was rising with each passing thought about the party, so much so she nearly did a twirl. Her entire composure was broken at the thought of something so happy coming to her gloomy land.


Unfortunately it was all short lived, every second of it..for the next thing that came to her was beyond what she was expecting to hear. Two guards and a strange male burst into her meeting room. Bellatrix's smile was instantly washed away, it was almost saddening that a smile that had long since been retired was resurrected then killed again in a matter of seconds. "My lady! Urgent news!" One guard called, then nodded to the man they had brought along with them to speak. Bellatrix waited anxiously, her eyes resting upon the man's.


@Ami the breadling

 

[The Fluffiest Floof]

To say Bellatrix was giddy would be an understatement, to even say she was happy would be one. The thought of a celebration brought the biggest smile to her dead face. It had been so long...so very long. The last celebration Quanni had was when she marred Demitri. That was many, many years ago. "Oh Svenja darling! Do you really mean it?! A celebration?" Bellatrix;s excitement was clear in the way her eyes twinkled with hope, her body almost wagging at the pure joy of such and idea. Truly she had wanted one for so long..but what was there to celebrate? Now there was a momentous occasion to do so! She would certainly go all out, even if war threatened her back door. Her childish nature was rising with each passing thought about the party, so much so she nearly did a twirl. Her entire composure was broken at the thought of something so happy coming to her gloomy land.
Unfortunately it was all short lived, every second of it..for the next thing that came to her was beyond what she was expecting to hear. Two guards and a strange male burst into her meeting room. Bellatrix's smile was instantly washed away, it was almost saddening that a smile that had long since been retired was resurrected then killed again in a matter of seconds. "My lady! Urgent news!" One guard called, then nodded to the man they had brought along with them to speak. Bellatrix waited anxiously, her eyes resting upon the man's.


@Ami the breadling

Svenja got a bit confused when Bellatrix suddenly used her first name, like they we're old friends or anything similar. Not that she minded at all, it just showed her, that the queen was truly happy about the peace. Svenja looked down herself, the armor was nice but nothing to celebrate with. "Yes, a celebration. I should have a nice dress on my ship, I always have a little wardrobe there. Would you mind sending a servant to get them?", she replied just as happy as Bellatrix. Then she looked at Raeghal and found, he could stay like he was, he was good looking enough.


When somebody interrupted, Svenja straightened up in posture and looked at the person between the guards with cold, calculating eyes.


@Cosmo @Clockwork Syringe @KaalysBR

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

As Alexander made his way to the west meeting room, the guards showed him the way there. Carefully, he thought, was how he'd need to word his explanation. As the guards opened the door, four figures could be seen within with a fifth hidden from sight he noticed with his senses. No need for that fifth person to disrupt this gathering, so he briskly walked over and kneeled on one knee. The queen of the dark kingdom was at a seat accompanied by her own champion, but that was not what drew his attention. The other woman was a woman he recognized from Galandrang, the princess of the light kingdom, now queen from what he had heard from his travels. "Your majesties, I am sorry to interrupt whatever discussion this might be, but there are Undines approaching the kingdom with what appears to be the hostile intent of attacking the city. I ran here as fast as I could!"


@Ami the breadling @Cosmo @Crysalisis

 

[Graecus Scum]

Evelyn Hamilton

Evelyn nodded slowly. His words, for once, hadn't really helped her. But he always got a bit strange when Alistair Cadwell was brought up. "Rumors I can handle." She murmured, thinking of the ones that spread about the two of them.

What would be so bad about it? He's a handsome, eligible man, I'm an eligible woman... What's really stopping us? Oh, right...




Him. That was what was stopping her. He stayed so stiff, so formal around her. He probably just thought of her as his queen, his boss. He was the image of professionalism. She didn't know if it was an act or if he truly didn't care about her any more than another citizen.

Besides... If anything did happen between them, it'd have to be kept in secret. She was the Queen, he was the Champion. It'd be improper. It'd have to be hidden until the day they wed, which she doubted they ever would.

She shook her head, as if trying to expel her thoughts through her ears. "Perhaps this is a topic that should be breeched in person. After all, it is life or death... Unfortunately. He's in Ostliem currently, perhaps we can visit him on the way back?" She offered musingly. One of his hands was still on the back of her chair...

