The Cerulean Brigade, Ch. 1

[Raiden]

The king sat on his high throne, mumbling silently to himself. His head was bent from the extreme weight placed upon his head, though it wasn't the crown of gold and rare jewels that caused this pressure.

The country was at war. His soldiers had been sent to the borders to protect from invasion. Of course, with such a massive call away, it seems every bandit, dragon, and fiend creature decided to crawl from the depths of their hiding places and have a field day with his country. Sheep being stolen, villages being ransacked for valuables, even the lowest kind of vandalism had increased in number.

In accordance with his advisors, he had sent messengers to several unique individuals in his country. Hopefully, they could work as a group to keep the country intact on the inside while the soldiers were off making sure the lines of the country were kept. He did have some doubts, though. As king, he had access to the most extensive research of individuals anyone could get their hands on. And from what he read about these people....this could end quite poorly if not handled right.

Regardless of his current feelings, what had been done was done. The meeting of these individuals was in less than an hour. Some had already arrived, and were waiting in his grand hall for the king himself to make an appearance.

He stood with a sigh, his robes draped around his frame. Being a king was rougher than it seemed.

[PyrosNine]

Faze wandered into town. He'd gotten a letter from some strange messenger in royal robes the night before and as such had journeyed through the day to the castle town.

He'd been spending a few months in this land's wilderness to train himself, fearing days of uneventful walking had dusted his actions and stained his polished skill. Amongst the pines he practiced his skill, ducking, weaving, stabbing, vaulting, and sparred against imagined foes. He'd wished for a partner, but fortune had yet to smile upon him for companionship. So he did the best he could trainingwise.

Naturally, it was bound to be found out that there was a master spearman in the woods and whenever people found out there was someone good at something, they tried to get him to do it. Faze wasn't shocked by the royal summons, as he'd been in kingly courts before. Countless times before he'd been found by peons and lords alike and asked to do small favors that they couldn't normally do, and they saw him as a beacon of hope in their direness. (Or they were just lazy. That one time he had to watch over the Aire Kingdom's royal heirs seemed too much like ordinary babysitting, especially when the King and Queen went off to the beach....)

As Faze walked through the castle town he knew exactly where to go. In any town, city, and castle town, there was always a pattern or layout that underlay that never changed. Your butcher would always be here, your baker would always be there, and unless your city planner was cracked off his gourd; the candlestick maker would be there too. So it is so that Faze found himself a pub without effort and waltzed right in.

The pub was called the "Pretty Boar", which undoubtably came from an old folk tale of the region about a farmboy who raised pigs and when an unseelie fairy of reknown came to his barn, he was heard to have wished his favorite pig was a woman. The fairy, feeling pity and cruelty in his heart for the lonely lad, turned the prize pig into a beautiful maiden who the boy fell quickly in love with. Of course, he had trouble arranging the marriage with his parents as they disliked his brides's horrible table manners, her bad hygiene, and her tendency to hold long conversations with pigs. Also, his mother was one of those mothers who liked their sons under their thumbs, and would have married him herself if it would have kept him under her roof.

But all was fixed fortunately, when an Angry fire spirit followed the trail of the Fairy's magic to get revenge over a card game he lost, and stumbled upon the Pig beauty and the boy's family. Feeling a pang in his heart for the boy and how the boy must have suffered so, he transformed the parents into pigs, set fire to the barn with them in it, and ate all their food and wine. Which included pork. Then, he paid the farmboy alot of gold, and left.

Thus, the farmboy and his Pig-like wife lived happily ever after.

Faze called for the barkeep. "I'd like some ale, please. And maybe some pork. My appetite's acting up."

(Also, if anyone cares, it could also be called the "Pretty Boar" because the Pub, overall, is pretty boar-ing! Get it? Get it? I know you do. NOW BURN!)

[Astral Harmony]

Commanding Knight Aishel McValerie waited in the grand hall, holding a plate of food from the buffet that was set out and hoping silently that she didn't have to wait much longer.
"This is just too stupid."
If the distant Kingdom of Duvashnia wanted to strengthen the alliance with this kingdom, Aishel was all for it. But just sending her? Without any troops or support? It's like they wanted to embarrass themselves. Why not supply a legion to be converted into a temporary peacekeeping force under the direct command of the king? Or even just sending Aishel with her unit would've shown some promise. But they only handpicked Aishel and told her to be there by today.
"The king is going to have kittens when he hears that only I was dispatched."
Then again, the king of Duvashnia could be doing "that" again. Aishel frowned. His actions were certainly covered by a very thin veil. She sighed and continued to eat slowly, wondering what the hell she was going to say.

[PhoenixFlame]

It had been a night before that the court messenger had graced Mrs. Silvermane's humble house in the less reputable part of Gillnor. In fact, it was Raine who found the man, suffering at the mercy of a pair of common brigands. While she did not kill them, the demonhunter certainly gave them enough of a scare to never bother purple-robed emissaries in their part of town ever again.

Today, however, was like any other day. Raine had anticipated that if the King had really managed to stoop low enough to hire her, (And, quite honestly, how did he find out about her little services, anyway?) It would would most likely involve a large, scary fiend harassing a great deal of Gillnor.

For that, Raine resolved that she would need plenty of obscure equiptment, and could afford to arrive a mere hour before the meeting.

The castle was an imposing sort indeed, as all castles are. Perhaps not as imposing as a pillar of jagged obsidian, draped with human flesh, but about as dangerous. After all, while the King was not an Archdevil, he was a politician of the worst sort.

"Halt!" Commanded the guard at the castle gate. The only guard, where there would have been at least two, and possibly four. He seemed rather understandably on edge from the sudden appearance of the black-coated figure that was the rather benign Raine Silvermane. His spear glinted in the filtering light, leveled in her direction.

Tipping her hat back to expose her face, Raine held up the summons that the courtsman had given her, and smiled impishly.

"You wouldn't want to poke me with that thing, now, would you?" She chuckled.

[Skyshot]

Hunpher Gorwick snatched the letter from the tall messenger.

"Whaaat, it can't wait? You may notice my room of waiting is full! Full!"

"Actually, sir, they followed me in here."

"Eh...ah wha? They what now?"

"Given how fast those women run to keep up with me, I'd say they're in good health, sir. Rest assured it was empty when I got in here."

"Kids these days." Hunpher grabbed a handy knife and cut off the seal from the letter. His eyes passed over it. "Oh, what does that whippersnapper poncy-boy want with me now?"

"I wouldn't know, sir."

"Bah! He thinks he can just summon me wherever whenever? Well, he's right. He's the king. Does whatever he wants." Hunpher tossed the letter aside (awkardly, due to its aerodynamic qualities), and headed towards the back room. "Well, on with you, then. You're done here."

"Yes sir." The messenger took a deep breath and charged for the entrance. He knew it was futile; they always kept pace with him.

Always.


In the back residence room, Hunpher gathered up a few possessions, starting with his weapons. The axe and the boot knife could stay there, but he'd want the short sword and the quarterstaff. He then spent a few minutes gathering his medical equipment into a large pack. Given the tone of the letter, he'd want his armor and prized possession too. Oh, how he hated that prized possession.

He pulled a chest from under his bed and opened it. His armor still fit him, so he took it out and carefully tucked it into the pack. He then steeled himself to remove the cloak. He was reasonably certain it was in there, not only because every time he tried to look in, he felt compelled to look more closely at the lid or the sides of the chest, but because he remembered putting it in there.

He first grabbed the cloak with both hands, but when he raised them, the frictionless fabric just slid through back into the chest. He then tried gathering it into his arms and hauling it out in a bundle, but that plan failed just as badly.

After several more attempts and constant groping, he finally located the clasp, leaned backwards over the chest, and hooked it around his neck. There, that got it. He stood up and almost swore as he realized he'd have to take it off to put his chainmail on.

He decided to address that issue when he got there, so he stuck the short sword in the pack, hauled it onto his shoulders, grabbed his "walking" cane and quarterstaff, and set off for the castle. Hopefully he wasn't forgetting anything.

[Tarrin]

Tyrrine was hurring thru the town as fast as he could, Many of the people ran from his path and into what ever shelter they could find, The ran not from the young man but from his two offsiders that occompinied him.

The large black wolves snarled at any who got too close to their friend, Tyrrine hated big cities, Having the two wolves with him gave him just enough of a feeling of safety that he didn't end up a jibbering idiot.

The Guard at the castle jumped aside in surprise and what few guards that were on the ramparts leveled their crossbows at the unlikely trio.

"The King has sent for me" Showing the pass from the kings court Tyrrine made to pass, "Not with those beasts you won't" stammered the guard.
"Then i'll leave and you can tell the king why i was denied entrance" The guard made a few exasperated facial expressions, Defeated he allowed the group thru and into the castle.

Now Tyrrine and his friends sat in a corner eating some food that had been put on the table.

[mauve]

Curua was sleeping when the message came. The servant shoved the skeleton key into the lock of his door, but even the loud squeal of the hinges and the jangling of steel on steel did nothing to wake Curua. The door creaked open, shedding a rectangle of light on the large reddish-brown dog sleeping inside. His hind foot twitched as he dreamed of something involving running.

"Wake up," grunted the messenger. "You're being summoned to the grand hall." When the animal made no response, the boy nudged him in the ribs with the toe of his boot and repeated the order. The dog's ears flattened against his skull in annoyance.

"Nrumph..." the dog retorted, his long mouth pressed against his forepaws. "Go 'way."

The messenger boy frowned. It always had to be the hard way. Drawing himself up importantly, he pointed a finger at Curua.

"I have been given orders by the king. He has summoned you to the grand hall, and he commands you to follow me there right now. So COME."

The dog jerked up, almost as though someone had grabbed a hold of his silver collar and yanked. Curua shook himself and begrudgingly walked over to the boy. The lad walked down the hallway, and Curua, as though being dragged on a leash, followed behind him.

"Summons... Raging hells. I'll tell him what he can do with his bloody summons," the dog muttered. The boy ignored him. There was nothing the dog could do; he had to obey.

For what may have been the millionth time, Curua wondered what possessed him to want to learn how to shapeshift in the first place. But then, being trapped in one of his less-pleasant forms had never been his intention. He padded along dejectedly behind the servant, his ears pressed back against his long head.

"I do so hope that our dear king doesn't get a nosebleed from the high altitude on that bloody high throne of his. And I do hope that he doesn't die of bloodloss soon after..." He may not have the choice to ignore the summons, but no-one said he couldn't voice his opinions on the subject.

A short time later, the pair entered the grand hall. There were a few people there already, but that didn't seem to interest Curua. The dog growled softly and curled into a ball in the back corner of the room, pretending that nobody else existed. The young messenger stood beside him, waiting patiently for the king and the summoned heroes to arrive.

[GARUD]

Garud was riding his Knightmare summon down the cobblestone road. The town was dry and lively, everybody was in a hurry. Some had wagons, others had horses, and some were on foot. It was a very interesting town. The further in he went though, the dirtier it got. There were hobos on the ground, smoke and dust was everywhere. Garud dismounted and walked his ride to a building that looked like an inn. 15 ladies all dolled up with make-up waited outside. One of them spoke.

"Hello there handsome. Care to go for a... ride?"

"No thanks, I already have one. He can go for quite a while at a time."

The woman seemed perplex.

"No, this ride doesen't have a saddle... if you know what I mean..."

"Actually, I hate riding bareback."

The woman seemed very frustrated.

"Look man, would you like a root? A down and dirty root?"

"Nah, roots are far too bitter, so I only stock up on herbs that help me concentrate. But thanks for the offer. I must be off now."

Garud rode off down the road, Knightmare's hooves clanking upon the ground as they went. They rode along a dirt track through a lush forrest and arrived at a sentry outpost. One of the officers walked out.

"Name please? And then pay the toll to pass. It's twelve bronze crowns."

"Sure. My name is Garud. And he-"

"Garud? Oh, we have heard you were coming this way. We have a message for you. You are free to pass and must enter the king's palace as soon as possible."

"Oh, thank you sir. I'll be on my way."

As Garud rode off toward the palace, the guards said,

"That's the strangest horse I've ever seen."

The summoner rode at a high speed making a steady passage. He was one of the first ones there, making it very early on. Just outside, he de-summoned Knightmare and entered the royal castle. The palace was beautiful, with the walls line with tapestries and paintings. The summoner approached the throne room and the doors were opened for him. He walked toward the throne. He then knelt, and did the sign of the summoner putting a finger on his heart, and then drawing a circle, he placed his finger on the floor and then pointed to the sky.

"My lord, did you summon for me?"

[Raiden]

The guard attempting to apprehend Raine looked at the summons in her hand, and tried his best to hide a sigh of relief. He was but one guard, and skilled as he was, you could never be sure if some random passer-by in a cloak would just so happen as to walk up and take him out on her own. He didn't even have a name tag, for heaven's sake! He was just another nameless guard. The chances of him holding his own against someone that truly wanted in didn't bode well for his side. He lowered his spear and stood off to the side again, allowing her to pass.

