The Kingdom of Eiros

• Location:
  The country of Eiros is located in the western half of Terra. To its west is the land of the Kracos tribes that it has placed under subjectation. From the first king Augustus to the most current Aruski, the country of Darkness has held the Kracos tribes at bay, both from attacks and from rising above their place. The Kracos tribe is both reviled and feared by many. Seen as neither civilized nor even human, the lowest taint of Kracos blood in your family is considered a taint upon your humanity. Barbarians being the kindest thing a citizen of Eiros will call a countryman of the Kracos tribes.
  
  The city of Deinos, the capital is an amazing sight in and of itself. It was named after the deity of Dread that struck fears in the hearts of man while they still labored under the ?abandonment? of the elementals. It was lost though upon the new mingling language that separated the N and M.
  
  Sitting upon on of the only mountains that far west of the Aristis Mountains, it looks down upon all and was the reason why it was chosen by Augustus to be his capital. His reasoning as to not choosing a sea port was simple. The man was sea sick just looking at his morning tea.
  
  There are other small port cities that have been established since Augustus' time, by other kings that were not quite so sensitive. But the navy has not been built and maintained as well as it should be or as well as its neighboring countries. Located on each of its coasts, these cities; Jocelyn, Imides, and Cornwellis , are all major towns of note but still fall upon Deinos and it's army for protection from the earth tribes.
  
• History:
  
  Over 70 generations ago, a great man came from deep within what was then the Dark tribe of A'ska. His name was Augustus and he was one of the few who didn't abandon his god elemental of darkness after it went dormant. Perhaps because he was directly descendant of the bloodline or for some other reason, no one really knows. But this man, this Augustus, brought forth is warriors and began to push aside the Kracos tribes that for a while had relatively peacefully coexisted with them.
  
  It didn't take long for the earth tribes to rebel against this treatment and back and forth they waged for many years, eventually pushing the Dark tribes to the Western half of the continent/country. Their warriors were strong and used to the rough mountain terrain, whereas the westerners were not. Upon reaching a lone mountain among the plains, Augustus decided that he would build a city there, one which would cower the Kracos tribes by its mere presence. He began to build a city, even amidst the strife and turmoil of war.
  
  He took a woman slave from the Kracos tribe as his concubine and she bore him one son, which he named Antony. The child was raised to hate everything about the Kracos tribe and even went so far as to kill his own mother when he was but a teenager. Upon his fathers death, he took the name Augustus, letting no one but his own council know of his father's death. It merely reinforced the fact that Augustus was immortal as his armies kept pushing further and further into the lands that the Earth tribes claimed.
  
  For five generations, each male of the bloodline was named Augustus, reiterating the legend that was the king. It was only at the last of these that he was truly victorious, driving the Kracos tribes deep into the mountains, even as the finishing touches upon Deinos keep. In honor of his victory, he names the small sea beside the keep, the sea of Victory.
  
  Over time as such things do, the firstborn of every generation of the royal family was named with a name beginning with A, in remembrance of their ancestor who made it all possible. After the castle of Dienos, the keep was created by another down the line, Andrais. And then the city that sprung up after it was fortified by King Adam.
  
  And so the city and country flourished, through good and bad times, only falling from the A'ska's hands but a mere handful of times only to be brought back into the fold at some point. And so the direct dark bloodline continues to rule over Eiros and guide her to glory.
  
  Coat of Arms
  There are several coat of arms, but the coat of arms of the Mournay line is one of a black panther, trampling over the trees, splitting a path between them with a crown upon its head. Surrounded by a silver border entwined with black irises.
  
  
• Economy:
  
  The economy of the kingdom of Eiros is that of traders and farmers, though their artisans are world renown if in the minority making their wares even more sought after. A smaller yet equally important market is that of slave trading, taking so called war criminals and spoils of war and selling them on the market to other countries, diluting the blood of the Kracos tribes even more.
  Economic Status:One of the wealthier countries, Eiros holds its own in the world market, though not as much so as it's closest ally, Astraena. Their major imports are the bred horses and pottery from the Kracos tribe. Their major exports include farmed foods, from fruits and vegetables to cattle. As well as lumber, stone and ore from their forests to the north that are also their natural resources.
  Government: Monarchy
  Head Of Country/Ruling Family: Line of De Mournay of the A'ska clan
  State Religion:The Triad of Balance. The Angel, The Demon and the child. With a smattering of believers in manifestations of attributes such as Dread, Wisdom, and the like.
  Military: Infantry and Calvary are in excellent condition, some of the best known soldiers. Their navy is severly lacking and under funded but is able to hold it's own against most single countries.
  Agriculture: Farming rich land, of all types, from arid to frigid.
  Educational Level: The closer to the cities that one resides in, the more educated you are generally, with the additional factor of male vs female and noble vs. commoner denominations taken into account.

