Fantasy When Darkness Rules

[Redrobinwing]

Look at the overview for information on the RP.

 

[Redrobinwing]

John walked through the gates of Aetherwind, his weapons strapped to his torso and his armor worn tightly on his body. His brunette hair was spiked up and caught a bit of wind as the breeze swept from behind him. Even after just entering the city, he could already see dozens of warriors, soldiers, and adventurers roaming the streets. Merchants were haggling, bards were entertaining, and guards were patrolling as John sauntered through the steets. He could see the palace in the distance, at least a mile away. "Looks as good as ever..." He mumbled. With blue domes and giant windows, the royal palace was a sight to behold. It stood at least 50 feet, and was twice that in length. Primarily made of stone, it matched the architecture of the rest of the city while still retaining a grand and royal feeling to it. A voice came from behind. "It's quite beautiful, isn't it?" John turned and smiled at the sight before him. "Connor!" A young man with medium-length dark brown hair, a slightly tanned complexion, and grey eyes that showed an immense amount of intelligence stood before John. The two young men hugged one another, John being an inch or two taller than his younger brother. They separated and John put an arm around Connor. "Where have you been? I only had a day's start on you." Connor smiled and shook his head. "Some of us had to wait around for our good friend Ace." A large canine ran up in front of the two boys and jumped up, placing both paws on John's shoulders. "Ace! There you are! Such a good boy!" Connor chuckled at his pet's greeting. "I get the feeling that he missed you." John pet the wolfdog's head. "And I missed him too. How was the trip?" "Not too bad, pretty smooth for the most part." "And our payment?" "Not as much as you'd think..." The three companions continued on their way to the palace while they discussed their lackluster amount of money.

 

[XxLuluxX]

Bennett entered the city gates, the look of a traveller befalling him. Not the noble knight that lay underneath his rather rugged exterior. He looked down at the Jack Russell following at his heel. "I've always hated cities" he muttered darkly, shaking his head. The dog simply giving a small sneeze in response. He rolled his eyes, and started onward, looking up at the massive and grandiose palace ahead. 'A bloated monarchy, and nothing more. Puppets of their own power' he thought to himself with a look rivaling that of disgust. He let himself be swept along with the crowds of mercenaries, merchants and local folk, barging and glaring at anyone stupid enough to knock him. He started to make some headway to the palace, a semi-permanent frown dipping his smooth brow, adding to the harsh shadows thrown across his features. Bennetts broad shoulders, and tall physique bobbing above the crowd, one hand always placed cautiously on the hilt of his sword. For a man his size and stature, it was concidered strange he had a... small dog to accompany him. But the fact was, the little Jack Russell had made his way into the cold mans heart. Not to mention, the tiny devil was an excellent rat catcher. Aside from the man and his dog, the real reason for his presence was one everyone knew. Mainly because nearly everyone had recieved a letter begging for help. Warriors, priests, casters, even farmers the last time he'd heard. What the hell would they do? 'Grow' the darkness into submission?


Running a hand through his tousled hair, he approached the large stone staircase leading up toward the palace doors taking a small breath. He had never been good with politics...nobles...Discussing foreign cuisine...If that was a thing amongst the upper class nowadays. Even for a knight, he rarely liked to spend money, unlike most he knew whom spent their lives in a brothel.

 

[Aryna]

Emma was glad that she arrive before most of the guest began to stream in through the grand city gates. This wasn't the first time she accompanied her parents and her uncle to the castle, no fr from it. She'd been here since she could remember maybe even farther back before then. Her family was almost always the exclusive purveyor of the finest cheese in all the land. She was intimately familiar with the road that lead from the city gates and winded down a private road toward the back door entrance to the royal kitchens. The sweet and salty aromas of the kitchen fires filled her nostrils and her lungs as she and her trusty dog Astria escorted the last cart of the cheese the royal cook had ordered from her family. Her father and uncle were busy unloading the previous cart. The two old man bantered between them happily. She loved and admired them with her whole heart and soul. Her darling mother was chatting with some of the palace old maids, most of them who had known her family for years now. Emma patted her dog loving on the top of her head. "Stay, girl."