Meanwhile, the King stared down the long staircase from his throne to the floor below him. A man had bowed down before him, having paid no attention to the fact that everyone had been told to meet in the grand hall. No, this man believed himself so important, he could simply walk into the Throne Room unannounced and believe that the king would instantly know him by name. The king's eyes closed as he rubbed he head beneath his crown. If the guards were still here, this man would have been tossed into the dungeon for the sheer audacity of it.

"Idiots..."

During all this time, another traveler was walking down a path to the castle. He was wearing full plate mail made of the finest gold and white metal. A sword bounced along his hip, and a shield moved slightly on his back beneath an extravagent cape. His long clean hair moved about his face, his piercing blue eyes looking through the strands. As he walked, he seemed to be muttering to himself.

"Why are we doing this again?"

<'tis a summons from the one royal patriarch of this country. He has stood pure in the light of God, and as such is one to be favored in events such as these, as is declared by Him.>

"...God, I can never understand you."

<The king is counted amongst the favored, and shouldst be taken under extreme consideration for the priorities of one's life. A summons is a command from one who has earned it. As such, we push on.>

"I swear, if you weren't bound to me..."

[PyrosNine]

Faze stumbled into castle, a large roasted leg of lamb in his right hand, a large jug of firewine in his left, and anything he could possibly harm himself with on his back.

A guard got in his way. "Halt! What purpose do you have in this castle?"

"Ah'm jush here, just her to say "HALLO!" to Mr. Kingmanpersonthingywhatever! Cush it's palite! palate! Polish!" As Faze wondered how to say 'polite' the guard considered what was before him.

He was some man from the woods, who had obviously come to town to sell things he had for supplies, and had visited the pub. Then, like all the others, he got drunk and was doing something stupid, in this case trying to say hello to the King. Obviously, the king wouldn't want to even have this fool in his sight, so the guard thought it best to turn him aside now before later. He certainly couldn't be one of the people the King sent for....

"Alright drunkard, you've had far too much. Leave the premises immediately while I'm feeling particularly forgiving, or face some time in the cold, damp dungeon!" The soldier pushed the Drunken Faze away.

"But *hic!* Ah'm like, te kingsssss best fend! He....he....callme! He call me hieer. He calld me hier today." Faze butchered the english language as he then took a bite out of the lamb leg and washed it down with a gulp of firewine. He then smiled at the guard, wine dribbling from his mouth.

"The king is most certainly not your 'fend'!, unless it means "fiend"! Now begone! You're trying my patience! We are still expecting more important people today, and It'll be my wages if they are stopped by your drunken antics. Now go!"

"Une Momamiaento!" Faze raised a finger from the leg of lamb. He stuffed the meat into his mouth and held it, while using the greasy free hand to reach into his pocket. Then, after some digging, pulled out a piece of parchment. While quite grease-stained, it was easy to see it bore the golden mark of royalty.

The guard was aghast.
"What? YOU? Sent for by the king? It's been weird enough with the others summoned, but a common drunkard?!?"

"Yash nose, Ah'm a riely nice guy, and noramorally I just let dat sslide...but this fine wine sess I gots ta hurt you. Apopolopogizes." Before the guard could do anything, Faze threw the meat in the air, pulled out his spear and whacked the guard upside the head knocking him out cold.

Faze caught the meat when it fell with his mouth and returned the spear to his back. He walked on, and everytime a guard or servant saw him, he showed them the note. And so he made his way to the banquet hall, mumbling to himself all the way.

"Sssshtupid wine. You maded me hurts 'im. I didn wanna, but yoush made meh. Naw I haf to drink you. Dwink you dead."

[Truce]

A hand stopped Faze from fulfilling his threat on the jug, grabbing the man by the wrist. Keeping his grip on the other man, Carus sighed and rubbed his temples with his free hand. "Ladies should not behave in such a way in public."

Carus had been fairly close to the castle when the summons called for him, and so it was no surprise that he had been one of the first to arrive. However, he had been forced to wait in the time since then, and in that period his patience had worn thin. His tolerance for such disgraceful behavior was at an all time low, and he wouldn't stand to keep the company of a wino.

"Perhaps you should return home, miss, before you make a fool or a whore of yourself."

[Arhra]

The great chamber suddenly thrummed with tension, some subtle darkening of vision as if the light's strength had departed. It held the pent up energy of the calm before the storm. The grand double doors - a sumptuous display of the kingdom's wealth - swung upon and mist poured in.

A vision of terror and splendor cast in starlight and darkness, she entered. Lit with an perilous radiance, she shone through the sinuous coils of mist that parted before her passage. In one hand a staff that throbbed with baleful might and a looming serpentine shadow at her heels. Here! It screamed, Here is power!

And then, like sun coming out from behind the clouds, the vision was gone. It had never been.

Sulme stood there, a pale slyph-like figure clad in white and deep grey. In one hand she held a winding staff with a pearlescent sheen and at her heels was the black shape of her draconic protector.

She bowed slightly to them, "I am Sulme. I am summoned and so I come." She inclined her head to the side as her silver eyes flickered over those assembled. "You are here for the same reason." It was somewhere between a question and a statement of fact.

OOC: Hard to resist a flair for the dramatic.

[Astral Harmony]

Aishel surveyed the arrivals.
A small brown guy with two menacing black wolves.
A werewolf being escorted by someone who dressed similarly to the one who presented the summons to the king of Duvashnia to send help to the king of Gillnor.
Some weirdo who Aishel first thought was female who didn't even slow down and promptly entered the throne room, in spite of what the summons said. Aishel wondered if that guy even had a summons or was just some self-important idiot.
A girl with horns and fingernails that Aishel was sure could slice through bone in a single motivated swipe. Obviously not human, or at least not totally human.
A guy who Aishel figured was a half-elf, and looked beautiful, but had the major letdown of being monumentally drunk. Aishel wondered if he was using some kind of magic in order to keep on his feet.
Some other guy who Aishel also originally assumed to be a girl who had somehow mistaken the drunkard for being female and was trying to restrain him.

On that note, Aishel wondered why the hell there were so many long haired, beautiful guys around. Duvashnian males only wore their hair long if they couldn't afford haircuts, and just about every girl knew how to cut hair so it looked decent so that wasn't an issue, either. It was probably the king's sexism at work again.
In fact, it was the king's sexism at work again. Aishel remembered the entries in the book. "Men are not allowed to have long hair unless their muscles and/or genitalia are suggestive enough to prevent mistaken gender. Similarly, women are not allowed to have short hair unless their breasts and curves are suggestive enough to prevent mistaken gender as well." Aishel recited quietly. They intended to change it years ago, but it never got done.
In spite of the fact that Aishel thought she was curvy enough, she kept her hair long and shiny whenever she could. She wasn't quite sure why.

And finally, some kinda sickly-looking young lady who was clearly a magician. It was always those magically inclined beings who opted to be the center of attention, especially when making an entrance.
Aishel wondered if this was really okay. Looking at what had presented itself in the grand hall, she was starting to get a little worried. Maybe she was being fooled, though. These couldn't possibly be the people who have also recieved summons. Why the hell would the king summon this bunch? "Then again, I might be the only one who wasn't specifically summoned here."

[PyrosNine]

"Yoush let go off my hands! A ladesh can act teh hail the way sheh wants! And...annnnd...and i can too! Despit mah luk with teh ladesesh."

Faze chomped on some of his meat as his other hand vainly attempted to wobble out of Carus's grip, and wine sprayed everywhere. "Ah'm an impotant man! They wants meh before da king! The king wanteses me!!"

Then, while Faze's drunken mouth made it seem as if he was in fact a whore, his drunken eyes spotted the Banquet table, complete with fine wine and food. Faze polished off the meat and threw the bone somewhere with complete disregard for who or what it hit.

Then, Faze began a mighty pull towards the table, intending to drag Carus with him if he continued to hold on. Sure, he had a free hand and could have just retrieved his spear and done some more whacking, but he was drunk and this was most assuredly the best action in his mind. That and, on some level of inebriation, he realized using his spear would be rather unladylike.

[Skyshot]

Hunpher stood over the unconscious guard for a minute, variously prodding at him with his quarterstaff and cane before giving up on waking him that way. Instead, he took out a canteen of sterile water from his bag and dripped some in the man's face.

"Eh? A-wha?"

"Get up, ye miserable sloth. Dang lazy younguns think they can do just anything these days."

The guard jumped to his feet.

"Whoa whoa whoa what just happened?"

"Not my problem. Let me in."

"No access."

"I was summoned."

"Let me see."

"See...?"

"You should have the summons if you were summoned."

Hunpher thought back to the piece of paper lying on his office floor.

"Well, how about that. Guess you'll have to let me in there without it." He took a step towards the door before the guard jumped in front to block him. "Now you listen here you little whippersnapper. I am old, and that means I will get my way whether you like it or not. Take this!" Hunpher poked him with his cane.

"Sir, that's not really going to--"

"Get out of my way or I'll fix you with a glare so steely, you'll feel guilty for not bein' born thirty years earlier."

The guard wisely jumped back to his post.

"Now, I'm wanted in the great hall. Where is that?"

"Inside."

"Don't you get smart with me! You take me there right this minute!"

"Sir--" Hunpher fixed him with a glare. "Right away, sir."


A minute later, Hunpher was in the great hall as summoned. He looked around. Various people were about. He hated being around groups. As soon as they found out what he did for a living, they all wanted something. Headaches, broken limbs, mortal wounds, whatever, they all came whining to him about it.

Instead, he focused on the dog over in the back corner. Animals were usually nice, or at least less demanding. He went over and whistled at it.

"Here boy! C'mere!" he said, extending his hand to offer petting.

[Truce]

Carus had stopped understanding what Faze had said ever since the drunkard had opened his mouth. He did, however, realize that this person was strong, strong enough to drag him across the room. He doubted that any normal methods would stop Faze either.

Considering his options as he tried to keep Faze from taking any more steps towards the buffet, he quickly decided that reasoning was completely out of the question. It was unlikely that the other would even hear what he was saying, not when alcohol clouded the mind so thoroughly. That meant that the only action to be taken was action.

It was then that he, without any warning whatsoever, grabbed with his free hand the upper part of Fazes arm and threw the other man towards the exit, where the one known as Sulme still happened to be standing.

[PyrosNine]

Faze felt himself leave the ground, and suddenly the food dissapeared. He groaned in midair. It must have been just an illusion of the wine. Damn that wine! "Dayam it ta hell!"

Faze made an arc through the air and at the woman who had made so dramatic an entrance, at a speed that would at the very least give them both a few bruises.

[Astral Harmony]

Somewhere near the buffet table, a fork and a plate with a half eaten slice of cake clattered to the floor. Aishel got between Sulme and Faze, arms wide open to catch the flying drunkard. It took quite a bit of effort to remain standing when Faze collided with her, but she caught him. "Hey," Aishel said, calling out to Carus. "You may not like his drinking problem, but you can at least be civil about it!"

[Truce]

Carus waved an arm, her concern meaning little to him. "She's strong, and therefore requires a strong method of dealing with her-you of all people should understand that. If civility could solve everything, you and I wouldn't be here.

"Besides-I know she isn't the best looker, but at least I didn't call her a man."

His eyes, however, followed the path of Faze's flight, realizing that there had been a lady there. How he had missed such a grand entrance could only be blamed on Pyros-whoever that may be. "I do apologize to the lady though. I did not realize she was there."

[Tarrin]

The Wolves had gulped down their legs of meat and now sat on either side of Tyrrine, He watched the unfolding display infront of him, No wonder he didn't come into cities, The people were devoid of manners, Pushing this thought from his mind he started to speek to his two companions.

Molkar the Alpha of the two wolves voiced his opininons on those in the hall, All may have seamed like a bunch of slobs, Each however had something about them different to the normal people of this land, Something that made them special.
Tyrrine Had been sencing something from the group mabey that was it?


Tamarr The female wolf voiced her opinion on being out of the wild, THe fact that none of them should be in this human den, Tyrrine Agreed however as these were by part his people he would hear out the king of them, If he arrived soon that was as even having his two friends with him hadn't stopped him from starting to shake a little.

[PyrosNine]

Faze fell into Aishiel's arms. At first it just took him awhile to figure out he wasn't in midair, and then it took him awhile to figure where he was besides not being in mid air. He looked up into the face of his rescuer to see a blurred face. He couldn't make sense of it at first, but then his beergoggles got to working and it became obvious who it was.

"Tank you mum, itsits ben so loong since ah've had teh chance to see yoush." Faze gripped Aishiel in a hug befitting his 'Mum', except of course with the fact he'd grown considerably since the last time he saw his 'mum'. And now the light hug that his tiny body had been able to muster was now a mighty bear hug.

"Ah'm soory mum that I dwink, but it juss that after you went 'way, Dad took meh to a pub....By the wayss haf you seen hem? Oh noes matter, I suppose..." Faze then proceeded to pass out and slump over Aishiel, and began to drool on her.

