The Sindlarei Empire

01:13 PM

Please post HERE if you are interested in joining or learning more about this RP.
There are still several more roles where OCs can fit, and (more importantly) we would love to have you along.

THE PLOT:

Quote:

Sindlarei is a sprawling elven empire, encompassing forests, mountains, plains and seas, but despite it's success it is starting to fall into decline as enemies approach from the East and turmoil boils from within. While some regions seem to have lost most of it's ties with the royal authorities and reverted into wilder lands, in general life in the empire has yet to be majorly effected by the shaky foundations their society is built upon. Because of the recent chaos the Empress, in fear for own own safety, has not left her high palace in many centuries and all of her commands have been sent through four of her seven children to the public. The remaining three have similarly not been seen for many years, though rumors are spreading of dark deeds occurring behind the palace walls and darker still are whispers about the whereabouts of the missing three.

The rebellion leaders and their factions are vying for power in hopes that they might become the new inheritors of the empire and treachery is becoming endemic within their political circles. To date none of the deaths of rebel leaders can be directed pinned on any of the others, but there is a great deal of speculation on inside jobs and double agent-like activity. The plans of the rebels are many and varied extending to marriage to one of the Empress' children and seizing power or to all out war.

The war to the East rages as well as the battles against the rebels, and generals are desperate for commands from their Empress. Here too leaders vie for glory and prestige over their peers. While none have fallen victim to the hands of their competitors, blood is running hot through the veins of rivals.

RP RULES:

Know and obey the Menewsha RP ToS
Don't just post a bio and expect to play! You will be ignored. Bios should be posted and approved in the OOC thread before you can post here.
Don't just have your characters appear in the story or at someone's side. Write your OCs in and continue to be thoughtful of their side of the story rather than just "winning".
Do NOT for the love of all things holy bring forth a Sue or a Stu.
Don't make up facts about a character that isn't your own and if this happens accidentally be gracious and apologetic when it is pointed out in OOC.
God-moding and the use of all-powerful weapons are totally out. Don't even skirt the line, folks! It doesn't work out well in the end and feelings get hurt.
Keep it PG! All romance types are acceptable, as is violence but you just don't need to be grotesque.
Keep to the world lore and world/game mechanics outlined in the OOC thread. If there are any debates the players should discuss whether to allow the action or not. If no decision is ultimately made, I will decide.
Let us know if you will be gone for an extended period, and if so please take your character out of the middle of the storyline so others can continue to RP in your absence. (1 week or longer counts as 'extended')
Try your best to add to the story, not just tag along. Make at an attempt to write 5 sentences each time you post to give everyone else something to work with.
Please do us the respect of making a spelling and grammar check on each of your posts!
Understand that this list of rules might be edited later on.

CHARACTERS:

Mythos: AldelrosX

Darcylynn: AithneX

Angelo: JaikarX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelo

Jaikar

Gender: Male
Age: 126 years old
Race: Elf
Physique: 6’3” and fit
Origin: Defected Imperial Officer
Faction: Rebels
Relationships: None, though some say he’s sweet on their camp’s blacksmith
Personality: He has a rather youthful optimism and a passionate spirit. Though he can sometimes focus too hard on the war, he usually manages to keep it from oppressing him like it does to others. His infectious cheer is a huge morale booster for his soldiers and helps explain their undying loyalty to him and he to them.
Likes: Fighting, strategizing, and reading
Dislikes: Dealing with idiots, being lonely, and the reclusion of the Empress
Ambitions: To unite the Rebel camps and overthrow the Empire
Character Flaws:

Biography: Growing up in the Imperial City, Jaikar had always had a good life. He never went hungry or thirsty, and he had just about everything he wanted. Like most youthful men, he went to join with the army, quickly rising through the ranks to become a commander. Still, the horrors he had seen the army commit, and that the Empire allowed to continue were too much for him. He deserted in the middle of the night, taking nothing but a horse, his sword, and some supplies. He made it to the Rebel camp where he joined the fight to stop the corruption in the Empire. When the old leader was assassinated, the people quickly elected him their new leader. Now he seeks to unite the Rebels on one solid front with which to combat the Empire’s army.

The raid on the slave camp was rather double-sided, as they needed both the metal inside the mine and wanted to free the slaves that were holed up there. He led a small group of ten men into the settlement directly outside, breaking into buildings to incapacitate the slavers before moving onto the mine itself where the prisoners were kept. Two of the men he had brought with them were adept at spells, or as much as any elf was in the magic-dry land. They quickly moved from door to door, opening the locks with a few muttered words here and there. Just as they had been finishing up, the hired thugs barged in and began fighting despite the close quarters while their bosses went about hacking at support beams to collapse the whole thing. That’s where he had met Itzli. He ordered his men to help as many slaves out as possible, and was on his way out himself when he spotted a shock of filthy pink hair lying on the ground. Without thinking, he darted in and grabbed the unconscious girl before hauling out of the crumbling cave. He passed through just in time too; a moment’s hesitation would’ve meant both of their deaths. From then on, the two of them have been rather close through a mutual understanding that neither of them ever formally vocalized.

Angelo: ItzliX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelo

Itzli

Gender: Female
Age: 17
Race: Human
Physique: 4’ and rather emaciated
Origin: A slave mine out in the hills
Faction: Rebels (she’s a blacksmith prodigy)
Relationships: She’s one of the General’s closest friends
Personality: She’s rather timid, dependent, and withdrawn due to the horrors she had seen at the slave camp, but that means she’s a great listener and quite inconspicuous. She’s also rather inventive, having created bags of black powder that can create a lot of smoke.
Likes: Working with metal, hanging out with Jaikar, the smell of fire and smoke, and testing out new inventions
Dislikes: Failing at a job, yelling, making anyone mad, and being taken from her work.
Ambitions: To create the best items ever and help the Rebels overthrow the Empire so that the fighting can stop.
Character Flaws:

Biography: Born to a terribly poor family on the further edges of the Empire, she was sold into slavery so that her family could continue to feed themselves. The camp was terrible, with exhausting labor every day and all the while trying to fight through the haze of the sedatives they were forced to ingest to keep them docile. A failure to meet their quota by even one unit of metal was punished with the most severe punishment available: forty lashes with a whip. They were kept just on this edge of death to keep them from rioting and to maximize profit. That was the kind of life she lived for ten years, her spirit utterly broken down and spread thin. But then, a rebel group came through and overthrew the owners of the camp, freeing all of the slaves. Unfortunately, the owners were having none of that, and so they attempted to collapse the mine on as many slaves and rebels as they could, of which Itzli was one. Jaikar saved her, though she only learned who he was after the ordeal.

