Dans la Rue
Epic quest of medieval proportions!

Created by: Scribbled Lore
Inspired by: D&D and fantasy novels
Literacy Rating: Intermediate
Rating: PG-13

Introduction / Rules / Posting Format / Characters

A great tragedy has occurred in the land of Rahna! The beloved prince, only son of the mighty King Eoldor and lovely Queen Liene, has been kidnapped and stolen away from his family. The kidnapper, one Sorcorer Tanilnar, has issued a challenge to all the adventurers in the land of Rahna - come and rescue the prince if you dare! The King and Queen have also issued an edict to the adventurers in Rahna and from lands far away - rescue the prince and be richly rewarded by their royal Majesties!

OOC Thread

Introduction / Rules / Posting Format / Characters

1. Obey the Menewshan TOS
2. Respect the mod(s) and other players.
3. Request permission before killing a player's character.

Introduction / Rules / Posting Format / Characters

All posts should be in third person in any style of font you choose with dialogue in bold.

Example:

Belle reached out to touch the tree with the palm of her hand and whispered to it, "Everything will be alright, old friend."

Introduction / Rules / Posting Format / Characters

Player Characters

MissDifferent:
Iris Sarano

Iris is a tall, athletic woman with long black hair, bright blue eyes and a pale complexion. Usually she wears her hair tied back in a messy braid with a white ribbon. She usually wears medieval styled dresses in blues or purples, however, she did pack a pair of pants and a shirt just in case she needed to have that freedom that a dress just doesn't offer.

puppetmaster999:
Kyle "Burner" Weaylynd

< picture forthcoming >

Angelo:
Tali Paendrag

Like most commoner children, Tali's coal-black hair and pale face are rather dirty and unkempt, framing bright, sapphire blue eyes. Unlike most commoner children though, Tali possesses a growth defect that keeps her from growing much larger than a modern-day kindergartener, resulting in a short height of 3'6” and a weight of 34 pounds. She has a birthmark in the shape of a star on her right cheek, a darker patch on her otherwise pale face.

X---AznCo0ki3:
Celestria

I have auburn hair which is usually in a single braid, but if my hair is ever let loose it falls till mid back and it curls at the tips. I have big, hazel eyes. A small nose, full lips, two distinct marks under my eyes. I am usually seen wearing a full body white cloak with loose cotton pants and a fitting cotton shirt underneath. I stand at about 5 feet 7, I have a slender, toned build.

< picture forthcoming >

Corporate Zombie:
Cameron Duval

< description forthcoming >

Non-Player Characters

Queen Liene of Rahna

King Eoldor of Rahna

Jedaen

Spare x1

Spare x2

In the early hours of the morning while the populace still slept and the false dawn had barely begun to touch the sky, the palace guard had made their way out into and throughout the city with many a sheaf of paper and hammer and nails. Upon the announcement boards outside and inside of the taverns and inns most frequently visited by the adventurers and wanderers of the land they posted the news from the palace:

So sayeth his Majesty the King Eoldor and her Majesty the Queen Liene of the great and bountiful lands of Rahna:

On this night past taken from us was our son, his Highness the Crown Prince Anandir, and we would have him returned. To the courageous and skilled adventurers of this land, We say to you go forth and find Our son that he might be brought back to us whole in heart and body. For if you should do so, We will richly reward you as you deserve.

Come to the palace and receive from Us such supplies as we deem fit to aid you in your way and spread the news! We will bring home Prince Anandir, you and We, and bring peace back to our lands.

(( You may begin anywhere in the city that you see fit for your character but eventually you must all end up at the palace. ))

(his hair is red not white)

After several adventures hunting rare jewels with no success, Burner came home to the tavern in the capital where he had held a reserved room since he was 16. Everyone was up tight about something and he couldn't tell what. He walked up to the bartender and askeed,"Hey, Rafael, what's the latest news?"

The pudgy little man behind the counter looked up and saw who had addressed him and smiled. "Burner! How's the hunting for Aslina's Jewels?"

"Not so well my friend, not so well. Old Barty's leads led no where. But I want to know what's new on this end? Everyone seems... off."

Raphael looked at the man in front of him little he was a baboon incapable of seeing the obvious. "You haven't heard? Hell, You haven't seen? The signs are everywhere!"

"No, I haven't. If I had, would I be asking you? Seriously? Now, What is going on?"

"The Prince is going on. Or the lack there of a Prince. His Royal highness, the Crown Prince Anandir has been was taken to places unknown." One of the female patrons spoke those kind words.