She trotted over and pumped the water pump to rise he hands before she joined her father and uncle in their unloading. It was going to be a long evening. So many people gathered to deal with the darkness. She did not know much about it only that it was terrible among her worst nightmares. Finally mankind were joining forces to over throw it once and for all. She just placed her fifth cheese wheel down when she her Astria barking excitingly. She wiped her forehead with her sleeve and watched quizzically as her usually obedient off took off around the bend. Astria!" She immediately called after her pet, "Come back, now!" But the mutt was gone, still barking. she sighed, exasperated and chased after her. What had gotten into the dog? Emma turned the corner just in time to see her dog heading towards a large stone staircase. She hadn't been here before and she was unsure if she should chase after. If she didn't and Astria caused a ruckus, they would have her head.


"Astria!"


It was going to be difficult to get her do among all the guest filing up the staircase. Her parents were going to kill her.

 

[XxLuluxX]

He turned towards the shout of "Astria!" Giving a most quizzical look, it was also at that point he noticed the dog. Bennett glanced down at Bigby a moment, then back up. Where the hell was its owner? The small Jack Russell unhelpfully just decided to sit down on his foot. With a roll of his eyes, he gently kicked him off, and looked back toward the animal causing havoc among the more... upperclass guests. 'So Astria was its name?' He thought to himself, stepping out to grab the mutts scruff before she caused the downfall of the nobility. He examined the hound for a moment; well fed, happy, hydrated, good coat of fur. The animal indeed had an owner. He stood a few moments, the dog clutched in a hand scanning the crowds for its owner. From its scent... it... well... smelt like cheese?


After the few moments of searching, his eyes fell upon the farmer girl beside the staircase. Ah. He had his culprit, it seemed. The clouded smell of the city didn't help the matter, blocking his sense of smell, which he happened to rely on quite a bit. It was a mix of the vile, dirty and cruel inhabitants. Harsh chemical perfumes of the noblewomen. Sweat, blood and tears of workers. He shook his head removing the thoughts, and started onward to the girl. "Is this your hound?" He asked, in a rather authoritive, powerful voice. Not loud. Yet a man whom was good at showing his dominance and control in certain situations.

 

[XxLuluxX]

@Aryna

 

[Aryna]

She watched as her wolf-mix of a bad dog yelped and under the strangers grip. She was afraid that he might accidentally hurt her. Emma had never handled Astria in such a manner before. Astria herself seemed not to mind the strangers so much which brought Emma a sense of relief. It was easy to see that this stranger was ruggedly handsome, pleasing to the eyes. He was perhaps the first born of some noble lord or a soldier but she could not tell.


"Is this your hound?" He asked with an authoritative privileged only lords would have.


From afar he hadn't seem threatening but up close it was different. She couldn't put her finger on it. He hadn't done anything to frighten her or said anything other than asking if the dog was hers, but he felt different. She could almost feel a strangeness about him. There would be no way of discerning what it could be by just looking at him. She couldn't explain it herself, he just felt different to her. She swallowed the little lump in her throat and adverted her eyes that quickly stole a look in his own amber ones. Why did he suddenly remind her of a dog? Oh yeah, because he was still holding on to hers.


"Yes, m'lord." She hadn't meant for it to come out so meek but it did. "I'm sorry, i don't know what's gotten into her, sir. She's usually a good dog."


Would you quit looking at him?


She turned quickly to see who had spoken to her but there was no one near them. The guest were still making their way up the stairs intent on settling in for the dinner. Emma collected herself and tried to play it off. She smile beaming her cheery demeanor and innocent eyes at the stranger.

 

[XxLuluxX]

His eyes seemed to soften a little, putting her dog down by her feet. She was awfully small, not that there was anything wrong with such. It could be described as petite. "Im sorry for this...Rude introduction. I can assure you, the dog is fine. I merely gripped her scruff" He nodded, and tilted his head ever so slightly, a strand of chestnut hair falling unto his brow. "Keep an eye on her, it seems her wolf side is more dominant" he smirked. He didn't like to pry into others buisness, but then again she was the first person whom he had really spoken to since arriving... and talking to a dog was never good for ones mental health. She was a rather nice sight too, deep brown eyes, and naturally hightlighted hair done in a simple braid.