The two of them became rather close friends then; his presence an anchor that kept her from giving up at adjusting to her new life. The withdrawal from the sedatives was bad enough, but she had never realized just how much they dampened the pain until after they were gone. Several times throughout her recovery she had broken various somethings or had a tantrum of monstrous proportions. Strangely, Jaikar was the only one who had been able to calm her down when she had an episode, which was probably one of the sources of the rumours that he was romantically interested in her. Still, it was true that he had never given up hope on her during that period of her life: giving her a job with the blacksmith when he realized how good she was with metals and occasionally asking her for advice.

Sabiir: SylnaeX

MewMint20: MilwaneeX

Wyrmskyld: Hroarr RunissenX

Daeman35: MakailaX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daeman35

Mikaila

Gender: Female
Age: 136
Race: Elven
Physique: Tan, slim, fit, 5'7"
Origin: Northern hunting villages.
Faction: Rebels
Relationships: None at this point
Personality: Mikaila doesnt talk often to anyone but her wolf for fear of saying something... awkward, but she really does try. All she wants is to make friends She doesnt take well to authority, so no one tries to tell her to do anything. She is not so smart when it comes to polotics or the imperial issues, but if you need any tracking done, your playing on one of her love's.
Likes: Loves tracking, swimming, climbing trees, animals, and desserts.
Dislikes: Authority, extremely rude people, Imperial soldiers and her own village chieftain.
Ambitions: Hopes to take down the people.... who she thinks... rules unjustly.
Character Flaws:

Biography: Mikaila grew up in the northern outlands, running through the snow and the forests. When she was little, she found a wolf cub all by his lonesome, his mother's corpse nearby. His brothers and sisters hiding under the corpse. She took in the little wolf and his brothers and sisters. When she brought them to her village, she had to hide them or else the villagers would have killed them. Her four brothers and sisters took up the other four wolves and they all took care of them, training them while being playful as well. Her wolf was the only white one out of all the wolves. Mikaila went tracking with Raffi, the wolf, every single day. One day they went tracking. When they came back, her family was in the middle of the square encircled by the people. The chieftain had apparently accused them of stealing, pillaging and murder. Her family cried over the dead wolves on the ground who had sought to protect them, They had been beaten within an inch of their lives. The villagers started to advance on her as well, thinking that she was part of the brutal acts. To tell the truth, she didnt even know about them. Raffi stood protectively in front of her, but she whispered to him to run and hide till she found him again. The dog whimpered at her, telling basically that he didnt want to. She looked at him sternly and he bolted back into the forest. When the towns people grabbed her, they dragged her inside of her own home. They beat, tortured and did other awful things to her, asking if she was part of what had happened to the other family. She gave the same answer every time. They finally believed her and let her go. When she looked out, all she saw was one of her brothers killed from the beheading. They found that he was guilty of the crimes and executed him for it. The rest of her family was released to share the shame of having a family member who could commit such an act. To this day she has never forgive the chieftain for this brutal act of justice. The villagers had just stood by and watched all of it happen, cheering for the beheading like they did every other time. They weren't evil people, just a bit misguided in their definitions of good entertainment. As soon as she was able, she grabbed her pack, filling it with only the essentials to survive. As soon as that was done, she went into the forest. Raffi caught her scent immediately and came running to her side. Ever since, they stuck together, found a rebel camp just outside the imperial walls, who fought imperial guards for their apparent unjust rule and joined them due to her own hatred for authority.

Wyrmskyld: Malyn Lithar - Lord Toramalyndar TeldarionX

MewMint20: Alauthan ToraalthirX

Quote:

Originally Posted by MewMint20

Alauthan Toraalthir

His hair is black and red, his skin pale and his eyes are a reddish brown, his ears not so long, but facial marking is there.

Gender: Male, although mistaken for Female at times.
Age: 276
Race:Elven
Physique: Slim and compact.
Origin:The Deserts
Faction: Rebels
Relationships: He is very close to his oldest sister.
Personality: Don’t expect him to follow an order he doesn’t like, he joined the rebellion to meet people in hopes of finding someone who might know of, or help him remember what happened the night of his fiancé’s death and as such is willing to side with whoever can help him. The reason is he mistaken for a woman is because he is soft spoken and cares for others. Although he is only truly loyal to himself he is willing to help others.
Likes: Feeling needed, swimming in fresh water, Nights he doesn’t dream.
Dislikes: His amnesia, people who pretend to be selfless, mosquitos, his nightmares.
Ambitions:He aims to find out the truth behind his fiancé’s death, and then start anew.
Character Flaws:He suffers from night-terrors and finds it hard to talk about them. He is only truly loyal to himself.

Biography:Originally he was as trusting as any naïve child, believing that his parents would return from a fight, that he would not be left with his older sister to look out for each other. His fiancé was an arranged marriage but he became loyal to her anyway, needing her to secure a place for his sister to live besides the run down house they survived in from their combined pay. He doesn’t remember what happened exactly as all he can recall is what his night terrors show him, flashes of her face and the blood everywhere. He knows it was someone besides the desert villagers he resided with and intends to find out. His trail led him to the imperial lands, with word someone there might know of what happened. He left his sister to pursue this.

Kilia: MalfayX

Through the fading light of day, stars were just beginning to shine on the blue and violet velvet that was the sky. They appeared like buildings in a mist, slowly approached by sailors all-too-often at sea: a welcome, peaceful and familiar sight. Trailing into the lofty glitter were thin tendrils of smoke rising from Aldelros' orange camp fire bedded over hot coals. It was a fairly warm night and this camp had all the promise of being a restful one for the elf as he gingerly picked his now-dried ration off of it's stake.

It was only a small clearing, not any larger in any direction than he was tall, and the branches seemed to have been woven loosely over his head. It was a very comfortable and private nest for anyone who wanted a quiet and lonely camp that night. Tomorrow, he thought, despite being pleased and admiring of his agreeable find, I will have a proper bed to rest in.

