|
Post by Gabriel on Jan 13, 2010 23:38:17 GMT -6
Not long after, they were traversing the corridors of the castle. Just as luxurious as Delfia's own. At least, before Kraft took over it. Once he did, the castle doors were closed to commoners and nobles alike, only opening for mercenaries and the royal army. Gabriel and Rayl finally came upon what seemed like the throne room.
"Rayl! Always a pleasure to see you!" the marquess said, getting up and greeting the paladin. "And who might the young one be?"
"Your highness, I am Gabriel Waltz, an Etrurian nobleman and mage in training. I came here, with the company of Sir Rayl, to make a request" he said, as he bowed before the man. "I was chased out of Delfia by my own family, due to my questioning of Kraft's motives, his ability to rule and whether his story regarding his sighting of Elimine is true" he stopped for a second.
"Sorry for sidetracking, but I thought you should know who I am. My request, sir, is to let me join your forces. I am still training, as I said before, but I still wish to help. My only condition, though, is that you assign me to Sir Rayl" he said, decided. "He is someone I can trust and that won't treat me like an enemy for being from Etruria"
OoC: Given the request an all that, you decide, Rayl. Use the marquess.
|
|
|
Post by Rayl Torien on Jan 14, 2010 0:35:20 GMT -6
OOC: Oh god, Gabriel is the lord at the beginning of a FE game, and I'm the lvl 1 prepromote who is good at the begining then sux. D:
The marquess smiled as Gabriel spoke. He knew full well of Sir Rayl's past, of the Hargus Incident, and he outloud defiance of The Prophet. Many called him foolish when he allowed him into service, but Marquess Pherae knew the knight's potential. He then straightened himself upon his throne and spoke,"As you have requested I will assign you under Sir Rayl's command, Sir Gabriel. We have mages on our side, and we may very well use all we can get in these dark times...and Sir Rayl, my trusted emissary, I still need to speak with you later."
Rayl, bowing upon Elibe to show his respect, was smiling. He was glad young Gabriel was able to find," Yes mi'lord. Now tell me Sir Gabriel, shall I lead you to a mage in my forces named Sir Kus? I am sure he can help you in your pursuit of magical strength."
(OOC: Get it? Circus? Magic tricks are often related with circus! ...sorry bad pun.)
|
|
|
Post by Gabriel on Jan 14, 2010 2:12:28 GMT -6
OoC: Oh god, it's so bad it hurts. Fun fact: I never planned for Gabriel to be important. At all. Just a trainee running from Kraft and Delfia. >_>
"Thank you, your highness" Gabriel said, bowing again. "Sure, I'd be pleased. With your permission, your highness" he answered to Rayl, happy to be able to meet another mage after nearly a month of leaving Ilia and the rest of the group behind.
He walked out of the room, waiting for Rayl outside. As usual, he started playing with a few balls of fire. Juggling them had become easier with practice, and it even amused a few guards outside the room. Whether Rayl decided to talk to the marquess now or later was of no concern to him. He had all the time in the world now...
|
|
|
Post by Rayl Torien on Jan 14, 2010 10:48:09 GMT -6
OOC: I already mentioned Sir Kus in The Magnificent Adventures of Crowley if you recall, along with Sir Prize and Sir Pent...I know it's terrible I know...wait til you meet the rest of my NPC knights...you will die from the pun torture...
Anywho, I does have a plan to get us more involved into the story, if you will allow me to go through with it, otherwise I'll change the post accordingly.
IC: Rayl let Gabriel leave the room before turning to the Marquess, "Your highness, what did you needth to ask me?" needth? St. Elimine it really was contagious. Elibe seemed to snicker slightly but nonetheless stayed attentive, "About the Ostian situation, I fear that you may be correct in your assumption of The Prophet's continued assault through Lycia...Thria, Worde, and Ryerde I fear will soon fall and Laus will not be far behind..." Laus...Alcibie, Night, and their young daughter Lily lived there, " I also believe we should send a rider to the other territories so we may band together should The Prophet strike again. I'd rather you not set out seeing as you have just returned but...who knows when he will continue his expansion. Tommorow You will ride out to Santaruz with your men, and from there to Caelin, and finally Laus. After which you will ride to Tuscana, Kathelet, and Tania before returning, we already received word of Araphen's plans of union with The Prophet. From each city you will send a messenger back here for that region. Understood?"