Almost accidentally, she lightly touched one of his scarred fingers, a slight frown on her lips. His scars were far too many, and some far too grievous, to have all been suffered by one man. She was sure he could've gotten them healed completely, but he never did.​

 

[KhalZhavvorsa]

The news hit Bellatrix almost like a freight train. Here eyes rested upon the man who knelled before her, the one who'd gave her the news. The very dreadful news. With a heavy sigh Bellatrix offered the man a hand. "Rise good sir, and take me to where the Undines approach." She requested of him, her voice stern as inwardly her mind raced. Bellatrix knew that this 'Undine' had to be one of the 7 Sea Emperors..and knowing her luck she had a feeling she knew exactly which one it was. "Queen Svenja, you and your champion remain here please. I would hate for our treaty to dismantle at the mischievous ways a Sea King. While I am away, will you please write up the papers? This could take a bit." Bellatrix said, her voice the say stern one, but held tones of kindness to them. Her eyes glanced over at the two, they would be alright in her castle, no harm would come to them or this treaty. Her eyes came back to rest on the male who knelled. He did not look from her kingdom, which meant he had to of been traveling through when he saw them approach. She would have to thank this man later..for saving her people. "We must get there with much haste." She explained to the man, knowing she would need to save her people before they were drown.


A shadow approached the female waiting in the throne room once more. "You will have to forgive the Queen's absence for a while longer. A important matter has arisen and she will not be able to make it right now." It's ghastly voice explained to her.


@Ami the breadling @KaalysBR @Crysalisis

 

[Play On Words]

Daeshnir Valnov

Daeshnir froze when she touched his hand, heart pounding. A delicate frown was on her face, which he greatly disliked. He relaxed slightly and momentarily stopped his stiff position.

He heard sounds outside the building. Yelling. And then the unmistakable sound of swords and bows. He didn't hesitate, grabbing the arms of the chair and turning it until the back was toward the door. He leaned into the Queen, lips an inch from hers.

"Legs up, arms in." He ordered, showing her what to do before drawing his sword and approaching the door. Probably a little rebel outbreak, they weren't residing in the castle at that moment. The Queen's home, just outside the Royal city, had no magical defenses at her bequest.

A group of about four rebels walked in, three swordsman and an archer. "Get him! The Dark Elf scum!" One shouted. He grinned crookedly and charged. In only a few moments, one elf bearing a sword was stabbed in the leg, groaning. He saw an arrow flying toward him, seemingly in slow motion. He caught it and snapped it like a twig. He grabbed an arrow from his own quiver and threw it, watching it impale the archer in the arm.

He kept the two last elves at bay until he launched himself at them, slamming them against the wall. The archer was already up, and fired another arrow. Daeshnir was too slow, and it hit him in the shoulder. He spat a curse, lunging and stabbing the archer in the gut, wrenching his sword up. He twisted, using the body as a shield until he reached the final two swordsmen, who had gotten back up, and killed them with ease.​

 

[Graecus Scum]

Evelyn Hamilton

Evelyn wasn't really breathing. She was a bit stunned. One second, everything had been fine, then he was just an inch away. She had been so sure that he was about to kiss her, her heart had nearly beat out of her chest. And then be was gone, fighting off four elves to protect her. The second the sounds of battle stopped, she scrambled out of cover, needing to know that he was okay.

"Daeshnir, they shot you!" She said stupidly, feeling moronic. She grabbed his good hand and brought him to her chair, sitting him down and cutting the sleeve of his shirt with her knife. She pulled out the arrow, trying to ignore the fact that it'd probably hurt him, and healed him softly. The shot left no scar, just his clean, healed skin. She didn't care if he wanted to keep his scars.​

 

[Play On Words]

Daeshnir Valnov

Daeshnir grunted when she pulled the arrow, but let out an involuntary sigh of relief when she healed him. "Thank you, Your Majesty." He murmured, eyes dropping suddenly. "If you intend on meeting with Alistair Cadwell any time over the next month, we should pack."

He stood up, frowning slightly as he towered over her. "I... Greatly apologize for giving you an order, my Queen. It is not my place, but I had to ensure that you would be safe." He explained, a bit embarrassed.

He straightened, resting his hand on the hilt of his bloody sword. "You were not harmed, were you?" He asked quickly, not seeing any wounds on her. The relief that flowed through him was a bit scary, all-consuming. He never would've forgiven himself if she had been hurt because he was too slow.​

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

"Of course your majesty, follow me please with the utmost haste!" Before he ran out of the meeting room with Bellatrix in tow, he turned back to Queen Svenja. "Your majesty, I would like to speak with you when I return if you would do me the honor, it's been a long time since I've spoken with someone from my home nation." Leading Bellatrix out of the meeting room, he began to run to the docks letting his natural stamina do most of the work. Since it was a while to the docks, he began to speak to the queen, "Your majesty, If I may ask while en route to our destination, how long have you been around? I've heard stories of your longevity."


