Stigz
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Post by Stigz on Dec 10, 2018 12:50:39 GMT
While it had been a long wait for the Invasion to find its feet, man has it been a long wait for me to pick this back up again. I hit a roadblock and then with everything in my life that hit after that I just kind of forgot about it. Thankfully with the inspiration of watching Troy scenes again I was able to move past this block and finally complete the part for Alexandros, albeit being short, which I shall post now.
To recap, Alexandros last was speaking with his king, Markus Hyrkoon, who was in a sorrowful state with both of his wives missing, the officers of the Company of the Cat captured by Dothraki, and the burdens of his kingdom weighing down heavily on his shoulders. While Alexandros went in there with the soul ambition to help Markus find his feet once again, he took the opportunity to try and manipulate him, and this in a win/lose situation, with Alexandros getting the attention he wished for defying the Jogos Nhai invasion, yet also reigniting Markus' fire for his conquest of the Great Dawn Empire. Markus commanded Lex to go and consult with his warlock about sending out word to their allies to assemble their army, while also finding his bastard son to ride to Kayakayanaya with to prepare the defence against the Jogos Nhai; a task which had been placed on Alexandros' shoulders alone. This part picks up directly where it last concluded.
Alexandros
Night had fallen upon the land as Lex departed from his king’s chambers. The great halls of Samyriana had been ignited with mounted torches and dangling chandeliers, shining a light onto the Wall of a Thousand Kings. A shiver ran down Alexandros’ spine as he glanced at the line of encased Hyrkoon sovereigns, their corpses forever standing within the shaped stone.
The wall stretched for a mile in each direction, and only half of it was occupied. A thousand more kings to come, Lex thought to himself sternly; yet he did not feel pride or accomplishment looking at the carvings of the stone kings, nor did he believe the Hyrkoon dynasty would prevail for that long. By each of their feet was a plaque which recited their name and their hand. Lex had commonly observed that each Karalis had served more than one king in their lifetime. A forefather of Alexandros; Damocles, had served seven Hyrkoon’s in his lifetime, with an eighth ascending at the time of his death.
Yet the history of the Karalis family had been much overlooked compared to that of the Hyrkoon’s. As far as the kingdom was aware, all that was Karalis was direct servitude to the Hyrkoon lineage as their faithful right hand. Be this untrue, Alexandros knew that this secluded knowledge was kept only within the line of the Karalis family for a sacred reason, and he had learnt how to play his cards in this game long ago to know not yet to reveal his hand. If I ever do, he thought reluctantly, shying his gaze away from the wall of eyes.
His feet hurried him away from their memory, darting him down the great stone halls that he had known since he was a child; running about with Markus as boys with wooden swords and bucklers for shields. It bemused him as to how they had once been so innocent, how things had been simple and wonderful and careless, only to turn sour and sophisticated with the age of responsibility.
It was not long before Lex was upon the door of Hyrkoon’s warlock, the old bastard that had lived through the last three kings, and Lex would swear had cursed them all. Three hard knocks on his door brought the old wizard to his beckoning, the old man’s weary grey eyes scowled hard at the Hand as he appeared to contemplate shutting the door in his face. “My Lord,” he instead grumbled, and alternative Alexandros believed neither of them appreciated.
“His Grace wishes for word to be sent to the Adakan’s and Yinasharen. See to it,” Lex informed him, to which the old man fumbled his frail hands as he nudged his door open. “You had best come in and explain it to me further, Lord Karalis,” the old warlock suggested, making Alexandros roll his eyes as he reluctantly entered Notus’ chambers. “I have other duties to attend to, Raptis,” Lex responded with bitter haste, only evoking a small chuckle from the old man.
“Your whores can wait,” Raptis stated with amusement, but only received a cold glare in turn. “Mind your tongue, sorcerer,” Alexandros warned him, returning the strictness to the old man’s face. “So be it,” he muttered, approaching his desk and relieving himself to his chair. “Now tell me, what is it his majesty wishes to inform the Adakan’s and Yinasharen?” Notus queried with minimal interest, fetching his quill and ink from his drawer. Alexandros let out an irritable sigh as he stared out the warlock’s window to the Samyrian country.
“They are to ride for Kayakayanaya within the week to assist in the formation of a blockade constructed by yours truly,” Alexandros stated, to which the man furrowed his eyebrows and shook his head. “This is not a race, Karalis. Speak so that I might follow your words!” He bickered in complaint, his elder hands spelling out each word on the paper. Alexandros felt himself losing his patience, but humoured the old man for the sake of Markus’ bidding.
“This battle will cost more than what it is worth, my Lord. The King should be focusing his attention on the true prize,” Notus surmised with a prophetic tone, to which Alexandros simply grasped the old man’s shoulder. “There are reasons why I am Markus’ hand and you are his soothsayer. Keep writing,” Alexandros ordered him as he began to depart, pulling open the door to meet the eyes of Noir Carlo, his hand lifted just to pound his fist against the door, and his eyes widened in as much surprise as Lex’s.
“My Lord,” he greeted with a shocked and awkward tone, immediately dropped his fist and bowing, to which Alexandros nodded. “What are you doing here, Carlo?” Lex queried, to which Noir sighed. “Hoping to have received a letter from my son,” he admitted, and Alexandros understood that Notus Raptis had become the sort of postman for the castle. “You?” he then asked in return, to which Alexandros frowned.
“You know better than to question your officers,” Lex reminded the man sternly, bringing an awkward and apologetic expression onto the man’s face. “It was not my intention to pry, my Lord,” he apologised, but Lex only shook his head, patting the man on the shoulder. “Having letters drafted to allies of the king and others that are eager to have their name ‘glorified’ under Markus’ grand conquest,” Alexandros answered to him with a tone that resembled sarcasm and disdain, only bringing a frown to Carlo’s face.
“If I may suggest, my Lord, there is a young warlord southwest of here that my son serves under. His name is Nilus Broadsteel, he has become something of a combat prodigy for his age; perhaps it would be wise to call on his name for this war to come?” Noir stated with a poor attempt of persuasion, but Alexandros saw no harm in it, turning his gaze back to the warlock. “Did you hear that, old man? Add him to the list,” Lex ordered, but Noir shook his head.
“Forgive me, my Lord, but I confess this young warlord has an ego about him. He will not respond to a letter like any other warlord, he will only consider such a request if given an audience,” Noir Carlo explained, making Alexandros raise an eyebrow. Egocentric indeed. “I have nor the time or the interest. We will make do,” Lex stated, yet this response appeared to displease the soldier, who clasped his hands in an almost begging fashion.
“Please, I will go myself and convince him. He and his men are fine soldiers, the finest I have ever seen, they may give us the chance we need to win this war,” Noir claimed, yet Alexandros was sceptical, unsure how one young soldier and a handful of his men could make much difference. Yet then again, he could not see any harm in letting Carlo go through with this other than losing a valuable soldier by his side for a duration. He could not help but feel that he was doing this just to reconnect with his son, but perhaps there was merit in that pursuit as well.
[Allow Noir Carlo this] [Deny him this]
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Post by Tales93 on Dec 10, 2018 22:51:36 GMT
[Allow Noir Carlo this]
I don't really see a reason not too.
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Post by GMS Freeman on Dec 11, 2018 11:54:48 GMT
[Allow Noir Carlo this]
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Post by edinosaur22 on Dec 12, 2018 15:15:35 GMT
[Allow Noir Carlo this]
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Post by LiquidChicagoTed on Dec 16, 2018 22:23:33 GMT
[Allow Noir Carlo this]Ah, I am really glad the story is back and with an Alexandros part on top of it. Short but sweet, I really enjoy his storyline so far 
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Stigz
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Post by Stigz on Mar 17, 2019 9:24:13 GMT
Hey all... So I've been consistently silent a few months now, due to a multitude of factors, such as a new job, new hobbies and university starting back up. In confession I've also been enduring bad writer's block for a while now and haven't been able to shake it for either of my stories, or anything at all really. I apologise for keeping you all in the dark here for all this time, but truth is I've been weighing up in my head whether I should just drop all the projects or continue to push on with them. Given all the literal years of planning and writing that has gone into these stories, I just can't let myself part with them, but I also admit that I struggle to write them with such a small audience (specifically the Invasion). Thus I've just been unable to come to a decision for myself, and kinda let it drift a little, and probably would have left it drift longer were it not for that meddling Liquid... I've got a new part ready, and I'm quite happy with it despite being blocked with it for around four months, I think it's turned out alright. I'll post it soon. For the meanwhile, I believe this Alexandros part is well overdue for a closing. Lex will allow Noir Carlo this. This is the outcome I was hoping for, as I am very eager to introduce Nilus  The new part will go to Mulan, our Empress in distress, and I'll get onto a recap in a second. Back onto the matter at hand however. As I mentioned I am working and at uni, so my time now for writing is limited. I'm not sure how often I'll be doing this, and I do apologise. I likely won't be returning to the Invasion for a little while for this reason and others. Onto the recap: Last time we saw Mulan she had agreed to send Remi in her place to the Five Forts before pardoning herself from their dinner conversation and retiring to her quarters. Here she would encounter a strange man by the name of Raquest, who would plead to speak with her of a proposition, and claim he had been sent by Kiaan Samar (Mulan's adopted brother, currently in Qarth). Raquest would be intercepted by an overdue personal guard coming to Mulan's aid, headed by Commander Quon Zhai. The commander would demand that the intruder be removed, but Mulan would overrule that command and allow the merchant to be allowed into her private quarters. Here they would discuss his purpose coming to her, with his wishes being to provide financial aid to empire and in return take a seat on her council. Mulan would pause on this thought, and you guys decided that she should convene with her council on the matter. |
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Stigz
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Post by Stigz on Mar 17, 2019 9:27:38 GMT
Mulan
A calm and collected look was held on Raquest’s steady gaze, yet Mulan could only shake her head. “I must convene with my council before I come to any conclusions, but I will keep your offer in mind,” Mulan assured him, to which the loan shark nodded. “As any great monarch would,” he acknowledged with an appreciative smile, rising from his seat and clasping his hands as he nodded. “Thank you for allowing me an audience with such short and sudden notice,” he added, to which Mulan nodded with an unsure acceptance, then watching as he departed out her doors.