Truth be told the idea brought little comfort to him. It meant being around people and potentially becoming a part of their gossip, possible detection... Aldelros shook his head and went about eating. He had done well to take on the look of the average elf, though he maintained a small number of trinkets from his previous life. It was all he could do to keep these mementos private over the decades of his self-imposed exile of the Imperial cities. Fortune would have it that he produced a reputation that repelled the likes of pickpockets and thieves from sizing up his purse-- a rather rough reputation of being a traveler from the wilder-lands within but forgotten by the empire. If they only knew that this menace they have heard whispered tales of longed for a feathered pillow and silken sheets their heads would spin!

His meal finished, the dark haired elf stamped out his fire and banked the coals for an early breakfast. By now his long-time companions shone bright high above him and ready to recount for Aldelros their old tales as he drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

11-28-2012, 01:51 AM

Milwanee had only left a few nights prior, she knew the news of her departure would be hidden for a few more days from the kingdom. She had read another letter from her brother, one of him refusing to return home, it wasn’t a new letter but an old one she had kept. After it had caused her countless restless nights and days of sickness, she finally decided to track him down. The stead she rode on was a gift from her mother, it was as black as night, and stood taller than the elven girl at 6’2’’, she was only 5’4’’ in comparison. She wore royal garments as these were the only clothes she had, a cream dress with golden accents.

She cursed herself silently as she leant forward on her stead, she wasn’t sure if she was too fond of sleeping on the ground but in some ways it was better than not sleeping. She rode her stallion in to the forest she didn’t know her way around it and thus stopped at the first water supply she found. Getting down from it she removed her shoes shoving them in tone of the packs attached to the horse. Letting it drink as she removed the packs before sitting at the water side. She examined the rapier. The only weapon against the world she had besides her wit, charm and speed.

The horse soon finished lapping at the water and laid her she rest her head on his soft belly. Before curling up against the large beast, her pale skin catching any light, her dark hair was falling loosely around her as she tried to sleep. Finding this a hard task due to the fact she was scared, not that she would ever admit this.

11-28-2012, 02:23 AM

Hroarr Runisson sat back in his chair and savored the rich bitterness of the ale in his mug. It blended well with the scent of woodsmoke from the tavern's fire and the aroma of the spicy stew and day-old bread being served by a giggling wench. If he closed his eyes he could almost imagine himself to be in a tavern at home in the Northlands, with a roaring fire and plenty of beer to defend against the biting blizzard outside.

The homely, comforting atmosphere did not sit well with the soft voice coming from the deep hood of the cloaked form across the table. A man, he assumed, although the elf was slimmer than even the most delicate Northwoman. Man or woman, the elf hadn't balked when Hroarr ordered the innkeeper's most expensive ale, and that meant money. Money that would be much happier in Hroarr's pocket than in the hands of this cold, emotionless elf.

"So do we have a deal?" asked the hooded figure's sibilant voice. "I provide you with the uniform and appropriate papers, and you find the princess and return her."

"Return her to you, I assume," rumbled Hroarr's deep bass voice. "Instead of to the palace."

The Northman was amused by the obvious annoyance in the cloaked posture. "I will, of course, see her returned to her proper place. You would not be welcome at the palace."

"Of course." Hroarr echoed sardonically. "And isn't it interesting I haven't heard aught about her going missing."

"You fool," sneered the elf," If word got out, every piece of scum in the empire would be looking after her for the ransom."

"Ah... speaking of money... When I deliver her, you deliver to me her weight in gold." Hroarr leaned toward the cloaked figure, his bulk looming over the table imposingly while the hearth outlined his red-gold hair with flames.

"If it must be a crass commercial transaction for you, then yes. Her weight in gold."

"It's a contract then," Hroarr offered the elf his hand to shake. He chuckled as the slender hand was reluctantly placed in his, thinking about the elf's reaction if he had spat in his hand first as was customary in his homeland.

The elf vanished into the crowd after that, leaving behind a sack that proved to contain a uniform and armor sized for the Northman's huge bulk. Had the hooded one been that certain? Or had he been ordered to hire Hroarr at any cost?

The Northman smoothed away his thoughtful frown and signaled the barmaid for another mug of ale and some of that stew. Time enough to worry about those questions after his belly was full. He banished them from his mind while he ate and planned how to locate the missing girl. A noblewoman alone in the woods should be fairly easy to find.

His plans made, Hroarr climbed the stairs to the small room he'd rented for the night. As he settled into the warm, soft, relatively vermin-free bed, only one thought came to trouble him on his way to sleep. I should have held out for more money...

11-28-2012, 03:34 AM

"I understand that you would rather not press upon the other rebel camps, but we need to or else we'll never manage to defeat the Empire!" Jaikar shouted as he slammed his hands onto the table. The stress of these councils was finally starting to get to him. In his opinion, there was far too much fence-straddling going on. "There's passion, but no action among the camps, and all we're doing is weakening each other rather than the enemy!"

Mutterings instantly pervaded the atmosphere in the room as the council discussed among themselves the wisdom of his statement, which just wanted him to tear his hair out faster. They had been going at this for the past week and they hadn't even begun to reach a conclusion. Half of them wanted to wait it out, while the other half wanted nothing more than to storm the Imperial city as they were. And, while it was true that he was the leader, they made sure to limit him in whatever way they could.

"They still haven't returned their answer to our offer of alliance," one man, piped up, his gray hair shimmering softly in the lantern light of the re-purposed tavern. Several other heads bobbed up and down in agreement before they focused their eyes back on Jaikar.

"They aren't going to! It's been a fortnight already, and it only takes a week to get between our two camps. They're hoping to call us on a bluff, which is what they're getting so far!" he answered, pounding his fist into his palm emphatically. "We have the man power and the resources to overcome the camp, as well as a few skilled Magi and a Whisperer. All of our reports say that they have one or two Magi at most." A few other heads bobbed with that statement as the mutterings returned.

Thankfully, they seemed to be rather positive for once. "So, are you going to sign a declaration of war, or am I going to have to decree it without your consent?" he asked, perhaps a bit more roughly than he realized. From the shocked looks on the faces of the councilors, he had obviously gotten their attention. Slowly though, they began to nod.