Burner couldn't help but smile. "Ah... Bella, How beautiful you look tonight. And thank you for the kindness of telling me what is going on. But why are people talking of trying to find the prince? Surely the royal guard would be... Oh wait... I forgot we don't have very much of a royal guard anymore do we? They've all gotten fat and lazy. Hell! If they hadn't the Prince wouldn't have been taken away would he? So they're sending Civilians to go on a daring mission to save a prince against forces unknown?" He let out a small smile. "I could always do with another adventure in order to increase my own great fame. It's not like it be the first time I helped the Royal family either, remember when I had to find the Queen's crystal necklace and the King's Silver Medallion, which had been stolen by Marauders in the night?" he had to smile at that. yes he knew the Royal's Knack for losing things very well. "So I presume I sign up for this daring quest at the castle?" With that and a quick toast, he was off, to the castle and the Royal Highnesses.

Iris had been woken by one of her servants as the sun finished rising with news that the prince was missing. It didn't take long for the woman to be up and preparing to leave for the palace. She needed to console her friend and offer to go look for her son. As a skilled fighter, the noblewoman would be invaluable on a trip such as this along with her large amount of money. She saddled Dahlia and set off at a gallop to the palace. Commoners watched in awe as they saw the elegant noblewoman atop the stunning black mare.
Because of the speed of her trusty steed, it took no less than 5 minutes to reach the grand building. She handed the reins of her horse to one of the people outside the castle and rushed inside. She had been here often, so several of the people who occupied the building knew who she was and her relationship with the queen. She approached the throne room and when she came to the platform that they were on, she knelt down. "Oh, Iris, you came." The queen said, her voice wavering a little. "Of course Your Highness. How could I not when your son is missing?" Iris replied.

(This good enough?)

Gently rubbing at the growing bruise on her ribs, Tali stared after the soldiers, scurrying away when they came close. She had only wanted to see what the commotion was about, but when she got close, one of the guards had lashed out with his club, nailing her on the side. Grimacing at the pain, she gingerly felt for the severity of the injury. It was probably broken. At least the crowd had begun leaving.

Noses in the air, the people made such a show of ignoring her that they might as well have stared. She knew their thoughts. As a commoner, and worse, an orphan commoner, Tali was often considered less than human. In fact, she had a feeling that they would have helped a stray dog with a broken rib before lending a hand to assist her. At least in this district. The people in her home district were a lot nicer to her.

Standing on tiptoe to see the notice, Tali still had to crane her neck, grumbling at how high they had posted it. Unlike most commoner children, Tali had absolutely no ability to read. The others couldn't read much better than a modern third-grader, but the words were just squiggles to Tali. The picture of the prince as interesting though. Tali remembered him as a nice man; he had given her a gold coin once when she was really young. Of course, it hadn't lasted long, but he had given it to her.

Glancing around quickly, Tali walked over and tugged a woman's sleeve, drawing a sharp glance and a sniff before she turned away. Next she tried a man, but he only punched her in the tummy before leaving. Frowning, Tali kept one hand clutched to her stomach, while she tugged on another woman's cloak. "'Scuse me lady," Tali began quickly, afraid of being interrupted. The woman certainly looked appalled at begin touched by her. "What does that sign say?"

"It says the prince was kidnapped, and that her and his majesty are offering a grand reward for his return. Now unhand be, ruffian!" the woman responded with a yell.

Scratching her dirty hair in thought, Tali began making her way for the castle. Surely she could use the reward to buy a place to live, but she also cared for the prince. He had always had change to give to her when he passed, and he didn't care that she was a dirty, orphaned commoner. That alone was enough for Tali to want him back.

Dodging cart-drivers' whips, and clubs from a wide assortment of men, Tali made her way to the rich palace, sneaking by nobles' guards, who would take her mere presence as a reason to flog her and toss her in prison.

Wandering the small streets of Rahna, Celestria had made her way to the castle. She frowned, there seemed to be quite a lot of commotion going on outside. People were lined up, but for what? She quickly tied her horse, Night, to a nearby tree and threw a blanket over her empty cart. Celestria was a merchant, a female travelling merchant. Though at first glance she might have appeared as a man too few, she was draped from head to toe in a white cloak. As she inched closer she was pulled back harshly by some one. Her hood fell off and she innocently looked up at the man who had pulled her. He looked like he was about to strike her.

