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Post by Silver on Aug 14, 2013 15:36:20 GMT
The King of Valencia sat on his throne, a strange creature resembling a demon, leaned against the nearby wall. He looked at his partner "Another story is beginning. This time its not just a few who will fall if we fail" Pantera held out her hand, examining her claws. "Are you going to back down now? We gone to such great length to setup thing kingdom, we even brought Alexandria here." She spreads her arms indicating the castle. "I think it's about time we get to know our new neighbors, don't you agree?" Standing up, she made a signal to the nearest servant to call for a messenger. Renen nods in agreement as he stands up from his throne and makes minor adjustments in his armor. When the messenger gets there, Renen addresses him as a king should. "I need you to get this message to all the heroes of the kingdom. We are about to step out into the world, to make new friends and enemies, to protect this country. I need them all to speak with me immediately, to decide on the next course of action." Having finished dictating the summons, Renen dismissed the messenger and looked over at Pantera "Well then, lets see what our heroes are made of."
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2013 16:18:11 GMT
Ulfgar strummed his lute as he wandered the forest, humming idly. His mind wandered, focusing on nothing in particular. He recalled the last town he'd visited, where he'd had some bad luck and suffered heavy losses in a card game. "Down to just 120 gold," he thought to himself, "I'll have to live like a pauper for a while until opportunity comes again."
As he was making a turn on the path, he bumped into a messenger carrying a handful of important-looking scrolls. "Hello there, opportunity." A wide, mischievous grin set upon his face as he threw a sleep spell over the startled messenger, swiping one of the scrolls and opening it to look at the contents.
It was written in the common tongue, but it was a strange dialect and some of the spellings were different than what he was used to.
It read:"The King of Valencia welcomes you to visit him in the castle of his capital city, Alexandria. Please come immediately with all possible haste. Great reward for those deemed worthy."
His eyes widened when he read the line concerning a reward, and he looked at the map, trying to determine his bearings in relation to the capital. Heading down the trail in the direction the merchant had been coming from, he arrived there finally after several hours. Showing the scroll to a guard got him an escort all the way to the castle, where he was formally introduced to the king.
"My lord," the guardsman said, "This is one of the ones you called for."
"Hello," he said, bowing slightly, "I am Ulfgar the Bard. Might we speak more about this... reward?"
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Perkins
Blackwater Pirate
Always trust your spirit.
Posts: 234
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Post by Perkins on Aug 14, 2013 17:19:23 GMT
"And...Down you go." Said Dorothy as she fired an arrow at a bird that was flying above her, dropping the poor creature on the ground and then walking over it and collecting her nearly 'wasted' amunition/ "That's for flying in my space when I am relaxing." Said the woman with a grin on her face before placing her arrow in her quiver, shouldering her bow and walking down the streets of Alexandria.
Heading for the nearest inn to overwatch whatever troubles foreigners or similar scum decided to start, Dorothy was stopped by a man holding scrolls of great importance. "This is for you, my lady." Said the man and handed her one of those scrolls, who happened to be a royal messenger seeking the greatest men and women of the kingdom by order of the ruler of Valencia. Dorothy took the scroll in her hands and simply nodded at the man before departing. "Thank you. Good day." She simply said before continuing her walk.
She quietly unfolded the scroll and let her gaze fall upon the letters written on it, carefully taking in all the information she required. Suddenly, she stopped and a thought crossed her mind before looking up towards the sky and thinking to herself:"To serve proudly my lord in person...This opportunity must not be wasted." She then lowered her head and folded the scroll, putting it in her backpack and making her way for the king's domain.
Once close to her destination, literally outside the gates, she plucked out the scroll and made her way for the closest guard. She nodded at him and opened the scroll, showing it to him wasting none of her precious time."I require you to have someone escort me to the king." She said and once the guard took a closer look at this scroll, he nodded and had someone escort the black-leather-wearing woman to the chamber where the king would speak to all those who possessed this message.
There was another man there already, some kind of bard. Dorothy cared little for the man, and simply walked closer to the king, bowing down in front of him with the outmost respect, keeping her head down and gaze on the floor. "Your greatness. It is an honour for me to be here. I am Dorothy Perkins, ranger of Valencia. I received a message from one of your royal messengers, and decided to come here to serve as best I can."
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2013 17:46:26 GMT
Ulfgar eyed the ranger, sizing her up and trying to determine whether she'd be a threat. He, of course, could not kill her himself, even if the need arose. But once he was back on his feet with respect to his finances, perhaps a hired blade could do the deed, if necessary? He hadn't had the forethought to don a disguise, and if he intended to stay more than a few days it would have been a useless effort anyway.