"Yes your Highness, I will inform my men at once." bowing deeply from atop his trusted steed, he was dismissed and the royal hall's doors were opened to allow him to pass through, before he caught sight of Gabriel juggling balls of fire. Now if he were any other captain he would have scolded him then and there, but instead smiled,"Come along Sir Gabriel, it is time you met the rest of my knights: your comrades and brothers-in-arms."
|
|
|
Post by Gabriel on Jan 14, 2010 12:49:28 GMT -6
With a flick of the all three fireballs had vanished into thin air, as Gabriel then followed Rayl through more corridors. The castle was as impressive from the inside as it was from the outside, towering over all the buildings in the city.
Not long after, they got to the training grounds. Hundreds of soldiers practicing with their weapons, both against dummies and against themselves. Leading them all were a few in one corner of the courtyard, probably the commanders of each force.
Which of these groups of knights were under Rayl's command?
|
|
|
Post by Rayl Torien on Jan 14, 2010 16:02:46 GMT -6
OOC: Time for A LOT of puns that I am sure you will hate me for...oh the fun this will be...why yes most knights under my command have apuntastic name. EX. Sir Jin, Sir Prize etc.
IC:
Once Rayl and Gabriel entered the training grounds, a dummy near them exploded in a ball of fire. Once some of the smoke cleared, Rayl pointed to some soldiers farther back on the grounds, in blue uniform with golden trim: obviously chosen by The Paladin.
"Nice shot there Sir Kus, I was really Surprised!" called a knight wielding an axe, who was sitting on a bench. "Thank you Sir Prize, I try." came the voice of a woman, who was clutching her tome in her right hand. "H-hey was that a lizard that just crawled past me?!" shouted a knight holding a sword, who then jumped onto the bench bear Sir Prize, shaking. Sir Prize also jumped but only from surprise of the other man's sudden movement...and because he almost had his hand stomped on, " Watch it will ya Sir Pent!" "Yeah Really Sir Pent, if you don't get over your fear of reptiles, you'll never be able to get as good as I am." said an axe wielding soldier confidently, who was leaning against a wall. "Oh so what if us two already graduated Sir Pass, I'm sure Sir Pent has what it takes, right Sir Vival?" Sir Kus addressed a knight who was busy wrapping bandages against a wound he gave himself with his own sword,"Uhhh...sure-ow! I mean yes, I'm sure he does now stop poking me!" some of the troops just watched the antincs of their teammates with smirks or eye rolls...yep, these were Rayl's troops and non combat soldiers...their traveling party.
--------
A sigh here, before Rayl turned to his new recruit," They obviously haven't seen real battle yet, otherwise they wouldn't be acting so...green." he knew they would soon enough with their upcoming mission, before he put to fingers to his lips and whistled. Immediantly they all stopped what they were doing and looked up, with a unanimous: Sir you're back! Before lining up.
" I see you still practiced while I was away, good, good...now I have news involving each and every one of you. First off, I would like to introduce you to your newest teammate: Sir Gabriel." each one of them nodded, although Sir Pent was more shaking than anything as a small lizard crawled away in a hurry, as was Sir Prize (he didn't like surprises), and Sir Pass was just being cocky.
"Secondly, our Lord the Marquess has assigned to us a task with which we must set out for tomorrow at down. I want to see you all ready to go by daybreak tomorrow. I am sure for most of you," this was addressed to the others save for Gabriel and Kus," Have never set foot outside Pherae. I hope while we are on this journey that will enjoy the peaceful moments we have traveling the countryside, but be warned that while traveling between districts we will be under the authority of their respective Marquess, so be on your best behavior and represent Pherae proudly! Now go and ready yourselves as you see fit. Oh, and Sir Kus, I wish to speak with you. Everyone else: Dismissed!"
