[M] Kosmik Gis

[AthenaSyphier]

Her brow quirked slightly at his teasing towards her liking Falcyn. But the expression was but a whisper on her face as she fell in steps behind the King. There was more to her just liking him, she respected him, trusted him when all else would stab her in the back for no other reason than bragging rights. He gave her hope in a world that has not been kind to her. He showed her the different side to this world, and it helped her not become a mindless killing machine. The King himself would be in danger if it wasn't for Falcyn. But she would never spoke those words aloud. She wouldn't say she [/i]loved[/i] Falcyn...that concept was quite alien to her. Besides, to love something meant to have a weakness...and right now, she did not need a weakness.

When he told her he had something to give to her in assistance, her brow rose and as she studied his features. This was both alarming and good. Good: made her job easier. Alarming: could mean this was going to be dangerous than a simple note delivery service. Her left arm rested behind her back, while her right hand remained ever gently on the hilt of her sword. She knitted her brows together as the doors opened and an old man came in...alone. The fact no one escorted him meant he had access to the castle, and did not need an invitation to enter any room. Or some of those guards were going to get severely punished for lacking. Just because he seemed old...did not mean this man was anything but. The surly way his eyes narrowed on the King, the way he never faltered his steps, or backed up from fear of her, and the arrogance in his voice as he practically scolded the King, was enough to not want to get in the middle of them. Lest of all this man's anger come towards her. But alas, she did what she was trained. Protect the King.

She took a step forward, if nothing more to put herself in between him and the King; but the King halted her, and she remained still. If that wasn't enough he used the nick name he would often call her despite her dislike. She wanted to roll her eyes, to correct him, but at the moment she deemed that unwise. Adults were talking? More like grown children that have to have a pissing contest to make sure everyone knows who is the top dog. That alone, was the one thing she would never understand. This need to make sure all know you were that all powerful, the rightful ruler, the mighty King...or Queen.

Many did not seem to grasp that respect was and will always be a better ruling tool than fear. But where did she stand to tell the King that? Behind him. She was that fear he needed others to see and feel. She was nothing more than a tool for him. And that sudden realization made her feel a certain way. Swallowing whatever lump was in her throat, she went back to watching the two argue like old lovers. Nero telling him it's his country and for Abraham to learn his place...that odd feeling went through Malina again. Her eyes darted to the old man.

So this was the man that the men whispered about. The true reason the military was successful at all. The truth of the King's military personnel. She always thought the whispers were just old wives tales...that surely the King was solely responsible for the upbringing of his military. It would seem she was wrong. She lowered her gaze as the old man spoke of wanting to free his homeland. Truer words have never been spoken. Her life goals were to get rid of the Queen so everyone could once again live the way they use to; free. Fearless. In peace. She would leave the King's side and retire to a quiet mountain side, were she would be able to watch the sun set and rise everyday, feel the wind on her wings, and the quiet serenity in her heart. That's what she wanted. She didn't want this life as the King's guard...she didnt want to have to make the decision between either this...or death.

That odd feeling came back.

She closed her eyes as she swallowed that lump once again. These emotions were a weakness...one she had to get rid of soon. It was nothing more than a distraction. She looked to King Nero as he started about mine, me, I. If she was blind she would have thought that Queen Aryos was speaking through King Nero. The old mad was right though, most of the people in that room that dined with the King would rather pierce his heart with a rusty spoon. That thought made her wonder what it was that stopped them. Many did not realize that when they stand together, they could easily over throw a King...or Queen.

Her brow rose as she watched the doors open once more and entered two more people. This day was becoming more and more intriguing. The way King Nero dismissed the conversation as these two entered gave her that feeling that these two were also people that had permission to go about the castle with no escort. She didn't know if she felt angry, fearful for the holes in the security, or amusement in the trust. She wanted to shake her head. She wanted to just walk out. But she stood as the silent shadow.

Hey eyes first went to the young girl, her silvery blue hair was stunning, and Malina had this odd sensation to braid it. Her eye patch gave her a rugged beauty, that for a moment Malina was stunned by it. She wanted to smile to the girl, but she kept her face stoic. Her attention then went to the man beside the young girl. Either brother or friend, she could not tell. He was to young to be her father, but today she was learning she could be wrong. She looked the man over, her eyes quickly scanning him. He was indeed very handsome, his rugged features, his brown hair that seemed to shift with every step he took, his armor that hugged his form. She wanted to stay away from him. Never trust a handsome face.