She let out a sigh of relief as her room fell empty, and she sunk into the comfort of her chair with the all the weight of the empire holding her down. No rest for the weary, I suppose, she thought with misery, wondering how her forefathers had managed to hold under all the pressure. She was sure half of her council would claim it was due to what resided between her legs, or rather what did not, but Mulan wished to believe it was due to the shared responsibility. They were never alone, she thought hopefully, but she knew how divided her council and court had become with the announcement of her ascension to the throne.
Mulan would be the first empress of the Great Dawn Empire, and if Raquest’s words spoke true, she would be the last if she did not make changes, and soon. She was not even ascended and yet she had already begun to feel the stress and fear she worried she would have to endure for the rest of her life. She was relieved to know that at least her blood brother would support her, and their alliance would hopefully lead to a union amongst the divided empire.
Yet she only held that trust to one brother, and with the sudden occurrence of Raquest into her empire, she felt dubious has to her adopted brother’s intentions. Remi trusts him, she told herself in an attempt to mask her doubts, but it was of little use while both brothers were so far away from her to provide any counsel. I am left to a mob of starved tigers, a dangling piece of meat tied to a weak line of silk, held by nothing else than the fruitful riches of power and authority, Mulan thought poetically, only later cursing her previous actions for allowing Remi to leave her in the very time she needed his support.
As if to answer to her intrinsic yearns, a knock came to her door begging summons, to which Mulan curiously accepted, albeit weary and growing ill-tempered. Her grouchiness remained highly fuelled as she recognised her next visitor of the late hours to be the commander of her elite royal guard; or rather her father’s, as this latest intrusion had begun to feel.
The strict warrior flashed a disapproving glare at Mulan for only moment before bowing his head, both in attempts for forgiveness and to mask his bitter displeasure at Mulan’s actions. The Amethyst Princess let out a heavy sigh before pushing herself up from her chair, resting her hands on the face of her desk and staring sternly at her commander. “Say what you have come to say, Quon. I grow weary and ready for bed,” Mulan uttered with an impatient tone, to which the commander nodded and closed the door to her chambers, then reporting to her desk.
“Princess, may I speak plainly?” Quon questioned, to which Mulan nodded tiredly as she sunk back into her seat. “Do I need remind you that you are now the head of an empire? The greatest empire of the known world, and one which requires a firm grip. You cannot cast such a hand if you continue to allow potentially dangerous strangers into your chamber completely unattended,” Quon stated with a tone that was evidently trying to restrict itself from outright bicker, to which Mulan only nodded to his words.
“Indeed, such strangers should not have free venture into my chambers, or anywhere through the palace. I was unaware that every emperor before I had personally patrolled the halls to ensure such threats did not loom from the shadows,” Mulan grumbled, successfully directing her spite back at his apparent negligence, in turn evoking a bitter glare in her direction. “I have doubled the guard to your quarters, and will hand select the best of my men to be your personal escorts; you will be under protection at all times, my Lady,” Quon informed her, only lifting a weary smirk from Mulan’s lips.
“It sounds to me like I’m becoming a hostage to Emperor Quon’s demands,” Mulan sternly quipped, and immediately she noticed that she had taken her disrespect to the man a step too far. The commander bent forward, grasping the edge of her desk with his hard hands and sternly looking into her eyes; a gaze which she quickly submitted to. “Mark my words, Mulan. My allegiances lie with the Empire, and thus with you, but if you continue to mock my pride and disregard my efforts, you can find yourself a new Emperor’s Guard,” he growled in warning, pushing himself away from the desk and returning to a strict stand.
Mulan turned her glare on him, a fiery anger stirring inside her which she could not contain. She stood up with a rage, wiping the contents off her desk and striking a fist at Quon’s chest. He took it, barely moving an inch in retaliation, but she could spot that she had inflicted pain onto him. “Your ‘elite’ guard couldn’t save my father!” she spited him, all of her emotions coming out as tears began to well in her eyes. She lifted her hand to strike him again, this time across the face, but to her fear he caught her by the forearm before she could land the blow.
She held in the gasp as she choked on her tears, looking submissively into the stern commander’s eyes, which she suddenly realised to be welling like hers. The two locked eyes before the commander brought her into a tight embrace, the exact thing the Empress-to-be required, but by the man she had least expected to provide it. “I loved your father as you did, and I will curse myself to the grave for allowing myself to have fallen short of my oath. I should have knocked that cup from his hands before he sipped it, or better yet drunk it myself for all the shame it has caused me,” he wept, wiping the tears from his face before taking Mulan’s shoulders and looking deep into her eyes.
“By oath I must protect the emperor and his lineage, and that promise I will serve to you and your brother for as long as I live. I will not fail you again,” he swore, to which Mulan was left without words, her gaze flicking between each of his before her head fell weary on his shoulder. “Thank you,” she mumbled finally, her tears no doubt wetting his coat as her eyes closed shut, and she fell weak into his arms for the rest she had long desired.
-
Once again, the Amethyst Princess found herself inhabiting the throne that still did not feel right under her. It was still her father’s chair, just like all the men and women in the court were her father’s attenders. Undoubtedly as her father had in his ascending years, she would have to win them over with her rule, but there was one key difference then that applied to now. She was a woman, the first to ever rule the empire, and prophetically the last of the Jidao bloodline to hold the throne unless she should have children with her brother. The thought made her ill.
The attending council members in the court this day sat by in the seats adjacent to her above the crowds. An hourly court hearing would be held daily for the rest of her life now, and she wished to cover the topic of Raquest’s request first off. She cleared her throat in announcement, to which a crier then called for silence amongst the court. As the room slowly fell to a hush, Mulan’s eyes wandered over the attendees of the court, and it was not long before her gaze locked with the eyes of her potentially eager-to-be financer: the loan shark.
“I would wish to first bid the courts a warm dawn at this hour, thank you for all attending” she started as typically rehearsed by her father as common courtesy. “Firstly, I would like to address my council as to a proposition broached to me by a new face in our empire, who I will allow to introduce himself before the court now,” Mulan stated, noticing the initial surprise crossing Raquest’s face before giving her a stern nod.
The plump loan shark took waddled before the throne, addressing all the present council with a warm smile and bowing before the Amethyst Princess. “Thank you, Empress,” he expressed with gratitude, turning his attention to the council and court. “My friends, my name is Raquest, a strange name I know, but let us not get caught up in the details,” he stated with a warm chuckle, shared by none in the room, causing him to gulp awkwardly. “I am the leader of a bank-loaning business known as the Howling Company, I can assure you the name is self-explanatory, we are a roaming business; and a successful one at that,
“Over our last year, I have seen a financial rise of the Sarnori Kingdom that has made them a powerful figurehead of central Essos. I have travelled much of the world for a worthy realm to align my expertise with, and all my search has brought me closer to home than I have been in years.
“Friends, with your permission I would wish to take a seat as one of you, acting as a financial advisor; and with my utmost confidence, I assure you I will support the Empress in making the Great Dawn Empire great again.” The conclusion of his speech brought murmurs across the court, but the attendees were quickly silenced with the firm but noticeably confused Chancellor Gen Ji.
“Master Raquest, I am afraid that seat is already in occupancy by the Empress’ brother: Kiaan Samar,” Gen Ji stated, to which Raquest nodded. “I am aware of this error, Chancellor, it is the core reason I have made such a request,” the man stated, turning his attention to the court. “Lords and Ladies, it is remarkably blatant to me that this empire’s economy is crumbling. Your primary trade routes were linked through Asshai, and now that route is all but diminished thanks to the Plague. Allow me onto your council, and I will establish trade routes with reliable sources all across the known world that I have worked with personally over my years in the financing business,” Raquest stated, and it became clear to Mulan that the loan shark was more interested to gaining the appeal of the crowd, a court that held half the majority of the forthcoming consensus. Smart play, she admired, yet also held a degree of concern.