@Ami the breadling

 

[The Fluffiest Floof]

@xEmoBunnehx[/URL] @KaalysBR @Cosmo

 

[KaalysBR]

Raeghal meet his Queen's glance,the same look of worry reflecting in the brightness of his eyes. What could have been a happy day with celebrations about a truce had suddenly took a dangerous turn. He was starting to worry about the possibility of having to fight. The amount of time and the touch of the Queen had been a combination of darkness overdose inside of his body. If he had to rise a sword against his enemies,he wouldn't do it at his peak condition. Not that he wouldn't fight with all he had. That was a certainty.


His thoughts were turned to softer paths once he felt the hand of his queen touching his. He nodded to her,smiling with confidence.


"Don't worry,my queen. I would have endured much worse for you. Don't concern yourself with me." He looked down at the way their hands were intertwined together. "Thank you for not...giving up on me. I understand how important the crown is for you. I would have stayed if you commanded me to,but I'm glad you didn't." He gave her an approving smile. "Your posture through this entire ordeal was commendable. You stood your ground,kept your calm. Your ancestors would be very proud."





The glance of worry never actually left his eyes as he thought about the Undynes. He knew the Dark Queen was powerful,but worry came naturally to him. @Ami the breadling

 

[The Fluffiest Floof]

Raeghal meet his Queen's glance,the same look of worry reflecting in the brightness of his eyes. What could have been a happy day with celebrations about a truce had suddenly took a dangerous turn. He was starting to worry about the possibility of having to fight. The amount of time and the touch of the Queen had been a combination of darkness overdose inside of his body. If he had to rise a sword against his enemies,he wouldn't do it at his peak condition. Not that he wouldn't fight with all he had. That was a certainty.


His thoughts were turned to softer paths once he felt the hand of his queen touching his. He nodded to her,smiling with confidence.


"Don't worry,my queen. I would have endured much worse for you. Don't concern yourself with me." He looked down at the way their hands were intertwined together. "Thank you for not...giving up on me. I understand how important the crown is for you. I would have stayed if you commanded me to,but I'm glad you didn't." He gave her an approving smile. "Your posture through this entire ordeal was commendable. You stood your ground,kept your calm. Your ancestors would be very proud."





The glance of worry never actually left his eyes as he thought about the Undynes. He knew the Dark Queen was powerful,but worry came naturally to him. @Ami the breadling

She smiled back and nodded. "Thank you for those Kind words, friend.", she said. Then Svenjas eyes got sad. "I yet somewhat lost control in there. When she touched you... I... I had to fight myself to not behead her in place. I had to contain so much anger... for... reasons I do not even know... I seem to not be the master over my emotions, as I can't even understand their origin."

 

[Cosmo]

~?~

If he wasn't in such a bad mood from being taunted, 'tested', publicly chided and then promptly ignored, the sight of Bellatrix so excited, like a child something he had missed seeing and had become too raw a sight, would have warmed Arkos' soul. Whatever could have happened was shattered when guards entered, he heard rather then saw them, and report of something coming. The 'fish' people moving to strike at their kingdom. He tried to move, but could not, frozen in place.


As Bellatrix made her orders known, requesting the two stay in the room and followed the guards, walking right past him, Arkos stayed where he was. She had not rescinded her orders to 'not move a bone', as such, he was frozen in place. Unable to look anywhere but forward, at the Light Queen and her Champion, in the exact same posture he was before. She had either purposely left him or, more likely, had forgotten in the rush, and while he could remind her, he would not.


She could handle this herself, his wounded pride speaking more then anything else. Although, it was a thought doomed to failure, eventually, she would have need of his blade and probably, near that same moment, recall that she had left him frozen in the chamber. Either way, for this short amount of time, and for the sake of wounded pride and ego, she could fight without her 'Champion' since he was always 'disappointing' her.
​

@Ami the breadling


@KaalysBR

~?~

​

The groaning of metal and heavy thuds finally came to a stop as Charon came to a stop outside the large, heavy doors that led to the Chamon Patriarch's door. Pushing himself off the great silver golem, Sigvald knocked on the heavy oaken doors twice and then entered without being bidden to. He had been summoned, after all, if the old artificer did not want people entering his chambers, he should go to them next time.