As soon as that thought crossed her mind, King Nero offered the two as her traveling companions. She could have killed the King right then and there. She did not want to be in the same room as this man, let alone journey with him. Her brow rose as she looked over the two again, trying to quickly glance over the man before looking to the young girl again. Her heart dropped for her. So young, in this world so cruel. She hated this war, and wanted nothing more to finish the Queen off, and retire to her mountain side.

She bowed her head to King Nero as her gaze shifted back to him.

"Of course, Your Highness." It was her only response, and she felt as if he wasn't really giving her an option...more of a volun-told situation. She took a few steps towards the two, acknowledging them with a nod of her head. "Do you wish to rest...or eat...before our travels? And anything else you two may have to do before we leave...I advise them to be done before tomorrow morn."

[Vulco1]

Dendrac smiled a wolfs smile and said, “I never worry about death. It knows that if it comes for me, I’m coming for it. We’re good friends that way. I am interested in these wealth and power fates though. Those could be nice.

By the way, this is a pretty nice house. Thanks for bringing me here, I guess. And if what you say is true, thanks for keeping me from getting that beating. Let me know if I can return the favor. I can hold my own in a fight, but there’s no need to test it every time. Now, let’s go meet this other guy.“

[pyjamaviking]

Justine smiled. She loved scavenger hunts! She joined the throngs searching high and low for gold coins. The first place she checked was under a nearby stall. It became a habit, although she was afraid stall owners would claim those coins as their own. Although they wouldn't be real coins, right?


Feeling grateful to get out the crowds, Justine headed home to pick up Natasha. The guy who had flaunted himself in front of her had shaken her more than she realised. Being a woman alone in this world was awful sometimes.


She was halfway home when she found her first coin. It was tucked behind a waste container stuffed with a string of broken bunting. A jester nearby winked at her. He must've known the coin was there. Spurred on by her discovery, Justine dashed home.


Natasha practically flew out the door, tail wagging so hard it was thumping against Justine's legs. "Ok Tash, we've got coins to find!"

[Kiro Akira]

The Queen's Minor Castle-Torgen(Town):

Kiro gave him a nod and smiled. "Good, death is a terrible matter and I don't wish it upon anyone. And yes it comes for everyone, just don't rush yourself into death. When it comes it comes, I wouldn't advise looking for it." The man gave the oracle lady a glance as if asking her to please stop. But she ignored it and continued making food.

Once they were outside the boy gave a sigh of relief and looked to Dendrac. "Well, the wealth is something everyone has a future of. Just getting down that path is the hard part. All it takes is not turning up a single gold piece and then just because you didn't give in that single gold coin the man takes his wealth away and doesn't share it with you."

He knew he was down sizing it in matters but it was a true thing that he did speak. Kiro himself had been given stories of wealth and here he was with nothing more then 50 coins to his name and a home that was pretty much non existent to the basic eye. Off on the other side of the forests that surround Wien in Queen Azrath's land.

Kiro rounded the house and into the crop field to a man who was hoeing at some land. "Stick!" He called out a little too late only for Kiro to look down just in time with his step forwards only to realize he was to late and tripped right over it landing in the soil.

The man got up brushing himself off with the man pointing and laughing at him. "Told you stick boy! Do you understand stick?!" He continued laughing only for Kiro to frown and shake his head with his ears twitching on his head shaking themselves of dirt. "Yea yea, stick.....Would be better if you told me before I hit it."

His words were responded with more laughter. "Where would the fun be in that? Did you trip those men like I told you?" Kiro nodded and looked back to Dendrac. "And this is what I was talking about."

The man moved over and examined the boy. "Ah, so you're the one I saw tripping into those guards. But you lied! You did it on purpose." He spoke with his finger pointing in his direction then went back to hoeing the ground. "No matter, guards gon' be around, guards may see you guards may not." He chuckled to himself and shook his head letting his mind roam.




The Queen's Villages- Stinel (Town):

The town had rushed to the scavenger hunt. One boy was lucky enough to find twenty already, another found a grand total of five. Yet there was still plenty more to be seen. One man noted he found one in the bottom of a barrel filled with water. Another found one in the crack of a mans home.

The coins were scattered everywhere and everyone was searching each nook and cranny to find them. The event was a long lasting one as it pressed on. Everyone had assumed it would take until at least evening but only time could tell. The activity was only just starting in Stinel, and everyone wanted a prize.