"I suppose i best be off. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss." he said, with a slight bow, before standing tall his shoulders drawn back. A military man through and through.

 

[Aryna]

She nodded to him acknowledging his hello and goodbye. She squatted down in front of Astria and stroked the dogs head lovingly. She was thinking of a way to punish Astria and as if the dog could understand her, she lowered her head whining softly. She tried to stay mad at her best friend, but how could she? She huffed rubbing down her pretty girls cheeks. "You hear that girl," she said playfully, "your wolf side is getting out of control. Keep this up and your sleeping outside this winter." The wolf whimper again. "Come on, we've got no business being here. Git." Together girl and she walked back the way they came from, away from the greatest gathering Theyria was having. The world was a big place and for the moment Emma was content to be where she was as she was, the daughter of a wheat farmer and a cheese maker.


Hr mother sighed and shook her head at her daughter when they returned from their little adventure. Marie patted Astria head before having Emma tie her to the cart so she wouldn't run away again. Emma kissed the dogs nose and apologized before returning to help her family. The whole time she was unaware of the snowflake pendant glowing.

 

[Redrobinwing]

"Even the staircase looks good..." John said as he examined the staircase. "When you have money to spend, why wouldn't you make everything look nice?" Connor pointed out. As the brothers discussed the design of the staircase, Ace began giving a low, quiet growl from beside them. Connor noticed it first and looked down at the dog. "Ace, what's wrong?" He followed Ace's gaze to a tall man, who had a small terrier beside him. John looked at the man and shrugged his shoulders. "He's probably just growling at the dog. Nothing too uncommon." He looked down at the wolf mix. "Hush, boy." Ace stopped growling. His ears perked back up and he stopped sneering. The group continued on their way. But Ace wasn't looking at the dog... he was looking at the man. Connor thought to himself. He took a mental note before returning his attention to what was around him. John looked over to the tall man. "He's most likely one of the adventurers." Connor nodded in agreement. "Yeah, probably." "Let's introduce ourselves, shall we?" Before Connor could respond, John had already walked up to the man. "Hello sir, that's a very fine Jack Russel you have there. My name is John, it's a pleasure to meet you." He gave a friendly, confident smile, and held out his hand.


Ace began growling again, but luckily, both the dog and Connor were a few steps behind John. "Quiet! No need to get upset right now." Ace calmed again and lied down on the stone pavement. Connor sighed and took his attention away from the dog and gave it to the man that John was talking to. Large, well-muscled. His appearance was that of a fighter, and he looked as if he had some sort of formal training. Perhaps he was a night. It'd make sense, considering what everyone was here for. Well, only one way to find out. Connor thought to himself. He began walking towards John and the stranger, Ace following at his side.

 

[XxLuluxX]

He looked cautiously at the hand offered but accepted the greeting, shaking the mans hand with his rough, calloused one. "Names Bennett, the pleasures mine" he nodded, looking toward the dog whom had unfortunately, noticed his... condition. He examined the two men, and hound which stood before him, one slightly shorter than the other, yet both similar in their mannerisms. The one named 'John' seemed the more outgoing than that of his companion. They seemed to be the adventurous types, possibly soldiers or mercenaries. The dog a mixed breed, of domesticated and wolf. "A fine hound you have, if i may comment" He complimented, keeping a wary eye on the mutt. It wouldn't do any good to reveal anything about himself... especially not in public, nor outside the gates to the royal palace. If something were to happen as per say, he'd be shot down within seconds. He shifted slightly, Bigby standing loyally at his side, with ears perked at the visitors. "I suppose that you were also called upon by the palace, on matters of what lies beyond the borders" He said, in a polite conversational topic. His amber eyes seemed restless, flickering over his surroundings with an inexhaustible energy, always alert to his surroundings. One thing Bennett had always disliked, was being caught off guard, or unprepared.