Zhen Ju shook his head defiantly. “We don’t know this man or his true intentions, and to secure trade routes through methods unethical to our ways is not a decision we should stand by,” Zhen stated, then turning his gaze to Mulan. “And undermining our fellow council members should also be condemned,” he added sternly, to which General Khaidu Kan crossed his arms in contemplation.
“I speak only from my experience as the head of your military, Empress, but I don’t believe your foster brother to be fit for the role he has been gifted on the council. Our army dwindles from the size that it once was, and I believe the appropriate funding, along with other measures, would help ensure that we can rebuild an army that reinforces the strength behind the name of our great empire,” Khaidu sided, gaining an approving nod from Raquest.
“Should the court cast their opinion on this matter, the majority of votes will be taken into consideration for the weight of this decision,” Chancellor Ji stated, and as accustomed, the attendees of the court cast their vote by taking to either side of the room. It became quickly clear that the majority of the court rested in the palms of Raquest, just as Mulan imagined he had strategised. “There appears to be a stalemate. The court and General Kan vote for the seat to be passed to Raquest, while Chancellor Ji and Justiciar Ju wish for it to remain with Prince Samar. The decision falls onto the Empress,” the crier announced, leaving a heavy sigh to fall from the silent woman’s lips.
Both sides provided a valued argument. Kiaan was her brother, perhaps not by blood, but by the will of her father. Be it gifted or not, he had a seat on the council, and Mulan knew that such a removal would serve as an insult to Kiaan, and she did not wish to further divide her already divided council. Furthermore, allowing Raquest onto the council could break ethics and rules that had guided the Great Dawn Empire through hardships over the passing millennia’s.
All that being said, change would be needed if Mulan were to indeed restore their empire, and the General was right in that their military strength was nowhere near the size or power that it had once been. If the Kingdom of Hyrkoon truly meant war, the defence of their empire could not be solely protected by YiTish soldiers, more would have to be hired, and perhaps Raquest’s financial expertise could accommodate for that.
[Pass the seat to Raquest] [Deny Raquest’s request]
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Post by LiquidChicagoTed on Mar 18, 2019 2:12:25 GMT
Oh my, look that! I did that? Well, let me say, I am proud of my meddling, this is amazing, unexpected and thoroughly welcome! I am glad to have the first part of 2019, seriously super glad and happy beyond words. And Mulan is a PoV I really enjoy, definitely among my favourites right now. Her viewpoint is just so interesting, as the empress and the one actually in charge of the really important decisions.
[Deny Raquest’s request]
I have a natural and strong suspicion towards some plump man wanting to make a certain empire 'great again' ^^ Seriously though, can I be real, I don't trust either. Raquest comes out of nowhere and asks for a seriously important seat in the council and while I have no doubt that he is capable in terms of business, such a spot should not just be granted on a whim. What if he merely seeks to fill his own pockets? No, if he wants the post, he can earn it, but just granting it, that ain't a good idea. Meanwhile, Kiaan is Mulan's brother and therefore a candidate for the Bloodstone Emperor, which makes him suspicious by default. I don't trust either, but this means I will not just invite a potential threat and issue to have a seat and certainly alienating the current councilor Kiaan.
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Post by supersagig on Mar 19, 2019 16:22:09 GMT
[Pass the seat to Raquest]
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Post by GMS Freeman on Mar 21, 2019 8:51:04 GMT
[Pass the seat to Raquest]
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Post by Tales93 on Mar 21, 2019 18:30:36 GMT
[Deny Raquest’s request]
I think I'll tie the voting here.
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Post by WildlingKing on Mar 30, 2019 22:21:10 GMT
So, when this newest part was posted I decided to finally read this story from its beginning, and I'm happy to announce that I am now all caught up! Many of the storylines have really grown on me the further I've got, some of my favorite PoVs so far being Kaliza, Elda, Crokus, Remi and Alexandros. So, if you do continue to write this story you can expect me to vote and comment on the new parts Anyway, to the choice... [Deny Raquest’s request] Economy of an empire is a serious matter of course, but so far this Raquest hasn't really convinced me that he's the solution here. Sure, he talks big game, but it should be kept in mind that his primary interest isn't the well-being of the empire and its people, but rather profits for his own company. So yeah, let's not screw over Mulan's brother over some honeyed words and big promises from this plump loan peddler. |
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Stigz
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Post by Stigz on Apr 9, 2019 9:45:06 GMT
Well that brings this part to a close! Mulan will deny Raquest's request (heh). This is no doubt a wise approach from the perspective of any monarch, and it's understandable that Raquest will need to prove himself to the empire before gaining Mulan's respect, on the basis that he remains in Tiqui anyhow! Also... Wildling! Many welcomes to the story, I am thoroughly gladdened to see you here So it's almost been a month since I posted anything, and somehow it feels like that time has just flown by. I've been swamped with uni and work, and unfortunately it's only getting heavier as I'm getting more shifts and approaching more deadlines. I confess I had also hit a block with this part weeks ago, as I was unsure how I wanted to write out the final sequence, but all in all I'm satisfied with it now. So I shall announce the next part in the series, which continues the story of Princess Ria Jidao, or as she goes by her other persona: the Pale Lotus. The last we saw of the Pale Lotus was when she had just returned back to her estate after encountering Prince Jalhar Zhad, and learning of an assassination plot on the head of the future Amethyst Empress. To Ria's surprise, she returned home to be met by Old Mei, her partner in crime, or at least in masking her persona, who warned her that her father was still awake and worried sick as to where she had been. Ria covered herself with a lie, but Shen pleaded that she stay home more nights and make a better effort to find herself a partner, which she reluctantly agreed to before going to bed. The next day she pulled herself to the food markets, feeding herself and recognising the two huntresses she had encountered as the Pale Lotus the night before. Ria did her best to avoid them, and her eye later caught on a girl that she had rescued a little while ago from thugs. She was tempted to chase after the girl to see how she fared, but you guys decided it was best that she returned home to prepare for the evening dinner occasion her father had organised with the Luyen's. |
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Stigz
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Post by Stigz on Apr 9, 2019 9:49:34 GMT
Ria
The sun was setting in the west as the Wayward Princess stared out their living room window, her sense of duty before her eyes, but her confining role being tightly wound to her body. Old Mei was assisting her with donning a formal gown appropriate for a royal function, yet the way it felt, Ria would have sworn the old crone was punishing her for all of her misdeeds. “Gah!” Ria grimaced as Mei tugged tightly at the drawstrings on the back of her gown, evoking a mischievous from the old bitch.
“Only keeping you in the present, dear,” she said lushly with a coy smirk, making Ria roll her eyes as she returned her glance out the window. “Something is troubling you,” she sensed, to which Ria only shook her head. “I saw someone, a girl, which I rescued the other night,” Ria stated loosely, making an eyebrow raise on the old woman. “Oh?” she murmured, tugging at another lace as she motioned for the girl to continue.
“This was different though; I felt like she recognised me, like she wanted me to follow her,” Ria exclaimed with a wandering mind, to which Mei shrugged. “Did you?” she queried with little interest, to which Ria sighed and shook her head once again; now frustrated. “No, I was under strict instructions to return to the House of Suffocation,” Ria muttered bitterly, and regretfully as well as Mei tightened her torso in pure delight.
“Perhaps it is a good thing, there are many dangers that loom in this cursed city,” Mei reconciled, but Ria only rolled her eyes. “My place is out there, Mei. I should be out there now,” she argued, but the old woman did little to disagree with her. “So why are you here? I know you’re a sucker for pain, but not from an old woman like myself,” Mei toyed playfully, pinching Ria’s cheek to evoke the typical annoyed reaction that the girl had displayed since infancy.
“Because I gave father my word to try harder, I owe him that much,” Ria stated, to which Mei took the girl’s hands in her own and smiled. “Then stop fighting a needless fight. Lend yourself to your father’s wishes, there will be other nights where you can go out and do what you do best,” Old Mei claimed, to which she then further clarified. “Being rid of yourself so that I might finally get a good night of sleep,” she spited playfully, bringing the first smile to Ria’s lips all evening.
“As you say, Mei,” Ria conceded, to which the old woman nodded. “I do!” she quipped, shuffling her tortured feet to the working desk to add the final touches to the Wayward Princess’ attire: an orange tulip that was braided into her hair. All in all, she was dressed in the colours of the Dawn; a two-part wound gown of sunset orange dominance and recessive golden highlights. Over her arm a sash hung loosely displaying a flock of doves ascending to her shoulder.
“Beautiful, just like your mother,” Mei claimed, in which Ria flashed her a small smile, which was enough recognition for the old crone. “Now get your hind down those steps before I push you down them myself,” she bickered, making Ria roll her eyes before nodding. She strode to the stairway with elegant ease, flashing the woman a final smile with a sign of thanks, a gesture which Mei only gave a firm nod in response to.
Ria glided down the steps to meet the gaze of multiple eyes, bringing her deeply buried sense of formality surging outward as she quickly corrected her posture and pace down the stairs. The first pair of eyes she recognised as her graceful father, those eyes that resembled the tones of dark chocolate; the only sweetness of the otherwise grim continent south of the Shadowlands. He had pieced a long-sleeved tunic of silver ornate for his attire, tied together at the waist with a sash of white tiger pelt; crafted from his early days as a hunter in the YiTish jungles.