He wondered, as she and the king spoke, if anyone in the castle knew that he hadn't really been chosen. The guards all seemed to care less; the mere fact that he carried a scroll with the king's seal was more than enough to satisfy them. But he had the lingering suspicion that perhaps the person for whom the scroll he had stolen was intended might show up and force him to explain himself.
"Excuse me," he said politely to Dorothy, "it's Perkins, correct? Is this the first time you're meeting the king?"
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Post by Ror'Nor on Aug 14, 2013 18:16:51 GMT
Thret sat in the Inn awaiting action for places like this were prone to them as he had learned in his life. He didn't care who started it or for what purposes but the thrill of even slight action made him keep on pushing with his life. He did not partake in the drinking of the alcohol like the others around him as he had been taught it dulled the senses and would hinder his combat capabilities. He had tested the theory himself and found it accurate enough to not order such drinks. He was casually drinking from his waterskin when a messenger arrived handing him a scroll before running off from him. He was confused briefly before recalling that his size and appearance was very odd among humans and other small races. He stood nearly 6,8 ft tall and was quite muscular for someone of his size also. His skin was a near ebony color and his eyes were a very striking golden color. His hair was buzzed and was a light grey almost nearing looking white giving a striking appearance against his skin.
Thret read the scroll and he seemed to regard it for several minutes as he deemed the task to involve combat sometime in the future while being paid so he would swear his blade and life to the King. He set out to completely his oath of loyalty as soon as possible.
Thret arrived to the castle and immediately sought out a guard to allow himself entrance. He would enter the throne room showing a face that looked void of emotion as he would briefly glance at both the individuals before him as he would look to the King. "I swear my blade and life to you King Renen. I will do whatever task is set before me or die trying." His voice was deep and nearly void of emotion as he would keep eye contact with the King not having a desire to look at the others in the chamber with him.
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Perkins
Blackwater Pirate
Always trust your spirit.
Posts: 234
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Post by Perkins on Aug 14, 2013 18:21:36 GMT
Dorothy glanced at the face of the bard for a moment as he spoke to her, trying to quickly size him up to see if he was fighting material. Once she realized he was not, a sly smile covered her face and she, keeping her head lowered of course as the king did not gave her permittion to raise her head yet, replied quietly. "We are in the presence of the most honored one, bard. I suggest you show the proper respect required when in front of his highness and try not to speak out of turn. To satisfy your curiosity, however, yes I am Miss Perkins and this is the first time I meet the king in a situation such as the one we are currently in. It is a great honor, and opportunity for me, which I do not plan on wasting. I Suggest you do not waste this chance that has been somehow given to you as well."
Dorothy then, satisfied with the answer she gave to the curious bard, turned her attention to the king once more, yet keeping her gaze down and away from him, strands of her hair covering most of her face, as to not disrespect him in some way. She then briefly closed her eyes saying to the king: "I apologize for this, great lord. I shouldn't have replied to this man before you had given me permittion to do so. It won't happen again." She tried to sound apologetic, even though it was obvious she was not used to sounding as such. She then adjusted herself in place, trying not to show that she was getting backpains from this long-lasting bow of hers, and placing a hand on her sheathed longsword's hilt which was hanging by her loose black leather belt.
Her attention was briefly caught by the loud man that stepped inside after her, but this time she remained quiet, trying to avoid making the same mistake as before and speaking out of turn. She simply shook her head slowly at the barbaric way this new arrival decided to attract attention.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2013 18:32:56 GMT
Ulfgar quickly apologized, hoping he sounded sincere enough. He thought Perkins seemed like a bit of a kiss-up, but at least she didn't seem to harbor more suspicion than he was comfortable with. He turned his gaze to the newcomer, who had not yet given his name. "He's quite the odd-looking fellow," the bard mused silently to himself. "Perhaps for the right price he'd make a good bodyguard. I'd be hard pressed to stay in a city like this without one."
As they all waited to hear what the king wanted, Ulfgar unthinkingly started strumming his lute, filling the room with a low, haunting melody that matched the tense aura of anticipation hanging over the room.
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Post by Silver on Aug 14, 2013 18:39:22 GMT
Renen got up from his throne, and briskly walked across the room to the group. "There is no need to be so formal. I did not like to be worshiped even when I was a G... Never mind." Renen pauses for a second to collect his thoughts. He really does seem to dislike being addressed in overly formal manner. From beside the throne, a Panther-like woman follows him towards the group. "Dont mind him. Even after all this time he is still not used to being the king, and ordering people around. I really dont think it's something that can be fixed." Pantera shrugs.