OOC Nitty Gritty
Down and Dirty Details

Bio Application Format:( please PM me)

Name:
Age:Don't care if they are 13,527 and look 12, put it down.
Race:Demon, Angel, human. Don't care.
Gender:
Status:(Noblity,citizen, peasant)
Class:(Mage,Fighter,Scholar,Ranger etc...)
Origin:(Country Eiros, Duvah, or Chiazu)
Weapon(s): (ex: Please be reasonable. A mage can not carry two handed weapon)
Physical Description:Do not even THINK of just giving  a picture.
Personality:What are they like. Bubbly and vapid. Stern and serious.
History: Doesn't have to be long and drawn out, though it can be.

OOC Nitty Gritty
Down and Dirty Details

The Law:From upon high, an unearthly spirit arrives and presents to you these laws which you must use to govern yourselves that there may be peace and enjoyment for all.

• Listen to the GMs. Their words are final.
• Be Polite. Do not create un-needed drama, just because you can. We are all here to have fun and enjoy ourselves. Please, keep it tame. We do not like to Flame. Repeat. Absorb. Learn.
• OOC stays in the OOC. Do not post OOC in the IC threads. Ever. Not even within IC posts. It just clutters things. Bring it to the OOC. Aka here.
• Do not use Chatspeak. 733T is forbidden. Unless it's in OOC as a joke.Just in case, someone gets a funny idea... :stare:
• Watch the language. Don't pepper your speaks with F*ck and D*mn. It's just not classy or pleasant to read.
• Please post a bio in this thread. Once approved, you may play.
• All are welcome, as long as you realize that the tech level is not where earth is at today. It is medival at best. But most classes are welcome.
• Try to use common sense. Such as AMP. And don't overpower your characters.
• No ruling family, high government officials, without talking to the GM first.
• Be literate. This does not mean you have to write a novel with every post, but try to be eloquent and descriptive. You are writing a story that hopefully people will want to go back and read later.
• Last but not least, try to let someone know if you are going to disappear for a while so they can move on or whatnot.

PC and NPC listing

NPCs:

Prince Regent Anastazi(GM)
King Aruski (GM)


PCs:

Princess Serefina: (Tabi Kat)
Lynn (MagnusXL) *waiting on bio
Mariah (seripha)
Marlon Gale (Hexeos) *waiting on bio

The country of Eiros is located in the western half of Gaia. To its west is the land of the Kracos tribes that it has placed under subjectation. From the first king Augustus to the most current Aruski, the country of Darkness has held the Kracos tribes at bay, both from attacks and from rising above their place. The Kracos tribe is both reviled and feared by many. Seen as neither civilized nor even human, the lowest taint of Kracos blood in your family is considered a taint upon your humanity. Barbarians being the kindest thing a citizen of Eiros will call a countryman of the Kracos tribes.

To the south and East is the strange country of Duvah, while they are two separate countries, their backgrounds are similar. Separated by the ocean of Tilia, the island country is perhaps their greatest ally. Given to large steamships, it controls a good deal of trade and as such, is also the main supplier of what non homeland commodities Eiros itself does not have.

Chiazu

Location: Located in the Southern Seas is a country that covers most, if not all of, a complex island chain. Due to the massive size and far-reaching influence of the empire that has sprung up after various wars, uprisings and feuds, it is a cultural hub. The oceans provide their bounty, and the people live off of it. Soil is fertile and rich, providing excellent farming and agriculture.