Beside him stood two briefly familiar faces, but Ria confessed to herself that she did not recognise them well enough to name them. As she joined her father at the bottom of the steps she was greeted with a kiss on both cheeks by both strangers. “Ria, may I introduce to you the Lord and Lady of Luyen: Zeyan and Shui,” her father announced, to which Ria displayed a polite curtsy. “It’s a pleasure,” Ria stated, to which Zeyan shook his head.
“The pleasure is all ours, Princess,” he reinstated, and Shen wrapped his arm around Ria’s waist. “Forgive me, Zeyan, but may I enquire as to the whereabouts of your brother?” Shen queried, to which the lord sighed, tucking his hands in his sleeves. “Regrettably Chen will not be attending this evening. He has been assigned on an escort mission with the Bloodstone Prince to the Five Forts,” Zeyan stated with an apologetic tone, to which Shen nodded with a short sigh.
“I see,” he murmured, trying hard to mask his disappointment. Ria’s eyes consoled with her father, but her face masked the relief she felt that Chen would not be present at the function this evening. She was well aware of her father’s intentions for her and the second to the previous Luyen patriarch. “Perhaps we should start walking, we will lose light soon,” Ria suggested, to which the lady Shui smiled awkwardly and Zeyan clarified with a grin.
“And ruin a pretty dress like that? I would sooner strip toenails from my feet than allow such a dreadful act like such to transpire. No, my servants shall transport us,” he stated with a warm tone as he smiled at her, to which Ria awkwardly reciprocated half the expression before turning to her father. The Luyen’s were far wealthier than they could ever aspire to be, it had her tossed why they would even consider her as a suitor for the second son of such a reputable family in the empire. What had her father bargained with them?
“Please, follow after me,” Zeyan requested, taking his wife’s hand as he led the group out of their estate and down the court steps. Captain Xharrar Dor and a handful of her father’s other Household guards stood by the gateway entrance to their manor, making way as they approached; revealing two litters and a dozen servants draped in grey gowns to carry them. The sight disgusted Ria, it was only one step higher than slavery as far as she was concerned. Labour at the cost of liberty, all for a couple of coins to mask it as freedom.
“Princess Ria, would you join me in the journey back to our estate? I would love to learn more about you,” Zeyan queried with request, causing Ria to gulp awkwardly before looking to her father. Shen gave her a firm nod, escorting Zeyan’s wife to the other litter, and Ria found her manners. “Of course,” she stated warmly, accepting his hand into the litter.
Once they were settled, Ria felt the unnatural motion of them being lifted from the ground beneath, and she clutched onto the wooden rails by her side to stable herself. The feeling was almost similar to the time her father had taken her riding on elephants as a child outside of Jinqi, but at least then she had felt somewhat in control of her mount. Zeyan noticed her unease, and placed his hand on top of hers.
“I remember my wife having the exact same reaction when I first placed her in one of these. She wouldn’t stop shaking until we were put down again. It is a strange fear, heights, how long has this bothered you?” Zeyan queried, to which Ria chuckled. If only he knew, she thought coyly, turning her gaze up to him. “My fear is not of heights, Lord, but of falling,” she clarified, to which Zeyan smiled.
“Please, just Zeyan will suffice,” he stated, to which Ria nodded. “Zeyan,” she corrected, granting the man his satisfaction. It was only now that Ria got to have a closer look at the lord. He was a handsome man, perhaps in his late thirties, with a small moustache and goatee to compliment his long braided hair. He wore a lavish green tunic and a leather belt. “So tell me, it’s no secret you have a big voice in the courts when your present, is it one day your hopes to excel to the council?” Zeyan questioned, to which Ria shrugged.
“I would like to make a difference,” Ria claimed plainly, knowing well enough she would make nowhere near as much progress in the courts as she did as the Pale Lotus. “That is an honourable goal, one which I’m sure Chen would value. He is very directed for the Empire, it is why he cannot be with us now, he was once going to serve in the military before he changed his mind,” Zeyan stated, to which Ria raised an eyebrow. “What made him change his mind?” she queried hesitantly, to which Zeyan sighed.
“My parents,” he confessed, looking out their veiled litter to the houses alongside the road. “My father has been highly bound to his legacy, while my mother could be described as overly ambitious. Father wished for Chen not to throw his life away to war, and Mother believed he was a good suitor for the Empress-to-be after I married to Shui. Either way, they both agreed that his own ambitions were not suitable to the family,” Zeyan exclaimed, and Ria raised her eyebrows.
“And what do you think?” she queried with a measure of underlying concern, she was beginning to fear that the Luyen’s servants had more liberty than their own masters. Zeyan only sighed, crossing his arms. “I think my father is gone, and my mother is growing old and frail. I will maintain the integrity of my family bloodline, and what it is my brother does with his life is his choice,” he stated, yet Ria could sense some doubt in the words that he chose carefully. Regardless, she knew it was not her place to question his position, and minded her tongue for the remainder of the trip.
-
The Luyen’s estate dwarfed their small manor on the outskirts of the Royal District; it housed a hundred or more servants, musicians, and what seemed like a private army of household guards. An entire crew worked to the maintenance and management of the estate, and Ria felt like she was within a castle like the ones she had read from the books of Westeros.
They knelt at the long, short-legged table in the Luyen family dining hall. It felt good to finally get some weight off her aching legs, it was not an easy toll on her body being the Pale Lotus, and unfortunately for Ria she knew it was not an everlasting persona she could live on. Even if she wished it, her body would eventually grow old and frail, and the thought of the Wrinkled Lotus was as unappealing as it was unrealistic. Yet somehow she could picture Old Mei in that frame perfectly, which oddly gave her hope, and brought a small smile to her lips.
At the table sat a total of seven. Ria sat near the centre of the table, her father one-up from herself, seated in between her and the Lady Shui. At the head of the table naturally sat the Lord Zeyan, and by his side; opposing Lady Shui, sat an older but very familiar face. The Lady Matriarch Zhenya, Ria thought as she momentarily glanced at the stern imposing woman that she knew from her presence at the courts. She was on her later years, her face beginning to age and her dark hair greying. Her nails had grown long, a sign of strength and loyalty in a YiTish woman, and over these she wore golden nail guards.
Beside her sat a younger woman that Ria assumed to be her daughter; and at the other end of the table, a man that Ria had never seen before. “Prince Shen, have I introduced you to my sister?” Zeyan queried, to which Ria’s father firmly shook his head, turning his gaze to the woman beside the Matriarch Zhenya. “Lian is of aspiring beauty, don’t you think? Much alike that of your own daughter,” Zeyan stated, to which Shen nodded.
“Much alike the age of my own daughter as well,” Shen claimed, taking a sip of his rice wine as he shut down the idea that Zeyan was presenting. “Perhaps you would like to introduce our other guest, my Lord,” the Matriarch hinted unsubtly, to which Zeyan nodded awkwardly, directing his gaze down to the gentleman at the end of the table with a small smile. “This is Lord Sham Shero, he is a close friend of our family,” Zeyan introduced, to which the lord stood politely.
“I hope my intrusion hasn’t spoiled your evening, I’m afraid I’ve just had urgent business to attend to with the Lady Matriarch,” he stated, to which Zhenya gave him a polite smile. “Which we shall consult over after our meal, Sham. Please, be seated,” she beckoned, and the lord did as requested. Ria briefly shifted her gaze to her father, who in turn only gave her a subtle shrug. The night was not transpiring as he had initially hoped.
“So onto a rising subject, Prince Shen, what is your opinion of the Amethyst Princess’ soon-to-be ascension to the throne?” Lord Zeyan queried in spark of general conversation; to which Shen hesitated a moment, gazing at Ria briefly, before he let out a gentle sigh. “She is of birthright, and was given the blessings of our Emperor. There is nothing to question,” Shen dismissed plainly, to which Zeyan nodded.
“Of course, and I only speak hypothetically, but in the entire existence of our Great Dawn Empire, this is the first time that we have ever seen the rise of an Empress. I know many lords and princes hold great concern over this matter,” Zeyan stated, and Shen held a stern expression as he held his silence. Ria, however, felt the Wayward Princess fighting at her lips. The urge was too difficult to resist.
“And if it is not clear, Lord Zeyan, our ‘Great’ Empire has been in decline with each passing emperor. Perhaps a woman’s touch will redirect us back to the glory and wealth of the old times,” Ria argued with a feisty, yet reserved, tone; lifting the eyebrow of the Lord Luyen as he moved his attention to her. Ria took his gaze dead-on, observing in her peripherals the flash of an approving grin from the Lady Matriarch before she composed herself.
“Perhaps,” Zeyan acknowledged as he reclined in his seat, clasping his hands. “Regardless of the mere dispute, I sincerely hope that the Empress Mulan lives a flourished and fruitful life, returning us back to our glory days; as you say,” Zeyan conceded, reaching forward for his cup and raising it. “Long live the Empress,” Zeyan stated with a toast, inviting the table to follow in suit.