King Nero's Castle -Crex (Castle):

"Of course, Your Highness." King Nero heard the words and gave her a nod. "Leave tomorrow morning at best, at least get some rest before you turn to the trip. It'll be a long one if any." The King looked to the two who he had requested join her. "Well you two have just been appointed under the direct order of the King. Gather supplies up with Maline here, and prepare for travel. You will be traveling to Queen Azrath's magical land. Maline has a letter for Queen Azrath for you to deliver. Good luck and have fun."

With this said, Nero walked past Abraham and gave him a glare. Upon passing, he leaned down close enough to where Abraham would be the only one to hear him. "Remind yourself to ask first then bitch later." He spoke before walking off. Part of him was aiming to anger Abraham more for being as rude as he was. Another was simply, and rudely one might add. Telling Abraham he was already taking care of the situation.

King Nero hated when others challenged his power, yet this was not the first, nor would it be the last to challenge him. The King understood it and would gladly put forth his own foot as well as his own blade if the time came to be. Even with age, he would not stand down to a proper fight to his own throne.


Queen Azrath's Castle- Tzar (Town):Opening Post-


If one knew better they would see it to be evening where everyone was out and ready to play. There in the center of the town, a circle of mages were hurdling a piece of stone back and forth with a quick pace. Each one trying to speed it up. The stone was being pushed across the air using earth based magic, if the stone struck the ground you were out, if the stone hit you, you were out, in the game the group had to pass it to an opposing person just across from them.

Strike 1! and the first person was out as a young gentleman failed to slow the stone and push it along, it had struck him right in his stomach. Yet he showed no pain and only laughed as he took a step back. The circle picked the stone back up and began again enclosing the circle. Yet when the stone was tossed this time, it was reshaped from a round shape to a triangular shape.

To the game it was always best to shift the shape giving everyone a test of skills to feel the different shapes and control them. The triangular shape now, was much more sleek and faster as it cut through the wind much easier then the boulder. Now everyone had to test their skills on this one.

While the group played the game of Stones and such, another group had another game going on just on the outskirts of the town, this one was a water sport of sorts where everyone was trying to use their water based magic to throw themselves through various sizes of rings. Here the game was just as simple as the last. You hit the ring and you're out. While it seemed like the more basic of the two games it made it harder when the two teams had been in control of catching the most points. The smaller the ring the more points. A bystander on the other hand was the one to keep count and keep note of who was who and what points were what.

The morning had begun in Tzar and seemed to be passing by as Mid-day had crept across the town. It was just another day in the land and everything was normal and at ease. Even Queen Azrath was in the town visiting a few of the stands to grab a bite to eat in the town before returning to her duties.

[IsaacGaming]

Reading through his new purchase, Fenris learned much of the current state of things. Much of the information was somewhat familiar to Fenris, considering he had lived through much of it. However, most of it came through occasional people entering his camp, so he knew very little. Despite the lack of knowledge of the actual events themselves, he had heard much of the King. He wished he had been able to meet him, as he heard he was a very kind king. But, alas, time seems to change things too quickly.

This book was a treasure to Fenris, as he was able to brush up on the history that many had forgotten, whether it was to time or their own will. With it, he could further discover more of the past and even reintroduce it to the public, should someone become curious, that is. Satisfied and hungry, Fenris made his way back out to the town. Although he would love to stay and read more at the library, he knew he would have to continue on, as others throughout the continent needed his help. Plus, an empty stomach doesn’t make a good reading partner.

[redgar]

Darius ran his thumb over the designs embossed on his bracers and watched the mages throwing around the stone. One of them had sent it hurtling point first toward another. When the tip of the triangle was only a foot away from her chest, the mage summoned an updraft, causing the trajectory of the rock to change. It sailed right over her head, and began to move skyward. Darius nodded in approval of the tactic. He longed to go and join in the game, but kept himself where he was. The Knights of Alvos may enjoy fun as much as the next person, but not when they were guarding their queen.

Turning his head back to the market stall they had stopped at, Darius watched as Queen Azarath finished buying her food. Not for the first time he found himself respecting the Queen for walking among her subjects as equals. It reminded him of how the Knights would frequent a tavern in Alvos once a week and trade stories and songs with those they commanded. The best way to keep the peace, Sir Agrad had said, is to give everyone the respect they deserve. If you don’t follow your own rules, why should they? Queen Azarath also seemed to follow this principal. In the six months since he had come to Tzar, Darius had never once seen her talk down to a peasant or belittle a political adversary.