It was odd to see Rayl so authoritative, but you could tell he wasn't strict like other commanders, but yet he still managed to maintain order over his men by doing so little, merely steering them in the right path. As his men departed Sir Kus stepped up,"Sir?"
"Madame Lucy, I would like you to take Sir Gabriel under your wing. You are my second in command and by far the best Mage in all of Pherae, I am sure you can teach my young friend the ways of magic." he smiled before patting both her and Gabriel on the shoulders,"Your words are flattering sir. Do not fret, I will do all I can to help him. Well then Sir Gabriel, would you like to practice now?"
OOC: Seeing as I lack understanding of magic feel free to control Sir Kus...or lady Lucy if you prefer, being that NPC is named Lucy Kus (a odd last name but OH WELL) and now for...
The pun names of Rayl's Men (AKA Golden Lance, cookies if you get the reference)
Sir Pent: Serpent. One of Rayl's recruits. afraid of reptiles. Sir Pass: Surpass. One of Rayl's more seasoned men. Arrogant. Sir Prize: Surprise. One of Rayl's recruits. Easily shocked. Sir Vival: Survival. One of Rayl's clumsier recruits, gets hurt a lot. Sir Kus (AKA Lady Lucy): Circus. Mage and Rayl's Second-in-Command. Sir Kit: Circuit. Plays the bugle to wake up the men. Sir Plus: Surplus. The Equipment Manager of Rayl's troops. Sir Loin: Sir Loin. The Chef of Rayl's troops. Sir Rayl: Surreal. this isn't an actual one as Rayl is pronounced RAY-el, but oh well, thought it was funny if you thought of it that way.
|
|
|
Post by Gabriel on Jan 14, 2010 17:20:38 GMT -6
OoC: Oh god, the pain! Also, calling a girl "Sir"? Is that even possible? >_>.
Gabriel nodded. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Lucy. And sure, if you have the time, I'd love to practice some magic". Gabriel had recalled all three times he had managed to hit a real target with a spell and realized how badly he needed to improve his accuracy, both when it came to casting and flinging spells. Both Gabriel and Lady Lucy looked back at the dummy the rest of Rayl's troops had been practicing with, as she spoke.
"Let's see what you can do, first"
Gabriel took out his Fire tome and tried to conjure a fireball, without success. It still happened regularly. He managed to do it on his second attempt, though. "I...never really managed to finish my studies" he excused himself. It was partly true. After the incident 5 years ago with the lightning bolt, he decided not to focus on the practical side of magic, but on the theoretical. He only cast a spell once while in class, and the cost was the life of a friend.
Once with the fireball in hand, he aimed at the dummy and threw the fireball. It was a clean hit, right on the "chest" of the inanimate object.
"Not bad, but you took too long to aim, and the fireball was too slow to move, not to mention that it took you two tries to even make a fireball."
Harsh, but true. And Gabriel knew it. It was still early in the morning then, and Gabriel was forced to practice until noon. "I...am...beat" he said, dropping to the ground. "Can we rest?"
|
|
|
Post by Rayl Torien on Jan 14, 2010 17:37:05 GMT -6
OOC: If there is good reason yes. Maybe she had a mental thing, who knows? YOUR ARGUMENT IS INVALID!
IC: Rayl decided to leave the two to train as he made his way out of the castle and into the thriving town with which it surrounded. There was quite a lot on his mind, to say the least. he was to set out again, and this whole mission could very well be the difference between the survival and death of Pherae...the whole of Lycia for that matter! And thus when he was incredibly stressed he did what he usually did when he was in town. he rode Elibe down into a dark alley, and came to a stop before a rather eery looking door, knocking twice with the blund end of his spear. the latch swung open, and two eyes peered out, before closing and allowing the large door to open and immediately the warm aroma of freshly baked bread overwhelmed him...
...he always went in to the bakery this way, because it was a well known fact that Rayl would ride Elibe everywhere, to the point young children sometimes wondered if the two were just one mighty beast. He was met by the smiling faces of his good friends the Baker Family. They had moved to Pherae in the past year, and were living well.