Ria raised her glass, observing the faces around the table. Her father reflected a look of discomfort, the Lord Luyen flashed warm smile that was ridiculed with counterfeit ideals, his wife gazing at him in blind support, while the Lady Matriarch held a stern and impatient expression, and the guest… Was staring right back at Ria. The Wayward Princess locked eyes with the man at the end of the table for all but a second, but it was enough to note that there was something off about him. She felt his gaze prickling at her skin, his very presence a disruption to her peace, and yet she could not pick why.
They emptied their cups, and quickly servants came to refill them. A simple snap from the Lord Luyen’s fingers soon summoned a dozen more figures draped in grey and armed with silver platters of orient YiTish variety. Ria clutched at her stomach with delight, suddenly realising how famished she had become. At least there is one good thing about this night, she thought optimistically, taking her chopsticks and digging into her meal as it was served.
-
The night was at its darkest when Ria and her father were escorted back to their estate. Shen had chosen to dismiss the litter in favour for walking, a choice which Ria had preferred; yet the additional company was something she held of little value, even if it was for their protection.
At the head of their guarded escort was a Shadowland foreigner by the name of Kaulan Vykak. He was young, perhaps on his late teen years, but still a boy. His face was plagued with zits and boils, and what little facial hair he tried to grow was uneven and patchy, leaving his olive green eyes as his only attraction; and even they were stern and demeaning.
His guards assisted Ria’s father in his gait. Ria had warned him not to drink much tonight, and alas he had done little to heed her warning once the wine started to flow. He had not made a fool of himself, but Ria was doubtful that Shen would awake in the morning with pride and gratitude for the events that had transpired.
For matter of happenstance, Ria glided in pace with Kaulan at the rear of the group, having been silent for the entirety of the time. While she had no interest in the boy, the silence was deafening and her pity for her father was beginning to overwhelm her. “How long have you worked for the Luyen’s?” Ria queried nonchalantly, to which the boy shrugged. “A few months, give or take,” he remarked laconically, making Ria frown.
“Lord Zeyan mentioned you were from the Shadowlands,” Ria proceeded with a second attempt, to which the young man nodded. “I have never been, what is it like?” Ria questioned, to which Kaulan shook his head. “Not worth visiting at the moment,” he stated, making Ria roll her eyes. “Yes, the Grey Plague is a good deterrent for travellers, but that wasn’t my question,” Ria articulated with a stricter tone, turning the boy’s gaze on her.
“It’s dark. Consumed with evil spirits and just as evil people that all lurk within the shadows. People come and do not stay, and those who stay never leave,” the boy riddled, making Ria’s brow rise. “Rough childhood?” Ria asked, and Kaulan smirked briefly in remark before his stern expression returned. “There are no children in Asshai,” he stated plainly, lifting an eyebrow on the Wayward Princess.
“Well if that’s the case, where were you born?” Ria queried with growing boredom, to which Kaulan shrugged. “Where were you born?” he asked in turn, making Ria sigh. “Here,” she responded, gesturing around them to what was the royal district. “Fortunate,” Kaulan remarked with a bitter tone, making Ria snarl. “I’m not just another rich girl,” she intently clarified, to which Kaulan nodded. “And you’re not a poor girl either.” Kaulan stated, to which Ria rolled her eyes. He knows nothing about me, she thought bitterly, but held her tongue.
Their humble manor came into view once they turned the corner on their block, slowing as the rest of the guards came to a halt. Ria immediately saw it before one of the guards called Kaulan forward. The manor gates were wide open, her father’s household guards lay motionless on the pavement, and the doors and windows to their estate smashed.
“Xharrar Dor!” Shen cried immediately as he freed himself from the guards’ grip, stumbling towards their home to the aid of the unconscious captain. “Father!” Ria shouted, knowing full well his actions were unsafe given the circumstances. “Prepare yourselves,” Kaulan ordered strictly as they quickly followed after her father.
Shen fell to his knees and cradled his close friend in his arms. “There’s no blood,” one of the guards observed as he drew near, and Ria knelt beside her father and checked the captain for a pulse. A faint beat gave her a sigh of relief. “He’s alive,” Ria assured her father, and another of Kualan’s men confirmed this with the other unconscious guards. Kaulan turned to his men.
“Remain here and guard the entrance, do not let either of them out of your sight. I’m going to look inside,” he instructed them, briefly glancing at Ria before he unsheathed his daggers and slowly approached the main doors. Ria’s gaze fell to the pavement, where she stared at the still guards. Old Mei… she thought with worry, and the two servant girls as well, she could not stand by and do nothing.
She knelt down and snatched one of her father’s guards’ swords before joining Kaulan’s side. The boy hesitated a moment, but for one reason or another, he allowed it with little dispute. The two crept towards the entrance, analysing the doors for any traps before entering. When they were satisfied, they slowly walked through, both checking the adjacent doorways before splitting.
While Kaulan searched the first level, Ria crept upstairs to inspect the living rooms. She slipped off her shoes to maintain her stealth, and raising the sword above her shoulder and pointed, ready to lunge or strike down at any intruder she encountered.
She first checked the rooms of the servant girls, and found them to be trashed and otherwise empty. The same result transpired for her father’s room and Old Mei’s, leaving just her own. She took in a deep breath before creeping to her room, the door left open ajar. She nudged it open fully, revealing a daunting scene which unfolded before her.
Her possessions lay scattered across the room, as if someone had metaphorically turned the place upside down. In the midst of it all, Old Mei rested against the bedpost with a look of shock on her face, yet otherwise completely uninjured save for a few grazes. “Mei,” Ria whispered with relief, lowering the blade and joining the old crone’s side. The woman coughed as she rubbed out her eyes.
“They took them!” Mei gasped, frantically grasping Ria’s arms in panic. Ria shook her head with confusion. “Who took who? What happened?” Ria asked concisely as Mei trembled in her arms. “Men, they came. Turned over the entire place looking for something, someone. They didn’t find it,” she said with some relief, now glancing into Ria’s eyes. “They took Chi-Chi and Si Ma. Said they’d come back for you as well if Shen didn’t pay them what was owed,” Mei claimed, to which she furrowed her eyebrows. “What has that silly boy done?” she asked with a timid tone, to which Ria shook her head.
“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out,” Ria claimed, her heartbeat slowing with relief as she noticed her hidden gear still concealed under the floorboards. She had never cared much for the servant girls, but in a way she had considered them like family, just as she had with Old Mei. If anyone could save them, it was her, and she did not have much time. Yet she did not know what she was getting into, and worse yet, she had no idea what her father had gotten himself into. She had her secrets, and she never doubted that he had his own, but at what cost? The price now was too heavy, and if she didn’t act soon, lives could be lost.
[Track the invaders] [Speak to Shen]
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Post by WildlingKing on Apr 9, 2019 14:56:29 GMT
[Speak to Shen] Hm, I think it is better to understand the situation fully before rushing after them. The servant girls were presumably taken as hostages to blackmail Shen into paying his debts, so their lives probably aren't in immediate danger. I wonder what's the deal with this Sham Shero creepily staring at Ria. Whatever it is, he'll clearly be trouble in the future. Btw, now that I'm caught up I was wondering if there's any type of characters you'd have a need for? There's plenty PoVs already so I'm not necessarily looking to make that type of major character, but if there are some storylines or locations where you could use more supporting characters I could perhaps make some
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Post by Tales93 on Apr 9, 2019 20:05:25 GMT
[Track the Invaders]
I'm not sure, but the servent girls might be in immediate danger. She might need to rescue them first, and then try to figure out what her father has gotten involved in. Plus, I fear if she tries to question her father; he might put her under his guards protection and she won't have a chance to rescue them.
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Stigz
Full Member
Vibe check.
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Post by Stigz on Apr 10, 2019 3:13:59 GMT
[Speak to Shen] Hm, I think it is better to understand the situation fully before rushing after them. The servant girls were presumably taken as hostages to blackmail Shen into paying his debts, so their lives probably aren't in immediate danger. I wonder what's the deal with this Sham Shero creepily staring at Ria. Whatever it is, he'll clearly be trouble in the future. Btw, now that I'm caught up I was wondering if there's any type of characters you'd have a need for? There's plenty PoVs already so I'm not necessarily looking to make that type of major character, but if there are some storylines or locations where you could use more supporting characters I could perhaps make some Characters, you say? That's always music to my ears! As far as what I need and what I want, the range is limitless. I'm always in dire need of characters for the Dawnguard, but most of those I will just have to make as I go. Otherwise there is still one PoV spot which I've been conceptualising for a while but haven't really been satisfied with my results when brainstorming, if that interests you; but to answer your question there is really no one space that I need characters as much as I need them everywhere xD. The submits are pretty barren for areas like Asshai, the Kingdom of Hyrkoon, N'Ghai, and of course the Five Forts. So there's a pretty large scope which I'm more than happy to cover in more detail over a PM if you like |
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Post by CM3434 on Apr 15, 2019 23:30:02 GMT
[Speak to Shen]I am now officially caught up! I had been planning on catching up for ever but hadn't got the chance too and I am very glad that I finally did! Reading the story has also gave me an idea a character or two which should be coming relatively soon if all goes well As far as the choice goes, I definitely agree with Wildling in that I don't see the girls lives being in danger right this second. Ria taking the chance to talk to her father first definitely seems like the best course of action for Ria to take before she decides what path she should take moving forward.