The mountain ranges provide an excellent vantage point and natural defense for various sections, and passes through these crags are the only way that caravans can pass through. Patrolled and guarded diligently by those who would risk it, they are mostly kept safe from bandits and raiders. Hidden among these mountains are said to be the greatest schools of the martial arts, both unarmed and weapon-based. These are what the country is truly legendary for...

However, the seasonal typhoons and hurricanes that usually occur make things harrowing for the inhabitants. Not to mention the tidal waves, but those come once every twenty years, on schedule. It is quite uncanny that the seas seem to have a timed and orderly schedule, but nature itself is odd in those ways where it has natural patterns.

Deinos Keep

• Description:
  
  Built on a solitary mountain cut off from the main range, Deinos looks down on the plains that surround it, ever watchful over the farmers that provide it with food. The only port that has access to Deinos would be from the river Merias. Spiraling from the port to the castle on the top, the keep at Deinos is well fortified from raiders.
  
  The first level of defense is the labyrinth like streets of Deinos proper, meant to keep out intruders and those non-welcomed. Designed by one of the sons of Andres, the fifth king of Hyphos, only the residents of the city, Deinos keep and the nobles who live in the castle truly know it�s secrets. Each layer of the streets is bound by stonewalls at every level some allowing entrance, some not. Attached to each wall is building, either residences or businesses. Each wall is easily defendable, so invaders have to go through each wall before ever hoping to reach the keep proper.
  
  If visiting, your best bet is to find a street urchin who will either show you the way for a gold or thoroughly confuse you for fun. While difficult to maneuver within, it�s not meant to actually stop the enemy, merely slow them down greatly. It�s almost impossible to move a great army when forced to do so through city streets, going left, then right, then right again, through buildings, seeking openings and such.
  
  Even the peasants along the routes to the keep keep their houses as well as they are able, seeing as how even foreign dignitaries have to go by in order to reach the keep, though they do not lollygag about as they usually arrive with escorts to show them quickly to the door.
  
  The second level of defense is the keep itself, surrounded like most typical castles, by a strongly fortified wall. The wall itself is hollow on the inside and built more like an outdoor hallway then a wall, allowing for supplies and weapons to be kept within reach in case of attack. Upon the tops of the walls, there are grooves to allow archers their freedom from relative safety while above them on the highest reaches of the wall, soldier�s patrols.
  
  Every 500 feet is a tower, upon which rests one of two things. A tall bell or a signal fire. If the bell is rung then the township in the first level is being attack, allowing time for the soldiers to refortify the walls with numbers. The signal fire is only used if one particular section of wall is being used, to allow those inside the keep know they are being attacked as well as where so as to make preparations.
  
  There is only one �proper� gate, and that gate is well maintained, iron latticed as well as Darkwood bolted. There are other ways in and out of the castle and keep, but few know of them. A passage through the mountain itself, holding within it an ancient shrine to the Darkness Elemental, leads back through away from the city and keep, letting one out, not by the port but by another side of the castle.
  
  On the inside of the keep is found the kings� men, the noble�s houses and all their various accoutrements as well as the castle proper. The stables, weapon houses, alehouses and such are aligned against the walls. If invaders reach this far in, then there would be no need for horses anyways. Areas for weaponry practice, horsemanship and the like are within these walls as well, before reaching the castle proper.
  
  A simple square shape, the main hall is for feasting of all keep personnel, as well as meeting of nobles. At each corner lies fours separate parapets. One the king�s quarters, one the queen�s with the other two reserved for the royal children. Within each tower are several rooms, allowing for all the servants each of these would be. Dependant upon the king of the time, there may be as many as 3 princes in one tower and 4 princesses in the other. In between each are the nobles quarters.
  
• Prominent Sights and buildings
  
  
  The Towers of Virtue
  Not the first thing one generally sees upon visiting Deinos, but easily one of the most impressive. The towers of virtue are the four towers where the royal family resides. Each one is covered in tile from the four corners of the kingdom, the design and material representing a different virtue for each.
  
• Tower of Justice
  
  The tower of Justice is the king�s residence. It resides in the southwestern part of the keep, furthest from the river, to avoid the common afflicition of the males of the line, seasickness. Surrounded by fine Earthen mosaic tiles, it is a bounty of rich blue and purple stones. Each stone blessed by a mage of the Darkness to deliver wisdom and truth to the resident in order that he may lead well.
  