Renen looks up at the party "At any rate, we are waiting for only a few more participants. I hope they show up. Meanwhile, you can help yourselves to the refreshments." He points at a great table setup on the other side of the room.
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Perkins
Blackwater Pirate
Always trust your spirit.
Posts: 234
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Post by Perkins on Aug 14, 2013 19:34:33 GMT
Dorothy stood up slowly, feeling a bit shamed to be told not to be as formal as she is used to be. She nodded slowly at King Renen and replied a bit less formaly, but formaly nonetheless. "My apologies, my lord. I am sorry for bringing you discomfort." She then took a few steps backwards with her head lowered, before turning around and heading for the table prepared for those who have arrived. It's not everyday one gets the chance to enjoy the finest food and drinks of the kingdom!
Quietly, yet not shyly, Dorothy chose a seat she deemed to be proper and helped herself to the table. She then carefully eyed whoever got too close, not feeling too comfortable with all these foreign people around.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2013 20:01:20 GMT
Ulfgar prepared himself a plate quickly and a flagon of ale, then took a seat across from Dorothy. "You seem a little on edge," he said in a low voice, turning on his charm. "Is there anything specific troubling you?" He looked intently at her trying to read her face as he waited for her to answer him.
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Perkins
Blackwater Pirate
Always trust your spirit.
Posts: 234
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Post by Perkins on Aug 14, 2013 20:04:51 GMT
Dorothy kept a stern face as the bard approached her and was about to take a bite out of some nice steak before lowering it and looking at him. "I feel strange when the king asks for people to not be formal. It makes me feel rather annoyed, but I must comply to his wishes, as a truly loyal servant of the kingdom. "
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2013 20:12:17 GMT
"I see," Ulfgar nodded his understanding. "I must admit, I'm new to the kingdom. Do you have any idea what exactly the king has need of us for?" He turned his gaze over to Renen, pondering curiously. "I've got an odd feeling in my gut." His demeanor darkened momentarily, only to be replaced a moment later by mock enthusiasm. "An odd feeling related to my current sobriety, I'm sure!" He grinned widely and took a long drink from his flagon.
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Post by Silver on Aug 14, 2013 20:26:22 GMT
Renen shook his head. "They go from being so incredibly formal to talking as if Im not in the room" he smiles. "You did ask for it" "I know, I guess they re fast learners" He snaps his fingers. "Right then, today, I am hoping to accomplish two things. First, I need a group to head for VeiĆ°imaĆ°urheim, and secure a diplomatic relations with them. Then, I will need one person to go with me, to scout a nearby section of the forest for any potential dangers, before I can send in anyone to secure it." He looks around the room. "So, who wants to see new cities, and who wants to go hiking with me?"
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2013 20:26:34 GMT
Hukro walks quickly through the throne room doors, ignoring the others as he moves towards Renen. Once at the appropriate distance, he drops to a knee, bowing his head low. "Almighty high father, what do you need of me?"
As the others look at him, they notice a smell of the forest drafting in along with a leaf or two that fell to the floor on his approach. He is taller than average and build like a rock. Hukro head is shaved and he has tribal tattoos on his face and head. A man of the wild.
He does not raises from the knelt position until ordered too.
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Post by Ror'Nor on Aug 14, 2013 20:26:40 GMT
Thret would just stare at the King as he mentally debated if this man once indeed was a god and he would seem to doubt it but the being to his side showed that he had some kind of magical potential at least. He would deem the man worth fighting for as it was his duty to serve and it came naturally to do so. He found it slightly amusing that supposedly his race had been created to serve those of magical talent and here he was doing just that. His face wouldn't show his emotions as his face would look blank as he would stare at the King for quite a while before he would turn and head for the table.
Thret would walk over and sit down only a few chairs from the female in the black leather as he would stare at for upwards to twenty seconds if she didn't say anything. His face would be displaying little emotion as he would be mainly inspecting her as if an object. After this act unless she did something dramatic he would begin to slowly consume food looking very bored and displeased.
He would deem her to be capable of combat but didn't think she would do that well in a close quarter fight. From her appearance she assumed her to be more focused on agility as those which such small bodies usually did unlike himself who relied on his great strength and size. He would have to await to see her in actual combat before deciding on her talents and flaws but would keep his base assessment in mind.
Thret would mentally note from the brief glance of the other man that he didn't look capable of proper fighting. He would just assume that he was a mistake and could not serve in any role beside talking to others and would run away when combat began. He deemed it not worthy to spend the time at the moment to inspect him further.
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