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Stigz
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Vibe check.
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Post by Stigz on Apr 16, 2019 5:27:58 GMT
[Speak to Shen]I am now officially caught up! I had been planning on catching up for ever but hadn't got the chance too and I am very glad that I finally did! Reading the story has also gave me an idea a character or two which should be coming relatively soon if all goes well As far as the choice goes, I definitely agree with Wildling in that I don't see the girls lives being in danger right this second. Ria taking the chance to talk to her father first definitely seems like the best course of action for Ria to take before she decides what path she should take moving forward. Chase! I'm super happy to see you're back, and with ideas for characters too? You're making me feel like Krusty Krab whenever he sees money XD I'd definitely be interested in hearing your ideas over a PM though if you're interested. There is also the possibility to perhaps move some of our original ideas to here rather than for the earlier anticipated sequel for my other story, but we can talk about that later Welcome back! |
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Post by CM3434 on Apr 16, 2019 22:19:46 GMT
Thanks, it's good to be back Callan! And well if you're feeling like Mr. Krabs then hopefully I don't disappoint XD And yeah of course, I'd be more than happy to discuss ideas over a PM. I will say though that one character I have in mind is going to be a surprise largely because I want to hear your thoughts once I have submitted him. Admittedly, I am not sure if he will be a very important one for the story but I really like the idea and I am sure you'll figure out a neat role for him |
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Post by GMS Freeman on Apr 17, 2019 11:58:36 GMT
[Speak to Shen]
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Post by LiquidChicagoTed on Apr 17, 2019 14:41:31 GMT
[Speak to Shen]
Oh snap, I can't help but be certain that this attack is somehow related to Ria's activities as Batman the Pale Lotus. And the thing is, whoever is behind this attack is obviously greatly skilled, considering they managed to overpower the guards without actually killing them. This is way more difficult than just stabbing them to death, so I have reason to believe that those behind this will be dangerous even for Ria. At the same time, them sparing the guards might hint at them not being simple thugs, so I also believe that abducting the servants is a ruse, to draw Ria out.
That being said, I greatly enjoyed this part. Ria's evening was exactly as awkward for her as I expected (and may I say, both Zeyan and Sham gave be bad vibes), but it was amazing. And a small victory, I don't think Shen got any closer to finding a suitable husband for his daughter. A shame it had to end with this incident though...
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Stigz
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Vibe check.
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Post by Stigz on Apr 30, 2019 2:30:03 GMT
Right, well I think everyone who is going to vote has voted, so I shall bring it to a close. Ria will go and speak to Shen about this whole ordeal before taking any action. This is a responsible approach, if her father has anything to offer it would be useful, on the basis that he would tell such things to his daughter. However it's also good not to go off disappearing just after such things have happened. I'll onto that little more in Ria's next part, but for now I have the next (small) part ready, which goes to Kali.
Now I just want to apologise about the long delays between parts, I was ready to write another three parts directly after the last, but was hindered not because of lack of inspiration but because of life at the moment. University is hectic at this time of year and I've now been upped to acting manager at work which is taking up a lot of my time. With the new season of Thrones being out though I'm in the peak of my enthusiasm and so keen to get back into writing WN consistently when uni comes to a break. Anyway, onto the recap!
The last time we saw Kali she had arrived at the port of Tiqui with her brother, Driznor, and their guide: Kreqnir (the brother of the Grand Steward of Yi Ti). Kali went off to the markets and bought two interesting looking stones while her brother sought out a brothel, and the two were scolded by Kreqnir for wandering off, of which later introduced them to two mercenaries: Sonq and Sarella Nym. It was later mentioned that Sarella was going to escort the Grand Steward to their base of operations to meet with Driznor, and Kali was advised to accompany Sarella, which she reluctantly did. The two did some talking and collected the Grand Steward as part of the plan, but as not part of the plan they were ambushed by an unknown force consisting of a giant brute, a Lost Merid, and a handful of people with quarterstaff's. The odds were not looking great from the start, but Kali managed to get the upper edge over the Lost Merid in one-on-one combat. Before dealing a final blow, she realised that Sarella and the Grand Steward were in trouble. You guys decided to leave the Lost Merid and assist them rather than finishing her off. This part picks up where the last left off.
Kaliza
The Ghiscari held her glare on the Lost Merid, their gaze locked as her opponent knelt at her mercy. In the background, Kali heard a shriek of panic from Sarella; the giant lifting her off her feet and dangling her in the air at the hold of her throat. Kali snarled at the assassin, hesitating before turning her attention to the YiTish.
Adrenaline surging through her veins, Kali’s feet moved under her, throwing herself at the beast of a man with a cracking war cry. The giant turned his gaze on the young Ghiscari just in time to throw the back of his hand at her face in retaliation, knocking her to the ground, but in turn releasing Sarella from his grasp.
Kali quickly came to her feet, now gaining the full attention of the brute as she twirled the heavy blade in her fingers. He was hideous to gaze upon, the right of his face sizzled to the flesh, with the remainder of his body being as pale as a ghost; save for his scruffy black hair, which fell freely to his lower back. He flashed a grimacing grin, revealing the few decaying teeth left in his gaping mouth as he took his battle axe to hand.
The Ghiscari girl easily dodged the first swing of the giant’s axe, throwing her fist to his temple in return; a retaliation she immediately regretted. The brute threw down his axe in a primordial rage and turned on her, catching her forearm as she swung her blade at him and forcing it out of her hand. With his off-arm he brought down a thundering fist of might to her chest, and she immediately felt a crack in her collarbone that made her yelp.
He grasped her by the neck and tossed her into the adjacent building’s wall, leaving her gasping for air as she tried to gather her senses. Behind the giant she saw Sarella desperately trying to hold off the quarter-staff servants, but she could tell they were overwhelming her. Beside her, the Grand Steward was being detained and watched helplessly as his escort were overpowered.
Kali returned her gaze to the ground, doing her best to pull herself up, but that aid was soon given by an unwanted hand. Now taking his hands around her neck, Kali felt his tight grip crushing around her throat, closing off her windpipe. She squirmed desperately in his mercy as she stared fearfully into his cold brown eyes, grasping her his hands to try and free herself.
She dropped her hands and fumbled them hopelessly by her side, reaching for where her khopesh would have dangled on her sash, she felt a ray of hope as her fingers caressed the hilt of the small dagger Sarella had mockingly gifted her earlier. Without another moment to lose she freed the dagger from her sash, grasping it firmly in her hands and plunging it into his belly.
He groaned and freed her, stumbling back as he analysed what had just transpired, and Kali was given a chance to catch her breath. As he went to free it from his body, Kali darted towards him, her hands finding the hilt of the blade first and thrusting it further into his bowels, making him growl in agony. The adrenaline running through Kali distracted her from the throbbing in her chest, and without hesitation she pulled free the dagger and aimed it at his heart, and would have succeeded in striking it were it not for the large hand that lodged itself in the way.
The giant let out an enraged growl, backhanding Kali’s cheek back into the dirt before he clutched the gaping wound in his belly. Kali attempted to get up and finish the job, but the quarterstaff’s this time held her down, pommelling down on her like a thousand beating fists. She curled into a ball, lifting her hands to guard her face and immediately began to feel her collarbone throb harshly in retaliation. She was beat, and the pommelling continued.
She had trusted they would be safe in this new place, that she and her brother would be able to bide their time before one day returning back to their old home, or perhaps never. Yet now that had been ripped away from her, along with everything else, and she would find her end with her blood staining the roads of a foreign city, attacked by a foreign mob, in the attempt to protect a foreigner. She screamed in agony, in the pain that was inflicted on her, and in anger of how stupid she had been. She screamed, and they screamed with her.
A hundred screams, of men and women, rallied to her, and the pommelling stopped. More screams echoed, screams of fear and death. A voice in Kali’s head screamed at her to get up, to flee, to survive, but all that fight had left her. All she could do was try to open her eyes, and as she did, she saw bodies falling before her, around her, everywhere. Her vision spun with disorientation, and soon her gaze was swallowed by darkness.
-
Darkness, a cruel existence which plays no role in existing at all. She had lost her sight, her eyes had closed shut, or something was covering them. Yes, that was it. She could smell the damp sheets covering her face, and she could taste the blood that seeped in her mouth. Such senses were irrelevant, the only things she could trust now was what she could hear, and what she could feel, and she did not like either.
She felt pain like she never had; in her collar, her face, her whole body. What wasn’t broken or missing was certainly bruised, and if she could talk she would yearn for her brother, but she could not even scream; and so the pain welled up silently within her. What else she felt that was not pain was motion, smooth and swift, pulling her gently around corners and down paths she could not see. Yet her ears gave her all the direction she needed.