Within the hour, the document was fully drafted and signed by a majority, which was all that was necessary for it to be considered valid. The councilors had departed to their beds in the inn, while Jaikar sank into the head chair, running his circlet in his hands as he contemplated the outcome. Though the lot of them were stubborn and indecisive, he was grateful for their advice. Without it, he would have been lost for the first few months, a fact of which they were well aware.

A tentative knock at the door caught his ear and freed him from his thoughts. "Come in," he called out, just loud enough for the visitor to be heard. Already he knew whom it would be at the door. The bob of pink hair has the tiny girl peeked her head in to make sure it was okay, hesitant as always, proved his prediction perfectly correct.

"We're just about finished with the order," Itzli said, walking in slowly after closing the door softly. "We just have a few more blades to attach to their shafts for the halberds and we'll be done." Her voice seemed to ask another, hidden question as well. Their time together, however, had left them with great skill at deciphering the other's unspoken remarks.

"I finally managed to convince them to see reason," he said, smiling despite himself. "We march in two days. Do you think you'll be up for a little bit of sabotage if necessary?" She was the Whisperer he had been talking of earlier. Though she was far from the legends of old in terms of skill due to the fading of the magic, she was the most skilled Whisperer he had ever met, really out of only a dozen or so among his entire life. Really though, the thing about it was that she was able to do it subconsciously as if it were as natural as breathing for her. Still, that didn't equate to strength at all.

"Yeah," she nodded, though she was smiling with Jaikar. When he motioned for her to come to him, she did, climbing onto his lap as if it were the most common thing in the world. And there they remained, just enjoying each others' presence until she fell asleep and began snoring softly. With a chuckle, he lifted her into his arms, her frail figure being far too easy to carry, and took her to his room and bed before he too joined her in the realm of sleep.

11-28-2012, 10:38 PM

Mikaila walked into a tavern wondering if she could possibly get a room. The forest was nice to sleep in most of the time, but a real bed was sometimes needed when it came to travelling or else she would be spotted on the outskirts of a town. That alone would make her suspicious to others as an outsider and would cause her to be called a rebel. Now thats not to say that she wasn't a rebel, just she would rather have no one else know she was. To tell the truth, she had been tracking a group of imperial guards for days. They had a few days head start on her, but she caught up to them when she had gotten to the town. Raffi had of course helped with that. The wolf was the size of a regular dog, but when people saw him, they all ran away as though it were going to attack them. To tell the truth, he was very mild tempered. He loved people, just not people that were going to hurt Mikaila.

As soon as she entered the tavern, people had started to stare. For one thing, it was probably due to her clothing and for another, it was a young looking elf girl walking with a wolf. "I would like to rent a room please." She said to the barman. The barman turned, looking a little weary about giving anyone with a wolf a place to stay. Almost as though reading his mind due to the expression on his face, she smiled. "He's harmless. I promise. It will just be for one night."

The barkeeper, still weary about letting a wolf stay in his tavern, turned around to grab a key for a room. "Here ya go. If he so much as disturbs another person, the both of ya's will be on the street... Now thatll be 10 gold pieces." The price seemed a little high, but she didnt mind paying it. To tell the truth, she was use to the increase in price. Maybe if she had Raffi run through the forests at night, she wouldnt have to pay as much, but then again, he could get killed.

"Not a problem sir." She said with a smile on her face, though her cheeks were blushing. This was the longest conversation she had ever had with anyone to tell the truth. It was about as long as her conversations with other innkeepers, barmen, and the other rebels. Without hesitation, she pulled out a little pouch that had ten gold pieces in it and handed it to the man, who took it greedily and handed her the key to her room. She took it with a smile and went over to sit at a table near the fire so Raffi could relax next to the heat.

The serving wench came over with a bit of bread as she sat down. "You hungry?" She asked sweetly.

"Yes ma'am. Can I have some water and a steak?" She asked quietly. "Oh and some water for Raffi in a bowl?" She added quickly before the woman left. The woman smiled and nodded happily, leaving to go get the order.

Mikaila sat back in her chair, enjoying the loaf of bread that had been brought over and just listening to the sounds of laughter and drunk singing as she sat there. Another sound came to her keen ears though. It sounded as though a deal was being struck. Something about the princess having ran away and a man being paid her weight in gold to find her. She turned and gave some of the bread to Raffi as she took a quick glance at the figures. One was a hooded elf, no doubt an imperial. The other was human from the northlands. Maybe she could talk to him. After all, she was from around that region. Once the other elf left, she slowly got up and went to pet Raffi, then walked over to the man. Tapping him on the shoulder, she started to shake a little from being nervous. "Excuse me... Are you from the Northlands?" She asked a little quietly and timidly, but she hadnt been to her homeland in so long, she just wanted to hear some news. See if everything was alright.

01:26 AM

"I am, that," rumbled Hroarr's voice as he surveyed the girl. Thin and silver-haired as she was, she was still warmer and more alive than his new employer. He waved her to the seat across from him. "Please, join me."

The wolf following at the elven girl's heels caught his eye, and he offered it his hand to sniff. The wolf didn't waste much time sniffing, however, instead thrusting its thick-furred head under Hroarr's hand. He gave it an affectionate scratch, smiling nostalgically at the memories of the wolf-dogs he'd grown up with. The Northman chuckled in amusement at himself. "Tonight seems full of dreams of my homeland."

11-28-2012, 11:44 PM

Sylnae straightened up, uncrooking her back from her constant bent-over position as she searched among the foliage in the forest for the herbs she was low on. "Just Feverfew and willow left, then.." Syl muttered to herself, checking the woolen bag in her hand. The light was fading, and even with eyes used to dim lighting, it would be harder to see among the trees once the sun had set. She glanced behind her, judging swiftly how much time it would take to return to the Imperial camp she was currently serving with. Smiling almost slyly, the white-haired woman moved farther into the trees, following the sound of running water. As the last streaks of light left the sky, a new one bloomed underneath the canopy.