[Astral Harmony]

Aishel fell on her butt as Faze passed out. Faze's face planted itself in her lap. Aishel felt the drool but didn't think she could do anything about it until she set the comatose man somewhere. "Good grief. Reminds me of this one guy who used to hit on me back in Duvashnia."
Aishel turned Faze around, then dragged him over against a nearby wall. "That's a pretty crappy pick up line, though." Aishel commented. "Sorry, but I prefer my men to be clean shaven and not have breath that smells like an open air cesspool with week-old stagnant water."
After setting him down and making sure he wouldn't drown in his own vomit in the sitting position, Aishel returned to the buffet table and wiped the patches of discolored saliva off with a few napkins. She checked the plate that she dropped and found that the cake hadn't fallen off and touched the floor. She picked it back up, got a new fork, and began to eat again.

[mauve]

Curua was ignoring the ruckus going on around him, what with drunks flying around and people getting ready to kill one another. As far as he was concerned, they could all kill themselves and save him the trouble of having to accompany them on whatever bloody-stupid mission the king had in mind. That was, of course, the only reason why Curua would be summoned here, unless the King finally planned on freeing him, which was highly unlikely.

He closed his eyes and sighed haggardly, trying to get comfortable on the floor. He was almost asleep again when a sharp whistle shook him from his respite. His eyes popped open and his lips curled back slightly in irritation.

"Here boy! C'mere!" he said, extending his hand to offer petting.

Curua stiffened at the sound. Slowly, very slowly, his reddish-brown head rose from the cool tiles of the floor and swiveled around to face the old man who had addressed him. His triangular ears flattened against his skull.

"If you expect me to scurry over there, tail wagging merrily, to sit at your feet and be petted by an old man, you're sorely mistaken," Curua said dourly. "I still cling tightly to what little dignity I have left, thank you."

[Lumaes]

With a bounce and a rattle the carriage came to rest in the courtyard of the castle.
From the front of the vehicle a handsomely liveried servant dismounted gracefully, opening the door with the faintest of irrepressible flourishes.

With the faint creak of springs a petite foot, shod in simple, silver buckled shoes found its place on the side step of the cab. Taking the servant’s hand in her own for balance Pinchette emerged in full. She was a vision! It was not everyday that one was invited to the heartland of the country, even rarer to be brought into the company of the king and she had spared no expense in preparation.

Her dress was of the finest make, a delicate blue thing that fell to the ankle and ballooned out in all directions in the style which Pinchette favoured. The silken bower was trimmed expensively with spun lace and bunting in a vibrant sienna (an expensive colour). She had purchased new gloves for the occasion as well; they were pristinely white (as the fashion at the moment demanded) and, here defying the trends in a declaration of individuality, reached just barely past the wrist. She smiled brightly, turning and setting the skirt in motion – she was incredibly happy with the effect, even her bonnet-bound pigeon cooed its appreciation.

Settling herself and smoothing any creases which might have formed during her ride she set off, using her folded parasol as another might use a cane. She was determined to use the main entrance; even if it meant tackling the stairwell on foot – it was not every day that one was received with enough importance to demand access through the grand doors. The temptation of dramatics was not one that Pinchette could easily pass up.
She took them slowly, thinking it safe to risk the hitching up of her skirts to take the rising platforms better – the sole guard was fixed with such an imperious glare as she hoisted up the wired contraption that was her dress that he looked away, blushing profusely.

Arriving at the top she waggled her nose mischievously at the soldier who was still averting his eyes and held out her hand to receive the summons from her escort.
“Sir, my summons”
She thrust it towards the guard with such a gleeful gesture that he almost laughed at the diminutive woman’s exuberance. Restraining himself he nodded very seriously, indicating the open doors with a severe, military gesture.
“Yes Madame…” he hesitated here, glancing sidelong at her for approval, “...Miss?” that seemed to suit her taste better, “The king will attend to you in the Grand Hall immediately ahead. Would you be in need of an escort?” he rather hoped that she would accept his offer, she was very pretty and apparently well-enough-off for a carriage and court-man. Pinchette considered the guard closely; he was handsome enough, with a square cut jaw. She couldn’t help thinking however, that he could afford to pass a razor over his chin more often. She also imagined that he was an upstanding gentleman and had a dear-ole-mum he supported on his meagre salary; his mother of course would be a smart and charming old battle-axe who would like Pinchette enormously. She was sorely tempted, pickings were slim with so many away at the wars, but she simply could not resist the grandiosity of arriving singularly with her own court-man in tow.
“I should think not, Sir but I am indebted to your generosity,” she treated him to such and infectious grin that he could not help but have it suffuse his own demeanour.

Pinchette was still smiling whimsically as she entered the hall. With an impeccable taste for drama she paused, silhouetted in the doorway with one arm upheld and her weight balanced gracefully on one foot and the barest toe of the next. It was then that she was greatly disappointed by what passed for a rabble currently infesting the great-hall.
“Oh…”
Barely missing a beat Pinchette downgraded her flare, thinking that without the king it was hardly a worthwhile audience. She waved one hand to her manservant unloading the parasol to him as she stepped gingerly into the mix, deciding to avoid the animals for the moment; they were too grating on her sensibilities. One hardly thought that it was the proper place for beasts.

[Skyshot]

"If you expect me to scurry over there, tail wagging merrily, to sit at your feet and be petted by an old man, you're sorely mistaken. I still cling tightly to what little dignity I have left, thank you."Hunpher froze a moment in his position. He'd worked with animals before, and was pretty sure that was unusual behavior. He tried to think up some clever response, but settled for getting up and walking away.

He chose instead to study the others in the room. One scarred, white-armored, clearly irritated young lady claiming her share of the buffet table. She'd probably be the last to beg him for medical assistance.

One blue-haired lady, apparently younger than the first, with...what was with her nails? She'd need to get those looked at.

One very-uncomfortable looking fellow, perhaps due to those wolves flanking him. No, he was passing them food, that couldn't be it. He didn't look like he spent much time in the better parts of town, so he was probably just nervous about meeting the king.

One man in rather rich armor and an expensive-looking cape, muttering about something. Those people usually asked him for something nonsensical, like pulling fish out of their ears or something.

One man with angel wings. That was a new one on him. He looked like the most comfortable one there. Hunpher wasn't sure what to make of him.

Another young lady, this one rather pale. That couldn't be healthy. Of course, if he had a dragon sitting right next to him, he'd be rather pale, too. Aside from that, she didn't look like she'd ask for much.

One drunkard sitting in the corner. Typical.

One woman was arriving now. Hunpher took one look at her and winced. If she found out about his profession, she'd likely expect him to attend to her every ache and pain. For free.

He sighed. This group was definately going to require his unapproachable-old-man role.

[GARUD]

Garud stood with his head bowed... waiting for something... anything. It was dead silent. Something is wrong. One of the guards finally scurried up to him and told him the protocol. HIs draw dropped and his eyes went very wide. His skin went pale. He rose to his feet, head bowed in shame muttering virtually incoherent apologies over and over again before fleeing the room as fast as ge could to head to the grand hall... whatever that was. The summoner could hear the laughing of the nobles in the throne room, and he thought he had made an absolute fool of himself. He walked over to a wall and headbutted it softly a few times. A man in a red robe approached.

"Could I help you young man?"

"Oh, I guess so. Y'see I got this message..."

And the summoner rambled on about the whole situation while the man had a look of mirth on his face.

"You must be an out of towner then, eh son? Don't know how things work around here?"

"No sir."

"Well, I'll show you to the grand hall. It's the least help I can do to make up for a bad day."

"Thank you sir."

Eventually he made it to the grand hall, and he entered quickly and sat down in a corner, a very isolated position. He put his head down and kept his thoughts to himself. He did not want to become a laughing stock again by embarrasing himself like that.

[PhoenixFlame]

Raine arrived shortly behind Sulme, and without any of the same pizazz. In fact, few would even notice her entry as the half-demon slipped past the doorway and made her way to the table to sit down and remain silent.

Unlike everyone else.

Now, Mrs. Silvermane was the last person on earth to understand honour and dignity, but she did have the slightest inkling of what "Summons from the King" meant, and despite her smart-elecky jesting way of doing things, the demonhunter knew that the king was not to be trifled with.

Strangely, she felt more as if she had been invited to a public execution than a grievous call, as... Just what was that drunken man doing to that knight, anyway? Certainly this couldn't be the same meeting hall that she had been escorted to.

However, given her extreme distaste for talking to guards, Raine simply elected to sit back, draw the brim of her hat down over her eyes, and tap her fingers idly on the table.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Certainly someone would go insane, sooner or later. Then everything would be better. Either that, or her claws would eventually chew through the tabletop.

[Astral Harmony]

Aishel finished the one slice of cake and sighed. "Geez," she said, sighing. "Maybe I should go back to the inn. I get the feeling His Majesty won't be able to see us today."
Aishel saw a guard at the door and motioned for him to come over. "Hey, do you think I can practice my swordplay here?"
The guard shrugged helplessly. "Knock yourself out, my lady. With the beasts and the drunk and the guy who already went into the throne room, I highly doubt it'll get any worse with you swinging your sword around."
Aishel frowned, shrugged, and drew her sword. "Maybe His Majesty will get tired of all the shinanigans and give us our mission just to get us the hell out of his castle."
-----(Meanwhile, back in the Kingdom of Duvashnia)-----
"Father!"
Foxmourne turned away from the soldiers attacking the training dummies and swung his warhammer towards his son, missing him by less than a foot. The blonde youth bounced back from the broad swing, his blue eyes alight with terror.
"How many times do I have to tell you 'do not be so familiar when we're around the other soldiers' before it sinks into your thick skull?"
"Ah...my humblest apologies, Supreme Commander."
Foxmourne spared a glance at the training soldiers. "That'll be enough. You're done for today. Go and call the next squad."
The soldiers put their swords away, rendered sharp salutes to Foxmourne, and quickly exited the room. "Okay, what brings you here, Riven. You look like you just survived an encounter with death."
"Father, I've looked everywhere but I can't find her."
"Her? Oh, you mean Commanding Knight Aishel. Well, she's not here."
"She usually leaves the castle to train against monsters, father. I've never seen her in here."
Foxmourne sighed. "No, when I say 'here', I mean Duvashnia. Aishel left the kingdom four days ago."
Riven blinked. The seconds passed. And then..."WHAT?! She's not in the kingdom? When did this happen?"
"Calm down. Remember when you were leading that ruins expedition? A summons from the king of Gillnor came just right after your squad departed."
Riven looked thoughtful. "I remember that. I saw the messenger with the royal crest of Gillnor on my way out."
"I don't know what happened between then and before Aishel departed, but chances are that the Princess Guard knows. You know how they usually can be seen with her."
"Right, I guess I'll go talk to High Guardian Tsubasa, then."
Riven was just about to leave before Foxmourne called out to him. "Yes, father?"
"Report back to me once you find out what you can. I've got my suspicions and that's all I can say."
Riven didn't understand, but nodded quickly and left. Foxmourne sat down and poured himself a drink of his favorite bourbon. "King Bahlar...just what the hell is going on? Ever since the princess died, you've never been the same."

[lazy man]

OOC: God damn it, laziness and RO make a horrifyingly tragic situation when this is concerned... So, I'll post something of him entering and ignoring everything.

IC: Dirk walked into the meeting room, noting some of the people that were already here. Not much of a meshing bunch, but this did promise good money. Or so the summons had said. If he couldn't get money... Well, he could always negotiate.

Leaning against a wall, afraid that the chairs might collapse under his weight, Dirk watched some of them, hoping being made of metal wouldn't attract TOO much attention, like it always did.

OOC: I swear I'll read everything that comes after this post. I'm just way too lazy right now...

[Lumaes]

Pinchette was deeply offended; this was supposed to be a grand day out full of splendour and grace. Instead what she found was these jackinapes ruining the quiet civility of their oppulent surrounds. Their behaviour was entirely unfitting amongst anyone with the least amount of manners or respect, this she wholly believed.

Lun, her servant, who recognised the expression that came across his lady's face retreated a step, holding out her parasol at arms length.
Taking the sleek bumbershoot Pinchette set of determinedly across the hall, her shoes clacking forebodingly on the palace floor. She was headed directly for the young lady who was currently insisting on waving her sword about, Lun crept along behind, a cringe in his posture.

"Madame you will not!"
Her voice rung with the histrionics of every offended society-matron, as the parasol swept up to point accusingly at the unmannered creature. She was an intimidating figure when her blood was up.
"This is no place for swordsplay as one should well know." she treated the soldier who had allowed this to a scalding glare, to which he responded by wincing awkwardly.
"You will discontinue such un-beffitting behaviour immediately!" here her voice ran threadbare with passion - a move which never failed to shift an audience to her cause. The tip of the parasol dropped, clacking on the floor in emphasis.

"This is all wrong! Those things" she waved a hand at the brutish wolves, "shouldn't be here. Neither should he! One should never treat themselves to the buffet without the allowance of the host either!" she indicated the comatose drunkard and the dwindling food.
"You should all quiet down and behave immediately!"

Here she began to sniffle, one hand resting on top of the other demurely as she was overtaken by dissapointment. A large, plump tear rolled down her face, a distillation of sadness. She turns away from the crowd, taking the handkercheif her manservant offered and wiping her eyes.
"This was supposed to be a lovely day - a day for nice, polite discourse and nice polite ladies and gentleman gathered together for the advancement of our nation's peace" she sniffles again, her face shielded by the pristine white fabric. Lun stands awkwardly at her side, wanting to offer comfort but disallowed by his role here as courtman.

Pinchette couldn't help but think it would have made a fine tableu.

[Mesden]

Escorted by another of the royal staff, Tayuumi entered her way into the hall. Her demeanor itself made her somewhat noticeable. Neck to toe in coal black armor, clanking softly, but irregularly when she moved, and to the immediate contrast came her hair, nothing short of strands of silken gold falling about her shoulders and down to her upper back.

But little did these two immediate features compare the the sizeable claymore she toggled around with one hand, surely as long as she was tall and yet deathly fast in her nonchalant motion, leaving nearly invisible black ripples through the air with every wave.

"Ahhh, nice place." She said, looking about the area with a certain keen interest, her eyes, if one cared to look, showing a faint swirling green, that is, until she dropped her head to look at the present company, quickly changing that green hue into a spattered red amongst dominant yellow; Bright Orange.

...The King is out of his mind.

The first thoughts that struck her atleast. But she opted not to upset the chosen, most likely considering who she was, warriors of the King.

Then, the thought of the fact that she was in the ruler of the land's grand castle popped into her mind. With a light, almost effortless, toss she landed the sword neatly against the wall.

The armor screeched as she stretched her arms and clenched her fists, twisting itself, contorting into various odd shapes, flowing, breaking, mixing, swirling, stretching, vanishing and appearing. So many motions and all leading until the formerly imposing armor ended as a long, ebon evening gown.

"There we are."

[PyrosNine]

Faze, who was sleeping and therefore allowed this writer more free time to play RO, Blood Omen 2, and Skies of Arcadia, was dreaming.

He dreamt he was back in Mount Dragoran, where he recalled he was questing for a maiden by the name of Silvia, who's village was in uproar after she was snatched by a fearsome dragon. Whether or not she was still alive was unknown, but from what he could gather from her relatives she wore a family heirloom that was priceless and that he should get it back.

He noted that they did say that if he could get it back with the princess still wearing it, that'd be good too. This was yet another time Faze was glad he'd never had much of a family.

Faze had spent the entire day and evening climbing the rough terrain, which was more suited for beings that could fly or could climb walls like a spider. He'd only fallen off twice and had managed to save himself with his spear.

When he reached the top, he found a cave as large as any castle, where water could be heard dropping as well as a low, permeating rumbling. Faze guessed the mountain must be volcanic...or the Dragon was sleeping. Faze hoped the second one was the correct one. Though he did suppose pushing a dragon into lava might work...

He entered the cave and walked down a long, broad passage, until he reached a large circular area. And there in the center, chained to a large rock, was Silvia.

Upon seeing our hero, Silvia gasped. "Thank heavens! I thought no one would come! Are you here to rescue me?"

Faze put a finger before his mouth, looked about, and then nodded. "Pretty much. What of the dragon?" Faze whispered.

"He's sleeping! Quick, you must hurry!" she pleaded.

Faze didn't need to be told. He went hustled over to her. It was only when he got close he realized two things.

1. He's a dragon. How the heck did he chain her to a rock?

2. Why was she only just holding onto the chains?

Both were answered in an instant, as the princess started to sweet talk. "I thank you valiant hero for saving me, you are truly a great and kind and-" CLANG!

She snapped the cuffs of the chain onto Faze's wrist, grabbed his spear from his back and ran to a wall. Which, turned out not to be a wall at all but a Dragon hugging the wall tightly.

"MWAHAHA! Foolish Dragon slayer, you shall never harm my love!" She cackled.

"Wha?" Faze pondered, pulling at the chain.

"Don't be so coy! We were quite aware that they'd never accept our blissful union! We long to be together forever and always, and you people just won't allow it! But we will..we willl!" the woman cackled as she rubbed the dragon's stomach tenderly.

"You were sent to disrupt our love, and now you shall pay for it! My love, destroy him just like you would any who'd threaten our happiness together! Fight in the name of love!"

The dragon growled in a way that could only be described as "Aww Yeah baby, I'm one bad-ass mofo, and I'm about to take my claws over there and mess that fool up!"

The dragon charged the weaponless and chained down Faze, as he had only one thought in mind. 'SON OF A-"

Back in the awake world, the sleeping faze moved a bit from his dream. "bitch..." he mumbled quietly.

[Astral Harmony]

Aishel sighed. "All right, Miss Holier-Than-Thou. My sword is going away." She responded, putting the sword on her back. "However, I think that like a few of the other people who came here, you don't understand the situation."
Aishel promptly produced her summons. Well, the summons that was sent to King Bahlar and that she answered. She unrolled it at eye level with Pinchette. "See this? It's an unofficial summons. His Majesty is NOT asking for officially trained armies and heroes. He is NOT asking for noble and dignified ladies and gentlemen. He is NOT even asking for people with manners or money or any kind of influence. Y'know what he's asking for? He's asking for people who can get the job done, end of arguement."
Aishel put the scroll away and moved over to Faze, still passed out against the wall and gestured at him. "Which is why I'm not nearly as shocked as you are when encountering people like this or that individual there with the dangerous beasts."
"You make it sound like we represent something. Well, we don't. I may a Commanding Knight from the kingdom of Duvashnia, but I in no way represent Duvashnia by neither my presense here nor my actions. I represent myself, and I see little reason now to act like a lady, since it isn't necessary. We are here because the king wants something done. If this monumentally drunk and assumedly comatose man here can do it, then fine. If that magical girl who made the flashy entrance can get it done, then that's find too. If you can get it done, then...well, you should get it by now."
Aishel's voice lowered. "Besides, noblewomen always act so snotty and superior. Men are even worse. If my actions aren't ladylike, then I'm perfectly fine with that."

[Truce]

Across the room Carus laughed, lifting his head up to look at Aishel with an amused expression upon his features. However, his gaze did not linger on her for long, moving to settle on the lady Pinchette instead. For a moment, he considered saying something to the woman, but wisely decided against it. Growing up, he had met a number such as that woman, and he knew the temper of them well.

It was troublesome enough to deal with just that alone, but the fact that she was here meant that there was a bite to go along with her bark.

Besides, he did agree slightly with Miss Thou's sentiments, but he couldn't talk about manners. He wouldn't be taken seriously, not after the way he had sent the drunk flying.

[Mesden]

The shift of green to orange now continued to a hue of crimson, a slight tilt coming to Tayuumi's head as she stared at the women 'addressing' her.

"First: I'm wearing the dress because it was easy to do and was, oh, I don't know, slightly more appropriate because of the immediate moment. Sorry to you, but I don't like to address a king, in his castle filled with soldiers, wearing full battle gear and suited for a fight.

Also, this is more comfortable.

Second: I do not plan on fighting so soon. But so help me, you insult who I am again to my face without even the slightest regard for your own actions or of how *I* would take it, I will not hesitate to defend myself against this bullshit you are considering me as.

Finally: I have not uttered a single word about me thinking I'm 'holier than thou' in the slightest, because, please listen to my novel concept: I don't know a single damn thing about the lot of you.

I never said a thing about how any of you act. I decided to do one thing, which was put on a dress rather than battle mail, and you regail me with some slander.

So, in proper respect of common courtesy; Shut up, you're agitating me."

She smiled, the red now became purple.

((OOC: Tayuumi is now a smarter, less blunt bitch. Still love her! ^^))

[Arhra]

Dragon had moved his head to rest it lightly on one of Sulme's shoulders, the illusionist absent-mindedly scratching him under the chin. As Tayuumi spoke, he felt a need to comment on her. After all, 'Miss Holier-Than-Thou' had been referring to the prim and proper Pinchette. He spoke to Sulme with a slight snicker.

"I don't think she's terribly bright."

With the terrible timing of such statements, the words fell with a stark clarity into the silence as Tayuumi finished.

Sulme's silvery eyes flickered for a moment and then she burst into laughter. Dragon drew back in alarm as his head rest doubled over with laughter. When she regained control of herself, Sulme straightened again, looking as if it had never happened and addressed Tayuumi.

"I am sorry," there was a slight pause on the sorry, as if Sulme had needed a moment to think of the word. "Please don't mind him. He's not real."

It was hard to believe Sulme's statement - horse sized dragons close enough for you to see the detail of their dark, overlapping scales generally seem quite real. Dragon drew himself up in affront. Bright, yellow eyes glittered balefully with indignation as he ruffled the glossy black structures of his wings together.

Sulme swished her staff through his head and body a few times and Dragon subsided. "I wish you wouldn't do that." he grumbled.

OOC: Incidentally, yes, he is solid, but he's Sulme's illusion, so she can do that.

[mauve]

"My my, aren't we the pleasant group?" Curua asked mockingly, raising a forepaw to his chest in an almost dainty imitation of shock. The creature stood and stretched, reaching far out in front of him and leaning forwards until his head almost rested on the floor. He yawned deeply. Having completed this oh-so-important task, he turned his head towards Pinchette and bowed his head in a mockery of respect.

"If the 'lady' takes offense at my hideous appearance, I should be more than happy to retire and leave you all to your... business." He stood and started to trot towards the door. "I wish you all the greatest luck in whatever suicide mission...er... important duty his royal highness has in store for you." He was almost to the door. Almost to the sweet freedom of---

"Curua. STAY." Curua suddenly seemed glued to the spot as the messenger boy called out to him. He couldn't escape.

"Buggerit." Curua declared. "Honestly, what on earth did I do to deserve all this? Clearly most of these people are mentally unballanced; I don't see why I should have to suffer their company. I'm a bloody dog. What do you bloody want from me?"

[lazy man]

Dirk watched as all of the people in the room went on arguing, not even trying to settle down. If he had to work with these people...

Dirk decided to make himself known. It wasn't like he was going to get away from any of this.

"People, people, calm down. I know we're kind of a mixed and matched bunch... but can't we all just... get along?" With the cheesy line out of the way, Dirk decided to put on a more serious face. "Seriously, we're supposed to work together. Being stuck up or pissed off isn't gonna do anything. Take it from a guy made out of metal, it won't get you anywhere."

[PhoenixFlame]

As 'Mrs. Holier than Thou' chastised 'Mrs. Slightly-less-holier-than-thou' much to the latter's chagrin, Raine completely ignored the statements of 'Mrs. Butting-into-the-conversation' and 'Mrs. States-the-obvious.'

Yes. The king WAS out of his mind.

At least the man sitting beside her seemed sane, if made from iron. Perhaps he had an "iron will" to keep himself sane. Raine chuckled mildly at her own self-pun.

"So?" She asked Dirk, "What do you make of all this?"

[Astral Harmony]

Aishel paused at Tayuumi's retort. Then she sighed. And finally, oddly enough, she smiled. "You know something? I like you. I'm looking forward to seeing how both of us really stack up when out there doing His Majesty's bidding."
She turned around, head hung a little low. "As for the other thing, I don't believe I'm suited for dresses anymore. Too much muscle. Too many scars. A girl like me just isn't meant to wear feminine clothes like a lady would."
And that was that. Aishel simply stood there, back turned to everyone, sulking silently.

It brought up an interesting point. Aishel's dream of becoming Supreme Commander of the Duvashnian Legions did have as much an effect on her personality as it did on her future. She used to wear dresses, but now she abhored them. She acted tougher than any prim and proper lady should, and more gruff and unapproachable. And she gets into a lot more fights, particularly with those who say bad things about the king and the current Supreme Commander, Foxmourne. What made her change so much yet so gradually that she didn't even notice until now? Was it a change she liked? Well, she didn't regret the path she's walked so far.

Other observations crept into her mind. She wore mail and plate more than leather and cloth, and she enjoyed it. Spilling blood by the gallons and being soaked in sweat, while unthinkable to any feminine woman, were fond memories. Women also didn't wake up and eat a lukewarm meal just to go out and kill stuff to keep their weapons skills up to par, either. Aishel didn't care about dancing and makeup and wrinkles. She cared about victory and loyalty and making sure that anyone who could be saved was saved and getting home in one piece. Yeah. She definitely couldn't be considered a lady by any means.

[lazy man]

"What do I make of all this?" Dirk asked, repeating the question directed at him. "Well, I think it's odd that the king hasn't made an appearence with all the noise we're making, but other than that, I guess we could survive... If can work together. Which I doubt, right now."

It was a blunt statement, but this situation called for bluntness. People who should be working together arguing over... what, clothes and etiquette? It was possibly one of the stupidest subjects of an argument Dirk had heard, and he'd heard a surprising amount of them in his time.

"The name's Dirk Vale, by the way. If you've ever heard of a metal man working for money... well, you're looking at him right now," Dirk said, holding a hand out to Raine.

[IHateMakingNames]

Ruin finally showed up at the meeting room, after being sidetracked by the unknown. He knew nothing of etiquette, so he was wearing his adventurers clothes and all of his equipment.

He made a quick scan of the room, and was pleased with what he saw. The place was filled with what could be a rag-tag team of adventurers. If Ruin's father's stories taught him anything, it's that rag-tag team of adventurers always went on quests that lead to many unknown places filled with magical treasure.

At first Ruin was going to go introduce himself to everyone, but then he noticed the free food. Due to his recent unsuccessful digs, Ruin had little money, and hasn't eaten well in a while. So first he would fill himself up on royal food, then he would introduce himself.

[Mesden]

"Uh huh..." she said, eyeing he 'dragon', "Well then, mighty good illusion there."

Then her attention turned to Curua, the crimson color staying its course, if only swirling a bit.

"Again, I've never called myself a 'lady' since I've been here. I put on a dress instead of full plate mail. I really don't care what you look like. Why would I?

Also, what's with all this ferocity against me putting on a dress? I don't see how it's this big a deal..."

Crimson changed to Magenta.

[Krylo]

Taris Sinkas arrived at the palace as one summoned by the king in such a manner should arrive--his clothing was clean and formal, but his weapons were upon his body as were the tools of his 'trade'. Yet they were displayed in a way that left them no less threatening than your average knight would appear.

When he arrived at the gates of the palace he stopped and bowed once to the guard, removing his summons as he did so and handing it to the man, who, by this time, had been expecting to be in some way man-handled, prodded, beaten, or in some other way abused as another personage summoned by the king arrived. The poor man couldn't help but exhale a slight sigh of relief as Taris merely nodded toward him and moved inside after the guard had signaled his go ahead.

Entering the great hall, Taris also did as one would expect to be done when meeting nobility on a matter of national security. He entered with a sturdy gait, his back straight and his head held high--though not so high as to seem condescending.

However, the scene before him quickly destroyed his proud demeanor, and a gloved hand went directly to his face--catching his drooping cranium. He shook his head softly before running his hand back through his hair, lifting his head once more and letting out a long sigh as he did so.

"...Great," he muttered to himself before sighting a woman in a cloak--another personage skilled at 'acquiring items of interest' perhaps, given her dress, and a man made entirely out of steel at a table some short distance away. They seemed to be the only people not making complete jackasses of themselves, and so he decided that he would associate himself with them before the others.

Coming to the table he reached out to one of the chairs, resting his hand upon it, and addressed the two other personages who had already taken residence there, in a voice quiet enough to be reasonably certain that the others would not hear, "May I be so bold as to intrude upon your meeting? You seem to be the most collected indivuals here."

[Tarrin]

Tyrrine watched as both the lady warriors argued over what could only end up being beauty, Surely they must realise beauty was everywhere!

Swirling his hand slightly ending the movement in a fist two plants rose from the walls blooming infront of each of the ladies, The rose that presented itself was half black and half red, Perfect in every way, The sweet scent drifting upto the ladies noses It's scent not overpowering at all.

For all it's beauty the rose however still had thorns sharp as any blade, For even beauty was dangerous.
Hoping the children would get the idea he turned back to his pack continuing his conversation, A smile pressed on his lips.

[mauve]

"Again, I've never called myself a 'lady' since I've been here. I put on a dress instead of full plate mail. I really don't care what you look like. Why would I?"

Curua blinked, then gave a doggy grin.

"Wasn't talkin' about you, mate," he said. "I was talking to the lady with the umbrella." He nodded to Pinchette. "Lass doesn't seem to like animals. We can tell, you know."

He plunked his rear end down on the floor and scratched an ear with a hind foot.

"And as far as the dress ordeal goes... Person'ly, I couldn't care less what you humans wear," he said. "Been ages since I've needed to pay attention to human fashion, male or female, so whether you're wearing a dress or armor or a wool bag makes no difference to me."

[Inbred Chocobo]

A great shadow covered the land. Well, in truth no one cared about that shadow, it was what was causing the shadow that had people talking. For the shadow was casted down by what looked like a floating island. And on that island, stood a solitary tower, cutting through the clouds as it soared.

The floating tower came to a slow stop over the castle. For those who looked, they could see what looked like a carriage floating down from the island, down towards the front gate of the castle.

In this carriage, sat three, well lets just call them people. One was a old man, completely dressed in white. Next to him sat a suit of armor, looking like it was armed to the teeth. The last person sat across from the man, looking like a combination of armor, and mechanics. In truth, he was the old man's greatest creation. An intelligent being capable of self movement.

The conversation between the golem and the old man was quite grand, yet not a word was spoken.

I really don't know why the power cells will not hold a large enough charge. The golem said, continuing a conversation they had.

I am not sure myself. Perhaps something is draining more power than we originally planned. The old man thought back.

Well then what do you want me to do? We had plans for this tower to follow you throughout the adventure the king would put you through.

Its simple. I'll do without it. The armor here should be enough. Besides, I am not here to test my creations. I have been wanting to test my abilities.

Then what about me?

Take the tower home. Then see if you can isolate the problem. Once you have figured out the problem, fix it then do another test run.

Fair enough. If I do get it working, do you want me to come and follow you?

If you do get it fixed that quick, then fine. Though I want you to do at least three test runs. Better to make sure I can count on it once it is here.

With that last thought, the carriage landed on the ground quite gracefully. The doors opened up, and Sadron floated out. The suit of armor stepped out on the other side. The golem gave one final wave goodbye as the carriage floated up without them.

Sadron looked towards the doors, and smiled to himself as they pushed themselves open. The guards were stunned, for they gave no command to push it open. The armor reached inside of itself, and pulled out the letter, showing that he was summoned. The guards nodded in confusement as Sadron floated in, just inches off the floor, the suit of armor walking behind him.

[PhoenixFlame]

"The name's Dirk Vale, by the way. If you've ever heard of a metal man working for money... well, you're looking at him right now," Dirk said, holding a hand out to Raine.

Raine chuckled, and met the man's hand with her own. "Well, you and I seem to be in similar business." she smiled, slipping her fingers back to shake Dirk's hand without scraping her claws against his metalline exterior, "I'm Raine Silvermane, daemonhunter and money-seeker like yourself."

About this time it came to pass that Taris happened upon the two mostly sane desidents of the meeting, and, almost meekly adressed the two. Raine was none so modest, and apparrently gazed up at Taris with a nearly shocked look. Playfully shocked, mind.

"By the divines! Another sane person!" she cackled cheerfully, and gestured toward the chair Taris had laid hands on. "Please, do join us."

[Astral Harmony]

Even the lingering scent of the rose couldn't bring Aishel out of her funk. However, the hand falling upon her arm did. It was some chambermaid, Aishel assumed.
"Are you all right, my lady?"
Aishel turned around and tried to show a positive expression. "Yeah. Thanks. Oh, hey-"
There was one thing bugging her about the summons. "Do you happen to know who is going to talk to all of us about what the king wants us to do?"
"Won't it be His Majesty himself?"
"Yeah, but it doesn't have to be. Any middleman could pass down the word."
"I...see."
"Oh, nevermind. I'm all right. Sorry for taking your time."
"Not at all, my lady." The woman in the dress exited the hall. Aishel had a tired face. "God, do I look that awful? I wish I brought one of the Princess Guard with me, like Chizuru. This wait is getting unbearable without her to talk to."
On the main street, looking at a fruit vendor's wares, a beautiful woman sneezed. "Don't sneeze on my fruits, ma'am."
"Oh! I'm very sorry." Chizuru said, scratching at her shiny black hair and smiling nervously. "But I guess it did help me choose which of these apples to buy. I'll take that one."
After the exchange was made, Chizuru whiped the apple on her black kimono and turned her red eyes towards the castle. "That was a little embarrassing. Maybe I've caught a cold or something. I hope not. I'm sure I'll be watching Miss Aishel for a long time."
-----(Meanwhile, In the Kingdom of Duvashnia)-----
Riven was breathing heavily when he finally reached the tower of the castle where the Princess Guard was assigned. No less than eight girls were in the Princess Guard. There used to be ten, but two retired roughly a year ago, leaving Tsubasa in charge.
Tsubasa wasn't in the room. In fact, there was only girl in the room. Kirie, with short cut crimson hair, gold eyes, and a rich green kimono. Then again, she was probably noted best for wielding one of the biggest swords Riven had ever seen. "Oh, Riven. Damn, you look like you just got done sprinting around the castle."
Breath. "Do I-" Breath. "really-" Breath. "look that bad?" Some more breathing.
"Your face is red and I feel the urge to get my ass out of this chair and find some refreshing water for you." Kirie rose up and put her hands on her hips. "You're looking for Aishel, right? Well, I can guess that you went to see your father who told you to come here."
"Yeah, father told me that Aishel left Duvashnia. Do you know where she went?"
"No, but Tsubasa does. Unless she's on her way back, you can find her out in the southern courtyard with Kiyomi. I'm pretty sure they're just talking about Kiyomi's pride and joy, the Trampler Tank."
"Kiyomi's pride and joy? But I'm her pride and joy! She should be paying more attention to me!"
One of the doors opened and in stepped Rio, who Riven had noted a long time ago as being not only the most sexually active of the girls, but also because the target of her aggressive affections was Kiyomi, though she did find time to flirt with just about everyone else. Rio stood in the doorway, eating a banana in a way that gave Riven some thoughts he didn't particularly need right now.
Kirie turned back to Riven. "Anyways, yeah. Tsubasa's in the southern courtyard. She'll tell you where your girlfriend has gone."
Riven wasn't out of breath anymore, yet somehow his cheeks were still red. "Aishel isn't my girlfriend. I just worry about her a lot."
"Of course you worry about her. She is the future bearer of your beautiful children."
"Miss Kirie."
"Yeah, yeah. Sorry. Go."
"Wait!"
Rio promptly bit off half of the banana and swallowed it quickly. "If you see Kiyomi when going to talk to Tsubasa, tell her I want to see her at the archery range in three hours."
Riven knew what Rio was implying. And Kiyomi would, too. "You and Kiyomi...there? But there'll still be people training."
Rio flexed her right arm for no apparent reason. "In that case, we should see an amusing exchange between the students and their trainer over their poor accuracy scores, ha ha ha."
"Rio, you're...twisted."
"I never said I wasn't. Now hustle, boy, hustle."

[Skyshot]

Hunpher realized it would look suspicious if he stood around leaning on his cane with a pack on his back when there were clearly chairs handy. He limped over to the table, focusing on the new arrivals sitting by the woman with the odd nails -- no, claws. How odd, though in his profession he'd seen stranger. In the midst of all the fighting going about, these folks seemed to be doing fairly well. He was going to get in on that. Moreover, he was curious about that metal-looking man. He hadn't seen one of them before, and was always interested in expanding his medical knowledge even if he wasn't always keen on using it.

He pulled up a chair next to the group and sat down. He wouldn't intrude on the conversation, of course. He'd just wait for a moment when he could interject something both interesting and relevant. That was the way to get things done.

[PyrosNine]

Faze snapped awake, having proved the victor in his dreams. Just like in real life, he'd beaten the dragon near to death with the chains he'd had locked to his arm, and smacked the woman unconcious with her "beau". Then, he calmly explained his situation, and they finally backed down. Then, after apologies were made, Faze had to hightail it as the woman wanted to know if Faze was into threesomes.

"I don't do no dragons." Faze muttered under his breath as he took stock of where he was.

He was thinking clearly now, having burned through the alcohol quickly as he was prone to do. However, while he was able to get out of the drunken stupor quickly, there are few things that can get rid of a hangover quickly. Faze head throbbed, but he could still tell that he was in some sort of fancy banquet hall. Perhaps even among royalty.

Royalty...royalty....what reason did Faze have to be amongst Royalty? Was he a summoned guest? A hired hand? or did he wander in while drunk, whacking away with his spear? Or WORSE, was he engaged again?

Under the pounding of his head, he managed to search his past memories, particularly the ones involving royalty, until he found a memory about a summons from a king which he'd stopped a bar before he went. It seemed fairly recent, and the only one more recenter was a large table full of wine and food.

Fazed looked down to see the remembered table. Yep, this was where he was summoned to, and where he was supposed to be.....but who were all the riffraff?

Putting those thoughts on hold, Faze knew he had for more important tasks to attend to. Most importantly, curing his hangover. He went up to the table without saying a word, and looked for some fruit juice and some cheese.

[Lumaes]

Pinchette now made her way across the floor towards the talking dog. Her shoes clacked loudly with each determined step she made as she bore down on the animal.

As she drew right up to him she bent ridiculously, almost doubled over with her hands on her hips. Eye to eye with the animal, she pursed her lips severely, he nose wiggled under its rainment of freckles as she launched into an icy but melodic monologue, her eyes threatening terrible things if he dared interrupt and armed as she was with a parasol ones she could carry out easily.
"Now then sir, I will make this very clear so as to reduce the need for repetition. I have no distaste for animals at all - in fact I have something of a weakness for them. But, this I do confess also, I also believe that all things have a place and a wild-thing's is hardly in the cold elegance of these halls, no?" she barely paused despite seeming to invite response.
"you, of course, I may make an exception for as, despite your obvious lack of patience and ellegance" she paused here for a moment, her face splitting into warm and gleeful grin, "You have a most intriguing and blunt way of statement and, I suspect, a grand intellect!"

She straightened suddenly, turning swiftly and clacking her way back to the other side of the hall, one her way however, she pivoted suddenly, waving her bumbershoot dramatically,
"And it's a parasol"
She smiled happily to herself, unloading the prop to her manservant.

[mauve]

Curua was taken aback for a moment at this sudden turn of events.

"Not sure if I should feel complimented or belittled," he said slowly as Pinchette handed the umbrella--sorry, parasol-- to her servant and click-clacked away. He had expected his earlier words to get under the woman’s skin, but he hadn’t quite expected her to retort by complimenting his manner of speech.

“Good gods, I think they ARE all mad,” Curua mused quietly to himself. “But I think I might enjoy this bloody stupid quest a bit more than I originally thought.”

He lay back down on the cold floors.

"Heh heh heh..." he chuckled to himself. " 'A most intriguing and blunt way of statement.' And here I thought I was just being a right barstard."

[Raiden]

Thomas arrived at the front gate, passing through with little trouble from the guards. It was lucky he had missed most of the aggression. His cape had been fidgeting slightly ever since arriving on the castle grounds, and he severely doubted that it was from any wind.

<The smell of the taint hangs thick in the air here. Corrupted beings do dwell in this vicinity...keep thy wits about thee, and thy sword near thy hand! The stone floor may yet drink the blood of demons...>

Thomas didn't respond. His blue eyes merely darted about, looking over the group and the hall. He didn't have much time to look as the doors suddenly burst open. Four guards sweeped their hands in toward the doorway.

"Enter this way to the throne room. The king and his scryer await you inside." Through the doors the group can see the extravagent throne room, with the stairs leading up to the throne itself. Sitting on the throne was the king, an older man that still had a sense of intense power about him. His purple and gold robes were wrapped about his body, and a gold and jewel encrusted crown rested on the crown of his head.

Kneeling beside the king was a very young boy, seeming to have only recently entered his teen years. He had short-cut hair, and seemed to be quite handsome except for a blindfold about his eyes. From the looks of the damaged and scarred skin poking out above the blindfold, the fabric was covering more than simple blindness.

A guard looked at the group as they passed by. "Kneel before the king. Show your respect."

[PyrosNine]

Faze stayed to the back and in the shadows as much as he could. While as a drunkard he may have been wildly conspicuous, when he was his usual self he rarely ever stood out amongst the crowd. It was a timehonored personal skill he'd long since taken, having found out every waking day of his life that being different was trouble.

So Faze did not bow, but made sure no one saw that he wasn't bowing. Personally, he really didn't bow to kings and lords, as he had no fealty to them nor did they own the land he stayed on. He was a wanderer, who reported to no one but himself. It had to be so, for one day the royalty would summon you to save them in their time of great peril, another time they would send a battalion to make sure you bugger off their kingdom.

Besides, he had Kings in his lineage anyway, he thought.

[Tarrin]

Tyrrine entered and stepped to the side of the door, He lowered his head in resect to the king of these people, He didn't however kneel, His only master was nature and to her only would he kneel, But respect he showed the king as fitting his station.

The two wolves droped to their haunches on either side of the druid, each touched his leg giving him the much needed strength to stop the shakes that were becoming more apparent.

[Truce]

Carus bowed instead of taking a knee, though it was more out of habit than out of respect, for he was too curious of the King's condition to even care about his nobility. However, he kept silent on the matter, and simply watched.

[Astral Harmony]

Aishel didn't know how soldiers kneeled before this particular king. So she decided to kneel as she would before King Bahlar of Duvashnia. Removing her sword and switching it to her left hand, Aishel aimed the blade straight down and dropped onto her left knee, placing her right hand on her right knee and leaving her left hand on the sword hilt. Head bowed at a fourty-five degree angle, she closed her eyes for several seconds as though genuflecting to a god, then opened them, raised her head straight, and affixed the king in her eyes and tried to make her face completely unreadable.
She preferred doing this to walking up to the throne and strangling the son of a bitch for taking so goddamn long to get everything rolling. Seriously, King Bahlar was a prick as well, but at least he didn't demand that his own soldiers, let alone mercenaries who don't even swear loyalty to his kingdom to bow down before him.
One she stood up and put her sword away, she turned off her brain somewhat and decided to daydream, waiting until the formalities were all out of the way before His Majesty of Gillnor got to the point. Riven should be back from the ruins expedition he went out on roughly four days ago. He was probably worried sick about her now. Serves him right for not confessing his true feelings to her yet.
-----
Riven sneezed as soon as he saw Tsubasa and Kiyomi, talking to each other while standing before the giant four legged metal monstrosity just behind them. "I wonder if someone's talking about me?"
Tsubasa turned to face Riven as he draw close enough. "Hey there, Riven. Slow down and catch your breath. It's not going to make any difference how fast you run, 'cause I'm not telling you where Aishel's gone off to."
Tsubasa's crimson eyes were in contrast to her beautiful skin and white hair and kimono.
"How did you know I was looking for her?"
Tsubasa got up close to Riven, allowing him to smell her scent. "Tell me now, Riven. How often do you think of Aishel? I'll bet not a single minute passes when her face isn't on your mind." Tsubasa stepped back and saw that Riven was obviously upset.
"Why won't you tell me where she is?!"
Several soldiers who were off duty turned to face the angered Riven. Tsubasa was calm and unsympathetic. "Riven, I can understand how you must be feeling. But things are different now. I've already sent out Chizuru to keep an eye on Aishel so everything will be fine."
"Different?! How is it different? Sounds like you're just making excuses for not wanting to tell me where she is."
Kiyomi spoke up this time. "That's enough, Sir Riven. We may prefer to be rather informal to each other, but please remember that Miss Tsubasa outranks you. Do not be so passionate that you'll yell at a superior."
Riven couldn't stop the tears anymore. "I...I'm sorry. But I'm just-"
Tsubasa's hands fell on Riven's shoulders. "It's all fine, Riven. And wherever Aishel is, she's fine as well. Listen, the summons came from the king of Gillnor."
"Gillnor? So Aishel is there?"
"Yeah, but I don't think she'll be there for very long. Go ahead and proceed there and ask around if you want to find Aishel. I'm sure she'll be happy to see you again."
"...Thank you, Miss Tsubasa. Thank you so very much." Then, Riven snapped out of his emotional state. "Oh, Miss Kiyomi. Miss Rio told me to pass on a message to you. She wants to meet you privately at the archery range in three hours."
Kiyomi flushed slightly. "You know you don't have to go just because Rio wants you to." Tsubasa said. Kiyomi nodded. "True, but I have done about as much as I can do today on the Trampler Tank. Besides, in spite of how bizarre or just plain wrong Rio's requests are, she always has a way of making me want to go. I think I'm becoming a real pervert."
"Miss Tsubasa. Miss Kiyomi. I'll get going now."
"Yeah, sure. Be good to Aishel, okay?"
As Riven fled, Kiyomi turned to Tsubasa. "Are you sure telling him was the right thing to do?"
"It'll be fine. I think Riven's grown enough since I last saw him and that he's finally ready. He'll stick by Aishel until the bloody and happy end, I'm sure."

[Skyshot]

Hunpher slowly rose to his feet with the feigned assistance of his cane, followed the rest into the throne room, and bowed his head. Chances were, the king knew he wasn't so feeble as to not be able to bend at the waist, but head-bowing conveyed essentially the same thing anyways -- "I respect the unity and functioning of all my parts enough to make a gesture of respect towards you, so as to preserve them." Whether or not respect was included was irrelevant.

(OOC: Yes, for the record, I'm implying the king knows about Hunpher's actual age, given his apparent commander-in-chief status and Hunpher's past military service. Who knows, maybe he's just lazy and simply went for a really good physician. Raiden's decision, not mine.)

[Mesden]

Tayuumi walked forward and bowed.

Little else to it, really.

((OOC: No, really, why make a multiparagraph post just for that?! You crazy peoples))

[lazy man]

Dirk took a knee himself, wondering why some weren't. It wasn't exactly like it was hard or too degrading.

"Well, they do what they want. They're all crazy enough, apparently," he thought, wondering if this was going to be quick or not.

[mauve]

Curua simply sat down at the back of the group, staring boredly at the floor. He really didn't feel like bowing to either of them, although he felt rather sorry for the lad. Everybody thought blind seers were so darn amusing. Irony and wordplay, and all that. Curua figured it probably wasn't incredibly funny to the seers, especially if they weren't blind to begin with. Judging by the scars on the boy's face, that was probably the case.

Let's just get this over with, Curua thought glumly to himself, what little excitement he had swiftly dissappearing.

[Krylo]

Taris strode to the top of the steps and fell onto his left knee, bowing his head, and placing his fist over his heart, as he waited for the king to speak.

[Arhra]

Sulme had waited in silence as the others talked and bickered amongst themselves. At present she had no common purpose with them. They had all been summoned for by the king, but the avenues of speculation for why this was so she had exhausted before she had even arrived. To her they were shadows - passing curiosities; nothing more.

Her gaze was abstracted as she let the talk flow over her. As she often did when having time to spend, she turned her thoughts to magecraft, turning the lacy patterns of spell constructs over in her head. Dragon in contrast seemed quite intent on what was going on although he didn't say anytihng either.

The king's summons finally came and they were all ushered into the throne room. Sulme's gaze swept over the splendor of rich carpet, the ancient tapestries of past victoires and the massive presence of the throne, on a raised platform to emphasis its dominance. Silver eyes looked through the king, resplendant in his royal panoply, heavy crown upon his brow, potent despite his age and his seer, handsome youth, damaged, blinded but Sulme could see power around him too.

Sulme kept to the back of the group, Dragon at her heels. It tended to be awkward to have him in the middle of a large group. She kneeled in front of the shadow that had called her here to give her a cause, moving through the motions of respect gracefully.

[IHateMakingNames]

After putting down his food, Ruin bowed.

[PhoenixFlame]

Raine followed in behind the group, and took a knee before the king, dramatically removing her hat by the wide brim of the black leather accessory, and flipped it against her chest in a gesture of respect, though revealing her demonic horns to those assembled.

She quickly began wondering why wearing hats was considered disrespectful.

[Raiden]

The king looked down at the group, his silver eyes scanning each of them. As he sized the group up, he spoke to the young man beside him.

"This is the group, correct? You're sure these are the ones meant to hold my country together while the forces are out keeping the borders?"

The boy with the blindfold simply nodded. He did not need to check the individuals there. He could simply tell. Though his eyes had been taken from him, he had no real use for them anymore. His second sight gave him all the vision he could ever ask for and more.

The king looked back down to the group, gave a small gruff, and stood. He was quite a bit larger than his sitting position gave away. It was obvious he had become king through more than simple political pushing. His frame held itself like a survivor of many battles, and held the intimidation as such.

"Welcome, my subjects. I'm sure you're all wondering why I have called you here today."

[Astral Harmony]

Aishel was a little surprised. The summons sent to King Bahlar for support of any kind didn't specify exactly what kind of force he required. And only Aishel had decided to answer it. The blind youth beside the king's throne seemed unaffected by the fact that it was merely a Commanding Knight of Duvashnia answering the call and not someone far more powerful, such as Supreme Commander Foxmourne. Perhaps the summons was intended for Aishel after all? She wasn't sure, and she didn't feel any better, but this had some promise. Aishel was sure she'd be yelled at or something because an army wasn't marching behind her as she came into town, so encountering this situation was a little comforting.
The king didn't have need of a massive peacekeeping force as Aishel originally thought. At least for now, all he required were the individuals assembled before him here in the throne room. She decided to become more open and friendly with them when things finally got rolling. They might all have to be together for a long time to come.

[PyrosNine]

Faze watched from the back. The little boy who stood beside the king troubled him. Beyond wondering if he was a relative or something, there was something about the boy that made his hair stand on end. He would have to watch him closely....

It was as if the boy was looking at you, whilst not looking at you. It probably had to do with the blindfold over his eyes. Creepy little kids and their oddities...

[lazy man]

"I don't mean to be blunt, you're highness, but I have to know. Will I be getting paid for this?" Dirk didn't like asking that, but it was why he was here.

"Yeah, just ask away, hope you don't get on his bad side by being stupid," he thought a bit pessimistcally.

[mauve]

"Welcome, my subjects. I'm sure you're all wondering why I have called you here today."

"Oh, he's a bloody genius," Curua muttered quietly to himself. "Why does he need a Seer with those wonderful powers of insight?"

"I don't mean to be blunt, you're highness, but I have to know. Will I be getting paid for this?"

"Oh yes, oh yes of course," Curua mumbled grumpily, much too quiet to be heard by those around him. "You'll get a lovely little grave on the side of the road, just like all the other brave warriors who go out on these bloody missions. Or if you survive, you might earn enough coins to buy yourself the amount of ale necessary to help you forget all the horrors you've seen. Well, tallyho, let's all go out and have a jolly good time saving the bloody kingdom from evil."

He was, as one might gather, not in the best of moods at the moment.

[Astral Harmony]

Aishel fought very hard to keep a smile from spreading across her face, and partially succeeded, ending with a smirk. She herself had several reasons to be standing here.
The first was duty, she supposed. By answering the summons, she might ensure that the kingdom of Gillnor's problem wouldn't become Duvashnia's problem as well.
The second was to just get away from the kingdom itself. There were some things she liked, such as the friends she made of the women serving in the Princess Guard and Riven's silly antics whenever the two were alone. But still, serving as a woman in the Duvashnian Knighthood can really be stressful sometimes.
The third was to see her mother and little sister in the town of Hristol, which was a lot closer to Gillnor. If their mission sent them in the right direction, Aishel would be able to see them. Maybe even spend the night and talk about various things.
And, while Aishel didn't like making it such a low priority reason, she needed to broaden her horizons. As Supreme Commander Foxmourne had said, officers didn't come by their skills just by working and fighting in the military. Sometimes, they had to just get out there and do some adventuring. Find their reasons for wanting to be the best.
"... ... ..."
But if there was a handsome reward for all their efforts...then that was just icing on the cake.

[Raiden]

When Dirk thought to himself, the blind boy beside the king gave out a small chuckle. He spoke for the first time, in a whisper so quiet, it was hard for the group to tell that he had spoken at all.

"The king is a politician." A few of the others looked at him. "He's surrounded by stupid people every day." Then, almost as if he had done something wrong, he turned his head away, hiding his face in his long hair.

The king didn't take notice. He stayed focused on the group.

"Of course you will be paid. What kind of king would I be if I just sent you off willy-nilly without some sort of retribution. However, before we come to talk of money, there's a little matter of a test. You see, I have had many, MANY of my informant agents assure me of your abilities. My young friend here has been watching over all of your for some time now, and believes you would be satisfactory. But like the old saying goes, "A word is flimsy, an action is solid." So, I intend to send you on a trial. Be successfull, and you will be hired. With full payment, of course. Fail...and you prove I was right."

The King gave them a moment to let it sink in, then continued.

"There is a small problem near the south end of the country. With the absence of the guard apparant, a few bandit clans have seen it fit to meld together into one bandit army. They've been raiding several large villages and colonies, and I simply don't have the manpower to handle it right now. So, go take care of it, and bring back the crowns of the three bandit kings that rule them. They should currently be..."

The king turned his head to the seer.

"A mile west of Relent, the wheat town."

"Yes. A mile west of Relent. Now, any questions before you leave?"

[Skyshot]

Hunpher raised his head.

"Yes, I assume you'll be outfitting us with the best gear you have to spare, since you have so much invested in this mission? And if nothing else, some actual reconnaissance about these bandits?

"How many are there? What are their standard tactics? What do we know about them?" Hunpher realized he was raising his voice and fell silent. There was no sense in irritating the king.

[Astral Harmony]

Aishel looked thoughtful. "If it's a test, I doubt we'll get the finest equipment from Gillnor's blacksmiths and tailors and leatherworkers available. After all, we're being tested based on our talents, not on our equipment."
"As for the information we might need, I think I know a better way to get it. In Duvashnia and just about every town within its jurisdiction, there's a place called the Civilian Service Guild. In a nutshell, people bring jobs and problems they want taken care of to the guild along with bounties which can consist of anything from money to food to clothes and just about anyone can take those jobs. Hell, one time I heard a guy who wanted his house cleaned brought the job to the guild. Nobody took the offer because the bounty was pathetic so he ended up taking the job himself and reclaiming his own bounty. And I've heard of a woman who found her lover by placing a 'dating job' there."
Aishel shrugged as she continued. "What I'm saying is, if the Kingdom of Gillnor has Civilian Service Guilds as well, we can pick up our information and possible bounties set up if somebody put in the jobs to take down this bandit army. And if that's not possible, then we can always get the information from the wheat town itself and then loot the bandits once we've stomped them into bloody paste."
She hoped she was contributing something. She didn't believe that the king would be useful in the slightest. With his army off to war, there'd be no scouts, no spies, no nothing to gather information for them. And the best equipment, or at least equipment better than what they all currently had, was probably already deployed to the front lines. If she was a gambling woman, then she'd bet her own coin sack that they'd have to gather their own information, supplies, and even necessities like food right out in the field.
"Anyways, we should probably depart very soon. Given the name 'the wheat town', wasting any significant amount of time might find Relent to be a smoldering ruin when we finally arrive. Unless the town is under ransom and is forced to supply the army with wheat just to not be butchered."

[PyrosNine]

Faze was wary of the boy still. People who seemingly could tell you anything do not tell all or everything...but an army of bandits was bad news from any source. It made wanderers like Faze easily suspected of being a scout.

Faze said nothing of this to the other people brought forth. He was not a team player, and intended to resolve all this himself. He was by all means a loner, and considering the female percentage of the group, there would only be trouble if he were to band with them. Faze intended to go ahead first, and if he failed, they would be able to finish where he left off.

Faze gave a nod to the king and the other people present as he started to leave. "Very well then, I shall go deal with it it posthaste, free of charge."

[Astral Harmony]

"Hold up." Aishel said, quickly kneeled to the king just as she did when entering with a 'by your leave', and joined up with Faze. "I don't have a map, and since you look like you might know how to get to Relent, I'd better tag along."
As they left the throne room, Aishel's real feelings surfaced. "Besides, I can't stand being in this castle much longer."

[PyrosNine]

Faze's face was one of both panic and pain. Wars had been started by less than this, a meeting between him and one of the opposite gender.

<Alright Faze. Be cool. Be friendly. Don't make her hate you. Don't try to make her like you. Don't be neutral with her. Don't tell her that she may very well be the death of you.... As a matter of fact, don't....and don't seem like the strong and silent type...>

Despite these contradictions, Faze's mouth opened up.

"Why yes, I most certaintly know the way to Relent. And I totally know I hate this castle. And I am most definitely not fearful of women not no sir. Not that you're a sir or anything. I should shut up but i don't because I'm fearful of women. Pay me no mind."

<Well, that seemed to come out well. Time to gauge her reaction.>

Faze started to sweat buckets and held onto his spear like a teddy bear, He was so much put out of his wits by Aishiel, he turned a 'corner' and walked straight into a wall.

"My head! Ow...ouch...I needed that." Faze grabbed his throbbing head, and was back to himself. Nursing a bruise, he turned back to Aishiel, who was probably thinking him a crazy man.

"Um...forgive me. I tend to panic around women. I wish not to get into it, but I'm better now and I must beg you to not mind my justly so phobia. Anyway, umm...I am Faze, wielder of the Crimson Flame. Er... pleased to meet you."

[Astral Harmony]

Aishel just had to laugh. While this might be a serious problem on the actual battlefield, she found Faze's reaction to female proximity rather funny, and quite disarming. He might have used this ability to woo his fair share of virgins. She knew she'd have to be careful around him, but it probably wasn't a bad idea to enjoy his quirks.
"Don't worry yourself too much, Sir Faze. You'll probably forget that I'm a girl once we reach that bandit camp. I hear my mannerisms and personality are becoming more masculine with each passing month."
And then she gestured to herself. "My name is Aishel McValerie. I'm a Commanding Knight in the Duvashnian Knighthood, Roaring Chimera division. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintence."
And while smiling. "I mean, how often do you get to meet people who answer summons by strolling up the castle, drunk enough to look like they'll howl at the moon?"

[IHateMakingNames]

With the battle ready female deciding that her word was law, two of the newly formed group's members were already leaving. It is as if she was trying to hijack the kings meeting. Ruin didn't want the group to already break apart, so he spoke up.

"Will you two wait a bit? Some people still may questions, and you may be wrong."

Then they just kept chatting by themselves in the back, so it worked out.

OOC: For time placement, this is after Pyros' post with Faze leaving.

[Lumaes]

Pinchette took charge of the situation, handling it with the same finely tuned, mechanical precision needed to organise society luncheons, poetry readings and gallery viewings for gaggles of bored, opinionated women.
“My lord”
She bowed languidly to the king, elbowing her way to the front of the inchoate assembly.

Her parasol was suddenly in evidence, with it she indicated Hunpher,
“What he means to say, evidently my lord, is that we would most politely request a report on the tactics and methods employed by these villainous vagabonds. We would never dare to insist that your noble personage deliver it yourself and, as we will have more than enough time to peruse the reports in-transit we shall collect it as a document tomorrow, if able, upon our reassembly.”

She smiled warmly at the king before turning on her heel to face the assembled personages herself,
“Now then, as I have said we shall now disperse to make ready for the trip. We will reconnoitre in the front garden tomorrow; I will arrange an appropriate convoy and expect you all no later than half-morning.” She fixed them with a dark look, “That means no drinking, gambling or brawling tonight – If I am to work with you I expect you all in the best of spirits and health.”

As she made her way back down towards the group the lady jabbed Hunpher with the parasol in passing,
“You sir, should be less greedy, it is entirely unseemly to demand the wealth of the kingdom like a dog worries a bone for the faintest scraps of meat” she treats Curua to a pleasant smile, “No offence intended to you offcourse, my noble hound”

Brooking no argument Pinchette curtsies swiftly to the king and sails back through the gathering and out the door, just as she disappears from the grand chamber something calls her back and she pauses in the doorway,
“Oh, I am currently lodging at the Lainsbury house and am hosting a dinner party tonight for anyone who should like to attend to better our acquaintance” She smiles beamingly before disappearing, a dazed Lun in tow.

[PyrosNine]

"I mean, how often do you get to meet people who answer summons by strolling up the castle, drunk enough to look like they'll howl at the moon?"

'Sir' Faze winced. So that's how he got here...and probably how he got a few bruises he wasn't aware of having before he went into the pub...

Faze decided to change the subject with a casual. "Oh, Duvashnia. I've spent some time in that region. Very nice wine select..-er....economy. Yes. Economy. No wine. Well of course, there's wine but i meant to say economy..."

<Please don't let her think i'm flirting...please don't let her think I'm flirting... I've gone a whole month without having to be on the run from someone's ornery betrothed!>

[Astral Harmony]

"Hmmm...wine." Aishel said, tapping her cheek. Either Faze only had booze on the brain or we was so uncomfortable around women that he was stumbling. Most likely the latter. The king of Gillnor, though he seemed rather unimpressive and overshadowed by the weight of his own rule, couldn't possibly be an idiot. He wouldn't just send a summons to a guy like that. "I'm much more of an ale person myself. But then again, I think that's because ale was all we soldiers ever got when out in the field."

Chizuru loved eating. Rio and her were always having competitions. Maybe that was why they had the largest breasts?
"Wow, the capital of Gillnor has such good stuff! You couldn't find delicious food like this at the same price in Duvashnia unless you were enlisted."
"I'm glad you like that as well." The young blonde girl with the freckles smiled, then gestured lightly to a jar filled with some kind of pickles in it that Chizuru couldn't recognize. "These are Gillnoran pickles. Would you like to try them next?"
"Would I?! Oh, hell yeah! And next I'll try that and that...oh, and this! Definitely this!"

Aishel knew voices, and when her eyes located the source, she knew the voice without any doubt. Long, shiny black hair. Black kimono with a red spider motif on the back. Matching red obi with a large bow on the back. "Just a moment." She said to Faze and strolled over to Chizuru, hoping that Faze didn't think she was picking the girl up.

Chizuru took a bite out of the pickle. "Oh yeah, that's the stuff!" She literally sang with joy. Not a few people turned to look at the girl who was currently in her third delicigasm. And then a hand, protected by a fingerless white gauntlet, fell upon her shoulder. "...Busted."

Final proof Aishel needed: the girl's bright red eyes. "Duvashnian Royal Princess Guard Lieuntenant Suzuki Chizuru," Aishel said clearly. "Kind of a strange coincidence to see you here."
Chizuru smiled nervously. "Well, I took some time off to go touring Gillnor. I heard they had some incredible food here so I had to just come and try it out myself."
Aishel's left eyebrow raised somewhat. A bright blue sweat drop spawned on Chizuru's hair. "Okay, okay, Miss Aishel. Tsubasa's orders...again. I'm supposed to be spying on you...again."
Chizuru stood up, promptly finished off the pickle she had just bit into along with two more and grabbing an additional three for the road, paid the girl with a "thanks, your food is just plain awesome", and followed Aishel back to Faze. "Sorry, Sir Faze." Aishel apologized. "Chizuru's not going to leave even if I tell her to so I'm afraid she'll be tagging along."
Chizuru smiled and bowed to Faze. "I won't be in the way, I promise!"
Chizuru's breasts jiggled just with the bow. Aishel sighed. "It's not that which makes me a little concerned."

In heavy contrast to Aishel's rough tomboyish looks, Chizuru was definitely a heavenly beauty by just about any means. A beautiful face, long smooth hair, large breasts, a thin waist, the right amount of junk in her trunk, long shapely legs, perfect hands and dainty feet. Throw on the procelain skin and innocent red eyes and there you have it: a girl who could make hearts stop beating with just a glance.

[PyrosNine]

Faze cursed inwardly in seven different languages. "Oh sure....umm....the more the merrier!"

Faze was certainly taken wiht Chizuru's looks, but was not the sort of man to immediately turn into blob of hormones and adoration at the sight of her. He was afraid of women, but no pervert. Despite what many other women thought of him.

Faze reached over to grab a leg of lamb, and took a bite out of it. He chewed, swallowed, and turned back to the two women. " As much as the title of 'sir' honors me, I do not go by such title. I am either simply called Faze, Mr. Faze, or as I am known in the martial arts world, Master Faze. I am a master of the spear, after all."

Faze displayed his spear over the table, and unless the those watching were mistaken, there seemed to be flames dancing from the tip of the spear's blade.

[PhoenixFlame]

Talk of money, tactics, and social king-impressment went all-round, but Raine simply didn't pay much attention to most of it. It wasn't that she wasn't good at paying attention, it was just that the whole meeting felt so... So cliche... Asking for payment? Equiptment to kill common brigands with?

Tactics on what? A group of bandits? They probably didn't even grasp the concept of tactics! Besides, it wouldn't exactly be difficult to stride in, kill them all, and go tell the King to get someone less experienced.

Unless, that is, they were zombie ninja bandits. That could prove difficult.

Raine stood, and to Ruin's comment, simply responded...

"We have our orders. What more is to be said?"

[Raiden]

The King nodded at a few of the comments.

"At least SOME understand what I mean. This is a test. I don't intend to suit you up and hold your hand. If I wanted to do that, I could easily pull men from the country's villages, give them equipment, and simply go in as cannon fodder. But as it is, we need the resources for the war. So, I need to make sure you can handle something as simple as this before you get handed the BIG jobs. You know what is expected of you. Now, don't return until it is done."

The king sat back down on his throne, waving the group away.

[Skyshot]

Hunpher looked after Pinchette. What was that all about? He hadn't asked for a single coin.You know what is expected of you. Now, don't return until it is done.He sighed. "Very well, my lord." He walked out with the rest of the group, asking them, "So, who is to lead this expedition? We need someone respectable, experienced in military matters, and not really front-line material."

[Astral Harmony]

Aishel and Chizuru agreed to refer to him as Master Faze, and remained behind him, talking strategy. Aishel had begun by telling Chizuru what the king of Gillnor wanted done.
"So, some kind of bandit alliance a mile west of the wheat town called Relent. Sounds fairly standard as far as predators would be concerned."
"Shall I scout it out for you, then?"
Aishel nodded. "That'd be appreciated, Chizuru. Yes."
"So what should we expect?"
"I already have some guesses. I know it's reaching, but I'm expecting some pretty damn favorable conditions. It kind of depends on how long the criminals have been united. I believe we're likely to encounter armed people down on their luck who've been swayed by half-assed slogans or poetic phrasing and whatnot. The grunts themselves would be untrained ruffians with no tactics, weapons that would break if you looked at them threateningly and no discipline or courage whatsoever. If we light a fire under their asses, we could probably take down those bandit chiefs with relatively few casualties to their minions."
"I think you're right. Brutally butcher a couple to a dozen of them and most of them will probably flee to the right side of the law."
Aishel looked serious. "I could only hope, but the king sent out so many summons. The operation may require every last one of us."

[lazy man]

Dirk looked at Pinchette as well, wondering just how she had gotten him confused for the rather normal man. Really, he was made of metal, which wasn't that hard to confuse with flesh and blood.

"She must have been too busy lecturing us..." he thought, chuckling at that. Besides, now was the time to go.

"Well, back to work..." he mumbled, getting up and beginning to walk out of the throne room. The mind reading hadn't really surprised him too much. He'd seen a lot in his time, so this wasn't exactly new. "Now I wonder if I'll end up alone or grouped together with someone."

[mauve]

"Bloody hell," muttered Curua. "Common bandits? I was torn from my comfortable room and comfortable dreams to calm down a half-witted group of bloody bandits? Good lord, they must think I'm going soft."

He cast a baleful glance up at the messenger boy, who had silently followed him into the group. The lad nodded.

"This is your assignment," he said to the dog. "Your master wishes you to obey the king's orders, and also protect your fellow warriors."

Curua gave a snort.

"Why doesn't he bloody do it himself?" he grumbled, but he knew he had no choice in the matter. As long as he remained in his master's services, he had to obey. "He's got bloody opposable thumbs, unlike yours truly. Seeing as how that's what makes your kind so superior, I'd expect he'd be the better candidate for the job."

"You know he's busy with the war," the boy answered, ignoring his sarcasm. "That's the only reason why he keeps you around. You're a cheap bodyguard."

Curua stood and shook himself, his silver collar jingling softly as it spun round his neck.

"Nah, you're wrong there, mate," he said. "Din't you hear the lady? I'm a noble hound." Curua snickered wickedly to himself as he trotted down the hallway to the palace gates. "Noble hound. There's a laugh."

[PyrosNine]

"Bandits are bandits, and there is no skill in their trade. While this army may have sheer numbers, they are still not much of a threat. The best thing to do would be to go ahead now and do what we can, and if the others can lend aid, then they can do so. If at worst, we end up in trouble, at least we can hope for them to come after us." Faze remarked about Aishiels idea of that all of them were needed.

"The king undoubtably summoned all of us because he's a king and they usually think in grandeur. Instead of summoning a few able people in a time of need, he'll summon all of them. Four or five of us will probably be enough to settle this, but on his end increasing the odds with more people seems like a good idea. He may also have summoned all of us intending on splitting us up for missions, if he's worth his salt." Faze pondered aloud.

"Personally, I do not much like being put in any sort of Brigade and being summoned at a king's beck and call like a Lapdog-" Faze turned to Curua. "No offense, strange talking hound." He turned back to Aishiel and Chizuru "-But I am game to take care of these bandits for the peasantry. Unless you enjoy the hospitality of this king, I would also like to get moving."

Faze did not comment on the blind boy and his relation to the king. Faze did not know any of the details, but could guess there was more to their being summoned than kingly grandeur....But he wouldn't know unless he waited, and second of all he didn't care that much.

[Astral Harmony]

Aishel pondered Master Faze's words. "Ugh, there's so many ways this could go. I mean, it's also likely that he didn't expect all the summons to be answered. Hell, there were probably dozens of people that the king had in mind, but that strange youth assured him that the summons which were sent to each of us would be the only ones answered."
Chizuru grinned sheepishly and put up her hands. "I think you're putting too much mystery into this, Miss Aishel."
Aishel folder her arms behind her head. "Well, true. I guess I am overeacting. It's best to leave any guesses on hold until we get a look at this bandit brigade and talk to the villagers ourselves. Any kind of strategy from assaulting a base to fortifying the town in the event of an invasion can be brought up and worked when we get there."

[mauve]

"Personally, I do not much like being put in any sort of Brigade and being summoned at a king's beck and call like a Lapdog-" Faze turned to Curua. "No offense, strange talking hound."

“None taken, strange talking monkey,” Curua answered, not missing a beat. He was, however, becoming rather annoyed. The “As (FILL IN THE BLANK) as a Dog” comments were becoming irritating. After a few centuries of enduring such “clever” jokes as this, he’d learn to ignore them, but the “lapdog” comments always managed to hit a nerve. The sooner they all learned this, the sooner they’d be able to get along. Or at least manage to tolerate each other without feeling the unrelenting urge to go for the jugular.

[Mesden]

Tayuumi honestly couldn't care what the others were talking about. The only person who noticeably grabbed her attention was Pinchette.

Tayuumi stood for a decent amount of time, just staring out at Pinchette's wake while the others carried their 'conversations', if you'd like to call it that. And finally, after a long enough pause, Tayuumi spoke.

"What a bitch."

[Arhra]

Sulme had listened attentively to the King's words. While she had, she'd felt the light brush of the faintest of mental probes, gently repulsing it and tracing it back to its origin - the blind boy seer. With the same care, one slid harmlessly off Dragon's protections. As the seer replied to Dirk, she surmised he'd attempted it with some of the others.

It seemed unnecessary paranoia - she had been trained by a solitary wizard and the ethics of magic had been a favoured topic of his. Mental invasion was one of them. More practically, a faint one like that, while harder to guard against, would only catch the most unguarded of surface thoughts.

When the King's words came to an end, she thought them over. A test he said. She had triumphed over greater enemies than a band of bandits in the past, leading her to speculate on what the King might not be telling them. Certainly, speaking of an 'army' did sound that this force was more threatening than just a band. There may be more to it than it appeared.

As the others stepped forwards and asked questions, Sulme's notice was drawn by Pinchette's taking control of the situation. Organising transport was sensible and also getting a report of the information on the bandits. With a time to met up again set, there was no point in staying.

She bowed slightly and began to leave, Dragon lowering his head in a similiar gesture and moving to follow. As they approached the door, Tayuumi gave her comment and the dragon began laughing. His version of laughing at least. "Pot. Kettle. Black." he murmured to Sulme.

A few second later, after the pair had passed through the door, another thought seemed to strike Dragon, "You should go to that dinner party that Pinchette woman is holding tonight. Get to know some of these people a little better." he suggested to Sulme.

"Why?" was her puzzled reply.

[Mesden]

"Why? She treats us like she controls what we do and that our say is pittance to what she expects. In the very least she could have talked to the people she's organizing a gathering with before just, on a whim, commanding us to her favor."

Tayuumi let out a small, disgruntled humph before acknowledging that, even if she was so...unlikeable, that Pinchette had something of the right idea.

"I guess I'll need to go to tell her how things don't bend to her say as she seems to expect."

[Skyshot]

Hunpher nodded.

"Eh, don't worry about it so much. Girls like that should know better than to rebuke old fellas, so we'll just hold that over her head 'til kingdom come. That usually does the trick." Hunpher held out his hand to Tayuumi. "May as well get proper introductions goin'. I'm Hunpher Gorwick."

[Mesden]

"Oh." Tayuumi was subtley taken aback by his earnest and mannered introduction, only slowly meeting his hand with a firm grip.

"Tayuumi Gestalph."

[Tarrin]

Tyyrine followed the others out of the throneroom, As he did he shot one last glance at the blind Seer, Smiled to himself and left the king.

The others who had been summoned were talking and making introductions, None had taken notice of the Druid, Tho the wolves may have kept them at a distance, A smile crossed his face as he thought of that.
Hopefully introductions wouldnt take too long he couldn't stand the city for much longer, Neither could his two companions.

[GARUD]

These people are wierd? Why can't we just talk this over with the bandits rather than fight them? Well, orders are orders I guess.

Garud was preoccupied with his thoughts, but he walked along with the group. He preferred not to fight. He hated when people got hurt. Still, he had a duty to do and odds are the king was right. He let out a sigh before he looked around at the group. It was indeed a very mixed bunch. There was quite a few things about these people, but they were all unique, and luckily, all sane.

"Hmm... a trial. I just wonder whether the bandits will be willing to negotiate. The less violence, the better."

[PhoenixFlame]

"I find it bitterly ironic that nobility find it so amusing to act in the most arrogant fashion when complaining about arrogance." Raine mentioned offhandly in an amused tone as she passed by Tayuumi and Hunpher on her way out of the throne room.

"Ah. Raine Silvermane." She smiled, pointing her index finger at the two of them in an almost-offered handshake, from beneath her cloak. "I don't see why we should honor Mrs. Noblewoman's little swaray, especially if certain associates of mine decide to come crash the party after I do something monumentally stupid." She said, cryptically.

"What day is it again?" Raine asked Hunpher with a curiously raised eyebrow.

[Skyshot]

"What day is it again?""Today, same as usual. If you prefer, it's the day after yesterday or the day before tomorrow. Really, they're all the same to me. Why do you ask?"

[PhoenixFlame]

Raine gave Hunpher and "Oh Please." look. Did she really *look* that stupid? Of course today was today. What Raine had meant was what day of the month it was. Something that might come into play with comic events ending in something not-so-fortunate.

"Okay Wise-Guy." She smirked, "Remarkable deduction. They pay you for that?"

[PyrosNine]

Despite PyrosNine spending four days straight just sleeping in, Faze and Co. went off on their journey to the village of Relent.

Faze munched on a large leg of lamb he'd taken along with him from the castle, as well as several gourds of water and wine. If they were going to pretty much give so plenty for basically free, he might as well take some. He'd already eaten all the meat but the one he held so it wouldn't slow him down on the trip.

In between bites he watched the woman from Duvashnia and her friend, who accompanied him. He'd heard things about the Duvasnians and their women guards, and wondered about the two. Of course he would neither ask, nor even think too much about such thoughts, for it would never end well.

He did wonder of course, how they would fair in a fight. A fight was inevitable on their course of action, and if he would have help he would like to gauge the strength of his allies. Of course, this too he could not ask for they might think he was sexist.

The next thing he wondered, is why he now felt as if he was pressed against something warm, and soft. He stopped looking out of the corner of his eyes and forward, where he first saw down a woman's cleavage. Then, up where he saw the eyes of an attractive woman. And then to the sides, where he saw her husband and kids.

His mouth opened for an apology, but before a word was uttered he found a heavy bag in his face and a knee in his crotch, and then he found the ground quite relieving.

The woman took her children (and husband) by the hand and dragged them off. "Pay no attention to the perverted man, sweeties." She told her children.

Faze sighed. He'd walked right into that one.