“How could you let this happen?” a familiar voice exclaimed with trembling anger, the voice she knew to be her brother. “We weren’t to know this would happen, Lord Rakhan,” another voice replied, one which Kali did not recognise, but assumed to be YiTish given the accent. “What matters is she is alive, as well as my brother and Sarella. That would not have been the case were it not for the Jade Companions,” another voiced stated, which she recognised to be Kreqnir, the shipmaster and brother of the Grand Steward.
“You’re welcome,” a cocky voice chimed in, to which Kali could feel her brother’s anger seething. “You’re welcome?! You’re fucking welcome? I’ll show you a warm Ghiscari welcome you piece of shit!” her brother spat, and what transpired next she could not see, but she could picture without issue. “That’s enough!” Kreqnir growled, her brother groaning in audible restrain as the Jade Companion chuckled.
“Keep working on that throwing arm, Ghiscari,” he quipped, and the final member of their group roared in frustration. “Silence!” he ordered, and the Jade Companion quickly found the clamp for his tongue. “Kreqnir, take Master Driznor to his chambers, please. Alkiiri and I will deliver his sister safely to the medical bay, where she will be well-treated for her wounds,” the man emphasised in exclaim, to which Driznor lost his temper.
“I won’t forget this, Mao!” Driz threatened, but the old man remarked to his brother in a passive tone, “Nor will I,” he mumbled in assurance, to which then Kali assumed she waved them off, and the motion resumed, pulling her around a corner. The remainder of the trip went on in silence, and felt like it lasted a lifetime before the travel came to a halt, and delicate hands gently came to her aid.
“Thank you again for your service, Commander,” Mao exchanged to Alkiiri with gratitude. “You know you and your troops have a place in my home for as long as you want it,” he added, to which the Jade Companion replied plainly. “The pleasure was all ours, Your Grace. Were it not for my scouts recognising Sarella I’d say the Empire would be down one eunuch,” he quipped loosely, to which Mao sighed.
“Lose the formalities, you know it does little to flatter me,” Mao stated, and Alkiiri let out a cold chuckle. “How else should I refer to the King of Crime, your Grace? Your Majesty?” Alkiiri queried with a mocking tone, to which the old man groaned with minor annoyance. “Enjoy yourself to my home. I’ll reconvene with you tonight,” he stated, patting his shoulder and sending him off. He then let out a sigh, assumedly taking a seat and signalling a nurse.
“I want our best working on her, I need her recovered as soon as possible,” he stated, to which the nurse gave an obedient response. “Also take a meal to the girls, I’m sure they’re petrified after last night’s ordeal,” he added, to which the nurse gave the same response.
Silence then fell over the room, and felt only the soft hands working away at her body. Wet patches were applied to her body, soothing her muscles and making her drowsy. It was not long before she felt her head spin and lose consciousness again. “We’ll have you back to work in no time.”
No decision.
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Post by LiquidChicagoTed on May 2, 2019 1:23:33 GMT
Oh my, that went unexpectedly bad. I mean, I expected things to go south, but not so bad as they ultimately did. Kali's lucky she's still alive, though we don't know how badly she is injured. The implication is she'll fully recover, but still, it seems like she could have very easily gotten seriously injured or even died, which means I fully get why Driz is so angry here. That being said, this brief glimpse of something Kali saw, it caught my attention. Was that a vision? Seemed extremely brief, so it might have just been her seeing things because she was beaten to near-death at the time, but still, I can't help but feel like this is going to be relevant at some point in the future.
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Post by WildlingKing on May 2, 2019 10:10:04 GMT
Well, that was quite a beating, for sure. And for a second there I thought Kali had actually gone blind, but thank the gods that wasn't the case. I'm interested to see what exactly have the Rakhan siblings gotten themselves into in Tiqui. Oh, and btw that character I last talked about in PMs is almost ready, I should get it submitted very soon |
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Stigz
Full Member
Vibe check.
Posts: 150
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Post by Stigz on May 14, 2019 2:44:31 GMT
Remi
The words wouldn’t leave his lips as his eyes remained fixed on the carcass of the Shryker, but unsurely he gave the Governess-General a firm nod; which brought her visible relief. “Thank you,” she uttered, pulling the silk sheet back over the beast’s carcass; which had already begun the ecdysis process. Remi stared aimlessly at the sheet before lifting his gaze, his eyes meeting with those deep purple gems that he had once fallen in love with; long ago. He let out a sigh, taking a step back and bowing his head.
“If that is all, I think I will retire,” Remi stated plainly, to which he noticed her hesitate briefly before nodding. “Rest well, we shall depart for Stygai at dawn,” Xiang informed him, making the Bloodstone Prince smirk as he reached for the door. “I couldn’t think of a more appropriate time of departure,” Remi remarked with mockery, not awaiting a response before taking his leave.
Remi let out a sigh of relief, resting the back of his head against the door as he shut it, and closed his eyes. He wondered if it had been a mistake volunteering to come here in Mulan’s place, as he had now got himself caught up in something he was not sure he wished to partake in. Regardless, Xiang had made a fair point, and if he could ease his sister’s load in any way, Remi knew it was his duty to do so. I can’t back out on her now.
As he opened his eyes, he noticed the warm gaze of Ming Qiu, his missing teeth flashing with his big smile. “What’re you doing here, old man?” Remi queried with a warm tone, pushing himself away from Xiang’s office and joining the elder by the railing that looked far below to the distant ground floor of the Fort. Far way to fall, Remi thought with discomfort as he shied away from the edge.
“Admiring the view,” he answered laconically, to which Remi smirked. “Perhaps you’d be less appreciative of said view if you were plummeting towards it,” Remi japed, to which the old man rolled his eyes. “Mock me with your words boy, it is little wonder your father didn’t train you to follow in his footsteps,” Ming retaliated playfully, to which Remi sighed, uncomfortably peering down the thousands of feet to the bottom of the fort.
“Thanks the Maiden for that,” Remi remarked, shying away from the ledge and slowly beginning to head for his chambers, allowing the old man enough time to catch up with his pace. “I take it the Governess-General had something meaningful to say?” Ming presumed, to which Remi nodded. “She did,” Remi acknowledged, and he noticed a scowl of frustration coat the old man’s face, encouraging the Bloodstone Prince to further elaborate.
By the time they had reached Remi’s chambers, the prince had just about covered all that had transpired in the meeting, which left the old advisor silent for a moment in his ponder. “The Temple of the Rising, that is a place I thought I had completely shunned from my ancient memory,” Ming admitted, raising a curious eyebrow on Remi’s forehead. “You know of it?” Remi queried, to which the old man reluctantly nodded.
“The Temple of the Rising is the home to a monkhood that worship dark and ancient faith predominant to the Shadowlands, a faith unknown to most common scripture,” Ming claimed, peaking Remi’s interested as he beckoned for the man to continue. “It’s a very dichotomous religion, not focusing so much on deities rather than the mortal cycle of life and death. The monks are considered as prophets of pestilence, tasked with ensuring that life and death are balanced; it wouldn’t surprise me if they were behind this whole Grey Plague,” Ming muttered, which furrowed Remi’s eyebrows.
“How can that be?” Remi questioned with visible confusion, to which the old man only chuckled and shook his head. “I’m sure you’ll have time to ask them while they’re extracting your blood,” Ming japed, to which Remi rolled his eyes. “Goodnight you old fool,” Remi bid in farewell, and Ming dismissed his bicker with a wave of his hand, bringing a smirk to Remi’s lips.
The Bloodstone Prince entered his chambers, which were considerably basic in comparison to that which he inhabited in Tiqui. There he had an entire atmosphere that reflected his grand adventures: a long bow from the Summer Isles, a black goat token from the forests of Qohor, a spider silk carpet from the Kingdom of Sarnor, an arakh from a fallen Dothraki, and the skull of the killer crocodile from Valyria. The very thought made a shiver run down Remi’s spine.
In comparison, the Fort’s chambers were dimly lit with candlelight, an arrow slit serving as the only source of natural light for the room. Within the room consisted of a single bed, a storage trunk, a desk and a washing basin. The Bloodstone Prince let out a heavy sigh, feeling the lengths of their journey catching up with him as his sigh was quickly followed by a yawn. He untied his travelling gowns, slipping his undershirt over his head and stripping off his pants after kicking off his sandals.
He plummeted into the uncomfortable bed, groaning as he stretched his aching muscles and tried to adjust to the smell of the sheets. He had found himself sleeping in worse.
-
Twilight had set across the swamps of the Valyrian farmlands as they trudged silently through the shadowy marsh. Remi’s breath was uneasy, he held the gift of his father firmly, yet unsurely, in his hand. It fine-edged blade, forged by the best smith of the royal Tiqui district, and twin to no other in balance and swiftness. It was a fine weapon, and one that far exceeded the skills that Remi possessed. He only hoped he had the will to use it if the time came.
His glance moved across the two dozen in the timid group. Many were just farmers, armed with axes, pitchforks and a belly full of ale for courage. Only a few among them were true fighters, but skill in the sword would count for little in this territory. Here they hunted a beast triple their size, and with a hide so tough no common arrow could pierce it. No, they were forced to deal with this beast with iron and steel, and it knew they were coming.