"Artificer Martell," The wizened old man who rose up from behind his desk, his great white beard home to numerous extravagant golden clasp that spoke of great personal wealth and power even as his head was balder then a baby's bottom, "As you know, it is customary for Ostleim to present a... gift to foreign dignitaries. A symbol of Ostlander hospitality."


"Yes, Patriarch, is someone coming soon that you wish me to make something for?" Sigvald asked intrigued. Such an event was rare, most people did not willingly come to Ostleim and so the practice was.. well, just as rare although Chamon Mages being the ones to create the gifts was common as no one else could make wonders like them.


The old man ran a wrinkled had through his beard, pausing to run his thumb over the intricate clasp, "No, he is already here. He arrived... earlier then we thought. As such, I need you to create something as soon as possible."


Sigvald's eyes narrowed behind his mask, such a task would no doubt require a lot of magic, something that would strain him, and moreover, making him do it at the last moment was an obvious ploy. If he failed, the Patriarch could say he only let him do it as a 'kindness' to the cripple, if he succeeded, it would only make the Patriarch look better to his colleagues, but there was nothing he could do about it, so he inclined his hooded head slightly forward, "Very well, Patrairch, do you have supplies and information ready?" He asked.


The Patriarch waved him to a table nearby, full of tools, bars of silver and numerous large tomes, likely, filled with information and history on the visiting dignitary and their home, "I shall start at once," he said, startling the Patriarch who likely thought he would retreat to his dark chambers and send someone for the stuff.


Crossing the room with an exaggerated limp to make the Patriarch feel self-conscious, he sank down into the plush chairs and opened a tome, he needed an idea for a gift for the, he discovered, King of Graenum.
​

~?~

Ostleim High Council

​

The five council members were arranged around the crescent table, at the center sat a female elf while she appeared no older then her mid thirties, but her eyes spoke of ancient wisdom. To her left sat and older man, his hair graying and a scowl almost permanently attached to his face, Lord Tavin Markell, to her right sat another women. On the ends of the table sat a dwarf and yet another woman.


They stood and bowed their heads as the King of Graenum gave his introductions before returning to their seat as they awaited for his speech and, more to the point, what he wanted in their lands.


As he talked of joining together to face the Lich Queen, they shared glances... They had faced her before and fought her off once, and as long as the Light Kingdom remained at odds with the Dark Kingdom, they could oppose her, or at the very least, fight with the Ostlander inborn hard-bitten defiance in the face of terror and death. This was an issue that had long split the council, the idea of 'allying' with another nation. No Ostlander liked foreign powers, especially, monarchies that could look at them as a target, unruly people that need to be brought under heel of a 'proper' government then there was the issue that, should a war with the Lich Queen, arise, it would be their homeland that served as the front line. Their homes that burned, their people that suffered while their 'allies' would likely use them as nothing more then a frontline, a buffer zone against their enemy... but... it also could not be denied that they could never best the Lich Queen, not truly, and they needed supplies to fight back... yes, it was an issue that was.. very heated.


The second the word, Astrain, left his mouth, every member of the council, even the old elven woman, stiffened considerably. None of them liked those... people. A highly militaristic kingdom that enslaved their own people. Something even the dreaded Lich Queen did not do. Tavin Markell's face was nearly burning red at the implication that they would ever need, nor, want the help of slaving degenerates like the Astrain. As far as Lord Markell was concerned, if the day came when the only hope for Ostleim lied in kowtowing to slavers like the Astrain... where they had to let their accursed soldiers on their land and hope they would not enslave them or turn against them was the day Ostleim would make their final stand. Better to die with dignity and freedom then live as a slave, after all, it was such a principle that Ostleim was formed to begin with.


When the king stopped speaking, Lord Markell rose to his feet and exploded, "You think we will work with those revolting slavers!? I know quite well what you will all do. You will send soldiers here to 'help' us, while our homes burn, while our people suffer fighting off the Darkness as you use us as a shield against her armies of the dead. Always easy to imagine death and destruction when it is happening on someone else's lands, then when the war finally ends, those disgusting filth will sweep in and enslave the survivors! We do not need such 'help'!"


The old elf shot Tavin a sharp look, "Sit down, Councilor," her voice cold.


Lord Markell threw her a look that almost implied a childish, 'make me', but as her look continued, the older man huffed and returned to his seat.


The dwarf on the end brought out a pipe from his pocket and started tapping it on the table, "... And what do you get out of this... arrangement?" He asked the King of Graenum,

​

@UnknownOrigin