He dismounted his trusted steed, who was given an apple, as he put on an apron over his armor (an odd sight), removed his helmet and began helping them to, well, bake...sure it was odd enough for someone of a higher class to just ride into a bakery, especially now that there were customers watching their local hero baking the bread they would soon be eating...
|
|
Saffra
Dragon
The Winged Girl
Posts: 169
Lycia Fame: -1
Profession: Ill Omen
Affinity: Fire
Dragon Element: Ice
|
Post by Saffra on Jan 14, 2010 17:56:32 GMT -6
Saffra had wasted a great amount of time just wandering over the vast land of Rayl's estate. When she came back to the house, she noticed that everyone seemed to have left, and she was alone. This wasn't really bothering to her at all, everyone had things to do...as well as she did. She had wasted a lot of time, and now that she was relatively alone, she drew on the power of her Dragonstone, let it's warm energy fill her, the stone shining brightly. Being enveloped by her wings, the transformation was quick, her body was transformed into a sleek dragon.
Now on four legs, she gave a small shake to her body, her wings unfurling and spreading wide. She felt...right...as she was...but she knew the terrible power she had at her whim. Still, that wasn't a primary thought she had when she took form as a dragon. She enjoyed it. Settling down, she began to trod along on the open range, and feeling eyes upon her, she lifted her head, and took to looking at the Wyvern, who was watching from the top of the stable, and sort of grinned, as much as she could at him, and with a powerful flap of her wings, she took off, hoping that those who saw her, would think of her as a Wyvern flying through the air.
Really, she was in no hurry to do her duty, as she played in the air, her whitish purple colour dancing about the sky for a few minutes, before she landed back onto the ground, and took a deep breath. These lands were hard to get around in unnoticed, with the phobia of dragons that was instilled in humans. She wish she was better learnt in the ways of history, despite her advanced age. Looking to the staff she left on the ground, she picked it up delicately within her clutches, and flew off towards the castle.
-
Later in the day, around noonish, high above the city, possibly looking like a bird if someone happened to look up, Saffra circled the castle, and then moved on, not actually knowing where this Sir Jin was, in this city, but in the wealthy or nobility quarter of the city would be a good start. She found a park close by to all the large homes, and so she quickly made her descent, and landing upon a flat between some trees, she quickly turned back to her human form, devoid of her wings. In hand, the silver staff with the emerald jewel, and made her way outside of the lush wood.
She didn't think she was spotted, but she tried not to think of such things, to not seem suspicious. The way she dressed, was a little better than a commoner, but not quite so much as a wealthy woman, not in any form of dress of the kind. She tried to remember what Rayl had told her about Sir Jin, and then remembered that he said he was going to show her to him himself...but...it looks like that wasn't going to be happening any time soon, as he was at the castle.
Shrugging her shoulders, she trudged on, walking a little awkwardly, unused to not having her wings out for balance, but tried to get herself to walking normally after some time, even after a few scrutinizing stares in her direction, hearing whispers of alleged 'pubic drunkenness.'
|
|
|
Post by Rayl Torien on Jan 14, 2010 21:41:02 GMT -6
After the loaf of bread was done, he left his good friends with a hearty wave and the payment for the loaf he had made (despite their protests) and exited atop Elibe and out the alleyway. No one batted an eye as it was just Rayl, his actions were never less than venerable. besides they were all making sideways glances towards a certain 'woman' who they were accusing public drunkenness, some men making suggestive comments...wait that was Saffra! A citizen walked up to him and spoke aloud for the disguised dragon to be taken away. Giving a subtle nod to the man to show he would, but also directed towards Saffra, he merely rode over and looked down towards his guest, extending a hand," Madame, you're going to have to come with me." Many officers would have been brandishing their weapon, but Rayl for one wouldn't harm or threaten to harm a friend and two: readying a weapon towards a giant fiery dragon is NOT really the best of ideas...
|
|
Saffra
Dragon
The Winged Girl
Posts: 169
Lycia Fame: -1
Profession: Ill Omen
Affinity: Fire
Dragon Element: Ice
|
Post by Saffra on Jan 14, 2010 22:40:24 GMT -6
The people's words weren't at all taken seriously on her end. She knew she was not drunk, just...walking for long periods of time made her uncoordinated. Her yellow eyes went back and forth between them all, until she heard the clip-clop of horse hooves. Looking up from the ground, she stopped, and stood still as the man came up next to her. Her eyes peered up at Rayl and gave an apologetic smile, and a small shrug of her shoulders as she took his hand within her own, clutching still the staff with the other.
"Hahah...if you say so, Sir Rayl, apologies for getting you in on this mess. I'm not exactly good without my...you now.." she indicated with her head and eyes over her shoulder, trying to say about her wings. "Atleast no one saw me as a dragon on my way over here...it was much faster than walking, that's for sure.."
|
|
|
Post by Rayl Torien on Jan 14, 2010 22:48:25 GMT -6
Without a word he helped his friend up onto Elibe and rode off, with the people watching with a shrug before continuing about their business," You shouldn't be so careless Lady Saffra. Not as many people are as understanding as I am...and this comes from a man who was nearly killed twice by them." he gave her one of his confident smiles to show he wasn't trying to be harsh or judgemental," Now I believe I have made you a promise which I must keep before I depart tomorrow, I'll take you to Sir Jin's estate." with this he gave Elibe a few pats as if to relay his words which the horse already understood as it took off...Elibe was the only horse in Pherae's service that needn't use a bridle to be ridden...unless you weren't Rayl, in which case you'd need the grip of a bear.
The two rode for some time, exiting the city, and past Rayl's own estate, and soon arrived at another...and you could see the obvious differences. First off there was no old ranch corale around it, instead having a brick wall with iron gates. Secondly, there was a rich garden infront being tended to by gardeners, guards at the gate, and various other servants doing their business in contrast to Rayl's lack thereof. Riding right on up the gate, Rayl and saffra were admitted through the gates, where a man in heavy ornate armor stood, watching his men work.
OOC: Can't really do much henceforth as this is your whole NPC interaction, so I get to watch your brain work. ;P
|
|
Saffra
Dragon
The Winged Girl
Posts: 169
Lycia Fame: -1
Profession: Ill Omen
Affinity: Fire
Dragon Element: Ice
|
Post by Saffra on Jan 14, 2010 23:33:18 GMT -6
As they rode, Saffra felt, well, very uncomfortable. it wasn't Elibe's fault, but this was the first time she was ever on a horse. Her rump sure was sore with the way the horse trotted along at it's steady pace. She was almost glad when they reached the estate, and was kind of..in amazement, at how lustrous and lively it was, much unlike Rayl's, but she tended to enjoy his more secluded ranch to something that was merely pleasing to the eye.
As she saw the man in his armor, she could only conclude that this was the man she had come to meet. Licking her lips, she jumped off Elibe, almost shocked on how far down it was from atop the horses large frame. Grunting as her leather boots hit the stone trail, she looked up at Rayl and clutched the staff, before clearing her throat, to which Sir Jin would turn and eye her wearily, cautiously even.
"I don't know you, who are.." the man's eyes went up and saw Rayl atop his horse, and gave a small nod of his head, a hand still on his hip, while the other rested on the hilt of his sword, as it was a comfortable position to be standing in. "Ah..greetings, Sir Rayl.."
"My name is Saffra Therin...I come from Eturia with the request of a dying, now dead man.."
She presented the staff in both hands, outstretched towards the knight, but Sir Jin didn't budge, mearly eying the staff with a scrutinizing gaze, but otherwise unmoved.
"This is what to me..?"
"Ah, well, umm...I don't suppose your wife would happen to be here? Her name is Prescilla Abais and -"
She didn't get to finish, as her eyes kept on his, a pang of hurt showed on his face, as he winced when hearing the name. He slightly turned, and looked at Rayl, before looking back to Saffra, motioning with a hand that she should follow as he walked, and to which, Saffra would follow indeed.
Around the back of home, was a luxurious garden, with weed covered archways leading down a somewhat lengthy path. At the end, was a small monumental stone, with writing across it. No one needed to explain to her what this was. She of all people had seen it many times. her breath caught as the man went and kissed the tips of his fingers and placed it to the top of the stone, causing Saffra to look away for the time, a feeling sadness washing through her...this wasn't what she had planned. Looking to the downcast face of Sir Jin, she piped up lightly.
"...when?"
"About two months ago, a sickness took her that would not be cure with by magic or potions. Her body, it was fragile already, I tried to keep her well, I really did..but not even this armor, nor my sword, can stop death for knocking on someone's door.."
Jin kept himself pretty refined. While he talked, he was cool, but it was obvious he was hurt, a would that could not be healed except by time. Saffra's eyes went to the staff and held it out to him again, and proceeded to explain.
"This is, was, her fathers. I traveled from the village he stayed at to deliver it to her, when he died defending the place from raiders. He was a strong man in magic, strongest I've ever seen."
A small grunt was made by Sir Jin as he picked up the staff, light in his hand as was to be expected. he spun it a bit and handed it back to her, which raised a puzzled look on her, but when she went to protest the return, he waved her off, and spoke reasonably.
"I'm sorry, I can't take it...it was my wife's to take, not mine...please, just take it with you...you did as the man said, you brought it to her, but I'm telling you, she will not need it, and nor will I.."
Pulling the staff back to her chest, hugging it between her arms, the man gave a small smirk, but his eyes were heavy, it was clear the man didn't sleep well.
"You look like my Prescilla...I don't wish to be rude, ma'am, but please, can you leave my lands? Looking at you like that brings back hard memories.."
With a small nod, she came back to Rayl, if he was still there after this ordeal, and would look up to him, shaking her head.
"I did what I came to do...he doesn't want it...and his wife is dead...I feel like I failed.." Saffra breathed a heavy sigh of discomfort, this didn't go the way she wanted at all.
|
|
|
Post by Rayl Torien on Jan 14, 2010 23:43:23 GMT -6
OOC: I saw this whole death thing coming. IC: Rayl waited calmly when Saffra walked away, but when she came back with the news his expression changed from a smile. It was not a look of guilt, but one of determination," You did nothing of the sort Lady Saffra. In the end you did what you were asked to to the best of your ability. In the Knight's Code, one does not abandon a quest until they have seen it through..." he dismounted from the mighty horse, who had intimidated a gardener away from a bush he was now munching on (Elibe not the gardener), and put a hand on her shoulder," Saffra, you may not feel it but you have accomplished something so few have. Many say they will do things, but rarely have I seen them come through in such a way. Despite this tragedy you came all the way here to accomplish the wish of a dying man, and you have done so...come let's go home." home...he said it in such a warm way, it was rather odd. Even Elibe looked up from his bush, and if he was human would have raised an eyebrow, before going back to the bush.
|
|
Saffra
Dragon
The Winged Girl
Posts: 169
Lycia Fame: -1
Profession: Ill Omen
Affinity: Fire
Dragon Element: Ice
|
Post by Saffra on Jan 14, 2010 23:57:50 GMT -6
OoC: Of course ya did! We talked about it on the Cbox awhile ago XD
IC: Rayl's words didn't really alleviate the weight of her responsibility, but it make her a little more at ease, but it still troubled her. She looked at the magicless staff and ran it up and down between her hands. Grinning, she shrugged her shoulders and looked to the taller man, and nodded, but then quickly stopped it as she watched Elibe for the moment.
"Ah, about that. What about Gabriel? Didn't he go with you? Or are you going to leave him at the castle?"
She was a little curious about the castle, but more than anything, she wanted to go out and run, or fly even. Other than earlier this day, she hadn't done it much before, for fear of startling, even scaring the local people. Lycia had a lot of people in it's large country, so many stretched out villages, so it was hard not to run into someone.
|
|