• Tower of Charity
  
  The queen�s residence, is the tower of Charity. The stone is surrounded by white marble tiles from the north, to temper greed that might reside in a heart so royal as to forget that they are the sacrifice of the people.
  
• Tower of Fortitude
  
  The residence of the royal sons, the tower of fortitude is simple glistening black stone. There appears to be lines of silver creeping through the stone but they do not mar the stone but strengthen it like the princes should do for the people. A rallying point to deliver them from the evils that befall them.
  
• Tower of Hope
  
  The princess of the royal line reside here, in the tower made of stone, and tiled with deep purple tiles from the eastern Earthen tribes. Both noble and bearing and a symbol of the hope for the future are the blessings bestowed upon the royal daughters, that they bring rich alliances and children to their country that it may continue on.
  
  In between these towers are archways and aquaducts that allow for the royal gardens to be maintained. Other then the highest of privleged servants, only the highest of nobles are even allowed to view the gardens as they lead to all the towers, allowing access to each member of the royal family.
  
  Below the archways are the nobles quarters for those who do not reside at the castle year round but have business there. They are well kept and always at the ready.
  
  Walls of Victory
  
  The walls surrounding the castle have a deep dark silver like material called Niobum running through the stone that when shone upon by the sun from the east, causes a blinding glare to be shown over town and water. It is because of this wall, that the day starts later for the people than normally would be so. Instead of rising with the sun, most work doesn't begin till almost noon.
  

The crown princess Serefina was bored. There wasn't much beating around that bush as far as she was concerned, and she was spoiled enough that she wasn't hestitant about letting people hearing about it.

"Stazi", she addressed her older brother, the crown prince regent with a petulant frown on her face. "I want to go riding."

The man stroked his black beard as he looked down at his beloved sibling. But as he looked down, his eyes registered the purple of his regent colours. If anything happened to him or to his sister, the kingdom would be in dire straits. "I would humor you in this if I could, 'Fina. But we are on the verge of war. I cannot. You can ride around the grounds if you so choose. Just take Adrian with you." Speaking of the captain of the guard who chose to watch over 'Fina when not in direct command.

'Fina sighed but nodded, her head firm on one idea. "I'll agree on the condition I don't have to ride side saddle or in a dress. I'm a better horseman than you, and you know it, 'Stazi." If it hadn't been for regents colours upon Stazi's rich wardrobe, or the petite tiara with deep black jewels upon 'Fina's head, they could have been any siblings arguing over deportment and behavior.

"Fine. Just don't let me or the viziar see you.", he couldn't resist the urge to smile at his sister. She had so much life, so much vitality it almost hurt to see the kingdom begin to crumble around such a bright jewel.

And so it was that a single hour later, Princess Serefina De Mournay found herself on the back of her beautiful midnight black stallion, leaping the hedges in the back of the garden that led towards the forest, her platinum tresses flying behind her like ribbons at a purity festival.

"Fina!!!" her protector and best friend, Lord Captain Adrian was having a hard time keeping up with her on horseback. The blond haired man was an infantry man, and would have given up by now if it hadn't been the sense of foreboding doom that seemed to hang around the Prince's shoulder's lately. So here he was, guarding a girl who could kick his ass 1 out of 2 times, so her brother wouldn't worry.

But she didn't look back, simply urged her charger on, the page's clothing she had borrowed from Adrian's little brother fit her well enough that she didn't look too much like royalty. Just nobility. And her sword was at her side if she needed it along with the extra knowledge of what she'd been learning at the Vizier's side.

"Come on, Darkness...just one more hedge, then we can escape.", as she bent low over the horse's neck and urged him over one last jump. And then the royal garden's were behind them and only the open palace gates remained before the city, and then the woods surrounding. A few hours of daylight remained, surely they could get in a good run before then.

"Open the port!" a voice called behind 'Fina, and she looked back to see Adrian calling to the guards. He was going to be a willing accomplish after all. He couldn't catch her, but he knew she could handle herself, even if 'Stazi didn't want to believe so. And then it was that Darkness' hoofs clambered against the cobblestone as they made their way into town, and freedom for at least a few hours.

So there he was, minding his own business. Normal looking guy, big, beak-like nose, plain short brown hair, blue eyes. Maybe a little bit thin, and definitely not tall, but for the most part just...normal. But anyways, this guy was just minding his own business, wandering around near the palace gates. Sure he was getting pointed looks from the guards telling him he should leave, and sure he seemed to be paying special attention to certain parts of the wall, but it was nothing to worry about, right?

Then comes this big black horse, charging straight towards him, and almost bowling him out of the way. Now normally he was a fairly even tempered guy, but come on. A horse, almost knocking him over like that? not something to make a guy happy, especially when the one on the horse appeared to just be some lesser noble. Not that the guy was even dressed well enough to be a noble, but it apparently gave him some confidence.

"Hey! Be more careful with that thing! You could hurt someone!"

'Fina's head spun around as she quickly pulled Darkness up, the horse biting the bit as his rein was tightened. As she stopped, the hair spilled around her face and down her body, looking more than a little disheveled.

"Excuse me?", it was still something of an oddity to have someone take that kind of an attitude with her, and it got a rise out of her everytime. She directed the horse back towards the man, the steady clopping of hoofs bringing the massive animal closer. How such a tiny woman child could control such a large beast was something most people didn't like to think about.

She was only a few paces away now, and it was obvious that the horse itself was more hands high than it's own rider was taller. Which just added to the question of how she got on it at all. But the way she held herself, wasn't just nobility, it was also a warrior's stance. Not the egotism of a solider, but the pride of being one's own person.

"If you weren't so near the gate, it wouldn't have had a chance to happen." 'Fina didn't dismount but looked down at the man, wondering what he was doing so close to the walls anyways.

The country side. Far from civilization and the backbone of the kingdom. It's also home to many illiterate peasants who's only skills involve farming, cleaning, or construction. There were a few exceptions, of course.

'The Drunken Bear' was the only tavern / inn in the small village, so it attracted almost every man in town on a nightly basis. Being high noon, they wouldn't see any buisiness for quite some time. The tavern keep and the maids were busy preparing for the busy hours to come. They had much to clean and were short of hands now that the owner's long-eared daughter wasn't around to help out.

And where was she? Out for a ride, as she did every day.

She was known to the locals as "Sapphire" Lynn Sharmond due to her fondness for Gemstones. Truth be told, she didn’t even really like Sapphires. She was more of an Emerald person. Not that her family could afford them; anything jewelry in her possesion had been her mother's.

Well, on such a beautiful day, nothing could mar it, right? Well except for the horse making it's way directly towards her at breakneck speed. No broken down farm horse for the rider though, it was a strong gelding used to the rigors of the trails. And on his back, a man wearing the royal colors of the De Mournay Family, purple, black and silver.

And he was in a sure fire hurry to get to the village for some strange reason. "MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!!!" was all he managed to call out in warning as he rode forward, spurs to flesh, his dark black hair flashing in the daylight.

Wiping a bead of sweat off her brow, Lynn was getting ready to go back. Though she'd be out all day if allowed, she had work to get done. She had to help clean the stable, tend to the other horses, and head in to the tavern to help set up; there was a minstral in town. Buisiness was always booming when there was music for people to get lost in whilst they downed their ale. Besides, she was getting hungry.

"!?!"

She was caught completely off gaurd as the man came charging down the path towards her. Lynn pulled back on the reigns, the auburn horse flailing backwards in an attempt to get out of the way. Her red eyes glinted at her horse as she attempted to calm him down, but was ejected into the grass.

Ahhh!

Cursing under her breath, she stood up and rubbed the back of her head. Besides a bump and a few grass stains, she wasn't hurt. At least she hadn't hit the man. There were easily worse places to be thrown onto. After bringing herself to a stand she brushed herself off.

Geez, what's his problem?

Looking down the path in the direction the man sped off in, Lynn went to adjust and fix up her long, blonde ponytail.

What the hell is a royal doing way out here?

Whatever the reason, it couldn't be good. Getting back on her mount, she headed off back to town.

In small villages, where does anyone go to get or spread news? The village tavern. Luckily for Justin, in this town there was only one. His green eyes had seen the girl take a spill into the grass but he couldn't be bothered. When the Vizier wanted something, he got it. And at the moment, he wanted Justin and his fellow riders to spread some news.

His horse was weary, as was the boy who swung down from the horse, looking at the so called 'tavern' in front of him. Where was the town minstrel or cryer, so he could give him the missive? Primes only knew.

"Well now, what's a fancy pants royal messenger doing in these parts?" A man moved quickly before Justin could react and grabbed him by the scruff of his collar.

"Probably some royal proclamation or another from that wet behind the ears prince. We knew it was just a matter of time before the power went to his head." The second speaker was another drunk that had come in 'early' from the fields. Or would have if he'd ever went to them. His more 'eloquent' companion was just the muscle.

And Justin just hung there, his toes dangling in the dirt. "Come on, guys. You know me. I was born in this town. I'm just doing my job."

What's this all about?

She had arrived not to long after the royals. Though she was a good rider and trained the animals well, her animals weren't meant for speed. Most of them were used as draft animals. Even if this was her riding horse, it was no race horse.

After stopping near the stable, she went to see what this was all about. Luckily the stable and the tavern were literally right across from eachother to conviniance the occasional traveller. She was a little dirty from her venture, but that was always unnoticed in places such as this.

Well, unless you were trying to look professional. Which she wasn't.

"So what if we do. You've been gone for two years, and not once have you come back to give your good buddies a spare coin or buy us a drink." The bigger man who was gripping Justin's shirt shook him to emphasize the smaller man's words.

"Yeah, what kind of friend are you."

"Eh...just let 'em go. We can probably get a pretty penny by offering to destroy the paper he's carrying with him." He was thrown into the dust much as the girl he'd almost been run down had been.

How's that sound, Justin? You wanna pay us so you don't lose the paper and your job?"

Lynn rolled her eyes skeptically.

Men...

Stepping forward, she spoke to the two of them with some distain in her voice. She didn't help the royal to his feet, but she wouldn't chatize him, either.

"Hey, what the hell do you think you're doing? You can't just rough up the guy."

She shook her head.

"If you ever want to drink in this town again, I suggest you act like human beings."

Which was a threat she could more than easily carry out, as everyone in this town should know by now. If you were at odds with Lynn, you were at odds with her father. If you were at odds with him, there'd be no liquor for you in the town. And they were MILES from the nearest city.

And those two louts more than knew Lynn's dulcet voice, so the moment she spoke, the men backed up, her actual words only frightening them even more. "Hey, no harm, no foul Lynn. It's just Justin...", the boy that everyone had picked on for actually taking classes from the roaming teachers and who'd gone off two years previously to be a royal messenger.

"I think now might be a good time to go inside, George." The shorter man nodded, and both of them fled, leaving Justin the dirt staring up at the girl who'd so casually threatened two of the bigger men in town.

"Lynn?"

The boy who until he'd left to join the royal corps had been a bean pole of a boy, and was now much better filled out now that he wasn't the smallest of 8 brothers and actually eating well. And that god awful stutter was gone too.

Idiots.

Lynn smiled as she spoke, though didn't even try to hide the slight annoyance she felt at the moment. He DID kinda plow her off her horse not to long ago.

"It's been a while. What brings you back to this neck of... nowhere?"

She had gotten a bit of education herself, but being the only half-elf in the village and female, she hadn't gotten nearly as much hassle. As far as this settlement went, she had quite a bit of pull. If someone were to marry her, they'd inevitably inherit the tavern.

Of course, she'd rather light herself on fire.

Justin couldn't help but laugh, some things never changed. "Got a royal message for all subjects of Erios. Apparently Prince Anastazi has given into the Vizier and he's agreed to see about getting a bride...but he made a special proclaimation." He stood up, removing the dust from his uniform and leaned over as if to let Lynn in on a secret.

"He's going to open the market to all women, regardless of class. If you weren't so objectional to men, you could even marry the prince.", that was followed by a snort, everyone knew how Lynn felt about marriage, she'd made it obvious enough when they were younger.

She chuckled a bit at that. Those gave all so nice thoughts, all of which she found hillarious. Like being able to reject a rotten prince in front of thousands of people.

Not that it would ever happen.

"Pshaw. They day I get married is the day men stop being scumbags."

Truth be told, she was more fond of elves on the rare chance they did meet. They had more respect for other living things than the other races. Unfortunatly, most of them wanted nothing to do with her do to her human blood. And what sort of adventurer or elf would be in this neck of nowhere? Her mother, apparently.

"A minstral will be in later tonight. If you want to spread the word, tonight is definatly the time. Not that there are many women in this village, but hey."

She motioned for him to follow into the tavern. She was starving and had her fill of the sun at the moment.

"Eh.."

He shrugged and followed after. "Doesn't matter. I have to have a stamp from every town leader that I've been there and spread the word. The Vizier isn't taking any chances at all. He really wants the prince married. Don't know why, I mean the king's still alive, even if he is half crazy."

Once inside, he'd find a seat and look around the tavern. He hadn't been here in years, but it looked just the same. He wondered if Lynn's father even changed. The man had been bartender when his mother had almost given birth to him in the middle of the floor of this very room.

"So why are you still in this hell hole anyways? I'm surprised you haven't run off for some grand adventure. Or are you just too attached?"

"As if."

Lynn shook her head and sighed. She had been off on a few trips, but she never really made it all that far. She just didn't have the resources at the moment, and there was NO way she was selling her few bits of jewelry. All she had of her mothers were two gold hoop earings and two emerald studded black bracelets.

Which for a peasant was saying a hell of a lot.

"Who'd look after the horses if I went away? The stable master perished this winter and had no apprentice."

She was effectively stuck. She cared more about those animals than most people she's met. And rightfully so; they've returned the attention completely. Everyone else just hit on her or told her she couldn't do things because she was a girl.

"That's just an excuse. I mean, come on..." He motioned towards himself. "I was the sick, stuttering baby boy of 7 other siblings who could barely make it out of my house without getting picked on by all the older boys. I barely ate enough to keep an ant alive, yet I went to the Royal City and got picked for royal messenger." He rolled his eyes at the girl.

"I always thought you were better than to act like some little pansy villager. I guess you just can't." Sure, he was goading her, but it disgusted him to see her acting like that. Like she had no choice. And people used to call him pathetic.

She should have been angered by that, but she really wasn't. Instead, she turned a grin.

"You've grown up quite a bit."

She threw her arms on her hips and leaned to the side, giving him that sort of "I dare you" look.

"Tell you what. I'll leave the village and go to the prince's marriage... thing if YOU figure out what to do with the horses."

With that she headed off into the kitchens to make something to eat for the both of them. The help was busy and she really didn't want to bother them; she had to work here long enough to empathize with these people.

Mariah hummed to herself as she wandered around the street, looking in at stands to see what was for sale and anything else that interested her. There were a few things to look at, but nothing really attention grabbing. Bakeries, butcheries, furs, tailors, the run of the mill thing. Nothing that really screamed, "You will have a fun life here!" Some man had tried to convince her to join a brothel but Mariah had only laughed and then punched the man square in the nose, leaving him bleeding and cursing. What was he expecting from her? A blush and averted eyes? He had the wrong girl on that one.

Even though Mariah laughed about that she was still slightly frustrated. She had been wandering for two weeks, trying to find something that was interesting, something that she could be employed in. Yes, the Inn would always be there, but there was no longer any room for her with her brother's bursting at the seams family. She could always live with one of her other older brothers, for she had plenty, but still they all had families and she was just another annoyance for their wives. All lovely women, but very maternal and Mariah wasn't exactly good with those types of women. At least when she had to live with them and do what they said.

"Oh, no thanks." Mariah smiled to a vendor who was trying to convince her to buy a lilac sash. It was pretty enough, but it would probably get all tangled up in her bo if she was ever to fight.

Ahhh fighting. Now if only she could make money by fighting all the time. She could wear pants! Now that would be something fun and boy would her nurse Winnefred be so upset if the news ever came around her way. But, as it was, Mariah was a woman. It was hard for a woman to get a good fighting, "hands on" job. If a woman was to be employed at all, it was usually as a scout or something else that meant that she couldn't get into the nitty gritty, bone crushing, bruise making, blood gushing part of it all. However much Mariah wished it when she was younger, she couldn't change the fact that she was a woman. She did take solace in the fact that her mother was apparently something of an warrior.

"Ah poo. What am I going to do with myself?!"