Blinking, she gave him a confused stare. He mumbled an apology and she nodded. Turning back to the man she opened her mouth too speak. "Is there a reason that there is so much commotion outside the royal castle today?" Celestria asked in her sweet, quiet voice. The man she spoke too, his voice was rough and gravely. He looked at Celestria in speculation and began the tale (in a rather boring tone), "The Prince he was kidnapped, and now the royal family is asking for help form the citizens of Rahna to help get the Prince back" he said with a shrug. "So the people are lined up here to see whether or not they qualify for the search party that the King and Queen are putting together" he said with a small nod.

Celestria thanked him and stood at the end. She was absolutely dazed, how could the Prince get kidnapped, had no one tried to stop the kidnappers?! Celestria knew that what ever happened, she simply had to be a part of the group that went to find the Prince. She stood in line waiting patiently, at the castle entrance the guards asked her what her business was. Celestria told them she was a travelling merchant, she sold her wares too make money.

With an approving nod, they let her through. Celestria wandered through the giant hallways looking for the room she was suppose to go too. Finding herself in front of a grand door she hesitated, what was she suppose too do?! She stood outside the door, simply waiting.

NPC - Queen Liene of Rahna; speaking to Iris in the Throne Room

The queen was obviously distraught; her elegant gown was rumpled and it looked as though she had simply picked it up off the floor to put on that day, her eyes were bloodshot from crying and what little cosmetics she had applied that day were done poorly. All in all, the queen had seen better days. "Oh, Iris," her voice quivered, "they've taken him from me. They've taken my Anandir."

She wiped a tear away from the corner of her eye with a linen handkerchief and sighed. "The audicity of these beasts to make such a demand. 'Come and get him, they say!'" Queen Liene slammed her fist down in the arm of her throne and a servant rushed forward with a squeak of alarm.

"His Majesty is down in the courtyard helping with the assigning of the teams; go, Iris, go and bring him home." The queen waved Iris away as a fresh bout of tears began.

(( MissDifferent, Iris will walk by Celestria, Co0ki3's character, who is standing outside of the throne room as Iris leaves. I would recommend bumping into her, metaphorically or literally as you wish, and letting her know that everyone is to meet in the courtyard. ))

NPC - Jedaen, herald of Rahna in their Majesties service; speaking to all those interested in the quest to resecue the prince

"Excuse me! Excuse me!"

A man of small stature stood outside of the gate leading into the palace; he was dressed in the livery of the palace with the tabard of the heralds over his clothing. He carried a staff and proceeded to thump it against the the ground three times.

"Hear ye! Hear ye! All those wishing to attempt to rescue his Highness the Crown Prince Anandir must proceed to the central courtyard!" He yelled in a booming voice that carried over the sounds of the crowd. Not a few heads turned to stare at him in wonder that such a small man could produce such a loud sound.

"Be ye bold or brave or wily, there is a place for everyone who wishes to dare the dangers of a glorious rescue mission! To the central courtyard, ye adventurers, big and small, to the courtyard!"

(( Everyone will need to end up in the central courtyard to receive their assignments and supplies from the King and his servants. It's looking great so far, everyone! ))

Struggling vainly against the iron grip of the guards, Tali tried to free herself. Of course, only one guard would have needed to hold her because of her tiny body. The reason she was being dragged off to who knows where is because she was a commoner. At least, she didn't think the guards knew she was an orphan as well.

Except for holding her arms, the guards pretended she didn't exist, even though her bare feet had nailed them in the legs often enough. Her size also meant that the guards kept her suspended in the air, her legs dangling a good foot and a half off the ground.

"Hey, mister?" Tali asked, expecting the lack of response. "Are ya takin' me ta the King? Ya know, where he'll send us off ta find the Prince? Tat's why I'm here, ya know." That seemed to get a reaction, causing Tali to grin with victory.

After sharing glances, they turned and began trotting to wherever they were taking her, jostling her quite unceremoniously. As they neared what seemed to be a courtyard, they slowed down, faces becoming impassive again. They took her to the King before she could react, shoving her to the ground to lay on her tummy while they knelt beside her, one hand on each of her arms pinning her down.

"My King, this filth says it wishes to join the party you are sending off to reclaim the Prince," the guard on her left, lean with blonde hair and blue eyes, said. "What do you wish us to do with it? Flog it and throw it in the cells until you can deal with it?"