Remi looked to the men and women who he had been drinking and cheering with only hours ago in the local tavern, and he did not anticipate his night would end knee-deep in muddy waters. At the head of the group led two knights, one of Andal origin and the other a local; Ser Vesemir Nightstar and Ser Nithral Raeltheon, the proud glorious sons of Ser Loren Nightstar of Andalos. Both were armed with steel longswords, a lamb tucked under the Valyrian’s free arm, their gazes scanning the marsh for movement.
By Remi’s side was the only man of the group that was as foreign as he, if not more so. Amory Dayne: the sellsword King of the Torrentine, or perhaps only the former now, held a firm glare on the back of the man in front of him. His white-silver hair falling to his shoulders, and his eyes resembling the amethyst colour of his sister’s. Remi frowned as he gazed upon them, growing nostalgic of his sister’s memory; he wished he could be with her now.
Ahead of the group, Nithral raised his hand in motion for them to hold. Remi swallowed the lump in his throat as he grasped his sword with a firm grip, glancing at the marsh waters that surrounded them. He saw nothing. The night was calm, the atmosphere humid and the marshland alive with the cricketing bugs and night bird chirps, but the swamp was silent with life.
Remi looked ahead of the group to witness the Valyrian toss the young lamb a few metres ahead of where they stood, the two knights then adopting a warrior’s stance. Murmurs amongst the group silence in anticipation, and the Bloodstone Prince gulped as their eyes watched the shuddering lamb panic in the deep waters. “Take the bait, dammit!” one of the shepherds muttered with an anxious tone, gaining a disapproving glare from the Dayne. “Shut your mouth, Garys,” another farmed uttered with a hushed tone, to which the young farmer shook his head.
“Fuck this!” he screamed, backing away from the group with a fearful glance. “Fall back in line!” Vesemir shouted in order from the front of the group, but Garys was already on his way. “Garys!” Another farmer cried with frustration, stopping the young man a moment as he turned in retaliation. “You fucks have no-” he shouted, and Remi’s eyes widened in horror as they all witnessed what cut Garys off from finishing his sentence.
The size of the beast’s skull alone was as fair as old Doron’s largest, most prized, sheep. The old farmer of mention dropped his pitchfork in shock as he began to back-step into the safety of the group. Remi unexpectedly found himself at the forefront of the now shifted group, the croc moving its attention to him now. The Bloodstone Prince gulped as he stared at Garys’ flesh lodged in the gator’s teeth, his blood staining the waters as the beast began its approach towards Remi. His heart stopped with fear, and the beast took his lunge at him.
-
“You still with us, Bloodstone Prince?” queried the noble voice of his cousin, Prince Jingim, ripping Remi from his sleep. He lifted his gaze, remembering his surroundings as he let out a large yawn. The restful motion of his steed’s pace must have put him to sleep, he confessed that early mornings were not his finest hour.
The First Sentinel was donned in his finest armor, unlike the exo-structure of the Dawn Guard’s common design, Jingim wore heavy plated steel, much like the Dawn Guard of all. “Still here,” Remi muttered graciously, thankful to have been awoken from his reoccurring dream, but longing for his rest. The First Sentinel gave him a nod.
“Your escort chose not to join us to Stygai?” Jingim pondered with little emphasis on starting a conversation, to which Remi stretched his shoulders and shook his head. “No, I figured Shao and Chen would be of better use back in Tiqui. I have the Dawn Guard and the old man to keep me enough company,” Remi stated lightly, finding old Ming riding ahead by the side of the Governess-General. Prince Jingim raised an eyebrow to this, but lacked the interest to further it with questions.
“What you have agreed to is a good thing, cousin. I know it seems odd, but you may yet just save us all,” Jingim claimed, to which Remi smiled apathetically “As I naturally do,” he jested with a dying interest. He did love his cousin, but his nobility and solemn nature made him a terribly sombre person to converse with at times. At this hour of the day, Remi had little interest in conversing either.
He rode forward to join Ming and Xiang’s side, the former greeting him with a nod while the latter stared dead ahead. “How long until we reach this temple of yours?” Remi queried with a hint of impatience, making the stern Governess-General sigh. “Do you have somewhere better to be, Bloodstone Prince?” Xiang Wuhan queried with a mocking tone, to which the Bloodstone Prince shrugged.
“In a warmed chamber with a good book and a cup of wine, perhaps,” he suggested, evoking a roll of the eyes from the Governess-General. “If we keep the pace we shall arrive to Stygai by the break of night. I have troops garrisoned there, but most will be mobilising to Asshai before we arrive,” Xiang stated, to which Remi raised an eyebrow. “What are the Dawn Guard doing in Stygai, or the Shadowlands at all?” Remi queried, which led to a frown forming on Xiang’s face.
“They are there because our oath demands us be there,” Xiang stated laconically, and Remi smirked in response. “Oh? I thought your oath demanded you guard five grand towers from the beginning of dawn to end of time?” Remi challenged in jape, to which the Governess-General sighed in acceptance of his challenge. “Dawn Guard! What is our role?” she cried, and the rallied riders answered to her bidding in unison.
“We are the First Line of Defense, the Guardians of the Living and the Saviours of the People,” they returned in revision of part of their oath. Xiang side-glanced to Remi with a mischievous smile. “For a lover of history, you don’t seem to know much about our ancient order, Prince,” the Governess-General claimed with a victoriously condescending tone, but Remi was not so easily defeated. “No, I am afraid I did not give much of my attention to the fiction aisle of the Tiqui library,” he japed, leaving Xiang with a bitter gaze.
“My troops are garrisoned at Stygai to provide quarantine for the people of the Shadowlands; and with any newfound knowledge, medically treat the greyscale epidemic. However the Plague is not falling short and we are having to take action. The Dawn Guard will eradicate the Grey Plague one way or another,” Xiang claimed, her tone speaking with a dark premise which made Remi’s eyes widen.
“You’re speaking of genocide!” Remi realised, to which Xiang regretfully shut her eyes. “The Fire Priests of Asshai have already began cleansing the city without our sanction. The Dawn Guard has held the quarantine border lining the Shadowlands seemingly without the Dawn Empire’s knowledge. Who are you to judge how we handle these matters when you neglect the last remaining province aligned to your Empire,” Xiang spited, and Remi shook his head.
“The matter has been discussed again and again in court!” Remi argued, to which Xiang rolled her eyes. “Your court is full of nothing but bickering nobles and senseless councillors. All this talk, and where as the Dawn Empire’s aid been?” Xiang muttered, and Remi’s tongue clamped with silence as he looked to Ming to assist him.
“My Lady, the Great Empire of the Dawn is in its own strife. Until Mulan’s ascension, very little can be done,” he argued in Remi’s defence, but his words flew over her head as if they were never said. “Leave me, Prince. We shall reconvene once we arrive at Stygai,” she stated with a stern tone, to which Remi looked at Ming with a confused expression, and the old man only shrugged in response. “As you say, Governess.” Remi obediently slowed his steed, letting the Dawn Guard pass him and Ming until they were at the rear of the group.
He looked at the white escort with a troubled mind. What if Xiang was right? Their empire was weakening, there was no doubt about it, but if they couldn’t even support their own… Their foundations would crumble from within. Remi knew it was not his issue, he was not to be the emperor, but he feared for his sister. Reluctantly, he and Ming followed on.
No decision.
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Post by WildlingKing on May 15, 2019 18:07:29 GMT
Well, Remi remains a very likable character. I sure hope nothing bad happens during this trip to Stygai to change that *sweating nervously*
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Post by Tales93 on May 15, 2019 18:22:14 GMT
It's interesting to see Remi's mindset in his parts. Especially, considering what he does in the future. Also, he dreamed of himself helping valyrians confront a dragon. So far, this hasn't happened. I wonder if he has precognitive abilities regarding his dreams. Maybe, he does help them later.
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Post by CM3434 on May 16, 2019 23:47:22 GMT
Ah Amory, I definitely did not expect to see him this soon! When we talked you said you were thinking next chapter so safe to say I was surprised to see him here in dream form Safe to say that I am intrigued to see where he turns up again! As far as the part goes, I definitely enjoy Remi's character and hope this trip to Stygai goes smoothly. Great part! |
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Stigz
Full Member
Vibe check.
Posts: 150
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Post by Stigz on May 17, 2019 1:53:49 GMT
Ah Amory, I definitely did not expect to see him this soon! When we talked you said you were thinking next chapter so safe to say I was surprised to see him here in dream form Safe to say that I am intrigued to see where he turns up again! As far as the part goes, I definitely enjoy Remi's character and hope this trip to Stygai goes smoothly. Great part! Eh I figured a little tease wouldn't hurt  |
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The new part will go to Mulan, our Empress in distress, and I'll get onto a recap in a second. Back onto the matter at hand however. As I mentioned I am working and at uni, so my time now for writing is limited. I'm not sure how often I'll be doing this, and I do apologise. I likely won't be returning to the Invasion for a little while for this reason and others. Onto the recap:
