King and Country

Sith

Really Experienced
Joined
Mar 28, 2000
Posts
254
Setting:

The kingdom of Elbonia is a small kingdom in the southmost part of a peninsula, ruled by Morbius, a paladin. To the Northeast its neighbour is the war-kingdom of Ku-athra, ruled with an ironfist by the tyrannical Kuathra himself. To the Northwest it is the kingdom of Daleland, ruled by an old grey mage, whom no one has seen in many years, and is known only as 'The Grey One'. Daleland is always having some petty dispute with Ku-athra, and Elbonia receives the consequences.

Elbonia has only two ports of importance, the rest of the coast is too rugged for ships. The capital is also called Elbonia, a port city with an impressive Cathedral at the centre, where paladin Morbius resides.

Daleland is covered mainly in forests. Its high magic has allowed it to defend itself from its aggressive neighbour, but the unknown status of its king makes it difficult.

Ku-athra is the typical Mongol land, Kuathra being a kind of Genghis Khan (note the difference in the '-' in the land, no '-' in the king's name), but with a very special code of honour.

The gods of the land have firmed a non-intervention pact between them. They still give spells to their followers, but they wont intervene directly (so no Gods here, please).

Elbonia is a land of freedom, so please don't manipulate other characters too much. It's ok for them to answer how the player more or less would, but much more could be considered interference...
 
King Morbius was standing looking out the window in the cathedral tower, his hands locked at his back, his thoughts as far away from here as his eyes where looking. The kingdom could be in trouble. A scout came just that morning and had said that Ku-athra was massing an army near the frontier with Daleland, and also near his kingdom's, Elbonia, border. He could hear the town crier starting to read his latest edict. He thought there could still be hope.

The town crier started reading the edict:
"Hear ye all. As of this day our good king Morbius has offered a huge monetary reward and his blessings to a group of daring people who accept a peace mission to Ku-athra and Daleland as envoys from Elbonia. Qualified individuals should apply. King Morbius will meet you at the main chapel in the Cathedral as of now, where the exact conditions of your mission will be stated."

Now the wheel had been set in motion. He started down the stairs that took to the chapel. Any time soon some adventurers would appear, and maybe a genocidical war could be averted...
 
The man walked into the cathedral, dust from his traveling cloak falling onto the gleeming floor. Ignoring the servents
who were cleaning the floor behind him, he lounged against the wall. As was his custom, he had arrived first, the better to judge his potential new companions.

The Lord Chamberlain, an elderly , balding figure came up to the man, who calmly raised one eyebrow. "Sir, if you are here for the peace mission, I must have your name and talents to report to the king" the Lord Chamberlain said. "Very well", the man replied, " I am Brzen, and you can put me down as an information and item retreval specialist." "That would be a thief than, Sir?" asked the Lord Chamberlain, with a disapproving look. "I suppose you could view it that way."

Brzen leaned back and sneered at the opulence of the Cathedral as he waited for the rest of the applicants. All of this money wasted on a useless place of worship. Bah, give him a good alehouse instead. Still if the money was right , this mission could still be worth it. It shoudl be interesting to see who else applies.
 
Morbius, darl-ling!" A sing-song voice rang through the hall, cutting the king out of his melenchony. The voice's owner pulled his into the room at the bottom of the stairs, and kissed him happily.
"Putulia," he said distantly. "What have I told you about inturrupting me during- during..." he was going to finish by add "during everything," but that would hurt his Queen's feelings. It wasn't that he hated his wife; on the contrary, he loved her very much. But her idea of politics was to give everyone tea and crumpets and talk politely about the weather. ("If all else fails in a conversation, talk about the weather.")
"Nonsense, darling. Now, have you thought of any good choices to decide on Mariette's husband? I gave Alfred a message to send to you."
Suitors? He frowned; Alfred did not tell him anything. But he thought of his elderly head butler trying to get up the stairs to tell him and realised the message's lateness.
"Isn't Baby a little young to be married off?"
"Nonsense. She's a growing girl of sixteen. Blossoming, I might add. Has her father's nature and her mother's looks."
Sitting down, Putulia helped herself to some tea. A maid eye's popped open as she served herself without her help.
"Still, she is young."
At that moment Mariette entered, finding her father's voice.
"Father, mother won't let me learn war tactics. I said YOU could," she added slyly.
"Nice of you to speak of me highly, Marietta darling," said the queen. She held a cream cake daintily in her hands.
"Oh. Hello Mother." She faced her father, face and clothes covered in mud, a blunt practise sword in her hand.
"Baby, please." The king implored with his hands. "Settle down. You're a grown woman now..."
Marietta paced the floor. "Oh, I know what comes next; you want me to marry that ogre of a man just to settle the diference 'tween Ku-athra and Elbonia. I'm not stupid." She threw her sword on her floor and tossed her white-blond hair like a mare. The king blinked. It was an option, and he had thought of it, but to sacrifice his own daughter...?
"Calm down, daughter. You will obey your father." Petulia reached for another cream cake, her hand on her widening girth.
"I will not!" With eyes sparking fire, Marietta stormed out the room and stomped to her bedroom.
Morbius sighed.
"She has your temper, love." Petulia tapped the sofa for her husband to sit down next to her.
"Hmmph."
"Will you marry her to Kuathra's son?" Petulia frowned; she wanted her daughter to be happy- even if it was to be an arranged marriage.
"I do not know; but such an alliance will strengthen the peace process."
Petulia mused for a moment. "What about Pierce?"
"Love, he is only fifteen!" Morbius thought of his heir for a moment.
"But that Daleland's eldest princess is very pretty, so I'm told." Petulia sniffed daintily and held her husband's hand. What was it...? Seventeen years they have been married? Seven children peppered those years. Petulia sighed happily at memories.
"Daleland's oldest princess is 23." Rising to leave, he pecked his wife on the cheek. "I will leave you, now. I will see if the chapel has any adventurers have taken my offer." As he left his wife, his thoughts brooded him once more...
 
Vixen smoothed down the deep blue dress that was cut low at the bossom revealing the smooth soft skin of her cleavage. The sleeves were in keeping with the current fashion, with long sleeves that opened up loosely at the cuffs. The skirt was long and flared slightly from her hips. The waist was tight and revealed her curvey frame to advantage. Her long dark hair was coiled fashionably into a pile of seemingly haphazard ringlets away from her face, it left her neck bare but for a simple silver necklet with a small Amethyst pendant hanging from it falling just between the jutting of her collar bones. From her ears hung small matching earings.

She sauntered into the Chapel confidently. The rich material of her clothing swished as her hips swayed, it was unclear if she realised the sexy appeal her movements had. She stood in the centre of the room and glanced over her shoulder at the well-travelled man. She flashed him a smile revealing perfect white teeth that gleamed. Her warm brown eyes sparkled with mischief. She opened her purse and pulled out a silver coin, and flicked it into the air, catching it again. She did this over and over, the movement seemingly habitual for her.

The balding Lord Chamberlain approached her. "M'Lady, you are aware that this is the meeting for applicants to the peace mission to Ku-athra and Daleland." He smiled at her as if she were a simple woman who was lost. Vixen fixed her warm brown eyes on him. The expression there was hard and cold. "Sir, before you insult me again, might I suggest you take down my name and qualifications?" Her voice was calm and clear. It was sweet sounding and melodic, but the steel behind the words were unmistakable. The Lord Chamberlain looked taken aback, but recovered quickly.

His pen poised to write, "Trinity Diamonte, but I prefer Vixen when I travel, put down... hmmm..." she glanced down at the coin in her palm... "entertainer and... " she paused again, her stance shifted slightly... suddenly she spun lightly on her feet and flung out her hand. The movement was quick and brief, she was almost immediately standing before the Lord Chamberlain again. However directly behind her a large rat was skewered by a single slender blade. She smiled becomingly, as if nothing had happened. "I'll leave my specifics up to you shall I?"

The Lord Chamberlain seemed unable to recover from his shock. She giggled like a young girl and patted him on the cheek, which woke him up from his shocked stupor. "Errr, yes... I'm... sure I have everything... thank... you..." He walked off to find the next applicant.

Vixen's smile faded. She walked over to the shrine at the end of the Chapel. She kneeled smoothly, and bowed her head, clasping her hands before her. She seemed to be praying. She stood after a few moments and flicked the coin which landed in the donation bowl. She inspected her nails which were short and neat. Then she took a seat at a pew and waited to see who else would arrive.
 
The Chapel door swung open quickly slamming into the wall
startling the two would be envoys. A man boldly strolled
down the aisle toward the Lord Chamberlain. He wore loose red blouse and trousers, blue traveling coat and boots.
His beard and hair were black and thick. As he passed them the traveling man laughed and the woman smiled. The man stood barely four foot tall. The small mans voice boomed loudly. "Lord Chamberlain. I am known as Mansard. I've come to serve the King."

The old Chamberlain looked down on the man and smiled.
"Sir, what quailfications have ye for this mission?"
"I'll discuss my application with the King!" The small man
meet the Lord Chamberlains stare. Several minutes passed in silence.

"As you will Sir." The Lord Chamberlain spoke. "But be aware the King is not to be trifled...."
"Trifled! Sir I'll have you know I served 'The Grey One'
himself for ten years." Mansard turned, walked to the front pew and sat crossing his arms. His feet swinging above the floor.
 
Roland:sauntering into the church..i was surprised to find..an old friend....i decided i would surpriser
i covered up and walked almost old-man like to the donation bowl...bringing out my dirtyest coin i accted like i was praying as if i needed to and quietly walked over to where she...Vixen..my old apprentice was sitting.....she said

"would you like to sit here sir?"

i knew she thought i was strange so i decided that the suspense was enough...

"Vixen my dear it is GOOD to see you again"

i will alwase remember the look of shock on her face

"Im baaaaaaack......"

while she was in shock the chamberlin came over and asked me what qualifications i had..

"i think i agree with that bearded man over there i will discuss my Resume with the king himself..But to satisfy his apitite..tell him i am known as a great sorcerer...I was one of the 4 who defeated one of his greatest rivals...Mikba... tell him that o frightened chamberlin..."

[Edited by Roland Gilliad on 07-10-2000 at 08:56 PM]
 
Vixen rested one elbow along the back of the pew and watched the short man enter the Chapel. She smiled, letting her chin rest in her hand. She already knew Roland, she still after all these years found his ego grating on her nerves. "Hello Roland," she said, "fancy meeting you here after all these years." She managed to appear surprised, but in actuality she wasn't, Roland always managed to be where the money was.

The short man looked strong, and Vixen noted the confidence with which he walked. She knew better than to underestimate him but, she couldn't help but think he was rather cute sitting there with his legs swinging.

She sighed and stood up, walking past Roland and over to the man leaning nocholantly against the wall. She stopped about two feet in front of him and regarded him carefully. She seemed completely unihibited as she slowly let her eyes take in his dress and demeaner. She smiled slowly and stretched out her hand. "Hello Sir, my name is Vixen, may I ask... " she cocked her head to the side clearly amused... "where did you get that fabulous cloak?" Her voice had a definite melodic quality to it.
 
Roland:"hey vixen"
i half yelled at her
"I am alwase where the money is aint I?"
i made a laugh and stetteled into the chair..i do think that her assistance will be helpful again..hmmm if im chosen..witch is almost certain considering my history.. then i will have to make it a point to make sure the king appoints her my partner..heh..just like old times..i did a quick scan of the room...looking in the unknown mortals mind for power,uncertanty or doubt...twas alot of doubt in the room..hm..who is that....entering the room there...Zeratul! why i havent seen him in years i better go say hi i got up and he noticed me and a big grin came on his face

"Zeratul you old rascal i shouldve known you would show up here! come come lets discuss old times!"
 
The chamberlain hit the ground with his boot, the echo resounding in the Cathedral.
"All hail our benevolent rulent, , defender of the weak, protector of the state, the great King Morbius the 1st, paladin of Elbonia." Announces the chamberlain.

Coming down the stairs is king Morbius, who looks for a moment at his chamberlain obviously thinking what he has told him so many times, to introduce him just as King Morbius.

King Morbius is a tall man, his raven hair falls over his back.
He is dressed with an impressive black gothic armour, his helmet under his arm. Over the black armour can easily be seen his golden holy symbol. At his side hangs Daemonkiller, his famed holy avenger sword.

He looks at the group scattered in the cathedral. He pauses before speaking in a well modulated voice.

"Welcome and thanks for your haste. This are troubled times, a war looms in the distance. War is not acceptable." As he speaks, his voice grows passionate. "A kingdom can only prosper when there is peace. Peace is acceptable."

He looks at the group. The chamberlain gets to his side and reads the list aloud, signaling with his head to the person named.

"The next people have arrived to take the quest:
-Vixen, entertainer, rat killer.
-Brzen, thief.
-Mansard, mage, ex servant to 'The Grey One'.
-Roland, mage, one of the 6 who killed Mikba.
-Zeratul... was just arriving when you entered, sir."

Everyone can see that the chamberlain has done some supositions that could be wrong, veiled by his prejudices.

"A capable group, as I see. Perfect. Maybe someone else will arrive whilst we talk." For the first time a smile shows in his face. "The objective of this mission is peace between our neighbouring countries. Forces of Ku-athra are massing near the border, no one has been able to tell me why. That is what I need to know to see what needs to be done. Can you tell me about you, what do you want to get from this mission, on top of good feelings?" thus said he waits patiently.
 
Roland:i guess ill awanser first...
"Sir" i stood up with my usual stance
"my name is Rolando Gilliad Son Of Seth Gilliad i come from Moonshade as you have already been told i am one of the 6 who defeated mikba...in the proficys the Scorpien as you will..my friend Vixen over there..assisted me in that little endevour.. As for what i want to get..it is quite simple sir..The King of Ku-athra i said to hold a great sword known only as The Royal sword or Nicknamed "KingStopper"i wish to have this sword for my own..as well as quite a bit of proper funding to get in make peace and get out undetected the ability to be undetected among the guards and peoples is as you may know quite useful...So if you DO know what is best for this mission i suggest you choose me and Vixen as two of your people as you will find we make quite the team.."
 
At that moment a crash of metal entered the large chapel, bounding echos right to the top of the spire.
"Opps- sorry... No it's alright, chamberlain; I can introduce myself..." Pierce, fifteen year old prince and heir to Elbonia tripped on his own sword and dropped his silver-washed helmet. The King shook his head in irritation and sighed. Roland stifled a giggle. Vixen hit him and glared her best glare for him to stop; Roland merely returned the look with a wicked grin.
"Pierce. What are you doing here?" Asked Morbius.
"Mother said it was a good idea. Said it would make a man out of me."
"Or kill him," muttered Vixen.
Pierce was more of a dreamer then a fighter, but when he was born, a shooting star erupted across the moonless night sky on the night of his birth. An omen, the priests said. He would be a strong, powerful ruler; right now he was neither.
To everyone's surprize, Morbius agreed. "Fine. I agree; it will make a man of you."
Pierce, it seemed, did not expect that answer; he's thought he was going to be escused. Vixen noted the widened eyes at his father's reaction.
"B-but..."
"Yes?" Morbius black eyes met pale blue ones and Pierce felt the very core of his heart feel icy.
"Nothing." With more fluid movements, Pierce hefted the sword into his sheath and put on his helmet. Vixen eyed him and saw through his deception; he was trained as a warrior- why the reluctance to go...?
He turned to Roland courtiously. "Thank you, Roland Gilliard." He fixed eyes on Vixen.
"Well, rat-chaser; do you do more then kill vermin?" Asked the King to Vixen. Roland laughed more freely now; Vixen turned to him and growled, which made her aquainted friend laugh even more.
"No, sire. I am a fully trained assassin. I-"
The chamberlain;s stick boomed across the chapel again. "PRE-senting the DAUGHTER of EL-bonia, first-born of The Most Noble King Morbius and the the Serene and Fair Queen Petulia, Princess Marietta." Marietta, in her dress-up warrior clothes, entered the chapel in a strop, her blunt sword in her hand.
"Daddy!" Roland held his sides from laughter; it was like being treated to a royal soap opera.
"If you don't control yourself, I'll do it for you," Vixen said with a glint in her eye, noticing his childish behavior.
"Promises, promises," whispered Roland back. He then looked at the etheral beauty that was Marietta and raised his eyes. Well, she was a beautiful lady...
"Baby, go. Or I'll take you to the borders and demand Kuathra marries you off to his son." He said in anger. Pierce, who like Roland was holding in his laughter, stopped. He recognised the tone of his fathers and backed away.
"You wouldn't, daddy!"
"Try me. You are an adult now, as you so often painfully remind me. A Princess at that. ACT LIKE IT."
Marietta bit her quivering lip. But she did not cry, to Vixen's surprize. She raised her head and glared back.
The Chamberlain's stick announced another arrival. "PRE-senting the fair and-"
"Yes, yes, they know who I am..." The rather large figure of Queen Petulia entered the room in a swirl of pink. Hands on hips, she to glared at her eldest child.
"For the Gods sake Marietta darling, leave your father alone. Go to your rooms and take off that ridiculous costume at once."
"But-"
"NOW." With a stomp, Marietta glared at Vixen like it was her fault (after all, she was a female trained in fighting arts- something she wanted to be.) and left the chapel. Pierce didn't have the audacity to giggle in front of his mother.
Sitting down on a pew, the Queen mopped her brow, messing up the neat decorations adorning her blond hair.
"Morbius darling, you aren't treating these warriors correctly, are you? Honestly." Rising, the Queen spoke to the bemused warriors. "Come, noble travellers. You must be famished! Follow me; I'll get Cook to rustle up a small something." The warriors followed; so did the King, shaking his head at his wife's hospitality.
"Darling, these are warriors, not visiting nobles," Morbius said in a hiss.
"Nonsense! They're humans. Even famous lengends get hungry." With an affectionate kiss on the cheek, Petulia took her husband's arm. Adding off hand, she announced: "By the way; I'm pregnant again," and strolled off to act hostess. Morbius blinked. Twice. In his state, he walked into his son.
"Dad? Are you OK?"
Morbius said nothing; he was more intent on getting this talk over with so he can decide who to take on the peace mission. But somehow his wife's news inturrupted his thoughts...
 
As the assembled warriors moved out of the cathedral, The guards moved to close the doors. Suddenly a hand fell on the left most guards shoulder. He jumped slightly and turned around, then frowed at the nondiscrept man he saw there. "I'm sorry, but passage into this area is reserved for the royal family and the peace party." Brzen raised one eyebrow, thought about trying to explain himself, then shook his head slightly and vaulted over the surprised guard's head, just before the door slammed shut. *I swear, sometimes this fade into the woodwork thing is more trouble than it's worth. Still, he who is not seen, is he who lives, and learns.*

Catching up to the rest of the group, Brzen raised his voice slightly to be heard over the others. "In answer to your question, Your Majesty, I am here in the hopes of obtaining two things: Money, and that far more valuable of commodities, information. I find that the more of it I have, the better off I am, and rare indeed is the person who has enough."
 
Vixen followed the King and his Queen ass they were led to their refreshements. She noted again the prince walking calmly, clearly quite comfortable with his weaponry, and from the way he held himself, probably quite used to the vigours of hard training.

She almost forgot about that other man, almost... he must be a brilliant thief she thought to herself. Roland was still chuckling and Vixen rolled her eyes. God he could be such a... a... a... well, man, she guessed was the word. She smiled at this thought. That ego of his, honestly, she was amazed someone hadn't tried to remove his head for him years ago. It was probably a testament to his skills as a mage that he had survived so long.

Finally they all reached the dining hall. Vixen strolled around the impressive table and looked up at several tapestries which lined the walls indicated various famous heroic deeds of past Kings. She smiled at the Queen noting the feminine way she had complete control of her King and everything that went on in her castle.

Idly, she took out a coin and started to toss it again...
 
Mansard jumping down off the pew, marches briskly following the King and Queen. He arches a eye brow as he gazes at Vixen. "Quite the lady," He mutters to himself. "Hmmm.."

As the group settles in the dining hall, He walks up to the King, stops sharply, bows and begins to speak. "Sire, my name is Mansard as was my Fathers and his....before him. In my years serving Daleville, in a......political nature, I have developed many contacts. I'm owed many favors. These may serve ye well with myself as your envoy. Either openly ...or covertly. For myself, I desire only to find "The Grey One.""

Mansard bows deeply and with a flourish turns and takes a seat facing the King.
 
Vixen smiles at Mansard's ubruptness. She liked directness in people. She herself noticed a beautiful harp in the corner. She wondered over to it and ran one slender finger along the strings. The sound was perfect. It was a finely tuned instrument.

She sat down and started strumming, a simple tune, common to the area and often sung during drunken parties. She didn't feel like talking... she wanted to know the details of this quest... and she found that while playing, she often heard what information she needed.

She continued to strum the strings lightly, the sound pleasant enough, and in the background, so as not to disturb the discussion to come.
 
Roland:so she knows how to play harp too? man she keeps me guessing when it comes to what she will do next...i guess i oughta make small talk with the king before dinner arrives
(in a low voice)

"well my leige you seem to have a bit of trouble keeping your daughter under control hmmmm? you see i have a great solution..send her with us...now dont go off listen to what i have to say here..tell her that if she comes with us and comes back then you will train her..but she wont come back..i will make absotivly sure he dosent, you see i have some 'Friends' that i can contact to give her some mock training..then when she least expects it..pow i can have her under control in no time flat....ah i see dinner is here pardon me i am starved i need a hearty meal if youll excuse me"

i sat up and got out my personal Knife witch i had aquired from my last job , it was a nice knife..encrusted with jewels and could double as a throwing knife now i need to EAT!
 
Morbius decided it would have been bad manners to imprison one of his guests whilst he was talking at the table. Was this guy as crazy as he seemed? He was telling this about his daughter to a man that was a king, and also a Paladin. His magic counsellor had told him first hand about the events in Mikba's castle, so he was more or less prepared for this.

With a very curt and dry tone he said "I'll go on with the first part of your plan. I'll allow her to go with the group, she has already begun the training as a Paladin, contradicting my orders, so she can take care. For the second part of your plan, here is the change in it: if she doesn't come back you die." This was all said in quite a polite tone, but the edge of ice was on his voice.

"To your wants, Roland, there is only one way you can get that sword without causing a war and all the hordes falling on you, and whatever lies behind your path. You want the sword, then run the Challenge of Heritage, which is very difficult, change your profession and become a full warrior, and change your heart to uphold the law. The sword can only be used by a pure warrior that is an absolute follower of law. You are neither..."

He then turned towards Vixen "So you are a friend of this ... man here. You say you are a trained assassin, as can easily be seen in the way you move. So here I give you this contract: Put your price for a contract on Roland's life, to be executed in case Marietta doesn't come back. If that is the case, bring me his head and his heart. I'll pay you 50% now, and if you sign a binding magical contract, you can keep it WHEN Marietta comes back. You can if you want give a percentage to your friend Roland."

"Brzen and Mansard, I do offer you the same contract. And I even offer part of it to you, Roland. If Marietta doesn't come back, you die, if she does, you take the money. Am I clear on this point?"

"About the mission, EVERYONE here will go, except for me. I'll send WeaponMaster Rorthrar, also a Paladin like myself but younger, Pierce's teacher, and I think the one that has been training Marietta against my orders, with you. He'll keep an eye on the group. We'll get in written form all the contracts to make sure everyone agrees and does what he or she has said."
 
Glorianna:

She waited until all were seated before approaching her uncle. She had come to live here almost ten years ago when her mother and father had died. Her Uncle Morbius had been crushed and had taken in the only child of his beloved brother. She looked like her mother with long chestnut hair and violet eyes, with her curvatious figure, but her mind worked like with a sharpness that suprised most men.

"Uncle Morbius? I would like a word with you."

Morbius smiled at his niece. "Yes Glori, what is it?"

Glori took a deep breath, "I would like to accompany them. I can help, act as a diplomat to our kingdom." She heard a few chuckles from the table and knew they were directed at her.

"Absoltutly not. My brother would turn over in his grave if he heard what you asked."

"But uncle, you know me. You have asked for my help at times. I have become what you have made me. At twenty years old, you have made me a diplomat. Please Uncle, I hate war, you know that. Please let me help stop the one brewing." She said no more. She did not whine or cry like her young cousins to get her way. Gloianna mearly stood there waiting for the king to answer.

Morbius looked at his niece. She was beautiful, but she was not a frail blossom. She had the strength of his brother, and her mind worked in ways he sometimes didn't understand. She was right though, she was a diplomat, he had made her that way.

"Pack your bags my dear. You will accompany the warriors, as a diplomat to the Kingdom of Elbonia."

She dropped into a throne-room curtesy. "Thank you uncle. I will take Jafar with me, and Maven. They will make the journey easier."

"I don't how I let you talk me into letting you tame that beast. He would have been a great warhorse, to bad no one can get on the damn thing but you. At least Maven is gentle to others. Beautiful creature that tiger."

Glori kissed her Aunt's cheek before taking her place beside her. "Good eventide Aunt."

"Hello Glori. I understand you are accompaning these good warriors on their journey."

"Yes Aunt."

"Not seemly for you to do so. Young ladies should be at home, sewing and singing and playing the harp."

Glori didn't respond. She had no head for those things. She and her Aunt had gone round and round about it. She had a mission to complete, and whatever it took, she would not let war reign.



[Edited by ShyGoddess on 07-12-2000 at 07:09 AM]
 
Roland: too direct roland...too direct....damnit..now i gott go with plan B...she'll come back all right...oh yes she'll come back..but not the real McCoy...a clone spell i have been working on will see to that..totaly obedeant she will be.heh heh heh too perfect....hmmmm..a warrior...prehaps a mage warrior..can alterthat sword..or maybe i dont have to use it..im getting only for a good friend of mine....A price on my head....i havent gotten one of those scince the days of Mikba..hmmm the king is a serious man....so ill tke that seriously......but who told him of the Mikba episode? Gardeen maybe? no he wouldnt talk...i certainly know Vixen wouldnt we made that promise when i trained her in magik....Sith....it had to be sith........Damn that snake man....damn him to bloody hell.....he would tell this man about me....raggh.....ok ok ok rolando..keep cool...just a minor setback...but a warrior...sounds intresting...follower of the law...even more so...and whoever said that a warrior cant have some natural magic...i knew a guy named ryu....he had more magic than most mages did but he once handeled the Royal Sword.....hmmmmi can keep some regular spells...like the shaddowwalk attack i got from sith..and a few other things.....hmmmmmmmm

"oh alright king, she'll come back in better condition than when she left.."
 
"Daddy daddy is it TRUE! Can I go?" Marietta stomped in the room in a most unladylike manner which caused her mother to protest.
"Yes, Marietta. And the Paladin that has been teaching you." Marietta stopped grinning and changed her facial expression to that of puzzlement.
"What teacher, daddy? I know what I know by watching you." She said sweetly.
"I am not a fool. I know your mother is somewhat... old fashioned in her approach to what women of the crown should do, but I think any royal member should learn at least how to defend themselves. Who is it?"
Marietta sighed and put her hands on her hips, the baby-doll facial expression leaving her face. "Tomat, the captain of the guard."
Pierce's eyes widened; that old cantakerous man, training his irritating sister?
"Thought so," added the King. "It's about time we got you some proper armor, too." With a squeal, Marietta jumped up and kissed her father gleefully.
"Morbius, I strongly disagree with this!" Started Petulia.
"Petulia. Darling. Calm down, in your condition too.." He went to his wife and soothed her, but both children of the crown caught the meaning of the "condition" their mother was in.
Eventually Petulia's pride bristled down and sighed and sat.
"I guess I am slightly old fashioned, but to see my little girl with a sword... a delicate thing like her..." Glorianna choked on her sandwidge and Pierce snorted loudly. Marietta...? Delicate? As if...
"And taking her straight into the arms of that... babarian," Petulia continued, describing Kuathra.
"I won't marry her off. I promise. I'd rather face a million Kuathras then face the brunt of your anger in not involving you in marriage arrangements..." Vixen smiled at the royalty's general affection. How she wanted to find someone like that to be with! Sometimes, when the world seemed too much like her enemy, she felt lonely.
With a clap of his hands, Morbius announced: "Time to prepare for our adventure!" The warriors got up. "I will meet you all in the chapel at dawn tommorow. We will leave without you if you do not come. Say goodbye to those you love. Have a good night," with that said he strolled out of the room, his wife on his arm, leaving the bemused warriors with their thoughts. The remaining royal members left alone, to a different room; they was much to talk about...
 
Roland"Damnit vixen....Damnit all to hell It had to be Sith..That doublecrossing backstabbing &%(&@#%$(@&$%&@!"
"he told them about the Mikba Episode..He had to have.....No other possible way....ErgggggggggAAAAAH!"

Vixen looked at him surprised
"Sheesh Roland Calm down i wouldnt kill you..i dont think i could kill you unless i did it behind your back..."

"yes vixen....but still.....why did sith talk....why? I thought we all had an agreement not to tell anyone about each other unless we talked to that person first...Grumble....ok...do you have lodgings in the city vixen?I guessed you did....i think i need to have a talk with my superior at the mages guild about this....i will see you all tomorrow....Sleep lightly vixen.....for this sounds like more than a peace mission....CHAMBERLIN!"

the chamberlin said"yes sir roland?"

"Chamberlin tell the king i may be a tad late tomorrow i need to arrange my horse and my equptment.... also tell him i can get his daughter custom fitted armor in less than a week ..... very strong and light stuff..oh yes.."i produced a small peice of painted wood
"this is where i will be staying...keep the address well.. now i must be off..."

i threw my cloak over my shoulders and picked up my sword from the table...i left the building with haste as i must talk to the mages guild immediatly..to see if i can weild the royal sword....>..
 
Brzen placed his feet up on the table and relaxed. There were certainly some unusual people in this peace mission. This should prove to be most interesting, and profitable as well. Standing up, he bowed to the rest of the warriors. "I am going off to the Royal Library to obtain maps and study our possible courses of travel. All those who wish to join me are welcome, otherwise I will report my recomindations tomorrow." Suting action to word, he then turned and strode briskly out of the room.
 
Vixen:

"Your Highness," the music stopped as Vixen rose to her feet and walked to stand before the King. "You have put forward the offer for a contract. Please understand, that as a professional I take contracts very seriously." She paused, the King nodded that he understood this. "Also, it is very rare that I undertake more than one contract at a time." She smiled, taking a seat near the King, her movements elegant as she manouvered her skirt. "However, in this case... " her eyes sparkled with mischief... "I most definitely will consider the contract." She smiles serenely. Roland glared at her. She raised her brow... "dear friend... we both know that in the end... money is the one thing we consider above all else." Roland laughed out loud at this and shrugged his shoulders.

The contracts were brought forward. The King himself asked the group if there was anything they required for the quest. Vixen smiled, her eyes gleamed, but she quickly controlled herself. "Your Majesty, I have all the weapons and food I need, but, I understand You have an extensive herb garden, my own herbs are running low at the moment... may I collect some?"
"Of course, my niece will take you."
Vixen turned and faced the young woman. She considered her carefully, "Glori was it?"
Glorianna nodded. "Lady Vixen, please follow me."
Vixen walked beside Glorianna as they made their way down the hall.
 
"Wait a moment, friend" boomed a voice Roland knew quite well in the Cathedral.

Sith was standing in a shadow.

"Have you grown careless with age? Didn't you recognise THAT armour? King Morbius is loaded with protections, and that helmet of his is the famous Helmet of Thought Mastery. With it in his hands, he knows what EVERYONE in 100 meters is thinking. He knows his innermost thoughts. And he knows about your clone spell idea. Don't you think the contract will be quite clear?" said Sith.

"And what made you think you could plot against his daughter in the center of his power, the Cathedral to the God of Order? Man, I thought you where wiser." Sith had gotten again that boring teacher tone of voice

"Ah, and king Morbius isn't the only one reading minds around here. Maybe you where wondering how I know about it... There is one mind he can't read, only one: mine. I explained to you my phisiology. I'll have to keep an eye on you. Mariette has to come back being herself. I have already signed the contract..."

He then went towards Vixen, kissed her twice in each cheek as he said imitating the queen:
"Hello, darling. How has life been treating you? I see that very well... you are as Charming as ever."

---

The library is huge, impressive. It is loaded with maps and history books. Brzen will find what he wants, but it will take part of the night. But they say knowledge is power...
 
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