At the sound of the Royal Herald's announcement, Cameron frowned and released the small stack of papers he had gathered. So much for keeping the secret to himself. He rolled his shoulders and tightened his belt a notch. Fighting his way through the masses of self-proclaimed skilled adventurers would certainly be interesting. He made his way along the road to the palace in good enough time, weaving through the throng to at least achieve a superior place in line. As he walked through the portcullis, he noted that the halls were lined with what seemd like the entire garrison. He had nothing to hide, this time, but it still set him on edge. The crowd had thinned out somewhat and he was actually able to see the impromptu recquisition office set up in the courtyard quite clearly. Worst case scenario, he thought, I get some free stuff from the palace. He had certainly seen worse deals.

Burner had been one of the first to get to the courtyard. He hadn't even bothered to stand in the line. He knew that the only reason for a line would be to interview people and given the circumstances, they wouldn't have time to do so to everyone. Everyone would be accepted on the quest the more people looking, the more chance they have a to get the prince back. While he sat there, the guards brought a little girl up to the king and were calling her filth. He looked at her and saw himself. He didn't know how but he knew she was orphaned. Her entire body said it. He walked up and said, "Oh there you are! Where's you go!" he said, pushing the guards off and picking the girl up to feet and brushing off the dirt. He bowed to the king saying, "Sorry for the interruption your Majesty. I am Kyle Waeylynd, better known as Burner, and you see I took this little girl into my care while I was on a trip to the small town of Rivercross in the south. She seems to have escaped last night from our room at the Fort Mire's Tavern. I apologize to your guards for any trouble she may have caused."

Seeing her dear friend in so much distress broke Iris' heart and made her want to try even harder to find the missing prince. "I will find him and protect him with my own life. You can count on that." With that, Iris turned and rushed towards the doors, her blue gown making her look as if she was floating. There was something in the woman's demeanor that made the servants nervous and look away from her as if she could kill them with a single glace if they caught her eye. The fact that someone had caused her friends to hurt so much, made her so unbelievably angry and it seemed to radiate off of her, pushing others away as she approached the doors.
The elegant woman was in such a rage that she was hardly paying attention to where she was going which caused her to collide with a woman in white. She stumbled backwards in shock and almost fell over because she was not ready for such impact. Iris had to blink a few times to shake off her rage and confusion and saw the woman. "Who are you and what are you doing outside the throne room?" She demanded, slightly suspicious. From now on, she had to be on guard and on her toes every second because there was no way to tell who could be involved with the kidnapping of the prince.

Tali's eyes rolled around slowly as she tried to see the King's expression. He couldn't actually let them throw her in the dungeon, could he? The flier hadn't said anything about who was allowed, had it? Knowing the way she was treated, the woman probably would've left that part out on purpose. Blinking as sweat rolled into her eyes, creating amusing tracks of lighter skin among the dirt, she awaited the decree.

Then she felt the pressure holding her down vanish before she was hauled roughly to her feet. Staring wide-eyed at the hulking man who was brushing dirt off of her coat, she was unable to answer. Why was he helping her? His bow to the King was precise and measured. He knew where he stood, and he wasn't going to let himself be taken as being of a lower class than he was.

Fidgeting slightly and shifting her feet, Tali tried to look abashed. Her eyes seemed glued to her feet as the man explained. It was quite an effort to suppress the relief she felt at being freed, but living on the street where she had to steal the occasional purse, and lie to get by without a slit throat, Tali managed. "Sowwy, mistah," Tali mumbled, twisting her toe on a rock. "Me just wanted ta help ta Prince is all."

"No problem little miss," Burner said to the girl. He walked back over to the crowd. The girl was obviously a commoner, a low one at that. "What's your name, litttle miss? And how old are you?" he asked when they were out of earshot of the King and his men. She seemed intent on helping the prince. "And if you need somebody to vouch for you, remember that I've been taking care of you this past year" he said with a wink and a nudge.

NPC - King Eoldor of Rahna; in the courtyard speaking to Tali and Burner.

The king hadn't really been paying the least bit of attention to Burner; as it was, his attention was taken up by the guard who had been manhandling the young girl. He frowned, his brow furrowed in anger and with disgust. "I see no reason for mistreating this young girl as you have, Guardsman. She's not even marked as a thief." The king double checked the web between the girl's thumb and finger just to be sure - there were no X's there.

"My apologies, Miss, for the behavior of my guard. And to you, Sir Waeylynd, for the abduction of your charge. The gods know we have too much of that going around." King Eoldor's brow furrowed a little more.

"As it were, if you're here about the quest to save the Prince.. please, do step off to the side. When I find you suitable companions for the journey, I will direct them to you."

Awestruck, Tali let the King touch her hand, even though it was to check if she was a thief. For a moment, her tiny hand was lost in his massive grip. Looking between her now-free hand and the King's lined face, Tali stood speechless. Her hand still felt warm from his iron grip, and she couldn't help but break into a toothy grin. He was just like the Prince! He hadn't seen her as garbage either!

Still smiling at the King's grandfatherly face, Tali let herself be led by Sir Waeylynd. Abruptly, she noticed he was pulling her through the crowd, the other people sniffing and walking away from her in disgust as usual. Maybe he didn't notice. Certainly no one who knew how she was treated by others would treat her differently. That was just asking for them to get treated awful too.

"Muh name's Tali, mistah," Tali said, looking up into his eyes. He certainly was tall, or maybe that was just her perspective. "I dun't know how old me is, mistah. I don't know me's numbers. Well, not all of dem, anywho. Me knows one comes first, two comes second, and fee comes fird. I knows me ain't fee, dough. Whadda bout choo? How old's you be?" His suggestion brought another smile to her face, though the nudge knocked her onto her bum. That didn't dampen her spirits though. She just grinned up at Burner as she scrambled to her feet.

((How's her speech? I'm trying to make her sound like a commoner, and an orphan at that, but I'm not sure how well I'm doing. :o))

"Well Tali, I'd be 20 years old." He said, smiling. "And as for not knowing your numbers, I can teach them t you." He still couldn't help but see the ghost of himself in the girl, orphaned and alone. He had had The Crosses but they weren't much help. He had still felt alone. He never felt tht he was truly A part of the Crosses, even when they gave him a set of their armor and took him on jobs. He was always on his own, and he liked it that way.

Gaping, Tali stared up at Burner in amazement, if not so as intense as at the King. "Tenty? You's tenty?" Tali repeated, obviously slipping on the number. It was so high. Surely it had to be much, much bigger than three. His offer of teaching her made her shrug uncomfortably though. "Me's dun't know. Maybe's after we's dun wit rescooin da Prince?"

Noticing suddenly the disapproving stares sent towards Burner, Tali tried to sidle away, afraid of ruining his reputation. Of course, no one actually admitted seeing her move, but as she did, they all relaxed, turning their eyes away from Burner. She didn't understand why he liked her so much, but it could get him in trouble, and Tali didn't want that. She'd rather be flogged than have him get in trouble. She's been flogged before, after all.

"Ha! I like you kid. You know, there's gonna be a lot of traveling on this venture so how 'bout I teach you along the way, and once you know your numbers, I'll teach you your letters." he said. Noticing the girl edging away he bent down and asked, "What's up, hun?" He looked at all the people around him staring in disgust. "Well, well," he said, standing up, "If anyone has a problem with an reputable Adventurer taking care of a little girl, speak now." the volume of his voice was loud enough to make the people stop staring at them. "Now don't think that I give a rats butt about what those people think. I reckon that I have more experience adventuring than almost anyone here and couldn't care less if they thought of me a loony. I'm only here a few weeks at a time anyways." He said smirking "You should sick by me and stop worrying about everyone else. If they made a decision about what kind of person I am, they've already made it. I made a bold move stepping in front of the guards for a stranger little girl. And I'm fine with that." He said that trying to reassure the girl.

"O-Okay," Tali responded, awestruck. He knew how to read!? Then she watched in amusement as he raised his voice, causing most everyone there to jump as if goosed. Sneezing, Tali attracted several glances that quickly turned into sniffs of disdain.

"You's weird, mistah," Tali announced, having gotten closer to him after his speech. Suddenly latching onto him in a hug, she mumbled the next part into his shirt. "But, it nice weird." Then her eyes opened wide, realizing she was filthy. She jumped back away from him, slipping on a rock and landing on her tush, while she stared up at the dirty sections of his coat and breeches where she had touched.

"Me's sowwy, mistah!" she exclaimed, scooting back a bit more just to be safe. "I's forgots. Me didn't mean it!" As a commoner, and an orphan at that, Tali had been whipped for less cause, and it was a punishment she would rather avoid if she could.

As he made his way through the courtyard, it became abundantly clear to Cameron that the crowd wasn't going to thin quite so much as he had hoped. What a good bunch of patriots, he thought. He scoffed as his path led him to a solid wall of idle bodies. He slipped through expertly, and, just and expertly, blundered into Burner, perhaps a little more roughly than was necessary. "Gods be damned, boy, move your ass!" he exclaimed. "You may not care, but some of us have work to do." And, expressing his disdain in somatic form, he disappeared into the crowd again, a few extra coins in his purse and an empty pouch in the dust.