The effect was obvious, even in this moment. People walking past the group gave them a respectful distance, nodding or saluting if they caught the eye of a guardsman, and bowing low if the Queen looked in their direction. Their respect for their queen and her retinue was obvious. As Darius looked on he saw a little boy tugging on his mother’s hand and pointing at him. The mother smiled, shook her head, and said something to him in an undertone. The boy looked crestfallen, and began to shuffle away.

Darius glanced over at Sir Oren, another Knight of Alvos, and saw that the older warrior had also noticed the child’s interest. He gave Darius a wink.

“I remember when that used to be you lad.” The older warrior said. “Every time we mounted up you’d come running to the window, your eyes as big as a kite shield.” He chuckled. Darius laughed as well.

“I was just wondering how in gods name your horses didn’t crumple under all that weight.” he quipped, nudging Oren in the ribs. Oren scowled, though he couldn’t completely hide his smile.

“Watch it lad. Just because you’re older now doesn’t mean I cant put you over my knee still.” Darius just smiled and turned back to the Queen.

[Vulco1]

Dendrac took in the sight of this latest supposedly magical person. Again recognizing that he’d met more magical people today than he had in all of his years combined. He knew he was digging himself a hole even talking with these people, with the Queen’s prohibition against them and all, but he couldn’t help it, and he didn’t care. He’s always liked excitement and adventure and this was certainly that.

“Thank you for sending Kiro to help me. I appreciate it whether or not I needed the help, I suppose. So you’re another Oracle, eh? And you see bad luck or misfortune or something like that?” Dendrac smiled mostly to himself, “ And do you always send him off after people that make foolish decisions? Or was I just the lucky one?”

[Kiro Akira]

The Queen's Minor Castle-Torgen(Town):


Papa Ori looked over at the young man who questioned him only to give him a laugh. "An Oracle you say? By all means no, I only wish that ability was a thing! It would be marvelous it would." He laughed again and shook his head and stepped closer to the boy nearing him where he could be sure no other ears were listening. "Thats what they call me boy, but keep it silent round here and in the open. Wouldn't want, you know, wandering ears." He said as he motioned over two houses down where two boys had peaked their heads around the corner.

The old man grinned and motioned to Kiro. "Those two little boys are looking at the cat's funny lookin' ears they are. Tryna figure dem things out. I tried to when I saw them too." He then gave a nod in agreement with himself and stepped back. "Sending guards right this way they would hearing some crazy nonsense of magic. Right this way."

The old man shook his head and turned to hoeing at the ground. With this he listened to yet another question."Yes I see misfortune. Yes I see bad luck. Yes I can see some in your future as well boy. Nope not lying, nope not happening now, and yes." The old man spoke with the assumption of future questions on his abilities. It was something he could only assume and most people asked who knew he was and could do the things he claimed. "See we can. Not one but not infinite right away. Ways are changing and changing what we see. Only up to a thousand can we view at a time."

Ori spoke in riddles to confuse either them or the two boys who locked eyes on Kiro's ears.Of course he wouldn't say up front which it was but continued. "So yes we know much future. But we also forget as new ones appear. You surely have a part in changing these great things where we can live as we do. Also I see things that we live as we won't."

With his riddles he muttered to himself thinking on the many different stiuations. "Stupid cat gonna trip again this time. Ruin all my work just now." He spoke more to himself but was sure the two heard him. "Stupid cat."

The oracle stopped to grab a broken root sitting in one of the holes and tossed it over the fence and out of his yard. When the man asked him another question he turned and nodded. "I sent him your way yes, but I also sent him five other ways. The boy has a mind of his own and I just tell him things I see that would be funny if he actually did it and yours just happened to be one of the things I saw."

The old man glanced over his hands and pulled a splinter out of his finger with his teeth spitting it out. "Why do I do this? Because it's funny! Duh, don't you like seeing people trip over things like sticks. And rocks, and well.... You know random pieces of the street randomly getting unstable and sticking up in the air."

He laughed at his own words and then nodded to himself looking at the boy. "But lucky you were. They were about to take a stab at ya. Yep.....Take a stab right at your stomach." He said and continued nodding as if trailing off in his own mind and thoughts.

Kiro on the other hand only frowned when the man spoke about the his "Funny looking ears." They weren't that funny looking were they? He always took things like his cat features to heart but quickly shook the thought aside.

At that point, he flattened the ears close to his head where they were harder to notice yet someone up close could easily see them. "Nice to know they look stupid." He said and frowned even more with a pouting type face. The boy shook his head and sighed softly and watched the man hoe at the ground. His eyes lit up with a soft glow as he held his hand out.

Making small and barely noticeable motions with his hands he began working on pushing the dirt to the side to help the man. He used magic out in the open yes, but he did very well to keep it as unnoticed as possible. The ears wasn't the first time someone had called them funny. He'd heard many different things. But at least this time they weren't being tugged up or snatched with someone shouting and asking if they were real. That was always a relief.




The Queen's Villages- Stinel (Town):

Stories of Stinel will return in a future post.


King Nero's Castle -Crex (Castle):


Stories of Crex will continue in a future post.



King Nero's Villages -Graem (Town):


A older man watched as Fenris stepped out of the library and quickly approached him pulling out a number of scrolls and wit ha sly grin looked the man over. "Well how do you do sir? It's a nice morning. Just got done with a cup of tea at the local cafe we got round this small little for nothing town. How do you do? Like my scrolls? They hold valuable bits of information."

The man smiled and unrolled one of the scrolls showing a strange writing with a few drawings. At first glance the man knew nobody would understand but he would play on this and only gave a nod pointing at one of the writings next to a picture of some hills with a tree on top."This picture right here tells of a treasure chest hidden just below that tree. Filled with gold and books. Worth a grand amount." He gave a nod in agreement with himself and rolled it back up before the man could get a good look at it.

With the motion of rolling the scroll he switched to the mans other side. "The rest of them are filled with all the same. All I ask is a small payment of three gold per scroll and all six could be yours. Each one holds a piece of information. While they all hold their own treasure all of them together holds an even bigger one. The locations reveal pieces of another one and by all means is it a crazy find. I just don't have time and could really use the gold now so I'm trying to get rid of them. Help another man out?"


Queen Azrath's Castle- Tzar (Town):

Queen Azrath looked to the two guards boasting about how one was just like the little boy. She was hundreds of years old of course so she had seen it all. These two were human of course so she remembered when both of them were young toddler sized ones. She giggled and slowly slipped over to the two giving the one she called Sir Oren a gentle tap on the cheek. "You tease him~ But I remember at one little point in time many years ago. There was this kind lady who gave birth to you in myyyyyy~" She prolonged her word when saying 'my' before giggling mid sentence. "My castle. And for many years you watched my guards fight with their blades. Snuck into the armory we have and even stole a sword."

While she did this the man only watched in amazement. Something he would never grow old from and that was her using her amazing abilities in public. "Never seize to amaze me my Queen. For you it'll be three copper pieces." She giggled and reached into her personal pouch of money and pulled out three copper pieces. "Three copper pieces. Aaaaaaand~" She spun the coins around mid air as they seemed to flash away for a second in a soft emerald flash of light before turning to solid gold pieces and dropped into the mans hand. "Keep the change!" She then skipped away to another stand.

She giggled once more at the memories before continuing knowing it would embarrass the man. "Stole a sword and tried to teach yourself. Many years did you and your cute little boy self begged with your family to be a part of my royal guard." She teased the man and smiled skipping away from the group leaving them behind. While it was a matter she should worry about, in her city. The one just below her castle, she had noting to worry about in her mind. Nobody was stupid enough to attack her here, not to mention she had her group of close guards at the ready.

The young woman seemed carefree, in her Elvish years, she was well over 200 but that was still considered a baby in the family compared to her mother who was nearly a thousand. And her father who had only made it to 800 and died shortly after her mother birthed her. She knew she had many years ahead and a long life ahead of her. So she saw no reason not to enjoy herself with her people. Besides this is what kept so much peace in her lands.

Azrath stopped just before a booth and took a smell at the fruit in the baskets. Tons of fruit of different kinds yet she focused on the apples. "Oh lovely! You've got apples from Dorbin! It's been a great time since I had one from there! Oh oh I'll take three! My pick please!" The man bowed before Queen Azrath and nodded. "Take your pick my queen. Freshest apples you can buy."

She grinned and took a glance over the bunch only to perk, pause, and focus magical energy to the palm of her hand placing it on the bunch. Within a moment one could take notice to the gentle and feint emerald glow around her hand. But she focused her energy for moments before removing her hand and jumping with excitement plunging her hand into the middle grabbing an apple, then another off the top and the third on the right side deep in the basket. "Freshest ones in the pot! Gotcha!"

While she seemed to be enjoying herself Azrath skipped through the town once again after paying the man a few golden coins. Which had been much more to suffice for the sake of three apples with his price of copper coins. Her enjoyment had swapped to a quick problem.

A few of her guards rushed at her quickly before Azrath had taken notice of the issue herself. They had taken notice before the rest seeing they were only a few inches behind and still watching the stone games take place. The stone game had taken a turn for the worse in some matters. As the Triangular shape had taken a new form into a diamond shape as a man a few turns ago had missed.

Now the new shape was thrusted to a boy who wasn't to keen on the shape of the object. It was sent flying towards him in a quick pace and a bit higher than he expected, for his quick thinking and reach it was out of place and was sent soaring over his head. Heading straight for Queen Azrath herself. Azrath on the other hand took no notice to it at first and seemed more interested in the tables as she continued eyeing the fruit on another table.

After one man gasped rather loud and it followed with a few others, she turned to see the stone flying in her direction. Her eyes went from the excited expression she kept in town to a much more focused one. As she quickly took aim on the diamond shape and stared it down she only smiled. With a small burst her own magic the stone struck what appeared to be a barrier of sorts nearly sending it in a flipping motion.

After it had stopped it rested for a mere second before com-busting into an explosion of rubble sending the stones every which way. Some by standards ducked before the matter only to pause and look up seeing the rubble had not launched much further then a foot in length around the stone. Scattered in a spherical manner, the Queen made a soft wave of the hand and twirled her wrist in a circle.

It was from that point that the rubble reformed itself into a new stone. This one was a sphere all in itself. Yet it seemed much more polished then the previous stones and almost as if it was a flawless one. Clearly one who had mastered the art of earth based magic. It even glistened a bit in the sun.

The Queen only giggled at the new sphere and pulled the boulder closer to her with a flick of her wrist. When in range of her figure she twirled her body as if she were a ballerina and extended her leg out giving the boulder a swift kick with her bare foot sending the stone flying back into the group. Aiming to the man furthest from her.

While the circle of people watched at her amazement of magic the man took the rock directly to the chest sending him flying back a few feet planting him right on his back. She giggled and waved to the group motioning for them to continue on playing.

Yet the one boy who had missed the rock in the first place, had already excluded himself from the group and quickly bowed at Azrath's feet sticking as low to the ground as possible. He felt full on unworthy for nearly striking his Queen. "My Queen! My apologies I am in debt and full on regret. Please find forg-" His words were cut off as The Queen knelt down and touched his shoulder pulling him to his feet. With a giggle she patted the young boys head and twirled around with her back to him glancing back. "All fun and games. You're not stupid enough to attack me with my men here on purpose." She spoke to him then left him behind skipping away off to find another thing to look at.

All while the whole matter went down. A young guardsman roughly around the age of twenty, nudged Darius' side still staring in awe at his Queen. He was truly amazed by not only Azrath's quick thinking and reflexes. But her strength and power as a mage. Not to mention she made sure none of her people got hurt regardless of the streets being filled with people. Truly a mark of amazement in the young man's eyes. With the nudge, he motioned towards the queen with a nod. "Dude, you can't tell me that wasn't hot. Damn I love elves." He laughed to himself and grinned giving him a wink as he aimed towards her. His eyes focusing on her as she skipped away once more.

A guard by the names of Harper nudged Darius' side while he watched in awe at Azrath's not only quick thinking but power. And to the guard's surprise the explosion was kept so confined and safe from other towns people. Truly a mark of amazement in the young man's eyes. "Dude you can't tell me that wasn't kinda hot." He gave him a grin and a wink as he watched his Queen skip away before following her once more.

[redgar]

Darius started when Queen Azarath materialized at their side, and automatically stood to attention. He wasn’t quite used to being around royalty yet, and wasn’t quite sure how to respond to it. The Queen’s gentle teasing of Oren relaxed him somewhat, and a small laugh escaped him at Oren’s obvious embarrassment. He watched as the Queen skipped back to the market stall, and overpaid the merchant extremely generously. Not for the first time, Darius wondered at her lighthearted nature despite all the responsibilities resting on her shoulders. He admired it, but it also made him slightly wary. When he was a child he had been told many stories involving elves as well as the other races of the world. One word that had been used to describe them was capricious. At the time he had always assumed it meant carefree, but the more elves he met, the more he began to realize it meant unpredictable.

Darius was jolted from his thoughts as he heard the cries of alarm around him. He glanced up, seeing the boulder rushing straight at the Queen. The glaive on his back leapt to his hands, and as he jumped the winds whirled around him, carrying him far faster and farther than natural. Electricity crackled along the shaft and blade of the weapon as Darius hurtled towards the Queen, determined to obliterate the rock in mid flight. Fast as he was, the Queen was faster. Darius halted himself behind the queen as the rock stopped in mid flight, shattered, reformed, and was sent flying back into the game. He relaxed slightly, letting the winds around him die and the lightning fade from his weapon, though the glaive remained in his hands.

As the boy who had mistakenly sent the missile towards the Queen ran forward and knelt to beg forgiveness Darius stared icily at him. Mistakes were one thing, but anyone who endangered their Queen’s life should know how poorly they had performed. Only once Azarath had forgiven him and moved on did Darius move his gaze elsewhere. As the guardsman, Harper, spoke Darius returned the glaive to his back. He looked at Harper with a raised eyebrow and a slight smirk.

“I don’t know if that’s quite the word I would use. But to each their own. As long as you remember that she could obliterate you as easily as she did that pebble, I suppose you’re free to use whatever adjectives you feel appropriate. After all, it’s your neck.” He moved forward to resume his place behind the Queen.

[Socks the God]

Under direct order of the King? Umm.. Does he even realize that-

Before Pavlo could finish his thought, Nero had begun to leave the room. "Your majesty, I don't think you understand!" It was too late. Nero had left, the doors swinging closed behind him. The young girl's eye perked up at this, her hopping up to sit on the war table. "Well it looks like we have plans now doesn't it?"

Pavlo was a bit flustered. What did Nero mean young ones great at adventuring? First off, Pavlo was a grown-ass man. Second, he wasn't one of Nero's soldiers. The implication of such kind of threw Pavlo off. Pavlo and the girl began to go back and forth on whether they should go or not, outright ignoring Malina for a bit whilest this debate happened. It wasn't really part of their plans travelling this far only to double back and head to another nation. All the time this went on, what was Pavlo expected to do? Leave their companion to sell the wares solo? Even if all this was solved it also didn't explain to him the mystery of why Nero had such hostility in his voice. Even as his body failed him, Nero remained a mean old snake.

After a while she seemed to have cornered Pavlo, convincing him to go through with the venture. "Listen, we just get that stupid dock guy with the paper to help with our stand. He is definitely the weak-willed type. If you mention we are on a special task by the king, he will leap at the opportunity thinking he's proving himself to be a proper lapdog. In addition to that... Think of it as an opportunity. The king basically demanded the services of freelance workers. In other words, we have the treasury pay our fee. Easy. Money." Pavlo let out a sigh. She did have a point, but he felt that this might lead to more trouble than it's worth. "Well dad.." He turned towards Abraham, "Is that last part gonna be an issue?"

A sly grin came across Abraham's old face. She did have a point. Nero did it to try and get to Abraham, but he did it nevertheless. "Yes my boy, that is the case. Given the manner in which our majesty spoke, it seemed very clear he specifically wanted you two to accompany Malina. So I suppose you two should decide on your fee, and I will see to it that the treasurer is made aware. I'll also have whoever this man you mentioned earlier is reposted to assist in managing the wares in your absence. We certainly wouldn't want his majesty to develop a bad reputation from enlisting the aide of freelance merchants and mercenary types now would we?" Nero likely realized what he was putting on the table when he said it. This little argument of theirs definitely would not end today, but it would take time to see how it materialized.

Pavlo turned to Malina, finally acknowledging her. "Well Ma'am, with that I suppose we are officially going to be travelling together now that I'm under the employe of his highness. While I know of you Madam Malina, we have never formally met. I am Pavlo Kinnus, and this is my.. Daughter, Yaya Kinnus. As for preparations, we will only need time to prep our gear for travel and eat. So I'd say we can be ready after a couple hours notice. Just give me a time, and we can be on our way."