 

[Redrobinwing]

John smiled and nudged his brother. Connor's eyes widened when he realized his mistake. "Oh, I'm sorry. My name's Connor." He offered his hand out to Bennett, although unlike John, his face was more inexpressive and hard to read. John rolled his eyes at his brother and took a look around. The gathering room has hundreds of seats within it. It seemed that there were no assigned seats, and it looked like food was still being prepared. He looked towards the sun. They had about another half hour before the dinner started, meaning that there was still some time for people to arrive. Ace approached John's side and started panting beside him. "Hey there boy." John smiled and patted the dog's head.

 

[XxLuluxX]

He shook the others hand, with a nod, and a small curve of his lips. The ghost of a smile highlighting his features. He gave a nod, before turning toward the rather grand gathering room, more of a hall. But he wasn't an architect, so why even bother contemplating the name of such a place. He gave a small whistle the terrier following at his heels, entering the gathering area with a suspicious, yet curious look to this peculiar and overcrowded scene. Men and woman from every corner of the globe, warriors and politicians, rubbing shoulders. And to think that mere moments ago, they had been split by petty disputes over money and status. He shook his head, putting a hand to his temple. The smell and noise hit him worse than he'd expected. After all, they were quite sensitive due to his lycanthope condition. Food, perfume, sweat, metal all mixing into one. The same occurring to the noise. He sighed, it would be a long meeting.

 

[sxrxnlty]

Writer walked through the gates into the city. Her mouth gawked open at the sight of everything. She was startled when she felt the fur of her fox touch her leg. "Don't do that to me Hollow. You almost gave me a heart attack!" She scolded the fox as her ears tilted back. Writer took another moment to stare at everything in awe. She noticed she was earning a few stares from people. She just shrugged it off and started towards the steps. Writer ran at a normal speed up the stairs and made it to the entry way of the castle. "This is so amazing!" She yelled, a bit too loudly. Writer received a few awkward stares and a small blush crept onto her face and she just ran inside the castle. Everything looked so beautiful. She made her way towards the gathering room and realized there was still quite a bit of time till everyone was supposed to meet in here. Hollow laid at Writer's feet panting after trying to keep up with her. She felt a bit of sympathy for the poor fox. Writer decided to walk over to a corner of the room that wasn't crowded by people being that she's not too fond of this many people.

 

[Redrobinwing]

John looked around the yard again. He had been playing with Ace for a bit now, and he could tell that there were only a few minutes left until the event started. Most people were heading into the hall now, which meant that most of the seats would probably be taken. "Time to go then." He said to himself.


He's bothered by something. There are a lot of smells and sounds in the air, perhaps it has something to do with that. What's a creature that would have enhanced senses? Hm... Connor pondered the question for a minute before John interrupted his thoughts. "It looks like we only have a few minutes until the event starts. Let's head in Connor. Bennett, care to join us? I'm sure there'll be a few adjacent seats that we can all take."

 

[sxrxnlty]

Writer walked out of the corner she had been standing in and made her way to a seat that had a few empty seats on either side of it. This made her feel a bit more comfortable and spaced out from everyone. Hollow stayed in the corner, probably asleep. She lightly chuckled at the thought of Hollow being able to sleep during this. Once again I received a few stares here and there. What is everyone's problem? Why don't they just mind their own business and stop staring at me. I haven't done anything for them to have to stare at me. I'll give them something to st- no no... Calm down. These thoughts were testing Writer's temper.

 

[XxLuluxX]

Bennett broke from his train of thought "Of course. Lead the way" he nodded, motioning toward the tables and chairs with a nod, as he gave a slight smile, even with his pounding head doing him no good. He glanced around the room a moment of course, picking out faces and characteristics. It seemed that indeed, everyone had come. From afar he could see even a group of mechanics, standing around in deep conversation with the other.

 

[sxrxnlty]

Writer shifted uncomfortably in her chair. She sighed as she looked around the room, filled with conversations of laughter. She felt a strange feeling that she rarely felt (or at least rarely admits she feels), this feeling is envy. She hates being envious of people. It makes her feel like she is thinking lower of herself. Sometimes she wished she had someone to talk to. Especially times like this where EVERYONE other than her had someone to talk to. "Oh well, guess this is just life." She muttered to herself and leaned back in her chair. Writer's head was rested on the back of the chair. Suddenly her head was jerked when Hollow had ran into the chair attempting to run into the hall, probably sensing that there are more animals that she wasn't used to. "Not again... Hollow! Get back here! Why do I have a fox that acts so much like a dog at times like this?" I asked myself chasing after my fox down the hall when finally we both came to a halt. Hollow stood I front of what looked like a wolf mix. And near it were three men. "Sorry..." I said softly grabbing my fox, which thankfully was small enough to be carried.

 

[XxLuluxX]

He glanced up at her and put a foot infront of his terrier, aiming a click of his fingers letting the dog settle down once more. He turned his molten amber gaze toward the newcomer this time. "Its really no problem ma'am" he nodded, looking toward her fox. "A strange companion to have, you must have ties to the forest, no?" He asked, with a pleasant tone of satisfying his own boredom, and meaningful conversation. He let a hand run through his hair as he observed the woman a moment, shame he couldn't catch her scent, it would probably give him a better guess to her whereabouts. But unfortunately, his nose just seemed to itch like hell, he focused on her speech a moment, shutting out the mess of sounds around him, almost sighing in relief at the lessening of the pressure on his skull.

 

[sxrxnlty]

Her eyes flickered to the ground and then back up to the man whom was speaking to her. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out so she just nodded her head in response. Why couldn't I speak. Why do I have such problems when it comes to speaking with people? She questioned herself then turned her attention back to the man. Writer's eyes roamed his body taking in his appearance his eyes seemed to be his best feature. Although most people might not think so, she isn't like most 'people'. "Your eyes... They're very beautiful." She complimented the man. She mentally slapped herself. Why am I so awkward? Writer scolded herself once more before looking back down at the ground.

 

[XxLuluxX]

He raised an eyebrow slightly. He certainly wasn't expecting that. "...Well...Thankyou." he said, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. He shrugged a little "You too have...very nice eyes...colourful...in a blue kinda...thing...way...sky! I mean sky blue. Um. Yeah." He said, wincing at his own social skills. This...had gone disastrously wrong. He looked away and then back to her "Sorry" he added. He had never been good with compliments, nor one on one social situations. And now he'd made himself look a complete imbecile. Just great. He inwardly sighed heavily, and folded his arms behind his back. "Names Bennett by the way" he added in more of a mumble.

 

[sxrxnlty]

Writer giggled feeling less on her own in her social way. "Well Bennett my names Writer. I know it's a tough word to remember just like sky, but hopefully you'll remember it." Writer teased as the corner of her mouth curled up into a smirk. She couldn't help but to tease people like this. It gave her a bit of humor to her dull days. But usually the humor lasted for mere moments then, turned into a grand fight.

 

[XxLuluxX]

He rolled his eyes "Very funny" he said with a tone of sarcasm. He rubbed his rugged chin, and sighed "Nice to meet you anyway Writer. Even if you like to make light of my social abilities" he smirked a little. "But teasing can get you into some wrong situations, maybe you should think twice. Hm?" He asked tilting his head. "In all honesty, I'm better at speeches. Compliments...I've never known how to react. So there you go" he shrugged.

 

[sxrxnlty]

She shook her head lightly. "Think I can't handle a good fight? I know my mouth will get me in quite a bit of trouble. Trust me it's happened and hell it's hurt a few times. But trust me I hurt them worse." Writer paused for a moment. She heard a whine come from Hollow whom she had forgotten was still in her arms. She was accidentally squishing the poor thing. Writer quickly set her down and continued speaking. "Speeches, compliments, any social stuff isn't really a huge advantage for me." She said bluntly, looking down at Hollow once more to make sure she was okay.

 

[XxLuluxX]

At that point Bigby, his terrier decided it to be a good moment to sit on his foot. "And for a fair lady, you seem to underestimate a knight." He smirked playfully. "And well... Strange I've always thought is that, i can speak to a crowd of a hundred rowdy men, yet never manage to keep a conversation going, when talking to one other. Hm" he leaned down, to scratch the dogs ears lovingly, glancing up. "May i ask what you are? Mercenary? Caster?" He questioned, in a round about polite manner of a gentleman.