The tiny flickering globe bobbed obediently alongside Syl, and her eyes glowed proudly in the reflected light. Ridiculously proud of even her small magical accomplishments, she relished the chance to use them unhindered. Sylnae continued to the edge of the river, following it down until she reached a willow tree, its branches drooping elegantly into the waters below. Syl touched the trunk gently, almost reverently, resting there a moment before she began gathering both a section of bark and leaves.

The gentle snort of a horse nearby made her back stiffen with caution, her fae light vanishing in an instant. Syl knew that as an outlying post her camp was one of the most frequent to see action, but surely after the last skirmish, the rebels had retreated to lick their wounds? She moved 'round the large willow step by silent step, eyes sweeping back and forth along the river's edge, looking for the source of the sound.

11-29-2012, 01:10 AM

Mikaila looked at the male and let out the breath she had been holding after she had talked to him. The roar of his voice seemed oddly soothing. Like it was from one of the villages next door, but what would he be doing out here if that were the case? She had not seen anyone from the north travel so far south besides herself. The male asked her to sit across from him which was a very kind of him. As timid as she was, she was also sort of excited to do what he asked. It seemed that Raffi had followed her to the table. Quickly, she went back to the other table and took the loaf of bread to bring with her back to the male. When she came back, she noticed that Raffi was pushing his head into the male's hand affectionately. Usually he would sniff for a second before he did anything like that, but he seemed to really like this male.

With a slight chuckle, she looked back at the male, sitting in the seat he had pointed to earlier. "He seems to like you. Maybe because you have a familiar scent to him." The woman who had taken her order was back at her table with the food and drink, but she noticed where Mikaila had gone and took it to the male's table instead.

"Enjoy darling." She said, then placed a water bowl on the floor for Raffi.

"Thank you." The girl said to the woman before looking back at the male. Trying to start a conversation wasn't exactly her strong suit, but she was going to try anyways. "Dream of the homelands isnt exactly what we have had recently. Your the first I've seen come from the north, besides myself, in years." Before she dug in to her food, she cut the steak in half and offered that half up to the male. "My name is Mikaila and this is Raffi." The more she spoke to the male, the more she seemed to shake, but she hid it as best she could. Hopefully as conversation went on, she would stop shaking and everything would be alright.

11-29-2012, 01:26 AM

"Keep it," Hroarr waved off Mikaila's offer of the steak and settled back in his seat, making the chair creak with the strain of his bulk. "You look as if you need it more than I, and my own meal should be here soon."

Even as he spoke, the barmaid returned with a large bowl of stew and another mug of ale. The stew was wonderful, and the Northman savored his first spoonful before turning attention back to the elven girl. He offered her his large, rough hand. "It is good to meet you, Mikaila friend of Raffi. I am Hroarr Runisson."

11-29-2012, 01:28 AM

The horse moved standing up when it heard the other person and saw the lights, this was enough to wake the sleeping girl. She didn’t hesitate, drawing her sword grabbing the reins with her free hands. Unable to hide how tired she was she didn’t see or hear anyone sheathing the sword she turned to the horse. “There, there, Marquis calm yourself. Did you hear or see something.” The horse nuzzled her hand trusting in its lifelong master. It snorted and she ushered more soothing words. She moved tying his reins to a tree, she didn’t want to leave him and tears welled in her eyes, if someone was there perhaps they wouldn’t harm the large horse. She would see wild animals from where she was going. She looked at the royal garments thinking how childish it was that she was worried of ruining them before ripping them to allow her better movement.

She ran jumping from rock to rock across the water, the horse snorting. She felt as if it was his way of calling her back to him, neither having been outside the walls of the palace it was only natural for the beast to be wary of being alone. She was sure she had been spotted crossing but not climbing the tree. She had seen the other girl but couldn’t tell what side she was on and if she was caught by rebels they would surely hold her ransom against her mother, she couldn’t be held responsible if that occurred.

11-29-2012, 02:09 AM

Mikaila looked at the male, pulling her food back to herself. She cut into the meat and started to eat it as the male got his own food. Some sort of stew from the looks of it. Raffi looked up at her longingly as if wanting what she had. Giggling a little, she took the smaller of the halves and put it on the floor for the wolf. He started to chow down on it like it was his first meal in weeks. The male spoke once more, pulling her attention away from the male. His hand was outstretched towards her which seemed a little strange since he hadn't spit on it, but then again, that was usually only for when deals had been made.

With a slight hesitation, she put her hand in his and shook on it. "Well Hroarr Runisson. Have you been to the north recently? I would love to hear how the land and villages are doing." In truth, all she really wanted to do was hear that her town was alright and that her brother and sisters were doing fine. Then again, the male didnt know her family, so there was no way she would be able to tell if her family was actually doing alright.

03:04 AM

Hroarr shook her hand gently, afraid as he often was of crushing the fragile-seeming elven bones. He knew they were tougher than they looked, but that didn't stop them seeming fragile and birdlike next to his bearish bulk. "It has been far too long since I was home, but a moon ago I met with a trader who'd come south for the winter. Traders always have news if you keep their tankards full."

The Northman furrowed his brow thoughtfully and stroked his beard as he tried to remember everything the trader had said. "There are reports of bandits in the Celeb'lain Forest. Some say they are rebels, some say Imperial defectors, some say they're simply bandits. A rockfall closed Snoweagle Pass, and no one has heard from the folk beyond the pass in some months. They had a good harvest the year before that, so they're likely alive, just cut off. There was worry that the springs at Hithnan were failing, but they had a flood last year. Many homes were destroyed, but few people died, and the springs seem rejuvenated. Hm... Northwest, with the reindeer herders, the Red Hand tribe was driven off their range by what they said was an ice dragon. They went to live with Gold Wolf. Northeast, the Skultings have gone to war with the Tuerings. Something about the Tuerings not sending a gift when the king of the Skultings gained the throne..."

Hroarr paused for a drink of ale, and tilted his head at Mikaila with a friendly smile. "If you want more specific news, you'll have to tell me where you wish to hear of. The trader and I spoke for most of a night and I have a good memory."

11-29-2012, 05:53 PM

Syl moved towards the sounds farther along the river, catching a glimpse of the girl as she darted across the river. The unhappy snorts of the stallion brought Syl to his side, absently reaching up to stroke his muzzle. Who would leave their mount like that? You could move faster on horseback, and this stallion seemed in excellent condition. She peered into the trees on the other side, calling softly, "I'm not here to hurt you," and her voice, even though it was low, carried across the water. "I'm a healer, if you're hurt let me help you." She stayed a few moments before turning to the large animal again, inspecting its tack. The quality and decoration of the leatherwork led her to believe it came from a noble family at the very least.. And might explain the panicked flight of its owner. Perhaps itd been stolen.

11-29-2012, 08:49 PM

Hearing news of the homelands seemed like a world away. Had she really missed that much when it came to her village? She had only been gone for about a year or two. There was no reason she had missed so much. The villages towards the east were raging war on each other. The forest she use to run free in was now captive to bandits. Her home was blocked by an avalanche of falling rocks.

"I think that about covers it." Mikaila said as she seemed to look down in a sort of sadness. "It would seem my village has cut off. I come from a village just past Snoweagle pass. I use to run past the pass and into the Celeb'lain forest all the time. Thats where i found Raffi and his brothers and sisters. We left many moons ago due to a village outrage against my family." Her shaking seemed to increase as she talked with the male, but she focused on her steak after a little while, calming herself as she finished it.
"May i ask where you are from?" She asked lightly, trying to continue conversation. It seemed as though she was getting a little more comfortable with talking to this man, but only to this man. He had a certain kindness about him. She had felt it from their hand shake.... Well it was either that or he was afraid of crushing her. He did call her a small thing after all when he said that she needed the steak more than himself. But than again, maybe that was just because she had been on the road a lot recently and looked the part of a hungry traveler. I really have to stop thinking badly of others actions. She said scolding herself in her mind for having even thought that he was calling her too thin.
As she thought about it, she knew that this little dinner was probably the only time she was ever going to be talking to someone. What if she travelled with him? Maybe she could help him track that person that he was just paid to track? The only problem was how she could bring the subject up with him. It would all depend on how this conversation went. She took a drink of her water, leaving it almost empty now.

11-29-2012, 09:54 PM

"I was born among the Keits. We live on the other side of the Tuerings from the Skultings." He frowned. "The Tuerings were always cheap when it came to gifts... but I hope the Skultings don't conquer them. They made a good buffer to keep the Skultings from attacking us."

Hroarr shrugged and waved at the barmaid to refill his drink. "I've been away a long time now, though. Fifteen years... I'll be home next year, though. This job should net me enough to go home and become a king."

His eyes grew distant as he considered the future. Find one pampered runaway princess, and then go home. Home with chests and bags of gold that he'd had crafted into rings and jewelry. He'd never understand why these southerners wanted coins. Coins were hard to carry and heavy, and who would know you were wealthy without first stealing your purse? Jewelry was easier to carry-- a torc here, a few rings there, and the weight was nicely distributed, even if there was a lot of it. Hroarr knew he would be returning with more gold than he could wear-- more than he could carry! But it would soon be gracing the hands and arms and necks of his friends, who would swear fealty to him for the chance at more. The Keiting king was weak now, and old. Hroarr would take over, and bring his people to glory.

Deep in his fantasy, the Northman forgot about the girl across from him until she spoke again.

11-29-2012, 10:09 PM

She saw the female by her horse and slunk back down from the tree walking back across the stones, jumping from one to the other, she believed no healer would hurt anyone yet she also hoped they wouldn’t send her home. As she moved over keeping her distance from the horse but was close enough for it to calm. She still had her sword in hand but she wasn’t exactly prepared to use it, she’d never really hurt anyone on purpose.

“I don’t need any help…” she kept her voice quiet, she didn’t want to reveal who she was yet but it was a lie about the help, she had no idea how to build a fire or hunt, once her food ran out or if the night got colder she would be in danger. Not to mention the only clothing she had made her heritage all to obvious. The healer didn’t look like a rebel so maybe she was safe.

11-30-2012, 02:48 AM

Aldelros' face twitched, voices in the distance rousing him from such a short rest. He was certain that everyone would be safely tucked away in their town walls by now, and of all things this voice belonged to a woman. What would possess a woman to be so loud at night? Was she calling for a man? The words were so distant even his elven ears could not make out their forms. Surely if he got closer he could learn more but that would require him to leave his private, little nest. He was safe from discovery, near half a mile away from the sound of it, and his tight den provided him with any addition cover her might ever want. No, his curiosity was still at rest. In the morning he might figure out the story but only if he felt so inclined. ... There will probably be some word of it in town if anything happens, anyways. Talk over cider... dreams for tonight but a reality tomorrow.

Turning over, Aldelros pulled a corner of the cloak he was using as a pillow up to cover his lower face in case the woman and her companion decided to move any closer and see the pale of his skin against the fertile earth he bedded upon. It wasn't until he had settled in that he heard the low whispering voices of men drawing nearer.

It was clear that they had heard the woman and intended on investigating further. Minutes passed in silence until one of the men snickered and made a comment about seeing something glitter through the trees. The merry lilt of excitement in his voice was enough to figure the nefarious occupation these men took to. Still, Aldelros furrowed his brows and stubbornly locked himself in place. He wanted to bury these rogues in the ground but his senses were fighting against his desires. It wasn't his business, this woman should have known better... but did she deserve no protection from a pair of bandits? Perhaps she would gain her sense and leave quickly. Perhaps she would manage to hide in time or have people around to protect her...

...Other people. People who aren't me.

11-30-2012, 03:49 PM

Syl's eyes darted around quickly, not liking being out in the open and so far from the Imperial camp. Her voice was now pitched much lower since girl had approached, and her 'S's and 'T's were nearly cut out out of her words, ensuring her voice wouldnt travel any farther than this one's ears. Her eyes flickered over the girl's clothing, and her eyebrows rose imperceptibly at the imperial designs. "You look lost." she said curtly, cutting straight to the point. Syl wasnt very well versed in decorum, it seemed. "And leaving your mount would have helped you none." She kept glancing through the trees, uneasy with having exposed herself.

Sylnae returned the reins to the girl as she stepped closer. "If you are in need of anything, my camp is nearby. We should not stay here like this - especially you." It was the only thing shed said to indicate she had guessed at the girl's parentage.

11-30-2012, 04:08 PM

Malyn Lithar stood still as a statue, one hand on the muzzle of his horse as he focused on keeping it as quiet as possible. The train of six pack mules tethered to the gelding's saddle didn't concern him. The sturdy pony-mules were calm, sensible creatures who knew their job well and could be trusted to be quiet when they were stopped. The high-bred riding horse, on the other hand, would never get used to journeys at night and hated the padded bags that muffled his hooves and those of the mules, and it took magic to keep him from dancing in place and nickering at every leaf that fluttered in the wind.

The whispering bandits finally moved on, toward the voices of the foolish women chattering away in the darkness. Snarling in disgust at the delay, Malyn swung up onto the gelding's back and the small caravan moved onward through the starlit woods with no more sound than the occasional faint creak of leather or the faint crunch of leaves under padded hooves. Or the alarmed snort and thrashing as the stupid horse decided to be terrified by a knot of small trees and blundered into a bush.

Cursing under his breath, Malyn pulled his mount up short and strained his ears in case the bandits had heard and might come back. Hearing no sounds of immediate pursuit he urged the horse onward, muttering darkly about worthless nags and glue factories. Perhaps taking the mutters for reassurance, the gelding quickly calmed down and strode through the forest with the smooth gliding gait that was one of the reasons Malyn had kept this particular beast, which otherwise would have been sold as a cull, for House Teldarion did not customarily keep ugly or stupid horses in its famous herds.

Stupid it might be, and an unpleasant shade of mottled red dun, but those flaws combined with the comfortable gait and elegant lines of the gelding were perfect for Malyn Lithar, disgraced scion of an unnamed noble family. Disgraced, of course, but still family, and those peculiar aristocratic attitudes meant that even an unwanted family member should be given most of the trappings of the lineage. So, an ugly but well-bred horse, clothing that was of the finest quality but lacking embroidery and jewels, and of course plenty of pocket money in the hopes that the taint to the bloodline would wash himself away in a flood of wine.

That was the image that Malyn chose to project, although his pocket money was spent on little projects like hiring barbarian oafs to find missing princesses and buying mule-trains of provisions for rebel camps. No one would suspect he was anything outside of the persona he donned along with the unadorned cloak of smoke-grey silk. Deep within the hood of his cloak he smiled, recalling a time when he had first become Malyn Lithar and gone to a tavern often patronized by bored nobles going slumming. For hours he had drunk and conversed with a handsome woman of high birth who failed to recognize her husband of two centuries sitting across the table in plain grey silk instead of wine-red velvet sparkling with silver and garnets.

He had made his first plans that night, and when they came to fulfillment, the ungrateful Lady Teldarion would be among the first to go. And his plans were so close to success, thanks to Princess Milwanee leaving the safety of the palace. The human may have been oafish and barbaric, but he was also reliable and tenacious. Malyn would have the princess in his custody in a matter of days, and all his other plans ran like clockwork with a minimum of supervision. Tonight's journey was a bit of that supervision. Just a little trip to grease a wheel that was otherwise inclined to squeak.

The first sliver of the dawning sun was appearing over the horizon when Malyn and his string of mules appeared at the rebel camp. He stopped a sleepy-eyed private on the way to breakfast. “Find General Jaikar and tell him Malyn Lithar is here with provisions and news. Very important news.”

11-30-2012, 10:21 PM

Milwanee at first frowned not liking being told she looked lost, it made her sort of mad. Then again she couldn’t let anger get a hold of her, listening to the female first scold her, and then secondly offer her to stay at the camp. “I am not lost, I am looking for someone…” the horse stamped on the ground in agitation, she saw this and sighed. “I didn’t plan on leaving him, he is precious to me, I was hoping to sneak up on my attacker while they examined him and survive by that.” She was unaware of if this was a wise idea but she wasn’t a hunter or soldier.

“I can only go with you if you promise not to take me back home.” Not sure why they were doing it but she also dropped her voice to a whisper. The especially you part of the woman’s sentence stuck in her mind. Climbing on to the mount she wondered if she stuck out that much. “Also I believe I require a changing of clothes, do you know where I can trade for more common looking clothes?” She was ready to ride off in the woman wouldn’t promise.

11-30-2012, 10:39 PM

Silently Syl wondered who she was looking for, and why the girl had come hereslf instead of merely sending a servant. Who else was that important? She inclined her head in acknowledgement of the girl's plan of attack if Sylnae had in turn wished her harm. At least she had some measure of sense, Sylnae mused to herself. She looked up at the girl as she mounted, commenting softly, "I myself will do no such thing. And until morning at least, you will not be discovered in my tent, as no one bothers me unless their need is dire." A faintly grim smile decorated her face at this, and if all her interactions were so clipped and nearly-unfriendly, it wasnt hard to guess why. She turned silently, indicating the other to follow close behind. "But the rest, let us wait until we are back in the camp to discuss. These woods are not safe without a gaurd at night." She scanned the trees behind them once more, shaking off the feeling of being watched with difficulty. "Come."

11-30-2012, 11:31 PM

She listened intently, nodding as she moved the horse to the other female, following close at a steady pace. Marquis falling silent as if he knew the danger that could arise from any noise he made. Once at the camp he nudged the other female with his nose. She remained on the horse looking down at Syl and smiled “So you… know who I am?” this woman seemed to know, from how she spoke to the princess. She climbed down from the horse “could I borrow some clothes before I leave tomorrow?” she asked quietly hoping it wasn’t too much to ask. It wasn’t just that she didn’t want to stand out she actually couldn’t bear to ruin any more of her royal garments.

12-01-2012, 12:56 AM

Staring out the window as the sun began to peek forth from the edge of the world, Jaikar fastened his steel plate armour over his woolen shirt. Unfortunately, they hadn't had enough adamantine to make more than a pair of gauntlets, which he had given to his second command. And they had even less solatium, as most of the mines they had taken already were mithril or iron mines. Very few adamantine mines were found this far north, while solatium was found further south than that, according to Itzli at least.

With a sigh, he finished strapping up the greaves and gauntlets. While they weren't marching that day, it still bolstered the men to see their leader out among them and ready for battle. Besides, if they were attacked, he would be ready. A knock at the door tore his gaze from the horizon and back to the present. He looked towards his bed to see Itzli still sleeping soundly, a soft snore audible as she curled deeper into the blankets. "I'll be out in a minute," he called out, buckling on his sword as he walked and grabbing his helmet.

He opened the door and stepped out quickly, barring the young man before him from looking inside too closely. As he looked at the young man, though boy was more appropriate from the looks of him, he snapped to attention. "Sir! A man named Malyn Lithar is outside the gates claiming that he brings provisions and news of high importance!" he declared once Jaikar nodded. Clearly he was nervous to be addressing the leader, which made Jaikar inwardly cringe while peeking towards the door. How on earth could she sleep through that?

"Very good, Private," he replied, giving a salute in return. "Go get yourself some breakfast before reporting to your duties for the day."

"Sir, yes sir!" he shouted again before turning and marching away. If he had wanted to make an impression, he certainly succeeded. Personally, breakfast sounded pretty appealing to Jaikar as well, though it would have to wait until he was finished meeting with Lithar.

"Thimyla? Send an entourage to escort Malyn up here from the front gates. I'll receive him in the main room," he said as he came down the steps. The wiry-haired head of the servants nodded curtly before barking out to three of the other servants to go out, find two soldiers, and escort the man to the inn.

As he waited, he poured over the map again. There were approximately seven rebel camps spread out throughout the land, though concentrated around the edges of Imperial control. That meant that he either had to conquer them, or convince them to join up with their camp. It was all so frustrating. They were too busy squabbling among themselves for power to realize that the Imperial army could crush them at the Empress's word.

Once again, his train of thought was derailed by a knock on the door. "Enter," he said, looking back to his papers spread out over the table. The great door slid open gracefully, having been well-oiled the first night that they had arrived. The two soldiers stepped through and split as one, standing at attention while the servants presented Malyn.

"Welcome, Malyn," he said, looking up from the reports to the man's face. "I was told you have important news for us?" The man was darkish, or at least darker than Jaikar and most others around the camp. But that meant nothing really; it just gave him a certain... air. Something about him stirred up the senses to unease, but they could never actually pinpoint what it was that had excited them.

12-01-2012, 01:49 AM

"General." Malyn bowed slightly and took a seat opposite Jaikar's. He glanced around the room, noting no new additions since his last visit. A polished shield on one wall showed Malyn a distorted reflection of himself, and he noted with satisfaction that the henna staining his normally pale hair to a deep auburn hadn't yet begun to fade.

"News, yes. And of course supplies." Malyn produced a list. "Mostly food and clothing. The Guard is watching too closely to buy weapons, but I believe you have a blacksmith? I brought ingots of metal. If it's not useful to you you can trade it with the locals."

"The news, however... I suppose you've guessed that I have... family connections." Malyn made a grimace of distaste, and shrugged. "I am not much of a mage, and I'm no use with a weapon. My usefulness to the Rebellion depends on my family connections. I use the stipend they give me to provide supplies, and I am sometimes able to listen in on conversations that my relatives should have kept more private."

"The most recent news is... I know it's useful somehow, but I don't know what to do with it except tell you. The Empress's youngest daughter, Princess Milwanee... has run away from the palace." Malyn glanced around the room, looking for possible listeners, and continued in an eager whisper. "No one knew for certain why she had left, but it seems likely that she intended to join the rebellion. Even the Empress's own children see the justice of our cause!"

12-01-2012, 05:18 AM

"Good. Food is always a necessity. Fortunately, we haven't been cut off from those supplies yet," Jaikar replied, absentmindedly checking over some maps. A few detailed locations of farms nearby, some of which were no longer there. The people hadn't surrendered easily, though that was mainly because they erroneously believed that the Imperial army would come to their rescue at any time like they were living in a fairy tale. The metals, however, were just as important as the food. New weapons had to be made and old ones sharpened almost daily, which put a huge strain on their resources.

As Malyn continued, Jaikar nodded along. He had already figured that Malyn had some connection to a mole masquerading as an Imperial of some station. The fact that it was family was a bit surprising, though being disgraced would explain the other man's distaste of the Empire quite nicely. Even that surprise was nothing compared to how he reacted to the news that the Empress's youngest had fled the city. "Truly? That is quite momentous," he said, beginning to pace as his mind raced at a thousand leagues an hour. "The question now is how can we twist this to our advantage?"

"This evening I will announce the information before the battle," Jaikar muttered aloud. "Hopefully that will spur the soldiers to fight better and harder tomorrow." He called out to Thimyla to take the list of supplies to the Quartermaster for inventory and waited silently while she took it and found a servant to run the message. Once she was gone, he turned back to Malyn and said, "Thanks for your help. Having a man who can provide us with information on the inside is a great help."

Mythos: AldelrosX<em>Note: Your scripts are turned off. Hover over this section to reveal content</em>

Darcylynn: AithneX<em>Note: Your scripts are turned off. Hover over this section to reveal content</em>

Angelo: JaikarX<em>Note: Your scripts are turned off. Hover over this section to reveal content</em>

Angelo: ItzliX<em>Note: Your scripts are turned off. Hover over this section to reveal content</em>

Sabiir: SylnaeX<em>Note: Your scripts are turned off. Hover over this section to reveal content</em>

MewMint20: MilwaneeX<em>Note: Your scripts are turned off. Hover over this section to reveal content</em>

Wyrmskyld: Hroarr RunissenX<em>Note: Your scripts are turned off. Hover over this section to reveal content</em>

Daeman35: MakailaX<em>Note: Your scripts are turned off. Hover over this section to reveal content</em>

Wyrmskyld: Malyn Lithar - Lord Toramalyndar TeldarionX<em>Note: Your scripts are turned off. Hover over this section to reveal content</em>

MewMint20: Alauthan ToraalthirX<em>Note: Your scripts are turned off. Hover over this section to reveal content</em>

Kilia: MalfayX<em>Note: Your scripts are turned off. Hover over this section to reveal content</em>

Mythos: AldelrosX

Darcylynn: AithneX

Angelo: JaikarX

Angelo: ItzliX

Sabiir: SylnaeX

MewMint20: MilwaneeX

Wyrmskyld: Hroarr RunissenX

Daeman35: MakailaX

Wyrmskyld: Malyn Lithar - Lord Toramalyndar TeldarionX

MewMint20: Alauthan ToraalthirX

Kilia: MalfayX